A day after the rain

We finally had rain yesterday. Last rain was May 4th! Oh my...The dogs and I sat on the porch as the rain kissed the dry hard ground. Soon the peepers deep in the dry wood started to sing their song of rejoicement. It was a quite, slow, warm rain, the Earth appreciated every drop. Snickers went out and stood in it. Duke had never seen it, so, he was quite puzzled by each drop. Our "so-called, filled in pond" was thankful, because now the grass will grow. The sound was lovely, I lingered on the porch and gave thanks for each and every drop. So, come on summer, we've been refreshed.

Another day.....

The first day of summer is just around the corner and sundown is a great time of the day here on the lake. We love the peacefulness here, the beauty and the journey God is allowing us to take. No, it's not Iowa, in the fact that our family, friends and well known names like Kimberly Rd, and Brady St are not here, but, Cumberland Gap, Great Smokey Mts., Boone Natl Forest are the names we are getting acquainted with now. So, Jeff and I look to find the new adventures, names and faces we will get to know, and are thankful of the opportunity that lies before us.

We took a trip to Pigon Forge, TN , that is where Dollywood is located, about a month ago, it's the Wisconsin Dells of the Smokeys only bigger. Same traffic jams, same discount surf shops, surf shops ~in the mountains?!? Well, it was a T R I P, one that Jeff does not want to revisit, I think Cades Cove will be our next adventure. Too many cars and lines, gawkers, children running, screams from the bungi jumpers, food, tons of places for you to lay down some green to be entertained for us. Yup, just like the Dells.

Somerset, the town adjacent to Burnside (where we live) is a "small town" with a big lake in it's backyard, so we have alot of tourists because of Lake Cumberland. It's the second largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River, and so here comes the tourists. We have the boat traffic on the weekends, the Saturday night stock car race that echo's up the lake, and traffic to contend with every weekend, but during the week and actually everyday we have the beauty of the mountains, and forest. Riding our motorcycles is a BLAST here, lots of roads that snake around the mountains and hills, and of course beautiful vistas and overlooks.

This spring Jeff spotted a black bear across the road from our home one early morning........wow, I keep my eyes open and watch the dogs carefully. We have deer that silently pass by, our late-night diner on fallen birdseed, Rocky Raccoon, and a VERY LOUD Whipporwill that is desperate to find a mate. All in all, it's a completely different life from Iowa, but a very wonderful place, this Kentucky.

We are about an hour and a half from Knoxville, TN or Lexington, KY so if I am in need of a TJ Maxx or Steinmart fix; it is possible and within reason. Gas prices are hovering at $2.89 a gallon, I'd hate to have a dual engined boat that gussels gas, but running around isn't out of the question.

On the flip side, there is alot of poverty here. I have learned that some families in our county, and other surrounding counties do not have running water, or electricty. They don't drive, and many are underfed and undereducated. This disturbs me immensly. I know this is more prevlent in the south, but have seen it first hand and it's different than just hearing about it. So, pray for these folks, that is the very best thing anyone can do is pray. I know the good Lord is a whole lot smarter than me or Gov. Ernie Fletcher and He'll know a solution, and if that involves me, well then I'll have to get involved.

Well that is all for now, I send you our our love and hope you have a wonderful day. Know we think about you all and miss your smiling faces. If you wish leave a comment, I'll look forward to reading them. Peace!

Today is Wednesday, June 6th, 2007

Well I took the plunge and have decided on a blog to share with you. Now you won't have to worry about not getting photos or emails, and you can check on whats'up with us here in Kentucky. My friend Heidi has a blog on this site so I felt it must be a good site. So, I'll let you know when the blog has been updated with new material or photos from our life on the lake.

So, have a groovy day and take care! Claudia

A rare look at a rare man!

Jeff works at a cabinet shop, he's modeling his new workshirts!

I just love this, he's really being a wild and crazy guy!

Less stress more laughs! He really likes being an employee, not an employer!

Later!

Snapshots of the 4-legged variety!

Duke is the newest baby in the house...

Harley thinks he's a dog!

Hannah is the shy one...

Snickers is the grande dame of the house, I'm so glad they let us live with them! Ha!