Sitting On Top of the World...With Cows

So far off the beaten path that it requires a serious four-wheel drive vehicle to reach it, this summit deep in Appalachia commands a view of three states. Though I was convinced that my mom style SUV could have made it up there, I have no regrets that our son drove us in his jeep. Pursuing this viewpoint is not for the faint of heart.The road to the top is unpaved, bumpy, slick after rainfall, steep, curvy, one lane and probably 2 miles long. Who needs amusement park rides? There were native rhododendron, buckeye trees, wild flowers and dense forest along the sides of the road. Known only by locals, it is also on private property. Those in the know claim that the owners don't mind if people go up there as long as they are respectful and remember to close the gate so the cows don't escape. As we braved the thrill ride on the ascent, we hoped this was true.

Once we reached Raven's Rock, as the locals call it, we were treated to a breathtaking view of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The road twisted so much that we weren't even sure which of the states we were in until our son found a NC survey plate in the ground.The Blue Ridge Mountains seemed to go on and on. Lush green valleys, Christmas tree farms, a tiny airstrip, a quarry, and very few houses were visible in the valleys below. The 360' view was incredible. Over the years our son has taken us to many viewpoints in western NC and this was definitely the best one yet. Pictures don't do it justice. Far away from any traffic, it was silent up there. The air was crisp. At that altitude, it was without the usual NC summer humidity. A nice breeze was blowing.

 A small herd of cows and calves grazed the long grass. My husband walked toward them, mooing. My son and I followed at a distance. Once we realized that they were not frightened or threatening, we were able to get pretty close to them. Suddenly, we noticed a white "cow" that looked more stout than the rest. It stared at us and moved a little closer. My son said to stare it down unless it is a bull. A quick look revealed that it indeed WAS a bull so we quickly turned and ran like our pants were on fire! The bull did not follow. It was probably laughing at us. He meandered over to another patch of grass and kept eating. That close encounter with a bull was enough to convince us to keep our distance. We retreated to some tall rocks and climbed up for an even better view.

As we gazed across the distant mountains and valleys, we noticed some rain clouds moving across. They weren't coming in our direction and since there was no lightning or thunder we sat and watched them move over the valley below. Little by little, a rainbow began to  form. The three of us witnessed it growing upward and becoming wider and brighter. Of course my phone battery had just died from searching for a signal, so I wasn't able to get a photo of the rainbow. Our son crept over closer to one of the cows and was able to get a great shot of her with the rainbow in the background. He retained a safe distance from the bull.

Finally, the dinner hour was approaching so we said our goodbyes to the cows and the view. We dared to stare at the bull from the moving jeep. On the way back down the long, slippery passage, we encountered a family heading to the summit on two 4 wheel ATV type vehicles. Because it was a one lane road, one of us had to move out of the way. Our son backed that jeep up along the pathway until we got to a spot wide enough to let them pass. I held on tight as the jeep strained to go backwards up the steep course. A little farther down the road, a truck was coming in our direction. Fortunately we were right at a spot that was safe to move over. At this point I was really glad that I wasn't driving my mom style SUV.  I was grateful that we had been up there all by ourselves to enjoy the peaceful view. It was truly off the beaten path, just the way I like it!

Definitely NOT Myrtle Beach

Having been raised on an island, I am a bit of a beach snob. We had beaches run by the national government, the state government, townships, towns, and private beaches. The south shore beaches are on the ocean and barrier islands, the north shore beaches are on the sound, and between the tines of the fork at the end of the island is a giant bay. I grew up going to the ocean for the day, getting lobster red, and returning home with a bathing suit full of sand. We brought a cooler filled with lunch and snacks, one of those giant metal thermoses with a spigot on it, a heavy umbrella, sand toys, and a scratchy old army blanket to sit on. This scene was repeated by hundreds of families spaced every few feet along the wide beach. The water was rough and cold, the lifeguards blew their whistles constantly, people were smart enough to keep their private parts covered and their language fairly clean. After a long day, we would all do a quick rinse in the cold outdoor shower before leaving for the ride home.  The car was not air conditioned, so by the time we got back home were hot, tired, and cranky. I loved it.
When I became a teenager, I was permitted to ride a free bus that took us to one of the north shore beaches.  No waves, but loads of teenagers running free.  Long,  lazy days spent swimming and sunning was my idea of a perfect summer. I went as often as I possibly could.
The beaches that I frequented had concession stands, bathhouses, maybe a boardwalk, playground, or picnic area with grills. The state beach had a miniature golf course and volleyball courts. Beaches in that area were very wide and could accommodate thousands of people.They had expansive parking lots.
There were many beach towns all along the coast. Some were ritzy, some quaint, some quirky. Hordes of vacationers still flock to their own summer homes or the many rentals to enjoy the beach. Renting a cabana for the summer is also an option. Boating and fishing are huge pass times. Several old fishing towns have become upscale tourist areas.
What we did NOT see where high rise hotels along the beach. When I see photos of Miami, Waikiki, etc, it makes me sad. In my opinion, beaches should not look like the edge of a city. If you have ever been to Myrtle Beach, you will understand what I mean.Wax museums, Ripley's, outlet malls, souvenir shops should not be what draws people to vacation at the beach. The big attractions should be the sand, surf, and wildlife. I don't want to hear roller coasters, screams (unless it comes out of the mouth of a seagull calling his buddies), cars drag racing down the main road, firecrackers, sirens. I want to hear the pounding waves and not much more. Squeals of children having fun in the surf is about as loud as I want it to be.
Pine Knoll Shores in North Carolina is one of my favorite beaches. Almost any North Carolina beach could actually be called one of my favorite beaches. Most of them are quiet and family oriented. The things that make Pine Knoll Shores one of my favorites are the place that we stay in and the welcome attitude toward dogs on the beach. Besides being a beach snob, I am a crazy dog lady.
We stay at the Atlantis Lodge Inn. It is an old, family run hotel nestled in a maritime forest. Long time owners live on site. Their daughter is now the general manager and she lives across the street. The second and third floor rooms each have a balcony with an ocean view. First floor rooms have a patio adjacent to a grassy area that leads to a thicket designated as a bird sanctuary.The decor is not exactly modern, unless you consider the 1970's to be modern. Each room has  kitchen, living, bedroom areas, and a bathroom. Dogs are permitted in most rooms. When you enter your room, you will not find a mint on the pillow. Instead, you will find a folded sheet and a dog biscuit on the bed. The sheet is to put on top of the bedding in case you let your dog sleep on the bed. Extra sheets are placed over the couch cushions for the same reason. Rooms are clean and beds are comfortable. Its nothing fancy, but it serves the purpose and is quite pleasant.
 There is constantly a worker or two doing some type of maintenance or improvement. I have never known them to be disruptive in any way. The facility is well tended. Housekeepers are always friendly. The last time we were there the housekeeper allowed us to leave the room with the dog on the balcony while she cleaned We went for a walk, leaving her to her work. She was careful to bring the dog back into the room before she left. I would never have trusted that situation if I hadn't been there about a dozen times.
 The owners have provided several deck areas on the property. One is right on the edge of the dunes. Guests gather there daily to watch the sunset. Gas grills are provided for guests use. On the third floor, there is a large gathering room. It has a pool table, ping pong table, large screen TV, books, a bar, telescopes, couches, and an extraordinary view of the ocean. The hotel has lounges and chairs on the beach. We often take a drink and hang out down there at the end of the day. The outdoor pool is nestled in the forest. During the off season, the pool water is drained down to a few feet in depth and is open to the dogs for swimming! As you exit the beach, there is a water hose, tub, and shampoo available for you to bathe your dog. The complex has many grassy areas, making it very convenient for dog owners. Shovels are placed throughout the grass areas and owners are expected to pick up after their dogs. At the top of the steps leading to the beach there is a plastic bag dispenser and a separate trash can labeled for dog poop. You are expected to pick up after your dog if you take it on the beach. If you do not, you will suffer the wrath of the general manager. I have seen it happen.
So by now you are probably picturing a free for all with barking dogs running wildly through the hotel and grounds. Not so. Dogs are expected to be leashed, well behaved, and quiet. Upon arrival the desk clerk asks for a cell phone number. If you leave the dog alone in the hotel room and it starts to make noise, they WILL call your cell phone and tell you to come back and quiet the dog. Once in a while you will hear a dog bark a little, but overall, it is a very quiet place. Disobedient dogs are not tolerated. Neither are irresponsible owners.
One of the best things about Pine Knoll Shores is that the beach is dog friendly. We always go on the off season because our dog can't take the heat and we can't take the crowds. As we walk along the shore, we let the dog off the leash for long stretches. She can sniff, swim, explore freely. As soon as we see another dog or human, we put her back on the leash. At times, we walk several miles without putting her back on the leash. As long as you are responsible, nobody seems to mind. Every time we are there we see other dogs  and their owners doing the same.The waves are not usually huge, so we are very comfortable allowing her to play in the surf. Atlantic Beach borders Pine Knoll Shores. It is also very quiet. Beach cottages dot both beaches. There is one hotel that is about 6 stories. Other than that, there are no tall buildings. Sunrise and sunset are both easily seen from the hotel or beach. It is a quiet, serene setting. We love it so much that we came very close to purchasing a condo there a few years ago. I've never wanted a second home to take care of, but I sure was tempted.
But what do you do if it rains, you ask? If you are as crazy as we are, you don a rain suit and go walk on the beach. However, if it is cold or storming, that is probably not the best option. NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is just up the road. It is a great place to spend an afternoon. There is also a movie theater near by. The gathering room upstairs has plenty to do to pass a rainy day. Emerald Isle is at one end of the island and Fort Macon is at the other. Morehead City and Beaufort are a short drive over the bridge to the main land.  There are museums, marinas, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and stores over there.  You can also grab a book and sit in front of your window. I like to watch the boats and keep my eyes peeled for dolphins. Atlantis Lodge Inn has DVD players and movies available to borrow from the front desk.
Long weekends spent at a quiet beach feed my soul and calm my spirit like nothing else can. If you enjoy going to the beach just to go to the beach, you would enjoy Pine Knoll Shores. If you are a crazy dog lady, you should check out the Atlantis. Not so crazy about staying in an old hotel or a dog friendly hotel? There is a chain hotel with an indoor pool right across the street. A public beach access runs right along side the Atlantis. Just don't tell too many people about it. Crowds will just ruin the fun.

Mountain City, TN

Raise your hand if you have been to Mountain City, TN! Ok, raise your hand if you've heard of Mountain City, TN. That's what I figured. I don't see any hands. Mountain City is in the eastern part of Tennessee, about a 30 minute drive from Boone, NC. Oh, you don't know where Boone is? Its in the mountains of NC. Boone is the home of Appalachian State University, where the great Mountaineers football team hails from. If you live east of TN and have ridden your bicycle on the Virginia Creeper Trail, you have probably whizzed right through Mountain City on the way there.

Driving from Boone, if you stay on US 421 (King Street) and head west, you will end up in Mountain City. The road curves north on the way there. You will lose cell phone reception near Tater Hill, but it will come back once you pass it. Once you cross the state line, you will see fireworks stores. Yes, for all you pyromaniacs, fireworks are legal in Tennessee. Right there in Trade, TN there is a diner type restaurant called Sharpie's. Google maps says it has closed down. I don't know if that is accurate information. I was there not too long ago. If it's open, its worth a stop for breakfast. They also have/had lunch and dinner, but I only ate breakfast there. From the parking lot, you can see the fireworks stores and sign that denotes the state line. Its a very nice view looking back toward NC.

 Keep going through Trade, and eventually you will pass the the businesses that lead into Mountain City. Roan Valley Auction , Big Loui's, Parkdale Mills, the old glove factory, quirky little antique and thrift shops, a fancy dancy golf course community, and of course a Dollar General. Is it just me, or is Dollar General EVERYWHERE? Roan Creek runs beside the road for a while. Other typical small town business are along the way: the community hospital, pharmacy, places that are named after their owners, like "Fred's Store". Somewhere along the way, US 421 is named Shady St. Surely that was in reference to shade trees, but it could be taken a different way. Eventually, you will see the downtown area.

Turn down Main Street and park. Take a walk around. I love these small towns. Each one has its own feel. They all have some of the same standard businesses, but they all have unique personalities. Look around in the shops. Do some window shopping. Appreciate the old brick buildings. Find out why there is an empty chair in front of the municipal building. Take a stroll through the neighborhoods. There is a sign for a coffee shop, but we could never find the shop. Check out the Army Surplus and Sporting Goods store. The building has some weird metal facade and some metal "sculptures' of pistols on it. In case you are in the market for a toy tractor , they advertise that they sell farm toys.

 Browse the consignment/antique store diagonally across the street from the Army Surplus store. I believe it is in the old Muse Hardware building.  The ladies that run it are awesome. We were strolling down the sidewalk with our giant dog, and the ladies appeared at the doorway. They shouted across the street for us the bring the dog over so they could see her. It turns out that the store serves as a fundraiser for animal rescue. These ladies run a rescue mission and place dogs with new families. They are trying to raise money for better facilities. As a result, the store is dog friendly. They welcomed me to bring the pooch in and look around. Sadly, in a place labeled "antique store', I found items that I remember from my childhood. Dang, I'm OLD!

Once you have worked up an appetite, visit the the Tributary Restaurant for lunch. There are various eateries downtown, but this one looked the most inviting. Small town pizza places far removed from big cities are usually disappointing so we skipped them. We all know that I like a little adventure and don't mind a good dive, but none of them grabbed me. The Tributary looked like the best option. We were so pleased that we chose it. The decor is warm and friendly. There is a fake outside of a house that blocks off a large party room. The rest of the tables are outside of that, so  it looks like you just might be eating on the porch, even though you are inside. Yeah, that description was a little confusing. The soup and salad bar looked very good. Ingredients looked fresh, and soup looked homemade. They wisely placed that near the front window, giving the clear message that they offer healthy options. I went in there with the intention of eating from the salad bar, but ended up ordering Shepherd's Pie. It was really good. All of the plates that I saw passing my table looked yummy. Our waitress was polite, friendly and competent. Overall, it was a very nice experience.  I would definitely return.

After lunch, stop by one of the local auction houses. They take turns hosting Saturdays. We were fortunate enough to go the the livestock auction. Roosters, chickens, and birds were in crates stacked up as tall as my shoulders. Goats and pigs were in large fenced off areas. Farm equipment was outside. The parking lot was filled with pick up trucks. Everyone there was dressed head to toe in Carrhartt clothing. They all had rubber boots on. Even the little kids' outfits mirrored their dads. Some of the men were wearing jackets with the name of their bear hunting club on them. We stuck out big time! Everyone there obviously knew each other. Someone walked in with 3 puppies they were trying to adopt out. It didn't take 5 minutes to find homes for them. Once the auction started, the place was packed. It was fascinating to watch. As hard as I tried, half the time I couldn't tell who was bidding. They have their own little secret move to indicate that they wish to bid. The auctioneer was swift and efficient. The little kids were getting their parents to buy them hot chocolate, hot dogs, etc to stave off boredom. This is a life very different from my own. What a fun experience!

If its a hot day, you can head to Watauga Reservoir and cool off. On a pretty day, find a place to hike. Breathe in the mountain air. Relax!

Mountain City is probably not in any of your tour books, but if you are in the area and want to go off the beaten path a bit, stop in for a day. You will be glad that you did.

A Very Cool Place to be on a Sunday!

Its been about 6 months since I have taken the time to sit down and type out my thoughts about  a cool place to visit. Its not that I haven't been to any cool places. I've visited family in NY, Maryland and Tennessee, been to Pine Knoll Shores, camped, eaten at restaurants, visited wineries, breweries, etc. My only daughter and oldest child was married on November 2nd, so I devoted my time to helping her make it the wedding of her dreams. Once that was over, my husband and I went to the beach for some R&R. Then it was my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas. It was our turn to host New Year's Eve, and my turn to host book club a few days ago. Now that the decorations are packed away and I don't have to make my house give the illusion of being spotless for a while, I am making time to sit here at the computer.

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. My nephew and his wife welcomed their first baby, a boy, on December 30th. Of course I think he is adorable. My niece set her wedding date. Another niece is due to have her second baby in a few weeks. My son was granted a second interview for a job that he really hopes to be offered. My husband is finally recovering from a month long upper respiratory bug. All good things. Emotions were in a good place. Not that there aren't any challenges in life, but it was great to have so much good news.

What goes up, must come down. There was a tragic helicopter crash off of Virginia Beach this week. Two sailors died and one is still missing. One of the deceased sailors grew up in my community. The community is reeling. Friends who also have sons in the military are struggling with this news. It hit too close to home. Some friends found solace in gathering with others. Some needed to sort this out in private.

This brings me to a the place that I decided to write about today. My church is sort of off the beaten path, so it fits in with my blog theme. We are an old church, in existence for over 200 years. We used to be a rural church. Our community landscape is changing, just like that of many communities. This forces all of us to adjust. The church is no different. Some people love change and welcome the fresh ideas that it brings. Some people detest change and dread the thought of discomfort that it brings. Both types attend the same churches. Sometimes people complain about things that bother them. The same things bother some other members but not all members. There is a constant need for compromise, requiring lots of give and take. This occasionally causes turmoil. A church leader leaves. Some are happy about it, some are sad. A new person comes in. Some are happy about it, some are not. Youth participate in service as readers, singers, etc. Some love to see their fresh, young faces and endless energy. Some still think children should be seen and not heard. I guess you can guess which side of that fence I stand on! A music director combines old, familiar music with contemporary and world music. Organ music is combined with drums, guitars, trumpets, harmonicas. The old choir robes are gone. Some people love it. Some parishioners think that the only type of music sacred enough for a worship service is the type found in the hard backed hymnals sitting in the pew racks. There are lay people who enjoy writing and sharing their poetry from the pulpit with enormous emotion. Some people relate to that, others don't. Church leaders share their artistic talent by painting banners to hang from the ceiling. They incorporate famous and not so famous paintings into the multimedia displays. Some people enjoy that. Others do not like it. The minister preaches what he feels led to share. Some people think he should simply read scripture and explain it. Others appreciate him (or her) relating God's words to today's world. Church leaders and some members are very interested in mission work and spend much time, effort, and money on various missions. Others think that we should be worrying about what is in our own back yard and nothing more. It is so hard to get everyone to agree on anything.  I remember a time when congregants used to argue over whether the shutters should be left open or closed during worship. Now we have stained glass. That settles that!

 How could the church leaders possibly begin to please everyone? The answer is that they can't. Why should we continue to attend churches if "church people" aren't always nice? The reasons are many. First of all, worship is designed to be communal. Second, churches are filled with sinners. They are supposed to be.  If only perfect people went to church, the church would be empty. We go there because we want to worship God and because we need help, comfort, forgiveness, company, and many other things. We need to hear the Word. As parishioners, we can either sit there and focus on all the things that are wrong with the church, or we can focus on fixing ourselves. We can look at the big picture. We can appreciate all the good that is around us. We can stop concentrating on how things will benefit us and start looking for ways to make life easier for others. We can stop bellyaching and start forgiving. We can stop looking at our watches to see how long the sermon is or whether service is going over the agreed upon time limit. Many members already to those things and do them beautifully. We can strive to be more like them.

What the heck does all this have to do with the title of today's blog? I'd like to share what I experienced in church this morning. This is purely MY experience. The people sitting beside me, behind me, or up in the choir would all be able to tell you a different story. That's okay. Every Sunday is different. Every person in the Sanctuary is different.We all come to service with different baggage from the previous week. We all need to hear and see different things. Our perception of the service differs depending on our experiences and opinions.

My husband and I arrived a few minutes late, as usual. We missed the greetings and part of the announcements. I love saying hello to people, but sharing our germs at this time of year can be dicey, so I was okay with missing the handshaking. There was a flag up in the front of the Sanctuary. It was there to honor the memory of the sailor that I mentioned earlier. We were encouraged to remember him and to honor all those who serve. There are two wooden stands in the front of the church that were built to hold candles. At the end of each service, we are invited to light a candle for someone in our personal lives who needs prayers. Today, at the beginning of service we were all asked to use that final  portion of the service to light a candle for the same person. Lt. J Wesley Van Dorn. He grew up in our church, and then left to pursue his military career. Our congregation was asked to come together to pray for him and his family. One congregation, one cause. Cool.

An announcement was made that we would have a guest minister today. I saw a friend carefully make his way to the podium. Our guest minister was a member of our congregation. He is an 80 year old, retired minister. I will refer to him by his initials, ETT. ETT is a hoot. He is also the father-in-law of my minister. His daughter is a delightful woman whom I am honored to call my friend. His granddaughters are bright, gorgeous young women. His wife is a saint. ETT shows up to church in all kinds of outfits, ranging from cycling clothes, to work out gear, shorts, crocks, jeans, and handsome suits. He says anything that comes into his mind. He starts out in one seat, and at every opportunity, he moves to a different seat so he can say hello to someone else. Up until a few years ago, he could be seen literally climbing over the back of the pew to get to someone. ETT is a dog lover and has been known to bring his daughter's dog into the Sanctuary during church. If I didn't know him so well, I would call him the irreverent Reverend. I know better. He is a brilliant man, well versed on the Bible. He is a good friend and confidant. ETT also likes to push the envelope. When I saw him step to the lectern, I wasn't sure what to expect. You never know what he will say. He called the children up to the table for the Children's Sermon. It was based on the story, "Where the Wild Things Are". Very appropriate. The kids loved it. As the children were being corralled to head down to their own special time with one of the church leaders, a little boy fell. In a split second one of the parishioners was at his side, lifting him up and holding him closely until his mom could make it to the front. Very cool. Kudos, MBP.

ETT proceeded to do all the churchy things that ministers do. His scripture readings were carried out with great expression. Now for the sermon. Oh boy, what's he gonna do, I thought. He did great. His sermon was easy to follow and meaningful. They were words we all needed to hear. He had invited a couple "of color" that he met at his gym. They were kind enough to come to this, oh so very white, country church to hear him preach. I smiled as I listened to him, standing there in his newish blue jeans, black and blue Nike tennis shoes, white golf shirt and brown jacket. He claims this is his last sermon. We'll see. If so, I am so glad that I made it to church today.

As I stand up and sit down, I feel sore muscles. It reminds me that I exercised with friends yesterday morning. The church allows us to gather there six days a week for no charge. We have a free place to exercise. Yahoo! Young people know that the "church ladies" are trying to stay healthy. Sometimes someone's daughter will join us when in town. They are always surprised at how hard we work and report to our husbands that we are definitely not a bunch of pansies. We like them.  Several community members are faithful attendees. My hamstrings tell me how blessed I am to have these women in my life.  It has become a small group that supports and encourages each other. Laughs and groans are shared. Friendships grow, bodies stay strong. Come on, you know that is cool.

Our Director of Music is leaving to pursue a new adventure. The congregation was asked to wish him well. Everyone stood and applauded for a very long time. We were all invited to a reception in his honor. Elders were invited up to lay hands and offer words of prayer as a send off. The very, very, cool thing that happened was that one of the young men who grew up in our church was called to his side. This talented Director has mentored the young man. The talented college student has decided to pursue the same career. He has interned at our church in the summers. Last week he sang a solo that was so awesome that I had to grab my phone and record a few minutes of it to send to our son. The boys (okay, they are men now) grew up together, played in the school band together, attended Youth Group and trips together, etc. Our church has decided to offer this young man an interim position as our Music Director. Good for us, good for him! Now that's what I'm talking about !!!

After church, even though my hungry  husband was stomping his feet for me to hurry up and go, I spent time chatting with friends. Many of my friends are dealing with aging and ill parents, family problems, health issues, job issues, etc. The few minutes I get to give them a hug and ask how things are going are priceless to me. Staying connected is so important. Church is a great setting to stay connected. Lots of people in one place at the same time. A thank you, a smile, a hug, a tear shared in just a few minutes. So cool!

My church has a food pantry on Saturday mornings. It is funded in several ways. One way is pretty creative. A local grocery store donates perishable food that is about to expire. It is picked up on Sunday mornings. The food is placed on a table in our Gathering Room on Sunday morning. Members take the food and drop a donation in the basket on the table. Many of the elderly members take advantage of being able to "buy" these foods at a huge discount. The children love to check out the desserts. College kids grab what they can use. My husband gets veggies for his tortoise. The donations are used to buy food for the pantry. Win, win. How cool is that?

I pick up a copy of the Celebrations and Concerns list so I can email some names to this month's Cookie Ministry member. I drop off a prayer shawl and some chemo caps so that the coordinator of our Knitting Ministry can distribute them. I watch people hugging our Director of Music and wishing him well. I leave, smiling.

Why is church a cool place to be on a Sunday morning? It brings out the best and worst of emotions.  God offers us grace. We in turn can offer that to each other. Its members watch over one another. We laugh, cry, pray, worship and play together. People here care about one another. Now THAT  is COOL!

*disclaimer: this writing is my personal opinion. I fully respect all faith backgrounds. As always, I make no claim to perfect or proper grammar and punctuation. Teachers, put away those red pens, please.

The Oak Chalet-Just Like Oma Used to Make!

My mother's family hails from Germany. Her parents came through Ellis Island in the 1920's and settled in Ridgewood, Queens. Ridgewood was a predominantly German neighborhood in a borough of New York City. Even though my mother was born in this country, she did not speak English until she went to school. My grandfather was a copper smith and my grandmother learned to cook in a German hotel. We referred to them as Oma and Opa. The great aunts were called Tante. I even had a great uncle who owned a German Delicatessen. My grandparents would converse in German when they didn't want the grandchildren to know what they were talking about. The rest of the time they spoke English with some German words thrown in here and there. My cousin Wendy and I were usually able to pick out the four letter German words.

Wendy and I used to stay at my grandparents' house quite often in the summer. Opa would take us to the park to play while he met the other retirees for a game of chess. He also loved to take us to Gouz Dairy to buy milk, eggs, and ice cream. Their tag line was "Gouz rhymes with Cows". Not brilliant, but 50 years later I still remember it, so it wasn't terrible advertising.  Gouz had some livestock inside a fenced in area. We were allowed to pet them through the fence. A chicken pecked me once. I haven't been a big fan of pet chickens ever since.  Oma and Opa had a vegetable garden in their back yard. They also had a pear tree, gooseberries and current bushes. Wendy and I would have to help pick the pears and then peal and core them so Oma could preserve them for the winter. She placed a cinnamon stick in each container. Those were some great pears. We watched while she made gooseberry preserves and current jelly. Does anyone eat gooseberries or currants anymore?

As I said, my Oma learned to cook from pros. She was an AWESOME cook! Traditional German food doesn't even try to pretend to be healthy. Fat, noodles, pastry and beer are not low calorie foods. They are, however, delicious. My Oma produced delicious meals and desserts from scratch. When the electric mixer couldn't handle the toughest dough, she used a wooden spoon and "elbow grease". I can still picture some of the desserts that she whipped up in her tiny green kitchen. Linzer Torte is still one of my favorite treats.  Lunch was usually served on wooden sandwich boards and consisted of several types of wurst (pronounced vusht), bread, mustard, possibly some schmaltz or tartare with a raw egg and onion on top. Okay, lunch wasn't my favorite meal. I wouldn't eat some of the meats because I didn't like the looks of them or the names of them. Take for instance a lunch meat called "head cheese". Now, what American child would dare to eat THAT? Not this one. How about Blutwurst? That translates into blood sausage. No thanks. Liverwurst? No way! Dinner time was a different story. Oma often cooked American meals, but occasionally we would be lucky enough to be treated to potato pancakes, crepes, Sauerbraten, bratwurst, knockwurst, pork and sauerkraut, etc. I even remember eating goose once.  Nothing beats a home made potato pancake dipped in applesauce. Rather than filling her crepes as the French do, Oma mixed fruit right into the batter and stacked the pancakes on top of each other. "Apple pancakes", as she called them, with sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top were scrumptious. On days where we repeatedly asked what we were having for dinner that night, Oma would eventually use a phrase that translated to "little mice dipped in syrup".( She also had another fun saying that she used when we asked "how" or "why" too often. It translated into "how does the cow s%$t get on the roof?".)

 I was raised on Long Island in a suburb of New York City. For those of you who have never been to Long Island, its hard to explain what it looks like. There are many small towns that seem to the uninformed to be one endless town. You really can't tell where one town ends and another one begins unless you see a sign. You can travel across three or four towns and not have gone very many miles. Therefor going to another town to shop or eat is very common but there isn't much reason to travel more than a few miles for a specific type of food. There are numerous ethnic restaurants in the every town. When I was growing up we went to a German restaurant called Koenig's for many special occasions. It was two towns away. My favorite thing to order was a  tomato juice appetizer and then a roasted half of a duckling. Koenig's is still there, but I haven't been there in a while. While on a recent trip to New York to visit family, my husband and I met my sister and some of her children at another German restaurant. My sister has been telling my about this place for a long time. We never seemed to have to opportunity to go there. This time around we had a free night and decided to check it out.  The Oak Chalet, in Bellmore, New York was fabulous! It was everything my sister said it would be.

For starters, when we walked in the door we were greeted by a lady with a German accent.  I looked around and noticed that most of the customers had gray hair. That was a good sign. Most of the German immigrants in the area are from that generation. If it wasn't authentic, they wouldn't be spending their time or money there. We sat down to look at the drink menu. There was no way I was going to a German restaurant and not having a beer. There were two choices of draft beer-dark or light. The name brand was not even listed. Germans are very efficient people. Why waste time discussing brand names and having 30 choices. Two is enough. Choose one and drink up. Prost! When it came time to study the menu I saw some of my old favorites. I ordered Sauerbraten and red cabbage. It was just like Oma used to make. Delicious!! The beef was tender and had just the right amount of vinegar flavor. The red cabbage was tangy.  There were some dishes that I had never heard of. All of the names were in German. There was wiener schnitzel,  platters that offered a variety of wursts,  smoked shrimp  appetizer, spaetzle. Some traditional items, such as Rouladen, weren't on the menu, but they would prepare it if requested. Every dish that was ordered was enjoyed. The food was outstanding. Everyone in our party was too full to consider dessert. What a shame. I'm sure the strudel was excellent.

The food was terrific but the atmosphere added to the overall experience. Handmade chairs with heart cut outs in the seat backs added a nice touch. There was an abundance of knick knacks, cuckoo clocks, and beer steins. My sister and I had a ball pointing out various objects that we remembered from Oma and Opa's house. We actually own some of the same things that they had there. This was my first visit to Oak Chalet. It won't be my last. I felt like I had come home.

Where the Heck is Saluda?

For your information, Saluda is at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the western part of the state of North Carolina. The city of Asheville is due north. It is very close to the South Carolina border. I know this because I missed the first exit on my way home and ended up driving through part of South Carolina.

Saluda was first known as Pace's Gap. Construction of the railroad through Saluda changed the area forever. It went through many different phases. At one time it was a popular place to go in the summer to escape the brutal heat of the Carolinas. Today it is a small community of artists and craftsman. The main street is just across from the now defunct railroad tracks. Wonderful art shops, craft stores, "old timey" grocery stores, city hall, the police station, and a few restaurants line one side of the road. These are not your run of the mill souvenir gift shops. Items sold here are unique, high quality, and fairly priced. Shop owners are warm and friendly. Saluda hosts events such as Coon Dog Day, Saluda Art Festival, and Town BBQ. You know its a small town immediately because the first question people ask is, "where are you from?". Translation: you do not live here.

Six of the ladies in my book club just returned from a weekend in Saluda. When we planned the trip, "Where the heck is Saluda?" was the response from most of the husbands, offspring and friends. "What's there?" was often the next question. One of our members moved to the nearby town of Flat Rock several years ago. She invited us to come to the area for a visit. Five of us ventured up there to meet her on Friday evening and find out the answers. I had actually spent an afternoon there with my husband once, but I didn't remember much of it. We had gotten some disturbing news earlier in the day and I was in a bit of a fog (as was Saluda a good part of this weekend).

We stayed in the Saluda Mountain Lodge. It sits on the rim of the Green River Gorge and has views of five mountain ranges. Out back is a fire pit/fountain surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Outdoor furniture made from twisted branches sits on the front lawn. Both front and back provide spectacular views. The inn is a long, one story motel building that has been refurbished. Each room is a little bit different. Its a cozy, rustic type of place. The owners are a warm and friendly family. We arrived after dinner on Friday evening. There was a fire laid for us in the fire pit. Once we settled our belongings in our rooms, the owner lit the fire and brought out a basket of s'more ingredients. You just don't get that kind of treatment at a chain hotel. We were offered hot chocolate, given cups for our wine, and basically made to feel at home.

Saturday morning was damp and cold. After sharing breakfast in my room, the six of us ventured into the pint-sized town of Saluda. We didn't get very far down the road before we stopped at The Wildflower Bakery for coffee and tea. The aroma in the bakery was heavenly. Luckily our tummies were full, so we resisted the baked goods. Several hours and many dollars later, we finished perusing the shops of Saluda. We had eaten hand made chocolates and found  treasures we simply HAD to buy. There were so many beautiful items to examine. Surprisingly, we saw metal art that was crafted by a man to whom I am related by marriage.

Lunch was eaten at the Saluda Grade Cafe'. The restaurant is painted in bright colors, such as purple and yellow. A long bench with a variety of throw pillows lines one wall. All of the menu items sounded so good that we couldn't decide what to order.  Fortunately, we had the option of ordering two halves of a salad,  sandwich, or serving of soup. Each of us ordered half of this and half of that. Everything was excellent. The food was fresh, flavorful, attractive, and delicious.

The sun finally came out and we drove to Carl Sandburg's home. A short hike to the main house routed us through the woods and past a lake. A National Park Service volunteer led us on a tour of the house for a whopping $5 entrance fee. The front veranda offered a dramatic view. A path led from the house to the goat  barn area. All of the goats there are descendants of the dairy goats that Mrs. Sandburg bred. We played with the animals and enjoyed the sunshine. A path looped us back to the parking lot. Along the way we watched a striped bass and some other fish in the lake. The estate has several hiking trails. You could spend a good part of the day there if you choose to hike the trails. By the way, dogs are not allowed in the house or near the goats, but the trails are dog friendly.

By the time we left, it was five o'clock. Next stop was the town of Hendersonville and a visit to the Appalachian Brewery. Our original plan was to head into Asheville for dinner. After chatting over some craft beer and hand made pretzels, the group voted to skip going into Asheville. The small town charm of Saluda was too captivating. Since I was the driver for the weekend, that was fine with me.

The Purple Onion was the unanimous choice for our evening meal. Live music was on the agenda at the restaurant. I guess word was out, because the place was crowded when we got there. We headed to the bar for a glass of wine while we waited for a table. Being that we were a bunch of middle aged women let loose for a weekend "chatfest", we requested a table in the room that didn't have a loud band playing in it. We were accommodated very nicely. The proprietors had closed a patio in with tent sides. We were seated out there and warmed by heaters that hung above our heads. The appetizers and entrees were wonderful. Service was friendly. The only negative thing I could say is that the waitress really didn't know the answer to one particular question. Instead of finding out the answer, it was obvious she was just making it up. I ordered something else. My food was great, so no big loss. Before we sat down, several of the women were eyeing the desserts and planning to eat one. By the time we finished our dinner, nobody had room for dessert.

We all waddled out of the restaurant and back the the Lodge. We decided to settle our bill that night instead of waiting until morning. The owners were happy to do that for us, and we stood talking with them for a long time. Their precious three year old son ran back and forth to their apartment to bring each of us a Dove chocolate. The couple offered to build us another bonfire. We were all tired, and it was cold out, so we opted to turn in for the night.

Sunday morning was rainy and the fog was thick. We were able to sit by the window and watch the fog coming and going for several hours. I felt like I was up in the clouds. After sharing our breakfast again, we packed up and headed home. It poured all the way home, making the drive less than ideal.

Our weekend in Saluda was relaxing and fed our souls.  The time was short and sweet. If you were to have a week or two to spend in the area, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Nearby attractions include The Biltmore, Chimney Rock, Dupont State Forest, UNC-Asheville, Flat Rock, Lake Lure, the Broad River, French Broad River, the Green River, and Asheville.

Now that you know where the heck Saluda is and a little bit about what is there, you should hurry up and make a reservation. I know I plan to go back there. Who wants to come?

Potent Potables, Jamestown, NC

What a great name! It just sounds like a fun place. On a whim, I purchased a Living Social coupon for my hubby to do a craft beer tasting. I had never heard of the place, but it was only a half hour away, so I thought it would be a fun thing to do on a day when we had nothing going on.

Yesterday was another rainy Saturday, so I presented the voucher to my spouse and suggested we check it out. For some dumb reason I thought the tasting was for 2 people, but it wasn't. I called ahead to be sure. The lovely lady who answered the phone assured me that one tasting was sufficient for 2 people. The samples were very generous in her opinion. The coupon was for four samplers and a pint of the beer of your choice. Being that some craft beer has an alcohol content at over 10%, we decided she was probably correct. With our big black dog in the back of my vehicle, we headed down the road the Jamestown.

Jamestown was first settled in the 1700's by Quakers. It later became a town, and was named after James Mendenhall.  It currently boasts a population of about 3,300 people in a little under 3 sure miles. In my opinion, this makes it qualify as "off the beaten path". It is, however, very, very close to the cities of Greensboro and High Point. Jamestown is very quaint. Main Street is attractive and has several eateries, watering holes, gift shops, a library, etc. The buildings have great character.

Potent Potables opened about three months ago. It occupies a building that has been home to a gym and a restaurant, among other businesses. Sadie Mays was a very popular restaurant on that site for many years. The new owners kept the sign from Sadie Mays and having it hanging on the back wall as a tribute. Potent Potables (go ahead, say it three times, fast) is a wine shop/beer store/gift shop/gathering place. Owners and spouses Steve and Abby have done a great job making the establishment feel very welcoming. Steve is the resident beer expert and Abby is the wine pro. They have a variety of wine bottle toppers, cork screws, bottle openers, as you would expect in that type of shop. They also have some yummy looking snacks and some very pretty perfume bottles. That sounds out of place, but they add some charm to the surroundings. When you first walk in, you notice a generous wine selection. Then you notice a large, inviting booth, and a table and chairs. As you walk across the store, you notice a fabulous selection of beer. There is a fridge with some "cold ones", as my husband would say. Look toward the back of the store and you will be pleasantly surprised. There is a wooden bar with stools, and a bunch of wooden tables and chairs. Each table has a deck of cards on it. They seem to be inviting the customers to stay and hang out a while. The bar contains an assortment of craft beer on tap. Abby informed us that the selection changes frequently. Don't rush off. Sit down and do a beer or wine tasting. Order a pint or a glass. Chat it up with the other customers. Get to know Abby and Steve. If you're lucky, you will be there on a day when they set out a crock pot with their complimentary Southwest style chicken soup. We were lucky. They had it out on a table, with bowls, tortilla chips, and cookies. One of the other customers told us that they sometimes have finger sandwiches and other  goodies. On certain days they have a food truck come and park outside so patrons can go out and purchase food and bring it inside to eat. They also allow you to bring your own food in. How great is that? They have all kinds of daily specials. Sometimes there is live music. This place is a little gem. I truly hope that the business takes off. It is so inviting. My only regret is that it isn't five minutes from my house!