Smoke was in the air for over two weeks, and we were packed and ready to go if needed. We watched the alerts and wildfire map. It was inching closer, but thank God we finally got rain. Nothing I hate more than smelling smoke, I get so nauseous, friends were getting headaches, and I worried about my old dogs.
They say the big reason for all the wildfires was because of Helene, the tree canopy in lots of areas was gone and all the downed trees and debris was kindling for this dry spell. We still have power outages almost daily, things have really changed since that hurricane. Last Friday was the six month anniversary of the hurricane, and the wildfires were raging in NC and SC. The videos were hard to watch, and I have not seen a single bear yet. I worry about all the wildlife.
Sunday I suggested taking a break from yardwork and taking a drive to look at all the beautiful spring blooms and to head over to "my" old abandoned house to see if it was still standing since the road is still closed six months later. It's there, but really getting in bad shape and the grounds look horrible.
There was some wisteria and a gorgeous camelia in bloom, and I did find two baby hydrangeas that I brought home. The hurricane took its toll, thankfully the wildfires were further up the road.
We parked and walked the road up the mountain. We've never been able to do that as it is a skinny, winding road to Saluda, no shoulders, so this actually was a treat to be able to see all the beauty despite the damage.
This road is the road next to ours and really cannot catch a break. I love this road, but would be afraid to live on it. I think we're luckier on our road because this road's terrain protects ours. So much land charred and that's all you could smell.
Yet, there are signs of life already. This green lizard really stood out on this charred log.
Wildflowers are in bloom.
The river below is beautiful and huge! You just don't see it from the car. I was surprised we were the only ones walking the road as this is our big chance. Since it's been closed for six months, maybe everyone else was ahead of us.
I know NC is the Land of Waterfalls, I just didn't know so many were in my town!
It was a beautiful walk, made my day. We plan on going up I-26 to Saulda this weekend and walking the road down from the top. More photos to come from the other end.
Some of the beauty still intact. These bushes and trees are so amazing!
The making of my yule log. Only gave one as a gift this year to Apriella at IGA and, of course, one for us!
My Christmas wolf.
Christmas Eve Cherry Bellini Cocktail.
My sweet old girl Geisha.
Croque Monsieur for dinner with the bellini.
Christmas day gifts. The Anthropologie packaging is as pretty as what is inside.
Balsam and cedar candle.
My favorite gift to Bob to wear around the office to give a hint.
A really nice surprise was a 12-month gift from my aunt. I get garden bulbs each month. The gift that will keep on giving because I will place the bulbs in my garden. The first bloom!
The switch from the Christmas mantle to the winter mantel.
