Asheville Goes Funky

Bring home Asheville’s quirky and fun art scene with these two great upcoming bazaars:

The Bizarre Bazaar kicks off on Saturday, May 23, at Lexington Park Courtyard. (The spot is located between North Lexington Ave and Carolina Lane at the gated entrance next to Virtue.) Shop from over 20 local artists, crafters and designers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rock out to music from local band Now You See Them, and munch on crepes and French fries from Bouchon. Can’t make it this weekend? Don’t stress, the Bizarre Bazaar is held the first and third Saturday through October 17.

Asheville’s Vintage Bazaar is on Saturday, May 30 at The Body at 66 Asheland Ave. The fun lasts from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local vendors are selling vintage clothing and accessories, artwork, jewelry, an assortment of children’s wares and of other stylish stuff.

TOP 10 HIKES

1. Gorges State Park: New parking and trails open in May for much better access to rugged river gorges. Hike along the Horsepasture River to see several waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls.
2. Mt. Mitchell: After enjoying the 360-degree vistas from the new observation deck atop the highest peak east of the Rockies, head to the Deep Gap Trail and hike over four more peaks over 6,000 feet.
3. Craggy Gardens: The Blue Ridge Parkway reopens here in May after more than a year of repairs. The Craggy Gardens Trail takes you across a rhododendron bald, and a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike to Craggy Pinnacle offers breathtaking panoramic views.
4. Point Lookout Trail: This new 3.6-mile paved greenway climbs 900 feet in elevation in the Pisgah National Forest. Bike or hike from Old Fort and enjoy great views along the way.
5. Dupont State Forest: The best waterfall hike is a three mile trail to three waterfalls, including the impressive 150-foot High Falls with great places for wading, swimming and waterside picnics.
6. Max Patch: Hike the loop around the summit or continue further on the Appalachian Trail to enjoy breathtaking views from this bald mountaintop.
7. Cold Mountain: This famous mountain offers a strenuous 10.6-mile roundtrip hike to its summit through the wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest. The hike includes a 2,800 foot altitude gain to the 6,030-foot peak.
8. Graveyard Fields: This highland hike features beautiful views in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by 6,000-foot peaks. With an easy four mile hike, you see two nice waterfalls.
9. Black Balsam Knob: Hike across more spectacular mountain balds. These treeless mountaintops in the Pisgah National Forest offer sweeping views and alpine-like appearance. Hike three miles without dropping back into the trees.
10. Urban Trail: If you are looking for an urban hike, walk the 1.7-mile journey that showcases the art and history of Asheville, with 30 downtown stops, each with public sculpture.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

Don't miss the Gingerbread Houses at Grove Park Inn. This is an amazing display of gingerbread houses from the National Gingerbread House Competition at the famous Grove Park Inn on November 19-January 11. Non guests must visit on Mondays-Thursdays. The tour is free and you can enjoy the elaborate decorations at the grand hotel, enjoy a cocktail at the beautiful and festive bar and soak up the site of these culinary masterpieces. And don't forget to go down the hill to the Grovewood Gallery, voted the Number 1 gallery in the country for a little shopping.

PUMPKIN PIE

OK...I have never made this one but can't wait. I will let you know after next Thursday if you don't beat me to it. m

1 pie crust
2 cups hazelnuts (divided) , toasted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon arrowroot (or cornstarch)
1 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree (not sweet stuff)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 extra large eggs PLUS one for glaze, lightly beaten
1 cup coconut milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, racks in the middle.

Puree 1 1/2 cups of the toasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they turn into a hazelnut paste, past the 'crumble' stage. Set aside. Chop the remaining 1/2 cup of hazelnuts and set aside separately, these will be sprinkled on top after the pie is baked.

To make the pumpkin pie filling, whisk together the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice blend, salt, and arrowroot. Stir in the pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Now stir in the eggs and coconut milk until just combined. Set aside.

Before filling the pie crust, crumble the hazelnut paste on top of the pie dough into the pie plate, quickly and gently press it into a thin layer across the bottom creating a layer of hazelnuts that will sit between the dough and the filling. Using the last egg gently brush the decorative edges of the pie dough. Use a fork to prick the pie dough a few times to prevent air bubbles. Fill the pie crust with the filling and bake for about 50 minutes - the center of the pie should just barely jiggle when you move the pie - the edges should be set.

Let the pie cool a bit, this makes slicing less messy. Serve straight or with a dollop of bourbon-spiked, sweetened whipped cream or creme fraiche, and a sprinkling of chopped hazelnuts.

Makes one 9 or 10-inch pie.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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!

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Sam-Sam. Lab Tina Peters, Owner

Sam-Sam was adopted from Labrador Friends of the South (LFS) and is the brother to Sierra. Sam goes everywhere with his mom and sister. He loves to swim, play fetch, go for rides. He is very loving and loves to snuggle. Where ever you are he will be at your feet. He thinks that he is still a small puppy and loves to be in your lap. At bed time you can bet after his tummy rub and kisses he will keep your feet warm. Thanks to the assistance of LFS our family is complete and I would recommend anyone wanting a loving lab to contact them.

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Sierra, Sierra Tina Peters, Owner

Sierra is a 4.5 year old Chocolate Labrador and is the sister to Sam-Sam which we adopted from Labrador Friends of the South.
Sierra is spoiled rotten and goes every where with her mom. She loves to chase a ball, swim and go for rides on her mom's 4-wheeler.
This past April she become very ill to the point we thought we were going to lose her. She was taken to Auburn University where she lost all movement in her body with the exception of her eye movement. After going through extensive testing, great medical attention and A miracle from God she is back 100%. She is just as rotten if not more so than she was before her illness. Sierra loves to play with her brother and you do not see one of them without the other one is close behind. She thinks that she has to be snuggled up to her mom everynight at bedtime.

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Levi. Australian Shepherd
Melissa De Jong, owner

Levi just turned one a few weeks ago so in my eyes he is still my puppy. He loves to play frisbee and chase his soccer ball. He also loves to play tug of war and liter the yard with all his toys. Although he doesn't like the waves at the beach he loves water. I love this picture of him 'winking'.

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Belle , American English Coonhound
Neal and Joy Anderson

We searched everywhere for the dog that needed us. That's when we met Belle. When we arrived to meet her, a wiggly ball of mud burst forward into Neal's lap. Her lot was only 15 feet square and she shared it with her brother. She informed us she needed a home with places to run and fun things to do. We brought her home and after her first bath we discovered she was not red but white with red spots. The wiggly didn't wash out. As we have lived together we have found we need her much more than she needed us. She takes care of everyone around her, not just her family. Once she found a young rabbit injured in the yard. She brought him to us and we rushed him to the vet where they saved him. The vet said Belle saved him by finding him so soon after the hawk attack. We would never have seen him without her excellent nose and concern for others. She even found Ponder Cove while she was watching TV one day. So for our 6th anniversary we took our 3 year old coonhound to Ponder Cove and she wanted to stay forever. She is such a big part of our family she even visits Joy's classroom from time to time. Everyone seems to know Belle even if they don't remember our names. She was shy but has blossomed into a loving, sweet, and friendly pup. We feel blessed to have her in our lives.

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Digby and Gryphon, LAP PUPS
Karen Hodgdon, Owner

They are 3 months old and so much fun!

Digby is bouncy and floppy and very playful. She is living up to her name by digging at everything. She is curious and bold and courageous, which is good because her brother is a bit more timid.

Gryphon is my thinker; he's also a cuddler. He's slightly bowlegged, so he can lay on the floor like puppies do, with his back legs sticking straight out behind him. He likes to sneak up and jump on Digby, which usually starts the wrestling match.

They are both generally appeased by rawhide - as you can see in the photo. It is a great distraction. Right now they love this big bed, but I don't think it'll be long before I'll have to get another one - they are growing up FAST!

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FRED,CLOE, HOMER, JAKE, Labs
Jenny, Owner

Fred is will be 8 years old in October, Cloe we adopted she will be 6 in October, Homer will be 3 years old 8/22 which was a foster and Jake is 3 years old which was also a foster flunkie. The picture was taken in the square in downtown Gainesville, GA.

We adopted Cloe when we first found out that Tazzie Fred's sister had Cancer. Tazzie and Fred where litter mates and very attached to each other. When the vets told us Tazzie's cancer was very rare and very strong growing. They really couldn't give us a time line on how long she would live. We decide to adopted Cloe to help Fred in the long run because he was so attached to Tazzie... Tazzie was the boss in the house.

Tazzie was so strong that out lived the time frame they thought. She had 5 cancer mass removals. The type of cancer she had that hadn't since in over 30 years and it was in such a hard spot they could never removal all of it. It was attached her spine and would grow outward past her lungs to her back. So the only course of treatment was removal, anything else could damage her lungs or effect her spine. So we only did the removals.
She fought the cancer for almost 4 years. We lost her to cancer 4/2/07.

We started fostering Jake or known as Jakerman with all this going on... and then foster Homer...they became buddies and part of the family... our two foster flunkies...

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REECE, CHOCOLATE LAB/PIT

Angela Jergler.

I do some volunteer work here and there for Labrador Friends of the South and even tried fostering once. This one time fostering led to Reece. Reece is a 1 year old Chocolate Lab/Pit bull mix (Pitador) that I adopted from Labrador Friends on August 14, 2007. I think this foster failure thing happens to every foster parent at least once! Reece has come a long way since I adopted him. He was found by a LFS friend by the side of a road, emaciated and infested with ticks and fleas. He hasn't stopped eating since! I cannot get over how much of an attention hog Reece is. He is always looking for love and always wanting to be right under foot (which I know is a trait for both breeds). I really noticed how much Reece wants attention from everyone so tested him in my Therapy Dog organization that I am a member in with my other Lab. So, on April 19, 2008, at only 1 year and one month old, Reece became a Therapy Dog with Happy Tails Pet Assisted Therapy! He goes on visits with children in hospitals and behavioral facilities, drug rehab patients and psychiatric patients, and educates the public on being around dogs and how to treat them, and just offers his love to everyone! It's such a rewarding activity for both of us.Reece is a very active, fun, and all-around happy dog. He loves his big brother, Bennie, and every person and dog he comes in contact with. I am so happy to have Reece as a part of my life and know that he will bring me, and many other people, joy for many years to come!