Some Beautiful Views & An Update

Hello friends! Thank you for all of your comments, emails, and for understanding my funk right now. I so appreciate each and every one of you and your prayers and support.

Mom went to the doctor last week, but didn't really find anything out. She has her MRI tomorrow so keep those prayers coming, and will meet with the doctor again on Friday to "make a plan". The funny thing is that my dad, bless his heart, has to analyze and plan everything. Drives us nuts, but I love him dearly. He went in with my mom to the doctor, with his information brochure on breast cancer, his spots to discuss underlined and all of his questions written down. He answers questions for my Mom and can be very overwhelming at times. The doctor told my Mom that "WE" as in he and my Mom, would discuss everything at her next visit and that my dad was not invited. We, my Mom, husband and I, just have to laugh. My dad is 50 questions man in ALL situations. Naturally, this situation is more difficult, is the most difficult, but he just does not know when to quit. I hate to admit it, but I am very similar to my dad at times. Oh my, did I really say that? LOL - Love you Dad! Chirp!

I joined a local paranormal group to go "ghost hunting" with. My Mom loves this topic as well and went along with me on Saturday night. She wanted to get her mind off of things and has been wanting to go anyway. She had a blast! We didn't get home until 3:30. My friend Gary (our daughter's played soccer together and we have so much in common) went as well. I found the group through him during one of our soccer "mom" chats during practice one day. He and my Mom could chat all day I think. I won't go into major detail because it isn't a topic I discuss with everyone, but there was a little bit of activity in the place, a college, that we visited. Have I ever mentioned how I love that show "Ghost Hunters"? I would love to meet those guys. Anyway, it was great for my Mom and gave us some time together.

On another note, I finished binding all of my French Emotion books. All I have to do is trim the edge and pack them up for the mail. They look amazing. I am so happy with how they turned out and will post some pics in the next day or so. Phenomenal!

Below are some pictures from our camping trip a couple of weeks ago. For those of you that don't know, we only spent one night due to the horrible storms that decided to drench us with rain. I can laugh about it now, but sitting in a tent with my girls, the loudest thunder ever and bolts of lightning over our heads was not too cool. We packed up in a hurry and came home. The Great Smoky Mountains, however, are just so beautiful. I love this area and so glad to live here. It isn't a far drive to the area we visited called Cades Cove. It is a location where some of the first settlers were and just so beautiful.



I love the views here! On this visit, there were several horses grazing in this large field. It was very early in the morning still, so there weren't that many people traveling through the cove, which was really nice.

Don't worry, my husband is right behind my youngest there. She was still in her pajamas. We just happened to have some green apples which made the horses very happy.

I have seen elk, deer, skunks, raccoons, and even black bears in Cades Cove, but never wild turkeys. I started yelling turkey sounds out the window (yes, I know, I am a big dork) and the male turkey got all upset, puffed out his feathers and was ready for a fight. That is one animal that I would never want to go near. Their talons are ferocious!

I don't know why people always take pictures of the deer. I have so many, yet I still do it. Just funny, you would think no one ever saw one before. We also saw a black bear in the distance, but I didn't get a picture of it. The crazy thing is all of the people that get out of their cars to go see the bear, and actually walk towards it. Now that would be a funny picture, "Look honey, a bear!"

I love the image of the large, single, tree in a field. There are several in Cades Cove. I think this one might be one that my father-in-law painted at one time. He was an amazing artists. We have a painting that he did in our living room with the background being these very mountains. Unfortunately, he passed away before my husband and I were married. We treasure his work. I always tell my oldest that he is the reason she is such a good artist. It's in her blood.

Hope you enjoyed my pictures and are doing well. I will keep you all posted on Mom and I know you will keep her in your prayers. Have a great afternoon!

Rhonda...