WAYWARD MOOSE INN…wayward we were

My husband’s family wanted to get away for Christmas this year…losing their mother in September left a big hole and the memories are every where in my sister-in-law’s home…so, off we went. 
Driving into the NC mountains to stay on top of one of them…at the Wayward Moose Inn and Guest House…



MAIN INN

Everyone had their own room and bathroom, yippee!

After moving luggage, food and
decorations into the house, we decorated the tree and various spots around the main Inn…we had the entire place to ourselves.  Then…it was time for our first GAME NIGHT…Taboo, explaining people, places or things without using specific words…it was fun!

CollegeGirl & Fitz-Mom

My room overlooked the valley in two directions…one set of windows to the East and one set to the West… awesome!

Fireplace In the Corner was FABULOUS

Our FIRST ‘touristy’ move was visiting Biltmore Estate…(the pictures on their website certainly beat mine) however I wanted to share a few because I have a very photographable collegGirl…isn’t she pretty beside the poinsettias?!

AWESOME Hot House

WAYWARD AS I took these shots ...before I knew there is supposed to be NO PICTURES inside the house...but, I didn't use flash, so I didn't break the biggest rule.

Entrance Hallway next to Atria

 

The reception area is always to prettily decorated at Christmas...what a beautiful atria.


ATRIA

I always love the view from the porch on the back of the house


Glorious View from Porch

WAYWARD AS WE HUDDLED while DRINKING HOT CHOCOLATE AND LATTES:  It was 19* while we were there; and even though my hormones were raging, I got cold!  Can you believe it?! 

So…I bought a felt hat I just LOVE!  I can wear it six different ways…here’s one way…I was standing in the Conservatory hot house with all the orchids…I can do a complete post on just the flowers I shot























WAYWARD WHILE STOPPING TO TAKE A SHOT...THIS IS what you see as you drive by the Estate. They had candlelight tours going on with more than 3,000 people parading through the house; so they wouldn’t allow us to drive down the front driveway…this is as close as we could get.

 Will post more WAYWARDNESS later…
Hope you had a blessed Christmas!

ChristmasIsComing Simple Woman’s Daybook

(Jumping in with Cindy)

My own version of the Simple Woman's Daybook for today:

Outside my window...
Cool day…highs in 48-50* range…clouds rolling in and rain is supposed to start tonight.

I’m thinking...
these cooler temperatures are awesome for me in my ‘eternal’ hot-flash state.  Everyone else is complaining it’s cold.

I am thankful for...
My husband handling the food lineup for Christmas week with his sister…they’re splitting the cooking/food responsibilities.

From the kitchen...
turkey cutlets wrapped in bacon, seared in balsamic vinegar; broccoli, cauliflower, carrots in cheese sauce, French rolls, tomato slices

I am reading...
Disciple 1, Week 15…Hope

I am creating...
table decorations for our Christmas dinner table … pics later

Around the house...
There are signs of Christmas: An un-decorated tree, a wreath on the door and a stocking on the garage door entrance and a blooming Christmas cactus.

On my MP3 player this week...
nothing

One of my favorite things...
Arizona Peach Tea … instant packets with Splenda included.  I don’t have to make a gallon at a time.

One of my least favorite things...
Mommies continuing to shop, ignoring or being impatient with their ‘obviously-tired, screaming’ children riding in shopping carts

A Simple Grace Note...
Look Ma, NO cavities…yeah!

My Simple Devotion:  Day 46 Daily Affirmations (grieving a recent loss of a friend lost much too soon)  Today’s word: BLISS  The dictionary notes BLISS as:   state of extreme happiness, ecstasy, or spiritual joy

It can be hard for to imagine your loved one in a state of such happiness. But, why not try it for today?   After all, it’s a comforting thought, isn’t it?   Of all the things you could consider as their experience after death, this is a nice one. 

If “bliss” is too strong, try “quiet contentment.” Rest assured, it’s not likely they are suffering the sorrows of grief you are.  Wouldn’t they have joy in knowing you’ve found some measure of comfort for yourself in thinking they are blissful?

So, just for today, try that thought on for size. If it “fits,” wear it – from this day forward; like a warm jacket on a windy day.

Quotation for the Day
"I can assure you those who have already passed have not only made it to the Other Side, but are in a state of bliss." ~ Sylvia Browne, Journal of Love & Healing

I read the above quote; but I needed something from God’s Word to give me a better confirmation.

Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.  Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (now THAT sounds like bliss)!

A Picture to Share:

Our prayer shawl ministry had a Christmas brunch this past Tuesday morning, so Zena and I had a chance to get a new picture

DIDN'T WE JUST DO A 'SELFIE' HODGEPODGE?

JOYCE,@,

 THIS ONE'S FOR YOU...

FUNERAL SELFIES...WHO'D A THUNK IT?



Blessings,

WEDNESDAY’S ‘STICKY’ HODGEPODGE

CLICK ON JOYCE’S BUTTON TO JOIN US ON THIS MEME 1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts?     When did you last take a selfie?    Do you post them online somewhere?  Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?


2. ..sending out Christmas cards this year?   If so, are they ready to go?

If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?






3. Do you trust easily?








4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?
…YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE



5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?








6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now :  )








7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?











8.  Insert your own random thought here.

THE TOP FIVE songs this week…Is it just me that thinks I see ‘scary’ as a major pattern?










BUT I like THIS much better: