Random thoughts from vacation

When one is on vacation, one expects things to go well — because that's not generally how things go at home — that's not completely accurate, of course, but we tend to want things to go smoothly when we're away because we're resting and have little to think about except where to eat the next meal. At home, things like bills and work (and Bisquick!) nag at us.
Things were not going well, apparently, for a fellow we saw Tuesday night in front of a laundromat (see irate letter).
The laundry is next door to a high-end grocery and deli. When we were getting back into our car, he stepped quickly out of his and taped this notice on the inside of the laundromat window: "This business is a disgrace! None of the dryers work and only four washers work. The place is filthy and the owners should be embarrassed. Do not use this facility!"
Not sure how long it stayed up. Mostly, I sympathize with the store owner. I don't own a store, but I thought this sentiment was a bit over the top. Don't like the appearance of the laundromat? Lose a sock? Roll with it.
We saw a fair amount of bikes in the mountains. (We were in western North Carolina.) By that I mean motorcycles. My husband dreams of owning one. But "dreams" might be mild--"selling his wife to get a Harley" might be closer to the sentiment.
The weather was fantastic. A bit of rain the first day but it usually rains in the mountains, late in the day, when the heat builds. We wrapped up in blankets at night, which is amazing since it's July.
One night, we went to the Wine Garden at an inn where we could never afford to stay — unless we hit the right six numbers. When we first went to the Wine Garden two summers ago, you should have SEEN the amount of wine in the glasses. It's like they thought they were pouring orange juice. I couldn't finish it. But when we went this time, the amount was far less, and the same price. After taking in the wine (and great people-watching), we went to eat a pizza which was about the same price as one of the glasses of wine. Not that we didn't know this going in.
One day I hiked up Whiteside Mountain. Went up the quick, steeper way. There's a loop road but it takes longer. Lots of people out. Lots of children and dogs. Some were speaking French. (the children, not the dogs.) All polite. Some teen-agers practically jogged up the trail, which made me feel old.
More food news: Have you ever been to a place called Sweet Treats? If you haven't, go. It's not cheap, either, but the ice cream is to die for. (And we just might, soon.) They also sell fudge. With the ice cream, they start with a base of either vanilla or chocolate (ice cream or yogurt), then you specify your ingredients from there. Such as mint chocolate chip or pineapple. Everything's blended together.
Sweet Treats, as well as the sandwich and pastry shop connected to it, has WiFi access. It was interesting to see the contrast between this summer and two years ago, in the increased number of people all wired up. We saw a mother and father sitting at an outdoor patio table, both on a Blackberry while their child sat with them, licking her ice cream cone in silence.
Then again we have seen 6-year-olds walking down the street talking on cell phones.
I assume most of these wired adults are on vacation, like we are. Are they leaders of countries, or can they just not let go of being connected, even on their time off?
Speaking of time, Michael's watch quit working the second day. Two jewelers in town couldn't fix it. (At one, her "new" battery was dead. At the other, her battery was working but she said, "Oops, time for a new watch.") So he drove to another town in the opposite direction. We thought he could find a cheap-ish replacement at a drug store but he went to a downtown jeweler. The guy said he had a Buloba but it was about 100 dollars. Michael said he'd rather pay less than that, and less than the $65 he was then offered. Michael told the proprietor he was just trying to avoid Wal-Mart. So the guy sold him a $100 Buloba for $30, and said he appreciated him staying away from Wal-Mart. God bless 'em.
Also, the cabin where we stayed doesn't have a television. This is something I was very much looking forward to. (I mean, what were we going to do, sit inside and watch TV all day?) Michael is more of a TV junkie than I am; but as he said after a few days, "I know you'll think I'm lying but I haven't missed it."
Another day, we met up with old friends in Asheville. (By that I don't mean they're old but they used to live in our city.) Wonderful people and I was reminded how much I miss them back home. We also had to go to Malaprops. If you haven't been, go. Go now. It's one of the gen-u-ine indie bookstores, and you practically have to have a Ph.D. to work there. They really know their stuff. It's in a real Bohemian part of town — people playing music on the streets, an area with pretty radical politics and a park where homeless people congregate and/or live.
We then drove up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and made another stop at a favorite spot: The Folk Art Center. Artisans from all over the region sell their wares there (pottery, wood, some clothing), and the upstairs serves as a museum for Appalachian craftsmanship. Back to the subject of Wal-Mart: I am so thankful for places like the Folk Art Center, because they remind me that not everything in our country has to be made in China, and sold back to us very cheaply. ("Unnecessary plastic objects," as the singer Nancy Griffith says.)
We also saw this cute black dog named Eddie, who had to be watched by a ranger outside while his owners went in.
Michael and I ate our last big meal at this place on U.S. 64. Wow. Too much food and too much money but, hey, it's vacation.
In summary: A great week with great food and further exploration in this region that always restores and refreshes.
Good for the soul.
Now. Back to spin class.