The Lunsford/McGlade Family Visit

In an effort to continue catching you up on our life this fall, Chris' family visited us the first week of October (everyone except April and Pete and Grandma Bonnie). This was the second time I've met Crystal, the first being our wedding. We were so excited that they all made the decision to come out for Crystal's birthday weekend!

First up was the Biltmore Estate. Chris and I were working, but they found their way around the place without our help. Jay brought us back some wine from the winery. And I think Crystal scored a shirt for her birthday!

The classic Biltmore garden shot...already framed.Another great shot of the area. What a cute couple! (They're called the Smokies for a reason. It looks like they are on fire quite often.)


I'm not exactly sure where this is other than off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's no fourteener either--just a few feet shy! I think this was on the way to Cherokee.

Apple-picking turned pumpkin-picking this year. You should have seen the effort we gave it though! I'm pretty sure we found every last apple remaining on the trees here. After I fell off Chris' shoulder trying to get an apple, I think we gave in and bought the rest to fill our peck.


The fresh apple cider slushies at this place are incredible!

Asheville's finest new BBQ establishment, the Fiddlin' Pig (or Piddlin' Fig). We went here to celebrate Crystal's birthday, hush puppies, fried pickles, and the local phenomenon of clogging for all ages.

We had a great time with you all. Please come back soon...although hopefully we'll be out your direction before another 2 years passes us by! Thanks again for making the effort to travel all that way, take time off work, save the money, and spend the time with us that we've been missing.

We love you!

Caroline and Louise

I want to introduce you to Caroline (on right) and Louise (on left) and Caroline Louise (center). These precious girls are kin to my friend Jane. Caroline is her niece and Louise is a cousin. This picture was taken at the annual Coon Dog Day Festival in Saluda this last summer. It was a lot of fun with some street dancing, lake swimming, and good eating. (This is about as patriotic as I get.)

Hiking on the AT

Chris and I went for a hike awhile back and it was a gorgeous fall day. We hiked up to an old fire tower near Hot Springs. Here are some pictures from it...

There were tons of wildflowers and the sky was so blue.

A good hiker.

Asleep in the car on the way home, tuckered out from all the hiking. Homer and I ran down the trail together.

Paula's Birthday

Paula Pound had a birthday a few days later. We decided to check out a new place, the Fiddlin' Pig. It's mantra is "Bluegrass and Barbeque". We found both to be delish! Paula got a sweet grill for her birthday.

Complete with lollipop.

The Girls.

The girl in all of us.

Long Time No Post

Here is an attempt to check you up on the life and times of the McGlades during the months of Sept. and Oct. So, in chronological order, things that I've wanted to post about include:

my birthday, Paula's birthday, hiking, Chris' family visit, my trip to Austin, and Halloween. Without further ado...

If you are reading this, you probably know that I turned 30 not too long ago. Not quite as exciting as I'd always hoped (but maybe it's just yet to be seen). For at least a decade now, I've thought and said out loud that I believed turning 30 would (magically) allow one the freedom to really be themselves and worry less about what other think of them. I think of this is true, at least I've tried to let it be true. Here are some pictures of a wonderful night out that my friends Sarah and Jane coordinated. Indian food and dueling piano bars--the perfect combination! Mary Stuart, Jane, & Sarah

The other side of the table: Chris, me, and Robin on point

Pianos--duking it out!

One of my favorite people, Jane Bohannon Carter, ladies and gentlemen.