toy run & wnc nature center

We had an amazing Saturday...that is after the car trouble
the blue bus had the same battery in it since we got it 6 years ago
The girls and I stopped by to see Jonathan at one of his stores before we went running around. Thanks to Ho, Jonathan, & AAA we got it fixed and on our way.
We headed out to the 30th anniversary smokey mountain toy run at Lummus harely shop. Now you need to know that it is 33 degrees & sleeting but these bikers still rode the cold 10 miles from downtown Asheville to the shop. The girls & I helped collect toys. They just keep coming. It is amazing how everyone just jumps in to help the kids that need a Christmas this year and for all you our there that believe bikers are nothing but trouble never meet a true biker (right Uncle Snake) yes the leather and tattoos might get you but their hearts are truly huge. I know this after a cold older man handed me a ice covered teddy bear yesterday and said he enjoyed the ride. After unloading toys and more toys Tori & Sam joined the Harley band and song Jingle Bells. Then Sam got to pick the winning ticket for the 50/50 drawing and made someone a very happy person. After that is was off to the nature center where the twins were to be elves and Sam & I were going to sell snacks. The park was dead because it was in the 30s and sleeting & raining. But we stayed to help out and to see Santa. The lights were beautiful all thru the trails. There was a smore fire going and a fire in the cabin where Santa was. The girls were face painting and showing the snakes.(they didn't get that like from me) Afterwards we made some candles and headed home. Christmas is about spending time with the one you love and we did that as our teeth chattered. But it is about making others happy. We are trying to spread our Christmas cheer..."by singing loud for all to hear"...form the Elf movie.

freebie Saturday

With times being the way they are we are very blessed to have a roof over our head and a great job but we still like to save some money. We started the day out getting .49 cent hot cocos then went to Ingles for the .33 cent5 donuts. On the way to the Christmas parade I stopped by to get our photos from Walagreens they were 30 prints for $3.oo. We sat and enjoyed the sunshine having breakfast waiting for the parade. Afterwards we went across the street and they had an ice skating ring set up and the girls got to skate for free. Then we went to Sams they were having their holiday sampling going on. We tried all the samples some of them we tried twice. That was the best free lunch we had in a long time. Then is was home. It was a great day and we only spent $10.00. I love getting a deal.

greenhouses

The girls and I went to the open house at the local greenhouses. The learned how they started the seedlings all the way to the end process when then ship them out to the stores. There were sections & sections full of poistettas. It was amazing. We didn't know there were so many types. I liked the ones that looked like bleach was poured on them but the glittery ones were neat also. There was bluegrass playing and we had a great time together. One of the greenhouses gave us a free mum to everyone. This is something they have done for the past 18 yrs and we will go back next year.

leaves

there are more than leaves falling lately the girls raked up the leaves and got the ladder out to enjoy it to be a kid again

corn maze

The girls and I spent the afternoon at Elida Home's corn maze. We volunteered for a few hours giving out maps and talking about the FSI (farm scence investigation) game. It is like the old clue game trying to figure out who has Farmer Joe. See there was an accident and one of the animals has Farmer Joe..you have to figure out what weapon, what location, & who did it. There is 12 acres of corn mazes a 1 mile, a 2.7 mile, or you can do both to solve the crime. The place is really neat. There is a corn cannon, a cow train, a straw maze, a corn box (like a sand box but all corn kernels) pedal cars, & at night there is a haunted maze. After we worked Jonathan, his sister Tiffany her boyfriend Frankie and his son Chansen all came out to have fun with us. We all went in the haunted maze...all of us even Tori. This was a 1st. She has always been to scared but she conquered her fear and had a ball.

wagon train

Some people say why do we go out and freeze our butts off, give up the electronic pleasures of life, no heat, & outside bathrooms 1 weekend a year? Well its for the memories we are making, the ghost stories we hear, the candy we win on the card games we play, the great food & family time we have, and its a family tradition. We have done it for 5 years but the Johnston/Reids have always done it. This year we spent the night at the fireman's camp instead of the usual camp it was different but loved being next to the French Broad River. It was cold but only got down to 40 degrees. No Snow this year...Yeah! I did burn the hashbrowns again but my omelet in a bag was a hit...Tori said they were good! Seem like we had about 50 wagons this year. Im glad the girls enjoy it and love the peace & quiet at night...beside the occasional laughter down from another wagon.

fair update

Ok everyone was saying I never updated my blog about the fair. Sorry we went from one thing to the next. After 2 weekends & a long week we ended up with 25 ribbons...1st,2nd,3rd,5th,7th,9th,10th, & a best in show. Yes I ate a lot of corndogs & we watched the pig races a few times. We got to ride a few rides and walk all over. I am on 1st name bases with Smokey Bear as many times we went to see him. We all had a great time. Some of us more than others. The girls did a great job at the goats, cows, cooking contest, & all the crafts. Still hearing the moooing in my sleep.