Max Patch

I'm going back in time for this post since I just realized I forgot to post these amazing pictures from Max Patch in North Carolina.

First off, if you ever go to western North Carolina you must go here. Second, Googlemaps LIES. This is NOT an hour away from Asheville. It's more like 2 and a half. And most of the ride is on a gravel road that will absolutely mess up your car. BUT..it's soooo worth it. Your first views are these beautiful and calm rolling hills and meadows...

Once you cross the meadows...this is your view. AMAZING (though not panoramically correct in placement, oops be sure to click on the picture!)


You also have an endless supply of wild blackberries to eat all along the way.


this is a happy dog.

picking wildflowers. I forgot to take a picture of the bouquet I left with.


Seen any bear poop lately? They sure love berries!


Spreading world peace.


To Kyle and Cernuda...you boys would have crossed this marker on the Appalachian Trail had you not quit so early!!


I'm not sure if you can see the black specs in most of these pictures...


they are actually sparrows speeding through the air all around you and somehow they manage never to hit anything. Here's one in action:


Possibly my favorite place on Earth.


On the way back we stumbled upon the St. Jude's Chapel of Hope on the way home. Pretty lucky considering I bookmarked it as a place to visit when I saw it featured in WNC magazine. Very pretty non-denominational church open to the public 24/7.


and it was next to this beautiful river and barn.

You MUST go here if you are ever in the area! More Texas current events to come!

24

I turned 24 on Sunday. It feels no different than 23 but boy did I have a fun birthday weekend.

I started off the weekend by picking these lovely flowers that are growing all over the place lately


On Saturday, I woke up to a birthday cake! Despite my urges to scarf it all down asap, I exhibited some self-control and saved it for after dinner. Then Thomas had to work but I was able to tag along. Our mission was to sign up street performers (or "buskers" as they call it up here) for a contest to find the best downtown busker. Winner gets to perform at an event in the park downtown and gets some $$$. Thomas had to video one song per busker to post on the radio website for online voting. They all thought I was part of the project so I snapped away without any worries. These three folks make up part of "Big Nasty." My vote goes to them hands down. This isn't our video, but check em out.






This is Drayton. He travels around and lives out of his guitar case.


This is Abby. She plays spoons like a maniac. It's pretty mind-blowing.


I really liked her tattoo. She also used that chapstick to grease up her fingers and knuckles for the spoon playing.


I can't remember his name but he was super nice. Who would have thought you find a didgeridoo player on the streets of Asheville!


One member of Nomadic Minstrels. He's playing the hammer dulcimer. Not that I knew what that was until I asked. I think he builds his own. Pretty interesting sound.


Caught my eye.

After the busker hunt, we grabbed some Thai food and headed to a serious game of roller derby. Roller derby half time shows are pretty amazing. Last game had elementary school break dancers. This game had a fire show complete with crazy LED light dinosaurs, flaming toy cars, fire whips that make humongous fireballs when cracked, and flaming jump ropes and hula hoops. I definitely regret not bringing my camera. After the game, it was finally time for some cake!


Thomas got me the bestest cake of all! A GARDEN cake which he was apparently jipped on the decorations but it was super cute! Oh, and it was strawberry cake. Amazing.

Poof enjoyed a slice as well.

After the early festivities, the rest of the weekend consisted of me laying in the backyard trying to even out the WORST farmers tan EVER and Tom "practicing" his croquet skills. If you've ever played croquet with this guy, you know he DOES NOT need any practice. He's also a pro at rubbing his mad skills in your face!


It's love.

Dreaming...

Moldy Bathrooms and Tornadoes

One of the many sources of my constant illness...



Being manly, scraping the paint off

I don't have a picture of the final finished bathroom since I'm still cleaning it up and putting it back together.

Last night we had insane storms and most likely a small tornado making an appearance in the backyard. Long story short, Tom and I grabbed the dog and a flashlight and huddled in the basement bathroom for a while until the storm seemed to have passed around 1am. One of the scariest things I've ever experienced. This house not too far from us got an awfully scary surprise in the middle of the night. Hopefully no one was upstairs at the time.


I should've got out and stood next to the roots. They reached as high as the power lines.


The wind balded one side of our trees. Now you see it...

Now you don't!

Tom's giving them some love and encouragement to grow new leaves.

Everyone is safe over here. I've just been a nervous nellie since the weather reports are predicting more insane thunderstorms. We'll keep you posted!