And indeed, I cross several rivers, and traveled through many a wood, and wound up at Grandma’s place in Maryville.

I enjoy that drive, and one of these days, I’ll take my time, and enjoy the stops along the way. It’s beautiful up there, and it reminds me so much of why I like the mountains of eastern Tennessee.

Another is the people. I took all us to lunch at Aubrey’s Restaurant, an east Tennessee chain serving really good Southern food. Our waitress was this cute little teenager, who had a smile that wouldn’t quit, and kept calling all of us honey, or sweetie or any of a number of other endearments. That’s not to say that everyone in the South is as friendly as she was, but that’s certainly a good representative of the best that I like in folks from back home.

Grandma’s doing well, and that’s always good to see. I really hope that when I’m 83, I’m doing as well!

We also drove to Oak Ridge to visit Mom’s sister Frances. She’s a hoot, and it was fun catching up with her. Another one of my fans, of which I can never have too many! 🙂

A drive home after sunset, and we wound our way up the mountain, to home, dinner, and sleep.