The Whole Dan Family

Dan, Susan, Patrick, Tommy & Jimmy came down for a visit. They arrived on a Sunday night and left Friday morning so we only had 4 days to pack things in.

The first day we stayed local. We took them down to see Allison Falls and up to the community center. We also went into Black Mountain for ice cream.

Tuesday Bobbie & Michael come up in a blizzard. We celebrated Patrick's SEVENTEENTH birthday. Can you believe it?

This picture came out blurry but you can see how handsome Michael is without facial hair.

Wednesday Robert & Dan escaped, I mean, went golfing so me, Susan & the boys went into Asheville. We shopped a bit and had lunch at the Mellow Mushroom. After lunch we went to the WNC Nature Center and saw all kinds of wild animals. Unfortunately, the bears weren't out that day.

An otter.

Wolves.

A wolf-boy.

More wolf-boys.

A cougar.

And a group of chimpanzees.

Thursday we packed a pic-a-nic basket and went up to Grandfather Mountain.

We went to the animal habitat and finally got to see a bear!

We crossed the mile-high swinging bridge.

Some of the braver ones went out on the rocks. Not me!

We stopped at the Split Rock and ran around for a while.

Friday they got up early and headed home.

Someone was glad to have his couch and blankie back.

Da Yoopers

Last week our friends, Don & Nancy, came to visit from the U.P. The week started out sunny & warm so we took advantage of it and went to Pearson's Falls in Saluda. It's a nice walk to the falls and we got to see the early wildflowers blooming - bloodroot, spring beauty and hepatica. After the falls we went up through Lake Lure and stopped at the pub on the lake for a snack and a liquid refreshment. The next day we headed up the Parkway to Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. The new observation deck just opened - it's been under construction since we've lived here - so we were finally able to get to the summit at 6,684 feet. The next day we heard rain was heading in that night so we took advantage of one more day of sunshine and headed down to Allison Falls with some wine. Then we headed up the mountain to an overlook and finished the wine relaxing in the sun and taking in the view. When we came back to the house the most wonderful gift was waiting for me on the porch. Don & Nancy had Better Mades shipped down for me! Four Family Size! I was in Chip Heaven.

It rained the rest of the week but we managed to have fun anyway. We went to the Grove Park Inn, stayed home one day and Nancy & I watched, "A Hard Day's Night" and danced like Ringo and the last day we took a drive to Brevard and had lunch. After lunch we went on a drive to Looking Glass Falls and showed them Sliding Rock. It was good to see the creeks & rivers flowing so nicely with all the rain.

The only evidence of their visit - wine corks and half-eaten bags of chips.