I have been in Knoxville for the past several days - without my computer. I have missed writing so much and kept thinking of all the things I would write about if my internet were available. Jim and I have spent so much time exploring the mountains and nearby areas. On saturday we drove the "dragon's tail" switch backs from Tennessee into North Carolina, and this picture was taken looking out from the Appalachian Trail.

We spent days in the mountains, me in a lawn chair reading, Jim wading the rivers and fishing. There is so much beauty to take in that at times it is mind boggling. I gaze at sky, at trees, at water, at mountains, and I can't get enough. I breathe them in - filling my lungs and my body with their beauty, and still I want more.

On Sunday I sat my lawn chair in the middle of a river, an old road that use to lead to a visitor center before they built a bridge, propping my feet on a rock, trying to read, yet finding it hard to take my eyes off the beauty that surrounded us. The water flowing fast over my feet - the sound of falling water filling my head.

I stand in amazement of my enthrallment of the mountains. Just as I never imagined living by the ocean as we did in Florida, I never imagined living by mountains. Yet in each location I find that I am captivated by the beauty, by the stillness - yet the aliveness of each area.

Last Friday evening we discovered Allison's Catfish restaurant and farm. What a thrill. The best catfish ever, gazing at the mountains and the waterfalls, and planning our next trip back to this place.

On Monday we walked the old World's Fair park in downtown Knoxville and stumbled upon a beautiful coffee shop called "Coffee and Chocolate". Love Love Love - at first sight. Delicious coffee with a dark chocolate expresso cookie. Love Love Love!

We found a smokey mountain brewery, a wood fired brick oven pizza shop, numerous ice cream places, theaters, a ball room dancing studio, (on my to do list) antique shops galore, an outdoor movie theater - right across town from us, (we're gonna put the top down on Alice, have popcorn and coke and enjoy a night like the good old days!)

We are eagerly anticipating more exploring, more discoveries, and so much more beauty. And we are so enjoying the ride!

Here's to the Ride! .....and it's a damn good ride!!!!!!

Highway 40

Highway 40 is the 3rd longest highway in the US running from California all the way to the east coast of North Carolina.

Jim and I will be driving a portion of this highway today and I am looking forward to the ride!!!!!

Sometimes - Joy is in the drive!

Here's to the Ride!

The most amazing thing happened on the way to the town

......A vision board dream came true! Thank you life!

Here's to the Ride!

At Last...

My love has come along.

My lonely days are over,

And life is a like a song.

Oh and then the spell is cast

and here we are in heaven

for you are mine at last.

Just welcoming my love home! At Last!

Here's to the Ride!

A Day of Joy

It wasn't long ago that I unpacked all of our belongings in this house. Today, as I continue my re-packing process in anticipation of our move to Knoxville, I am reminded of the "things" I love. I love touching all my dishes again (even if I am packing them away). I like deciding what will go in each box, and then labeling the box - and knowing that when I read the label I will see in my mind the exact thing I packed. I will remember the history of the antique bowl that was a gift from Jenn, or the soccer games we watched that garnered Liz's medals. I will picture that beautiful wine glass that is my favorite and look forward to the day when I can enjoy holding it again. (It's the only box I marked Fragile)

All of these things I love. All of these things bring me Joy. To me, packing is A Day of Joy!

Here's to the Ride!

Life Is Good!

Fynn and I spent another day together. He loves it when I take him to Starbucks and when we shop for something fun at Target. But what he and I both adore is playing together. We have spent the past few days playing tennis, building forts out of my packing boxes, playing baseball (with tennis balls) and today playing "ping pong" in the garage. (One paddle, 6 balls and one wild swing)

We have both run with John Wayne in the soccer field. Fynn has ridden his tricycle around the neighborhood - all the time talking non-stop to me. We watched funniest animals on Netflix, made up songs to sing together, and hid from each other when ever we thought the other one wasn't watching. And even though Fynn was missing his Mom by the time I took him home tonight, he told me he would stay with me forever!

Life is so very good with so much love in it.

Here's to the Ride!

This Is Going To Be A Fun Day!

Fynneus was invited to his friend, Sophie's, birthday party today. Yesterday we wrapped the pink striped beach towel and adorable swim suit along with a mirror compact - all in pretty pink paper. Fynn has been excited all day today, asking to leave for the party at 8 o'clock this morning. When I finally strapped him into his car seat about 12:30, he said to me: Nanna, this is going to be a fun day! I had to agree with him!

Then I tried to imagine the wonder of a four year old child. Knowing that life is good. Knowing that he is loved. Knowing that he is going to have a fun day!

Darling Fynneus has helped me to see that knowing my day will be fun will bring tons of Joy!

Here's to the Ride!