Grandson Nathaniel’s last full day with us was packed with excitement. Our son John $ was here to visit with him. $ drove Nate and me to Soco Falls between Maggie Valley and Cherokee. We went down the steep path to the viewing platform, which was far enough for me. Nathaniel continued down to the base of the falls where he posed for a moment.
His bright blue shirt helped in spotting him. I zoomed in as he started the climb back.
Because of a connection of dear neighbors, Nathaniel had a job interview in town. It seemed to go very well, and they will talk again when Nate finishes classes in May. I don’t want to jinx it, so I’ll say no more.
Because John was doing trains in Tennessee, we were sharing one car. David hurried to be ready for work, and we dropped him off on the way to Nathaniel’s interview. I knew the car needed gas, so I stopped on the way back. Filling a car would be humdrum for most folks, but it has probably been ten years since I pumped gas. I told Nate I was screwing my courage to the sticking post to do it. I had to read all the instructions on the pump. Bless his heart, he had come around the car and was standing there, ready to help if need be. I know you are snickering, but that was my big excitement of the day.
It can be a bit intimidating to cook for a chef. Nathaniel never criticizes anything, but I’m aware that his standards are very high. What would you cook for him if he came to your house? The two prettiest things I did were a chicken pie and a chocolate chip coffeecake.
We will miss Nathaniel when he is back at school. It won’t be long before he will be here again, and David is still with us. Let the good times keep rollin’!
Mehrling Muse 
Hmmm, I think Mildreds Chicken Huntington for the main dish and Orange -Marmalade cake,made famous in the Mitford series by Jan Karon ,for the grand ending.Of course there would be homemade yeast rolls
but that is just understood around here.
I’m sure the falls were running especially well with all of the rain and snow.
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One of my sisters-in-law shared my love of Jan Karon’s books. She made the Orange Marmalade cake for the family once!! It was delicious. Mildred’s Chicken Huntington would be new to me. Thanks for playing the “what if” game.
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I am rereading the books and some of it is like new .Then there are several that I didn’t even know about.
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The time went so fast! Your dishes look fabulous!
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Thank you. I don’t think we wasted much time, but the more we did, the faster the time flew.
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That pie! It looks so delicious. What a beautiful place, definitely some place Id love to explore. I am happy you tackled the gas pump head on. Its always good to know how to do whatever it is just in case. 💗
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Soco Falls is beautiful, but the trail is treacherous. The grandsons thought their mother would be game to go down to the falls. Maybe she’ll choose to do that when she comes this summer.
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I can see where Nate got his cooking skills.
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I’m glad to see you here. I haven’t looked at Facebook to follow your progress.
I wish I could take credit for influencing Nathaniel, but I think he was following his dad. Besides, the young man has a passion for cooking that must come from within.
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What a beautiful pie!
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Thank you. It was very easy — top crust only.
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That’s my preference too – leaves more room for dessert =>
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Hmm – you cooked chicken pie and a chocolate chip coffeecake – lots of alliteration there and it sure looked good. We’ll all stay mum on Nathaniel’s prospect and May will be here before you all know it.
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I’d make whatever he asked for, as long as he would cook for me.💚😊💜
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That sounds like a good deal!
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You live in a beautiful area! Congratulations on successfully pumping your own gas. It has been months since I pumped my own gas too!
The chicken pie looks delicious! I think I need to make one soon. They are one of my favorite dinners and always provide leftovers.
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I thought I was the only one who hardly ever pumped gas. I’m in good company!
Nobody complained about the chicken pie, and it all disappeared.
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That is quite a bit of water coming over Soco Falls. I’m guessing any grandson would like Grandmas cooking chef or not 🙂
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Thanks for the vote of confidence. We’ve had lots of rain recently, so I imagine the falls were running at a high level.
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Lots of rain for more like a year, hopefully after the deluge coming today we dry out for the cold snap. It funny when I prefer freezing cold and dry to warm and raining.
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I would take cold over hot any day, too.
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Love those Smokeys. When we lived in Florida, our hang out was Helen, GA. Visit many places and walk many miles on the trails. We have fond memories of Soco Falls. Great post.
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If Nate came to visit, I would ask daughter 2 to do the honours for she bakes and cooks far better than I do.
I am glad you didn’t miss out on a waterfall spotting during the visit- that has become quite the tradition too in your house I think, along with the putting away of the high clock. It seemed such a steep climb. I am glad you managed to pump the gas in fine; you mentioned once that you were the technological one there.
Susie
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We all like waterfalls here. Yes, it’s surprising that I don’t usually pump gas. John does it easily. I’m more likely to repair something than the others, and computer problems always land in my lap. How are you with repairs?
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I am okay okay.
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If I had him over for dinner, I’d do my variation of Mexican cuisine, notice I said “variation” because I by no means make anything, “typical” and only because it’s different than what he would be accustomed to and who knows there could be some inspiration and spices he could use for something else?
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That would really appeal to Nathaniel. He likes well-seasoned food, and he doesn’t get Mexican food often.
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I figured. Plus, the Mexican food in the south is not very authentic, but then neither is mine, blame it on the Anglo part of me, but I’m sure it’s a bit closer.
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Seeing how the weather is deplorable, cold and damp, Mary Agnes says, a nice pot of Hamburger soup with a grand loaf of homemade bread. Just give her a few hours lead time Nathaniel. And, lower the mirror on the way out.
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LOL! Nathaniel would love your menu, I’m sure.
John was the one who reminded me to get my camera this morning. I was rushing about getting ready for church when he directed us to the mirror.
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Both of those dishes look wonderful! I’ve pumped enough gas for both of us; I could use a break!
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Your trip alone puts you over the top for pumping gas!
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That’s true! I feel like I pumped enough gas to last a lifetime! Except in Oregon. Do you know they don’t let you pump your own gas there?
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By law, you can’t pump your own gas in New Jersey, too. Timelesslady reminded me of that, though we were aware of it from all our trips to and from NY. I didn’t realize it was the same in Oregon.
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The trip to the waterfall looks like go much fun. It’s so special to be able to spend time with family. The chicken pie and chocolate chip coffee cake are beautiful. Nathaniel must have inherited some of his cooking skills from you.
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Waterfalls are special! Nathaniel probably surpassed my culinary skills when he was 12 years old. Cooking is a passion that rose in him at an early age. He has enjoyed his first college labs where he had intensive cooking sessions all day.
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Anne, your pie and coffeecake look delicious. I live in New Jersey, one of two states that don’t allow pumping gas. I am glad! The problem is if I go to another state…I have no idea what to do. Years ago, when my son was still a teen, he and my mother traveled out of state and ended up with gas all over their feet. That would be me too!
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In all our trips back and forth to NY, we were aware that we didn’t have to pump gas in NJ.
If you traveled out of state, you’d have to read the instructions like I did. I just have to remember not to panic.
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Good advice!
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What a wonderful family you have!
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