We were busy this week preparing for our next visitors.
The newly framed pictures (a series of “Four Seasons” trees, painted by our Ealing neighbour Will Redpath) have been hung in the entrance hall (herinafter designated the Redpath Gallery). And in our bathroom there are now three bird/flower prints by noted Georgia artist Mary Booth Cabot. The garden planting continues, and we have completed lots of small jobs that have been hanging around for a while. But every job done seems to point to another two things we want to do!
Outside, the mountain laurel are starting to bloom. They should be really exciting in the next week or so – watch for pictures.
We haven’t seen signs of any large animals (apart from the passing deer) – probably a relief. However, we have taken steps to ensure that our rubbish bin (“trash can” in American, “wheelie bin” for the English amongst us) is bear resistant. An elastic bungee cord has been secured to the lid, and we are assured that this is enough to foil even the most predatory bear. The bin is normally locked away in the shed at the top of the drive, and is only outside for the day when the pickup takes place.
But one evening this week when we were in the living room, I suddenly notice a large black animal shambling along the side of the house. A rapid inspection (from behind glass) revealed that it was not a bear but a cow. It had wandered through the forest onto the planting bed that is the retaining wall, carefully avoiding stepping on any plants (or stopping to munch on them), jumped down 4 feet and proceeded to wander along the pathway to the power line and disappeared over the ridge. We rang around the neighbours who have cows to see who was short by one, and finally got a message to the owner. The cow has already walked several miles looking for company.
Anne and Larry came from Utah to spend a few days with us. We did all the regular things, including a drive up into the mountains, a trip around historic Dahlonega and visits to several local wineries. More importantly, we spent hours talking of past times when Anne and Lisa worked together in Rank on Atlanta (and I was in Rank in London), our last get-together (Amsterdam – better not say too much about that!) and everything. We finished with brunch on Sunday at Wolf Mountain, before they had to drive off to Alabama.