Another reason to go to Tennessee

Although I had a great time exploring the mountains, I had
another reason for going up to Tennessee. My step daughter,
Jade and family live in Athens,Tennessee. I got to spend a
few days with them. In fact, I got to spend time with the kids
while Jade hosted a Mary Kay party. We went to a jumping
house place, we ate at Arby's, and then did a little shopping at
Walmart. At Walmart, we bought giant marshmallows, ice cream,
root beer, some movies, and a game. We spent the rest of the
evening snacking, watching movies, and playing the game.

One evening, Morgan and I made supper. We decided to use
what ever was in the house, no trips to the store. We had
spaghetti, squash, and cake. I had a fun time with Morgan in
the kitchen. Morgan is Jade's oldest. She is 11. Miami is 6 1/2,
and Daniel is 2 1/2. There was lots of snuggle time that went on
with all three kids. They are sweet, sweet, sweet.

I took a few pictures at the jumping place, but decided to just post
the above picture of all three. I miss you Jade and Phillip, Morgan,
Miami, and Daniel. I hope to see you soon.

The Journey Continues

After I did not get to go on the one way road, I went to the
Cherokee Entrance to Smoky Mountain Nation Park. They
have a great living museum there. There are old buildings
and even some farm animals. I walked around the grounds,
visited the center and gift shop inside. I love to read local
stories, so I bought a book called, Tall Woman. It is a tale
of life there in the mountains. I enjoyed it.

When I left the park center, I traveled back to Maggie Valley,
where I was staying. I did a little shopping, mainly just looking.
I did buy a dress at one of those glorious "junk" shops. I will
post pictures later. I also had a Bluebell coconut shake at an
ice cream store.

Those straight rows would drive me nuts. I have my
classroom set up in groups.

I love to visit old school houses. I already been to one there
in Smoky Mountain National Park when I was up there
last November. I found out about this one in my research
of the park. It is in Chatalooche Valley. This area is where
they have re introduced elk. That is another reason I went
there. It was raining when I got to the valley where the
elk were. I have seen elk in Colorado, so I did not feel
impressed to sit in the rain and look at elk. There were plenty,
and the drive to that valley was gorgeous. After I left the
elk, I stopped by the Beech Grove school. As you can see
by the sign, it was built in 1903.

It was raining, so I put a garbage bag over me, took off my
shoes, and plodded through the soggy grass to the school.

The teacher's desk at the front of the room. As messy as
I keep my desk, this would not have worked for me.

This a church just up the road from the school.
I believe it was built around the same time as
the school.

This stream runs right outside the front door of the church.
I know they must have done their baptisms there.

This was one of the last scenes I saw that evening. It is so
beautiful and peaceful.

And There was Peace in the Mountains........

A few years ago I bought a wall hanging that says,"You are
closer to heaven in the mountains." I also have a picture
frame that says,"And There Was Peace in the Mountains."
Since the first time I saw the green mountains of
Arkansas to the first time I breathed in the splendor of the
majestic Rockies, I have loved the mountains. There is
such a peace there, and you really are closer to heaven
in ALL sense of the words. The Smoky Mountains also
hold that peace, and that is what I sought on a beautiful
day in July this summer.

I stopped at each over look, got out, and just breathed in
that sweet, clean air. The view gives me a sense of
eternity that can not help fill me with peace. The day
before I had stood at the bottom of those falls, and felt thunder
rumble through the mountains and through my body and soul.
I felt as though God met me at the bottom of those falls. As
I gazed at the mountains...HE WAS EVERYWHERE! All of my
senses were heightened and each breath seem to cleanse my
soul. There was peace on the mountain.

Now, my goal for the day was to travel this one way unpaved
mountain road. The speed limit is 10, and I had nothing but
time. In fact this road was my prize of this trip. Even more
than Chimney Rock, I desired to travel this mountain road. I
once again loaded up my trusty ice chest and set out for
my adventure of the day. There would not be much hiking
done today for my boots still were soaked!

Ahh... isn't that inviting? What? What does that sign say
at the beginning of the road. Closed? Closed? Closed with
a gate blocking the road? Now this was not part of the plan.
I found out later from rangers that the road was closed due
to bridge damage from the torrential rains of the day before.

I decided to walk down the road for a little while. Oh gosh,
it was so beautiful, so lush, so green, .......so looking like a
bear could jump out at any minute.! I wanted the comfort
and safety of my little Toyota. I did not mind seeing a bear, in
fact I wanted to. I just wanted to see it from the inside
of my car. I decided that this road would have to be
traveled another time.

I know. God was on this road too. Look at the Light. It
looked surreal.

On my way up to that road, I passed this creature. Elk were
on my agenda for the evening for they are in another part of
the park. I suppose this one yearned to travel "my road" as well.