Blue Ridge Highlights Day 6

Friday August 2, 2013

Today two more scorpions have been found, bringing the total to four dead, one alive. I was retrieving a laundry bag from the floor of our bedroom closet when underneath I found a living scorpion, tail raised and aimed at me. I screamed and screamed for Chris until he came and dispatched the vile creature. I do not feel silly anymore for having previously moved all my shoes from the floor of that closet to an upper shelf and for hanging my slippers on the door knobs to further decrease the chance of scorpions hiding in my footwear.

We do fully realize that the scorpions do not represent any uncleanliness--simply the geography. That most have been dead probably reflects really good pest control service at the cabin!

Today we explored a bit of historic downtown Blue Ridge. First we visited a general store and it's really too bad for us that there were handwritten signs posted everywhere that photos were not allowed. Frankly, I would have paid money to be allowed to take photos of such a store! This store was not touristy at all, it was a real, deep Appalachian mountains general goods store, with all its weirdness. Chicks are in, and there were coops stacked all the way to the ceiling filled with various breeds and ages of birds. Also available were rabbits, various rodents, guinea pigs, hairless rats, and parrots. The signage around the store was full of character, if not full of literacy. Our favorite was the Help Wanted sign on the front door that listed many requirements, one of which was "No being lazy!" I hazard to guess that almost every hiring manager in the world wishes he could state that as a job requirement so plainly!

Then we ate lunch at a beer garden, after which I took my two boys to a quilt shop. John has developed a strong interest in hand sewing in the last couple of weeks, so I knew he'd enjoy the store's wares, which he did. I bought him some fat quarters, for which he has grand sewing plans.

Why yes, she does have a bit of an attitude.

After visiting our separate stores of interest downtown, the gang all joined together for cones at a shop that makes all its own ice cream. Delicious!

The best smile ever! I get to see that smile for free every day!

Back at the house, the children put on the planned variety show to celebrate their grandparents' fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Look at the joy on their faces! (Grandmom is filming video of the performances.)

Singing 'Non Nobis Domine'

The group as a whole re-enacted a humorous scene from family lore, then our children sang "Non Nobis Domine," and some other grandchildren played guitar and sang some praise-and-worship songs. A big stack of handmade cards were delivered, speeches were made, tears were shed, and hugs were exchanged. It was lovely!

Dinner: steak, corn on the cob, zucchini and squash (all of the aforementioned roasted over open flame), baked beans, Grandmom's famous homemade applesauce, rolls, and s'mores for dessert.