MOUNT AIRY
Friday evening, October 10th we drove to Winston Salem with
Elder and Sister Hunt and Elder and Sister Slade
to spend 2 nights away from the office.
Saturday morning we drove to Mount Airy (Mayberry's inspiration)
for their annual Autumn Leaves Festival street fair.
Elder and Sister Reidhead met us there.
These scarecrow were standing guard over the fancy guitars that were up for auction.
We waited in line for nearly an hour to eat a pork chop sandwich
at the famous Snappy's. The experience was fun but
I'll probably never have another pork chop sandwich!
Sister Hunt and I sitting on a bench in front of
Mayberry Country Store.
Andy Griffith, Barney Fife and see if you can remember
the other characters of the show
Lots of Bluegrass Music, thousands of people, funnel cake, soft pretzels, barbeque,
fried onion blooms, fried anything you can think of including fried pies, homemade ice cream,
and the very best was Wild Bill's homemade root beer!
We bought a souvenir mug and it came with as many refills as we wanted.
Tom after too many root beers!
Bluegrass and Mountain Music
I love the casual down home feel of music in the South.
It reminds me of the song by Alabama,
"Play Me Some Mountain Music"
Oh, play me some mountain music
Like grandma and grandpa used to play
Then I'll float on down the river
To a Cajun hideaway
Drift away like Tom Sawyer
Ride a raft with ol' Huck Finn
Take a nap like Rip Van Winkle
Daze dreamin' again
Oh, play me some mountain music
Like grandma and grandpa used to play
Then I'll float on down the river
To a Cajun hideaway
If this makes you want to hear them sing it, go to Youtube like I did!
I remember going to their concert many years ago and loving it!
Even the wood carvings are singing and playing the fiddles!
We had a great time in Mount Airy.
We drove a few miles into Virginia then headed south on the
Blue Ridge Parkway to see the gorgeous fall leaves.
We stopped at The Blue Ridge Music Center where a concert was
about to begin. It was fascinating to learn about
the evolution of Blue Grass Music.
I googled these pictures because it was difficult to get photos
from the back seat of a moving car.
Isn't it beautiful?!
We spent another night in Winston Salem and then attended church
in the Winston-Salem 2nd ward. It was so good
to surprise the wonderful missionaries there!
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Sunday night,our apartment is often a gathering place
for our missionaries in the Harrisburg Ward.
I think they love us and especially our WiFi so they can sync their area books.
(Perhaps the ice cream and desserts are a bonus.)
We love the missionaries and their diligence and obedience and contagious optimism.
They have such a great love for the Savior and for the Restoration of the Gospel.
They are beautiful examples of service and Christlike love!
On Monday, October 2oth, we celebrated Sister Zampieron's 21st birthday by
taking her and Sister Phillips to lunch in Uptown Charlotte
at Rooster's Grill in the beautiful Bank of America Building.
It was quite an interesting experience.
We talked about missionary work and family traditions, life in Brazil,
quoting favorite scriptures and how those scriptures impact our lives.
It was a delightful time and my heart was touched.
There was a couple sitting on the other side of the wall behind me
and I wondered if they could hear our conversation.
While we were eating dessert, I heard a waiter ask them where
they were from and they responded, Idaho.
I thought about getting up and going to talk to them, but I didn't.
As they left the restaurant and I glanced at them but continued in our conversation.
When we were finished the waitress came over with a big smile on her face
and told us that our meals had been taken care of. We were stunned!
That sweet couple from Idaho had paid for our lunch.
Even as I write about this experience, my eyes get teary and my heart overflows
with the goodness of others. It was truly a beautiful unexpected gift for all of us!
One last thing I want to share.
After an inspiring Stake Conference today,
we took a walk on our favorite street. It was a gorgeous mild sunny day
with a slight breeze. It felt so glorious to be outside,
to hold hands with my Sweetheart
and to feel and the beauties of the world around us.
The leaves here are just beginning to turn colors.
My favorite thing about our walk however, was seeing this brand new calf,
born less than 24 hours ago. We had a great conversation
with Renda, the owner of this beautiful property. It's the first time we
have seen anyone outside during our walks. She told us about the new calf and about
the property that has been in the family for generations. What a great day!
There's so much more I would like to write but it's past time to go to bed.
We miss you!
Sending our LOVE to y'all!
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