Friday, July 3
Since our original travel plans had changed, we decided to stay an extra day in Florida, New York, to rest and to take advantage of being in the area. After much debate and researching, Jim and I decided that we'd like to see West Point, which wasn't all that far away.
Once there, it was easy to see why the natives call West Point the Point...The views are absolutely breathtaking and the campus is definitely one that would rival any other in beauty.
After our wanderings during the day, we made a batch of Big Red ice cream to celebrate an early 4th of July with our camper neighbors. The most interesting tidbit about our neighbors is that they were from San Antonio...yep...fellow Texans. Carol (solid red shirt) and Sonny (walking the dogs) had met another couple and the 6 of us enjoyed the ice cream and the night visiting.
Saturday, July 4
This day was a travel from point A...Florida, NY to point B...a Pilot in Virginia type day...It was not particularly bad or good...just a get down the road type of day. However, we did acknowledge the 4th by toasting ourselves with the cute patriotic cups made for us by Amber Bagwell. Thanks, Amber!
Sunday, July 5
When we left New York, we really didn't have a plan...we just knew we wanted to find somewhere peaceful, beautiful, and interesting to spend a couple of days. By the time we left Maryland, we had agreed that our destination today would be Sevierville, TN, by the Smoky Mountains.
However, before we could get there, we encountered quite an unusual experience at our daily thirst stop for Big V. As most stations have a limit on the amount of gas pumped, it is usually necessary to fill Big V twice. The first time went without a hitch; but before Jim could start the next load, someone accidentally shut off the computers and none of the pumps would work. So...for about 30 minutes, the lanes at the station became visiting, as well as, photo op areas. Eventually, we hit the highway once again.
Once in Sevierville, finding our "home" and getting settled in was top priority; but running a close second was finding a church we could attend for evening services.
As the photos will show, we excelled in both areas...
Monday, July 6
Let's play tourist...First stop..Douglas Dam
Next...14 miles down the road from Sevierville we found the Bush Brothers Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill, TN. Finding out that Jim weighed 139,776 in beans was certainly worth the trip as was the sample of Pinto Bean Pecan pie!
Final stop for the day was at the Harrisburg Covered Bridge which was built back in 1875. In 1969, the bridge received much needed repair and restoration. In 1975 it was put on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tuesday July 7
Morning began with breakfast at Mama's Farmhouse Kitchen in Pigeon Forge before we journeyed up the Smoky Mountains where we could stand in Tennessee and North Carolina at the same time.
Next a "little" shopping time at the Old Mill area where we found Jim the perfect hat for blocking the sun.
We spent the evening at the Biblical Times Dinner Theater.
Wednesday, July 8
A travel day...Camping on the Mississippi River seemed like the thing to do. And, we weren't disappointed. We quickly could tell that you certainly wouldn't want to be here when the rains came. That was evident by the trailers that were still hemmed in by receding water from their last rain storm.
Friday, July 10
Nothing says, "We're home!" better than a ride on Taz.
Sunday, July 12
Sunday! No words needed!
Tuesday, July 14
So glad to see Leslie once again!
Wednesday, July 15
A quick run to Tyler on Taz and then it was time for praise band rehearsal.
Saturday, July 18
It's taken us a while but taking a baked treat and visiting our friends Jenny and Addie at Autumn Winds is always an important part of our lives. This time we found Jenny's sister Claudine and Jim's aunt TJ with Jenny.
Sunday, July 19
The kick-off for Vacation Bible School began Sunday evening. Jim and I always, when possible, take photos for the church to mark the occasion. It's a fun night!
Monday, July 20
To celebrate Jenny's birthday, we all went to Jalapeno Tree for lunch. Yummy and fun at the same time.
Monday, July 20 - Tuesday, July 21
And...VBS
Wednesday, July 22 - Saturday, July 25
As the new state chair of the National Band Association, Jim was the representative of the organiazation at the annual Texas Bandmasters Association clinic/convention this summers so we're off to San Antonio for a few days. Not only will we do that during the day, we will get to spend quality time with son John and his family in the evening.
Along the way, we visit with an old teacher buddy of mine, Barbara Curbo Pirch who lives in Cibolo. Once in San Antonio, Jim and I drove to the Convention Center downtown to set up his display. However, once we started working, we found that the association didn't include the stands for the huge banners. Always resourceful, we decided to display them across the table for the evening. The NBA executive secretary assured Jim that the stands would arrive by 8:00 AM tomorrow morning.
Once finished, we found John and Carol's rent house (they are having a new one built) where we begin a whirlwind of activities. We got to introduce John and family to our NY friends Sonny and Carol; see the new house; visit with granddaughter Randi and her fellow, Nick, and spend time with great grandsons Rhett and Bowman.
Every day was full to the brim! (And, you can observe that the stands did arrive and the banners were hung for all to see)
Sunday, July 26
Everyone "spiffed" up for Sunday morning services.
Once church was over, Jim and I hopped into the Equinox and pointed it toward Burleson, where we would end this day with Leah and Ryan. We couldn't resist a stop in West, TX, at the Czech establishment, the Kissing Pig Cafe and store... And, then we made it to the kids' home where we enjoy Ry's grilling, Leah's baking, and a mean game of washers between Leah and Jim.
Leah offered to take us to Costco for a few items that we wanted to buy in bulk, mainly pills. Once there she pointed out that a former student, Chelsea, worked right across from the parking lot of Costco. Obviously, a stop to see her came after the shopping.
After saying our final farewells, Jim and I hit the road going east towards Mineola. What a jam-packed month this has been. How blessed are we!
“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you`ll look back and realize they were the big things." ... Kurt Vonnegut, American writer and humorist
At home in Mineola,
Jim/Dad/Gramps and Barbara/Mom/Grams/Gramsie
