Gatlinburg, TN - revised 12/15

We just arrived back at home from our trip to Gatlinburg, TN, the "Myrtle Beach of the mountains" as AF and I referred to it. The entire James family was there, including 3 teenagers and 2 infants. Next year, there will be 2 new infants, so this extra large cabin will be even more necessary. There were 7 bedrooms, a game room , two deck porches, two fireplaces, and a table to seat 12.

To fully appreciate our accommodations, named Bear Hollow Lodge, you have to see the interior photos on the following link:

http://www.hickorymist.com/BearHollowLodge.htm

That's an appropriate name for the lodge. When AF and I returned from dinner with Stephen, Claudia, and Caitlyn in Pioneer, TN, there was a black bear rummaging through our trash. He was larger than some black bears I'd seen in CA, with his back approx. 4' high. He must've had his winter weight and coat on.

The Greeks home was a picture of serenity and wholesome Americana. Claudia had made wonderful chicken & dumplings for dinner with salad, despite our invitation out to a restaurant. We were glad she had insisted, as it was perfect on a cold and snowy night.

We got a touch of snow the first night and the view from the cabin was incredible. (The view below is from the deck.) We ventured into Gatlinburg once, but had all the entertainment we needed in the house. It was a great time to relax and we recharged our batteries, doing whatever we found to do....together. With all those Wedding Chapels around, it was impossible not to be in a romantic mood.

AF and Danny riding down the Skylift high above Gatlinburg.

"Good luckabee Gov. Huckabee"

A.F. and I got up this Sat. morning at 5:30am to go be the first in line at Books-a-Million in Rock Hill, SC, for Mike Huckabee's visit. The Gov. was to begin signing copies of his new book Do The Right Thing at 9am and we arrived at 7am, successfully first in line. The doors opened at 8am and we quickly learned the store had already issued line numbers to 30 people the night before! Though Books-a-Million disappointed us, Gov. Huckabee did not. His bus arrived and Mike emerged as cheerful as if it were Friday at 5pm instead of 9am in the morning.

Mike was only going to be there for 1 hour then on to two more stops in SC the same day. With 200+ people in line, we were glad to be near the front. While A.F. got our book signed, I was taking photos like a Japanese tourist. Then as I'm being ushered away, Mike paused from signing, looked me in the eye and said, "Hi, how are you?" As he extended his hand to me.

I replied, "It's an honor to meet you Governor," and as we shook hands he said, "Thank you and thanks for coming out today."

In case you haven't seen it yet, the Governor has a great show on Fox on Sunday nights. He's hosted Dave Ramsey, one of the Alabama 7 on his thoughts of America electing it's first black president, and Bill Mahr to explain his movie discrediting religion. Of course we don't think much of Mahr, and Gov. Mike, as always, used the opportunity to firmly, yet wisely, debate and educate both the guest and viewer. That's what I love about Huckabee. I would explain his appeal and great debating skill as due to the fact he's not posing for the voter. He lives and speaks what he honestly believes, as a Christian should.

Thanksgiving 2008

A.F. and I spent Thanksgiving with Mom & Dad in Schuyler, VA. Taylor came down the day before for the holdiay too. We enjoyd our family time together with lots and lots of food. Unfortunately, Mom fell ill the night before and wasn't able to enjoy the fruit of all her and Dad's labor. We came together and finished preparation of a few final dishes...which explains the marshmellows looking like top hats on the sweet potato casserole.

Mom and Dad bought the cutest new puppy, a yellow lab, and named him Rebel. He was so sweet and was content to just chew everything within reach and sleep the whole visit.