Slept in till about 7:30 just in time to see the morning mist beginning to lift out of the meadow. It was quite cool and the sun was beginning to rise over the mountain tops. Fixed myself a cappuccino and waited for Judy to rise and shine.
When she got up about an hour later, we hiked over to the vineyard, ate some fresh Concord and Chardonnay grapes and then gathered up a bowl of fresh, organic raspberries for our cereal. When we came back to the “cottage”, we made a feast fit for royalty. Bacon, eggs, ciabatta rolls, natural cereal smothered with organic, fresh strawberries and the raspberries we had just picked. It was awesome.
We then drove up to the top of the mountain, still on the property, and got out and hiked around for a while before venturing down the mountain in search of more adventure. It was on the way down, that I discovered we had an unwanted guest in our car. Don’t know if it was a yellow jacket, honey bee or wasp. What I do know is that it flew into my ear, startling me as I was coming down the steep gravel road. Instinctively and without mercy, I beat the living daylights out of my ear, swinging wildly to fight off a rather angry insect. Don’t know if I got him or not, but I do know he got me good. Stung me on the top of my ear and it still hurts all these hours later.
That’s when I thought it would be a good idea to get in the cold Little Pigeon River, (east fork) to take the heat out of the sting. It’s our own private swimming hole on the property. Awesome!
Did a rope swing into the water and began tubing down the gentle rapids. It was so much fun that my precious Judy Ann wanted to try it, despite the water being quite chilly. She did great and had a blast doing it. I had so much fun just watching her have fun…
After swimming, tubing and swinging off a rope into the river it was time to walk back up to the cottage. Can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have this whole place to ourselves. Our own swimming hole, river, meadows lined with flowers, berries, apples and a vineyard. Not to mention being surrounded by mountains. Wow!
So we get back up to the cottage and it’s time to grill out. Organic hamburgers. More berries, a brownie and some au natural chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chased by another cappuccino. But this time, Judy was playing Louis Armstrong’s, “It’s a Wonderful World” as I grilled the burgers.
We slow danced and held each other tightly, so in love and so grateful to God for His goodness. Sure, the burgers were overcooked, but the “moment” was well worth it.
Time for some afternoon rest on the hammock by the river before heading out to the store for hot dogs and marshmallows. Yes, we had a weenie roast and burnt up some delicious marshmallows as well, as we enjoyed a big fire at the fire pit by the river’s edge. Also brought my portable, blue tooth speaker and we played some favorite music (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) along with “our song”, Up On The Roof by James Taylor.
Night fell softly as the fire slowly ebbed away, so we headed over to the open air game building where we played a lot of ping pong and foosball. What an incredibly full day. To my memory, this is only the third vacation of my adult life and I finally figured out how to do it right. What a blessing. I am so happy to enjoy this with my Judy Ann. I am going to make a habit of doing vacations a lot more often.
But in the meantime, it’s my birthday on Friday. We bought two incredible steaks to grill out in the fresh mountain air. It is dry aged and priced more per pound than I have ever seen a steak sell for. Can’t wait for tomorrow!
You are blessed to be able to face another glorious year in God’s beautiful world with such a great adventure together with your wife. Fantastic days ahead for both of you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Yes I am so blessed Joanne! Thank you for the kind words and birthday wishes.
Blessings, Michael
What a wonderful story. God has truly blessed you and provided you with a beautiful setting to sit back in and appreciate His design. Happy Birthday my friend and enjoy this time with your lovely wife. Mike
Thanks Mike. I am doing that. Getting ready to head into the Pisgah National Forest, then up on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway!
You are right Pop, this place does look amazing, I enjoyed seeing your videos
Xo
Thank you Amy… I think you would love that area. Love you! XO Give my grand babies a hug for me please… (o-:
Of course I kept up with the adventure day by day…always love reading your blogs…your words tell a story!
Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
Much love…
It was my pleasure Bea. You are the ultimate story teller though. You have an amazing gift weaving words into wonders! Love you!
Good cheers! Just saw this only today and I don’t want to miss greeting you a very blessed birthday even if this comes late to you, Michael!
Till next…
Joyfully,
BenjieC. from Manila, Phils.
Hello, Michael!
Just saw this now and I don’t want to miss greeting you with a more blessed birthday no matter how late this is. May our generous God gift you with many more to come!
Joyfully,
BenjieC. from Manila, Phils.
Hi Benjie;
Thanks so much for your comment. I have sent you an email as well.
Blessings my brother!
Michael
Grateful for your reply and separate email, Michael…I have seen and shall revert. Meanwhile look forward to your newer blogs!
Good cheers,
BenjieC.
Well it’s been a longtime since working from the SAW basement office in TN!
Think of you often, thank you for your impact on my life.
May the Lord bless you and keep you…
Jim W.
Hi Jim;
It’s been about 20 years hasn’t it? You were a blessing to me as well my friend! Nice to hear from you again!
I trust you and Lucy are enjoying His presence this Christmas season. Drop me a line some time and let me know what you’re up to these days.
Blessings,
Michael