80's Flashback 8k and Main Street Mile

I ran a second 8k in Franklin on the Greenway, the 80's Flashback 8k.  This time, we got rained on and it was also humid.  I think I'll stick to running in Waynesville.  Speaking of Waynesville, I ran in the Main Street Mile later in August.  It's a very flat race and I improved my time, finishing in 8:53.  Here's a picture of my 8k swag. 

Moonlight Moonshine 8k

This race was on the greenway in Franklin, NC.  The Greenway runs along the Little Tennessee river.  Franklin is more hilly than Waynesville and was pretty humid that day.  All that said, it's still a pretty place to run.  You also can't beat the classic post-race refreshments: an RC-Cola and a moon pie. 

Bringing Home Agape

In winter 2014, I began volunteering at Feline Urgent Rescue of WNC.  I didn't think I should adopt another cat, as I live in a small home.  I also didn't think my building owner would allow it.  In June, I fell in love with this boy.  He sat in my lap and that was the end of it.  It wasn't long before I knew we needed each other.  I got up the nerve to ask permission and brought this boy home in late July.  He is extra special.  You see, his ''owners'' abandoned him, starving and flea-bitten at the county shelter.  He was rescued by FUR of WNC.  He's about 7.  He has a bad hip, which sticks out.  Thankfully, it only bothers him when pressed.  I try very hard not to bother that place.  He also has a bump on one of his bones, which may indicate a previous break.  In spite of all this, he is an incredibly loving boy.  That's why a rescue volunteer named him Agape.  He is a lap kitty and he'll accept any lap.  He is a bottomless pit.  This may be because he'll never forget going hungry.  Little man, you will always have love and food in my house.  Check out the pictures.  I think he's filled out a bit.   

 

 

Mission Serve: Viral (2014)

Mission Serve 2014 was in Savannah.  It was a beautiful city.  As you can imagine, summer in the deep south is very hot.  As much as I miss Greenville, this confirmed that I'm never moving back.  I've gotten too used to the mountain air.  We stayed in Ardsley Park Baptist Church.  The building wasn't ideal for a crowd this size, but we made it work.  I had a fantastic squad.  They were young, but very hardworking.  We had wonderful leadership.  It was a HOT week (did I mention that?), but roofing went well.  We also got done early.  This allowed us to take a trip to Tybee Island.  It was incredibly cool and refreshing in the water.  I also didn't realize how much I had missed the beach.  Earlier in the week, we were able to tour Savannah on our evening off.  We took a boat ride, enjoyed the stores and had dinner at Sweet Potatoes (featured on Man Vs. Food).  Here are some shots from an unforgettable week. 

Independence Day Weekend (2014)

I had a chance to go home and had a blast.  The highlight was heading back east for a wonderful trail run.  We ran at Goose Creek State Park in Washington.  I used to work on that county and lived near there for years.  It's always nostalgic to go back.  I think it was muddy, but we had a great run.  Our fearless leader, Tony, put together goody bags and race bibs for us.  For a free event, you couldn't ask for any better. 

FUGE CAMP

I went to FUGE again to visit the Bethlehem group (July 2014).  North Greenville University is only abut an hour from my home.  I always enjoy joining them for worship and seeing their sweet faces.  I will be joining them for the whole week during 2015.  Yay!

Help a Horse Day- Horse Parade (June 2014)

Our local large animal rescue, Save the Animals Rescue Ranch, held a horse parade.  This was part of the ASPCA's help a horse day.  STAR was participating to hopefully win a monetary prize.  THEY WON! I walked around getting signatures to prove that people were there.  Here are some fun pictures from a wonderful, sunny day! You'll notice that one of the sweet horses is still healing from serious neglect. 

Rebecca's Visit (May 2014)

My friend Rebecca came from Raleigh to visit.  When she arrived, she met up with a co-worker and I to look at art galleries.  Downtown Waynesville was having its first Art After Dark of the year.  We introduced her to the popcorn and homemade sodas at the Strand.  The Strand is a small and awesome theater on Main Street.

On Saturday morning, we headed into Transylvania County to check out waterfalls.  Our first stop was Moore Cove falls.  Whom did we run into? My friends from Greenville! Moore Cove falls was a 0.7 mile hike each way and you could stand behind it.  Our next adventure was Looking Glass Falls.  I had already seen these falls several times, but Looking Glass is one that any visitor should see.  We definitely had some company at that stop.  Our next stop was Twin Falls.  These falls are over 2 miles each way.  We drove to the trail head, had lunch and then hiked to the falls.  The trail was narrow, but not difficult.  The falls had a lot of brush/downed limbs, but we still got a pretty good view.  I think that one tired us out a little.  We made a final stop at Sliding Rock before heading home.  This one is not a waterfall, but a natural waterslide.  It gets very crowded in the warmer months.  Saturday night, we went to Jackson County to see Soco Falls (twin falls) and Mingo Falls.  Both are fantastic and worth the trip.  It was my first venture out to Mingo.

On Sunday, Rebecca joined me for church before heading back east.  Thanks for visiting!  

Looking Glass Falls, Transylvania County

Mingo Creek Falls, Swain County 

Moore Cove Falls area, Transylvania County

Twin Falls (Avery Creek Trail), Transylvania County

Biking with Greenville Pals (Spring 2014)

While visiting, I headed into Greenville and joined my buddies for a bike ride.  I appreciate no one laughing while I rocked a beach cruiser.  Thanks for the fun ride!

Dupont State Forest Hike (Summer 2014)

In June 2014, my hiking group went to Dupont State Forest.  Dupont has some great waterfalls and is a beautiful place.  It's in Transylvania County (Brevard) and is about an hour from my home. 

Little Man Turns 2!

Anderson had a fun second birthday.  He definitely got more into it than the first year.  His little ''girlfriend'' from daycare brought him a fun gift...a little tractor.  We pulled out the baby pools and the water table.  The kiddos had a blast!

Carolina Mudcats Game and HAIRCUT (April 2014)

This is a majorly delayed post.  I had the fun of joining my parents for a Mudcats game last spring.  This was the day I cut off my hair, so it was fun show off my new 'do.  I grew it for two years, cut off 8 inches and donated it to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program.  The cats were playing the Potomac Nationals and WON!