Walker hound Ellie woke me to go outside at 6:00 a.m. and Otis dutifully followed.  He considers it his duty to make sure his sisters have "back up" should they get into any scraps with neighboring dogs.  I heard her take off after who knows what, her characteristic bellow echoing throughout the valley.

I dozed intermittently until I heard Sheila's ATV come down her long driveway on her morning ritual to go feed the neighbor's cats.  Why she is feeding those cats is a topic for a whole different story.  Though the morning fog, I saw big ole Otis waiting at the end of her driveway.  He knows the drill, and our Otis is nothing if not food motivated.  For a long while he would follow her down, and then eat the cat food.

Well, Sheila is a farm girl from North Dakota and not easily deterred.  One morning I was woken by the sound of Otis crying on the front porch.  There are two heavy tables on either side of the door, and Sheila had secured a thick leash and clipped Otis's collar to it.  He was so pathetic I had to laugh.  I brought him in and Sheila and I had a chuckle about it later.

A few weeks later I heard Ellie insistently barking to be let in after having let her out only a short while earlier.  Opening the door, I was greeted by TWO bound hounds, one to each table, neither happy about it.

Now, lying in bed, gathering my thoughts for the day and listening to the bird songs, I smiled as I watched big ole Otis clop down the street after Sheila, heard her stop in my driveway, tie up Otis and continue on her way.  As it was about time to get my day moving anyway, I rescued him promptly, his face lighting up when he saw me and he danced beside me as we went to get coffee.

I don't take these simple pleasures for granted, for they are the things that make a life: quiet, small, joyful moments easily missed if we fail to pay attention.  The kindness of a neighbor in dealing with my wayward dogs, the loyalty of a canine friend, and good coffee on a Blue Ridge mountain morning.  

Have an Above the Rest day.....

For those who've been following the saga of Abbie Rose and her broken radius and ulna, she is back in the hospital tonight for a "rest" from the cast, and a new cast application tomorrow.  She managed to get out and had a good romp in the woods, which caused the cast to slip down; the vet wants her foot exposed so she'll bear some weight during the healing process.   The fourth time's a charm, right?

Life on the mountain has been a bit stressful this week as I've had to take on cabin cleaning duties. Unfortunately the labor force in Blue Ridge is very limited in terms of motivated, diligent workers, especially in the cabin cleaning business.   Our standards are high, it's true, but clean is clean and anything less is...well...not doing the job!  Personally, I love cleaning cabins.  It gives me great pride to prepare a home knowing that the guests will be satisfied and that every detail has been attended to.  Unfortunately, I have a full-time job already!  A huge shout out to Shawn, in particular, and Donna for their hard work this week. Shawn did the equivalent of a 'cleaning marathon' and we're uber grateful for/to him.

We're growing our first garden at Above the Rest - East (the 'farm' - and the office from which I primarily work.)  It is GORGEOUS.  We have 7 varieties of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, peppers (hot, green bell, chocolate bell, sweet banana, red bell), two varieties of dill, sage, chives, scallions, asparagus, several varieties of basil, four varities of blueberries and two varieties of French beans!  We'll be selling farm-fresh tomatoes at the main office when they are ready!  A huge thank you to MacCarthy Farms for providing many of the plants.  It took me a while to get the hang of growing from seed, but my tomato restarts are doing just great! It is deeply satisfying to start and end every day in the garden.  Oh, and we have many varieties of sunflowers and zinnias as well!

The horses are doing great, although they've not gotten much attention this week.  I fear Faith Elizabeth is mad at me, as every time I call her name she walks the other direction.  I believe an offering of peppermints is in order tonight, mostly because I miss her and I need some equine love.

Many of you have figured out that I've shut down my personal Facebook page; it was too much in the way of time spent that is best spent otherwise, and the stream of cruelty to animal pics and other horrid posts just took its toll.  This job is hard enough without that coming into my life.  Feel free to interact with me here!  I'll endeavor to post at least once a day.

For now, there is paperwork calling, and an early to bed night as I have one more large home to clean tomorrow in addition to catching up on my *real* job.  :)

Wishing everyone well...

Serenity in the Mountains Spa

Summer is upon us and that means our feet are in full view in strappy sandals, flip flops and just plain barefoot!  For nearly a decade, I've trusted my toes to Julie Falls, Nail Specialist at Serenity in the Mountains Spa.  She is FABULOUS.

Specializing in manicures and pedicures using gel polish, with or without nail art, she offers a range of services for every budget.

Julie earned her Master Cosmetologist degree from Appalachian Tech, and has been working at Serenity for 9 years.  When asked what she loves most about her job, her response was immediate: "the people I work with and the people I get to meet from all over the world who are here for vacation.  Serenity has been a blessing to me."

She keeps current in her field with annual continuing education classes, most recently the Seattle Nail Boot Camp where new techniques, sanitation methods and client relations were the focus.

Working with Vinylux Polish, a mani/pedi can last 6-8 weeks depending on your activity level.  "Give it an hour to fully set up and you can do anything," she says.

Nail care is far more than vanity.   It's hygenic, enhances self-esteem and, for diabetics in particular, is extremely important.  In addition, it's fun and relaxing!

Groups of 6 can be accomodated simultaneously for both manicures and pedicures, which is perfect for girlfriend getaways or bridal parties.

Options for pedicures are:

85 minute signature: a warming detoxifiying pedicure with Sabai stone massage  $45

55 minute spa pedicure: a cooling/circulation enhancing pedicure  $35

30 minute express: includes toe care, lotion and polish  $25

You may also get a touch up/polish change for $6 or a clip, file and polish for $10.

Manicure options include:

60 minute spa manicure $30

30 minute express manicure $15 (includes scrub, lotion, nail care and polish.)


I cannot encourage you enough to schedule an appointment with Julie at 706 258 2244 today for a relaxing mani or pedi.  You will look and feel great!

Check out all of the wonderful services offered at Serenity in the Mountains on their website at http://www.serenityinthemountains.com

As always, we're happy to make recommendations on services and assist you with reservations.

Dinner at Chester's

The owner of  Wooden Indian 

  

is in town and treated us to dinner at Chester's downtown, as Sunday was the night we both had available and Chester's is one of the few restaurants that is open on Sundays!  (We deeply appreciate it!)

David and I had been for lunch, so this is the second report on this "new kid on the block" restaurant.

If you missed part one, let me recap by saying it's a beautiful restaurant/bar with gorgeous decor and well-trained, friendly, professional staff.

We started with the flat bread pizza appetizer ($12) to share.  The selection changes daily and on Sunday in was barbecue chicken, tomato, basil, cheese - YUM.  The house Chardonnay ($6.50) was excellent with it. 

As a main course, I had the black Angus steak with garlic smashed potatoes and green beans ($28), and the house Cabernet ($6.50).  Perfection.  The steak was cooked exactly as I requested, and it was exceptionally well-flavored.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

David went with a simple burger and fries, said it was awesome and I have to say from my lunch experience, their fries ARE something special.  

Patti had the trout with bacon and wilted spinach, and new potatoes ($20).  I tasted it, and the fish was good, but not great.  We were both not expecting the sides to have as sweet a finish on them and while not unpleasant (she enjoyed the meal) she would pass on it next time in favor of trying something different.

We split the flourless (and gluten-free) chocolate cake for dessert ($8) and it was warm and sinfully delicious.

Victoria was our server.  Charming and attentive, she was great fun to interact with.

Salad is à la carte on entrees, and it can get pricey fast with a few glasses of wine, so for a full meal it will be a "once in a while" treat for us.  Lunch and lite bites are much more reasonable.

Overall, we've been pleased with both experiences and recommend you give them a try.  Chester Brunnemeyer's Bar & Grill

Pampering in the Mountains? We are SO about that...

I'm getting ready to head downtown to get my mane tamed by the inimitable Jack Morton, Emmy Award-winning stylist and author, who owns Indulgence Salon, right here in our little slice of heaven!  He's a master and knows exactly what is right for your face shape and lifestyle!  We regulars make a year's worth of appointments every December; he's THAT popular.  If you want an appointment while you're in town, call well in advance.  He's worth it!  Located at 287 Church Street, Blue Ridge.  706.632.2459

If you're looking for pampering of a different sort (think mani/pedi, facial, body wraps, massage, etc.) then be certain to check into Serenity in the Mountains Spa (www.serenityinthemountains.com).  Linda Cole developed and runs this stunning spa that can handle groups, offers a large and extremely comfortable relaxation room for downtime between appointments, and has a well-trained, professional staff.  Be a considerate guest and keep voices at a whisper and phones off when in the relaxation room so that others may enjoy their time as well.  I'm partial to Julie Falls for nails & facials; she's never let me down in nine years of service!  

Finally, my choice for massage is the amazing Barb Border of New Leaf Adventures/New Leaf Naturally.  Barb is an avid outdoor enthusiast, mountain biker, and alternative wellness provider.  When traditional physical therapy could not break up the scar tissue following two hip surgeries, Barb dug right in and got me walking without pain again.  (She packs a lot of strength in a little package!)  Whatever your massage needs or physical concerns, Barb will work with you to provide incredible care.  

In addition, Barb organizes outings for groups or just one family, from simple waterfall hikes to more active adventures.  She will work with you to plan the ideal day for your group's fitness & skill level.  

New Leaf Naturally

83 Dunbarton Farm Road 
Suite 103
Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
404-217-0041
Barbara Border
Contact by e-mail
Visit their website

We’re geared to satisfy serious competitive athletes and teams, organizational groups, or families who just want to reconnect. Training camps for Mountain Biking. Kids Camps including hiking, mountain biking, canoe and kayaking, cooking, archery, rock climbing, organic farming and more....

Nature is waiting for you on the lakes, streams, forested hiking paths, mountain trails and sunny meadows where our guests realize their adventures.  http://www.blueridgemountains.com/members/ID8550

So!  Regardless of the experience you're seeking, you'll find plenty of options here in Blue Ridge.  

Have an Above the Rest day!

Dining Blue Ridge: New Restaurant in Town

There's a new restaurant in town, below the Blue Ridge Antique Mall, on the corner of Depot and Main (right where the slanted parking spots start that run down Main Street). David and I tried it last week. The atmosphere is stellar. Huge bar with comfortable seating; it was swamped at lunch so we ate the bar. Friendly and attentive service. Menu offers a good selection. I had the catfish sandwich. Everything was very fresh, the tartar sauce was delicious but that is where most of the flavor was so if you don't like, or can't eat, tartar sauce, this might not be the sandwich for you. David had the Grilled Chicken sandwich. It came out hot and delicious (I had a bite). The fries are awesome, and while we both only drank water, they have quite an extensive bar beverage selection. This is a comfortable, relaxed place to dine or have a drink, and they are open late, including Sundays! Be sure to check them out, in person and online at http://www.chestersblueridge.com/

Spring is on its way....

Spring in the mountains: it is stormy blue skies, sunlight breaking through, soft greens and new growth nudging last year’s leftover leaves off the branch. It is sweet smells and paths in woods carpeted in pine needles and mulch formed from stipules turned vibrant red, orange and yellow, now nutrients for fellow forest flora. It is bird songs and beauty; it is Blue Ridge, where it is better…. http://www.abovetherestcabins.com