Dogwoods in bloom

I lived back East most of my adult life. When we hit the road, I was glad to get back to the West with its wide-open spaces, but I do miss spring in the East. I especially miss the delicate dogwoods. They grow in the understory along the edge of the forest where they receive some sun. Their white blossoms sprinkle the green in lacy-like patterns.

I was very excited to have visited Asheville when they were in bloom. In fact, most of the drive up from Atlanta and all around Asheville, I'd see them against the green. Other trees were blossoming too, including some dogwoods that have pink and creamy white blossoms. I've seen some almost red, but I believe they are hybrids.

Asheville is an interesting city. It is a university town, which means lots of cultural events. I found a nice independent bookstore downtown.The restaurants were interesting. The Laughing Seed, downtown on Wall Street, had been recommended. It is a vegetarian restaurant with interesting selections. My meal was quite good. Wall Street is a short one-way street and my GPS led me down several others before I finally found it. (By the way, Tony, George and I downloaded the mobile Google maps to our Blackberries. Works like a charm! Thanks for the suggestion.)

After I read that Asheville has quite a few art deco-style buildings, I began noticing them. One  account  says it is because Asheville was struck so hard by the Depression, those buildings were left standing because the town couldn't afford to replace them. This one is the City Hall, designed by Douglas D. Ellington and completed in 1928. Quite colorful! At the other economic extreme is the Biltmore Estate, built by George Washington Vanderbilt and completed in 1895. I decided to save a tour of the Biltmore for a time when George can be with me. It sounds fabulous.

My conference was at the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, part of the University of North Carolina- Asheville. If you are ever in the area, they offer loads of interesting classes, taught mostly by the 1300 members. If you join, you can go to cultural events at the college free and eat at the school cafeteria very reasonably. Keep it in mind!

I'm back in Arizona. This isn't the best year for wildflowers but fruit trees have blossomed so we have some spring color. Near Phoenix, the palo verde are blooming along the highway. Evening primroses, brittlebush, desert marigold, a smattering of poppies and a few varieties of cacti blossoms are some I've seen. It will be another month or so before the saguaros bloom. If you are still in Arizona, that is a sight to see. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Comments

[Laura W-A]

I was very interested to read the info on Asheville - I've been traveling for work for the last three years, and trying to save up for a Sportsmobile with the goal of being a full-time solo RVer, but now I haven't had a job assignment for three months and am looking for full time jobs. I applied and had a phone interview in Asheville, but won't find out if they want to interview me in person until sometime next week. I hope so - there's a college near there with a Professional Craft program that I'd LOVE to attend! :-) Asheville sounds beautiful. I went through there once, but it was 17 years ago!

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

One friend thought there wasn't much to do in the area, though with hiking, the NCCRC and the college, I would think there would be plenty to do.

Good luck with your job interview! I hope it works out for you.

Jaimie