Hoping for Snow

Today's forecast is for snow along the Appalachian Mountains. Rain and fog have been plentiful but not yet much snow this winter. Bella and I have perfected walking in the rain. With me all bundled up and Bella wet and muddy, we are quite a sight! I towel her off; she lays in front of the fire and almost gets dry before the next walk!

This is Bella's version of "duck hunting"! Her favorite toy is this stuffed Mallard and she carries it around the house and often presents it to me by dropping it in my lap. The "wound" on its wing will have to have some sutures eventually but for the most part Bella treats it with some degree of honor. When I saw it in the store I knew she would like it. Her favorite toys before "duckie" were old socks stuffed with other old socks. I think her love for soft things is a reflection of her sweet soft personality.

I am reading Serena by Ron Rash. Rash is the Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University. Serena is being made into a movie this year but I can't imagine any movie that will communicate this story as well as Rash has in this book. Rash's knowledge of the culture of Appalachia, his excellent writing and character development make this book a great read. Part of the appeal of this book for me, I know, is that the setting is so familiar. Set in the familiar places of Western North Carolina, Rash develops word pictures of the faces of the mountain people who are part of my family. This story of Serena is really the story of the struggle between the logging industry and those who wanted to preserve our hardwood forests, giving us the beauty of our National Parks here in North Carolina. It is the story of environmental preservation versus greed. Serena is also a story of passionate and strong people - at its core, a love story. I am both eager to finish it and dreading the end of this wonderful story.