Momma's got a brand new pair of hiking shoes

Sunday's Agenda:

Hiking Abrams Falls.

LENGTH: 5.0 miles roundtrip, from the trailhead in Cades Cove.

HIGHLIGHTS: Abrams Creek and Abrams Falls.

CAUTIONS: Do not climb on slippery rocks around falls.

TRAILHEAD: Drive towards the mountains from Maryville to Cades Cove. Turn right onto unpaved side road. Road terminates into trailhead.

JOY: Abrams creek plunges over Abrams Falls into one of the largest natural pools in the Smokey Mountains National Park. It is a lovely place to see!

So our hiking gear is packed!

CAMERA - check

WATER - check

DONUTS - check

NEW HIKING SHOES - double check!!!!!

Here's to The Ride!

Filling Empty Spaces

Liz and her family left yesterday afternoon and I have been trying to keep busy so that I do not notice the quietness.

As I listen for the sounds of family I hear the AC kick in. The fridge just dropped ice into the ice maker. The neighbor's dog is barking. The dryer just buzzed another load completed. My computer just beeped a new email received. The dishwasher is still noisily banging the pots and pans.

And yet, from some where, I hear Tucker and Rollin and Fynneus laughing. I hear them tell me that they love me. Rollin is telling me again about losing his first tooth. Tucker is asking to watch monster bugs on the discovery channel. Fynn wants to go to Starbucks. Rollin is looking for chalk to write on my basement floor. Tucker is checking out his bicycle and getting ready for a ride. Fynn needs to go shopping so that I can buy him a tackle box. All of them want to know when they will see me again.

Today I am filling empty spaces with the wonderful memories we created in just a few short days. And I am feeling blessed beyond words. Joy beyond definition. Love that is boundless.

Here's to the Ride!

Haven't had much time.........

To write lately...........

But my life and my days are filled with Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy!!!!!

Here's to the Ride!

Eating Blackberries in the Smokies

We drove to our favorite picnic area tonight and hiked a short trail along the top of the mountain. We picked blackberries and ate them standing in the woods. How cool is that! I already want to go back for more!

As we drove down from the top of the mountain, we saw clearly how the Smokey Mountains got their name. We stopped to take in the view and to snap a few pictures. God! This place is beautiful!

Here's to the Ride!

Just Couldn't Wait

We could not wait until the weekend to go to the mountains, so I packed a picnic, loaded the car up and Jim drove Eastward. We sat by the river eating dinner, listening to the rushing water, gazing at a beautiful sky, seeing the lushness of nature - both feeling so glad that we were here!

Jim did a little fly fishing, I did a little reading. I waded in the water a little, then we both settled back in our chairs to just sit in Joy! That is the best feeling. Sitting in nature, surrounded by beauty, with the love of my life. Joy multiplied!~

Here's to the Ride!

Making a Plan

I am gazing through the window shades at an almost full moon - thinking how special my life is. How grateful I am for this ride. How grateful I am for family. ......and planning my next trip to the mountains this weekend! Life is good!

Here's to the Ride!

Company Is Coming

Joy is getting ready for family. Liz, Thad, tucker Rollin and Fynneus will be here on Sunday! It has been several weeks since i have seen them and i am filled with anticipation! So much to show them - so many hugs and kisses to to gather! Life is Good!

Here's to the Ride!