Be safe, Jody. I've evacuated to Waynesville. But I returned to Asheville this morning and I was surprised at the general return to normalcy. Shops were open if crowded; lines were generally gone; stores were stocked. I drove north on Merrimon easily, but I saw huge trees down in Norwood Park, and I hear that Grove Park and other places north are bad, but I haven't traveled there.

I live in WAVL and I too fared well. My house is fine. It does seem that the River Arts District, at least everything along Riverside Drive, will not return.

Hearty congratulations to your son and his spouse-to-be. I hope the celebration is lovely and that you enjoy it wholeheartedly. See you back home when it's time.