Hello to all my WordPress family and friends. I have returned and I am now rested up and raring to go. It was wonderful to see old friends and to meet new ones.
It seemed as if we ate out constantly, but be assured Asheville has some very amazing restaurants. From Cuban to great Italian (yes, I was surprised) to Greek and a special place called Tipolo Honey which makes all their food from locally grown produce. I usually took half home for another meal. It was so much fun. We did do other things besides eat.
There was a great deal of talking and laughing, some crying and sharing of old memories. There was healing and joy. We walked a labyrinth. And forged new friendships. My best friend and I found a new comedian named Kathleen Madigan. She is super funny and Netflix happens to have some of her comedy in its library. Try her out.
There was looking at places to move to. This part was fun and exciting and scary too. Moving down south is necessary for me because of my health, but I have been a Yankee (in the geographic, not baseball sense) my whole life. The good part is that there are so many old hippies and artists in Asheville that a part of me feels like I already live there. Not to mention the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains which hold the city and suburbs in their loving arms. The light is amazing for all kinds of art and the energy is gentle and loving. It is a great place for a vacation. Where else can you find lizards, tropical flowers, bears, deer and clean fresh air?
The Biltmore House is also there and the acres of grounds are lush with fragrance and color all year around. Spring is, of course, lovely beyond words. They often have open air concerts during the summer to make it even more of a treasure.

Spring colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photograph taken and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2014

My best friend Maggie and me. April, 2014

Biltmore on the mountain. Photograph taken and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2014

Laughter at the Light Center. Photograph taken and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2014

Spring in Asheville, North Carolina. Photograph taken and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2014
I miss some things about home, mostly the people.
Are you originally from North Carolina? I am originally from Penna.
I’m from Morganton in Burke County. I’ve been in Jersey since 1978. I have a stepsister in Asheville and most of my family are there. My family has been there since about 1800.
Reblogged this on SherayxWeblog.
Good to have you back!!!
It is good to be back. I really needed to warmth and sunshine.
Asheville must be ‘one of those places’ which has unconsciously crept into the global zeitgeist. The moment I read you’d been there, I found I had a heap of impressions about the place – not all accurate, as it turned out! 🙂 I love hearing about people having wonderful times with wonderful people.
Good to have The Pesky Woman back, now get to work. 😉
I needed a few days to rest, do laundry and get back into the swing of things. Plus I had Tyler for the weekend. I have missed you and I am never remarrying. Don’t worry. Hugs and hugs
Well…we know where your priorities lie….good to have you back, hope you enjoyed your months away from us.
Months, pesky. It was 2 weeks. Do they do math different in your neck of the woods. LOL. It is so fun to be bantering with you again. What have you been up to? Give me the whole story. Hugs. You need more. hugs.
I’m not a writer or I would give you a detailed accounting of my 2 months while you were off on your getaway with muscled men in thongs on a beach with Maggie…..8-)
There was a time that that was true.However, with the passing of time, not so much. Besides, there are mountains around Asheville, not beaches. You are too funny. And it is my birthday today and Amy is having shoulder surgery tomorrow.
Well Happy Birthday…why did you not mention this before today?
I don’t know. When is your birthday?
When is your birthday? Fess up. LOL
October 8th
How did you enjoy your birthday…I’ll bet you went to see them world famous Chippendale Dancers at your local strip club, didn’t you?
Did you see my pos?
Your pos, what a pos?
I reckon there’s nothing like a “catch-up” session or two or three … with a bestie to charge the battery of life! 🙂
Welcome back Barbara!
The pic of you & your best friend says it all. 🙂
{Hugs}