Great Smokey Mountain Girls Getaway July 2011

It was good for my soul and spirit to find refuge in the mountains. Morning mist gently rising and falling, soft rains in the afternoon, scrubbing the air clean. This girl trip was more than anyone could ask for and I am so grateful for every woman in my family, and the ones who could not make the trip were frequently thought of. We missed you! I want to say thanks to Diane who started this thought of the mountain mama get-away, and Kathy, who did all the driving in our little rental car. Each women brought themselves - to give of themselves. Thank you! God bless!

Our nieces Sharai and Debbie decided to play and little game of hide/scare and seek with an old raggedy ann doll, so we took the bait and played along. "Cousin" came in the picture, he is a clown doll, kinda creepy looking. It was too fun!

View from the porch, early morning "smoke" settling in the valley.
Relaxing on the couch.
Waynesville was on the to-do list. So we did. This is where we had lunch.


Countrified Cousins!
Mickey and I split the most amazing coconut cake bought in Waynesville.
Kathy and I took off one day and stopped at the brand new Oconaluftee Visitor Center, to find a hike close by.
Kathy ready for the Kephart Prong Trail to the shelter. 2 miles.
One of many wobbly log bridges. That was a fun day.
We all took turns cooking dinner. Diane made a veggie dinner of green beans n ham, squash, salad and johnny cakes. She is such a good cook.
"Cousin" was always in danger of being kid-napped!
One day Mickey, Diane and I set out for Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We had a great day of fun and window shopping!

"Cousin" went with us on the road trip!
Bona Fide all right....
Annual Maggie Valley Craft Fair. From pottery to wine jelly, and awesome views.
It was blackberry season, so we went and picked. Big grins- knowing a cobbler is in the making!

Sweetness abounds in Diane and Kathy's face and the blackberries too! Diane graciously making us a cobbler.
A surprise birthday party was in order for Kathy. (Mr. Otter too!)
Mickey and I went galavanting around the small towns and stopped at the Blue Rooster for lunch. Angus burgers and fries were ordered. It was really good.
Back porch mamas!
The week has ended and it was a wonderful time, making memories and for sure a time of respite. I hope we can do this trip again, and we thank the owners for allowing us to borrow this Smokey Mountain Getaway.

Munich Germany June 2011

Munich is the gateway to the Bavarian Alps and is the 3rd largest city in Germany. It has many parks and greenways, old world architecture. We were treated to lunch by Yochen on the Danube River. I think there was a song....or waltz....we dined al fresco. Wild alaskan salmon and lemon noodles.



Room with a view in Munich.
Town hall in Marienplatz.
The Hofbrauhaus hold about 1,000 patrons.

Talk about super-sized!
Doors!
The city has so many parks and greenway areas, I know we only saw maybe a third of them. We need to go back!






We went back into the city center called Marienplatz. Ate lunch and walked everywhere.
Can you believe it! They have invaded Germany! The sad face: 50% more cost than at home.

This was our favorite "hang out" street cafe. Good coffee too!
This angel had his hands full!Did you guess I love old doors??
Jump in!

Today we went to an "old world" museum which displayed many old paintings. This day is cost only 1 Euro! As much as I love old paintings, did I say- many? After setting the alarm off, then a few hours later a coffee break was needed!

Does this baby and mom look guilty? Or suspicious? After a few hours in the museum, I was ready to escape!

Lookin' good with water spouting from my head! Love it honey!
There was much graffitti in the city. This one was very good! They kept it up.

Our last day was in a small town called Schwaig. It had the most awesome authentic Italian restaurant. We ate Bacon/onion pasta. It was delicious!




Well, I won't apologize for making long picture blogs, but I want to make sure I remember all the good times and places that we have been. Who knows when we or I will be back! I hope you have gone away with me to out of the way places and enjoyed every minute! I know I did.