Arbor House News and Views

It's hot outside but sitting on the front porch in the shade and catching a breeze is very enjoyable. The potted plants have gotten a little spoiled and want a little water everyday or else they wilt.
Think I will head up to MT. Mitchelle for a hike , it's always cooler up there and the trails will be pine scented and green.  The turks caps lillies will be in bloom along the parkway , like these I have in my garden.

July 2nd,
Our second week's stay here- we hope to return every year! Thank you for your gracious home and hospitality, for accomodation our vegetarian diet with scrumptous delectable breakfasts, for the comfy bed, the artwork , spacious bathrooom, the CD and DVD player , thick bathrobes , charming decor , spectucular location, a veritable Shangri-la! Carolyn , you are a true artist and a domestic goddess, and MASTERful gardener. Many blessings to you, Carolyn and Dave!

Guests from Virginia

This morning our guests wanted to eat out in the cool foggy mist. At 6 am the foggy was so thick that it was hard to see across the lake.  I enjoy walk around the lake and enjoy the quiet and muffled sounds that the fog carries.  Yesterday we had a rather large thunderstorm with lots of rain so the morning flowers from the garden were fresh.

It must be summer, it hot and humid and we need some rain.  I just took a lake around the lake and you could smell the backyard burgers and hear the laughter of people gathering for a picnic.  The town of Black Mountain is having a street dance, games and music tonight before the fireworks start  at 9:30.
It's nice to be able to walk down town to see the fireworks and not have to drive the car and find a place to park. Hope you have a safe and fun holiday.

Happy 4th of July weekend to you.  Hope you have a good time with family and friends and a safe journey if you are on the road.
Our little town of Black Mountain will be celebrating with a parade , street dance and fireworks tomorrow night.  For the brave there will be hike sponsored by the museum that will hike up a mountain to view the fireworks from the mountain top and hike back down with flash lights at 11 pm.  It is an annual hike and anyone can pay a small fee to join the fun for a good cause.

If you are into hiking and like the thrill of walking and taking in views the Blueridge Mountains calls to you.  We are so lucky to have the park in our backyard and can hop on the Blueridge Parkway within minutes.  The mountain to sea trail runs along the parkway and they are many other trails along the mile markers as you travel the parkway. We have maps that detail the trails and shows the elevations.
If you just want to drive you car up to MT. Mitchelle you can get the same views without hiking. Somehow it like just desserts, when you hike and work up a sweat to climb up the hills the end result is wonderful.