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Rob's avatar

Hi Blythe!

I like the words that you write/say to us readers in signing off your posting:

"Progress is made from putting one foot before the other."

So very true these days and yes, definitely people just have to learn to dial things back and slow down the hectic pace that many are experiencing these days.

Next Monday we Canadians go to the polls to elect our country's next Prime Minister. A lot is riding on the results of this election, more so than what has been achieved in many of our past elections.

So yes - one foot before the other - and then hopefully the current political drama in our lives can one day eventually begin to slow down, not only in both of our countries but also in other parts of the world so that our kids will all have a lot to look forward to.

Enjoy your weekend, my friend. Take care now.

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Blythe Edwards's avatar

Hi Rob!

I hiked today in the dense fog with my kiddo chatting alongside me. At that moment, everything was perfect in my life. Finding little moments to cherish keeps me rooted in the present. As you navigate this stressful time, I will think of you and all my Canadian friends.

Savor and enjoy your weekend. 😀

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Zara Bogaski's avatar

I understand what you feel with the damage left behind from hurricane Helene. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains area but further north. I'm trying to figure out what trails are open. Blue Ridge Parkway is closed. But I've been able to take a back road to it and walk a section since there is no traffic.

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Blythe Edwards's avatar

It's challenging. The BRP is open by Grandfather Mountain, which is where I am hiking these days. Many of the local trails remain closed, but large sections of the AT are open. I miss walking out back to hike. I am driving off the mountain in search of new places this Spring.

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Zara Bogaski's avatar

Grandfather mountain! Oh, so I'm south of you in Asheville. I'm researching now where to go. I'm probably going to try Pisgah National Forest. I thinking maybe some local hiking organizations will know, because the local Blue Ridge Parkway ranger station is closed. I'll research on their websites to see what is open.

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Blythe Edwards's avatar

Glad you were safe. It’s simply amazing the amount of community outreach that occurred and is still happening. It makes my heart full. ❤️

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Blythe Edwards's avatar

Poor Asheville. I haven’t been down there but I drove by on 26. I was shocked by the destruction. I loved the River Arts district. Were you ok?

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Zara Bogaski's avatar

I was OK. Thank you for asking. I wasn't close to the river. My community is high on the top of a mountain with a circular driveway and the pool in the middle. We have a forested path all around on the exterior perimeter of mature trees over 100ft tall. So the trees on the SW, S, and a little on the W got pummeled. Because of the previous days record breaking rain event the soil was saturated, the canopy acted as sails and they got toppled over with root balls pulled out of the ground. 4 trees barely missed my unit, only two units had large trees fall on them. We were without water, cellular, electric for a while, but without portable water for ~2.5 months. Menonites came from out of state and cut our large fallen trees for free and pushed them to the side. Probably around ~31 trees. A FEMA contractor finally removed them a few weeks ago. They said they worked three months straight in GA. News this morning is that Army Corp contractors have removed 5M cubic yards of debris, including waterways, and aproximately 6M or more to go till approximately mid summer. It did affect the local economy and exacerbated the affordable housing situation. But we are slowly rebuilding. And it brought out the community feeling even more.

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Penn's avatar

Thank-you Blythe, a wonderful post and generous gifts! I have noticed the draw to slow down since last week, without even realising we had moved into Taurus season 🙂 Penn x

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Blythe Edwards's avatar

Hi Penn! Thank you for stopping by and saying hello. I need to shift into a slower rhythm, too. This time of year can feel overwhelming, so the Taurus season is an excellent time to enjoy the moment.

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Penn's avatar

Hope you manage to slow down as well 🙂 Penn x

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Zara Bogaski's avatar

I'm too slow. Maybe I have to accept that, and divest from corporate and societal conditioning. Maybe I have to figure out new ways. And accept that I'm a Taurus.

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