Today we lost Bootsy, our lodge cat. As most of you know she was much more than that though...
Yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, Bootsy was up in the parking lot where Bryson's Food Store is and was hit by a truck that didn't even stop to check on her. I want to hope that they didnt know they had hit her. I don’t know why she went all the way up there! I have never known her to leave the lodge property before.
Luckily, a lady and her daughter found her and saw that she was our cat from her collar. Ginger, from the front desk, rushed up there and got her and brought her back to the lobby at the lodge and called me. Bootsy was in pain and shock when I got there but she seemed comforted that I was there with her. She was alert and wanted to move around, but she couldn't. Being Thanksgiving Day, veterinarians were hard to find but thankfully her vet, Dr. Amy Patterson came to her rescue! Dr. Amy thought that she had a broken pelvis and that she could make a full recovery over time although sometime during the night Bootsy passed away.
This afternoon, Salvador, Natalie, Olive and I buried Bootsy behind the pavilion. It's a sunny, cool fall day today and I kept looking in all of her "spots" around the property thinking I would see her. I could picture her lying on the warm asphalt in the sunshine all curled up or on the front desk under the light. As we were walking back into the lobby Natalie noticed the little bed in the pine straw that she had made by our lobby door in the flower bed last week. I had posted that picture on Facebook.
Bootsy was about 12 or 13 years old we think. She "adopted" us 10 years ago and she has added so much to our lodge over the years. Bootsy brought so much to our lodge and she will be greatly missed by us and also many of you. I have heard so many stories of how Bootsy "slept in our room" or "followed us around the property", etc. Bootsy was not your “typical” cat by any means. Bootsy was a little’ celebrity” and would get emails, letters and Christmas presents, etc.
We would love to hear your stories about how special Bootsy was to your family and your visits to Highlands. Please add to our blog so we all can share our stories.
Al, Renee, Jamie, Alli & Natalie, Ginger, Cindy
Goodbye
With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes
after all these years; we must say goodbye
Please understand; we've done all we could
if there was anything we could do; you know we would
I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us; we'll never forget
especially the ones; of the day we all met
One last hug; and one last kiss
you have no idea; how much you'll be missed
To look into your eyes; this one last time
you tell me it's ok; you know it's your time
Close your eyes now; and go to sleep
we'll pray to the Lord; you're soul he'll keep
Go in peace now; our good friend
we'll stay right here with you; until the end
Dream of that special day and time
when we'll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine
We'll run and play; side by side
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside
Your memory will live on; in each one of us
you'll always be number 1; to all of us
Have a safe journey; through the night
I promise when you awake; you'll be in God's light
So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes
just for now my friend; we say goodbye
John Quealy
Friday, November 25, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
This is Mitchell’s Lodge first entry on our new Blog.
November is upon us and we still have a few leaves on the trees which is a little unusual but not unheard of. November is a great month to visit Highlands because the October crowds have gone and November typically is not really cold or snowy and with the leaves gone, hiking becomes the November thing to do. With few leaves hiking is great because you can enjoy the lay of the land and unbelievable views that you couldn’t see in the summer with the leaves on the trees.
The Highlands 5th Annual Culinary Weekend which begins on Thursday November 10th. Chefs and wineries will be on hand for an amazing night of food, wine, and fun. After that, the entire weekend can be filled with everything from cookbook signings, to unbelievable wine dinners, and let us not forget The Ugly Dog Pub Late Night Hang Out!!! Please see the Highlands culinary Weekend website for full details www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com/ . If you’re attending the Culinary Weekend we are offering 10% off and a complimentary bottle of wine with each reservation this weekend.
The Thanksgiving Holiday is certainly a memorable one, with plenty of restaurants open for a traditional or non-traditional holiday menu, whatever suits you. If you have reservations to stay with us, don’t forget to give us a call so we can reserve that perfect place for your Thanksgiving Dinner.
The Bascom has one of our favorite holiday workshops. Visit Highlands N.C. November 25th or 26th and reserve your spot at The Bascom for their Gingerbread House Workshop…Everything you need to create a great gingerbread house is supplied for you. A treat for the entire family!!!
Santa will be at The Highlands Visitor Center Friday November 25th from 10a.m.-3 p.m. Then the real kick-off to the Christmas Season will begin with the Highlands Downtown Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 26th, in front of the Highlands United Methodist Church.
On Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. it will be the time for the Annual Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade. Make sure you mark that one on your calendar, especially if you’ve never seen it. It is a small town parade at its finest!!!
Last, but not least, mark some things off of your holiday gift list by doing some shopping right here in the mountains, where you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for that special someone.
See you soon!
Al
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