Fall, Felines, and Figs
Last weekend we hiked fifteen miles, my honey and I. We went to the top of Mount LeConte and slept at the Lodge. It's rustic, but I love it. No electricity, but there are lanterns, heaters, and flush toilets. The food they serve is truly delicious, especially when you realize that you didn't have to carry your own food up there. We went up the Boulevard Trail, 8 gentle miles, then walked around to Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point the next morning (total 2 miles). It got down to 32 degrees up there, but we had a propane heater in the cabin. We were "socked in" for sunset, but had a beautiful sunrise with a sea of clouds at about 4,000 feet while the bright yellow sun rose on the horizon at 6,600 feet, where we sat. By 10 a.m. the clouds were rolling mysteriously away. We came back on Alum Cave Trail, 5 steep miles. I was really glad I didn't have to go up that way! It took two hours to get to Gma's from the parking lot at the end of the trail. We could barely walk by then; my calves felt like raw hamburger. Beans and cornbread were a welcome supper after a hot shower. It was a wonderful way to celebrate my mountain man's 55th birthday.
This weekend was Mom's birthday and we had a fun day celebrating in our own "girlie" way. I invited some friends to stop by and see her house. She has it all decorated up now. We've hung two sets of curtains, and she and Dad have hung many pictures and arranged lots of furniture. After their visits, we had lunch at our house and birthday cake. Then, Todd and Allison, David and I went by to take pictures of the house. The camera didn't work, so I went back over today.
The trees around here have not changed much yet. We saw a little color in the Smokies, but it's probably peaking now. We've had a light frost around here, so maybe SOON. The air is cooler, though, and it's fun to snuggle under blankets and wear sweaters again.
Scott is so amazing with his cat stories. One wild one captured then lost, one found dead, and now the runaway rediscovered! It's exciting to read of his adventures. I hope his grades don't suffer from his feline affinity. It makes me glad our cat is still around. I think he must be 15 years old, but he doesn't act like it. Just a little "whiney" now and then. He can still jump and catch things and take care of himself outside. It's fun to sit by the fire and have him sleep on your lap.
One of life's little pleasures is eating fresh figs. My parents tried to tell me so when I was younger, but I wouldn't believe them. Just two years ago, a friend shared the little secret of putting a small piece of goat cheese on top of a half of a Brown Turkey fig. It is scrumptious! If you haven't tried it, please do. The tang of the cheese combines so well with the sweetness of the fig. It's just "heaven on earth". Last night, I started remembering that taste from last year and just HAD to get to the grocery store to get a batch of fresh figs and a little piece of goat cheese. It sounds crazy, but if you try it, I promise you'll start craving it, too.
I hope your fall is fabulous. If you have a furry feline, enjoy him while you can. And if you find a fresh fig, savor the flavor.
This weekend was Mom's birthday and we had a fun day celebrating in our own "girlie" way. I invited some friends to stop by and see her house. She has it all decorated up now. We've hung two sets of curtains, and she and Dad have hung many pictures and arranged lots of furniture. After their visits, we had lunch at our house and birthday cake. Then, Todd and Allison, David and I went by to take pictures of the house. The camera didn't work, so I went back over today.
The trees around here have not changed much yet. We saw a little color in the Smokies, but it's probably peaking now. We've had a light frost around here, so maybe SOON. The air is cooler, though, and it's fun to snuggle under blankets and wear sweaters again.
Scott is so amazing with his cat stories. One wild one captured then lost, one found dead, and now the runaway rediscovered! It's exciting to read of his adventures. I hope his grades don't suffer from his feline affinity. It makes me glad our cat is still around. I think he must be 15 years old, but he doesn't act like it. Just a little "whiney" now and then. He can still jump and catch things and take care of himself outside. It's fun to sit by the fire and have him sleep on your lap.
One of life's little pleasures is eating fresh figs. My parents tried to tell me so when I was younger, but I wouldn't believe them. Just two years ago, a friend shared the little secret of putting a small piece of goat cheese on top of a half of a Brown Turkey fig. It is scrumptious! If you haven't tried it, please do. The tang of the cheese combines so well with the sweetness of the fig. It's just "heaven on earth". Last night, I started remembering that taste from last year and just HAD to get to the grocery store to get a batch of fresh figs and a little piece of goat cheese. It sounds crazy, but if you try it, I promise you'll start craving it, too.
I hope your fall is fabulous. If you have a furry feline, enjoy him while you can. And if you find a fresh fig, savor the flavor.
posted by Mrs B at
6:55 PM
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