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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!
Marilynn Meyer says
So beautiful & peaceful looking. You're going to make some wonderful new memories here. Can't wait to see all the new recipes this vista inspires!
Best of Luck & Times!!!
Susan says
Wow, it does look like you're in a secluded paradise, Chris! What views! On to new memories and new friends 🙂
Judi Hubert says
We made our final move 8 years ago and love our location in Florida. But do miss the mountains. Looking forward to more of your wonderful recipes.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Judi. Florida is a really fun place too, especially in the winter!
Pamela Collins says
There’s nothing like the mountains!
I’m thrilled for you and Scott. I know you will be enjoying many wonderful hours on that beautiful porch!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Pam, you have to come and visit! We are long overdue for a reunion 🙂
Liz says
Oh, my gosh, your views!! Looks like you found the perfect new locale. I'm so happy you're getting settled...and cooking!!!
2pots2cook says
... and I think to myself, what a wonderful world 🙂
Margaret Stever says
So beautiful - being close to the natural world is invigorating and joyful.
Very happy for you in your new journey. Regards & good wishes Meg
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Meg, so true!
Frank R. says
Looks fantastic. Have been to the Asheville area several times and thoroughly enjoyed it. Played several rounds of golf at the Country Club of Ashville - a wonderful course and look forward to visiting again.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Frank! We have loved Asheville for years - it has so much to offer. I've seen that beautiful golf course but have not played on it.
liz n. says
BEARS!?
Maybe I should re-think retiring to the mountains...
It all sounds lovely, and you both seem so happy with your new home. Now that the moving part is done, you can settle in and enjoy. Congratulations on your lovely new home...even with the bears!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! Yes, bears! I'm not doing my early morning walk by myself these days. Instead, waiting for Scott to go with me! Thanks for you kind words!
Denise P says
I used to live on the other side of those mountains, in eastern Tennessee. I now live in Arizona and, while AZ has its own unique beauty, boy those pictures sure made me miss that part of the country.
Chris Scheuer says
It sounds like you left a little part of your heart there too, Denise! I love Arizona too - it definitely has a beauty of its own!
Jenn Anderson says
It looks like a really beautiful location! I love the name of your street!
Chris Scheuer says
We love the name too! Thanks, Jenn!
Ellen Shook says
I am green with envy (well, except for the part about the bears). I lived in NC several years a long time ago, and we have made many trips to the Asheville area over the years. Anxiously awaiting the focaccia recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! The bears spook me a bit too but I really enjoy watching them from inside the house 🙂
vivian says
It looks like a beautiful place, and one that will be spectacular once the leaves change in the fall. Hope you will include some pictures then too. We have bears at our cottage and are careful not to tempt them by leaving any food outside. This also includes bird seed in feeders, which is apparently a bear favourite. Enjoy your mountain paradise!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Vivian! We've been warned od about not feeding the bears. It's a little sad as Scott is a bird lover and has always had a bunch of bird feeders in the yard.
Mary says
Wishing you and Scott much happiness in your new home!
Looks so peaceful there!
Low carb recipes, I’m in too Rita . Looking forward to anything low carb as well. Love all of your recipes and have tried many with great success!!! Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Mary!
Vicki says
Congratulations on a successful move!! Enjoy your new home!!! Can’t wait for the focaccia recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Vici, I think you'll love the focaccia!
Gisela says
You have no idea how I needed to see this post. My husband of 45 years and I are building a home in central PA on top of a mountain overlooking a huge mountain ridge. The property is my husband’s family homestead that we inherited . Being a city girl all of my life I have been having doubts if this new lifestyle is going to appeal to me. I’m just not used to being so far from people. Your description of your new place is very similar to what we will be experiencing on our little mountain in the very near future, including the bears. You filled me with such hope and gratitude for the blessings we have & you have shown me a new way to see this new and exciting adventure in which I’m about to embark. Thank you so very much. You’ve no idea how your words have helped me!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, your comment is such an encouragement to me, Gisela (love your name)! Sounds like we're in very similar situations. How wonderful to be able to inherit a mountain top!!
Sheila Korban says
Hi Chris,
Sheila from Canada. So excited for you and your new abode. Looks heavenly and I so appreciate your comment about how peaceful it is as this is something I enjoy when we get to our cabin on the weekends. I continue to use so many of your recipes. I feel like your website is like that wonderful recipe book passed down from your mother or grandmother that holds the magic of all her best creations. You give that to me and I am grateful, truly almost on a daily basis. Planning family meals for the weekend is always fun because of you and the reviews are always great. Looking forward to continuing this relationship.
Added note: I recently reread your blog on the Lemon Blueberry cookies that you wrote and it made my day, AGAIN.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Sheila! You are a wonderful encourager 🙂 I've got lots of new recipes up my sleeve - so stayed tuned!
Linda (Phila burbs) says
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful place. Wishing you guys years of happy memories in your new home.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Linda! We really appreciate your well wishes 🙂
Vicki V says
How exciting! That looks so beautiful and peaceful, Chris. It had to be difficult to leave your friends, but I am sure you will get lots of visitors in a bucolic setting like that! We are getting ready to travel to Wisconsin next week (your home, I think) and I’m so looking forward to communing with nature again. Can’t wait to see what you are cooking up for us soon!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Vicki! Yes, we would love many of our friends to visit Hope View. Wisconsin? How fun! We're actually headed there in September for a family get together, can't wait!
Monique says
Lovely! I know how grueling moves are but once we are in..were are in!
Looks like the perfect spot for you!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Monique, you're right, it is grueling but fun at the same time!
Rita says
What beauty surrounds you! So peaceful! I started following you when I discovered your wonderful European-Style 5 Minute Artisan Bread. Which is/was my all time favorite bread recipe. However, I am diabetic, have been for 6+ years and I take no medicine for it, just try to control diet and exercise some. But I found out just recently that wheat flour, no, matter unbleached white, whole wheat or whole grain will raise blood sugar more than table sugar. A friend loaned me Wheat Belly book, with fascinating information and studies. This is how I learned about the spike in blood sugar with wheat. And my A1C has been running higher than what it should, so have quit wheat and grains. Trying to eat low carb. You are such a fantastic cook, would like to ask you for some low carb dishes. If you don’t have any desire, that’s ok. Just thought I would ask. Just know I love your site! And you don’t have to post this either.
Vicki V says
I, too, would like some low carb options.
Lynn says
My husband is diabetic and I'd like to help him eat low carb as well. I 3rd the request for low carb!
I've made many of your recipes and I have to say the salad dressings are the best.
Thanks for considering.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Lynn! I'm wondering what kind of low carb recipes you'd like to see?
Brenda Moore says
Me, too. I do low carb & have kept my sugar in check for a while now & I feel great! I’m carb sensitive, I found out . You have such wonderful recipes, I just know you can come come up with some fabulous low-carb options.
But if not, I will still be reading your posts and checking out your website for options to take to work with me for those folks who don’t have to do low-carb.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Brenda, I will keep this in mind!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Rita, I think it's fantastic that you've been able to stay away from medication for your diabetes. Being a former RN, I know that medicine can be very helpful and at the same time, cause other problems. We do have lots of salads on the blog that would definitely be low carb options. Check them out: https://thecafesucrefarine.com/?s=salads
Colleen says
Chris..isn’t it funny how some places we go in our lives make us feel like we've come home. Like this is where we always meant to be. It could be a memory (like you mentioned), or just that comfortable, safe and secure feeling that reminds us of good days gone by. I’ve had that feeling a couple of times in my life and it is wonderful! Everything looks wonderful so far and your description of everything makes me wish I was sitting up there on that front porch with you and Scott! Enjoy life! I’m sure your granddaughters will love coming to visit you now! Hugz!
Chris Scheuer says
So true Colleen, wish you could visit!
Christina T Musser says
Beautiful! What a lovely view you have, I would live on the porch too.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Christina! Hope you're doing well. Yes, it's difficult to pull ourselves in!
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
So glad your move went well. It truly looks like you found a piece of heaven on earth. How wonderful!!! I know you'll miss your friends, but at least they can keep up with you here. Looking forward to that focaccia recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Tricia, come to visit any time! We could cook together!
angiesrecipes says
Hope View looks beautiful and peaceful! That focacci looks authentic and yummy. Have a wonderful weekend, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Angie, hope your weekend is great too!