Mountains

I found usnea, while stuck on the icy road in the Smoky Mountains of TN, headed to NC.  It's a type of lichen often called old man's beard.  I saw it hanging from the tree branches on the steep slope and then I picked a bit that was on the edge of the road. 

We all got out, as my husband drove down the icy road because several cars ahead of us had spun out.  People helped push each vehicle out, we talked to each other, trying to figure out if it was better to drive on the snow or the bits of dirt that were visible. It was actually a really nice experience, although it took us a total of 8 hours instead of 4 hours that day.  

We went to our niece's wedding in this charming little castle.  Meanwhile...

Our oldest daughter was on the west coast, visiting with my sister + her family.  

Here are the rest of us, below, inside the castle.  The moon was almost full and so beautiful reflected in the lake water surrounding the castle.

The snow was pretty!  I guess we'll have to move the mountains if we want to have snowy winters. Last night, all six of us sat around the table eating sushi for dinner and drinking sparkling juice from wine glasses.

I added a few drops of lavender essential oil to this sanitizer (that says "Bobby & Lindsey - spread love, not germs") from the wedding, now that we are home.  And will remember them when I use it.

Our Christmas tree is quite dry.  I've been collecting the pine needles and will put vinegar in this jar and let it steep for 2 months and then strain, and use it as a cleaner.  All natural and homemade, better than Pine-Sol!

Have a nice weekend!