The end...

We are home safe and sound and truly had an enjoyable summer. Not ready for school mode just yet, so we are just doing what we have to do.

Our time in TN were very fun. I was nervous that David wasn't going to like being in the middle of the woods, in a log cabin, but he was fine and is looking forward to returning.

Dollywood is not somewhere we need to go back to, but we had a nice enough day. The park itself is beautifully kept, but the attractions won't be confused with Disney World any time soon. We had dinner at Dixie Stampede and that was actually alot of fun. The show was cleaver, and action packed. There were live animal races-- Nothing like witnessing a pig race, in Pork Chop Downs. The dinner was served without silverware. Jeffrey was happy about that. We went with Gramma Joan and she was excited by how much fun Jeffrey had. It was a long day and we all collapsed when we got back home. The next day, David and Jeffrey went to explore the Lost Sea Discovery. It was an adventure and they had a great time in the underground caves. In the middle of the underground, there is a full sized lake, which was big enough to see via a boat ride. I passed on this one and went to a great scrapbook store, an hour away, in Knoxville.

Our trip was cut a little short because David's father has had some health concerns. He is hospitalized and hopefully we'll have a better idea of where things are at, by Tuesday or Wednesday. He turns 95 on September 1.

We drove straight home in 14 hours. It was not that bad, but we didn't want to stop, unpack the car, go into another hotel etc. We got home at 2am Friday. We are still sort of blurry, but taking things as they come.

Thanks for following our adventure-- we have started planning next summer, starting out in Houston. For now, we have some grand ideas, but it is too early to really plan anything solid. Jeffrey definitely is going back to Magic Tree House Camp-- one more year reprieve from overnight camp.

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer. We have murmurings of hurricanes lurking, but the way I see it, we are going to be fine. We installed shutters two hurricane seasons ago and I feel entitled to no storms for at least 15 years--that way, I'll feel we got our money's worth.

Crossed OH Border

After a nice weekend with family, we are now in Kentucky, on the road to TN. We're going to stop at the Kentucky Fried Chicken Museum in an hour or so. Who knew?

Backing up, on Saturday, we spent the day at the Cinncinati Zoo. It was an inovative place and the animals had a lot of open space. It was hot, but we didn't complain, because it was the first hot day we'd had all summer.

Sunday we had some down time- oh no-not that! We swam, and relaxed. We had a big Sunday night dinner with family and friends.

Four miles to the KFC Museum. This ought to be interesting?

Catch Up...

Last I wrote, we were on the way home from Toronto. The time since, has gone by in.a fast blur.
Jeffrey was happy to return to camp for another two weeks. Prying him out of there tomorrow is going to be a joy-

My birthday was nice enough. Facebook made it extra fun, because I heard from so many voices of the past.

Last weekend we toured some of the 17 covered bridges in this area. It was very interesting and enjoyable. The weather was perfect and we had a lot of fun. Jeffrey was in charge of the map, because I was unable to read any part of it. If David weren't driving, I'd still be on a dirt road somewhere. My map reading skills are the reason I love GPS. Unfortunately we were so deep in the woods, that coverage was not very good. I won't bore anyone with the details, but each bridge had a story and generally speaking, were over 100 years old.

In the afternoon we went to Geuaga on the Lake- a honky tonk, tourist trap. We played miniture golf, walked around and enjoyed the amazing weather. We found a great place to eat off the main road. Mary's Kitchen was a landmark and way better than any of the standard beach fare.

After dinner, we walked along Lake Erie. It was not private, but we weren't exactly welcomed to be there either. There was a big NO SWIMMING sign and Jeffrey really kept pushing to get in the water. He finally pushed my last button and I scooped him up in my arms and plopped him right in the lake-clothes and all. He was stunned to say the least. At this point, we let him splash around and now he's seen three of the five Great Lakes. (A fact totally not wasted on him.)

The next day we spent the day visiting with family. It was nice to see so many people at one time. Jeffrey played with his cousin Dana and had a lot of fun. Unfortunately his time with cousins is very limited.

Today I got organized and am ready to load the car tomorrow. Jeffrey has camp and we'll leave right from there, to Columbus, OH. Why Columbus you ask? How could we have missed the inagural season at the Clipper's new ball park. (The Clipper's are the Indian's top.Farm team.). Go Tribe!

Saturday morning we head to Cincinatti to visit our cousins. We've managed to plan a full range of activities here too. The weather is supposed to be hot and humid-something we haven't had to deal with since leaving home. No time like the present to geta taste of summer time in FL.

Our last stop is in Telico Plains, TN, to visit friends. They have a log cabin in the middle of no where. It is beautiful there and we'll take a ride through the mountians and make our way to Pigeon Cove. Tacky, yet a fun way to end the summer.

One way or another, we'll be home by Sunday, August 16th. I am not ready to think about being home yet, so, I'll close.

Last thought-many have asked if we'd do this again. The answer is without any hesitation. Already planned next summer's route via Texas. Hopefully, everything will fall into place and we'll be able too-

Thanks for still hanging out with the Brover's!