Blue Ridge blog

This is a post lacking an appropriate title...

So this beautiful scene in Valle Crucis is as green as the money leaving my wallet this evening...
Remember when I posted recently about how I wished my youngest would keep her eyes on the road? Well, she didn't exactly read or heed my post and got into a little fender bender. Everyone is just fine, but in the excitement of the moment, she did the polar opposite of everything we had previously preached. She immediately admitted guilt, profusely apologized, forgot to call her parents, bent to the pressure of not calling the police, then gave up her license and insurance info to the other person, but failed to get their's in return... The dude she ran into is an acquaintance which makes this event that much more uncomfortable. Crap. Just Crap.
So here is my hope: If'n I ever get into an accident with a child/teenager, regardless of who is at fault, I pray to remember I am an adult and am therefore responsible to restrain myself from all assitude and intimidation over said child/teenager... I am not perfect but I strive to do what is right and honorable. I wish everyone else would too.

A usual day...

Hey look! This is a post without animals or my children. Heh, that comment could be considered redundant. Instead, I'm back to showing y'all the entry of spring unto these hills. My husband and I enjoyed an evening brew midst a storm while comfortably poised upon our deck. I was able to drink a beer, shoot this scene and listen to his eventful day all at the same time. I savored it all. I'm a mean multi-tasking Marie, that's what.

For those interested: I used a tripod and and a really cheap Cokin neutral density graduated filter to photographically aid me. It was important to me to bring out the white blossoms of the ornamental crabapple tree as well as the hint of red blush in the other trees. Maybe I should have added some exposure to bring out the mid-tones, but this is what it is- a photo by Marie of today.

We hail thee Carolina...

Me to Eldest: "May I blog about you going to USC?"
She to Me: "Sure. I guess it is official now that I bought the t-shirt and car decal."
Me to Eldest: "Ummm. I'm not sure exactly what to write. So tell me again why you did choose USC?"
She to Me: "Well, it sure wasn't for the 89 degree weather in March. And, it wasn't because garnet and black are particularly good colors on me. Absolutely nothing in my wardrobe works with garnet."
Me to She: "What? You don't like things Hot Hot Hot?"
She to Me: "LOL. That was funny."
She to Me: "Tell your blog I chose USC mainly for it's strong Dept. of Exercise Science. That will sound mature, but what really hooked me when we visited was The Strom.... and I knew USC was for me when I took the mock class on the anatomy of the upper arm on Scholars Day. Now that was impressive."

I have already paid the tuition and housing deposit via the internet. So, I reckon it is official. My daughter is going to be a Fighting Gamecock and for the next four years of my life I'm going to have to endure endless jokes about the possibilty of seeing my daughter on national tv yelling THIS or wearing this. It is going to be either that or explaining to folks here in the Tarheel state why she is not attending the Other Carolina.

But, I don't care. USC is an excellent school and we are delighted with her decision.

**Update**
Rob on the What's hAPPening blog linked to interesting survey results about parents of college-bound students.

Today is her birthday...

My Youngest is 17 today. While I was out of town this weekend, my husband pulled his 1978 Jeep Renegade limited Levis Edition out of storage, took the top off and proceeded to toss the keys to my daughter. "Take it for a spin along the Parkway," he said to her. I can not imagine a better thing to be than a 17 year old, driving in the open air along the Blue Ridge Parkway with her friends. I believe this photo her friend took confirms my sentiment.
Of course, the mom in me looks at this photo and thinks, "Yikes, she needs to keep her eyes on the road."

A few minutes ago...

This was the view from my deck. As you see, there are no leaves on our trees up here. In fact, the sexy blush of spring is not yet visible upon the branches. But what you do not see are the sounds of the approaching season in my neck of the woods. We have a new confused rooster in the hollow who announces his presence both at the crack of dawn and at sunset. The other birds are madly courting each other and raiding the stockpile of Harley's hair I set out on the forest floor last month. Other signs spring is near? I just witnessed Mister Man return from a bountiful forest forage, clutching a pine vol in his jaws. And, my Youngest left the house this morning wearing her favorite hoodie, shorts and flip flops.

See, all Earth's creatures feel the planet's tilt is finally in our favor.

Fat and nappy...

Meet my newest friends Roscoe and Pinky. Go ahead. Reach out and scritch their little heads. Don't worry about them running away...they ain't going anywhere any time soon. Do y'all get the strange feeling this blog is turning into a menagerie?

"Dance is an excellent attention getter....second only to screaming."

Many thanks to the devine Agnes de Millefor the title quote of this post. Her words seem so perfect to describe my youngest, a dancer, who rarely raises her voice, yet through her body movements oh so beautifully screams, 'Look at me." Her dance team travelled down the mountain today to perform ballet, clogging and jazz dances. Apparently the judges heard their shouts and the team brought home just awards. Cool.

So it was a simple, good day...

I explored Valle Crucis in the snow...I love this flag!

I was fortunate to visit with a new born minature hereford calf. In my line of work, I am definitely 'on call' to shoot all kind of new born babies...

And then, I saw Howell putting his tractor away in the barn after feeding his cattle.
Even the times before, between and after these photos were made it was a good day for Marie. I relish uncomplicated, uncluttered days.

My personal grouse alarm clock...

You know I live in the country when a grouse wakes you up in the morning...
This morning I was into my little snoozin cruise when all the sudden I was shaken awake by a 'THWACK.' A second later I was on my feet, covering my head for fear the house was caving in. I searched for the source and did not see a thing for a minute. Then, I noticed signs of 'bird meets window.' I looked for a body below. I finally found the source, it was this rascal who was more than a wee addled. I was going to take advantage of its messed up state to take a few close-ups, but I feared Harley would follow me and monsieur grouse would become puppy chow, so I grabbed this shot through the garage windows. While focusing on my subject I wondered if this was the same grouse I had shot before
So that was my day's excitement. And yours?
Another sign of country living, is having a husband and children who actually pause to watch Karaoke-Dokey on the CMT.
I'm not sure what I did to deserve this...

I'm lacking but these people aren't..

So, I've had a few moments to glance at you, dearest internet, and I find ye quite comely:
Best and sexiest recipe today goes to Beth for her Double Dipping Shrimp recipe. A recipe for two--oh la la.

No doubt Lorianne gets my vote for the best belly post . Makes me just want to reach out and hug my own soft belly.

As far as getting that photo feelin', I'm liking me some of the Pitcher Lady and Dujour.

And finally, my favorite newest blog is Mr. Sherman's Musings from the Hinterland
Go getcha some blog fun.