Asheville NC

Greg and Michelle treated us to a weekend in this fun hippie town and a stay in a mountain retreat-a perfect trip!  This was a Christmas present from them.  The spring weather was perfect.  We enjoyed a trip to the NC Arboretum, where the sounds, sights and smell of birds and flowers were lovely.  After that we went to the NC Farmers Market- where the smell of fresh ramps was refreshing too!  In Asheville, there were musicians on every sidewalk, plenty of independent shops and great food.  At the house, we enjoyed watching old Netflix detective movies together.  

April, 2017

Still Cookin'

My old high school is now an outreach center, where my Mom's birthday celebration was held 2 years ago.  It was so much fun venturing through the school and showing Chris and Bob rooms where I spent 6 years of my teenage life!  The top photo is me posing in our old home economics room.

As a registered dietitian, I still spend a lot of time working in food!  So I had to do something with that photo.  Here it is:  "I guess I made a career of it!"

March Cards

Many of the cards I'll send for the next 3 months were made in the car on a trip to and from South Carolina when we visited Greg and Michelle.  Using my list of who has an upcoming  celebration, I pack a box of papers, embellishments and supplies-glue, scissors, a mini cutter to take and can cut and paste while riding in the passenger seat.  I have to put finishing touches on the cards when I get home, and add inside greetings . . . but this is a fun activity while I sit and in areas where I don't want to look around (Charlottesville, NC traffic for instance!)

This is the card I made for my oldest sisters' husband-an attorney-a dapper fellow.  Terry even said the man reminded her of Nelson!

"Good fortune and good health,

Is what I wish for you,

A day that makes you happy

For that is what you're due.

Some drinks with all your friends,

May the day that's just beginning,

Be perfect from start to end."

St. Patrick's Day cards for Mom and Terry.  Mom is "Irish" and sings Irish songs.  Terry's family has an Irish Pub.  I love these little clay shamrock hangers I found at a pottery store on our trip.  (They are removable).

" May the Twinkle in your ye

and the Love that's in your heart

stay with you always

even when we're far apart.

Good Health and lots of Happiness

reign over you this day

and raise your glass to St. Patrick

in a typically Irish way." 

John was a catering cook at HSC who worked a truck stop on nights off and gardened during the day.  This is a birthday card for him.

"May today bring much pleasure,

With moments to treasure,

For birthdays only come once a year,

So do things that make you smile,

Celebrate in the best of style,

And make the memories to treasure forever."

My nephew A.J.-a fine young man-was 27 in March.  His Dad is a patriot and I made them both similar cards.

"To help you celebrate,

This card is sent to say,

May good luck and good fortune,

Always with you stay,

May you find much joy and happiness,

In everything you do,

And in this card is all our love,

Sent especially to you!" 

Betty worked at HSC for over 40 years.  She was dedicated to me and her work, and loved owls.  This is a birthday card for Betty.

"I hold some wishes in my hand,

And they are just for you,

I wish for joy and happiness,

Today and all year through,

I wish that you find sunshine,

In every single day,

For you  deserve good things in life,

To always come your way!"

I also sent Betty the page I made about her and husband John, who together worked at HSC for over 80 years:

This is the birthday card for my brother Jim, who was 59 years old. 

"Wishing a very special brother

A wonderful birthday

With lots of love and best wishes."

My nephew Cale will be 12 next week.  This is a card for a very sweet and growing young man.

"Of all the days to celebrate

This one out shines the rest,

Here's hoping that your 12th birthday

Is the happiest and the best."

George, a dedicated HSC employee and family man has a birthday next week too.

There's an unwritten rule for a birthday.

That you should be left always wanting more.

That friends and all your family

Have a brilliant day in store.

For you deserve a birthday

That is awesome from beginning to end.

And in this card are all good wishes

That I am going to send!"

Card verses from https://www.craftsuprint.com/