Smoky Mountain Family

Sea BreezesI am back from Sapelo. I will save those pictures from a later post. Sunday morning I flew out of Orlando to Knoxville. I am spending the week at Blake and Tonya's home. Such a treat for me to be with my grandbabies. Tonya is undergoing chemo, and I am trying to be an extra hand around the house for a few days. A young family household is a busy place with three little ones to care for, especially in the summer. Tonya is handling chemo with amazing grace and stamina. Although she is weak and hurting, she continues to be a caring and active Mommy. We continue to pray for her full healing.


Blake snapped the above shot as I arrived at the airport to be greeted by Lander and Paisley. Grandchildren are growing, active and of course, beautiful. What a lovely place to be as the Smoky Mountains rise all around us, providing a unique change from our low country vistas. I will get a picture of Henley when she will stop a moment in her busy day!

Here I Go-To Sapelo!

Sea BreezesTomorrow morning is the day. All of us Sapelo Sistas meet the ferry down at the Meridian dock. At 8:30 a.m. the ferry pulls out for the 15 minute ride to Sapelo Island. Most of the group are Brunswick High School teachers plus some sisters, moms, cousins and friends of BHS teachers. Our Sapelo trip keeps us sane during the school year when insanity rules. We email about Sapelo like crazy and share funny anecdotes and pictures of past island happenings. Several of us even have license plates that say "What happens on Sapelo stays on Sapelo. Our husbands think we are nuts. How could spending three days on a breathtakingly beautiful barrier island to explore with the only access by boat, in an 1800's mansion complete with bowling alley and three stories of history to explore, with a staff of 20 plus, a swimming pool, the ocean at your feet lapping at pristine beach with no sign of civilization in either direction, alligator pond walks, lighthouse exploring, birding beyond belief, nature walks through breathtaking marsh and island vistas, wearing our bathing suits like underwear, low country decadent meals, historical tours of Chocolate Plantation and 4000 year old Native American shell rings, golf carts and bikes available, 24/7 and laughing your head off with zany and dear friends be that much fun? Sometimes, it is just hard for men to get it. I have to go pack my bug spray and three bathing suits. Oh, I forgot, I bought a new float for the pool (which did I add was built by R.J. Reynolds in 1917?) We are off to play and frolic like kids and put our selves back in time for three days. I'll post pictures of the trip when I return. Harold and Pippin and Sappy, hold down the fort while Mommy is gone.

Yes, Sappy the porch cat returned after five plus weeks, very thin and tired. More on that later. I have a ferry to meet.