Being a Mother ~There’s only one Thing That’s Better

There is no greater blessing than the privilege

of being called Mom.

A Mother is your first friend, your best friend,

and your forever friend.

The only thing that’s better than being a mother,

 is watching a daughter be a Mom.

We are blessed with two beautiful daughters

who are both wonderful moms.

The joy of family, warmth of home, and

unconditional love are priceless.

A mother brings emotional security to her family.

She’s sensitive and empathetic,

the foundation for compassion in others.

Being a mother is the greatest thing

and the hardest thing.

I give thanks for being trusted with the

role of motherhood.

Happy Mother’s Day to all who

nurture and care for others.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Mom and Gigi

Motivation Monday ~What’s Happening in the Wood Shop

Hubby loves his Woodshop and loves spending more time there,

now that our outdoor temps are not so frigid.

He has been working to build his inventory of Hand Turned Trees,

which are his most popular creations.

We took last year off from our participation in Makers Markets

after Hubby’s heart attack and recovery.

He recently brought home another pickup load of wood from 

an Estate Sale of one of his Wood Turning Friends.

These pieces have been prepped for the lathe, and

 are ready to turn into something beautiful.

Spectra Ply Bottle Openers

An Ash Bowl with a live edge.

Ebony Bottle Openers

Marble, Zebra, and Mesquite

Bottle Openers.

Walnut Bar Set includes a

Bottle Opener, Muddler, and Wine Bottle Stopper…

For the rare occasion when one has leftover wine.

Another Ash Bowl.

This one is simple, sleek, and smooth.

Functional, too.

The Artist at Work

The live edge bowls are my favorite.

I like the rustic look and know it is a challenge

to keep that bark edge intact.

Check out the wood’s grain inside this one.

These muddlers are turned of a wood called Purple Heart.

Yes, a dark, rich, and stunning purple color.

Everything you see (and much more) is for sale.

 If you are in need of a gift or just wanting to treat yourself,

please contact one of us.

Take care,

~Natalie

Since We’ve Been Home ~The Last Leg of our Trip ~Burger Battle ~What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~Spring Cleaning

It has been two weeks since we said goodbye to our

North Carolina friends…

…and this incredible view.

We made our way back home over those five Rivers

and seven States.

We added another entry in our Personal Burger Battle

during this Lunch Break in Missouri…

a Burger created in name of the Masters.

Fresh Angus Beef Patty, Sweet Onion Bourbon Mustard,

Pimento Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon,

Straw Onions, and Baby Greens.

Hubby orders fries as his side.

I usually order a Side Salad, however, this day

I couldn’t resist a cup of the Roasted Red Pepper Soup.

We spent a couple of long days in the vehicle 

to make it home in three days.

After all, these two were waiting for us.

At home, it takes a couple of days for the Re-Entry Process...

Unpacking, laundry, and putting it all away.

We had Pizza Night.

This one is a Chicken Bacon Ranch.

I got a haircut and my nails done.

I attended an event at

the Museum with my friend, Wendy.

Spring Cleaning Season.

The first Room on my Agenda is the Foyer.

My helper cat supervised from above.

Curious Cats wondering why the stuff from the

Living Room has been moved into the Dining Room?

Because there’s Cat Hair on everything!

Room by Room…we’re making progress.

Take care,

~Natalie

Grande Finale ~A Day at the Biltmore Estate ~Sweet Ending to our Vacation

Meet our Host and Hostess, Bob and Becky.

We have been friends for a little over a decade.

We all got acquainted when their son proposed to our daughter.

Reservations for us to spend the day at the Biltmore

started with a Trolley Ride to the gate.

The historic Biltmore Mansion was built by

George Washington Vanderbilt from 1889-1895,

in the Châteauvesque Style.

It remains the largest privately owned home in America.

The tour is self guided, with these hand-held listening devices.

It took us 2+ hours to see the entire home.

There are 4 Stories plus a basement, 250 Rooms in all.

It features a huge banquet hall with 70 ft ceilings.

However, I would prefer this smaller, more intimate, dining room where

the family would eat breakfast. The table is is set with lovely linens

and beautiful China.

Even breakfast was fancy.

There are several parlors.

Here is the Music Room and the

10,000 volume Library

The mansion has 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

I loved this sweet little bedroom, the Nursery.

This is where babies were born and cared for as newborns.

I lost track of how many steps we climbed up… 

and then way down again to the basement,

Where there’s a Bowling Alley, Work-out Room,

Swimming Pool, and Dressing Rooms for the Guests.

All the work to keep this massive home operating happens in the basement.

The first kitchen is the Pastry Kitchen.

But, are three kitchens in all, and three laundry rooms

One for washing, one for drying, and one for pressing.

and three pantries, at least.

On the 8.000 acre property there are beautiful, breathtaking gardens.

There is a designated room for the florists to create the massive arrangements

 on display through the house. Yes, all fresh flowers on the tour.

We did not have time to take the walking tour of the Gardens.

Here’s what’s “in season”…

What we missed.

We ate lunch in the Stable Café,

Located in the historic stables next to the house.

We had a few minutes to walk around on the grounds.

The Dairy Barn was converted to a winery in 1985.

We had reservations for a private tasting of

Wine and Chocolates.

We started in their shop with their Blanc de Noir,

a soft-pink sparkling wine.

Upstairs we were seated at a table with these four wines:

Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.

Each sip was paired with one of these decadent Chocolates.

Roast Pear, Bourbon Pecan, Dark Chocolate Fudge,

Cranberry, and Red Raspberry.

Timothy McGuire is the Biltmore’s featured Chocolatier.

His chocolates have been featured at major events,

like the Grammys and the CMAs.

This was an amazing experience,

perhaps one of the highlights of our day.

This highlight was a close second.
Driving through the gardens on the way out,
we came upon this Mama Bear and her three young cubs.
They were right..beside..the..road…
Just Adorable.

Thank you, dear friends.

We will cherish these memories for a lifetime.

Take care,

~Natalie