These are pictures taken in or around Sparta, NC

Some are on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I cannot describe the beauty there, these pictures will have to speak

the beauty themselves.

I do believe however, that pictures cannot do it justice.

See all the Christmas trees in the distance?

That is the main source of farming here.

The farm you see here is on the New River, it used to belong

to my Great Grandfather when he was alive.

It's 1/2 in VA and 1/2 in NC  :)

 

Farmer's Market Photos

Sparta has a lovely farmer's market type store that

we always visit.

I took some shots there...enjoy!

Candy!

These are the kind of cukes I like

Dried Beans

 

Hope I didn't make you hungry! :)

Visitng in NC

We got to visit some relatives and friends while in NC

My mom was born here in Sparta, NC and so most of

her family is still there

This is me pictured with my cousin Jackie--he and I both had

cancer of the spleen at the same time...here we are

feeling very thankful to God for bringing us together again!

Love these ladies!

Two of my cousins--they are twins :)

My mom and "Aunt Tooney"

My Great Aunt Maude--she's 94!

 

We were sorry for the circumstances that brought us there...

but were thankful to hug the necks of all of these special people!

Mayberry!?

My mom and I went to Sparta, NC in August for the funeral of my mom's cousin's husband...

whom I called Uncle Frank. I will miss him.

 

We stayed in town for several days, and while we were there

we visited and did a little shopping. It's a 3 stop light town, and country all the way.

I love it there!

The two pics above were taken outside their wonderful

hardware store!

This is their window display...loved it!

My mom outside the hardware store.

We went across the street to the Mustard Seed Café

(a wonderful place!) and it is also a store.

Mom inside the shop.

Store displays

Loved this picture!

This is a picture of the shops on Main St

It was like stepping back in time and visiting Mayberry!

I hated to leave!

 

Changes and Challenges

This month has been a challenging one for our family...

My mother's cousin passed away and we travelled to Sparta, NC for the funeral...

my mother in law became ill and passed away and we had a funeral...

a dear friend got married and we joyfully attended the wedding...

we had the privilege of joining our church...

lots of huge life events this month.

Here are some pics to commemorate them.

My great Aunt Maude

My mom and some sweet friends in NC

My dear "Aunt Poodle" whose husband had passed away

we'll miss "Uncle Frank"

My Mom in the middle, with her cousins and a sweet

young friend

Blue Ridge Parkway

the picture collage I did for Grammy's funeral

I can't tell you how much we appreciate the cards, calls,

visits, emails, & food from loved ones!

The same day as the funeral we attended the wedding of this sweet couple!

It was a very God-honoring service and we were blessed to be there!

Bri caught the bouquet! :)

Brad and Bri at the reception

A few years ago our neighbors/friends moved away...and their

sons came back to visit us--what a welcome surprise!

They turned out to be handsome young men!

 

We joined our church--and are happy to be there!

We look forward to serving the Lord with the wonderful people there.

 

Life is full of changes and challenges.

I don't know how we would manage without God.

I am so thankful that He comforts and cares for us through

His people.