Another Confession

I am a difficult guest.

I arrive with my own air bed (restless sleeping and a bad back).

I bring my own tea (British blend, black).

I carry a camera (and am wont to spend countless minutes snapping at the same thing over and over again).

You can't take me anywhere.

You probably shouldn't invite me.

Don't believe me?

Just ask my hostess.

The Blues Before Leaving

Snow!

A perfect day in Asheville with a lifelong friend -- lunch at The Laughing Seed, a stroll through Kress Emporium, a quick trip to Mast General Store followed by shortbread at French Broad Chocolate Lounge, and shopping at Two on Crescent, Trader Joe's, and EarthFare -- culminated with a nerve-wracking surprise: snow.

Don't get me wrong: I love a beautiful snow, and this was a beautiful snow. But a beautiful snow swirling and vortexing and blowing fiercely one way and then the opposite on the night before departure, requiring a drive through mountains, . . . well that's not a snow I can embrace.

But I can embrace the eerie snaps from inside my friend's warm home.

North Carolina

A photographic celebration of a delightful trip to North Carolina (July 28-August 2), where I enjoyed beautiful scenery, exotic animals, beloved family, treasured friends, fine food, rain and sunshine, beautiful spaces, and crafty shopping.