At home in the Swannanoa Valley
As staying at home becomes a way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, local residents open up regarding how they have been spending their days during these unprecedented times in the Swannanoa Valley.
As staying at home becomes a way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, local residents open up regarding how they have been spending their days during these unprecedented times in the Swannanoa Valley.
“During the shutdown, our days have been filled with virtual school, work, spring cleaning, games, outside play, laughing and, at times, tears. We are thankful for this unexpected time with family and all of the stir-craziness that it brings.” -Sam McIntosh
Pictured, from left to right: Karter, Jarod, Sam and Finley McIntosh
“Given the impending uncertainty imposed by the virus, our family has made an honest attempt to live in the moment. Spending lots of evenings on our deck. After weeks of practice, we have found that living in the moment is much easier with a beverage in hand. Stay safe and stay well.” -Chip Craig
Pictured, from left to right: Ben, Katie, Chip and Wendy Craig
“Although our normal routines have changed over the last several weeks, we are fortunate to live in a neighborhood that allows us great outdoor space to enjoy biking, walking or watching the children catch tadpoles. We have found comfort in the support of our friends and neighbors in a time that feels most uncertain. The challenges, current and ahead, don't feel as daunting when you have a great support system!" -Ameliah Davidson, of the Beech Glen community
Pictured from left to right: Aubrey, Jeff and Tara Hutchins; Ameliah, Gracie Corn, Camryn, Parker and Patrick Davidson; Maddie, Sonya, Adrian and Avery Boone; Hunter, Nick, Crystal and Aubrey Ficker.
“Since March 14, all five of us have been going to school in our pajamas, spring breaking in our backyard and eating at our dining room table more than we have in the past 10 years. I think even our dog is getting tired of us being home so much.” -Kenny Capps
Pictured left to right: Georgia, Maggie Abernathy, Murphy, Carter, Kenny and Dexter Capps
“Like many, we’re finding our new normal in these unprecedented and surreal times. We girls are staying strong hunkered down at home, continuing homeschooling (albeit less vigorously than before) and spending our many non-academic hours in various ways. I mostly am in the garden with my nose in a book, while Claire tends to her fairy garden, listens to audiobooks, video chats with friends and enjoys extra screen time. As a captain with the Asheville Fire Department, Mike doesn’t have the option to stay home, but has been spending his non-working hours splitting and stacking firewood, reading and researching various ‘farmy’ things. Ollie remains largely unaffected by the pandemic.” -Amanda Riley
Pictured from left to right: Mike and Ollie, Claire and Amanda Riley
“Here is part of the crew still working at running The Red Rocker Inn. Although we are not hosting lodging or dine-in guests at the moment, we’re trying to make the most of the down-time by serving takeout hot meals, desserts and take-and-bake breakfast and entrees out the door. Our Four Sisters Bakery hasn’t missed a beat and stays busy feeding folks with all our usual baked offerings as well as soups, wraps, and some grocery items. We’ve also done a lot of spiffing up and redecorating of the building. We wish all our Valley neighbors health, blessings, and joy in spite of unusual circumstances.” -Jenny Bowman
Pictured from left to right: Spring Orr, Jenny Bowman, Doug Bowman and Kaylea Lamson
“I’m hanging in there. I’ve been spending most of my time around the house and playing my guitar.” -David Bryan
“I got my hands on a bunch of old Owen football games on DVD. This is the first time I’ve watched any of those old games, and they sure do bring back a bunch of memories. I get on my elliptical in my gym in my garage and watch football while I work out. My favorite part about it is seeing all of the people who were a part of those teams.” -Kenny Ford, retired Owen High School football coach
“Our children’s love language is time together, so we are making the most of this uncertain time...baking and cooking, arts and crafts, puzzles and games, along with lots of reading and online classes and Zoom visits. We’re anxious for things to get back to normal, but we really are enjoying focused together-time as a family.” -Scott Counce
Pictured from left to right: Scott and dog BobMiller, Rip, Katherine and Lila and dog Magnolia Blossom Counce
“We have been staying busy with virtual learning, but also enjoying spending more time together as a family.” -Nathan Padgett, Owen High School head football coach
Pictured left to right: Nathan, Lexi, Allie and Susan Padgett