New Moon

Sonia, Wendy, Wendy’s daughter Kaitlyn, and myself went to see New Moon on opening night. Are we crazy? Most definitely. The date had been marked on my calendar for almost a year. I pre-ordered the tickets weeks in advance. I was excited like a little school girl the entire day anticipating the movie. Pathetic...I know. I’m 29 years old and I’m drawn into the Twilight series like a little teeny bopper.

The movie did not disappoint. There was action…drama…comedy. It followed the book perfectly. I have to admit I did switch over to “Team Jacob”. I was as torn and confused as Bella. Every scene was…for lack of a better description…pretty. The characters…the scenery…all gorgeous. Yes…the movie was chock full of wolfy eyecandy. The boy turns into a 109 degree hunk of werewolf and the crowd turns into a mob of drooling cougars and pumas. We can’t forget Edward, the sexy brooding sparkly vampire. Contrary to what most men think…Edward and Jacob are not the only reasons women of all ages love this movie…and the Twilight series.

Bella is just an average girl. She’s awkward and clumsy. She’s pretty but plain. There’s really nothing special about her at all…and somehow…she has two “men” that would die for her. Edward and Jacob love her and only have eyes for her. To them, the sun rises and sets in Bella Swan. What woman wouldn’t want to be desired…loved…wanted like that? Who wouldn’t want a man so devoted to her that he would do anything to protect her….to spend his life with her? Guys, I hate to break it to you but it has nothing to do with some silly crush or teenage love story. A woman wants to be loved for who she is. We want to be desired. It’s THAT simple.

Thankful

I know it’s early but since everyone in the free world has been pushing Christmas since before Halloween…I might as well get on with my Thanksgiving thankfulness. I can’t say I am big on this holiday. At least…I’m not keen on its origins. However I do have some very fond memories of family get-togethers. Also, it was just a few days before Thanksgiving in 1997 when I started dating my husband. Anyway I digress….I’ll get on with it.

I’m thankful for my faith. My God is my strength and I’m not sure where I would be without Him.

I’m thankful for my parents. At times they drive me crazy but I know that no matter what, they are there for me. They have worked half their lives to give me everything I need and then some. They are my world and I love them very much.

I’m thankful for my husband. We’ve both grown up together. I’m very thankful for the twelve years I’ve spent with him. I’ll keep praying for another year…and another. He still gives me butterflies and I’m thankful for that.

I'm thankful for my family...close and distant. Family is what matters most.

I’m thankful for trust, patience, forgiveness and love…as well as hope….I could always use a little more.

I’m thankful for my friends, the ones I’ve had for many years as well as new friends. I love you all dearly.

I’m thankful to have a friend that I call sister. We are two peas in a pod and we share a brain.

I’m thankful to have finally met my sister and for Facebook…the tool that helped us find each other. The puzzle is complete and we can heal. I love her like I’ve known her my whole life.

I'm thankful for my hiking buddy and fellow squirrel. We are definitely kindred spirits.

I’m thankful for the doctors, the ones that are going to help me to have a child.

I’m thankful for the chance to be a mother.

I’m thankful to have a job when so many people are out of work.

I’m thankful to have a home, clothes to wear, food to eat, a car to drive.

I’m thankful for the Smokies…the trees…the creeks…the rocks…bears etc. The mountains are my home away from home and I need them like I need air.

I’m thankful for our soldiers.

I’m thankful to live in a country where I have freedoms.

I’m thankful for my sweet furry babies. They take all the stress away and make me smile every day.

I'm thankful for books and coffee...and a thirst for knowledge.

I’m thankful for my health.

I’m thankful for the ability to cope, to deal with things and become stronger from them.

I’m thankful for all the opportunities I have….a chance to go back to school…to learn new things…to see parts of the world. I’m thankful for the lessons I have learned:

• Cherish every moment
• Tell those you love that you love them often because you don’t know when it’ll be the last chance to tell them
• Listen more, speak less
• Watch where you put your feet
• Laugh at yourself
• Leave no trace
• Smile more
• Push yourself
• Finish what you start
• Be more positive
• If you want something go for it
• Don’t wait for tomorrow, live for today.

I’m sure I’ve left something out. I always do. Oh I know!

I’m thankful for four-day holiday weekends!!!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Hiking Adventure #4

Jessica's AKA Hammy's first overnight hike

It was a gorgeous morning in the Smokies. The leaves were just starting to change. Vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange. The chipmunks were out in full force. The trail was just an old road bed. Needless to say, it was a brisk beautiful walk to campsite #24. Sure I took an unintentional bird bath in a creek. Ricekrispy did a slippery slide into the creek herself. Refreshing!

Rice Krispy, Hammy, and I kept a decent pace and we made it to the campsite by around one o’ clock. Of course it was much too early to stop hiking for the day. If it was THAT easy we could surely make it to campsite #30 with nooo problems. We had plenty of water…we had a nice sit down…fuel in the tank. The twelve year old was doing great, Rice Krispy was keeping her heavy pack up, my feet were feelin’ fiiiine. So off we go to campsite #30….or what I now call…”The Island”. The trail became smaller. The old road bed ended and we were back to a more natural trail. Good. We like it that way. Then…we came upon some rather large…rather unavoidable…fallen trees. We managed to maneuver…very carefully…arch the back…one leg…two legs….BALANCE THE PACK…to the other side. Another tree….and another…ANOTHER? Hammy hopped her way over the trees…ahhh to be young again…arg. Then came the water crossings. Some were deep enough to barely cover the boots…others knee deep. I have to say it was the first time I did the splits in a creek :giggle:.

Are we there yet? Wait...where did the trail go? Complete wash out…over a chasm of rocks…up a bluff…down another bluff…and we were back on the trail again. The lady hikers marched on. A gentleman carrying a fishing pole with a camping sleeping bag attached to his back merrily greeted us and then went on his way...onward and upward. He was wearing jeans…and carrying a load…and boy was he moving fast :sigh:. Just when we thought it was almost over…the trail took a nosedive…straight DOWN. What else is this trail gonna throw at us? I...delirious with exhaustion…just sat my butt right in the middle of the trail. ::Giggle:: easy trail…noooo problem…HAH!

So we sat…and we thought of ways to get down that would not end in one of us breaking something. I thought…I’ll scoot down on my rear. Perhaps we could just throw our heavy packs down. Then…we saw him. The smiling man with the fishing pole. His pack was gone…that must be the campsite right…over…there! ::Squeel:: Figures…I collapsed right before we found camp. Ok…we can do this! The packs were strapped back on. We hiked right down the ravine. Ok...not as bad as it looked. Ahh I heard the sounds of a creek…on both sides of us. We were surrounded. I could SEE the firepit of the campsite…it was so close...and yet…so far away. Surely we weren’t supposed to climb over rocks and through a swift moving creek…and...up a bluff to get to it. So…on we went…and before we knew it…the trail had ended and we were worming our way through a grove of thick low trees. They looked like mini magnolias.

Water…more water…deeper…wider…all around. I got my survival whistle and blew it until I was blue in the face. The fisherman had vanished :poof:. Ok let’s back track…no…definitely not another branch of the trail. Back and forth…back and forth. Daylight was fading fast. Ok...I cry uncle…stealth camping anyone? No..no…no good spots. A firepit would be glorious. Ok…only one way up there. Over the rocks and through the knee deep fast moving cold water we went…then…up a bluff. Ahhh. Finally. I was going to stay there and live forever and always. I’ll send for the husband and dogs! “Tell me again why we do this?” said Ricekrispy. “Because we love it!” I said with a smile to keep from CRYING!

It was time to set up camp. “The Island” was damp and cold but the view of the water on each side was a lovely sight to behold. The trees were magnificent. It was secluded. We made it!

Ok the tent was up…the hammock was hanging…the packs were far enough away. What bear in his right mind would think of coming over here eh?! The camp stove worked like a dream. For once, we had warm food in our stomach. The wet socks etc were thrown over a laundry line. The boots…marinating on some rocks. It’s was pretty darn close to hikers midnight. The air was chilly. It was time to curl up on the ground and think about sleep. The 12 year old was my tent mate. At one point I was almost certain she was a little tree frog. I almost threw her out of the tent before I snapped to the realization that she was indeed Hammy. What a night it was.

I thought the sun would never come up. It's amazing how the simple things in life...the most wonderful things in life are the ones we take for granted...or just forget about. The sun is an amazing orb of warmth and happiness!!! I was up before everyone. Snapping photos and saying goodbye to this...island. Time to pack it all up...fill'er up with water. Achy cold sleepy bones were moving a little slower. We were off again...into the morning mist.

We made it over all the obstacles with no problems. They were much easier to tackle after a night of rest. We were flying back down the trail in record time. We had all gotten our second winds! Now it was time to try Cucumber trail. Why not? We want to cover as much trail as we can. It was very interesting to say the least. The trail was deep in the woods and made me feel as if I was on a jungle expedition. It was decorated with hanging vines and tree roots...definitely one of the more scenic trails we had been on. Majestic trees...deep ravines...mossy boulders...all very nice. It was mostly up hill and I lived up to my trail name..Inchworm. As I huffed and puffed I yelled to RiceKrispy "Tell me why we do this?!?!?!" "Because we LOVE it!!!" was the reply...of course.

Another hiking trip over. We survived. Hammy has earned her hiking boots. A hot shower brings us all back to life. My bed never felt so good!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

All Girls Camping Trip '09

Well things didn't go exactly as planned. The sky opened up and it rained...and rained...and rained. However, the view was still gorgeous, the campfire was hot and the food was great. Many laughs were still had and I can't wait to do it again. Mother nature only added to the adventure!

Thanks Dove!

Octagon Hall's 150th Anniversary Celebration

Located in Franklin Ky, the Octagon House was built in 1843 by Andrew Caldwell. During the Civil War, Caldwell offered shelter to many confederate soldiers.

Octagon Hall is a very unique structure. It was built over a span of 16 years. The foundation blocks were quarried from natural limestone deposits in the area. The bricks were made by hand on site. One of Caldwells slaves was a very skilled craftsman. He carved the eight-sided posts that are a part of the banisters in the main stairwell and all the interior woodwork. The trees on the grounds are very unique as well and some are the oldest and largest in the state of KY.

Octagon Hall was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers

Mary Elizabeth's Room

The kitchen where Mary Elizabeth was badly burned. The story is that she was playing near the fire and an ember popped out onto her dress. She was very badly burned and only lived for a few days after the incident.

The final resting place of Elizabeth Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth, and a small son.

The gate to the slave cemetery

The Cyprus grove around the slave burial plots

Slave quarters

The new owners of Octagon Hall, Billy and Barry Baird, are researching some of the unmarked graves and giving them a proper grave marker.

This behemoth of a tree was planted near the time the house was built. It is breathtaking to see in person.

Gorgeous Farm

On the Left: PAUL BROWNING, author and founder of CGH

On the Right: TOMMY GOLDEN, author and founder of MTGC

KEITH AGE

Paranormal Investigator

Host of SyFy Channel's "Spooked:The Ghosts of Waverly Hills Sanitorium"

Founder of Louisville Ghost Hunter's Society

The "Rock and Roll" ghost hunter

RHIANNON WAITS

Psychic-Author-Talk Show Host

Secrets

I know that the internet is not the place to air personal family matters. People do it all the time. I find it a bit disrespectful. However, in this case, I will make an exception. Writing is my therapy. Words are my medicine. Not only that... but I feel the need to tell the world because some secrets need to be told.

I'm not going to play the blame game or name names. I love my family...every dysfunctional piece of them. The good intentions and the horrible mistakes...are all a part of the story. I'd like to think that everything happens for a reason. I'm the product of an ugly secret and bad judgment but I know I'm not alone.

It's amazing how you feel when you know all the facts...the whole truth...when every piece of the puzzle clicks into place. I feel like someone opened a book that I buried deep inside of me and now I can sort through all the pages inside and put them in order. I can make sense of them. I can heal. There's still time for a happy ending.

I've accepted the fact that I'll never truly know why I was cheated out of knowing my sister for so long. An apology and an explanation can not bring back all those years.

I'm such a "daddy's girl". It's hard to accept that the man I looked up to did something so horribly wrong. The hero can't be a coward...a scared child. I love him dearly. I still want to believe that he is a good man that made some very poor decisions. I still remain completely heartbroken. However, I'm a forgiving person. Forgiveness and honesty is something that was left out of "the plot" way too often. I won't make the same mistakes. Life is too short.

God has a way of setting things right. We have found each other. I have 29 years worth of things to tell her. I'm going to know her and I'm going to shout from the mountain tops the fact that I do. We can close that chapter of our lives and make the next ones the best ever :-).

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Adoption day

Seven weeks went by so quickly. My three little girls were picked up by their new owners today :pout:.

The little Vienna mini me (on the left) went home with Shirley, a lady I work with, and her hubby.Evidently she's a talented escape artist. She also insists on sleeping next to Shirley's husbands boots.

My chubby girl (in the middle) lives with Belinda's mother (I work with Belinda as well).She has been named Abby after a character on the show NCIS. She is just like her daddy Oskar.

The sweet little fluffy runt belongs to Belinda and her hubby Stew. She is
the most laid back out of the trio and loves to be held and snuggled.


I miss them so much!

*Update*

My girls have names. In order from left to right:

Sophie, Abigail, and Winnie

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

The Fruit and Berry Patch

This is my new favorite place. The farm offers everything from strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, sweet corn, local honey and much much more. Check out their website for more info:

The Fruit and Berry Patch

I forced the hubby and my parents to go to the farm....then I put them all to work picking berries for me Mwahahahahah

Just enough for a kettle of dumplins :-)

The smell was divine!

One little...two little...3 little weiner dogs

Oskar and Vienna are proud parents of 3 little girls!

Born July 24th 2009

They are adorable and I would love to keep them. However, they have already been adopted. I will post adoption pics in 7 weeks when they leave to be with their new parents :sniffle:.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

So of course....per tradition...I dragged Bryan out to see the new HP movie. Constance and her brood came along with. I will say that I was a bit disappointed with the lack of Tonks. I would have also appreciated more of Luna....she's a great comedic relief character. I know there's always going to be things from the book that don't make it to the big screen. Also, I know that there's going to be things added in to "spice" up the movie so I can't complain too much. The movie was great. I particularly enjoyed the drama between Ron and Hermione. As usual, it only makes me want more. I can't wait for the next movie!