Circa 1988, Boone NC

Kathy Evans and I, at our beloved Murphy's, where we worked and played. I'm not sure why we are dressed alike, because we did not wear uniforms at Murphy's. I am 20 in this pic and Murphy's is no longer on this site. It is now in downtown Boone in the old Watauga Democrat building. Lotta memories in this pic.

Boone 2009

On a sunny Tuesday morning in May, two cousins headed for the hills of NC for a quick road trip. Robbie is home on leave from the Air Force, and wanted to see our majestic mountains while he was home. Of course, I was happy to oblige him as hostess in this endeavor! Lots of memories of my days living in Boone flooded back and Rob and I made some new memories during our visit!

Rob and I stayed at The High Country Inn, locally owned and literally built in the side of the mountain. One thing that makes it original is the wildlife that lives on site. There are ducks and rabbits, a beautiful stream and nature area all along the parameter of the parking lot. Not your average Holiday Inn! Great rates too!

The stream that flows down the property ultimately ends up turning the water wheel at the base of the hill the hotel sits on. In the winter this wheel is beautiful as the water is frozen on it!

Rob in front of the waterwheel. Highway 105 is in the background.

The entrance to High Country Inn.



Rob and I spent most of the morning in downtown Boone, visiting various shops and walking around the town. Some things were just the same as when I left, some had changed. This is The Jones House, which sits in the center of town and has been here since 1926. It now serves as a community center and houses lots of old artifacts of the early days of Boone. All summer long there is music on the grounds.

Boone Drug, established in 1933. My first job during college was here, working at the lunch counter. The start of my restaurant era, I suppose!

I cannot say enough about Boone Bagelry!!! I worked there from the day they opened and we were all more than just co-workers and friends, we were family! Lots and Lots and Lots of great memories here, not just working, but also hanging out. Best breakfast in Boone! They are celebrating 21 years in business this year! Donna, one of the owners, said she and her husband, Tony, the other owner, are looking for someone to manage the place now that they are getting older. She told me to think about it if I ever moved back. Hmmmmm...... (just kidding Mom :)

Robbie and I had lunch at Our Daily Bread. They have remodeled since I was last there and the place looks great! Wonderful sandwiches and homemade potato salad!

I couldn't believe how traffic has increased on King Street. Boone has grown so much since I was there! At one point I lived in an apartment nestled in the mountain you see in this pic, almost at the top.

No visit to Boone would be complete without a stop at the Mast General Store. Rob and I splurged on a couple of things for ourselves, just like real tourists!

Another shot of Mast Store.

Howard's Knob

I wanted Robbie to see Howard's Knob, where groups of us spent many afternoons hanging out when I was a student. You can see the entire town of Boone from the 3,333 foot elevation. The narrow road going up to "The Knob" is quite a climb, and you better have good brakes and put the car in low gear coming down!

Robbie exploring one of the many boulders on the trail to the lookout.

In the center of this pic you can see ASU's football stadium. Just to the left is the dorm I lived in during my first year.

This is pretty much the extent of my rock climbing these days.

Robbie atop a rock in the center of the park.

Blowing Rock

Robbie and I spent the latter part of the afternoon in Blowing Rock walking the shops and enjoying the sunshine. We stopped at Glidewell's (formerly Tijuiana Fats in the old days) to get a cold drink and watch the little town's other guests enjoy themselves as they strolled by. Rob and I at Glidewell's. After relaxing a bit, we walked further down the street to the Blowing Rock Park.

Blowing Rock brings out the kid in all of us!

This is a statue at the edge of the park that honors gardeners. The flowers and landscaping at the park are beautiful, especially right now as everything is in full bloom.

Robbie in front of the Veterans Memorial at Blowing Rock Park.

Inside the Bob Timberlake Gallery...beautiful art and so much more!



We went to Canyons for dinner and "a show".....the sunset! The food was awesome and we ate out on the deck that overlooks Linville Gorge. The view is unbelievable from there! For all you old mountaineers, Canyons is in the building that used to house Holley's Tavern.

View from Canyon's Deck.

Another shot of my beloved mountains..

Robbie and I had a great time on our quick road trip! Thanks, Rob, for sharing this time with your ol' mountaineer cuz!

Mother's Day 2009

Happy Mother's Day to my great mom, known as Sandy to the rest of the world! She, Daddy and I started the day at my house with gifts, then headed to the Farmers Market for breakfast and a bit of flower shopping.

Breakfast at The Moose Cafe was wonderful! I couldn't resist taking a picture of Mom at this mural in the restaurant. If only those horses had been real....we would have been on them in a second!
Mom and Dad shopped for some things for their yard, while I looked for a pretty plant to put in my den.

A great morning with family!

Thank you, Mom, for all you do for our family all year long. You are not only my mother, but truly my best friend. I love you very much!!

Welcome Home Robbie!!

On Friday, May 8th, I made a secret trip to PTI Airport to pick up my cousin Robbie, who shares my birthday and is in the Air Force. Robbie's plan was to surprise the family and especially his Mom for Mother's day. Upon his arrival we were so happy to see one another, but not so happy that American Airlines had lost all his luggage. Rob didn't even let that detail bother him and we started back to Archdale for a fun-filled day!

After a cure of Rob's craving for NC BBQ at Carter Brothers, we headed to Maria's house to visit with her and the gang. It didn't take long for a game of Bball to get started in the driveway!

Robbie and I went back to my house, where I was going to hide him out for a couple of days. We enjoyed sitting on the deck and catching up. At dinnertime, Angela and Kendall came over and brought Jordan and Savannah, Brandon's son and daughter. We ordered pizza and had a wonderful family visit. Brandon was still at work but was there in spirit!

Savannah, who is 14 and head of the JV cheerleading squad!







Jordan,16 entertaining us with some great guitar playing.

Robbie said he had been craving Sir Pizza for so long! Archdale is a long way from New Mexico and there is no Sir Pizza, BBQ, or Archdale Soda Shop there!

One of God's little blessings...

...who was getting a little tired by group photo time.

Savannah demonstrated some of her cheers and dance routines in the back yard.

Harley enjoyed all the company and had a nice evening as well! In the end, Robbie decided to go over to his parents' house that very night and surprise his mom. She was thrilled.

WELCOME HOME ROBBIE! LOVE YOU BUNCHES!