Party time

We were heading to a party tonight and had some friends by for pre-party cocktails.  This is the bar before everyone mixed up their G&Ts.....

Peach

We've had the best peaches this year and here is a perfect example.

Grandfather Mountain

This afternoon we decided to ignore a bad weather forecast and head to Grandfather Mountain for the afternoon for some hiking.  We haven't been there in years and it is such a special place.  Well, the weather didn't cooperate very well, but we had a little while to spend there between showers and storms.  Grandfather has been instrumental in saving the black bear in western NC and we visited the wildlife habitat to see the resident bears and other creatures native to this part of the state.  Since the bear population is now healthy in western NC, Grandfather no longer participates in a breeding program, but they do have a few black bears that have been rescued.  They also have a few playful otters, some deer and a rescued Golden Eagle.  We briefly saw the cougar before it hid behind a rock.  Unfortunately, these magnificent cats are thought to be extinct in this area now.  What a pity we haven't protected our indigenous predators.  We also walked across the "mile high" bridge although a thunderstorm forced us back across before we could explore very much.  I was proud of George going across the swinging bridge since he is so afraid of heights.  I took a photo of him standing on the bridge as proof, but he didn't want me to post it.  Hopefully next time we visit we'll have a chance to do some hiking as well.

Sometimes you feel like a nut

A total punt.....I'm tired and just wanted something quick.  We were on the porch snacking on some nuts (and drinking a wonderful vodka slushie!) when I thought about how beautiful nuts are (maybe I'm just hungry!).  So....here's my "nutty" subject.

An eclectic mix

Random shots trying to get something done today.  Here is a photo of Suzy looking out of the glass door wanting to get on the deck.....a group of terra cotta pots....and a couple of images I found on my memory card that I'd never downloaded:  a "Jesus loves bikers" bus that we've seen around in the mountains a couple of times and a skyline view of Charlotte I took when we were waiting in line for a concert at the Bobcats arena.  Definitely a weird mix.....

Another foggy day

Okay....the fog and mist that were refreshing and wonderful on Saturday are now officially getting old....I'm starting to mildew and all I want to do is nap.  We were down in the village today and I shot this image of the park in the fog with my iPhone.  I wish I had been carrying my camera, but as I've read "the best camera is the one you have with you".  So, even though it's very noisy (the light was very low because of the mist and fog) and the resolution is low, it seems to capture the moment.  I hope to be more inspired tomorrow.  However, I have another month of posting to celebrate.  Seven months and I haven't missed a day.  For someone who isn't the most disciplined, I'm pretty happy with the fact that I've stuck to this.  I go through periods where I think my photography is progressing and other times I feel I'm in a slump.  Sort of like my golf game....

A foggy walk in the woods

This afternoon we went hiking in the fog and mist.....my favorite time to be in the woods.  Here are some shots from the day.  George walking ahead through a rhododendron archway...a narrow trail leading into the fog....a tiny bridge over a stream...trees with the sun just breaking through the mist.