North Carolina has a lot going for it. It is steeped in natural beauty and there is a lot to do here. We spent 3 days in Murphy where we had a summer home a few years ago. We also have a lot that has been on the market for 5 years!!! We had intended to build on it until Dodd-Frank and a Democratic Congress ravished the worth of real estate around the country. It probably has the best long view of the Smokies available and yet no offers, even at a price 20% below our purchase price. Go figure.
The best of North Carolina was yet to come.
This is it. We are now in the middle of a one week visit to George, Cindy and Ryan's place in Concord, the heart of NASCAR country. What a great visit. Ryan clinched the Concord Race Course 2012 championship before we got here with 3 races to go on the schedule. All three final races were held this weekend. Ryan used his back up car ( to save his primary car foe the National championship race to be held in Atlanta later this month) and finished second on old tires in the first race. In the second race he was vying for the lead in the last turn of the last lap when he was wrecked. The car wasn't hurt badly and he won the last race of the season in dramatic fashion after starting in the 8th position. What a blast! It was Ryan's 26th win this year.
Ryan is tied for first place nationwide. This tie will be settled in Atlanta on October 27th. We will be there. The best drivers in the country will be there. If he finishes 20th or better, he will be the national champion. If he comes in last or is wrecked, he will come in second (not likely).

Although we have a 180 degree view of 4 mountain ranges, this is a sample of our view taken on a very rainy day.

"OK Papa, I'll get a win for you."

Last minute check.

In the winners circle!! Yes, I know I look a bit chunky. It was in the low 30s and I have five layers on. (at least that is part of the reason for the chunky look.)









Ryan and his friend, Shawnasee, at a celebration dinner.