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An update from the Blue Ridge Mountains...
If you've been following The Café for the past few months you're probably aware that we've been in the process of relocating from Raleigh, NC. to the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, NC. It's been a long, slow process with a total of 15 (4-hour) trips between the two houses, but we're finally moved and are in the process of making Hope View (our new street name) our own.
It's a beautiful morning here at Hope View and I thought I'd share a brief Café update. I know our posts have been few and far between this summer, but all that's about to change as we're beginning to feel somewhat settled in our new home, nestled in the midst of North Carolina's Great Craggy Mountains (a subrange of the Blue Ridge).
Our move to the mountains has evoked memories from an experience I had many years ago. As a young college student, I spent a summer working in the Swiss Alps. I loved every aspect of that summer abroad and couldn't absorb enough of the beauty and grandeur that assaulted me from every direction in the tiny alpine village where I waitressed and worked as a kitchen helper. When the summer ended and I found myself back at school in an urban setting, I knew a corner of my heart would always remain in the mountains.
As Scott and I have begun to get settled in our new mountain abode, I've had this funny sense in my spirit that I'm finally "home" again. Don't get me wrong, there's so much we miss about Raleigh (after living there for 37 years), especially our dear friends. But we're both loving this new experience and are excited for the new adventures, as we explore this gorgeous little corner of God's creation.
Lots of you have asked for pictures of our new home. The inside is (most definitely) still a work in progress, as we continue to unpack and find places for everything, but I thought I'd share some shots that Scott took this morning of our very favorite place in the house!
Well, it's not actually "in" the house but rather just outside the front door. We are both quite smitten with our front porch and sneak out there any time we find a spare minute. We find ourselves heading to this cozy spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The surroundings are magnificently green with glimpses of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains peeking through the trees. There's almost always a gentle breeze and it's super quiet and so peaceful that we have a hard time pulling ourselves inside. We love that the temperatures are more moderate here than in Raleigh, allowing us to be outdoors so much more.
From this little place of respite, we've enjoyed brilliant, blue skies, misty, moisty mornings enveloped in clouds and (it's a covered porch) have watched storm clouds roll in bringing torrential mountain rains that cascade from the heavens. It's a wonderful place for inspiration and relaxation in the midst of a hectic and often stressful moving experience.
Speaking of inspiration, I'm back in the kitchen! With traveling back and forth, packing and saying farewell to friends, there wasn't much time or energy for cooking for the past few months. But my mind is exploding with new culinary ideas and as many boxes have now been unpacked at Hope View, I feel the freedom to get back to what I love - creating and sharing recipes with you!
We'll be back Monday with a fabulous focaccia recipe I've made numerous times this summer. It's so ridiculously easy and hands-off that even in the midst of the moving chaos, I could take a few minutes (literally!) and end up with two delicious loaves of bread we could enjoy for sandwiches, or as a dinner bread. I think you'll love this Ridiculously Easy Overnight Focaccia as much as we do!
P.S. Meet the carved bears that reside on our front porch. But guess what? We have REAL bears here at Hope View too! Every few days there will be one (or more) ambling down our street, driveway or through our backyard. And it didn't take us long to learn that you don't leave garbage cans outside like we did in Raleigh or there'll be some brown, furry "visitors" checking things out!
Danielle Schultz says
Hello and what a lovely place to live. Like you I love Asheville spent a lot of time there . The farmers markets are amazing as well as the scenery. I’m so happy for you Chris.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
While I know you will miss your friends, I'm sure you are going to love your new home. And those friends...I'm sure they will all be looking forward to spending some time with you in the mountains. It looks gorgeous and I'm looking forward to following along on the new adventures that the two of you will be sharing.
Heidi says
So happy for you both. Would move to the mountains in a heart beat. Love them and the surroundings. We spent many summers in Blowing Rock but sadly our travel days are over and we are in Florida whis is very hot. Nothing like fresh mountain air. Enjoy every minute and be well and breathe in some mountain air for me please. Blessings and happiness always. Heiid
LEEANN STEVENS says
I am sure you will love Asheville! The food there is great! When we were stationed at the coastal Carolinas, we visited Asheville four times in six months! Check out the Indian restaurant, Mela. It was our favorite.
And I am looking forward to learning some new recipes from you! Just made your lemon yogurt cake today, yumm 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Leeann, we will definitely check out Mela!
Jen says
I’m new to your website but I love everything about it! Congratulations on your new home, we were fortunate enough to live in North Carolina many years ago and have many wonderful memories of it. Really looking forward too all your new recipes.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Jen!
dorothy says
Your new location is beautiful and looks peaceful. May you have many happy, healthy years at Hope View. S o enjoy your recipes and stories, always look forward to seeing them.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Absolutely beautiful! As a fellow country-dweller, I think you will love your new view. So peaceful and wonderful to appreciate the seasons. And I can share some bear-wise tips if you ever need them 😉
Stacey Edwards says
Your new home looks beautiful and peaceful! Enjoy!
mark and I visited the Craggy Mtn Gardens when we were in Asheville this summer. So pretty! We also ate at this little hole in the wall called “Taco Temple” when we came back down the mtn and it was delicious!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Stacey! We love Craggy Mountain Gardens, so pretty! We'll keep an eye out for Taco Temple!
Sandra L Garth says
Congratulations! This looks so peaceful and I wish you and Scott oodles of happiness and joy in your new home.
Candace says
How wonderful for you both! Mountain vistas can be so inspiring in so many ways! We are actually looking at Cullowhee River Club above Asheville on the internet and although we thought we were in our perfect retirement place in SE Washington state, we might yet make another move. We hope to fly out for a look around later this year or next spring. Glad to hear you're settled and I look forward to new recipes!
Cheers!