Go Away Little Insects!

Isn't it strange how you can get your mind on something and it just won't go away? That often happens to me when I'm trying to get to sleep. Today, I got to thinking about those insect bites that I had gotten yesterday after the other lady was complaining about hers. I have to admit that I wasn't very pleased with the Ban-Aid Anti-Itch Gel that was recommended. I have been itching a lot today. Finally, Don whipped out his prescription salve that he has for an itchy rash that he gets quite often. Now I can say that it works so much better than this other stuff! Do you have a non-prescription remedy that really and truly works? If so, I would appreciate your sharing that with me. In fact, I will give you a tube of the BandAid stuff which works some but not enough for true satisfaction.

Don and I have been playing in the bean, peas and corn today. I always look forward to the veggie truck which comes around only 4 times during the summer bringing fresh/frozen (that sound odd, doesn't it?) veggies. I always buy baby limas, white corn, and field peas with snaps off the truck. They are the next best thing to fresh from the garden but are so much less trouble. We really love them. If you are interested in the name of the business, let me know because they visit a lot of the cities nearby. They come in a big box and we put them in quart-size freezer bags and freeze them. Hopefully, we will have enough to get us through the part of the summer and the winter.

Today has been Western Movies Day on the Hallmark channel and I do love my westerns! Yet, I have not watched a single one all the way through. I started watching one, fell asleep, and missed a few minutes of it; so I decided to work on reunion stuff instead. Now, I think I will go watch some of "Lonesome Dove". Don likes Robert Duvall so much and he's the main actor in that. I understand he is kin to Robert E. Lee. No wonder he seems to be a nice guy! One of the counties in our state is named Lee and they are celebrating their anniversary and are looking for a look-a-like for Lee. I wonder if they were able to get Duvall to come over. I would have been there had they announced that! (I'm sure there are lots of states with a Lee County though, all of which would have been named after R.E.).

Sunday is almost here. May you have a peaceful one, a restful one, a safe one, and a happy one, full of the Lord's presence. Say a prayer for me and I'll remember you too. (And remember to pray for the safety of this world).

Power of Suggestion

I don't know how powerful suggestion can be but I was in the beauty shop yesterday and a lady kept complaining about her insect bites itching so badly. I had not had such a problem but I tolerated her complaints. Finally, our beautician opened a cabinet and pulled out a product called "Band-Aid Anti-itch Gel". I don't know if she has stock in the company or not but she declares that it's the next best thing to a prescription salve. What do you suppose happened to me today; mosquitoes found the most vulnerable place on my body, right behind my right knee! (It seems to be a bit juicier there I think). With none of the miracle gel in the house, I had to go visit my big buddy, Wally. (Actually I visited the local pharmacy yesterday but the lady with the whines from the beauty shop beat me there and bought the only 2 tubes in the place). Today, I went ahead and bought 2 tubes so that I could have one in the motorcoach. I splashed some of the gel behind the knee, then came to play on the computer. I noticed that the itching had actually stopped; however, while sitting with my legs under the desk, I suddenly felt a bite behind the left knee! There must be a little varmint in the house and he's following me around. Now, I have applied gel behind that knee. Now, I'm beginning to itch everywhere! I believe I'm becoming the "whiner" of the day.

I hope my story hasn't done a number on you. Perhaps the power of suggestion has lost its strength now and you won't be bothered; but, if you are, try the Band-Aid Anti-itch gel. My friend, Fran, introduced me to some concoction she has that is an excellent spot remover, especially on carpet and upholstery she says. Well, I mixed up some of that and I have it ready for whenever the next mess is made in my house. That recipe is 2 tsp. Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and enough water to turn the solution a very pale blue. I observed her using it on upholstered chairs at church; then, as usual, I spilled something on my blouse and tried it. It actually did the trick. Maybe these tricks will work for you too.

Special Day for My Friends

Spending time talking with friends about the big reunion was a lot of fun today. We all decided to take the day off from things we didn't want to do and just enjoy reminiscing. So many people have said they hated that they chose not to attend, especially after hearing everyone raving about the great time that we shared. Next, the committee will have to re-convene to determine when the next one will be held, examine ways to improve the event, and seek a place to store our materials/equipment. We know that one of the other local high schools which is no longer in existence has a room leased in one of the schools to store their things so we think that perhaps we should look into doing the same. It's not fair for one of the committee members to have to store everything at her home. I know that I don't want to do that (I really don't have room to store all my own things, at least not in any orderly fashion).

My very good friends are celebrating their anniversary today and I missed them at choir practice tonight. I'm not sure how many years they have been married, but I believe that it's in the neighborhood of 48. They are a very special couple to me, my family, and many others and we are all hoping that they went somewhere other than Sonic to celebrate! It seems that last year, instead of celebrating their time together, they celebrated with their grandson who just happened to choose Sonic (I think that's the right place) for their night out! Perhaps tonight, they did it up in high fashion; if not, I'm sure that big 5-0 is coming up very soon and that means "P-a-r-t-y", not party like drinking, etc., but party with friends. I remember when this couple first married. I often visited them in the nearby city and sometimes even spent the night with them. I depended on Rob just as his wife does today. We grew up, almost like brother and sister and he used to help me with special homework projects. I remember buying a Vespa motorscooter and Rob drove it home for me (they had one so I needed one, too).
His wife and I have been friends as far back as I can remember, like sisters we were and are. Whenever one of us got something new, the other would soon have one too. We just had to be just alike. We made a great trio too which I think I have mentioned before. As we grew up, I recall double-dating once but I definitely did not marry the guy I was with as did Fran! He was an ok guy, but not a Rob. I could spin some yarns about our teenage years and beyond. (Some other time perhaps). For tonight though, I just say a very happy anniversary to my dear, dear friends, my brother and sister, Fran and Rob! May you have many, many more!

Rambling Thoughts

I must get a more workable schedule. This staying up until after midnight probably isn't too good for me; however, I just can't seem to get in the bed sooner. I often get sleepy much earlier but by the time I actually retire, I'm wide awake. Perhaps my daughter will tell me how she manages to be ready for "Sleepytown" at a much earlier hour.

Do you watch the "Wonder Years" on the ION station? The program was popular in the early 80's I think. I'm not really from that generation and I sometimes feel the gap there, but there are some very good lessons to learn from the young boy, Kevin. Conquering fears is one lesson to which I pay attention but I still have some that I cannot overcome, one being the fear of snakes. I challenge you to think of all your fears and try to think of ways to conquer them. Other fears that I "fear" include the dark, being alone, spiders, big people with staring eyes, and many others. I must also admit that I fear death but realize that the best of life is on the other side. Hmmm... how did I get on this subject?

My pastor just sent me a web site for Bible drills. He said they were addictive and, believe me, they really are. That's the main reason that I'm still on the computer. My first test was not so good, only 60%. After that, I guess I paid more attention to the questions and scored 90 or 100 % every time. That's fun. You should try it. Just try find some site about Bible Drill on your web. I'm not allowed to post the actual site on my blog.

Changing Gears

Like at old-fashioned car, I've been slow at changing gears since last weekend as you have probably noticed since I haven't blogged in quite some time. In fact, I have been fussed at by my good buddy for neglecting to fill in some of my life's blanks. So, here goes, J.C.

Last Friday and Saturday, many of us had the time of our lives at our huge high school reunion. The longevity of our high school was 1921-1970 and would you believe that we have some graduates from 1928! Most of us were grads of the mid-fifties through the mid-sixties. There were over 200 present each night. The first night, we had speakers, one of whom is 96 years young (and one of the most handsome men present!). He made a humorous speech about our hometown and included many facts most of us didn't know. The meal we shared was delicious! (Local caterers were used). I heard someone say that he saw old friends that he had not seen in over 50 years!
Saturday evening, we enjoyed a nostalgic "stroll" down the old main street of our hometown, a beautiful display of all the old shops that used to line the street. This amazing project was done by several of our former classmates and will be presented to our local historic society. Anyone who skipped the reunion and missed this experience will probably regret their decision not to attend.

Now, I have changed gears, twice actually. Last night, I was involved in our church's nominating committee. We must nominate all the officers and committee members by mid-August, so that takes some time. Second, our church trip must become a priority for me. I have designed a couple of checklists, questionnaires, etc for that trip. Now, I must submit the cash to the bus company.

The third project which I must get back to, is our high school class reunion. We have a planning meeting this Thursday evening but I must meet with another member to copy photos which we hope to use in some way.

I really do enjoy having gears to change in my life. It makes the days more interesting and gives me an added purpose for living. I thank God for giving me the stamina, the abilities, the confidence, the desire to be involved; in addition, I'm thankful that He gave others the confidence in me to appoint/allow me to be a part of the team. Now it's time to put myself in low gear and "scratch off"!

Jobs Completed!

My list of jobs to complete is slowly but surely shrinking in size, at least that's what I thought. I had completed Mother's Day, Father's Day, Bible School, Relay for Life, and routine jobs. I still am working on our senior class reunion but thought I was finished with the big high school reunion...not! This afternoon, we now have to collate, punch holes, put covers on directories. Wednesday, we have to add graduate name labels. Friday is the first night of the two-night reunion at which I may have to work the registration table. I know that I must work part of Saturday night. Our church nomination committee, on which I serve, must begin its meetings soon and name recommendations for offices and committees. That's fun too. I am having fun with this though. It's so much better to stay busy.

My son came home yesterday and told me that he is going on vacation next week. I am so happy for him because he so seldom takes any time off. He, like his mom used to be, is a workaholic (at least that's what he says if I suggest that he slow down). I fear that I did work too hard at one time and burned the candle at both ends. What would we do if we just sat around with nothing to which to look forward? I have so much that sometimes it does make me tired to think about...like right now... hmm, maybe a very short nap would be good about now. But first, my doctor just called and said the antibiotic he gave me last week was resistent to the type of infection that I have so I must make a trip to the pharmacy (nothing serious, just one of those aggravating viruses/bacteria).

Using my Brain

I used my brain this morning. When I couldn't print my program because I was out of black ink and didn't have a spare, I thought of something to do. So, this morning, I came in and change the color of my print to midnight blue. Why didn't I think of that last night before I fretted about it, trying to come up with a solution. I had even emailed attachments to a friend and asked her to print and bring to me at church. I'm not computer smart as you can tell, but, I'm proud that I could think of a solution!!

No Ink! Grrr!

I can't believe that I haven't blogged since Tuesday but that must be true. This week has not been one of my favorites although I won't complain (well, not much anyway). Let me just tell you how busy this week has been: first, Monday night we had a Baptist Women's Meeting; Tuesday, I can't even remember; Wednesday, Vacation Bible School; Thursday, Bible School continued; Friday, Relay for Life Final 2007 Team Meeting; Saturday, final Bible School Day with cookout. I must say that I truly enjoyed the entire week; seeing the little children and their eagerness made me feel younger again.
In between these evening times, I had the honor and enjoyment of keeping my 2 little grandchildren while their mom and Don took care of business. They were an absolute delight the entire 4 hours. I read many books many times and lay in the floor with them and tried to make something that looked like a bulldozer with K'nex (NOT! I noted too late the age for those were age 6 or above and that's one toy that is not lying! In fact, they are too much for an adult I'm thinking).

Tonight, I have been trying to finish preparations for a Father's Day program at church and what do you know; the black ink ran out in my printer! Wouldn't you know that I have no extra one! Grrr! Now, I'm in a bind because nothing around here will be open in the morning. I'm trying to send it to my sister and see if she can print it out for me. Hopefully, that will be the ticket to success!

Why all the Smiling Faces?

We finally got some much-needed rain last night; however, not nearly so much as we need in the South. Today is a bright, sunny day, one that lifts the spirits and is making everyone smile a bit wider. Or, is the bigger smile for a different reason I wonder. It seems that the children got out of school for their long-awaited summer vacation last Friday, so they all seem more chipper. But the real smiles are found on the teachers, assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc. I know it can't be because they don't have to face rooms full of children for two months, could it? And, then there are several I know who are retiring this year after 20 or more years spent with the children in a classroom. Even though they have one more day to work (without students), that fact is not putting a damper on today's joy, I can tell you that! I wonder how many will miss their work, how many will continue being thrilled over their retirement decisions, or how many will decide to return to work. Speaking from experience, I first missed the work but more than anything else, I missed my friends. My advice is to work hard to maintain your friendships and you will not regret your decision. Plan a monthly outing with your friends, make new ones, get involved in other projects; just stay busy. That's what I am doing, staying busy, too busy actually. I, too, miss some of my friends who haven't retired and who are just too busy to make time for me. It's a practice that both parties must work toward, to keep a friendship alive. After moving from place to place, I have lost contact with many of my former friends, mainly because I didn't work at it the way I should have. My mother always told me, "to have a friend, you must be a friend". I believe that to this day. Sometimes I have worked hard at this and other times I have been lax. Everyone needs friends and I regret that I haven't done my part to keep the friendship burning between some of my former friends and me. I really am going to try to spark the embers and revive those wonderful memories. It's never too late to make a friend or to keep a friend. Try it. You will someday be glad you did. When your children are grown and gone, who will be there with you, to encourage you, to provide that much-needed friendly togetherness? I don't know about you, but I need and love friendship. As the Bible says, love is the greatest and we need to love one another.

Friends are Fussing

A few of my friends are fussing because I am so busy with so many different projects; they say that I should give some of them up to younger people, that I'm not capable of handling everything. I say they are my friends because they really are, even though it doesn't sound like it does it? On the contrary, they believe that I should be doing things that I enjoy, having fun, etc. I guess I forgot to mention to them that I do have fun doing some of my projects; I am doing many things that I enjoy. I understand from where they are coming though and I do tend to agree with them to a point. There are a few projects that I do that make me worry too much and those I think I should relinquish to younger folks. On the other hand, I don't want to stop doing all my projects or I may just stop, period. I do think that fresh ideas and new ways of doing old things would be interesting to all who have to witness the finished products. I'm thinking seriously of giving up preparing programs at church, such as Father's Day and part of the Mother's Day programs. It would be nice just to be a mother some year. Someone else probably should be the secretary of our Baptist Women, someone who is there almost every month because I do miss several each year. Some of my projects have ended for the year (Relay for Life, two family reunions, etc.); others will end soon, such as the big high school reunion and the senior class reunion. I do need something to do though other than the visits to Curves, the meals with friends, and the required routine things. Maybe I will just look for some new and different things in which to get involved. Now, that sounds like fun.

A Weekend of Multi-Activities

It seems that I had more time to blog while on my trip than I have since we arrived home. There is always so much to do when you return from vacation; for example, I haven't even caught up on my washing yet. Usually, I keep up with the wash on our trips since I have a washer/dryer in the motorcoach but I figured it would be fine to wait until we returned home. I forgot that we had a Sunday School party on Friday night and then I had a family reunion to attend today. This is usually over no later than 2:30; however, today, folks wanted to stay over, perhaps because we had a visiting member from California to attend for the first time. We also had a relative from Washington, DC, who talked about the DNA project that he is doing which is identifying family members and ancestry lines. That was very interesting but I only understood maybe half of it. We also had a cousin present who is writing the book about the family. His grandfather, who can be found in all the state history books, a magazine editor, etc. wrote his book in the 1960's but this one should include more information. We just have more knowledge now than we did back when.

I'm still working on my sub-committe planning for our big high school reunion. And, our church trip plans are becoming more realistic now too. Staying busy is good but I'm getting tired. Then we have Bible School coming up this week, Baptist Women's meeting, and Father's Day next Sunday. Fun...fun...fun...

Shatley Springs

Shatley Springs Inn




This is Shatley Springs Inn and restaurant. There is one souvenir/gift shop on the premises, water that you can purchase for 45 cents a half gallon (You fill up your purchased container at the artesian well), and small cabins on a small lake. The restaurant, which had a 95 grade I think, has excellent breakfast and dinner food; we didn't try lunch here. The parking lot was full of Mercedes, BMW's, etc., all who love the food here. We will return here on our next trip to the Jefferson/ Piney Creek/Chandler area, etc. areas of North Carolina.

Time to Go South

We took a few short treks today, once to have breakfast at the Shatley Springs Inn Restaurant. For a place in the middle of nowhere, it does stay very busy. That's what good food and good water will do for you. Then we spent awhile riding the mountain ranges (once again we could have used Daniel Boone's assistance when we ended up on a dirt road, 2 very, very narrow antiquated bridges, and an intersection with no directions. It's been a lot of fun for us these 8 days but now it's time to head south. We hope to return soon with perhaps a different cell phone company because Sprint just will not work here (they way there are no towers here). People here say Verizon and Alltel work best in this area.

We met the couple camping next to us this afternoon. They are full-timers but love it so much up here that they have bought 4 acres of land and are building a cabin which they hope to be in by November. The owners of the campground are sitting on a gold mine but are very slow getting it in the condition it needs to be in. He's one who wants to do all the work himself and that means years of hard labor.

Cruisin' Down the New River

The day was partly sunny, the temperature in the low 70's but the people on the New River were enjoying the gentle currents as they paddled leisurely at Piney Creek heading south toward the twin Jefferson towns. Everything was peaceful, quiet, serene; even the boaters were almost silent, showing their reverence for the beauty that God had given them to enjoy. Many times as we step outside our RV, we can see a canoe or two floating by, but you very seldom even hear a voice.

I have always thought it fascinating that this river is called the New River when it is one of the oldest rivers in the world. It's also one of the most beautiful rivers that I have ever seen. I especially feel unafraid of it although I do respect all waters. In most places, the river has been found to be very shallow. In fact, there are places where one has to get out of the canoe and carry it across the rocks (this is to protect the canoe.)

Notice the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. They were named thus because they actually look blue in the distance. These mountains are very old, very smooth, very green actually (not like the newer rugged Rockies).

What wonderful memories these families and friends are making as they paddle along together in their canoes and kayaks, a few floating on tubes. I can almost feel their smiles, their happiness, can you?

Where's Daniel Boone?

Don and I have done lots of riding once again through the mountains. We didn't get quite so lost today as yesterday but we did end up on some dirt roads again. I know if the lady on the GPS could come to life she would be furious! She kept telling us to turn left, turn right, turn sharply to the left! You could hear the fury in her voice. We had to laugh because she was lost and also upset as were we. And when Don said," Even Daniel Boone would get lost on these mountain paths!", I lost it! We have had a lot of fun even when we didn't have enough sense to find our way home. This is what I call a great vacation, one that is coming to a close after just one more day. We'll savor this one until we take the next one.

If you ever plan to visit the Jefferson, West Jefferson area of North Carolina, make a note that many of the businesses are closed on Tuesdays, especially the antique places. We learned that the hard way by driving 15 miles to the towns to find them closed. Also, our favorite restaurant, Bakery Cafe, in Glendale Falls is closed ONLY on Tuesdays.

Your Mother May Ask

Several days ago I blogged about not seeing anyone that I know anymore around home because of the influx of people from other parts of the country. I also mentioned that my mom always asked me if I saw anyone that I knew when I went on trips, any trips, nearby or far away. Well, on the way to the mountains last Thursday, we were driving up the interstate about 2+ hours from home, when a black Honda went by us blowing its horn like crazy. This arm started waving out the window of the car at me; then, the lady stuck her head out the window and yelled at me! I was as surprised to see her as she was to see me (I was driving the big RV you can see in a previous blog)! The lady was our church choir director traveling South to her daughter's wedding last weekend! As my mother would say, "Now, that's a caution!" It just goes to show you that at the most unexpected moment, someone may appear that you don't expect to see! Now, I know why she always asked me that question.

This situation reminded me of our church trip to New Orleans. On our return trip, we stopped in Alabama for lunch at a Cracker Barrel when someone yelled at us. This time it was one of our previous choir directors (She had moved from our church quite some time prior to our seeing her)! Man, do those music people get around!

The lesson in this for those who may misbehave: beware, someone is always going to be around to see you. So, be good, everyone; your mother may ask you questions!

Lost in the Hills

That's right. We actually got lost in the hills of N.C. and Virginia! We even had our GPS but it got so confused going around all those mountains. We were driving down a mountain road that had center lines; then the lines disappeared and the road narrowed significantly; then the road became gravel and later dirt. We continued on and the road became a narrow one lane with grass growing between the dirt ruts. We couldn't find a place to turn around for several miles and wouldn't you know "Mother Nature" rang our bell. All we saw were some very healthy cows and a lot of abandoned houses along the way (I told Don that the place was actually a little spooky). I think we met 3 vehicles during this very long trek. The GPS was trying to send us down pasture lanes. Finally, we found a road that was on our map and after several miles, we ended up at a very small crossroads that had a service station. Hallelujah, they had food, fuel for $2.93/gal and best of all, restrooms! By this time, we were in need of fuel and the price was the best we had seen anywhere on this trip.
When we discovered where we were, we were within 15 miles of our campground! What a round we went, around and around several mountains.

After a brief rest at the campground, we decided to treat ourselves to a wonderful family-style meal at Shatley Springs Inn and Restaurant. People drive for miles and miles to eat at this restaurant and to drink their healthy water. I recommend you try this place if you are ever in the area.

Let's Stay Awhile

Here are a couple photos of the Trinity Episcopal church and the fresco of "The Last Supper". We didn't think this church was quite as impressive as the other one. The photos are bit darker too. This church is located in Glendale Springs, NC, a nice little town with a really good restaurant called Bakery Cafe; it's small, not grand at all but the food is very good, especially their Black Angus burgers and their pastrami on homemade rye/pumpernickel bread with sauerkraut (according to Don, not to me because I don't like sauerkraut).

Today, if the restaurant is open, we plan to eat at Shatley Springs Restaurant which we have heard so much about although the reports have been both positive and negative. We'll give you our opinion soon we hope.It looks like the day will be a bit cool here but comfortable, around 70 I think. It's partly sunny, a good day to go sightseeing. Don wants to go antiquing I think.

We have decided to remain at this campground until we leave for home on Thursday. It's convenient, we have satellite, 50 amp service, full hookups, a view of the New River, and are settled in (it's beginning to feel a little like "home" even though the place is unfinished and we understand it has been this way since 2003!).

Photos of the Frescoes

We have had to stay inside the RV today because of the rains (I'm not complaining because rain is so badly needed in this area of the state). Here are some more photos taken of the frescoes of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. The fresco of a pregnant Mary was and is quite controversial so we were told and I understand that. I have some problems with it myself even though they can be seen all over Europe (I couldn't exactly feel comfortable with them either). The third fresco is one of John the Baptist as he preached. He is also the one who baptised Jesus. Notice how clearly the resurrected Jesus shows up in the fresco to the right.

I hope you enjoy these photos. They turned out much better than I thought they were since it was quite dark inside St. Mary's.

I plan to attempt to include a few more photos tomorrow.

Home on the Road

Home on the Road

This '03 Alfa is our home on the road and we've enjoyed traveling in it since we purchased it in September '02. We've had very few problems with it, the major one being a leak over the slide-out. With the rain we are having today, we are finding ourselves dry and cozy as we listen to Reverend Charles Stanley on our satellite system. (We have all the conveniences of home right at our fingertips. With only 400 square feet to keep clean and neat, I spend very little time cleaning!

The church you see is the St. Mary's Episcopal Church in West Jefferson, NC. There are three beautiful frescoes inside, one of which you see here, Christ being crucified and ascending into Heaven. One thing I learned was about the cross. We were told that the crosses they used were like a capital "T" without the 4 points that we usually think of. (Sometimes there may be a tiny stub above).
If you ever get a chance to see the church and the frescoes, it's well worth the trip. North Carolina is a beautiful state, from East to West and North to South. The only problem is that it is getting too congested in many areas. People are learning more about the best-kept secret.

Rambling On

I had planned to attach some photos tonight but I can't get to my computer/camera attachment. Check back later and I will try to do that.
We have really had a great time doing nothing but enjoying the weather, the river, the friendly atmosphere, the country cooking, the beautiful scenery, and each other. I have enjoyed having "free" internet connection, especially since we have no phone service. Tomorrow, we move to another RV park. It is a beautiful place to camp along the river; however, it's a very isolated area with absolutely no amenities I'm afraid. The office is a small trailer but the couple running the park are so nice. And the campers were also very friendly. We will stay there a couple of nights I imagine before moving on to another area.
Today we rode some of the most isolated back roads we could find. Don says that we will be buying a canoe because he insists that one is a necessity when camping near a river that has a very gentle current. Of course, when he gets back home and back into the routine of home life, he may change his mind (I doubt that though).
I've been rambling in this blog just as we have done all day. Rather than rambling on, I'll wait until the morning when I add some photos.

One Plus; Two Minuses

We have been having a great day today, riding around the many country roads here in the mountains. The weather has been great; the people so friendly; the food very, very good. The campground is not that great. A minus for the park: I've been having trouble getting on the internet and I'm actually only getting on through the office which is near our RV. Don says I cannot complain since I'm on free of charge. I am unable to send any emails though but if you want to email me, I am able to receive those (That's a Plus!). Another minus here is that my cell phone doesn't work. I have one bar but that's just not enough to get out. The owners say that it's because I'm on Sprint and they have no towers in the area.

Today, we have watched a few folks tubing down the river which is right in front of our site. There have also been several canoes, one even rowing upstream! We did a little shopping in the local Emporium. We went to Shatley Springs where I spent 45 cents for a quart of their water that's supposed to make all of my ailments disappear. When I asked the lady there about the miracle cures within the water, and she said, "The water will cure you of many ailments, but you must drink it every day for a long time." FYI: the water tastes very good; it is very cool when it comes from the spring; it's really clear; and, I feel just like I did before I drank 2 glasses of the pure spring water.