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We, SL and I, went to Gatlinburg, TN this weekend. If you have not heard of it or been there, it is a little burg at the start of the Smoky Mountains National Park -- the most-visited National Park in the USA and they have the traffic to prove it! During the winter it is a ski destination, with the second or third largest gondola to the top in the world, or so they say. The main drag is what you would expect, store after store of touristy stuff, interspersed with some decent restaurants. I have, being that I am from Tennessee, been there more times than I can count, but it is always fun to go back.

Our reason for going, was, dare I admit, another powerlifting contest. First place trophies were the neatest items ---- "battle swords" about 5' long!!! ---- really, really cool!!! Well, it isn't hanging on the wall yet, we are still deciding where to put it, but I digress. Got to tell some of the other stuff.

We got a deal $99.00 for three nights and four days at a very nice hotel and two free tickets to Dollywood. All we had to do was sit through a 1 1/2 hour Timeshare presentation. I won't go into details on that either, but I will say I was impressed, in fact, we both were. Not only with the facilities, but the options, trading up and the 12 optional weeks per year, and on and on. I was in direct insurance sales for, well let's just say a very long time and this kid that talked to us was good, but he had one heck of a product, also. We are still impressed with what they offer. I had actually met the guy who started the whole organization many years ago. Anyway, we did not buy ---- yet, but it would be worth serious consideration, for anyone that is interested. They have really come a long way in what they market now. In the early days, they were a real "rip-off" but now very, very legit!!!!!!

Dollywood, we did not know it was country gospel week or something like that --- 'nuff said! Anyway, I was having fun chatting with the different staff and actually learning a few things. They have two guys who build actual horse drawn wagons and various shapes and sizes. He gave me an idea that one of his recent clients is now doing. He built an old timey horse drawn, glass sided, funeral hearse. He did not say where the guy is, but he has two white horses and pulls the casket to the cemetery, takes about 2 hours for each and gets $750.00 per pull!!!!! Let's see if he averages 2 a week that's say 100 a year that's ---? that's ?? that's a lot of oats!!!!!!

My most fun one though was the copper smith. Here is this guy turning copper tubing into all kinds of decorations and fountains and yard ornaments, really talented. Then along comes ME!!! "Excuse me, sir!? Do you make house calls?" The copper smith says, "Huh? Uh!? Well, uh?! What did you have in mind?" Now don't get ahead of me (Carol Ann), in my most serious tone, I sheepishly look around first then lean forward and whisper, "Well, ........ my still needs some work, and....." He almost jumped back, turns a bit white and stutters, "Oh, God, oh no, no, no, I, I, I don't, 'er can't get involved in anything like that!!!" I knew I had over did it from his reaction and I was trying hard not to bust out laughing at him, and all I could say was, "Sorry, just kidding, just kidding!" As we walked away, I glance back and I know for a fact he was not convinced!!!!
Then there was this, uh, foursome, two guys and two, whom I assume wives??? total tonnage, yeah that about covers it! I heard him say, "We gonna get somein ta drink - what somein???" she says, "yeah, Coke!" he says (my God, as serious as a heart attack!) "Diieeeett?" Right out of some one's comedy routine, but as Tennessee as it gets!!!!!!

Sunday, Virginia and SL get dressed, fight endless traffic, but make it to Ober Gatlinburg, which is the ski Chalet at the top of the mountain, very picturesque. We took pictures and will post them soon. Yes, we know, we were not properly dressed, no torn sweat shirts, jeans and flip flops, but just not our style. We then drove the 3 1/2 hours home, stopping to visit my mom = Virginia and my grandmother=Irene (yes, I think they are both still proud of their daughter and granddaughter, although I think I heard my mother tell me that she thought my skirt may be a bit too short.)

We had a great time, hope you all can, too!

Love ya all,

Virginia

V and SL, sounds like you both had a great weekend. Was SL taking a picture as and after you talked with the coppersmith? Touristy places can be fun.

Now Virgina you listen to your Mom. Get a longer skirt at least for when you visit her.

Hi, Kimberly -

We didn't have the camera with us at Dollywood, sorry! I didn't hear the comment that Virginia made about the 'still', but the look on the coppersmith's face told me it was a doozy! Yes, I did give Virginia a slap on the head when she repeated the comment for me, and even though I told the coppersmith that Virginia was pulling his leg, it was obvious that he didn't quite believe me, either! Oh, well, we'll probably never see that guy again, but at least he has a story to pass on to family and friends!

As for Virginia's Mom and Grandmother . . . well, they're both pushing up daisies, but like we always say, "It ain't bragging if you can do it (wear a mini skirt, etc.)!!" I'm sure that both of them were spitfires in their day, too, and the apple didn't fall far from the tree!

*Hugs*

- SL

Virginia, Virginia I sure wish I could have been there for that. I haven't had a roll on the floor laugh in a long time. Good to hear you still have your sense of humor.

SL- try not to Virginia to hard...Girls got to have alittle fun

Hugs,
Danette

Sounds like a fun time. Glad you enjoyed it.

Absaroka

AH Virginia,
Now in this here part of the woods we don't talk about such thing we just does it

My oldest son got married in a little chapel in Gatlinburg.

Hey Virginia!

So you came to the Volunteer state and didn't visit with me? (Ok, what's 6 more drive hours between friend? *s*)

I'm glad you had a nice visit!! Never taken my family to the area, but maybe some time in the near future.

Gaby

Sounds very nice, The Smokies and the Blue Ridge areas were always my favorite place east of the Mississippi.

We got married in Gatlinburg, loved it there. Went to a chapel in the mountains. It was in April and was beautiful.

Good to hear you did well again virginia. Even if there was no doubt

My wife and I have been there once. And you know I took in the woodcarving exhibits.

Oh, yes, Virginia, summer of '62, and my parents took me on a trip where we spent one night in Gatlinburg. I remember doing a charcoal-and- colored-chalk drawing of the the little cabin we stayed in--probably cost $5 a night, back then, serious money!

There was a woman street artist who had just come back from lunch, and she wanted to finish her coffee. So she had us sing while she sipped away on it. 'Jimmy Crack Corn" is the only song I remember.

It's good to hear that it's as touristy as ever. I did like the place. Are we going to see a dazzling video on YouTube where you go for the Gold? (Or, in this case, a 5' blade?.)