Boiling River

On the last morning at Yellowstone, we took a swim at Boiling River. The water pouring in on the left is scalding; the water in the river on the right is cold. If you find a good spot, it is exhilarating.

Yellowstone

I had an enjoyable and educational trip to Yellowstone through Road Scholar (Elderhostel). 26 of us stayed in Gardiner, MT and bussed in and out of the park daily. Even though Gardiner is right outside of the north gate, some of the commuting took about 2 hours each way. But the ride was part of the experience. Wildlife is plentiful, but most visitors crave a glimpse of either a grizzly or a wolf. Few get both and see them up close as we did. The work was very satisfying.

Freshened Up Kitchen

I just finished painting my kitchen Butter Yellow. The decor now features the fruit prints that hung in my parents' breakfast room for as long as I can remember.

Another Weather Event

Quick pic before going to bed last night. Snow total maybe 7-8" with a coat of sleet on top.

Rainbow

Sitting in den this a.m and looked out in back yard to see an amazing rainbow. Other end was in the valley north of the house. Can't be captured in a picture, but I tried.

Say "Goodbye" To Frosty

12/24/09 - 1/14/10

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