Tennessee Map 196.365

We put about 1,000 miles on our rental car. We traveled across the state twice! So much driving here and there and everywhere! It's good to be home!!

Nashville 195.365

What kind of visit would it be to Nashville without going to the Grand Ole Opry? Here we are in front of the Opry prior to taking the tour.

The tour was fun. We saw various dressing rooms, the green room, and the backstage. The highlight, of course, was getting to go on stage. We even got to stand on the same spot where all the country great stand when they perform!!

Memphis Part II 194.365

We stopped at the National Civil Rights Museum. It was pretty interesting. The tour takes you through the Lorraine Motel. You see the rooms that Martin Luther King, Jr. and his group occupied the days before his assassination. Then the tour takes you to the boarding home where James Earl Ray lived and the bathroom where he was when he fired the shot that killed MLK. It was interesting and eerie at the same time.

Memphis 193.365

Welcome to Graceland!!! We took the tour of the mansion as well as other exhibits. Going through the mansion was like going back in time - back to the 70's! It was interesting to go through the rooms and learn more about Elvis. He accomplished so much in his short life.

We also went to Beale St. - home of the blues and rock and roll. These are some of the interesting signs on the street.

Kentucky Lake Part II 192.365

One of the best things we did at Kentucky Lake was to go boating on Uncle Larry's pontoon and then swim in the lake. That was so much fun and so very relaxing!!

Kentucky Lake 191.365

After spending a few days in Gatlinburg, TN, we drove about six hours west to Paris Landing, on Kentucky Lake. We visited my Tita Pat and Uncle Larry. These were the best two days of our trip. Uncle Larry fried up lots of catfish that he caught - yummy!! Then he cooked up some BBQ ribs - best ribs anywhere!!! Mom and Tita Pat spent every moment catching up with each other. We also lit lot of firecrackers. The kids enjoyed doing this - but not as much as the adults did!!

Great Smoky Mountains Day 190.365

This little guy was just "hangin'" around just outside our condo. He was about 40 or 45 feet up in the tree. I was on the 5th floor when I took this photo. (We are in Gatlinburg, TN.)

We went hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains are so lush and green. We hiked through the forest, enjoying the greenery and the rushing streams. We even walked over a few log bridges and up into a cave. We had so much fun.

Days 187 - 189 Start of Tennessee Trip

Day 187.365

First day of family trip. Just a traveling day. We went on vacation with my brother's family, my mom and sister. There was a total of 10 of us traveling about the state of Tennessee. Here we are at the airport - neices Samantha and Selena, nephew Andrew, mom (Grandma Cat) and Danny. Grandma gave them 4th of July hats.

Day 188.365

We watched the fireworks from the main drag in Gatlinburg. It was an outstanding show with a phenomenal finale!!

Day 189.365

We were driving from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg with a thunderstorm hit. I was so glad that Roger was driving!! The rain was so hard and heavy, the windshield wipers couldn't keep up and we could hardly see. I was like someone shooting a water cannon at our car!!!

Plane ride 174.365

We were invited to a BBQ at a friend's hanger. Her husband is a pilot and gave me a ride in his Cessna 150. It's a small, two-seater - cramped quarters in the cockpit. Flew over the city for about 15 minutes. The white building / complex is the Mormon Temple. This was my first time in a small plane. I was nervous and a little worried because I get air sick when I fly on commercial planes. But this was not bad at all. My stomach lurched just a little on the descent. I can't wait to go up there again!!!

Days 120 - 126

I know that I haven't posted in a week!!! As with all of you, life gets a bit crazy. Please forgive me for this longer post. I hope you have the energy and interest to continue reading to the end. I hope you enjoy the photos.

This past week, we were preparing to go to Northern California for the State Junior High Academic Decathlon in Redwood City. (For a funny rendition of our trip, please vistit Roger's Blog.)Danny and his team have worked diligently for the past eight months, studying for this competition, in addition to their regular school work. They were one of nine schools competing. Unfortunately, they did not place in any categories. But what they did take away from the competition was the experience to compete in such a high level, the friendships they have developed, and the knowledge that they did their best. As his mom, I am so very proud of Dan - his determination and commitment.

Instead of a photo of the day, here are some photos of the city by the bay...

The weather... It rained on us the entire day we were in San Fransisco. That's okay... It gave us the gift of the beautiful flowers.

A view of the bay from one of the marinas.

Flowers enjoying a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fisherman's Wharf... no really, this was a section of Fisherman's Wharf.

We were able to catch up with a high school friend (Tom G.) and his fiance. We haven't seen Tom since high school!! Here we are at Stanford University, where Tom is an alum. He gave us a tour around this beautiful campus. Thanks Tom!!!

This was a highlight for Dan's trip: our motel was right next door to a Ferrari / Maserati dealership!!! On Sunday morning, a Ferrari / Maserati club assembled, so we were able to take a gander at 20+ cars.

The Golden Gate Bridge. Even in the rain, she is breathtaking.

Traveler 64.365

So, here is poor Clifford. We are going somewhere in the car. He is not a crazy dog in the car - I've had a couple of those before!! But the poor guy does get anxious. By the time we get anywhere, the back seat is flooded by his drool! Yuck!