This report is a bit delayed due to frantic Christmas preparations and a pesky root canal following our return to reality!
Our week was wonderful. We stayed at a Presbyterian Conference Center in Montreat, N.C. The center was beautifully decorated for the Holiday Season with garlands, wreaths, poinsettias, and even a sleigh by the huge fireplace which always had a fire going. We learned that Montreat, N.C. is the home of Billy Graham.
Our classes were themed around an Appalachian (that's pronounced App-a-lach-ian) Christmas. We heard stories from a wonderful story teller who had grown up in the mountains of the area. A lot of the stories were from her growing up years and her family, but could have been anyone's family. She had a wonderful way with words and a good sense of humor. At our last class session with her she taught us how to make little boxes out of old Christmas cards or calendars..... with the admonition, "Waste not, Want not".
Our other class was all about the Mountain Dulcimer. Believe it or not, we actually made dulcimers (cardboard, but amazingly good sounding) and of course worked at learning to play them. Our instructor was great and most patient with us. When we all played together, it really didn't sound too bad.
Another treat was our trip to the Biltmore Mansion one evening to view it all decked out for Christmas. There were 50 Christmas Trees throughout the mansion all decorated. And hundreds of poinsettias and other Christmas decorations everywhere. There were musical groups performing to add to the seasonal spirit. We also made a trip to the Grove Park Inn and viewed all of the Gingerbread houses that has been entered into this year's contest. This was really a fun event. The imagination and work on those houses is amazing.
We are back home and trying to get ready for Christmas ourselves....hope we make it!
