Some sepia views

1895 Visitors to Melbourn Zoo

 Marlene Deitrich rolling on her bike wearing a saloon costume

Sharing this week with Sepia Saturday

And since it's August, I've pulled out some old photos of mine.

Wintertime visit with my mother's mom.

A Christmas photo with my new piano...oh did I ever love banging away on it!

Somehow my dad set up the camera for a delayed shutter click...or maybe he got a neighbor to take this photo of our whole family. One of the few pics of all of us. Dallas TX 1946/7

The parking lot I like downtown Black Mountain

 

Two good restaurants, Trailhead to the left, and My Father's Pizza to the right.

Tiny sign identifies the Cutting Crew, my fav hair dresser on the left end of this building. This is a multi-purpose building!

The best skies are usually observed over the porch of the Trailhead. Here's a post from last Sunday on FB.

The Trailhead Restaurant & Bar

AuogtutsScpto 1S5 uaisrtmi 9ndlslorhdm:ieod5g1 AfMo  · 

Our staff may have had possible exposure to a positive test case for Covid. We are following CDC guidelines and taking all the necessary precautions. We currently scheduling tests and contact tracing to ensure everyone is safe. Sorry for any inconvenience, and Thank you for your continued support!

Inside one of these windows an orchid usually grows. Recognize the stones at the other end of the building from the Cutting Crew?

My very favorite place for coffee, and internet connection (especially since they now allow you to sit with your laptop for up to 2 hours!

Today's quote:

Taking time for daily self-care is vital and necessary and should not be seen as a luxury.

Chair Yoga class

 

Deb Vingle shows us how to do each stretch...most are very easy, but I can feel my muscles doing something unfamiliar.

We only stand behind our chairs for the last exercise, with the chair available as we work on balance. Here Deb is showing us part of Warior II, and then we practiced The Tree. I really enjoy this class at the Lakeview Center upstairs on Fri. right before lunch. She leads another class before ours, downstairs with mats for back strengthening.

Today's Quote:

What gives me hope is that life unfailingly responds to the advances of love.

NIPUN MEHTA

Rainy days

With the window open for the residual rain shower, it tends to blow drops from the screen onto the windowsill...so there's a towel catching the last rain drops while the wonderful clean air is welcome inside...on a day when it was low 70s. 

And then we had solid rain showers after tropical storm Fred came close.. On some very wet coolish days I've even turned the heat on (with windows closed of course.)

Today's quote:

My religion is nature. That’s what arouses those feelings of wonder and mysticism and gratitude in me.

OLIVER SACKS

Flowers from Ingles (and our flood yesterday)

 

I picked up more blooms last week at my local grocery, Ingles. They were close to the same price, but in small batches so you could make your own bouquet. I went for the colorful mums. 3 bumches for $10 was reasonable, and kind of crammed into my vase.

When I was arranging them, I got whiffs of mum. But after they sat over night, I couldn't detect that familiar scent. They may last a bit longer...which of course is my aim. They do give me a smile whenever I glance in their direction.

And I have big news (for me anyway!) I heard the Ingles Grocery in Black Mountain was offering booster shots for the COVID vaccines. So after having my blood drawn  Tues. for a doctor visit later this week, I went to Ingles and was given a booster shot of Moderna. Some friends were there just before me, also having the same word-of-mouth source, getting Pfizer boosters. I only had to show my drivers license and my medicare card, and they added the booster info to my COVID-Vaccination card. No waiting to see if I had any side effects either.

And in the weather Tues...we were hit pretty hard by the remnants of Fred, the tropical storm. Here's a photo of Lake Tomahawk, where a lot of rain flows.

 Photo by Michael White

The outflowing chute under the pedestrian bridge.

Lake Tomahawk, Aug. 17. 2021 with flooding from Tropical storm Fred.

Where Pagettetown Rd. comes into 70...right as an exit from I-40 west enters Black Mountain

photo by Matthew Koppi

The paint company parking lot, with Old 70 above (where the woodworking and auto shops are) water flowing down to Hwy 70. about 1/2 mile from my house. I know the Swannanoa River is over its banks, and whatever flood markers are out there, it's probably gone higher.

Tomorrow is due to be dry in the morning. I'll see if I'm allowed to get where the river goes under Blue Ridge Rd. It's bound to be over it at this point.

Today's quote:

" Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break, and all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you." 

- L.R. Knost 

Still producing blooms!

 

The scraggly petunia has some blooms still. Maybe it will be better looking after Aug. and all the hot weather. Of course it has all it's flowers closed up as we sit in continuous rain from Fred and stuck low pressure fronts.

Just about open...maybe a late gardenia. I waited another day, and then brought it indoors.

It is pretty simple...but I love to have the scent of it. Such an enjoyable experience.

I've made a decision. Big decision for me. No more eating unmasked outdoors. And I'm wearing 2 masks overlaying each other to hopefully keep out that darn Delta variant. Plus tomorrow I'll get a booster since I got shots way back in Jan and Feb. This is due to the upswing of COVID cases in my state. I'm back into home eating again, or using take-out. 

Today's quote:

We can discover the meaning in life in three different ways: 1) by creating a work or doing a deed; 2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and 3) by the attitude we take toward suffering.”

“If one cannot change a situation that causes his suffering, he can still choose his attitude.” ~ Viktor Frankl (Prison-camp survivor)

My son was born on this date

 Happy Birthday Russ...though I know you don't read much of anything on computers these days, but your work! So I sent you a silly card. Hope you and your girls like it!

Not this year...but it's a cute photo that Michelle posted. Thanks!

So glad you are still looking trim and healthy! Get on that bike and ride! 

Hope your b-day is celebrated as you like it. I love you!

St. Mary's GA, camping before ferry ride to Cumberland Island. Tai kept growing, and Russ kept making fun faces!

Today's quote:

 Before making a decision, release your fear of making a wrong decision.

A good read or 3

I read about these 3 books, though I had never heard of the author before. An interesting review by a fellow blogger, so I looked up the series in our Buncombe County Library system. There was the first one as a hard cover volume, which I put a hold on, then went to the Black Mountain library to check it out.

What had caught my attention in the review on the third book, another Rosie title which I can't bring to mind right now, was that these characters are dealing with Autism. The author is writing in Australia, though the characters spend some time in New York, NY.

I found lots of things that were laughable, and might have chuckled out loud a few times. As my internet was down for 5 days, I was glad to have a paper book (or 8) to read.

And once the internet was working again, I found an e-book on line that I could read on my mini-iPad.

The last book is excellent, and kind of wraps up some of the concerns I had about the first two. I am not sure it can stand alone, but there are frequent explanations of various "episodes" which are in the past of the characters' lives.

Now I've read all three, and am trolling for a few other interesting reads. Of course I read several of Vicki Lane's books during my grueling no-wi-fi days. And I did go around different places finding their wi-fi's to use so I could see what my blog's comments were. I didn't have time to read all my friend blogs however, nor made comments on them. So I missed almost a whole week. I hope our blog-friendships can be repaired!

So last Sunday was International Cat's Day, apparently. I miss my various cats so much.

And another note, this person is becoming more forgetful every day. I love reading blogs, but this life that is real means I should remember to take various meds, and the other day I commented in the la la land of blogs and completely forgot what needed to be part of my own life. Ah, the fantasy life!

Today's quote: ​We must not wish for the disappearance of our troubles but for the grace to transform them.

SIMONE WEIL-

 

Last of my car show visit

 

1932 Ford All Steel

This may live in Black Mountain, but I didn't check further.

I have dated a few gentlemen who owned red Vetts...but never a yellow one!

I'm pretty sure this car lives in town.

This one is for sale, and the owner wanted to get out of the pic, but I told him no, that he'd done the work, so take the credit!

My 56 Chevy never looked this good! It was white and turquoise.

The sun was hot on Sat. last, and there were some smart folks hanging out under tents.

And a bit of a fun photo that was published on FaceBook this week...well, I sure wouldn't want to be in his seat at that moment!

Why, you might wonder, does a 78 year old woman like old cars? I like gadgets, and construction, and engineering and well made things. I was thrilled to see the collapsing ladder that the cable repair man had, which could extend to 14 feet, or down to the step ladder to reach into my attic. A very well engineered piece of equipment. It should last another 50 years!

Sharing with Sepia Saturday, because it's Saturday again! Some of these vehicles definitely would qualify as antiques!

A busy street in Istanbul not that long ago...but again, people walking along looking at different things, and at least one car whose identity is hidden.

Today's quote:

​Imagine a country whose citizens—maybe even its leaders—are brave, calm, and open towards each other; a country whose people realize that all human beings belong together as one family and must act accordingly; a country guided by Common Sense.

BR. DAVID STEINDL-RAST A last minute addition from NPR... Upgrade Your facemask

The Club House and Sourwood Crafts Festival

 

This is looking down the hill toward the Club House and Office building at our Blue Ridge Apartments. To the right you can see the many rockers on the porch, which are often occupied.

This is a view looking uphill towards the Club House Building...which has 2 two bedroom apartments located above the various gathering rooms and the office downstairs. Only one of the apartments upstairs is currently rented. This sky was pretty nice too!

I showed you all some of the flowers on the porch before, and will just find one to share here.

And a bit of evening sky this week...

On a more sober note, re: COVID -In Buncombe County, new case counts have been doubling every two weeks

And our fair town will have a big festival this weekend...

Sourwood Festival returns 

Black Mountain’s annual Sourwood Festival, which was canceled in 2020, is back this year but with a new feel and look.

“The focus is more on arts and crafts and less on manufactured products,” says Sharon Tabor, executive director of the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. The downtown festival, which started in 1977, also has changed its vendor footprint and will have music on Black Mountain Avenue instead of Sutton Avenue.

Organizers have added an Appalachian heritage component, with craft demonstrations, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and music, in Town Square on Saturday, Aug. 14.  Performers include Sorella Jack, Ashley Heath, The Circuit Rider and The Dashers.

And during the festival’s second and final day, musicians Christina Chandler and Madelyn Ilana will perform on Cherry Street at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. This marks the first time the festival has featured music on Cherry Street.**

About 100 craft and artisan vendors will be selling items on Sutton Avenue, Bank Drive, Black Mountain Avenue and SunTrust Bank, 200 N.C. 9, Black Mountain. Honey sellers will be prominently featured.

The Sourwood Festival runs 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15. For more information, visit avl.mx/a5w."

** These entertainers will be in the Cherry Street Courtyard.

My friend Larry Pearlman will be storytelling at 11 on Sat. at the stage behind Black Mountain Healthfood Store.

 And at 5 on Sat. my friend Saro will have Celtic music, also at the stage behind Black Mountain Healthfood Store.

Sharing with Skywatch Friday

 and Floral Friday Florals

Today's Quote:(I'm back adding these little sayings because I get a kick out of looking at them many days later!)

​Patience is also a form of action. -Auguste Rodin, sculptor (12 Nov 1840-1917)

Happy birthday daughter-in-law

 A BIG HAPPY LEO BIRTHDAY TO KENDRA!

Not sure of how many years for Kendra, but after about 30 most of us kind of lump them together, and celebrate generally for a vague couple of days whenever it's convenient. I always thought that was really hard on kids, who of course wanted to feel very special on their own birthdays...not the Sat. or Sun. before, or after!

Kendra, Tai and Becky (Barb B's cousin) - where I learned how easy it was to get drunk on Cider!

Tai and Kendra and Zoe (dog) fixing food to go with us, while standing in our B&B EarthShip, near Taos NM.

Kendra coming up the walk from the Earth Ship B&B.

Kendra sat in the back seat as we traveled around CO and NM...letting me sit in the "Shotgun" seat to better see everything. I was very grateful!

Kendra and Tai at Mesa Verde 2019