Friday, July 6, 2012

Home

We are home, after a lovely long drive yesterday, and way, way to much caffeine in the form of iced tea for me, to get me through the drive.  North Carolina was such a lovely trip.  There was a massive heat wave, and several storms that popped up out on no where, and again the heat, 97 to 102 degrees in town, yikes!

 The boys had a great time.

The skydiving experience.

 The Factory which is an amazing place with games, laser tag, putt putt golf and go-carts.

Tubing down the 48 degree river on the 4th of July.
 
 Gem mining.

 While the boys were playing games and laser tag we stole away for a few minutes to The Whistle Stop Antique Mall.  So many lovely things to see.

 My favorite item in the whole place was this lovely sheep foot stool.  At $190 it was too steep for me, but isn't it cute?

 We also stopped by Silver Threads and Golden Needles the lovely yarn store in Franklin, NC where we were staying.  Beautiful yarn, lovely people, gorgeous store, stop by if you are in the area, it is worth a trip.

 Look what I found, a sheep scissor holder.  She is from Lantern Moon, which means that the proceeds help to generate income for families in Vietnam.  In her little crochet basket she has a tiny crochet scarf, can you see it?  And might I add she was much more reasonable than the foot stool.

 I also bought this lovely hand dyed yarn made exclusively for the store.  Maybe yet another shrug?  I am still thinking about that one.

 This corner of the porch is where I sat looking out at the mountains a little bit every afternoon.  Even if the sun was shinning, and it was hot outside I tried to stay out as much as possible.  The air is so clear in the mountains, and even if it is hot, the humidity is not like Florida, which makes it much easier to tolerate.
 This is the view from the porch.  Behind the center trees is the shading of a mountain that my camera just could not seem to pick up.

 Lynda and Bruce have a new rescue dog Howie, boy is he a lover.  He and I spent a great deal of time together sharing a lot of loving.

 There was time for a walk or two in the woods.
And to sit and observe this beautiful waterfall while the boys were tubing. 

I spent a lot of time just being with my friends as they travel this tough road that cancer has led them to.  Bruce had a decent report while I was there although the Doctor warned him that he is still terminal.  I reminded Bruce that technically we are all terminal so that really isn't new information.  He got a chuckle out of that one.  I guess we can try to remember to make the best of everyday, but that is easily forgotten in the daily grind of life.  I feel fortunate to have spent some lovely time with my dear friends even though at times I felt that we were imposing.  But on a selfish note, I wanted to spend time with Bruce as I don't get to see him often, and I wanted to be there for Lynda to show her my support.  

How was your week?

18 comments:

JCDiTaranto said...

Great pictures! Sounds like a really satisfying, if bittersweet, trip.

Teresa Kasner said...

Wow, you and the boys did a lot of adventurous things! I'm glad you got to spend time with your friends, I am sure they treasured time with you. Hugs, Teresa

Claudia said...

Glad you're home safely. And that Bruce's report from the doctor was a bit more positive. The boys look like they had a great time. Give that Jake a kiss for me. I love that face.

xo
Claudia

Anonymous said...

Looks like you have a lovely time.

I'm so sorry that Bruce and Lynda are facing some difficult times. They will be in my prayers.

Howie is adorable. He looks like a good companion.

Lillie and Moss said...

So glad you made the trip back home safe.. your pictures are very nice and looks like the boys were having a great time! I am sure your dear friend was very happy to see you and I hope for the best!
XOXO...Shari

kathy b said...

Mere

You are a great friend to go. Many people just shy away from such visits. Im sure they were so happy to have you. Tubing is always a blast. Your images are so lovely. I love your new yarn haul and the little sheep scissors guy. Adorable.
I want to skydive that way!

Grateful4Crochet said...

Glad you're home safely. I love the sheep!!! So cute!!
Sounds like a great holiday, thoughts are with your friends, so good you got to spend time with them.

Susanne Tyree said...

I am sure you were a wonderful diversion to your friends in NC. People forget that the cancer patient needs to laugh once in awhile too and the final days of one's life need not be filled with gloom and doom. I remember being told once that we are all dying, from the moment we are born we begin to die. That is an unsettling thought when you are young and so full of life, but it is the best reason on earth to live each day as if it were your last, and to love each other because life is way too short no matter how many years we are blessed to have.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Kris said...

I am sure your friends appreciated your visit very much!!!!
Hugs,
Kris

Sentimentally Me said...

Looks like the boys had a ball! Good Gosh Howie is a cutie, and Lynda and Bruce are lucky to have a friend like you :) I hope that he is pain-free and doing okay, glad you're home safe & sound!

xoo P

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you all had a wonderful time :) So many fun things to do and beautiful things to see. The Carolinas are truly stunning states. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip visiting your friends!
~Lacey

Unknown said...

Great pictures! I am so glad that you got to see your friend. Who know what tomorrow will bring. Sure was nice that he got soem good news. That sheep foot stool is something I remember seeing. In magazines? I am 56, but do remember them. Guess that makes me an antique! lol. I have friends living in N Carolina but have never been there.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Lovely pictures. So glad you had a good time and that you were able to spend time with your friends. Don't tell Max about Howie! We don't want Max getting his feelings hurt...Howie looked so cute. :)

Rest up and hit the needles soon...can't wait to see what you've been up to. :)

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for taking me along on your trip, Meredith :) I was thinking this week how I had enjoyed many good visits with a friend while she was receiving chemo. We knit or crocheted or worked on crossword puzzles together. Precious times.
I chuckled several times while reading about the boys adventures and your shopping explorations. [So glad you befriended your little sheep :]
And bravo for all your woolie-work:)
Gracie <3

Annie Cholewa said...

I am so happy for you that you got to spend this time with your friends. I too have a friend who lives far away and is going through some really tough times and I so want to go and visit but am worried about imposing.

But the thought of that heat, even dry heat, has me melting!

Rose Red said...

Sounds like a good trip. What wonderful views you had. And glad you came home with some yarny goodness!

Tammy said...

So sorry to hear about your friend, Meredith. Cancer just seems to be affecting more and more people these days. Very sad. I'm glad you were able to spend quality time with him and Lynda. North Carolina is really beautiful! While we were in Sri Lanka, I too wanted to make sure to enjoy as much of the great outdoors as I could. As long as there was daylight, I wanted to be outside. Can't do that in Kuwait during the summer so gotta enjoy it while I can. I wanted to find a yarn shop while there but it didn't happen. Your little sheep scissor holder sure is cute. Have a lovely week. Tammy

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I am so sorry about your friend Meredith. It is nice you were able to visit with them for a short time. Your scissor holder is too cute!~Hugs, Patti