From Cooler Days

 

Sometimes nature just shows off and all we can do is snap away. 

Bring on Summer!

Stone Mountain State Park in beautiful Roaring Gap, NC is a heavenly place.  Kids and families flocked there last weekend to splash in the falls, hike the trails, and generally kick off that lovely season called summer. 

Snow, Glorious Snow

As we bid adieu to winter and welcome in longer days and shorter hemlines, I wanted to share a few photos from this amazing record-breaking winter we've just been through.   "Winter weather events" are close to my heart and I'm always excited when snow is in our forecast here in NC.  Unfortunately for my home state of CT (represented in every photo here except for the last one) this year brought way more than their fair share.   In the few days I visited at the end of January, roofs were collapsing, a snow plow hit a gas line which caused a terrible house fire,  "Meals on Wheels" and other important city services were shut down, and even trying to get out of one's driveway could be hazardous.    That said, my New England people are a hearty bunch and look out for their neighbors, so somehow they always muddle through.
The last photo was taken the morning after Christmas Day, here in Greensboro, where we had a beautiful white Christmas and several snowstorms, the likes of which were so mild and gentle in comparison, we dare not mention them to our friends in the North.

Fool Me Once...

March is upon us.  Flowers are blooming in the backyard, sunshine is slanting across the front porch and some of us would much rather be outside than in front of our computers.  Nonetheless, I'm bringing back winter for a just a tiny bit.  I've got a whole bunch of cold, snowy pictures to share and this warm weather won't stop me from posting!  Here's a preview of what's coming up next. This was actually taken in March 2009 so don't put away those sensible shoes just yet.

A Lovely Fall

Leaves

by Elsie N. Brady

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

Lazy Days of Summer

Ahhh summer. You force everyone to slow down a bit and enjoy themselves. For that, I love you. Badminton and cook-outs are required at our house, especially after hours and hours in front of computers. New England trips to see the family are of the utmost importance. Hanging with friends is never better. Happy summer everyone! May you all enjoy some lazy days and nights.

Asheville Stuff

Asheville is just too much fun. There's no getting around it. Everywhere you look there's beautiful scenery, creative people, great beer, and wonderful music. And might I mention the weather? Love it, love it, love it. Thank you to our Asheville peeps for always showing us such a good time.