The 12 Incher

The Joy of Snow

Remember Clyde "Cloudy" McLean? Did the WBTV (Charlotte) weatherman ever predict snow when I was a little boy? Did he get it right? All I remember is waking to the surprise of beautiful, big snowfalls. The pine trees lining the back of our house sagged with blankets of wet snow. Sleds came out. Hands and feet froze. And warm coal fires in the fireplace welcomed us back inside where the snow cream was made. I was happy.

I think I was born with the snow gene. Not the ski-down-the-mountainside-at breakneck-speed kind of gene, but the the wow-isn't-that-beautiful kind of gene. Clean, clear, crisp air. Everything pure white. Stop everything; come to a standstill. I've never lost that feeling. Even now, a snow forecast brings anticipation; disappointment when it misses. Even the Blizzard of '93 didn't cure me.

This morning a light snow softens down. For the first time in perhaps six months, I have walked the trail behind my house just to feel the snow. I remember having taken that walk hundreds of times, mostly with Cosette (Cozy) and sometimes the walk would be in the snow. And with grandchildren, laughing. Taking pictures. This morning my hands and feet froze. And a warm propane fire has welcomed me back inside where Gracie awaited my lap.

For me, this has brought a kind of Peace on Earth that an early season snowfall can bring. I am thankful.

http://btmemories.com/photos/reynolds/reynolds.htm

Addendum: I tried to find a picture of Clyde McLean and, in so doing, came across the link above. Of interest is a picture of my Uncle Ralph who was the chief engineer at WBTV in the very early days and for many years.

More WBTV memories: http://www.btmemories.com/index.htm

Arkansas

Quick (Fri late to Sun early) trip to Little Rock for a church reunion at Ginny's childhood church. A delightful time was had by all. I particularly enjoyed time with her parents and one of her three brothers. Sorry, no pics.

Trivia: I think I had a flat tire in Little Rock in my college days.

Autumn in Western North Carolina ...

...is not as colorful as usual. Too much rain? Temps too warm?

After Sunday School this a.m., I went up to Pisgah for a solo hike to the top. Haven't been up there for 25 years, I suppose. It's rather stenuous, but I made it and enjoyed the time in the outdoors. Unfortunately, it was too foggy for any views until I was riding back home on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pisgah_(North_Carolina)

Self-portrait at the top.
On the trail. From the Blue Ridge Parkway.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

Trip to Forest City

Yesterday would have been Dad's 102nd birthday. I got up early and drove to Forest City to pay respects and check things out. Thought I would pass along a couple of pictures of the gravesite at Sunset Memorial Park and the homeplace on Fairview Street.

Despite a lopsided loss, my trip on the Furman team plane was great fun. A lot of purple in an amazing football environment. Missouri 52, Furman 12.

Great West Trip

LAS VEGAS ("The Meadows")

BRYCE CANYON

LOWER CALF CREEK FALLS

ANTELOPE CANYON

GRAND CANYON

ZION

Porch - Friday

Here I am blogging on my new porch, all screened in. It's a wonderful cool night in Asheville. Gracie is on her first exploration and is really fascinated by it all.

Next step, replanting plants that were removed for the project.

Monday, electrician.

Then, gutter man. Plan to use rain chains and rain barrel.

Pictures to come soon.

Porch - Wednesday

Waited for the county inspector to come again. He arrived about 1 and gave the okay. That will allow the completion of electrical recepticals, lights, fan, knee rail and all the things necessary to complete the project.

Today saw the addition of the soffit and the screen framing. The screen can be popped right it.

http://www.screeneze.com/

My guys should be through on Friday.

Porch - Tuesday

There was a little progress today with the addition of the siding.


Th

Porch - Monday

Monday was off to a good start. The electricians edup early. We decided on the scheme pretty quickly. I don't have a good vision of how things should be but am optimistic about the plan.

Roofing and wiring was completed.

M

August 22 - Ginny's Birthday

Went out last night to Sunset Terrace at Grove Park Inn for a birthday celebration. Beautiful night; good time.

Thursday Porch

Roof is on

Porch Tuesday

A little more progress everyday.

Porch II

Monday...Full workday with good weather. Here are the pics of the day.

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Porch Report

Tuesday...builders arrive right on time. I like these guys a lot. Take out portion of existing deck. Dig footers. Pour concrete. Takes maybe 1/2 day. Call county inspector.

Wednesday....builders arrive and wait for inspector. Pours rain. Inspector calls and says it's raining too hard. Builders leave.

Thursday....builders arrive and wait for inspector. Inspector finally arrives 1 p.m. Chats socially with builders for hour. Okays work. Rain pours. Builders leave.

Friday....first good day of work. The whatchamacallits (floor beams/joists?) are all in place. Ready for flooring. I anticipate a good outcome.

Lobster, Food & Wineries

Today's activities in Newport, RI. Includes a grist meal, making Johnny cakes, Newport Vineyards, Lobster lunch and strolling streets of Newport. Excellent day!

The results are in ....

During the week of February 9, 2009, a survey was taken of my favorite cereals by me. The votes were tallied by me and then certified. Here are the results:

Honorable Mention: Total Cranberry Crunch

This fine cereal has been on the top of prior surveys for many weeks. It tends to stick to your ribs making the mornings last longer before lunch hunger takes over. And did I mention that it is quite nutritious?


First Runnerup: Quaker Life Maple & Brown Sugar

It helps that the survey participant likes maple and brown sugar. Original Life is good stuff and this just makes it better. It's probably not your primary breakfast cereal but a fine second bowl or evening snack.


Winner: Kellogg's Raisin Bran Extra!

New. Crispy flakes, sweet cranberries, plump raisins, yogurty clusters & almond slices. Bye! I'm off to the pantry.






Now accepting nominations for new favorites.