That said, we have become adept at throwing our camping stuff in the van and heading out for hastily planned one- and two-night camping trips. Our new favorite spot is Tsali, which has a great campground (hot showers, no less) and wonderful mountain bike trails. Our kids are just learning the ins and outs of mountain biking, and the network of trails allows us to adapt the ride to fit the attitudes of the day. Family tradition dictates that all summer-time rides end with a mad dash down the Fontana Lake boat ramp on our bikes and into the cool water. Ahhhhh.

Lyle Lovett

About the time spontaneity took a hiatus, we also just about quit taking in live music. This time, though, I bought tickets months ago the day they went on sale and wound up with third row seats for one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in Asheville. We counted 17 people on stage when Lyle Lovett and his Large Band came to Asheville two weeks ago. Lovett makes it all look so easy, and his band was ridiculously tight. Among my favorites in the entourage were long-time LA session musicians Russ Kunkel and Leland Sklar, a drummer and bassist who have, literally, hundreds of recordings behind them. Great show, and for the Asheville Civic Center the sound wasn’t too bad.

Sluggish grass

The more time passes, the more I hate cutting grass. It just seems like there are more important things I could be doing with my time. And so, as September eases our way and my lawn of grass and weeds begin to lose the frenzied pace of growth that takes over in July and August, I get excited. I can go almost two weeks now between cuts, and it really doesn’t look that bad. Really.

— By Scott McLeod