Imagine going to a place where there weren't any McDonald's, Burger Kings or Domino's pizzas. Where you didn't see a CVS on every corner and Walmart isn't even a concept. There are no BP gas stations and instead of street lights, there are lamp posts with flower pots hanging from them next to old trees with moss growing on them.
If you can imagine all of that, you must have visited Blowing Rock, North Carolina in the mountains.
Tony took me to the mountains for my birthday. We visited some wineries, walked around and shopped, took a ton of pictures and ate like you wouldn't believe. We stayed at The Inn at Ragged Gardens--a bed and breakfast on a hill. It was built in the 1890's and is furnished in that era. The floors in our rooms sloped down and we had a king sized bed that was waist high and in front of the fire place. It was beautiful.
We started our trip in Charlotte to see Tony, Marie and Coleton, but mostly to drop off Dixie so they could dog sit for us. It was the first time since we got Dixie that we spent time away from her. She had fun with Tyson and Coleton, but she missed us and was glad to come home.
I had a wonderful birthday. I got flowers from Joyce (Florida) and the Communications Committee, pictures from David and Bernie, golf lessons and the trip from Tony, cards and a beautiful grandchildren mug from Jenna/Jon and the kids, a grandmother book from Coleton and an Amazon gift card from Tony and Marie. Marie did a nice birthday dinner when we got back and had brownies and ice cream too. Coleton sang, "Happy Birthday," and I got a call from Ben and Sam when they were away visiting gram...plus, a phone message from all of them saying "Happy Birthday." What a great birthday it was. I also heard from several people from New York Life and got a funny card from a guy named, "Bubba" that I just loved. How nice to be remembered.
Take a journey with me on our trip. If you ever get a chance to go to Blowing Rock, go...it is so worth it.
Flowers from sister-in-law, Joyce in Florida
Coleton laughs at Papa
And, discovers his tongue!
Building blocks!
Everybody rests on Papa
Joe takes our picture as we enjoy Laurel Gray Winery
Laurel Gray Farm
Raffaldini Winery
The view from Raffaildini balcony
Our room at The Inn at Ragged Gardens
The entrance to the Inn
Ragged Gardens
Every small town in North Carolina has a "Mayberry" sheriff's car
Artists with the dream of a vineyard...jones (her) von drehle (dray-el) (him)
Scott, the chef...wonderful food
Art at the vineyard
The grounds at Daveste Vineyards...more artists with a vineyard dream
On the pavilion at Daveste
(check out the Coach purse!!)
Tony enjoying red wine
Tony took this picture....really pretty
The grapes at Daveste
WHAT A HAPPY BIRTHDAY I HAD!
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