Lovely day, enchanted and walk about

There was another visit to the river house last weekend, and this was the view on Friday afternoon when I drove in - the Friday Market in the town square.  I couldn't wait to get my stuff in the house so I could come back here and peacefully mingle.

My only real task was choosing a new hanging plant to take back home, and I found it at an enchanted plant nursery, which was completely off the beaten path.

The delightful lady who helped me pick this out said it is a dipladenia, here in it's temporary parking place by the river, until I took my leave on Monday.  In a true Good Things Happened moment, she tucked it away in the back seat of my car, and said to it, "Now you behave on your trip home."  I thought she was talking to me at first.  :)

The river was beautiful on Sunday morning, so I walked around the banks of the Hiwassee River a bit.  I flushed out a phantom egret that we see now and then.  We both startled each other and then it flapped away south.

My internet is down at home (since last week), so I am not able to visit blogs as much as usual.  Waiting for a technician to visit and things will be back to normal soon, I hope.

Leaving the city, Hiwassee River and the neighbors

- Arriving in the North Carolina mountains last Friday evening to an alternate universe.  The air turned cooler, a man even commented on that as I was getting out of my car at Ingles (grocery store).  Inside, employees were helpful and apologetic that there was no pita bread. There were even employees in the produce section making guacamole to order!  That's mine above - delicious.  I  began to feel relaxed already after being asked how I am at the checkout and being thanked for coming.  A wonderful place.

- Yard art featuring swimming fish marks the spot where there's a good fishing hole nearby.  Not that I do that.  Fish are safe from me - I just like to read and gaze at the river going by.  And eat guacamole.

- The farmer across the river, Mr. Martin, is in his 90s and still works his farm every day.  That's him on his red tractor in the field that will yield Silver Queen Corn.  He was on his knees in that field on Saturday, inspecting plants.  No sign of him on Sunday - he respects the Sabbath.  And on Monday, back to work, as you see here.

- A beautiful teal-headed duck surveys the river from a rock.  He and his mate like that spot out there and came to visit a number of times.  I loved seeing them fly in and come in for a landing.  A peaceful place - I love it there.  Can you tell?

Memorial Day 2012

- The little town near my sister's river house has this lovely memorial to its fallen heroes every Memorial Day.  I am grateful and thankful for the service of each one.  This photo was taken last year, but it's where I am right now (back home later today).

See you Wednesday with river photos!