Chocolate Souffle

Today I attempted to bake my first souffle. Of course, it had to be chocolate! It turned out OK. I definitely need more practice, but at least it didn't fall.

New Paths

Today, I learned a few new ways to navigate around Asheville and Candler (where the kids go to school and Erin lives). Libby L. (one of my co-workers) showed me how to drive from downtown/Access II Care to Mt. Pisgah without having to take the 40. After a year-and-a-half, I feel so much more liberated and street savvy.

Frog Prince

I kissed a frog. He didn't turn into a prince, but that's OK, I already have one at home! (Yes, this is the same frog that was AWOL and found behind the dryer. I caught him myself in our front yard. We call him Jeremiah.)

Virgin No More

Today I watched my very first full episode of Sex and the City. I know...I am a bit late on this one. I saw the movie this summer and became hooked. Erin bought me the first season set for my birthday. I can't wait to watch all of the episodes! (I also realized I need a new hair style...I am stuck in the '90s like Carrie!)

I Had a Dream

Every since high school, I have wanted to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. burial site in Atlanta, GA.  Dr. King is a hero of mine, representing someone who had a vision and dedicated his life to fulfilling it.

Well, today, the girls and I got lost in downtown Atlanta and stumbled upon the National Historical Site. Not only did we spend time at the Reflecting Pool and his burial site, we toured his birth home, Firehouse #6 and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. The highlight of our visit was seeing the old mule cart that carried Dr. King's casket during his funeral procession.

I definitely suggest this experience to everyone. It served as a powerful lesson both in history and social justice.

Spicy Bite

Today I decided to tackle one of the suggested things sent to me by my friend Leslie Martin. She challenged me to eat an entire jalapeno pepper.

Well, I did it! It wasn't bad. Tasted like a green pepper...not spicy at all (a bit of a letdown). So, maybe I'll try the habanero next. Maybe NOT!

I am not sure I want to try eating cereal with water (instead of milk) either. I am starting to think Leslie may have an evil side! J/K. 

Oh, I think the pepper just hit my stomach...

Doe River Covered Bridge

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to see a true covered bridge. I would read my grandma's books on the south and dream of riding a horse drawn carriage over one of the many covered bridges in Tennessee. 

Today, we found and visited one of the last remaining covered  bridges in the state of Tennessee. While not very attractive, the Doe River Covered Bridge is one of four included in the National Registry of Historical sites. Built in 1882, the bridge cost $3,000 to construct and remains a solid structure today.

Hopefully, I will get to see a few more of these types of bridges in my lifetime, maybe even ride a carriage across one.

Other firsts today:

1. Went to Parks Mill in Abingdon, VA.
2.  Visited Sycamore Shoals, site of the Transylvania Purchase.