August has had lots of fun things to do, so much that I can’t get to it all to talk about on the blog. Settle in for a long and picture heavy post! The highlight of the month so far was a trip down to Spartanburg for a day to see the Panther’s at their training camp. With a new owner, this might be their last season at the college just an hour’s drive away, so we went.
Practice went on for about 2 hours, and once we got a spot to watch and pay attention, it was easier to follow the action. Offense and defense ran plays together, then individual positions worked on their own. We watched kicker Graham Gano make a number of kicks over the goal post, while running back Christian McCaffrey took handoffs and ran down the field chased by the defense.
Quarterback Cam Newton in the red shirt #1 threw some hard passes at receivers. The speed and spin on the ball was amazing to see. The other red shirts in this photo are the three backup quarterback hopefuls, vying for the coveted second string slot. Veteran Panther Garret Gilbert is hoping to win the position, while newcomers from other teams Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke look like stiff competition. This will be interesting to see during the preseason.
The guys are so generous, signing autographs for fans at the end of practice, hot and tired, but still gracious. Greg Olsen is a veteran tight end, essential to the team.
Linebacker Luke Kuechly, star of the defense.
On another day, we gathered together with the British Car club for a drive, in spite of the rain. It wasn’t supposed to rain until the afternoon, but well, it is North Carolina.
Even on a misty day, the lush green of our mountain road is beautiful.
A stop at Justus Orchard was part of the day, where you pick you own apples.
Inspiration for the Colors of August placemats and Colors of August Tablescape, these apples were ready to pick.
Rows of apple trees in various varieties stretch into the distance with misty shrouded mountains in the background.
Most of the trees were still heavily laden with apples. The Apple Festival is coming up on Labor Day weekend, and I am sure many of these will end up there for sale.
Back into the cars for a bit more driving, there were 12 of us at the stop sign.
Last stop, Burntshirt Winery, that I showed when we did the same destination last year. The flowers in front of the wine shop were in full bloom and covered with pollinators.
Some of our member cars in the parking area creating a small car show got the attention of other visitors to the winery that day.
After two weeks of being rained out, we finally got to Music on Main for the last show of the season with performance by Deano & The Dreamers. These guys were really good, playing mostly 70s hits.
Back at home, I had peaches from the orchard to make DH a Fresh Peach Coffee Cake. Yes, the bears got mine this year.
Then, we had to see the fiber arts show at the Arboretum. The show is called Nature Across the Carolinas, and showcases the work of local quilters Mary Stori, Judy Simmons and Kate Weston. It is in the Education Center, and is huge – the works cover the walls on four hallways!
The nature theme is evident in every piece. I really like this piece called Morning Glory by Judy Simmons. She has composited the background with nature images, then put the flowers over the top. Can you see the birdhouse? The more you look, the more detail you see. The colors are so harmonious, and not the usual for morning glories.
Some of the pieces were on tables. These had interesting dimension to them.
Every piece was for sale. I sure hope these talented ladies sold some of their incredible work.
The Education Center floor plan is a large square hallway running around the second floor with classrooms and offices on either side. It is a huge space for displays. The show runs to September 16th, and if you can get to the Arboretum to see it, it is wonderful. I came home inspired to create.
Yes, I am still drawn to Japanese things, LOL, I had to stop and study this piece for quite some time. It is Butterfly Garden by Kate Weston.
We went hiking before the show, early on a cool misty morning. There’s another show in the Baker center, and I’ll try to get to it soon.
What are you doing for fun in August?
From My Carolina Home 
Oh I love these adventures of yours. It is nice that you
share them. I love the collection of cars, a nice variety indeed.
The quilt show is interesting. It is so nice the artists offer them for sale. Perhaps one day they will be famous and worth trillions$$$ I am sure you were inspired
Football training camp is a blast. The Redskins training camp is right down the road 3 miles. They are nice guys, most of them. Of course, along with that, we have lots of them living here in very large homes and driving Maseratis, or Teslas as we have local dealers right around the corner haha
Looks like fun to visit training camp for a day and see your favorite players! We’re big fans of Christian McCaffrey since his dad was a favorite player for the Denver Broncos and he and his brothers were all raised in Colorado. That looks like a fascinating quilt show at the Arboretum, too. Hard to believe August is winding down!
You did some cool things this month. I had forgotten Christian M. is at the Panthers; he lived next door to Girl #2 one year at Stanford. He and his room mates were top notch young men! The apples remind me of home on the farm, our town was full of small backyard orchards, and our dairy was next to the family run commercial orchard. Great memories! My “fun” this month is being done with the big stuff on the roof!😆
Thank you for your kind words about our NC Arboretum show, “Nature Across The Carolinas: Fiber Art With Quilts.” The Morning Glories quilt by Judy Simmons is stunning…..the variety of techniques she utilized harmonize perfectly. I’m surprised someone hasn’t snapped it up….but I’m sure it will be sold before the end of the show. Kate Weston’s Asian inspired piece is executed perfectly, she too combined several techniques to enhance the theme of the piece.
Hello Carole; Your photos are fabulous. You do such a great job in taking them, that I feel like I am standing right there looking. I especially love the photo of the cluster of apples on the branch with the drops of rain. I recommend that you enter this photo in the fair this year. I do not remember the category, but this is a winner in my opinion!! Of course, I enjoyed all other photos and your post also in sharing all of the valuable events that are going on in your area. I have not gone to any event this year due to my teeth. I have several sections to sash on the huge quilt, it is getting closer to the finish line. Have a spectacular day!
Lovely adventures. I actually think nature looks greener and prettier often with cloudy or rainy skies.
We took a bit of a vacation last week to a lake where we could do some boating and nature walks and visiting with family. Now it is back to school time!
‘Love the nature theme. All is beautiful. ‘Love the quilts. Those old cars are awesome as well. Thank you for sharing it all with us.
WOW! You’ve had a adventures from one extreme to the other! Fun post Carole!
What a fun tour you gave us today, I so enjoyed the trip. Oh, did I see an MG! Now that would have been so much fun to drive around in. The fiber art must have been smashing to see. Loved the look of the iris’s and wondered what the pink buds/flowers were further down the
wall. Picking apples might be fun but I recall picking strawberries in England and boy did they taste good, even without the clotted cream. Some did make it into the basket, honestly. Thank you so much for taking us along Carole, you made my evening.
Great post — you had a busy August! Our August was busy also; family visiting, doing a few remodeling projects around the house and the biggie — got a brand new roof!
Go, Panthers! Looking forward to an exciting season.
I always love your road trips Carole, and I’ve never even heard of a fiber arts show, how interesting, and what beautiful creations…
Jenna
Hi Carole! Wow – the Panther’s training camp visit is just SOOOOO cool! I love football and am looking forward to the season starting. They are a great team – I hadn’t heard there was a new owner but you just never know which team is going far. Boo Patriots! HAHA! Happy Monday, friend! ~smile~ Roseanne
Very appropriate driving those British cars through the rain 😀
You have had a real mix of weather and activities. What a busy time but it all looks really interesting.
By the way, the peaches look delicious.