Sisters Weekend 2019

As our Mom's memory faded 

and her Alzheimer's progressed,

seeing me in person became distressing.

She knew she should know me but she didn't

and the upset lasted for weeks after my visits.

So my sister and I started meeting "away" 

 to stay connected with each other and

to give my sister a mini-vacation break.

The tradition has continued.

Over the years we've met in St. Louis, Franklin TN,

 Nashville, Louisville, Bardstown, and Minneapolis.

This year (after a multi-year hiatus)

our destination was Gatlinburg TN

and our spouses were included.

The town was decorated from one end to the other

with scarecrows, pumpkins, and these colorful pumpkin folks.

Our favorite parts of the weekend involved time 

in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

We drove miles and miles up and down

 narrow, twisting roads like this one -

stopping frequently to enjoy water cascading over rocks,

flowing creeks, wildlife, and amazing vistas.

This photo was taken from the newly completed section

of Foothills Parkway - a glorious way to drive around

the outside of the park's northern border.

It was intensely beautiful and 

such an appreciated respite from

 the busy-ness of everyday living.

* * *

Yours truly with the "welcome ranger."

DH with the "coffee guy."

(the heat index that day was 96)

And our latest five-year photo.

* * *

Other highlights:

We saw a mother bear and her two cubs in the National Park.

We also saw lots of wild turkeys in the Park.

Funniest moment - watching a yorkie-type dog wearing goggles

traveling in a custom seat on the back of his peoples' motorcycle

as they cruised down the city's main street.

* * *

It was a wonderful weekend!

Quiltdivajulie

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“It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility.”

Rachel Carson