I had a GREAT weekend !! The weather was perfect for outdoor work, and I love climbing all over these hills, so that's what I did. Plus, I did my other favorite outdoor activity, I transplanted trees. I have even been known to enlist my best friends in my tree planting fun,, Right Laverne? Actually Laverne, many of the trees you and I planted are doing very well, and I think of you when I see them. My motto. 'Plant a Tree, Live Forever! '
Anyway, I have many small Frasier Furs and White Pines that I planted years ago that have not done well where they were planted. Now that I understand the property and know what look I want, I have transplanted alot of them to better spots. The tree looses about a 1-2 years of growth after being re-planted, but I figure that since I am doing this for the future it doesn't matter. I believe that a piece of property like we have needs to be managed. We can have our wild areas, but an easy to mow and weed area is essential to us getting older and still being able to enjoy this place. Also, I am sure in the next several years that the old barn and house on the property above us will eventually fall down and so a line of evergreens there will help with the view. Always thinking ahead, I am not one to let 'things' happen to me, I will try to skew the outcome if I can...even against Mother Nature, a recurring and popular character here in my blogs.
The title of my Blog today was Big Sky. While I am carrying and climbing and digging all over the place ...the sky was vivid blue and the clouds wispy. I can not help but take in the vastness of the open sky above me, something that one never sees in a city or a neighborhood. It seems to go on forever and I marvel at the jet plumes that crisscross the sky. Almost like a patchwork quilt, or a grid, they are perfectly spaced, following each other in a timed manner, always on the same track. I think that the jets coming from the southwest, are from Atlanta heading for DC or NYC, and then there are those that are heading back to Atlanta on a slightly altered course. Some come from the northwest, Chicago maybe ? heading East... then there is one, exceptionally high above all the others going straight West..hummmmmm? I decide to lay back on the grass and let the Fall sun warm my face as I wonder where all those people are going.. Do they look down and wonder what the people on the ground below them are doing? We are all living our lives... one day at a time..the best we can.
I winterized my beloved front porch today, I brought in the rug and plants, the lanterns, and hummingbird feeder. All that stuff, along with the beloved family and friends who have visited, have added to my pleasurable front porch experience this year. I am already counting the days to the Spring when I can again drink my morning coffee while enjoying the antics of the Barn Swallows, and in the evening a glass of wine, ending the day as the setting sun spreads it's golden glow over our little piece of Heaven here in the Appalachian Mountains. If you have not experienced the Front Porch, please consider it, it's open for everyone.
I did say in my last Blog that I would be telling you about my quilts, I have not forgotten, It's just that this weekend was so wonderful, I had to be outside enjoying it, and not inside taking pictures of my quilts, But as in all life, most things come to past, we just have to wait for some of it. I love you . Please be careful . You are unique and precious to me. Sandi
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Grandfather Mountain
Hi everyone !!
It has been a while and my adoring fans have requested more Blogs...You must be out of your minds, or at least very bored ?!!! But i will try to accommodate your sick desires...
Where did October go ? It was here one minute, and then blew out the next ... The gusts here on the farm were at least 35mph and I know that the winds at Grandfather Mountain probably closed the swinging bridge. They don't need to lose any more unsuspecting tourists to the sudden gusts a mile up. There are alot of times during the winter that the sustained winds at Grandfather are Hurricane force. !! Hand gliding anyone !
The beautiful colored leaves that bedecked the farm trees, are essentially gone, the few that remain cling to the branches like lost lovers. It is sad when the once bountiful green trees are sparse and bare, but in uncovering the branches, a new stark beauty contrasts against the gray sky, signaling the coming of winter.
The white swans gather on the small dark pond, they stay close in a group, finding the place on the pond that gives them the most protection from the wind. They must remain on the water during the night, but they tire of the constant need to paddle. Their long necks tucked into their wings, trying to rest, they are at the mercy of the wind. But never fear, these swans are the lucky ones. Their needs are met by the two slaves who attend them morning, noon, and night. The two legged servants make sure their pond water is clean, their food abundant and safe from predators and their snacks,(bread) are delivered on time. Oh, to be a Swan on the Carter Farm!!
NEW !!! Be on the look out for a SWAN WEBSITE starting in January !!!!! NEW
Dudley and just returned from Allison's birthday celebration in Arkansas. We sure miss seeing her as often as we would like , but understand that her education is important to her. She is 26. It is very hard to believe that that many years has gone by since our beautiful little girl was born. She was suppose to be a boy you know, we had been told,,, well, as I have said before, you can't fool Mother Nature. ( Is Mother Nature God's Wife ?) What a huge gift to the World and to us Allison has been and will continue to be....Watch out ! She is coming !! While visiting, Allison and I single handily helped with the economic stimulus package by hitting the Mall in Fayetteville. Obama should write us a thank you note , but i doubt he will have time , with his datenights to Broadway and such. don't get me started about our President !!!
I still love my Kindergarten kids. Even if they gave me a germ. Yes, I got a cold, even tho I swath my hands in sanitizer every half hour at school. Why is it that kids don't seem to suffer as much as adults do when we are sick ??? I apologise to anyone that I gave my germ to. Allison and Dudley have already succumbed. But remember that I only give my BEST to the ones I love !!!
Halloween was uneventful here on the Farm. No Trick-or Treaters. Maybe the long dark driveway was alittle imposing ?? Or, maybe it was the sound of gunshots that Dudley delivered to the raccoon in the swan feeder, I held the light, and he aimed. I never thought in my life I would aid and abeit killing, but it seems to be a necessary consequence of farm life. Can we eliminate all the raccoons in the Appalachian Mountains ? Can we try ? Life choices.
My next few posts will be about my quilts. I hope to have a few pictures and stories about each one, I am only a beginner quilter, but the peace and satisfaction I have gained from this old past time greatly enriches my life. I hope to share with you so you will understand my new passion. Thanks for reading. None of this would be possible or important without YOU!! Sandi
It has been a while and my adoring fans have requested more Blogs...You must be out of your minds, or at least very bored ?!!! But i will try to accommodate your sick desires...
Where did October go ? It was here one minute, and then blew out the next ... The gusts here on the farm were at least 35mph and I know that the winds at Grandfather Mountain probably closed the swinging bridge. They don't need to lose any more unsuspecting tourists to the sudden gusts a mile up. There are alot of times during the winter that the sustained winds at Grandfather are Hurricane force. !! Hand gliding anyone !
The beautiful colored leaves that bedecked the farm trees, are essentially gone, the few that remain cling to the branches like lost lovers. It is sad when the once bountiful green trees are sparse and bare, but in uncovering the branches, a new stark beauty contrasts against the gray sky, signaling the coming of winter.
The white swans gather on the small dark pond, they stay close in a group, finding the place on the pond that gives them the most protection from the wind. They must remain on the water during the night, but they tire of the constant need to paddle. Their long necks tucked into their wings, trying to rest, they are at the mercy of the wind. But never fear, these swans are the lucky ones. Their needs are met by the two slaves who attend them morning, noon, and night. The two legged servants make sure their pond water is clean, their food abundant and safe from predators and their snacks,(bread) are delivered on time. Oh, to be a Swan on the Carter Farm!!
NEW !!! Be on the look out for a SWAN WEBSITE starting in January !!!!! NEW
Dudley and just returned from Allison's birthday celebration in Arkansas. We sure miss seeing her as often as we would like , but understand that her education is important to her. She is 26. It is very hard to believe that that many years has gone by since our beautiful little girl was born. She was suppose to be a boy you know, we had been told,,, well, as I have said before, you can't fool Mother Nature. ( Is Mother Nature God's Wife ?) What a huge gift to the World and to us Allison has been and will continue to be....Watch out ! She is coming !! While visiting, Allison and I single handily helped with the economic stimulus package by hitting the Mall in Fayetteville. Obama should write us a thank you note , but i doubt he will have time , with his datenights to Broadway and such. don't get me started about our President !!!
I still love my Kindergarten kids. Even if they gave me a germ. Yes, I got a cold, even tho I swath my hands in sanitizer every half hour at school. Why is it that kids don't seem to suffer as much as adults do when we are sick ??? I apologise to anyone that I gave my germ to. Allison and Dudley have already succumbed. But remember that I only give my BEST to the ones I love !!!
Halloween was uneventful here on the Farm. No Trick-or Treaters. Maybe the long dark driveway was alittle imposing ?? Or, maybe it was the sound of gunshots that Dudley delivered to the raccoon in the swan feeder, I held the light, and he aimed. I never thought in my life I would aid and abeit killing, but it seems to be a necessary consequence of farm life. Can we eliminate all the raccoons in the Appalachian Mountains ? Can we try ? Life choices.
My next few posts will be about my quilts. I hope to have a few pictures and stories about each one, I am only a beginner quilter, but the peace and satisfaction I have gained from this old past time greatly enriches my life. I hope to share with you so you will understand my new passion. Thanks for reading. None of this would be possible or important without YOU!! Sandi
Monday, October 5, 2009
OCTOBER : THE BEST MONTH !!!
Hi everyone !
I have lots of news so I better get started. First, we found out a week ago that Brandon, our neighbor boy, has been taken out of his auto mechanics classes. His grandmother 'got tired' of taking him to the high school in Mountain City everyday, He can ride the bus in the morning , but his classes are over at noon and she didn't want to drive the 60 minute round trip to pick him up everyday. It may have more to do with the cost of gas. So, basically his life learning is over. one more statistic. It's sad.
But since Brandon has so much free time he has been hunting. Yes, and he shot his first deer last weekend. He was very excited and proud and scared when he came to ask for Dudley's help. That's what folks do around here, depend on their neighbors for things like that. The next night he went hunting again, and shot a coyote. so maybe he will be able to put food on the table at least even if he will struggle for a living.
There are two less raccoons here on the farm. the trap is out tonight and may stay out until we are convinced that we have gotten all the little thieves. The swans are happy that they have food now, Dudley is happy that he doesn't have to clean out the feeder, and fill it everyday, and I am happy because I can sleep thru the night without hearing then tearing up the feeder. I hate to kill any animal, especially when you don't plan on eating it, but we had to make choices, hopefully we won't have this problem again.
We are getting ready for winter here. We split more wood this weekend and are weedeating the fence line etc. The garden has been mowed over and the birdfeeders filled. We ended up with 6 butternut squash from the garden, not a good year overall. Thank goodness for grocery stores or we would starve ! But, then we have Brandon !
I still love my days at the school. I love the kids and the teacher has given me alot of responsibility. I have a group of low achievers that I work with and of course help with the general running of the classroom. 25 little ones is a full time job, they are never quiet, still or calm for any length of time. I tie shoe laces, wipe noses, button, zip and band aide all day! I make them say please, thank you , I'm sorry, and excuse me. Strange words to most of them, But the world needs alittle more civility don't you think? We have a field trip coming up to a corn maze..Can you imagine them getting lost in a corn maze, remember Allison ? I thought we would never get out ! Yes, life is simple in Kindergarten, but really the issues a five year old has in Kindergarten are the same as the ones we face throughout our lives, jealousy, anger, frustration, insecurity, relationship problems and incontinence !
Well, guys, I love you and hope you have a great week! Enjoy the Fall weather ! Sandi
I have lots of news so I better get started. First, we found out a week ago that Brandon, our neighbor boy, has been taken out of his auto mechanics classes. His grandmother 'got tired' of taking him to the high school in Mountain City everyday, He can ride the bus in the morning , but his classes are over at noon and she didn't want to drive the 60 minute round trip to pick him up everyday. It may have more to do with the cost of gas. So, basically his life learning is over. one more statistic. It's sad.
But since Brandon has so much free time he has been hunting. Yes, and he shot his first deer last weekend. He was very excited and proud and scared when he came to ask for Dudley's help. That's what folks do around here, depend on their neighbors for things like that. The next night he went hunting again, and shot a coyote. so maybe he will be able to put food on the table at least even if he will struggle for a living.
There are two less raccoons here on the farm. the trap is out tonight and may stay out until we are convinced that we have gotten all the little thieves. The swans are happy that they have food now, Dudley is happy that he doesn't have to clean out the feeder, and fill it everyday, and I am happy because I can sleep thru the night without hearing then tearing up the feeder. I hate to kill any animal, especially when you don't plan on eating it, but we had to make choices, hopefully we won't have this problem again.
We are getting ready for winter here. We split more wood this weekend and are weedeating the fence line etc. The garden has been mowed over and the birdfeeders filled. We ended up with 6 butternut squash from the garden, not a good year overall. Thank goodness for grocery stores or we would starve ! But, then we have Brandon !
I still love my days at the school. I love the kids and the teacher has given me alot of responsibility. I have a group of low achievers that I work with and of course help with the general running of the classroom. 25 little ones is a full time job, they are never quiet, still or calm for any length of time. I tie shoe laces, wipe noses, button, zip and band aide all day! I make them say please, thank you , I'm sorry, and excuse me. Strange words to most of them, But the world needs alittle more civility don't you think? We have a field trip coming up to a corn maze..Can you imagine them getting lost in a corn maze, remember Allison ? I thought we would never get out ! Yes, life is simple in Kindergarten, but really the issues a five year old has in Kindergarten are the same as the ones we face throughout our lives, jealousy, anger, frustration, insecurity, relationship problems and incontinence !
Well, guys, I love you and hope you have a great week! Enjoy the Fall weather ! Sandi
Saturday, September 26, 2009
RAIN RAIN GO AWAY
Hello to everyone important in my life !!
We were asked to attend the grand opening at the Inn at Crestwood last night. We met Randy and Patricia there and saw the new area they are calling the Lounge at Crestwood. We were very impressed with it's stunning and sophisticated atmosphere. The large room opened to a huge wrap around deck overlooking the mountainous expanse. It was like out of a post card from another country. Indeed a new experience for us Hillbillies here in Appalachia. I would like to say that we will go there, but it is very far away and will have to be just for special occasions.
Our Saturday began early, very early, 3 am early. Raccoons again at the feeder, They can not get in it now with the new top that Dudley engineered, but they can sure try, and they looked pathetic trying. Hanging by one foot, reaching as far down as possible to get the feed inside the trap door,,,,HAHA they couldn't do it! It was fun to watch even tho it was 3am. The Swans, that usually hiss when they do not like something, just watched from the safety of the water as all this was going on, what good are they ? An hour later, more noise, yelping, crying ...I got the spot light again and saw three raccoons at the big pond with deer watching them scamper all around, This place is 'wild' at night !! So, now I am fully awake, I find a place in the sunroom and curl up.
One of the things we pay attention to here on the farm is the weather report, Dudley is very deligent in checking to see if we are going to have rain or frost etc. This kinda gives us an idea to what direction our chores should be done. This past week, after school I mowed the fields before dinner because of the impending rain. Same today, we decided that we had to get some of the wood that had been cut on the driveway split and stacked. So, in a matter of 2hours we had added another cord to the split pile. Glad we rushed, because soon after the rain came down. We will have to do many more sessions on splitting the wood that we had cut in the Spring, It is piled everywhere, even up on the hills. But the reason we started with the pile on the driveway is...TA DA !!!! We will finally have the driveway re-grated and topped with 'crush and run'. Yeah! no more low areas where water collects. no more dirty fenders on Sandi's car !!! Yeah! So, come all you flatlanders...you can get in now without scraping the bottom of your car !!
After a dismal day here, on and off the football field, we are looking forward to the Gators stomping their opponents again tonight! It's great to win!! I might as well gloat this year, because with Tim Tebow gone next year the Gators may struggle..we'll see. Well, I have to put on the rain gear and go feed the Swans , they are waiting for me.
Everybody get your regular Flu shots at least this year !! Love, Sandi
We were asked to attend the grand opening at the Inn at Crestwood last night. We met Randy and Patricia there and saw the new area they are calling the Lounge at Crestwood. We were very impressed with it's stunning and sophisticated atmosphere. The large room opened to a huge wrap around deck overlooking the mountainous expanse. It was like out of a post card from another country. Indeed a new experience for us Hillbillies here in Appalachia. I would like to say that we will go there, but it is very far away and will have to be just for special occasions.
Our Saturday began early, very early, 3 am early. Raccoons again at the feeder, They can not get in it now with the new top that Dudley engineered, but they can sure try, and they looked pathetic trying. Hanging by one foot, reaching as far down as possible to get the feed inside the trap door,,,,HAHA they couldn't do it! It was fun to watch even tho it was 3am. The Swans, that usually hiss when they do not like something, just watched from the safety of the water as all this was going on, what good are they ? An hour later, more noise, yelping, crying ...I got the spot light again and saw three raccoons at the big pond with deer watching them scamper all around, This place is 'wild' at night !! So, now I am fully awake, I find a place in the sunroom and curl up.
One of the things we pay attention to here on the farm is the weather report, Dudley is very deligent in checking to see if we are going to have rain or frost etc. This kinda gives us an idea to what direction our chores should be done. This past week, after school I mowed the fields before dinner because of the impending rain. Same today, we decided that we had to get some of the wood that had been cut on the driveway split and stacked. So, in a matter of 2hours we had added another cord to the split pile. Glad we rushed, because soon after the rain came down. We will have to do many more sessions on splitting the wood that we had cut in the Spring, It is piled everywhere, even up on the hills. But the reason we started with the pile on the driveway is...TA DA !!!! We will finally have the driveway re-grated and topped with 'crush and run'. Yeah! no more low areas where water collects. no more dirty fenders on Sandi's car !!! Yeah! So, come all you flatlanders...you can get in now without scraping the bottom of your car !!
After a dismal day here, on and off the football field, we are looking forward to the Gators stomping their opponents again tonight! It's great to win!! I might as well gloat this year, because with Tim Tebow gone next year the Gators may struggle..we'll see. Well, I have to put on the rain gear and go feed the Swans , they are waiting for me.
Everybody get your regular Flu shots at least this year !! Love, Sandi
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Good Evening Family and Friends,
This morning started out in the usual fashion, Charlie needing his all over body scratch, coffee, and then a look outside, Two deer in the garden and 4 on Cemetary Hill. The groups did not seem to be together, or even interested in each other. As I went quietly to the front porch, grabbing a quilt now because of the coolness, I startled the 4 deer on the hill and they slowly made their way up behind the red barn and were temporarily out of sight. When they re-emerged high on the 'Highway to Heaven' , they began chasing each other and racing up and down the hill, back and forth, and then nipping each other, for about five minutes they frolicked in the Autumn mist that covers the hill. It was a great start to the day, for them and me.
Dudley decided to begin splitting wood, and filled the splitter with gas, it ran out on to the ground. Two holes had been chewed into the gas tank of the splitter, If it's not one thing it's another, we will definitely have to do some 'thinning' of the animal population around here before they destroy everything we have. Don't know if it was a raccoon or the ground hog, but why ? a gas tank? With that plan scrubbed, Dudley decided to move more of his stuff from the garage to the workshop in the barn. I'm liking this workshop already, it's cleaning out my garage !!
Everything stopped around here as we prepared for the Florida/ Tenn game. It proved to be a great game right up to the last quarter, but Florida kept it's winning streak alive and hopefully will continue to another SEC Championship this year. Tonight is the GA / Arkansas game, Allison has already called 3 times, as she is in the stadium at Fayetteville having a great time.
Dudley and I got in the hot tub tonight, a very nice relaxing bath for tired muscles and minds. It is especially nice when the air turns cooler. The view from tub is great and private, no need for suits, just a quick glance around for the UPS truck driving in ..just fooling.
I'ts getting dark earlier here in the Mountains, and it is not even Daylight Savings Time yet. That will change by the end of October and then it will be dark at 5pm. So I had better enjoy the last remaining days of late afternoon light while I have it.
Well everyone, I hope you are all well, no swine flu yet ? With me working in a Kindergarten I suspect I will come down with alot of strange things..yuck. oh well, hazards of the job. I'm still really enjoying the kids and the school. more on them later.
Take care and I'll talk to you all soon. Love much, Sandi
This morning started out in the usual fashion, Charlie needing his all over body scratch, coffee, and then a look outside, Two deer in the garden and 4 on Cemetary Hill. The groups did not seem to be together, or even interested in each other. As I went quietly to the front porch, grabbing a quilt now because of the coolness, I startled the 4 deer on the hill and they slowly made their way up behind the red barn and were temporarily out of sight. When they re-emerged high on the 'Highway to Heaven' , they began chasing each other and racing up and down the hill, back and forth, and then nipping each other, for about five minutes they frolicked in the Autumn mist that covers the hill. It was a great start to the day, for them and me.
Dudley decided to begin splitting wood, and filled the splitter with gas, it ran out on to the ground. Two holes had been chewed into the gas tank of the splitter, If it's not one thing it's another, we will definitely have to do some 'thinning' of the animal population around here before they destroy everything we have. Don't know if it was a raccoon or the ground hog, but why ? a gas tank? With that plan scrubbed, Dudley decided to move more of his stuff from the garage to the workshop in the barn. I'm liking this workshop already, it's cleaning out my garage !!
Everything stopped around here as we prepared for the Florida/ Tenn game. It proved to be a great game right up to the last quarter, but Florida kept it's winning streak alive and hopefully will continue to another SEC Championship this year. Tonight is the GA / Arkansas game, Allison has already called 3 times, as she is in the stadium at Fayetteville having a great time.
Dudley and I got in the hot tub tonight, a very nice relaxing bath for tired muscles and minds. It is especially nice when the air turns cooler. The view from tub is great and private, no need for suits, just a quick glance around for the UPS truck driving in ..just fooling.
I'ts getting dark earlier here in the Mountains, and it is not even Daylight Savings Time yet. That will change by the end of October and then it will be dark at 5pm. So I had better enjoy the last remaining days of late afternoon light while I have it.
Well everyone, I hope you are all well, no swine flu yet ? With me working in a Kindergarten I suspect I will come down with alot of strange things..yuck. oh well, hazards of the job. I'm still really enjoying the kids and the school. more on them later.
Take care and I'll talk to you all soon. Love much, Sandi
Monday, September 14, 2009
FIFTEEN MINUTES TO
Good Appalachian evening everyone !!
Dudley is cooking dinner and I thought I would give you a quick rundown on the day's events. Not that they were all that exciting, but here goes.
This morning, after a restless night's sleep for whatever reasons.?.I got up at 6:45am and enjoyed what I suspected to be one of the last few warmer mornings. It is wonderful to greet the day outside on the deck and hope to spy a wild night straggler that has not quite made it into the cover for day. I will miss the soft light, breeze and smells that is a mountain summer morning. The winter will be here soon enough.
The drive to Little Milligan School is 15 minutes. it is along the prettiest part of 321 towards Watagua Lake. It wouldn't take that long except that the road winds and curves so much you had better have your breakfast completely digested, or you are in for a surprise. The route takes you by a huge mountain face of solid rock that was cut away to make the road in the 50's. After years of DOT shoring it up, pinning. and netting, it still cascades rocks down onto the road, that's what happens when you try to fool with Mother Nature.. 321 was actually closed a few years ago because of rock slides in this area
Then, the route slopes and winds down to the Elk River, where our closest convenience store is located. There you will find a gas station and a locally owned diner. The diner is called the Elk Mills Diner and is famous for their good and cheap food. The surroundings give you pause when you enter, but at least the cement block walls are now painted and there is a curtain on the window, courtesy of Dudley's mother Shirley. When the diner's owners decided to 'redecorate' 10 years ago, she presented them with the only kind of curtain she knew how to make. After about 6 years, they washed it and put it back up, So there it is still. Every time we would come to the Farm during the last 25 years, Mom and Dad Carter would take us to the Elk Mill Diner. It was a great treat,..no one had to dress up, wash their hair, wear make-up or have manners, and ball caps were required. It is still a great memory but one that is not often revisited, because of the nature of the food, Don't get me wrong, it is sanitary, but not too healthy to say the least and our tastes have gravitated to more Bistro.
After I pass the infamous Elk Mill Diner on 321, which by the way should be a 'must do' on your list when you are in the area, I continue my easy downward slope to the Watauga Lake. The Watauga Lake was made in the 1940's by the TVA to stop the area from uncontrollable flooding and to supply much needed electric to the surrounding area. The whole town of Butler TN was moved to it's present day location so that the Dam could be built. The Lake, which is really a Reservoir, stretches hundred's of miles and has many marinas and recreational and camping spots. Around the lake I travel, always noting the level of the water, because in years past the water has been very low, showing the solid rock sides of the previously unexposed mountain. But today, and lately, the water level is high and everyone is happy, The marinas are happy and the campgrounds are happy and the fishermen are happy.
Then, as I reach the low point on my decent from the Farm, the far away mountains come into view. God, at His finest, uncluttered, unspoiled, uncomplicated. It is a early morning reminder of why I love where I live. It is the spiritual side of this area, the connection with the Earth, unchanging, unyielding, everlasting. I smile , and remember as to where I come . But as a direct contrast...I see.. Kudzu. A vegetation brought into the area by meaningful biologists to control erosion, has covered the natural landscape , producing monster like silhouettes on the local trees and mountain faces. This unnatural and imported vine growth has changed the landscape forever. It will eventually destroy the very essence of the beauty that is Appalachia.
The school signs signal my goal. I slow. I re-adjust, I come down to Earth. I am Teacher.
After a wondrous, breathtaking drive to Little Milligan School, I am greeted by loving children who exclaim,, 'we missed you Ms Carter,, we Love you Ms Carter,',,, Can life be better ? Why am I here?
School is out. I come back the winding road to my Farm. I slow, I re-adjust, I come down to Earth. I am ....
LOVE TO ALL..Sandi
Dudley is cooking dinner and I thought I would give you a quick rundown on the day's events. Not that they were all that exciting, but here goes.
This morning, after a restless night's sleep for whatever reasons.?.I got up at 6:45am and enjoyed what I suspected to be one of the last few warmer mornings. It is wonderful to greet the day outside on the deck and hope to spy a wild night straggler that has not quite made it into the cover for day. I will miss the soft light, breeze and smells that is a mountain summer morning. The winter will be here soon enough.
The drive to Little Milligan School is 15 minutes. it is along the prettiest part of 321 towards Watagua Lake. It wouldn't take that long except that the road winds and curves so much you had better have your breakfast completely digested, or you are in for a surprise. The route takes you by a huge mountain face of solid rock that was cut away to make the road in the 50's. After years of DOT shoring it up, pinning. and netting, it still cascades rocks down onto the road, that's what happens when you try to fool with Mother Nature.. 321 was actually closed a few years ago because of rock slides in this area
Then, the route slopes and winds down to the Elk River, where our closest convenience store is located. There you will find a gas station and a locally owned diner. The diner is called the Elk Mills Diner and is famous for their good and cheap food. The surroundings give you pause when you enter, but at least the cement block walls are now painted and there is a curtain on the window, courtesy of Dudley's mother Shirley. When the diner's owners decided to 'redecorate' 10 years ago, she presented them with the only kind of curtain she knew how to make. After about 6 years, they washed it and put it back up, So there it is still. Every time we would come to the Farm during the last 25 years, Mom and Dad Carter would take us to the Elk Mill Diner. It was a great treat,..no one had to dress up, wash their hair, wear make-up or have manners, and ball caps were required. It is still a great memory but one that is not often revisited, because of the nature of the food, Don't get me wrong, it is sanitary, but not too healthy to say the least and our tastes have gravitated to more Bistro.
After I pass the infamous Elk Mill Diner on 321, which by the way should be a 'must do' on your list when you are in the area, I continue my easy downward slope to the Watauga Lake. The Watauga Lake was made in the 1940's by the TVA to stop the area from uncontrollable flooding and to supply much needed electric to the surrounding area. The whole town of Butler TN was moved to it's present day location so that the Dam could be built. The Lake, which is really a Reservoir, stretches hundred's of miles and has many marinas and recreational and camping spots. Around the lake I travel, always noting the level of the water, because in years past the water has been very low, showing the solid rock sides of the previously unexposed mountain. But today, and lately, the water level is high and everyone is happy, The marinas are happy and the campgrounds are happy and the fishermen are happy.
Then, as I reach the low point on my decent from the Farm, the far away mountains come into view. God, at His finest, uncluttered, unspoiled, uncomplicated. It is a early morning reminder of why I love where I live. It is the spiritual side of this area, the connection with the Earth, unchanging, unyielding, everlasting. I smile , and remember as to where I come . But as a direct contrast...I see.. Kudzu. A vegetation brought into the area by meaningful biologists to control erosion, has covered the natural landscape , producing monster like silhouettes on the local trees and mountain faces. This unnatural and imported vine growth has changed the landscape forever. It will eventually destroy the very essence of the beauty that is Appalachia.
The school signs signal my goal. I slow. I re-adjust, I come down to Earth. I am Teacher.
After a wondrous, breathtaking drive to Little Milligan School, I am greeted by loving children who exclaim,, 'we missed you Ms Carter,, we Love you Ms Carter,',,, Can life be better ? Why am I here?
School is out. I come back the winding road to my Farm. I slow, I re-adjust, I come down to Earth. I am ....
LOVE TO ALL..Sandi
Saturday, September 12, 2009
LITTLE MILLIGAN SCHOOL
Eight years ago today our world changed. Let's all remember the way we felt that day, and the way we felt the weeks after, when we put patriotic stickers on our cars and hung American Flags from our porches. Why do we need to have a tragedy to befall us to know what is good and true? Even in our own personal lives we forget how truly blessed we are everyday, we become complacent and even bored sometimes with the mundane things that make up our lives. Always wanting more. I bet everyone of the people killed on 911 would gladly trade places with anyone of us if they could live out their lives doing the same things we find taxing. Find pleasure in everything !
Little Milligan School. An old building, built in the 50's, simple concrete with large windows and high ceilings, chipped linoleum floors, exposed pipes and hanging 'schoolhouse' light fixtures. But the rough physical appearance of the building belies the loving family atmosphere of the teaching environment inside. These Appalachian kids are getting the finest education without all the distractions that city kids face. There are no drugs, no gangs, no clothing jealousies, no soda and candy machines, no bells and no locked security doors. Parents come and go, two stray dogs live at the school loved by all, the principal was a student there as a boy and then a janitor and then a teacher, giving real ownership to the job. He is so loved, that when he walks into the lunchroom during lunch, the kids spontaneously chant 'JR, JR, JR' ! ! his name. Did anyone of us have a principal like that ?
On the other hand, the children that make up the 150 student body are some of the poorest in the country. They come from families that have lived in this part of Appalachia for a century, subsistence farmers most, they had no fluoride in their well water and of course no dental care, so alot of the children even in Kindergarten show horrible tooth decay and gum disease already. Again, some of us hate going to the dentist, but these kids would probably jump at the chance to go. It's all a matter of perspective isn't it?
I have obligated myself to working with the Kindergarten 4 days a week. I am exhausted when I come home but in a good way. I know that I am helping mold little lives, not that I have all the answers, as I am learning as much as the kids are, mainly about myself. As I have said before, retirement has given me the freedom to explore other things. And I find the more I let go of the 'details' of my life, the more life I have.
Moral. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Love to you all... Sandi
Little Milligan School. An old building, built in the 50's, simple concrete with large windows and high ceilings, chipped linoleum floors, exposed pipes and hanging 'schoolhouse' light fixtures. But the rough physical appearance of the building belies the loving family atmosphere of the teaching environment inside. These Appalachian kids are getting the finest education without all the distractions that city kids face. There are no drugs, no gangs, no clothing jealousies, no soda and candy machines, no bells and no locked security doors. Parents come and go, two stray dogs live at the school loved by all, the principal was a student there as a boy and then a janitor and then a teacher, giving real ownership to the job. He is so loved, that when he walks into the lunchroom during lunch, the kids spontaneously chant 'JR, JR, JR' ! ! his name. Did anyone of us have a principal like that ?
On the other hand, the children that make up the 150 student body are some of the poorest in the country. They come from families that have lived in this part of Appalachia for a century, subsistence farmers most, they had no fluoride in their well water and of course no dental care, so alot of the children even in Kindergarten show horrible tooth decay and gum disease already. Again, some of us hate going to the dentist, but these kids would probably jump at the chance to go. It's all a matter of perspective isn't it?
I have obligated myself to working with the Kindergarten 4 days a week. I am exhausted when I come home but in a good way. I know that I am helping mold little lives, not that I have all the answers, as I am learning as much as the kids are, mainly about myself. As I have said before, retirement has given me the freedom to explore other things. And I find the more I let go of the 'details' of my life, the more life I have.
Moral. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Love to you all... Sandi
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