North Carolina April 11-18, 2011

In addition to our trip into the mountains we took in two Charlotte museums (or properly, musea?). The new Mint Museum downtown is a sleek, modern building with lots of glass. Great light, but a bit hard and cold. We focused on the crafts collection of glass, wood, clay, and fiber. Then it was on to the Museum of the New South, which told the story of integration in No. Carolina beginning in the 1950's. A very moving site.

Some retail therapy provided a diversion before spending a day at the nearby Latta Plantation and the NC Raptor Center. Our times at home with the cats and E. and R's comfortable screened porch were relaxing and therapeutic, and we were able to catch up on each other's activities.

Great visit, and good time of year to enjoy some warm weather after a long winter.

North Carolina April 11-18, 2011

On the road again, first by driving to Massachusetts, then flying to Charlotte, NC, to visit with old friends. We ventured up into the Blue Ridge Mts., stopping first at Gastonia for fabric! Then on to Asheville via Chimney Rock. We stayed at a lovely B and B there, and spent a morning at the Grove Inn, enjoying their gift shop and lunch at their cafe. Then on to Mt. Mitchell and ultimately Boone.