May 31, 2015

The Biltmore Grounds, Asheville, NC

Imagine looking over this vast landscape and saying
"I't all mine....!"
The Vanderbilt's of Asheville were able to say this.  


Keep an eye over the gardens.

Hurrah to being a kid!

Thirsty?


May 28, 2015

The Biltmore, Asheville, NC

The Biltmore
Just prior to a rain shower I was lucky to get a shot without people on the lawn!
The clouds were fierce looking but offered up some flair.

Just how does wealth like this happen?


A dramatic look!
other places of interest around the world:

May 27, 2015

Wedding Cake Topper

Looking in my Mother-In-Laws collections I came across this cute couple.
The story behind them is that they came from the wedding cake of my husband's
Grandmother and Grandfather.
They were in the garbage while cleaning out and my Mother-in-law rescued them.
The poor bride took a beating and appears too fragile to attempt a fix but they
still are adorable!
I'm unsure if they are classified as kewpie dolls but they sure do appear to be!
(John and Anna Smith)

May 26, 2015

George H. W. Bush CVN 77

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to tour a Navy carrier.
The George H.W. Bush CVN 77
I admit I was overly excited.  I once toured through a decommissioned carrier which 
made me want to see and experience one that was active.  
Of course I couldn't experience the ship as it was afloat and on its way to or from a
mission but it still was amazing to say the least!  

This is where all the major action takes place!
Ready for take off!

The best meeting place on the ship is of course George himself!
Believe me getting lost is definitely going to happen, so when
all else fails make your starting point or stopping point with George!

May 23, 2015

Chimney Rock Park ~ Hiking

Somebody has done a tremendous amount of work (and up keep) to
provide great hiking adventures around Chimney Rock Park.

Need to be cooled off ?
Hike back to the water fall and feel the shade and the mist.

May 16, 2015

Chimney Rock Park ~ Up on a hill

Nice secluded home on the hill.
Hill?


Can you spot the house on the hill now?
It's there approximately in the middle of the top of the mountain.
I'm thinking a 4x4 vehicle is required to get there...

May 13, 2015

Chimney Rock, NC ~~ Devil's Head and Explanation Point

After leaving Chimney Rock the next stop is Devil's Head.
It's another worthy lookout at God's creation!

Climbing up
The combination of steps, rocks, and trails made for a great hike.

The top of the mountain!
~Exclamation Point!~
Bring your lunch and a drink and stay awhile to enjoy serenity!

Once you've gone up ~ down is always the next option.
Watch your step as you enjoy the views along the way!

May 7, 2015

Chimney Rock, NC - Top of the Rock!

Even pets can make the climb to the top of Chimney Rock!

So just how did this tree get here --- and survive?

Below was our starting point.  Can you spot the green Jeep?
You can take the 26 story elevator to the bottom of the rock or hike the Outcropping
trail and experience all that nature has to offer with great views.

The views in Spring time are stupendous so I can only guess what Fall offers!

May 4, 2015

Chimney Rock, NC - A view from the top

The View!
We hiked and climbed just to reach the steps to go out on Chimney Rock
but it all doesn't end there!  If your knees don't like steps but you want
to see the view you can take an elevator built in the rock to get to this
last set of steps and somehow try to manage it for  -- The View!
If you really want to do damage keep climbing for this added view 
from a place called Explanation Point.
Worth the burn?  
You bet!

May 3, 2015

Robot Cyborg Muffler Man in Buena Vista, VA

What the heck?!
Passing through Buena Vista, VA we saw the sign that this was where Charlie Manuel 
hailed from here, but then we saw Robot Cybor Muffler Man!
I'm not sure about which of these I found to be of most interest...!

The smile on his face...
The dirt bike in his hand...
The lawn mower alien inside him..
The tail like right hand...

Did I hear Men in Black....?
Meanwhile around the world: