Grandfathers

Last summer we all gathered at Mom and Dad's in June. Both my grandfathers came and seemed to have the same sense of fashion that day! I am so lucky to be blessed with grandparents for so many years of my life. On the left is Pa Paw, on the right is Grandaddy. Pa- Paw passed away today. He was 90 years old. Grandaddy is 87 and living with Alzheimers. "....surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life......."

And I know it will. Love to these two special men, those who gave me the heritage of Staton and Royals.

Couch Potatoes

Ric and I took a quick trip earlier in the week. Boomer was due for some shots, so he was boarded at the vet while we were gone. Harley stayed home and was cared for by her grand-humans. (THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!!!) When we got home Boomer came to stay with Harley and me while Ric took care of business as usual. This is how they spent the entire day after we arrived back from our trip. Thank goodness for the doggie blanket I have for my sofa!!!

...hope no one turns me in to the ASPCA........................

Road Trip to Asheville!

On Sunday, Ric and I traveled to Asheville for a food show sponsered by one of his distributors, Sysco foods. We stayed at the marvelous Grove Park Inn. The inn was built in 1914 and has all kinds of historical significance. The rocks that comprise the hotel were rolled up the mountain by a team of 200 men, mules, and horses. You really have to see it to believe it! We enjoyed Sunday evening and Monday exploring the hotel and learning about its history before attending the show on Tuesday.

The view just off of the main lobby, also called the "Grand Hall" overlooking the mountain and downtown Asheville.


I was especially amused with the old-timey phones in one of the wings of the hotel.

Sunday at the Grove Park

After getting settled in at the beautiful resort, we enjoyed a great dinner in the Inn's main restaurant. It can seat up to 400 people and has an incredible view! We were lucky enough to get a window seat and the food, service, and company was wonderful.

I decided to revisit my old hobby of rock-climbing, which I learned in Boone many years ago. Ric is a great photographer; I am not up nearly as high as this pic seems. This is one of many beautiful columns at the entrance to the Inn.

The wagon behind Ric holds the wood used to keep the fire burning in the huge fireplace in the lobby.

Monday Night Dress-Up

Monday evening we got dressed up for the "Welcome Party" for all Sysco customers. The event was held at "Elaine's", a dueling piano lounge. It was so much fun and we saw several people we know who also have local restaurants. It was fun for Ric and the other restauranteers to cut loose and be customers for a change. The two guys at the pianos could play anything an audience member requested and everyone in the place would sing-along! We had a great time and stayed out until midnight!
The billiards table has been in the Inn since 1928...It is very old fashioned with leather pockets. My dad would have loved it!

The fireplace in the lobby, also known as the "Grand Hall". Very cozy with live jazz in the evenings.

These guys could play anything! It was amazing and everyone had a wonderful time.

Josh

I wanted to post a tribute to my friend Josh Sweitzer. Josh worked for me for a while and I am still not sure who taught who more. He was a wonderful young man with kid-like attributes, yet he had all the heart and soul of a grown gentleman. He loved his family, his friends, and his future. He aspired to become a police officer. Josh was born three days after I turned eighteen. Often when we worked together he would ask me about "The 80's". I enjoyed being a co-worker and big sister to this fine young man.
Josh died on Halloween night, 2007. I am blessed to have known him.

Buddy Bird

Not all creatures on Ashland Street live in the backyard.

Buddy Bird has lived here since 1995. He is a zebra finch, a small bird that is very easy to care for. The average life expectancy for these finches is 5-9 years. This little bird has been a sideboard pet of mine for FOURTEEN YEARS!!! He sings a beautiful song in the mornings while I get ready for work, loves to be out on the deck in the summer, and is a great part of the decor of my home.

Bud likes to hang out on top of his nest.. he has outlived his mate, so now his companion is "Patty Plastic"...a fake bird that sits on the perch below him. He nestles next to her at night before retireing to his nest.

Superbowl Sunday

Budweiser "circus" video - Google Search


My favorite part of the superbowl is the commercials, although this year's game was great! Go Steelers!
Click the link above to see a wonderful Clydesdales commericial from Budweiser. It will touch your heart!


Ric had a great gathering for the game, with a buffet of football foods and balloons all over the place representing both teams. They even had 3-D glasses for one commercial.

I went for the first half and watched the second at home with Harley and Boomer.