Friday, December 16, 2011

Bullington Center

The Bullington Center in Hendersonville recently had an open
house featuring their amaryllis sale, Christmas crafts...and...goodies.
This education center was very enjoyable in the winter
and deserves many more visits in the other seasons.


Saturday, November 19, 2011

Dripolator Coffee Shop

Great coffee shop in Black Mountain..
good coffee, food and atmosphere.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Town Hardware & General Store

Entering Town Hardware is like taking a step back in time to
old toys, games, cookware and tools.  You are
sure to find something you need ... or want.


Monday, October 31, 2011

Carl Sandburg Home

THE MIST


I AM the mist, the impalpable mist
Back of the thing you seek.
My arms are long,
Long as the reach of time and space.

Some toil and toil, believing,
Looking now and again on my face,
Catching a vital, olden glory.

But no one passes me,
I tangle and snare them all.
I am the cause of the Sphinx,
The voiceless, baffled, patient Sphinx.

I was at the first of things,
I will be at the last.
I am the primal mist
And no man passes me;
My long impalpable arms
Bar them all.
Carl Sandburg



Thursday, October 20, 2011

Drum Circle Redux

Always popular..Drum Circle..Asheville on Friday night..
........the beat goes on....



Monday, October 17, 2011

Chikoro Marimba Band

A recent Friday evening in Asheville....Art Walk at the galleries..
and a performance by Chikoro Marimba Band...
a typical evening in this mountain city.


Monday, September 26, 2011

West Asheville House

Lots are at a premium in Asheville and this neighborhood utilizes
steep lots for several houses overlooking the River Arts District
in West Asheville.

A close up view of the steel support "foundation"
showing the heat pump on a pad  and the sewer
line to the street below the driveway.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

West Asheville Garden Stroll 2011 (Part 2)

This garden was replete with plants and sculptures...

Another interesting sculpture in the same garden.

This garden was not open for the tour but looked interesting...


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

West Asheville Garden Stroll 2011 (Part 1)

The third annual West Asheville Garden Stroll was held on September 10th
with perfect fall weather and happy crowds.  This year the
gardens were concentrated in two areas and very walkable.
The Sunny Point Cafe was a good starting point on the tour with
vegetables for their patrons, cold lime-lemonade for the strollers, and clean restrooms.

This garden is concentrated in the front yard - no lawn - and the fence
and entrance gate design is excellent.  Pine needles are used
for the pathway which meanders around the house.

Close-up of the entrance gate showing the path and porch.

Sister J SpiritVoice was spreading the word on
bees and her work.  See http://thehoneybeeproject.com/


Monday, September 5, 2011

Elizabeth Leigh Inn

Elizabeth Leigh Inn, a very nice B & B in Hendersonville, NC.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Urban Art

Interesting wall mural on dance in an Asheville alley...


Monday, August 15, 2011

Old Europe

Old Europe is a European style bakery in Asheville that
is small in size but large in delicious pastry and deserts.

There is something here for everyone - rum balls, tiramisu,
creme brule, carrot cake, ........


Thursday, August 11, 2011

River Arts District Studios

The River Arts District recently added more studios adjacent
to some new mixed use development.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Holmes Educational State Forest

Holmes Educational State Forest is located just outside Hendersonville
on Crab Creek Road and features several trails of
varying length and difficulty.  http://www.ncesf.org/HESF/home.htm 


Sunday, July 10, 2011

Mountain Pie Company

Mountain Pie Company in Hendersonville, NC is a great place for
breakfast - whether it be pancakes, waffles, a muffin or..a piece of pie.
This bakery has 20 pie selections in meringue, whipped cream,
crumb, lattice or double crust in four different sizes.

In addition to indoor seating you can take in
the view of the mountains from the rear deck while
you enjoy the great food.


Friday, June 10, 2011

Feed and Seed

Feed and Seed is a family-friendly establishment that offers
bluegrass and gospel music that is down home in a comfortable atmosphere.
Seating incudes folding chairs and pews.  This is a church
gathering on Sunday morning and music venue on Friday and Saturday
evening.  Great place.  http://www.feedandseednc.com/about.htm
A recent performance of Appalacian Song on a Friday evening

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Raulston Arboretum

Located in Raleigh, NC the J.C. Raulston Arboretum is part of the
Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University and
a great way to spend an hour or two experiencing
plants in their varied gardens.  This picture was taken on
the rooftop garden above the education center.
The walkway below the rooftop garden leading to the
entry to the education center.

Part of the Japanese garden...very peaceful.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Saluda Arts Festival

The annual Saluda Arts Festival was celebrated yesterday in...Saluda, NC.
The weather was warm, the artists were all there and there was music
and food.  I am always amazed at the different places that
these artists hail from.  There was a sculptor from France (now
living in NC), woodcarver from SC, and local
Saluda artists.  Even met a couple from Nebraska! 
This artist casts concrete using large leaves as the mold.
   Makes a rather interesting bird bath.

Friday, May 20, 2011

NCSU Solar House

The North Carolina State University Solar House was constructed almost
30 years ago and is located on the NCSU campus in Raleigh, NC.
The house incorporates both passive and active solar design including
a central sunspace, trombe walls and a solar hot water system.
The house serves as an educational tool for students, professionals

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Bouchon Bistro


Bouchon Bistro is one restaurant in Asheville that is on my list of
"favourite restaurants that I have not sampled yet."  The
fare is billed as comfort food and the menu looks great!  When
they are open for business the french doors/windows are
open and the diners are eating right at the window
engaged with the street crowd.
An outdoor seating area beside Bouchon main
entry shown in the previous photo. 

Monday, April 18, 2011

Through the Window

Taken through the storefront of an outdoor shop -
very wise instruction for the outdoors....
Yes, this one was in a dormitory window -  at the
University of North Carolina Asheville.



Monday, April 11, 2011

Boca Restaurant

Boca Restaurant is located on North Lexington Avenue in Asheville
and serves "tex-mex" fare in interior and outdoor dining rooms.  A perusal
of their menu makes my mouth water.  Check it out http://bocaasheville.com/

The outdoor dining area features an interesting wall
with the element of water...


Monday, March 28, 2011

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park in North Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park 469 miles
away in Virginia.  The parkway was begun in 1935, completed
in 1983 and has a maximum speed limit of 45 mph.  This
picture was taken near Craggy Gardens, about 30 minutes

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Rustic Carport

This carport has a natural look with its posts fashioned from tree trunks.
Interestingly, the natural look does not extend to the roof material
although the floor is very natural...

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Embracing Trees

These two trees appear to be embracing but further study
shows that the wider trunk is supporting the thinner, gangly one.
These trees are in the front yard of an organization caled Open Arms,
a pregnancy counseling service in Hendersonville, NC.
One could also interpret this as the older matron giving
support to the younger wild woman - much like
the place of the strong mother in Jamaican society.
Or, you could take it in another direction and consider
it  a rendition of Apollo and Daphne in
Metamorphoses by Ovid.....
Nah!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Wag Pet Boutique

Downtown Hendersonville has many shops for all tastes and needs.
Wag is a very unique store for dogs and other pets in western
North Carolina.  http://wagpetboutique.com/

One of the models for Wag showing
the latest fashion for St Patrick's day.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Gulfport, Florida

Gulfport is a suburb of St Petersburg, Florida located on Boca Ciega
Bay which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway on the west coast of Florida.
With slightly less than 13, 000 inhabitants ( 12,740 as of 2004 ), it
feels like a small coastal town with a pier, dance hall and a main street
complete with shops, restaurants and bars.  It is also home to
some quaint houses/cottages and numerous community activities.
The sort of town that would appeal to someone who is tired of
"big city" life.  Check it out here http://gulfportflorida.us/

Monday, March 14, 2011

Poui Tree

A poui tree in full bloom in St. Petersburg, Florida; also comes

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Bird of Paradise

While growing up in Jamaica I was always captivated by this beautiful
flower although I do NOT see its resemblance to a bird.  This plant
grows in the front yard of my mother in St Petersburg, Florida.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

South Beach Miami

An interesting parking garage in South Beach, Miami.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Winter Sunset in North Carolina

Twilight's Last Gleaming
 
In twilight's last gleaming
The sky slides away
Leaving me here at
The edge of the day
Songs in the sand

Hand on the door
I've been here so often before
In twilight's last gleaming
So smoky and gold

Endless horizons
Glister and glow
I see you in strangers

In light on the sea
In twilight's last gleaming we'll meet
In twilight's last gleaming

At this time of year
Wherever you go to
Whoever you're near

Think of these times
Remember these dreams
And twilight's last gleaming and me

John Foxx Twilight's Last Gleaming


Thursday, February 24, 2011

Johns Pass

Pelicans waiting for the boat at Johns Pass.  I assume they have
signed up already... http://www.johnspass.com/

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Snell Arcade

The Snell Arcade, also known as the Rutland Building,
located on Central Avenue at 4th Street is an
example of Mediterranean Revival architecture that
is quite popular in the city.  It was listed on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Mazzaro's Italian Market

On a recent trip to St Petersburg I visited Mazarro's Italian Market -
a  true Italian experience in all things Italian; wine, deli foods,
coffee bar, pastries and a restaurant.
This Italian "samfia man" cart was parked by the entrance.