Road Trip to Fuge :)

When I learned that my home church would be nearby, I knew this called for a little trip.  They are at North Greenville University this week for Centrifuge (only the most awesome youth camp ever!).  I went to Fuge for years at Carson-Newman College (now University).  Loved it! NGU is only a little over an hour from here.  I had the blessing of joining the Bethlehem Baptist youth for worship and youth group time.  The message was from Genesis 2.  While discussing Adam and Eve's sin, Pastor Matt kept going back to ''but God pursued them.''  Yes, they sinned, got kicked out of the garden and continued to have consequences.  But God kept going after them.  Matt also talked about how God is not like people in these bad relationships we may have.  He's not like the guy who doesn't treat you right or the parent that is abusive.  Adam was naked and felt shame, so God provided clothes. 

I'd like to thank them for indulging me with a group picture.  Youth group time was worth the trip over.  It was hysterical...and wonderful.  Michael chose several students, one at a time, to sit on a chair in the middle of the room.  The students and adults encouraged that person. 

It is always good for the heart to visit with the folks from ''back home.''  Bethlehem: see you again soon! I'm coming to visit at Mission Serve! Knoxville is just under two hours away.  I will miss being a participant this year, but look forward to fellowshipping with the group.  :)

Trip to Anderson's!

I made time for a visit to Anderson's while in town.  He showed me how he can walk and how he can go up the stairs.  He loves his cats, but they're not too fond of being chased.  I helped him pet Sunkist, but she was in her usual ''leave me be'' mood.  Pinky is much more social, but is still adjusting to her two-legged friend.  His dog, Sprinkles, tolerates him pretty well.  He visits her crate on a regular basis.  Anderson loves his stacking rings and his pirate ship riding toy.  He also enjoys his ''Five Little Ducks'' book.  His mom and dad now have to keep the dishwasher locked, as he likes to play in it.  Anderson is learning lots of things very quickly.  We were talking about leaving and he seemed to understand.  He started waving bye. 

 

 

 

 

 

Little man turns one!

On Sunday, May 12, my precious nephew turned one.  He is currently wearing 18-24 month and 2T clothing, by the way.  His party was held on Saturday and had a baseball theme.  He didn't get into the presents, but loved the cake.  He could have done without the bath, though.  He hates having his hair washed.  I got him a shirt from Mast General Store and a few books (When I was Young in the Mountains and a book about bears).  He got a little pirate ship riding toy.  He couldn't figure out how to not run over his feet.  His dedication was the next day at church, which was also Mother's Day.  It was a big weekend for our family.  Anderson is quite a ham and is pretty willing to smile for the camera.  He did really well with such a big schedule.  He made it through church and most of lunch before he got fussy.  His party had a baseball theme, complete with some great decorations and food.  Some of his mommy's work friends, as well as the best man from the wedding, were there.  Princess made herself scarce (upstairs under a bed) and Lilly was not invited.  Muffy, of course, already lives outdoors. 

Appalachian Lifestyle Festival

On Saturday, June 8, the Appalachian Lifestyle Festival was held in Downtown Waynesville.  It was less crowded than some festivals and I had a blast.  I ran into one of my neighbors and a friend of hers.  We explored together for a while and then I split off.  I listened to a bluegrass band and watched square dancing.  A guy from my church was the dance caller.  I visited the Haywood County Arts Council.  Their current exhibit is about the region of Appalachia.  One of the tents had a guy talking about the Plott Hound (he breeds them).  This is the NC state dog.  I also visited the Friends of the Smokies and a table about the national park and the elk.  They had elk skulls and antlers.  See below for lots of great pictures.  I think that the antler photo might just be Christmas card quality.  While exploring with Sarah and her friend, we learned that a small theater is about to open.  We have another theater, which shows the new releases.  This will show things like classics and independent films.  The festival also had sheep, alpacas and a blacksmith.  I live very close to downtown, which is so convenient on a festival weekend.  It doesn't matter at all that the streets are blocked...I don't need to drive.  LOVE.DOWNTOWN.LIVING.  :)  

Blacksmithing

 

Shetland Sheep

Alpaca

Talking about the Plott Hound

Plott Hound

Elk antlers

Elk skulls

Bluegrass

Square dancing on Main Street

They go to my church.  He was the caller. 

 

Fiesta in the MAC

One of the classes at church was having a Mexican supper/social.  Our small group was invited.  Middle-aged Baptists get awfully silly outside of Sunday School.  We had an absolute blast.  Since I didn't take any pictures, check out this recipe that I made.  It is easy and yummy.  Cut the amount of salt in half, if you decide to make it.  We had a pretty hilarious game of Pictionary.  Sitters were hired for the little (or not so little) ones, so the parents could relax.  Look forward to hanging out with them again.   

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Refried-Beans-Without-the-Refry/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=refried%20beans%20without%20the%20refry&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

Waterfall Explorations

Just before I switched jobs, I was able to take a little time off.  On my day off, I visited Soco Falls and the Waterfall on Little Fall Branch.  Soco is in Jackson County, not too far from the Cherokee Reservation.  The other waterfall is in Haywood County and is near the Max Patch Trail (exit 7 off of 40W.  Soco has twin falls and is pretty impressive.  There is a platform, or you can go down closer.  There are ropes to assist with this process.  The second waterfall (Haywood) is off of a very small trail.  If you weren't following specific directions, you likely wouldn't find it.  The nice part is that you will probably have it all to yourself.  The water flow is small, but it's still very pretty.  To find Soco, take 19 through Maggie Valley into Jackson County.  You'll see a sign saying 0.5 till Soco.  It's not accurate.  As soon as you see a pull-off (and likely some cars), pull over. 

Soco Falls

 

 

Waterfall on Little Fall Branch

 

Pink Beds- spring hike

Pink Beds is in the Pisgah National Forest.  It was one of the first few hikes I did out here and this was a second trip.  We didn't experience much rain, but the area had before we got there.  It was very muddy.  A 30k (18 mile) race was going on through that area.  One of the hikers and I are interested in running it next year.  We enjoyed cheering on the runners.  Some of them were a little too clean.  ;) We saw a pink lady slipper.  Some of the group members stop at every plant.  Just kidding (love them!).  Pink Beds has picnic shelters and restrooms, so it's a great place to stop if you're in the area for other things (there's an 80-feet high waterfall just up the road).