GEORGIA IS ON MY MIND

That Georgia says the seetest things....from her IPHONE....trendette and glamour puss that she is. We miss you Ms. G

"had a great time at ponder cove! thanks. love, Georgia"

LAZY DOGS

We used to have the DOG OF THE MONTH...but with all of our fab guests and these amazing photos coming in....it looks like we are going to have to have the DOG OF THE DAY! Check out these two on such a lazy day.

Little Pearls

When first coming to North Carolina Gary and I were fortunate to attend our first fund raiser supporting a wonderful non-profit organization called LITTLE PEARLS. We were so impressed with the quality of these tiny films with so much impact that we sent copies to lots of friends in an effort to support this organization. One of their new "Little Pearls" centers on what precious canines can teach us. Enjoy and read more about Little Pearls and meet Katie and Gracie .http://www.littlepearls.org/katieandmitch.html

FREE MARS HILL COLLEGE EVENT

September 9, 6:30pm

Dr. Anne Rogers, Anthropology Instructor at Western Carolina University, will be the guest lecturer for the evening and will be presenting a program on, "Native Americans and Their
Use of the Environment." This lecture is part of the Ramsey Center's Fall Event and Lecture Series.

SABA and DEER on YOU TUBE

Well, don't say we don't get our share of celebrities. You won't even believe this video. This is the infamous Saba who has caused quite a stir on YOU TUBE....Click here and you will know why.

FALL FOLIAGE EARLY DRIVES

As we have said before there is no bad time to come in this direction. Due to the variances in elevation there is something going on everywhere, a change of color, a sprinkling of leaves falling, the crispness of the new fall air. In the early fall, the best scenic drives are at the highest elevations. Here is a list of great fall scenic drives for late September and early October.

Grandfather Mountain

Visit Grandfather Mountain to view native animal habitats, enjoy hiking and picnicking and test your courage on the mile high swinging bridge which also provides a great vantage point for viewing autumn’s rich colors.

US Highway 19

From Ponder Cove, follow US 19/23 north from downtown, taking US 19E to Burnsville. Continue your drive along 19E to the town of Spruce Pine, stopping along the way to take in the spectacular views of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. at 6,684 feet.

Pisgah National Forest/Cold Mountain

Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville toward Mount Pisgah, where you will find picnic areas, hiking trails and a restaurant. Travel north on US 276 through the magnificent Pisgah National Forest, which affords a spectacular view of Cold Mountain, made famous by the novel and motion picture of the same name. Continue on US 276 into Waynesville. Take US 23 north to US 19/23/74 east, which will return you to Asheville.

BLUE EYED BABES

Meet Alex and Maya...two local lovelies hailing from Yancey County. Their proud owners Steve and Jose can't get enough of these two and I just had to share this pic as they stare lovingly into their Pops camera.

WOW! WHAT A REVIEW

A Little Visit with the “Shoeless Cabinetmaker” of Ponder Cove

Gary Van Rawlins is a fine furniture maker and a great teacher! I say he is a “fine” furniture maker because I have very limited experience in designing and hard crafting really unique and beautiful furniture. The furniture I saw at Ponder Cove created by Gary is really something to admire – subtle curves, incredible details, wood full of wonder, and impeccable craftsmanship.

I say he is a “great” teacher because I have studied, watched, and hopefully, helped develop teachers most of my adult life. I spent three days with Gary in August of 2008 at his workshop in Ponder Cove. It was a great learning experience. Gary’s style of teaching incorporates many of the design principles of “great instruction”:
o Clear and compelling quality standards,
o Presentation and use of truly remarkable exemplars,
o Instruction designed to enhance the student’s level of understanding of the principles of furniture craftsmanship;
o Product orientation,
o Practical skill development,
o Protection from the adverse effects of initial failure;
o Student Choice,
o Affiliation, and
o Affirmation.
I would heartily recommend to anyone who aspires to create beautiful things that he or she spend some time with Gary.

The old adage is that there are those who can do and those who can’t do and those who can’t teach. Gary is living proof that the old adage is sometimes wrong. He creates truly beautiful furniture and provides meaningful learning. His work and his teaching are a result of his principled practice, his patience, his perseverance, and his willingness to seek perfection. I am really glad I took the time to meet him and, I suspect, his teacher, James Krenov, would be proud of him for both reasons.

Michael Short
Atlanta Georgia

PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE BURNSVILLE

BURNSVILLE, NC: "The Game is afoot!" Opening in August 28 at The Parkway Playhouse is thriller, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure by Steven Dietz. The production is running through September 6 with performances scheduled Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and a 2:30pm matinée on Sunday August 31. Tickets for the August 28 performance are $12.50 Tickets for the remaining performances range from $18-$23 with discounts available for students, groups, and active military. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Parkway Playhouse box office at 828-682-4285 between 1-5pm Tuesday through Saturday or by visiting the Parkway Playhouse website at www.parkwayplayhouse.com

BILTMORE SURPRISE

Visit the Biltmore on Friday, August 29, for the newest extravaganza- Flower Carpet! Come see the vivid, living carpet on the South Terrace at Biltmore House. Over a ¼ of an acre will be devoted to more than 144,000 brightly colored flowers to form the live tapestry.

The Flower Carpet is a larger-than life combination of natural beauty blended with creative inspiration. The intricate pattern of colorful plants is drawn from architectural elements of Biltmore House, and interpreted in a grand size and style. Click on the following link to see a video about Flower Carpet!

http://www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/flower_carpet.asp

SAVANNAH TO PONDER COVE

LOOK WHO'S IN TOWN....Ms. Georgia ....all the way from Savannah. She is one of those beautiful blonde babes you only find in the deep south and that drawl of hers is to swoon over. Welcome Georgia.

WOODWORKING SUCCESS

Michael Short was a very happy camper at Ponder Cove....not to mention a very happy woodworker. Michael spent three intense days with Gary learning the basics of tuning equipment, cutting, sanding, polishing, dove-tailing and 'gluing up' and left here with a beautiful maple box to prove it. I keep telling you girls. This is the perfect present for the boys. Remember all PC guests get Gary for 30% off.

THIS IS A MUST!

Tastes of Summer
Asheville City Market!
Thursday, August 28
6-9pm
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) and the Asheville City Market
Enjoy live music and shop local goods at the special evening market.
All proceeds go to ASAP and the City Market’s community healthy-living programs.

The market is at the corner of Eagle and South Charlotte Streets in downtown Asheville. Tickets are $20 with RSVP or $25 at the door and include food by The Market Place, microbrew beer from Catawba Valley Brewery, and wine. There will be a raffle of locally-produced items with winners drawn at 8:30pm. To RSVP contact Mike McCreary at mike@asapconnections.org.

CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA and JASON

How lucky for us to witness the renewal of vows by Jason and Melissa Berry. It was an honor to share in their rededication to each other. Melissa, I am sure was just as pretty as the day she took Jason to be her husband 19 years ago and Jason was as proud to take her as his wife once again.

We can only thank them for sharing it with us. Good luck you two. Your are very special people and we feel lucky to have made your acquaintance. hugs,m

FALL FOLIAGE AROUND THE CORNER

TAKEN ON ONE OF OUR FAVORITE DRIVES LAST YEAR
Of course we'll share our secret spots with PC guests

To quote Dr. Gary Walker who specializes in Cliff-Face Ecology and Plant Population Genetics at Appalachian State University.......

"The environmental conditions leading into autumn are the best we've seen in years here in WNC, possibly setting the stage for the brightest leaf color show in recent history. Comparatively, the high country has had a wet summer and now temperatures are beginning to cool. Dry cool weather from here on out and, ideally, an early frost in September would produce intense, widespread fall color at all elevations."
YOUR KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS A FALL FANTASTIC TIME AT PONDER COVE!!!!

HOW DAWGS DO TRAVEL

Meet Mulligan, Tyler and Sage....all packed up and ready to go. But heh you guys...get out of the car. You're not due to Ponder Cove until October. See you then. In the meantime enjoy a nice Fall in NYC.

MASTIFFS RULE

Speaking of big dawgs....Check out these little dudes. The baby is a mere 6 months old. SUPER DUDE weighs about 160 lb. I love the rules in hotels about only small dogs. These guys blow that theory out the door. They were the BEST guests ever in the Bungalow. You boys are welcome back anytime you want. We love you. m

CARPOOL TO PONDER COVE

Thank you Ian, Cathy, Carol and Bob. You graced us with an absolutely wonderful visit. You are an entertaining foursome and we sooooo enjoyed meeting you. And heh...how about that smart carpooling idea of yours. You jumped in the car together reminding us that every little bit helps. You definitely are the best. Happy carpooling to you too.

DOGSTER.COM

Ponder Cove is featured on the main Dogster.com FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS Blog. Join today and you just might win another opportunity to scoop up a couple of free nights at the Cove. Well, your dog might win and if you behave I bet they will bring you along..."Sit owner...fetch owner....Feed me owner...take me to Ponder Cove owner". Good luck.

MARS HILL, NC IS A SHAKIN'

A good time was had by all last night at El Dorado. Steve Alley and Constance Jackson, the dynamic duo known as TWO OF A KIND, rocked the house. These two have been together off and on for 15 years and trust me they were ON last night. It was a full house and by the time we left everyone was on their feet DANCIN' in the aisles. For those of you not native to these mountains you will find it hard to believe but this was an earth shattering event. So, Keep on truckin' Mars Hill. We are on the move.

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SPIKE, COW DAWG

ALEX SEWELL, OWNER

Typical of a Madison County mutt this little dude showed up on our doorstep a few short years ago. A tiny guy of some Pit heritage he always held his own with our cayote mix....another stray and my brother's dog Sandler. The three set out on adventure day after day, looking for fun in the mountains. But one sad day no one came home. Finally Spike and Shala, the cayote dog made their way back. Sandler was never seen again. Spike lost his sense of adventure and now is the best, most lovable house dog. As you can see he has joined the witness protection program and prefers to live in disguise, fearing that whomever or whatever took his little buddy Sandler might return to kidnap him. It's OK Spike. You are safe now.

PONDER COVE RESCUE NEWS JUST IN

Another great rescue story from our guests Jeanie and Stan. "We are SO delighted to report that our pack has recently grown to three schnauzers. Amy and Zelda--our two seven-year-olds who came to see you twice in recent years-- have a new little brother that we literally picked up on the highway along the Florida Gulf Coast. His owner subsequently gave him to us because he was no longer able to care for him in a way that he thought the little dog deserved. He is five years old and adorable! We so love Ponder Cove and think you guys are great."

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Aspen (aka Aspen Y), Lab/ Border Collie

Mike, Maria and Cameron Olski, Owners

Hi, My name is Aspen. I am a 2 year old Yellow Lab and Border Collie mix. My family adopted me in November 2006 from LFS when I was only 14 weeks old. I never had a chance to thank my foster family and all the great people from LFS for taking such good care of me until I was adopted, so I’ll use this opportunity now to say “THANK YOU.” I have a wonderful 2 legged brother named Cameron. He’s 6 years old and we play together all the time. My favorite game is grabbing one of his stuffed animals and making him chase me all around the house trying to catch me. I have learned how to do all the basic doggy stuff and then some. I’m exceptionally masterful at manipulation. It’s amazing the treats I can get just by making those cute puppy faces. I have to go now. Mom and Dad do not want me on their computer that long. I hope you enjoyed reading my little story.

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SPENCER, DAWG

Nancy Tracy, Owner

Spencer, star of stage, screen and Las Vegas recently finished his tour as Harry Pupper. Sold out audiences across the land were left spellbound with his amazing wizardry. POOF...your a dog bone.

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SWEETIE
Bret Marquis, Owner

Her future is so bright she had to wear shades.

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BO, DAWG
Lisa and Horst Hoefinger, Owners

I am a dog in appearance only. I’m 1′10″ and weigh 63 lbs. Although I’m a mutt on the outside, I’m a purebred on the inside. My good nature comes from the Golden Retriever side of the family while my stubbornness is clearly from my Chowchow bloodlines. I’ve got Rastafarian ears, or used to in my youth, a black tongue for licking and paws that should be on a dog twice my size. I’m adorable and I play that angle every day of my life. In addition, I type 60 words a minute. My name is Bo.

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Maizey Grace, LAB

Karen and Meredith Hall, Owners

My name is Maizey Grace and my humans caught me in the middle of one of my beauty treatments! A girl has to work hard to maintain her looks you know! A Southern lady tries not to let her secrets out but I was ambushed! I am another LFS dog. I am originally from the great state of Texas and was brought to Georgia as a Christmas gift. While my original family loved me, my parents both worked full time and crated me for 12-15 hours a day! That does not make for a happy puppy! Fortunately they found Labrador Friends of the South and asked them to find me a new forever home! My first and only adoption event was on a cold,sleety Saturday in February of 2006. I was under the table when a sweet young girl named Meredith found me. Her first Labrador Grover had passed away after ten years with her and she was looking for a new friend! We fell in love with each other immediately! Her Mom saw the love and gave in pretty easily! I joined Meredith, Divot her brother dog and her two cats Uba and Peaches! I was so happy and while I had some bad moments--what's a girl to say? I have now settled in and also have another brother Hank the Tank --another LFS friend! I am living proof that blonds really do have more fun!!!

Love, Maizey Grace and Meredith

Raquel Wynn's Book Release

YEA! SHE DID IT
We are excited to announce the release of
Raquel Wynn's first book.

Raquel and her husband Phillip are two of our favorite PC guests and
we are thrilled with Raquel's completion and publication of this book.

If you are in the Nashville area don’t miss this chance to meet Raquel

Saturday, August 23rd, 1-3pm
Davis Kidd Bookstore, Green Hills Mall

We look forward to making STRETCH YOUR DOG HEALTHY available for sale at PC

Easy Riders Hit Ponder Cove

Welcome Richard and Sue. Looking for a breath of fresh air away from the maddening crowds of Asheville, Richard and Sue hopped aboard their Suzuki 600 and sped through Madison County all the way to Ponder Cove. How easy was that......a mere 30 minute ride but a world away. I used my best stress reduction techniques on these two. I prescribed a good dose of country air, a cozy night's sleep and a yummo breakfast. Seemed to be just what they needed to recover from their busy working lives. Sue is an amazing web designer and Richard is my hardware guru. It was great having you guys.....see you soon. m

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Hunter, Boxer
Neena Gulley, Owner

My name is Hunter but this past December, my parents decided to name me Rudolph the Big Nosed Boxer. I was very unhappy with the new moniker. You see, my parents decided to bring a screaming, ear-pulling baby into our lives this past November. Not that anybody asked me what I thought about that. We were all just humming along happily, and suddenly this horrible red screaming thing arrives and ruins everything. Except, around Christmas I decided to finally give her a chance, very reluctantly, mind you. Turns out, she's not so bad, although please don't think that I like her or anything. Because I don't. I really don't. Except for sometimes, when no one is looking, I like to sneak over to her and give her a few kisses. Definitely not because I like her or anything, but us red-nosed boxers like to stick together. Happy year, everyone! The holidays are long over, but the celebratin' is just beginning.

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Ginger, doing the Downward Dog, Australian Shepherd
John Martin, Owner

She is a smart, devoted, energetic, and talented dog. She knows the
tricks of a circus dog, and will perform on command. Her tricks
include "beg", "shake hands", "crawl,"weave between legs", "jump
through arms", "jump onto lap","roll over", "crawl", "fetch your
ball", "bark", and sneeze on command". As you can see, she also
practices yoga.

DOG NEWS OF THE DAY

FOUND A FABOULOUS NEW DOG STORE ON LINE http://www.pet-super-store.com. CHECK IT OUT!!

DOG DRYER SCARE Did you see the TODAY show and the warning about groomers cage dryers. Ponder has come home from the groomer on more than one occasion with a cut or two. Now this scare. I had no idea that they ever used dryers. Just wanted everyone to be aware
http://dogblog.dogster.com/2008/08/01/danger-at-the-groomers-cage-dryers/

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Nick, Golden Retriever/Yellow Lab mix

Scott and KellyAnn Madsen

Hi! My name is Nick and I'm a Golden Retriever/Yellow Lab mix.I was wandering through the woods on Christmas Eve morning in 2005 and I stumbled across a yard that had another Lab in it! I was really sick, very hungry, and weighed very little. Since we don't know when my birthday is, the vet says that I'm about 3 1/2 years old. After my now parents tried desperately to find my home, they decided that the best home for me was with them! I'm so happy to have a brother, a Black Lab, who always wants to play and we keep each company. Some of my best friends are from Labrador Friends of the South. I'm very laid back and love to watch the clouds go often picturing them of yummy dog treats. I love doggie ice cream, swimming, camping, chasing flies, and sleeping (that's actually what I do best). My parents always say how lucky I am that I found them, but I think the joke's on them, they are so lucky to have me.

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Ginger, Lab/ Pit Bull Mix
Mark, Krista, Brittany and Taylor, owners

Ginger has been a wonderful addition to our family. We were so lucky to adopt Ginger
from Labrador Friends of the South on December 31,2006. It was a wonderful way
to ring in the new year. Our entire family is crazy about her. She absolutely loves to
be with her family. She has a weak spot for squeaky toys. Ginger loves to wake our
girls. Every morning she serves as the alarm clock. She loves to shower people with
kisses. I can't imagine our life without her. We feel very lucky to have her as a member
of our family!