I Saw Him! April 24, 2010

Yep, I saw Obama 🙂 Now, no matter your political leanings, I just want to say it is so cool to see someone famous! So in case you didn’t hear, Barack and Michelle are vacationing in Asheville this weekend! I couldn’t have picked a better place! 

On Friday, I was driving through Asheville, on my way to pick up Asher from a doggie daycare where he was spending the day. I had run lots of errands and had had lunch with a friend and was finally on my way through town when I was suddenly stopped by a police barricade. My first reaction was frustration because I was going to be late to get Asher, but after parking the car and realizing that the Obamas were nearby, I got very excited! I joined the crowd by the restaurant 12 Bones Smokehouse and was swept up into the excitement. I want to share a few of the pictures I snapped (sorry none were clear of the Obamas…they ran to the car!) but first, just in case you’re wondering what this has to do with local food, let me give you a glimpse of the menu…It really is that good!

mac n cheese	smoked potato salad
jalapeno cheese grits	baked beans
mashed sweet taters	cucumber salad
collard greens	sweet vinegar cole slaw
buttered green beans	corn pudding

All of that goes along with beef, chicken, and pork…YUMMY!  I think I need to head back there for lunch soon! 

So here are the pictures…Enjoy!  And come back anytime Obamas! 

Can you see the snipers?

 

The crowd! I wasn't the only one snapping pics 🙂

 

They are in the back seat of the black car...They were waving!

 

Laughing Seed Cafe April 23, 2010

Guess who’s coming to Asheville today?!!  I’m headed into town to do some shopping and have lunch with a friend, so I’m hoping to see him 🙂  I’ll let you know!

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When Nathan’s parents Alex and Mary Jo were here, we spent some time exploring downtown Asheville.  We stopped at a great restaurant that’s been featured in the blog world (Kath and Jenna) before…Laughing Seed Cafe!  It is a great vegetarian restaurant that serves lots of global dishes as well as twists on comfort food.  We had never been there before but of course had heard great things and we knew it was dog friendly 🙂  Asher came along and we were able to get a seat on the patio. 

We had a great view of a wall climbing gym across the street…

I wasn’t sure what to order…

But ended up going with the Crispy Asian Dumplings…”A vegan wonton wrapper filled with organic cabbage, organic carrot, ground organic tempeh, fresh garlic, and fresh ground ginger root, fried light until crispy. Served with papaya ponzu sauce and a balsamic/soy drizzle.”  YUMMY!

Alex got a glass of local Kombucha (fermented tea) that was on draught…. (Hi Asher!)

We were a bit unsure of how it would taste but it was quite good! I found some great information about the drink here.

I had trouble posing for a picture 🙂  Couldn’t get rid of the nose/black teeth shadow!

Cheers!

Gardening Fest April 22, 2010

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Hope everyone is having a good day celebrating this great place where we live 🙂  Anything special going on?

There are lots of great giveaways…

Produce Bags @ Carrots ‘N’ Cake

Seventh Generation @ Foodie Giveaways

Organic Cloth @ Daisy Janie and several others

I had some green fun this weekend.  I went to the 2010 Appalachian Growers’ Fair in Dillsboro, NC. 

The purpose was to raise money to support a future Appalachian Women’s Museum.  The Fair was on the grounds of the future museum and was a perfect setting. 

There were lots of people selling plants, veggies, and homemade crafts as well as bands playing all day long. 

We had a great time walking around, as well as buying a few things 🙂 

I came home with some eggs…Love the different sizes and colors!  Can you see the green one?

And some plants (of course!) for a small flower box outside our front door.  Everything fit in my Envitote!

I’ll leave you with the picture that left a big impact on me that day…Maybe we can apply it to this great big EARTH?

The Lettuce Balls Continue April 21, 2010

Finally got my lettuce balls done!   First, thanks to my in-laws Alex and Mary Jo for helping me finish them.  They helped me shop for final supplies and install the post for the balls to hang from.  It was a great time and I definitely needed the advice and support!  BECAUSE… 

I think this is the summer of experimentation.  I have really enjoyed diving into all of these new garden projects….I’m just not sure how well they are going to turn out!  My seedlings never made it 😦  So I ended up buying some.  And some are dying.  BUT, I planted them, set up my post, and have them hanging.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  If they don’t work then they don’t work.  Sigh.  I can always buy some more seedlings and keep,  yep, trying.  We’ll see!  But here’s the great work that’s gone into them!  Enjoy….(and send them positive thoughts!).

The sign makes me smile even if the lettuce doesn’t!

Three Arrows Tote April 20, 2010

Got my Three Arrows Tote in the mail yesterday! 

My good friend Lyn, who lives in San Francisco, recently started her own buisness, d w y e r handmade.  We became friends in Boston over our shared love of Patagonia 🙂  A few camping trips later, we continue to keep in good touch through moves across the country and the world!  When I received her email about selling products on Etsy, I knew I couldn’t resist!  I needed a new tote upon my return to America and this one is IT!  I am heading to a meeting later this afternoon and am taking it with me…It fits all my papers and books.  Even has enough room for my laptop.  But what I especially love about the tote is the black and white gingham.  The constrast is so cute!  Plus, it came in a little drawstring bag with a tag that says it was made for me!  Would make a perfect gift 🙂  Check it out and let me know what you think.  Thanks again Lyn!

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