25 Nov 2012 – Family Business…

Sat: took the 3 oldest grandchildren to a movie, Disney production, The Odd Life of Timothy Green***A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears. And odd it certainly is but more important, the kids enjoyed it and the ending was happy! Like many of the Disney, All’s well that ends well with a good moral behind it all!

John’s early Bday party is scheduled for Sunday afternoon instead of the actual date Thu 29 Nov when a plane awaits for me! The family is enjoying the fantastic weather outdoors on the high school running track and the park. Tonight we are all excited about the football game, way to go Gators.

Did some grocery shopping to make curry (Linn’s request) ready for Mon. Stayed mainly indoors to prevent a runny nose and a scratchy throat from getting worse, knowing that the journeys ahead will be long and tiring. Better safe than sorry as the plane tickets are non-refundable! Wiser to take it easy for a few days, unlike my usual living life to the fullest 🙂

Received some interesting and informative pix and postings:

Thanks you Daniel Yiek for sharing this chronological graph. Adding it to the research to another KLB posting :

http://amylamsg.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2242&action=edit

Appreciations to Dag Kajander for reviving some memories of early working days from 1976/77 in Tromsø/Norway at Nordnorsk Musikkonservatorium. Somehow those memories seemed to be blurred and the piano came to mind but after some thoughts with the music, Dido & Aeneas (was informed later) that was performed then, thus has to be a harpsichord, not piano!

The performance was at Tromsø Ishavskatedralen/The Arctic Cathedral. Pix credits to Svein Hugo Hagen.

What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce ― Karl Lagerfeld

23 Nov 2012 – Post-Thanksgiving

Preparations for Thanksgiving dinner…

Turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, Irish-creamed potatoes, pumpkin pie and Tiramisu from us. The Looneys brought broccoli-casserole, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese. Champagne for the ladies. Thank you and cheers to all for delightful company.

What a beautiful ending to this lovely Thanksgiving evening, a drive to the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals. Appreciations to Linn for showing the lights!!Looking forward to seeing the Christmas and CNY lights in SIN.

http://www.icrc.net/

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs – Author Unknown

What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving – Erma Bombeck

21 Nov 2012 – Glad that I am NO turkey 🙂

Mon: nice to be back with the family and the Greatest Little Brother who loves his chocolate as much as his mom 🙂 After an uneventful 4hrs drive, arrived safe & sound to a yummy surprise, a box of Honolulu Cookie Co, best HI shortbread cookies. Thank you Lisa & Adriane for their thoughtfulness. Sorry to miss their wedding in Sep but will try to visit for one of their anniversaries!

Turkey Day is just around the corner and the wine selection has been fun at the winery. Bought the local wines from NC and 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau is finally on the shelves. Linn got 2 bottles, tried it and will be good with the turkey. We will be 13 around 2 tables for Thanksgiving feast. Looking forward to tasting everything!

Tue: a lazy day. Linn has a cleaning help and she is doing a good job. Did some last-minute grocery shopping. Took care of the kids who are as good as gold while the parents went out on a date night. Such a pleasure and precious time alone with my delightful grandchildren for an evening.

To May, Bjørn & Olai who will be greatly missed but am thankful of their beings and will look forward to when we meet again. Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone. Indeed am blessed and thankful to have y’all crossing paths in this life’s journey.

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart – J.A. Shedd

18 Nov 2012 – the♥pumps hard walking up these slopes…

Fri: 0900hrs: walked Grouse Moor Drive (2mi/3.2km app 30mins walk downhill), pass the Food Lion grocery store and staying on the main road (184). Taking a right turn up Sugar Mt Drive to the Ski Lodge (passing the golf course), another 2mi. A hamburger and a bottle of water cost $8+/nearly S$10 here. Saw only 2 other person in the cafe. Season has not really started yet!

Only a long run, Lower and Upper Flying Mile have snow and is opened. No, they did no allowed me to take the lift up unless I ski down. Had no intentions to rent gears, never been nor will ever be a fan of downhill skiing! The only skiing in the mind is cross-country skiing, not sure if the body is still capable of it… 🙂 

Talked to the security officer (did not wished to take the main road back) and he recommended to walk up the Lower Flying Mile Slope (lifts are not yet opened). From there, continued to climb the Big Red Slope (the slope right outside the condo). The 2 slopes are hard climbs but now quite orientated with the slopes and lifts on Sugar Mt, no need for compass 🙂 🙂

Took nearly 4hrs (with 2 short breaks) to do this whole walk, ie from the condo! What a good way to see and feel the slopes! but the heart was pumping like there is no tomorrow… 🙂 🙂 🙂

Sat: walked to the summit of Sugar Mt 5,300’/1,615m and the views are just breath-taking. Thank you Mother Nature for being on my side this whole week. The secret in life’s harmony is to be at peace with nature, ie to be aware and at one with nature. Found a road up there and decided to on a sunset drive.

The clubhouse and the facilities are wonderful as there is not a soul in sight! Felt like my own private pool and hot-tub!

Skiing is the only sport where you spend an arm and a leg to break an arm and a leg – Author Unknown

16 Nov 2012 – At Grandfather Mt & Winery/NC

Wed: another beautiful day. Drove to Linn Cove Vioduct as the previous drive was in fog and poor visibility! A very short walk just to the bridge to check out the conditions on the Tanawha Trail from Rough Ridge Outlook, elevation 4,293’/1,308m. Tempting to continue but it has to be some other time…

Decided to pay US$15/S$18 for seniors to drive the 2.5mi/4km up Grandfather Mt, 5,946ft/1,812m and glad for that decision. The 360° views of the Smokies are just breath-taking. Walking alone across the Swinging Bridge was an experience, especially in the wind, thus also known as the Singing Bridge.

http://www.grandfather.com/

Grandfather Winery: a young (2011) family run-winery. The charming young host Dylan informed us they were closed but still let us taste and purchase. Being the only customers there made a real nice difference, unlike the experience at Banner Elk Winery which is more commercialize, thus less personal.

http://www.grandfathervineyard.com/

http://www.bannerelkwinery.com/

http://www.lmc.edu/

Had to drive thru’ Banner Elk to revive memories of Lees-McRae ( private U) when life’s journey crossed that path 7yrs ago; stayed in the dom for a couple of days to attend some classes about the AT then. Lunched at the Banner Elk Cafe***excellent hamburgers and good cakes.

Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art – Freya Stark

15 Nov 2012 – Away from the Maddening Crowd

Mon: app 1+hr drive 43mi/70km west in light rain and fog from Wilkesboro to Sugar Ski & Country Club near Banner Elk/NC. Arrived past 12n and was happy to get off the road as the weather did not improved. Was concerned as Nancy was driving from Tennessee/app6+hrs. She finally arrived safe & sound after 2100hrs in the pouring rain!

Tue: slept in until nearly 0900hrs and it was 20°F/-6.7°C°. The footprints of Sandy can still be seen as 2 patches of snow! Have not felt this kind of temps for a long while. Clear blue sky and had to pour hot water on the car to get the door open.

Headed to Valle Crucis/Vale of the Cross, to the Mast General Store (1883) and the Annex where 500+ variety of candies can be found. The grandchildren would love it here and so would the parrot from Crab Shack, Tybee Island/GA!

Here at The Rivercross where all the crafts and arts are made in USA is a tasteful gift shop. Could not resist buying one of those trees for Jeff.

Had a simple lunch on ham and greens at the 1861 Farmhouse & Winery****where the brick building is built by hand. The brick for the house was made personally by hand by Henry Taylor at his own brickyard. Rather impressive and the service was excellent.

Website edited 19 Jul 2014 – tkx to Linn for update

http://www.themastfarminn.com/1861-farmhouse/

A relaxing evening in the Sugar Ski and Country Clubhouse sauna and hot-tub made the day!

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe – Anatole France

13 Nov 2012 – Celebrating AT’s 75th Anniversary

Had to rest a few days before hitting the road again. Lack of energy is certainly a tell-tale sign that age is catching up but still no reason not to continue enjoying this life’s journey.

Fri: rented a car for L&J, borrowed their van and headed to Wilkesboro/NC, app 3+hrs drive, 192mi/310km NW of CAE. Appreciations to delicious steak dinner made by Franklin & Glenda and a lovely evening at their beautiful home.

Sat: headed out bright and early to Roanoke/VA, app 2+hrs drive, 154mi/248km N of Wilkesboro. Tkx to Franklin for driving and to Glenda for delightful company. Arrived with half-hour to spare allowing us to roam about the historic Grandin village. National geographic Film presented Discover the AT and ATC is using it for membership drive and fund-raising to mark the 75th Anniversary of the AT.

Interesting stories from hikers and outfitter, especially at Neels Gap where it is the first stop with civilization after app nearly 50mi and 3rd day into a thru-hike. Some hiker started carrying 16 rolls of toilet paper!! and Neels Gap is where most hikers discard and mail stuff back home at this location. A daypack which was recently thrown out was mailed from here in 2005 when Loon sold me the vest!

Great to meet up with Karen/Miss Wiggy, Lori/Lizard and Glenda/Hi Hills from 2005 hike. A lovely afternoon with trail stories. Made dinner and stayed over at Karen & Brian in Blacksburg/VA.

Sun: yummy brunch at Palisades****located in this tiny village of Eggleston over looking the New River/Kanawha which dissects the Appalachian Mt is app 300mil yrs, and is actually the 3rd oldest river in the world. Older than the Nile but younger than the Meuse and the Yangtze!

http://www.thepalisadesrestaurant.com/history.html

A beautiful 7mi/11km, 4+hrs hike on Craig Creek/AT to end another perfect day. Somehow, did not recognise any parts of the section from the 2005. AT without the leaf is quite a change from the AT in the summer time. Snoozed thru’ out the drive back to Wilkesboro.

A million thanks to Glenda & Franklin and to Karen & Brian for their kind and graceful hospitality. Another perfect weekend passed by quickly.

He who does not travel does not know the value of men – Moorish proverb

6 Nov 2012 – from Tybee/GA to Charleston/SC

Fri: a successful pre-school Fall Party for Sophie’s class.

Linn & I headed to Tybee Island/GA, app 177mi/285km 3hrs drive SE of CAE. A beautiful and peaceful sunset was the perfect setting added to a goodnight sleep before a marathon.

Sat: caught the 0600hrs shuttle on the island heading down town Savannah. Cheering Linn on her run in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon with a beautiful sunrise. 3+hrs to explore Savannah in blue sky again was such fun. Random pix while strolling this charming city of parks with fountains!

Linn PR 3.42:33, overall placing 333 among over 2,000 female runners and that is impressive for this mother of 5. The traffic was bad heading back to the island on the shuttle. Celebrated at Crab Shack***with the family who arrived after lunch. An amazing parrot which unwrap lollipop before eating is quite a show at this rustic joint, just as well this bird has no teeth, no dentist bills 🙂

Sun: gained an hour with fall back time. Started out bright and early on our separate ways. Linn & family headed to somewhere near Arcade/GA where Jeff’s sister and family has just moved to.

First stop for this historic island drive was Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island/GA where the 1862 battle was fought during the American Civil War.

http://www.kidscruz.com/HIST_PU.HTM

Beaufort, Port Royal Island: 34°43′N 76°39′W, established in 1709 was ranked as ‘America’s Coolest Small Town’ by readers of Budget Travel Magazine. Had a delicious lunch at the Market Cafe****

http://historicbeaufort.com/

Angel Oak, Johns Island is probably the oldest and largest Live oak estimated to be app 1,500yrs, stands 65ft/20m tall, measures 28ft/8.5m in circumference, and shades with its crown an area of 17,000sq ft/1,600sq m. It is one of the most magnificent trees seen!

http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/content.aspx?nid=1740

Arrived Charleston, Mt Pleasant 1700hrs, stayed and dined on yummy home-made dinner at the Wilsons/John & Lynne, McLean & Lauren+, Liz & Brian. Met John on the 2005 AT thru’ hike where he saved me from a snake and made me dinner when I could hardly move! MoFo (John’s AT trail-name) has been my hero ever since 🙂 🙂

Mon: breakfast at Pages Okra Grill***in Mt Pleasant and the first time to taste pickled okra (known as Lady fingers outside of the USA). With an eatery name like this, had to try their deep-fried okra with eggs and bacon! Have always like this veg done in all ways and this was no exception.

Lunched, Fleet Landing****on delicious creamy She Crab Soup made with crab, roe and sherry. Crab cake top with the best onion rings tasted and creme brulee with real vanilla seeds for dessert. Such a feast and in good company that one can ignore the huge cruise ship which was an eye-sore in the beautiful surroundings.

Believe it or not, but the oldest liquor store in the US  is established here, The Tavern/1684. Also known as the Holy City, Charleston has long been noted for its numerous churches and denominations. Exciting contrast which explains my fascination for this place!

Mon: the best way to see Charleston is having a personal insiders guide who also loves his hometown. The Southern and Lowcountry hospitality certainly lives up to their reputation. Appreciations to John & his family for a most enjoyable and memorable stay in Charleston. Congratulations for a grand-daughter due in Mar 2013.

Edited 6Jun 2016 with names of places tkx to John – was trying to look for more pix by request from friend who is interested in this drive. Unfortunately unable to find more pix except for these in the blog.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (Tiffany windows), St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, First Scot’s Presbyterian Church (wasn’t open for us), along with a stroll from Corner of Broad and Meeting Streets toward the battery to Whitepoint Garden then over to Church Street and back toward Broad Street, then one will see a sampling of the historic district.

Was so touched to receive this beautiful Tiger Oak box hand-made by John who certainly has more hidden talents than the eyes can see! Here he is featured in a magazine Treasure Chests, The Legacy of Extraordinary Boxes

And of course a plantation visit to complete this tour is a must. Boone Hall was recommended and was happy to drive thru’ this most impressive natural corridor of southern live oaks planted n 1743. The Black History and Slave Trade never fails to disturb the thoughts but one must learn to prevent distasteful history from repeating!

The drive back to CAE was uneventful and the traffic was bad for the last 10mi. Also with fall back time, it was dark on the road. Glad to be back safe and sound and in one piece. Are there any solutions when it is rush hour and people want to live near cities???

Tue: this island hopping trip has been educational and an eye-opener one in the Lowcountry, especially more so after seeing the devastation Sandy just left behind in the NE coastal states. It was in 1989 when Hugo left his footprints in SC. Next weekend heading to Blacksburg/VA and to Sugar Mt/NC. Today is voting day and anyone who knows me also know that politics and religion are not the paths I venture into in this life journey!

 Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves – Abraham Lincoln

1 Nov 2012 – Bye-bye Oct

Exactly a year ago, same place & time:
http://amylamsg.com/2011/11/01/may-the-force-be-with-yall/

Ending yet another sugar overdose Treat or Treat 2012 on a beautiful full moon night.

This year at the Avalon Halloween Driveway Party with everyone one older and with different Halloween costumes, except for John with his dinosaur outfit which kept him warm on this cold evening. Move over Tiger Mom, even Gator listens when this Grand Tiger Mom growls Trick or Treat 🙂 A fun night for the kids in this neighbourhood and the winds calm down after sunset to let the paper lanterns hang on the trees.

Appreciations to those who took the time to prepare and to host this get together.

Scientists are complaining that the new Dinosaur movie shows dinosaurs with lemurs, who didn’t evolve for another million years. They’re afraid the movie will give kids a mistaken impression. What about the fact that the dinosaurs are singing and dancing? – Jay Leno

Nov Bdays and special days: 

2 Happy Bday John KERNAN

8 Happy Bday Beverly LIN

11 Happy Bday Audrey MOH

13 Happy Bday LEUNG Yee Fun & Happy Diwali/Festival of Lights

19 Happy Bday Yulis ADAM TEO

22 Happy Thanksgiving

27 Happy Bday Daisy CHIA

29 Happy 6th Bday to my grandson John Whitham HALL

30 Happy Bday LAM Kwok Chai

31 Oct 2012 – Happy Bdays Adeline in SIN & Mark in Chicago/USA

Tue: Sandy’s impact and trail of devastation with app 8mil people out power in 15 US states and at least 33 people have died in the US. These superimposed pix (Trick in this case) show the power of Mother Nature,  a situation not within anyone’s control. A touch of humour with the other pix might be the Treat.

Will not post any of the real pix as it is disturbing and sad enough to know of the havoc Sandy has caused. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by Sandy, a very devasting storm. 

Family & friends who were in Sandy’s path are safe and sound except for some minor inconveniences. Here in CAE/SC there are more winds than usual, but nothing to write home about. Thus not hanging the paper pumpkin lanterns outside but having them indoors. Sharing this pix of a beautiful day yesterday when I was so blessed to observe Ellie’s math class.

The class was divided into groups and they counted app 400 seeds after weighing and measuring a pumpkin. What a creative and constructive way to conduct a math class. Would have probably love math if this was the way to learn in the 1950s. To Mrs Cain/Irmo Elementary, thank you for being Ellie’s teacher.

And so life goes on for the rest of the world. Happy Halloween to those celebrating and to my grandchildren who really have little understanding for the real world yet. Someday, they too will have to grow up. In the meanwhile, let them be at their life’s journey path, in this case carving pumpkin with their dad. Tomorrow will be the only night in the year where they are allowed to knock on doors saying Trick or Treat to their neighbours and receiving candies. 

Trick or Treat pix will be posted in next posting. In the meanwhile will get this posting for last day of Oct out as my laptop is set on SIN time! For those who are young at heart to remember the Peanuts…

It’s the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown – Charles Schulz.