It’s been a busy weekend with our friends Melissa, her husband Jason and their son Brandon visiting. We’ve missed them so much since they’ve moved. Jason wanted to be helpful and knew I let my dog Gizmo potty outside without a leash since he is trained to stay with me.  Jason opened the door and Gizmo took off!  No leash, no collar and no mater how fast Jason ran after Gizmo, Gizmo ran faster. I get a call at the grocery store from my frantic friend who is out of breath.  I assure him Gizmo will come home and it will be ok. I get home and do what every pet owner would do – call for the dog by name, get in the car and start searching.  We live on a very busy road and I prayed Gizmo wouldn’t be found hurt or worse.  For three hours we searched. Later I receive a call from my neighbor who ... 10/24/2010

Hendersonville NC Bears Raise $22,000 for local Charities!   For six years now, the Downtown Hendersonville NC Merchants have been sponsoring Bearfootin' Through Historic Downtown Hendersonville. Each year a group of bears are created and a local merchant sponsors an artist to decorate it. They unroll in the spring of each year and are displayed in front of the sponsoring businesses throughout the summer and fall. In late October of each year they are auctioned off, in order to raise funds that will support much needed local charities. Every year we see a new show of bears.  Almost every year the displays are bears, but we had one year of lambs and one year of apples, and they were equally gorgeous and fun. But for the most part they are bears. After all, it is called Bearfootin' Throug... 10/24/2010

At this time of year, it's time to gather your ghouls and goblins to have some Halloween fun in Hendersonville.  If you love to be spooked or just want some good family fun, Hendersonville and the surrounding areas have something for you.  Here are just a few of the events going on throughout the rest of October to enjoy some Halloween fun: OCTOBER 30, 2010:Trick-or-Treat Street - Downtown Hendersonville, 4:30 to 7:30pm.  Live entertainment and a fun costume contest take place at the Gazebo on Main. Halloween Carnival - Kate's Park (Hwy 25 N, Fletcher, NC), 3:00 to 5:00pm.  This event is specifically geared towards kids ages 11 and younger.  Enjoy fun games, get your face painted, earn some prizes and take part in a fun costume contest. Trunk or Treat - Mills River United Methodist Chur... 10/21/2010

Exie Wilde Henson comes to the Henderson County Library!   Exie Wilde Henson is the author of two Historical Novels, taking place in the Western North Carolina Mountains during the early part of the century. Both books are based around a family, and their life in a logging camp.  Exie Wilde Henson will be speaking about her books and life on Wednesday evening, October 13, 2010 at the Henderson County Library, at 7:00 pm. This is  free event and the doors open at 6:30 pm.  Come down to Henderson County Library and see Exie Wilde Henson talk about her books. The library is located at 301 North Washington Street, just two blocks off of Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville.  10/12/2010

 Henderson County Library, Hendersonville NC The Henderson County Library Main Branch is located at 301 North Washington Street, and is just two blocks off of Main Street in the Downtown area. It is a nice older building and has a lot of books. They have an extensive collection of Books on Tape, as well as CD's of a wide array of music.   Henderson County Library, Hendersonville NC   They do a great job of acquiring the latest new releases. I have been able to locate pretty much any book I want to read in the years I have been here. Henderson County Library, Hendersonville NC Henderson County has provided us with a computer room, and they have a computer system for looking for books. It is a very nice set up. There is a great selection of magazines to read, and there is a good sized la... 10/10/2010

Located near the entrance of DuPont Forest is a fabulous horse farm known as Shoal Creek.  We were invited to a birthday party which offered pony rides for all the kids. Seeing the children engage with nature and animals was refreshing.  After the pony rides there were games such as duck – duck - goose and tag.  The staff at Shoal Creek Farm is attentive and passionate about their farm.  It was a wonderful experience.  Call Olivia at 551-2225 or email Olivia@shoalcreeknc.com 10/10/2010

Walking on the streets of Historic Downtown Hendersonville I took this photo of a great pumpkin display.  I believe this could look great for a front door display.  So many displays are the typical happy scarecrow sitting on hay with a few brightly mums and pumpkins.  This is a refreshing display. Come visit Hendersonville North Carolina and discover all the creative and wonderful things to see and do.    10/09/2010

Henderson County NC Extension Office Does your County have an Extension Office? Chances are that is does. In 1914 the government passed what is called the Smith Lever Act. This Act mandated that the Federal Government provide the funding through the US Department of Agriculture so that each state could establish an Agricultural Extension Office. These offices are strictly educational, and have become the 'go to' place for anyone seeking information on anything agricultural.  Personally, I have had so much great help from these offices, all across the country. When I lived in Iowa, the Johnson  County Extension Office gave me the help I needed to safely can when I had a huge garden and was first trying to learn the process without killing myself. There they also assisted me in testing my... 10/07/2010

Its unexpected moments like these that I feel so blessed to live in such a magical place.  Thankfully, I had my camera.  I wanted to share with you what I discovered.  I’m truly lucky, blessed and thankful to live in Hendersonville North Carolina.  Should you ever have the desire to visit - you will not be disappointed.     10/01/2010

Hendersonville NC Events for October 1-3, 2010 Farm City Day will be held on Saturday, October 2, at Jackson Park from 10 to 4. This will be a celebration of rural and urban traditions in the community. This event began in 1955, and was started by the Henderson County Cooperative Extension Service and the Kiwanis International. It highlights the relationships between urban and rural populations and how they co-exist in producing products and services for living. Farming and city displays as well as art and music will be part of this celebration. The weather service forecasts sunny skies for this event so come out and enjoy it.  Also on Saturday, you will find The Summer Jewelry Market. Eighteen local artists will be featured on the corner of Church Street and Third Avenue West. This wil... 10/01/2010

Take a Trolley ride around the Hendersonville NC area and get a history tour!   If you are in the Hendersonville area today and love History, you won't want to miss this. The Trolley Company of Hendersonville is giving a History Tour this afternoon from 1-4pm. Step back in time and learn about the Curb Market, St. John in The Wilderness and the Carl Sandburg House in Flat Rock, a residential tour, and a stop at Piggy's.  This tour is Open To The Public and the cost is $25.00. Read more about this tour, or go to The Trolley Company website for more information.  Sounds like a great tour. See you there! 09/30/2010

Beginnings of Fall Garden Care Fall is beginning to show itself, with leaves starting to turn and drop. My garden is starting to show signs as well. So it is that time of year again. Time to clean up the garden and get it ready for next spring. Today was going to be my garden clean up day, but last night it started to storm and this morning it is still pouring rain. It is nice, because we are in a near drought right now, so I can not complain at all. Good for the last of my carrots and peppers.  My tomato's and beans, peas and cucumbers are all long gone. I really need to get all of the dead stems and leaves turned under.  Last year I put in a lot of perennial foods and they have done well. The asparagus patch is ready to be clipped back, weeded and fertilized for next year. The blueber... 09/26/2010

Hendersonville NC Events September 25-26, 2010 Here are a few things going on this weekend: September 23 - 25Wings Over the Smokies, Honda Goldwing Rally, will be held at the  WNC Agricultural Center located Fletcher, across from the Asheville Airport. The  Honda Gold Wing Rally "Wings Over the Smokies" draws riders and exhibitors from across the country. Contact number is 828-687-1414 or 828-295-6856 www.gwrranc.org   September 25At the Henderson County Curb Market, enjoy Old Timey Day, 8:00AM-2:00PM. Enjoy sausage & ham biscuits cooked on a wood stove, music, antique display, demonstrations & more. Hendersonville, 828-692-8012    www.curbmarket.com The Autumn In the Mountains British Car Show will be held in Jackson Park, 9:00AM-4:00PM, and is sponsored by the British Car Club of West... 09/25/2010

Confession, I love to watch Get it Sold!  Host Sabrina Soto is a brilliant professional Home Stager.  What I like most about her show is the thrifty things she incorporates into preparing a home for sale.  The first rule of home staging is having a clean home.  Some of her cleaning tips are so simple!  I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far:   To remove dirt/soot off a brick fireplace – clean it with scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner. To clean slate around the fireplace – clean it with shaving cream. To remove crayon mark off walls – clean it with toothpaste and a sponge. To clean a garbage disposal – cut fresh lemons and feed it into the disposal. To clean the inside of a dishwasher – use a packet of lemon Kool-Aid.   I’m sure more tips will come to me as I lay in bed waiting to f... 09/23/2010

 A Sunday Afternoon Tea Party in Dana Hill NC! No, not this type but the liquid social type of Tea Party.  Two women in my small community got together to host a Sunday afternoon Tea Party while the men watched football back home. What a wonderful Southern custom and just such an enjoyable get together to simply share the old timey custom of "visiting". These two special ladies had the beautiful tea cups and servers and the most delightful little goodies to go along with it.  What a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours and forget all your worries and simply enjoy the company of others.  Thank you Mary and Corrie for a most pleasant couple of hours. Sue of Robin and Sue   09/20/2010

  North Carolina Welcomes Proud New American Citizens In Hendersonville, Henderson County The Carl Sandburg Home was proud to host a very special ceremony for Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.  Friday, September 17 2010 was a first time event for Western NC and the Carl Sandburg Home. This ceremony was one of more than 20 such ceremonies being conducted throughout the country in national parks. John Harbin of the Times-News Staff wrote this well put together article of this event welcoming proud new American citizens. A huge welcome to our new American citizens. 09/18/2010

If you're searching for a home in Hendersonville NC you probably base your search on price, then on the number of bedrooms. What you may not know is that septic systems are used in every county in North Carolina.  More than 50% of homes have them. Now, this may not seem like big news, right?  Bear with me... First, What is a septic system? Septic systems are used when sewage treatment plants are not accessible. They safely treat and dispose of wastewaters produced in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry. The septic tank is a watertight concrete box about 9' x 5'  tall, and is buried in the ground just outside the home. The tank is usually precast from reinforced concrete and can be purchased from concrete manufacturers. While typically designed with a 1,000-gallon liquid capacity, the siz... 09/16/2010

This upper 2BR 2 BA unit offers beautiful hardwood and tile flooring.  The living room flows into the dining room and kitchen.  Second bedroom offers access to the guest bath.  Master offers private screened-in balcony and lots of closet space.  Washer & Dryer hook up - $725.00 per month with a $35.00 credit application. Call Mary direct 828-489-9354.     09/14/2010

Hendersonville NC Weekend Events for September 11-12, 2010 For all of you who love a fair, the WNC State Fair is going on this very minute. It is being held at the Agricultural Center in Asheville, across from the Asheville Airport in Fletcher, on Highway 280. The fair will run from September 10-19, 2010. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children and Seniors. Kids under 5 are free! Parking is also free.  Their hours are Friday and Saturday from 9am until midnight. Sunday 9am until 11pm. Monday through Thursday from 3pm until 11pm.  You will find competitions, music, rides, farming and gardening displays and a lot of food.        This week there are 42 Open Houses listed in the Hendersonville Times News for you to investigate. Map out your route and have a great day for checking out ... 09/11/2010

Hendersonville and Western NC Regional MLS August Market Report These numbers are provided by the 4 County Western NC Regional MLS system and representresidential home sales in Buncombe (Asheville Area), Haywood, Henderson (Hendersonville Area) and Transylvania (Brevard Area)  counties.  Land/lots are not included in these figures.  If you would find other stats helpful, such as by these individual counties that Robin services, let us know.    2009 July ResidentialStatistics       2010 July ResidentialStatistics (Adjusted 09/09/10)                   Single-Family Homes Sold   494   Single-Family Homes Sold   372 Average Days on Market   146   Average Days on Market   156 Average Selling Price   $240,033   Average Selling Price   $228,425 Month End Inventory   9,320   Month End Inventor... 09/10/2010