Tar Heel Love

Note: To all of my blog friends who have sent emails or left comments for which I am most thankful and adore you for, and to my family and friends (some of whom tell me that I stink as a blogger even!)...I am really sorry that I haven't been around much lately! Things can only get better, right?



Maybe it's not the most glamorous of names ~ The "Tar Heel" State.  But I sure did love North Carolina!  I had to look up the meaning of it's nickname.  As with anything, there are several theories with the most notable being pine tar derived from it's vast forest being used to seal up the Navy ships from leaks, worms etc.  Later, during the Civil War, many would go on to say it was because North Carolina held their ground; as if they had "tar on their heels".  Held their ground in bloody battles, held their rank, held out on secession further gaining them the name, "The Reluctant State". 

Knobby tree at Aunt Diane and Uncle Richard's.  Can you see the heart shape?

Regardless of it's true origin, as you are about to see, it's no wonder they love their land:

Pasture leading up the road to their house.

Remember when I said their home/land/utopia was the most beautiful piece of property I have ever had the privilege of touring?

Riding in style!  OK, not the most flattering of photos!

I am a sucker for streams and creeks.  These next few are just part of "Puzzle Creek" which runs thru their property like a puzzle.  It's here, it's there...I wouldn't use it to find your way out.  A bag of bread crumbs probably wouldn't help with all the critters around, but Pig Pen didn't seem to have the same problem.

Flower growing in the stream.  Rhododendron???

Aunt Diane said there are mornings they take coffee out to walk and listen.

They also like to imagine things that "once were".  Tales of the original homesteaders carrying rock to build small walls to avoid wash out (true actually), Indians, love stories etc.  I found a rhinoceros:

Uncle Richard and Pig Pen discussed what "we" might do with a place like this, seeing as how we are a bit younger (his words, not mine!).  I think the better question would be, what wouldn't we do -that you haven't already done???  And by the way Unc...you are never too old.  Especially you guys!

The joke was that we needed to "write the check" and buy the place.  A very bad check, nonetheless!  Panning for gold in Puzzle Creek didn't get us very far either.  :(

Livestock waterer...never seen these before!

The debate...would they fit my brother????

The other joke during our stay was that Aunt Diane fed us sooooo much because she was trying to get Pig Pen to grow into his nose...Uncle Richard finally has!  :o}

It's no wonder that Aunt Diane and Uncle Richard love The Tar Heel State...we sure did!!  Thank you for having us and showing us around!  We can't wait to come back!  Uninvited or not, you are stuck now!!