I am not counting the days, but I think it is almost halftime of summer vacation. I am trying to soak up every minute of it. Really I am. I spent a week at Carolina Beach with Sister Moo and Best Niece. It's become a tradition for the three of us to do this. Moo …
Category: family
Needs vs Wants
Princess rotary dial phone: image courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com When I teach the French expressions for "I need" and "I want" (j'ai besoin et j'ai envie), to make it more concrete we make lists. As concrete as possible works best for 7th graders. I do indeed ask them if their parents have explained the difference between …
Miss Spruce Pine
This is a look at Chalk Mountain, taken from the road between Spruce Pine and Bakersville. It's not the prettiest view, I suppose, but it is one I associate with home. I lived in those mountains for 22 years, 18 in Spruce Pine, 4 in Linville and Boone. I still tell people I am from …
The Ex-Ex
This is my favorite photo of the summer. I took it during our family's week at Sunset Beach. The Ex-Ex and Mlle Adorable reading. Here's another-- He doesn't know I am writing this. (I guess I will find out if he reads the blog, n'est-ce pas?) The Ex-Ex and I have known each other since …
The best job in the world
The best job in the world is not even a job. It's pure love. Love that is unexpected. Joy that cannot be put into mere words. I am the Gramma to this sweet girl. She is now 13 months old. She came over to hang out with us today. We went for several walks and …
Once in a blue moon
(photo: Sam Bland) I've heard the old expression, once in a blue moon, all of my life, but only just recently found out where it comes from. A blue moon is when there is a second full moon in a given calendar month. It isn't really blue, of course. Although Sam Bland, an amazing photographer, …
All I Want for Christmas
As I sit here, next to my beautiful Christmas tree, listening to the cat lap up water and to cars pass by at 7:15 on Christmas morning, I have the song All I Want for Christmas stuck in my head. Yesterday I had almost everything I need right under one roof. Adorable Granddaughter spent the night so …
Casseroles and cakes
When there is a death in the family of a friend, Southerners head to the kitchen. We don an apron and heat up the oven. We get out the cast iron skillet, casserole dishes and cake pans. We need to feel useful and we know that there will be people who need to be fed. …
Give thanks
I am thankful for so many people and things. I have a good life. As I was stirring up biscuits for breakfast this morning, I started a list in my head. A: animals, Arles, apples, art, Aaron, Amelia, Andy, Appalachian Mountains, Abby, airplanes, Alex, adjectives, adventures B: Bertie, butter, bacon, baguettes, buttermilk biscuits, bluegrass music …
What’s your favorite recipe?
(Carlton Cards) I found this card to send to my turkeys in SP since I will not be with them for Thanksgiving. Too funny. I miss those turkeys. I will visit them soon. I promise. Today's question of the day... "What's your favorite recipe, madame?" Asked by one of my 6th graders after she told …
the sabbatical chef 