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Paul Campbell

Coming Home

Photos of North Carolina


Kathy and I are staying at the Fairfield Marriott in Boone North Carolina tonight. We have fallen in love with the beauty of North Carolina.

Egret feeding in Feat River
Washington our home state has always struck as as so beautiful because of its diversity. North Carolina too is very diverse just in a different way.

We traveled from the west through the Smokies and down to the Atlantic.

From the white ocean beaches through the beautiful forests and the serene farmlands tonight we are back in the mountains. I am attempting to post just a few photos tonight from this beautiful state.

Smokies and Fod

Having moved to Lexington another beautiful part of God's creation this was our first venture outside of the state. We hope to be able to soak in some more of its beauty during the coming fall.

Kentucky Asbestos Info and Healthy Tips for Homeowners

Jesse Herman Asked Me to Post this Information


My apologies for not being able to get the photo into this article Jesse. I am still somewhat technology challenged when it comes to HTML.

Jesse Herman
Mesothelioma Cancer Center
jesse@asbestos.com

There are many things to consider when remodeling or purchasing an older home. It is an exciting time, but one that will bring additional responsibilities into your life. Having the assistance of an honest and experienced Kentucky real estate agent can make this process smooth, easy and stress free.

Many homes or buildings may still contain obsolete building materials which can pose problems for homeowners. Asbestos is a highly fibrous mineral whose qualities made it one of the most desirable building materials in the 20th century. Its main uses were found as insulation, piping, brake lining, flooring and roofing. Asbestos exposure incidents in Kentucky have mainly occurred as a result of industrial sites.

Many homes built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos. This should not make you jump out of your chair because asbestos exposure is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions. There are many green, eco-friendly materials that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually.

Anyone who is unsure about the insulation in their home should have the materials in question tested. If you suspected asbestos materials are in your home, most home inspectors and contractors advise to leave it un-disturbed. Asbestos that is left un-touched will normally pose no threat.

Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard, leading to the development of asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, mesothelioma diagnosis is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter

If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations, hire professionals to handle asbestos to safely remove the material. Removing asbestos by yourself can potentially spread fibers throughout your home and your family will be at risk of inhaling asbestos dust.

If asbestos is removed, green forms of insulation should be used as replacements. These include the use implementation of recycled building materials such as lcynene foam, cotton fiber and cellulose. These alternatives not only allow for a healthy and safe home, but can bring down annual energy costs.

For example, the use of cotton fiber foam has demonstrated to reduce energy costs by 25 % per year. The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.

The Power of Nature

Respect for the Creation


My lovely wife Kathy and I have spent the last three days enjoying the cool breezes wafting over the balcony of ouir second story room here at Lois Jane's B&B in Southport, North Carolina. Monday we took the ferry to Kure Beach. Mostly we just sat in awe watching the waves break and sipping our tea. Yesterday we drove to the end Oak Island and walked to the confluence of the river with the ocean.

The ocean has been Kathy's favorite place to visit since growing up near the beach in Southern California. My childhood years were spent living in the mountains of North Idaho. Those years of fishing, hiking and especially picking those tasty huckleberries created a certain affinity for the rougher terrain in my soul. However as Kathy and I have journeyed together the past 38 years the ocean has captured my heart.

Finding places to really meditate and "get away" from the hustle and bustle of the real estate world are so crucial to my soul. I sometimes tell myself I can do that anywhere. And it is true sitting on my deck and watching the birds feed and gazing at the miracles in my garden can draw me close to God. However the shear power of the waves pounding the beach, the undertow pulling the sand from under my feet and the seemingly endless grains of sand bring me to a place of worship and adoration not found in the mountains. I am reminded of this Psalm..


The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.


As I sit here thinking about the joys of my life I am again overwhelmed by the gift of my wife. Kathy sharing her energy, joy of life and passion for learning has enriched my life abundantly. Her shared joy for the ocean is one of many treasures she has given me these many years.

Congaree National Park, Another Adventer, Another Surprise.

Discovering Congaree National Park was a highlight of a day full of surprises. I set the Garmin to the closest town and we took off. The Garmin betrayed us and we ended up using our North Carolina tour guide book. Even then the roads were poorly marked and the tour guide had neglected to tell us there was Bluff Road and Old Bluff Road. We were directed to turn on Bluff Road and we really needed to turn on Old Bluff Road. So Kathy and I were not expecting much when we arrived at the visitor center. Well in this case you ceretainly cannot tell a good National Park by the entry signs or the roads.

Congaree has a 2.2 mile boardwalk that circles through old growth forest filled with new found treasures for Kathy and I. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest I am used to big trees. I had no idea some of the tallest trees in the world grow in South Carolina.

The tall trees create a quiet, humid and eery calmness amongst the black waters and bogs. Kathy doused herself with mosquito spray before leaving the parking lot. In the foyer of the visitors center is a "Mosquito Baromoter." The needle pointed between "severe and war zone." My first clue that I needed to return to the car.

After returning to the trail we found our way to the boardwalk and discovered the many treasures of a blackwater swamp. The cypress tree knees protruding like stalagmites at Carlsbad Caverns were most fascinating. Our tour pamplet told us what they were but I have yet discoved why they grow and what purpose they serve?

The heavy dampness, very tall canopy creating shade and quiet, the blackish waters, the Spanish Moss drooping from the majestic trees, the constant chirping of hidden birds and solitude of the setting create an eey spell binding atmosphere. Kathy and I absorbed the atmosphere with a sense of awe and wonder. We marvelled at the wonder and adventure of living in this world. The Congaree has joined the Barbeque Surprise from yesterday as another wonder and joy not anticipated.

Surprised by a Barbecue on the Way to the Beach

Our Vacation to the Beach - Serendipitous Barbecue


Making our way to the North Carolina beach yesterday Kathy and I were trying to decide how to find a place that had good barbecued pork and ribs. Kathy was looking through the tour guide book for North Carolina and calling restaurants.

We had just enjoyed most of our day in the Smokey Mountains and were approaching Spartenburg, NC. The tour book didn't reveal any good barbecue so we decided we would just wait and do our best after getting to the city.

Suddenly on the bottom of several signs were very neatly printed words advertising "The Blue ridge BBQ." These were not your weekend garage sale signs and they were posted on the freeway. So guess what we did? Yes, we followed the arrows. As we approached the parking area it amazed us to see the large number of parked vehicles and the trolley cars transporting the crowd to the site of the festival.

We boarded the trolley and rode through huge fields of tomato plants already loaded with fruit, some of it even ripe. Around every turn was evidence this was not just a small town get together. We counted nine state patrol cars at one check point and numerous others were staggered about the intersections. Kathy and I litterally were following the crowd.

We disembarked at the entrance to the festival and strolled reluctantly toward the shining green tee shirted ticket sellers. I explained we were just dropping in out of curiosity and they exuberantly told us about all the festivities. Music on two different stages, fireworks at 10:30, and yes some of the nations greatest barbecue. We paid the six dollar a head entrance fee and followed the crowd along stream to the "field of barbecue dreams."

This was our first taste of southern barbecue. We joined the longest line we could find and waited expectantly. Kathy spotted an iced tea vendor and bought us two huge glasses of tea to drink while waiting. We were not disappointed. For twelve dollars we got a plate full of ribs and pulled pork including cole slaw and barbecued beans. One plate was just right for the two of us.

After eating we strolled through the vendors and were delighted to watch a man sell little puppets. He has been making and selling these for 24 years and it quickly became obvious why he was successful. His rapport with the children and obvious delight in bringing them joy was so refreshing. After selling a puppet he gives it a vaccine to prevent rabies and "puppet pox."

Eager to spend most of our time at the beach we left before the fireworks. On the trolley ride back to our car we talked with one of the festival volunteers. This is the sixteenth year for the Blueridge Barbecue. It is made possible because of hundreds of volunteers, great barbecue competition and someone or group that is gifted coordinating such a large event.

So our trip to the beach was delayed by an adventure to a barbecue. What a delightful surprise. I am sure the rest of our lives when in a hurry Kathy and I will remind ourselves to take the time to "taste the North Carolina barbecue."