On the Water

At last! Adam and I snatched an afternoon to go sailing. You'd think, living in the sailing capital of North Carolina and having a sailboat, we'd get on the water more often. Life gets in the way.
This morning (after prayer shawl meeting, while Adam was teaching his first telescope mirror-making class), the Neuse displayed its usual cache of diamonds. When the sun rises a bit higher, they disappear.

Even a tired old boat hull is beautified by light and reflection.

Adam was chatting, so I sat on the boat and snapped some photos. Ropes and shadows ~

A clear sky and good wind gave us fun sailing. The water was slightly choppy, with little cats' paws showing in the river's center.

My cowboy sailor ~

He loves grasping a line of sail and keeping the boat from heeling too much for my comfort.

The afternoon waned and the sun slipped down the sky. I couldn't see what my camera was doing. Our fore sail never went up because that would have been too much speed today -- that's what you see bunched on the deck up there.

And that is neither sun nor moon, but a water droplet on the lens. See the tiny sail on the horizon?

The setting sun made the water a sheet of light as the boat passed on. This sailor was heeled far over at one point, single-handing both sails and flying along. He was sitting high on one side like he was on a sunfish instead of a 35 foot boat. Crazy!

And this fellow was cruising along. He took down his fore sail with a roller furler, and he hauled down his mainsail. I suppose he has some cruise control going - haha!

Not sure which of these photos I prefer ... maybe the first one. I wish I knew who this fellow was, so I could send him a copy of his boat with that sun.

Where Mushrooms Bloom

We had days of rain, which makes our ground rather soggy. That's what happens when you live about three feet above sea level! So the mushrooms began to sprout. I took the doggies for a brief walk the other day and found so many interesting mushrooms. There were several clumps of these:

This was strange. I've never seen a green mushroom ... or fungus? ... before. These usually grow on trees, I think. I'm definitely not "up" on my types of 'shrooms and other things. This fellow isn't growing on a tree ...

He's growing on a pile of wood chips, which I suppose is the next best thing. Very odd.

And yet another clump of these, with one turned on itself.

Bumblebees and moths were bellying up to this blooming plant for supper. They were loving it! A delicious, sweet aroma emanated from it.

Here it is -- a great, unkempt shrub, but well-loved this time of year by bees and moths!

These little gray mushrooms caught my eye also. They're very small, you see, humble things.

And this little darling, with her sugary hat.

This, I found very odd, and it goes to show how very, very wet we are here. What's that growing, you ask? Well ... it's (I'm sorry to say it) dog poop. Yep. Dog poop that grows spores or some horrid thing on it. Bleck. But interesting!

On to a more pleasant topic! I removed my suppertime wreath, made by my lovely, artistic, generous friend, Vivian.

The autumn wreath went up. I've had this wreath forever. It's made of wired pinecones, a gift from my mother's gifted neighbor, Ginny. It's nice because you can stick whatever you want into the pinecones. These are just plastic leaves I bought, but it gives a burst of color on the door.

Happy October! Don't eat the mushrooms!

A Sunday Walk

The whole past week (or more) has been rather crazy. But on Sunday afternoon, at last, we were able to relax a wee bit. We took a walk about town. Or rather, everybody else took a walk, and I rode my bike. We showed Kara the sights -- through the neighborhood, through the village, to the harbor, under the bridge to the wildlife ramp, and back up Midyette St., and finally back home.

I took a few shots of these "kids" overlooking Smith Creek. They were nice to humor me :)

Yeah, I think they like each other!

I was struck by this gorgeous sycamore tree against the bright blue sky. It seems elegant, almost dancing. Oh, I do wonder what the trees would do, if they weren't restrained by the effects of our sin and evil in the world -- What will they do on the new earth someday? Dance? Sing? Frolic and throw their roots around? Carry the children about on their shoulders for rides? Go swimming in the river?

A sycamore in autumn has such delicate beauty.

Celebration Lodge

Ridge Haven now has a fabulous mountain home, perfect for a large family gathering or a small retreat for ladies. Without further ado, here are photos of Celebration Lodge.

Living Room

Looking through the entry area, and the dining area, into the living area

Living Room again -- great fireplace!

I loved this rug!

This is a cool piece of furniture.
Much of the lovely furniture was left in the home by the family who sold it.

The hallway leading to the guest bedrooms, each one with its own full bath.

The hallway has an adorable window seat.

Here's one of the guest bedrooms -- large window view of the mountains.

Lovely quilts adorn several walls in the home.

The dining area has great mountain views and a rustic wooden table and pretty chairs.

The porch area off the dining room leads to another enclosed porch off the kitchen.

This little eating area is adjacent to the kitchen, which has a nice pantry area.
The upstairs also has a full cedar closet and walk-in laundry room with sink.

The master suite has its own hallway with privacy door. A large walk-in closet is on the right.
You see the bedroom and bath also.

Master bath. What a tub!

I love this room -- a small office/library/reading room.
Quiet and removed, this room would draw me each day.

And now ... the downstairs, complete with a large den/play room, with TV and fireplace

Another quilt with a fun dry sink piece

There's a "girls' room" downstairs with five matching twin beds -- so adorable!

And a matching "boys' room" down the hall. Both bedrooms have large baths with twin sinks.

The downstairs has its own laundry room, larger than the upstairs one.
Games and puzzles are stored here.

A different view of the downstairs den shows the lovely views and comfy seating.

If you're looking for a spot for a church retreat, family gathering, Thanksgiving or Christmas getaway, or a club or group gathering, this place is perfection. Contact Ridge Haven for their rates. Celebration Lodge is 6000 squ. feet, and has wireless internet and smart TVs. In my opinion, the only thing this home lacks is a piano!