Robert's Birthday

December 9, was Robert's birthday. For his birthday eve dinner he wanted a series of small plates served to him.

We started with appetizers of smoked salmon & goat cheese on toasted baguette, olives & grapes and, of course, wine.

The first course was cream of celery soup.

Second course - salad with roasted pears and toasted goat cheese.

There was time in between courses for a little catnap. All this eating is exhausting!

Next we had pan-seared scallops with cucumber salad and roasted lemon vinegarette.

For dessert a delicious cranberry duff and vanilla ice cream.

On the actual birthday we drove up to Blowing Rock with George & Theresa to have lunch. It was a beautiful day - sunny and in the 50s. When we got up to Linville Falls we hopped on the Parkway to take it the rest of the way. After a while the Parkway was closed. It is common for it to be closed in sections in the winter, especially as you head north, because of ice. We got off the Parkway and took Highway 221 the rest of the way. It was just as beautiful as the Parkway.

We passed Grandfather Mountain.

There were waterfalls all along the side of the road.

There was a big rock hanging over the road.

We had a nice lunch at a bistro in Blowing Rock and drove through the town a bit. Blowing Rock is a picturesque old town with several of the buildings and churches made from local stone.



After lunch we headed towards home and stopped at our favorite "Choose 'n Cut" in Linville Falls for a Christmas Tree. You choose/they cut, bale and put it on top of your car.