Since I wrote last I have been a little busy, some friends and I went to the Renaissance Fair out side of Charlotte in November,  we again had a really good time.  This guy was one of the characters that strolled around the grounds. 

I along with some friends have completed all but 5 miles of the New River Trail.  We started that little adventure in January.  It’s a 57 mile trail that is absolutely beautiful.  We started it in January and have walked what I call the the strait part of the trail, we still need to complete the Fries (pronounced Freeze) to Fries Junction section. It was nice to see the change in seasons.  We ended the walk with a nice brunch at The Draper Mercantile.

I went to the OBX for the first time since my mom died.  It rained the whole time but I will say I had a great time.  I spent the rainy days visiting my boys and some friends. While at one of my friends place I discovered a really good easy to make recipe for Brunswick Stew. My sister came up here to the mountains for a visit and after a busy day we were hungry but neither of us was in a mood to cook so this little concoction came in very handy.  It’s not the least bit gourmet but is quick, good and hot.  While on the OBX I also found a nice camp ground on Colington Island.  I plan on going to the beach twice a year and it will be nice to have my own place. 

Brunswick Stew

2 cans corn (14 oz)

2 cans of tomatoes (14 oz)

1 can of BBQ beef (10 oz)

1 can of BBQ pork (10 oz)

1 small can of chicken

Throw in a pot, cook on low, keep stirred.

Tabasco or Texas Pete (a little on the side)

I have been working on my camper.  I have replaced all the wood on the (L) driver side and am now working on the lift system.  I call this my equivalent to a boat with a hole in it.  I will say that I am enjoying working on the thing.  If nothing else I will have learned a lot about campers.  I am still looking for a better one.  The canvas for this thing is over $900.  If I can find a camper in good shape for less than that I will buy it.  I can break the one I have down into a trailer and sell that and the lift system and get just about what I have in it back.  It’s a lot of work but I don’t mind.

I have a new addition to my family. His name is Beriothien (Bear-ee-oh for short).  He is a black retriever mix, he is now 10 weeks old and is weighing in at 26lb.  I anticipate he will reach the 80-100lb range when he is full grown.  He is a very nice smart puppy.  He is already house broken I just need to teach him to leave my shoes alone.  He has not chewed any YET but I have come home a few times and found my shoes spread all over the house.  I have made the shoes less accessible to the puppy, hopefully he will forget about them.  As a bit of insurance I went to pet smart and bought a bunch of chew toys for the little bear.  The big boy and girl are tolerating the little one, the cat has started to come down from the loft, I am hoping for peace to return to the house in another week or so. 

It is hard to believe that tomorrow it will be 2013.  This year has gone by so fast.  I am already looking at seed catalogs (left over from last year) and planning my garden.  I want 2 crops of potatoes this year so I am researching them and collecting large containers to grow them in.  I have wood to cut for next year, house maintenance that will need to be done.  I am looking forward to some movies that are coming out, I saw “The Hobbit” and “Les Miserables” recently and they were both very good.  My man John McClain will be back this year as well as Kirk, Spock and McCoy. Jack the giant slayer looks good also.

I am looking forward to the new year.  I am optimistic and hopeful. I am hopeful the fiscal cliff is really just a hill.  I am hopeful that children will be safe. I am hopeful that the new year will be an uneventful one.  I feel that people are basically good and that given the opportunity they will be good.  I hope there is a lot of opportunity for good.