Neck of the Woods

The Magic of Tradition

Baking Day during the holidays is one of my family’s favorite traditions. And traditions are soooo crucial for strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories.

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Character, Neck of the Woods, Relationships, Way of Life on December 17, 2025 by LSomerbyCooke.

Take Me Out To … A Minor League Baseball Game!

Minor league ball is baseball in its purest form, with all sorts of perks for fans who love the game and even for those just looking for an evening of good old-fashioned entertainment.

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Neck of the Woods, Sports on July 8, 2025 by LSomerbyCooke.

Loving Me Some Country Stores

An old-timey general store has a character and authenticity that no Walmart or Dollar General could ever hope to replicate, along with shelves and bins that hold everything on your shopping list, plus some things you didn’t even know you needed.

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Business, Neck of the Woods, Way of Life on June 10, 2025 by LSomerbyCooke.
Mast General Store In Valle Crucis North Carolina

Western North Carolina Strong

You know the news. Charging wind, water and mud from Tropical Storm Helene devastated western North Carolina and left communities in ruins. Help arrived. Big time. But help is still needed.

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Character, Neck of the Woods, Relationships, Way of Life on October 25, 2024 by LSomerbyCooke.
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA STRONG

Green Is The New Black: Earth Day’s Chic Economic Revolution

As Earth spins on its axis, another April 22 dawns, and with it, Earth Day 2024. A day when we celebrate our planet and the innovative strides we’re taking to ensure its wardrobe is as green as the spring foliage. My thoughts …

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Business, Neck of the Woods, Way of Life, Were It Within My Power on April 20, 2024 by LSomerbyCooke.
Earth Day Needlepoint

Missing The Troubadour

More than four decades ago, I was introduced to Jimmy Buffett’s music. I quickly came to understand the appeal of this incredible, timeless storyteller.

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Neck of the Woods, Way of Life on September 21, 2023 by LSomerbyCooke.
Sean Oulashin image

Porches and Hummingbirds

Two of my favorite things — porch sittin’ and watching hummingbirds do their thing in the Appalachians …

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Neck of the Woods, Way of Life on September 9, 2023 by LSomerbyCooke.
Two vibrant hummingbirds resting on a branch

FL v NC

Picking your Forever Home between FL and NC is challenging … with good reason!

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Neck of the Woods, Way of Life on August 18, 2023 by LSomerbyCooke.
A scenic view of trees in fall

Let’s Give Procrastination a Break

A task left undone remains undone in two places — at the the task’s actual location and inside your head. Ah, but the sweet art of procrastination comes sooooo naturally!

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Neck of the Woods, Way of Life on June 24, 2023 by LSomerbyCooke.
A peaceful lake encircled by towering mountains and dense trees

The Relentless March of Time

We don’t consciously noodle on the subject of time because we’re so consumed with living life. However, as time passes, we certainly comprehend what “time marching on” feels like.

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Character, Neck of the Woods, Relationships, Way of Life, Were It Within My Power on March 24, 2023 by LSomerbyCooke.
A serene forest at sunset

Merry Christmas!

Let’s see if I can paint a quick picture of my Christmas morning …

Continue ReadingThis entry was posted in Neck of the Woods, Relationships, Way of Life on December 25, 2022 by LSomerbyCooke.
A decorated table with a Christmas tree and a nativity scene image, celebrating the spirit of the holiday season