We’ve had a few almost unbelievably cold days. It was 15 degrees on the porch on Wednesday, but the day before – which started out at 20 degrees – was colder due to a killer wind. They’ve been very beautiful, clear days, but there’s no denying it’s been unseasonably cold.
The best tip I can pass along from my real estate experience is to open up your upstairs bathroom cabinet and shower stall to let the air circulate, especially if they sit on an outside wall. I see the most instances of frozen pipes in these locations. If you aren’t going to go the full winterization route, it’s best to at least turn the water off at the curb box when you leave for a few days. That way, if there is a problem, you don’t come back to find water running down the stairs.
There’s still some color in the woods, although the leaves are falling. I’ve had two heavy sessions of leaf blowing so far this season.
We hiked the Three Forks area last weekend, and we weren’t the only ones. There must have been thirty cars at the Appalachian Trail crossing. We picked a seldom used trail a little further on, and had a good time. It was cold but not too cold, so conditions were perfect for hiking.
I had a bit of a thrill the other day when I was sitting on the porch and the peregrine falcon who nests on our property flew right past the porch. He’s usually a bit more stealthy than that, so I suspect he was using his winter shortcut, not expecting anyone to be on the porch.
The Arts Association is hosting their Holiday Art Show and Sale at the Arts Center from November 22 – January 6.
On the Friday after Thanksgiving, the downtown merchants are hosting Blue Friday. The shops stay open late for evening shoppers, and the Roving Barbershop Quartet sings Christmas Carols all day. The merchants promise special discounts and promotions for the event.
Light Up Blue Ridge is Saturday, November 29. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive about 11:15 AM, and the tree is lit at 6:30 PM. Tuba Christmas will be on hand again this year. In conjunction with the Holiday Arts Show, Smoky Mountain Melodies will be performing at the Arts Center at 1:00 PM, and an artist will be on hand to do family portraits from 1:00-5:00 PM at the Arts Center.