280 - White Water

This afternoon, Diva and I went up River Road to take pictures of the white water.  Diva actually walked in the water up to her belly.  She had a good time!

I love the name of this road.  It's right at the city line.

Townsend - Founded in 1901

It got windy late today.  A big gust came up, scared Diva and she ran to Dad for him to protect her!

Then she discovered that Dad drops Fritoes every now and then.

TTFN!

279 - Kickstands Up!

Riding 9 to 5

Oh I love this life I'm living

The 5 of us headed out shortly after 9am this morning - Dad, Suzann, Keith, Mark and I.  (Due to Mother's wrist, she can't ride yet.)  Since Route 129 east of the Foothills Parkway is still closed from the rock slide, we had to take the BIG loop ....  Foothills Parkway down to Tellico Plains.  Ride Cherohala over into North Carolina then up 129 to Deal's Gap.  Time for lunch.  After lunch, Suzann rode "The Dragon" down to the overlook and back.  The states of North Carolina and Tennessee worked together to get at least this much of the road open.  North Carolina is actually providing emergency support (even though 12 out of 14 miles are in Tennessee) since you can't reach the road from the Tennessee side because of rock slide.

Once Suzann got back, we headed down Route 28 by Fontana Dam and then 19 up to Cherokee.  Picked up 441 to go over Newfound Gap, then up River Road back into Townsend.  It was about 250 miles, which when you're in the mountains is a long day.

It's absolutely beautiful up here.  The trees and grass are blazing green since it was such as wet winter; the rivers, creeks and streams are running, showing lots of white water as they rumble over rocks and boulders.

The most amazing thing about the day is that I believe I did disconnect from work.  Yea!!!

Some photos for your viewing pleasure (and my archive).

Happy Trails.

The sun on Little River

At the Gap store

Gas stop in Cherokee

Mark's Pictures

Little church where we stopped to stretch

Heading towards Tellico Plains

Downtown Tellico Plains

Downtown Tellico Plains

Heading up Cherohalla

Mark's "self portrait"

Mark took this pic of me as we were heading into Smoky Mountain National Park, over Newfound Gap.  I'm riding Dad's FJR.

Pics from the Evening

Suzann made a cheeze cake pie tonight.  Mother asked if she could lick the mixer beaters.  Then instead of pressing the eject button, she turned them on.  Notice the little white specs of cheeze cake???  It was hilarious!  Diva thought it was good; she got what was on the floor.

Mason is NOT happy that Diva is here.

Dixon would like to be friends.

Diva, Dixon and Mason

278 - Finally!

Vacation.  Yes - V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N!!!  I'm so glad it's here, 'cause I need it badly.  On the drive up, my cell phone was buzzing with email after email.  I realized I was clenching my jaws - a LOT.  I'm letting work get to me and am trying to figure out how to stop that.  The drive up didn't help.  Lots of heavy traffic from Macon until I exited I-75; at one point we were at a dead stop due to an accident north of Atlanta.

The positive .... I'm here.  In the Smoky Mountains with family.  Work is going to be just something I have to go back to, not pay attention to while I'm here.

TTFN!

Oliver wasn't stressed at all.

He fell asleep after riding co-pilot for a while.

277 - All Dolled Up

Took Diva to be bathed and groomed today - for the first time.  Being a mix breed, her fur seems to clash between the two breeds that I know are mixed together.  So, while still cute, she tends to be messy looking.  And since Springers and Aussies are both predisposed to skin issues, getting her bathed w/ some good oatmeal shampoo will help her in the long run.

I know my pup has a great personality and is a good dog, but it was good to hear it from others.  Heather wrote on Diva's check sheet how wonderful she was to work with, and 2 other groomers commented on her.  It still kind of amazes me because she's not even 3 years old yet!

So, my girl is all dolled up and ready to go on vacation.
TTFN!

Top pic - when we got home from the groomer.  She was content to let me drive today!

Don't my earls look sassy?

Phew!  What did they bathe you with??

276 - Chicken Helper

Today's positive is that I actually took the time to cook dinner.  I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes I use the "Helpers" every now and then.  If you double up on the meat, you can increase the percentage of protein, making it a little bit healthier.  And calorie-wise, they're not too bad.

TTFN!

275 - Farewell

Wayne P. Coutu

1941 - 2010

I have so much I can say about today; a lot of positives even in the midst of tears.  But, my words aren't flowing, so I'll just some pics.

The pictoral montage that was played throughout the memorial service can be found at:

http://stei-23762.tributes.com/flash/ssp/slideshowpro.swf?paramXMLPath=/video/settings/636502

274 - Comfort Food

Sometimes sharing a meal with friends is just what the heart and soul needs.  Very enjoyable time with the Goulds.  Thanks for introducing me to BB's!

TTFN.