Saturdays with Shop Boy

Luke got his first job! He says he's a 'shop boy' for Papa in his race car shop. He wears his shop rag tucked in his pants or pocket and takes a break from helping Papa move blocks and build engines to work on his 'motorcycle.' On this particular Saturday afternoon, the weather was beautiful, showing the first signs of a warm and sunny spring season ahead. He took time to play in the grass and with the dogs, but headed dutifully back to 'work in'a shop.' He loves all things mechanical and works on his toys with a play tool set of hammers, screwdivers, and a drill. Looks like he's taking after his daddy and Papa with his love of tools and 'fix-it' projects.

Luke on his 'motorcycle'

Budding motorhead

A little help from Nanny

Break for a photo-op

Gotta get back to work.....

A Fond Farwell

A sweet Gold Watch for retirement

Getting ready for the party

Last weekend we were lucky to spend some time in Wisconsin with Ben's family to celebrate his father's retirement from Kimberly Clark after nearly 25 years of service. He will be missed, but he is sure to be busy these next few months, visiting with family and friends, and reacquainting himself with the fine art of relaxation.

Ben, Luke, Lauren, her boyfriend Matt, and I all surprised Tom last Friday but flying up for the weekend of his farwell party. He didn't think any of us could come since Lauren and Matt are busy with business school and Ben has only been at his new job for 2 months. But everyone made the necessary arrangements and Susan planned a great surprise for Tom in addition to a wonderful party to send him off is style. Their home was full of neighbors and coworkers who came to salute Tom and enjoy a night of good food and great music; one of their neighbors is in a Blue and Gray, a rocking blues band, that had everyone in a good mood and tapping their toes. Luke loved the music and was at my side when they struck their first chord. He immediately made his way through a maze of people and parked himself in the front row seat of the living room sofa. He was bobbing his head and trying to snap his fingers to the beat; he even got to play the egg shakers, nabbing one for a memento of the fun.

We heard glowing remarks about Tom and his leadership with the company throughout the night. Any of us would be so lucky to have such warm farewell from our jobs. Everyone had a great time and I'd stay Tom and Susan both left Wisconsin and KC on a very high note.

After packing up and finishing his last days in the office, Tom and Susan stopped in Knoxville for their first visit on the way down South. We had a great weather for walking around Market Square, having a leisurely lunch downtown and driving them around all the areas we've been looking for a home in. We have finally decided on a rental house for the time being, so the next time they or any friends and family visit, we promise we'll be out the extended-stay hotel. It's about time after 2 months!

Enjoy the photos and look for our new address coming very soon!

Cade's Cove

Ben and I spent a nice, quiet Valentine's Day weekend in Townsend, TN in the Great Smokies. My parents gave us the gift of weekend away, keeping Luke in NC and then meeting us to visit Cade's Cove on Sunday. My sister and Mamaw came along for the trip, making it a nice family outing in the park. We saw lots of deer and make stops to visit the remaining homesteads, mills, and churches in the huge valley that made Cade's Cove a natural site for a frontier community in the otherwise rugged mountains of east Tennessee. Luke had fun running to and fro on the grounds, exploring the old log cabin homes, trying to fish pennies out of the working millrace, and pointing out the wagon and different tools left for posterity in the barns and sheds.

If you ever make the trip to visit the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, take the time to go the "quiet side of the Smokies" and spend some time in Cade's Cove. You can cover it hiking, by car, on bike and even horseback, so there's a way for everyone to enjoy it's beauty and the history of the area.