Blue Ridge Parkway

We set out in the a.m. to see the leaves changing up in the mountains on the parkway, but first we headed to New River State Park to check it out. We walked a short trail and came across several turkey hens that did not appreciate us being in their territory and then we headed down where the camp sites are. They were nice sites for pack in camping only but across the narrow river is a working cabbage farm. So if you don't mind listening to workers hollerin' back and forth, go for it, but not for us. We then moved on down the parkway to Julian Price campground, our neighbors recommend this place and said it's great for kayakin'. The park closes Nov thru April, but it does have some amazing camp sites, and nice bathrooms, that's always a plus. We may check them out next year. We then ended up in Blowing Rock and the place was packed with more people than I wanted to be around. We saw a couple, late 50's to early 60's walkin' down the street pushing a "baby buggy", but the baby was a well groomed, bow wearin' Lassawhatever dog!!! Man I wish I could of taken a picture of that but I don't think Mommy and Daddy would have appreciated it because I would have lost it and fell to the ground rolling in tears of laughter. So we ate some food, got some fudge and headed home.
It was a long day, but a good one.....................................yes, it was nice.

...............into the swamp we go

We spent the past few days camping at Merchants Millpond State Park in NC. It was a great 5 days away with most of the days having nice weather. We did have 12 hours of rain but that's okay, they really needed it. We will definelty go back to this place again but in the spring when it's not hunting season. Our neighbors Bill & Betty met up w/us and camped two nights, they were coming from two weeks of beach camping. The swamp was amazing

Did I mention it took 5 hours to paddle thru the pond to get to the swamp on the other side, then the next day we walked the Lassiter trail 6+ miles.

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/memi/main.php

Oktober what??

On October 11th several of our friends joined us to sample beers (root & barley) eat brats and lots of other foods. Hangin' out with this group was something we needed and it was just an all round fantastic day & evening for us. This would have been the perfect day if the Kolsto's, Hohenadel's and Gordon's were there, but then maybe another day.

Several other photos can be seen on our flickr page.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54868272@N00/

In memory of Sydney 6-10-99 to 10-08-08

The past two weeks have been a struggle for us here at the Hill house. After several tests and observation we had no choice but to send Syd to chew the grass blades along side the angels. Yes I believe Syd and all animals have an eternity, they were also created by Yeshua.

Here are some of my favorite pics....Sydney.

He was found by Harriette and it was love at first sight.

One of his favorite toys and he loved watching the birds in the front yard.

He made friends with just about anyone or anything.

and he loved being outside.

Just about the best cat ever!!! He will be missed by many.......furry and non-furry.

Simple??

We see these everywhere and don't think twice about knocking it down. I know I do, I hate spiders. But I saw this off the back deck and it kinda amazed me at the detail and constuction of it. Did you know that the straight lines are not sticky and that is where the spider places it's legs and the lines that make a circle are? How simple is that. Creation rocks!!!!