by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Things Learned During Our Weekend Getaway:
- When surprising the hubby with a “Happy Anniversary” script instead of the standard “Happy Birthday, Cathy” on the cake, be sure to first alert the clerk at the bakery when he’s present for the pick-up. The surprise fizzled quickly.
- If there are specific things that would enhance your vacation, say — space, windows, ample lighting, a table, or stricter enforcement on the “no smoking” policy indoors, don’t settle for pictures alone. Ask questions ahead of time. Upon arrival, what I initially believed to be a cute but quaint tool shed was, in fact, our getaway for the next three nights. Brian was relieved I’d made those reservations.
- Wear comfy shoes even if you think you’ll only be shopping for a short period of time (I’m not a shopper!)
- Wear comfy shoes (it bears repeating).
- It pays to talk to the locals. While in an antique store, we were invited to a large local inn for an evening of music. And then it happened. The owner of the inn shared how it’s haunted by a little girl who likes to pull on skirts. Green River BBQ, my new book, and a Law and Order Criminal Intent marathon never sounded so good.
- And last but not least, never underestimate the hubby—or the joy of preparation. He surprised me with an Ipad 2 for my birthday/anniversary and being the prepared person that I am, i.e., hard-hitting-hint-dropper, I went ahead and purchased a manual, tucking it in my luggage just in case. 🙂
Overall, it was a great time away, but there truly is something sweet about coming home… and leaving the tool shed behind.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Much like our getaway weekend, I’ll keep this short and sweet.
As many of you know, Brian and I celebrated our 20th year wedding anniversary last week. We could have escaped to many places for this momentous occasion, but we chose instead to celebrate it in our favorite mountain cabin, tucked away in the Saluda NC mountains.
Highlights included:
- A yummy (and beautiful) birthday cake from McFarlan’s Bakery in Hendersonville NC. White cake, buttercream icing, with piped fall leaves all a flutter.
- An amazing drive through the Watershed. Though the leaves were not brilliant, God’s handiwork certainly was.
- Bargain Shiny-Brites. $1.00 a box, all in the original packaging. Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!
- Bon-appetit! The meals were scrumptious. Kudos to the Purple Onion, Saluda Grade Cafe, and Green River BBQ. If you’re in the area, you must give them a try!
- Lots of reading/writing time with Rupert (our spoiled Lhasa) curled up in my lap.
- An adorable find in a downtown Hendersonville antique shop — a child’s metal bench (see below). We plan to screen in our back porch soon and this will fit just perfectly.
- A new twist to bargain basement finds! Up until Saturday, our search for a bench to go with our farm table had been to no avail. And then we met Roy Eargle, a 79 year old man with a quick smile and owner of an antique store, Estate Antiques, located in downtown Saluda. After pointing us to the basement of his store, the search was over. There, we came across two old, but smoothly worn beautiful 7′ benches covered with original patina for an amazing price. Sold!
- And last, but certainly not least, we visited the Old Kentucky Home, Thomas Wolfe’s childhood home and basis for his classic novel, “Look Homeward, Angel”. Touring the very house I’m currently reading about, with all its past stories still lingering through original furnishings and finds, was simply phenomenal and downright inspiring. I plan to post a few pictures of our tour tomorrow.
Okay, so much for this post being short — but it was sweet!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
What a trip! Never having stayed at the Boykin Cottage, we weren’t sure what to expect – but our expectations were exceeded.
The cottage is nestled in acres of woodlands, but not too far from Saluda’s quaint downtown. The original cottage is very old, but since purchasing the surrounding land, the owners added a bedroom and sunroom, updated the kitchen, and now rent it for weekend getaways.
These pictures do not do the cottage, nor the surroundings, justice — but here goes!
The screened porch on the front of the cottage was very nice. I awakened early Friday morning to the pitter-patter of rain on the tin roof, so I jumped out of bed, perked my coffee,
bundled up and rocked on the porch for over an hour.
No book necessary.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Here’s the kitchen – nice, clean and updated.
It was also immune to cooking this weekend.
Now that’s my kind of kitchen. 🙂
Here’s the den – comfy, clean and great magazines. It also has a working fireplace but we didn’t use it this time. It was chilly on Saturday, but not enough for a fire. The windows behind the couch still have the old wavy glass. Love it!
This picture doesn’t do the sunny exposure justice.
Outside the windows were cedars, oaks and other beautiful trees. Just like a treehouse!
And now to true beauty…
God’s handiwork at its best in the Carolina mountains.
(Click picture to enlarge)
The road leading to the cottage. The road less traveled.
That’s what I like.
The view just outside the cottage.
It’s the little things that matter.
These red impatiens and nandina’s lined the screened porch.
A simple but colorful greeting.
Another view just steps away from the cottage.
The owners have made several small trails throughout the property.
Look closely and you’ll see a hammock surrounded by
fallen leaves and beautiful trees.
It was one of my favorite places to be this weekend.
Here’s why. Check out the view (below) while lying in the hammock:
Looking straight up! (Click picture to enlarge)
And last, but not least, another piece of God’s handiwork… Rupert.
Some hearts skip a beat at the sound of a roaring ocean. Not mine. This heart is drawn to, comforted, and soothed by the beautiful NC mountains.
But it’s always nice to return home.
