Visit from Cousins

This weekend, two of my cousins came to visit. Carol and Bonnie are 1st cousins since they have the same grandmother. I am their 2nd cousin since my grandmother and their grandmother were sisters. I am the oldest of the three of us, being born in 1942. Carol was born in 1946 and Bonnie was born in 1947. We all remember each other while growing up --but I had lost touch until a couple of years ago. Bonnie and Carol are almost like sisters although Bonnie lives in Florida and Carol lives in Michigan. Meeting here in Tennessee is perfect for ALL of us.

Bonnie is married to Dave, and they have a beautiful home (which they keep remodeling) in Melbourne, FL. Bonnie is one of the most creative people I've known --and even though we are cousins, I didn't inherit any of her gifts of decorating, scrapbooking, etc.

Carol is married to John, and they live in Battle Creek, Michigan. Carol is like my good friend, Judy. Her life is all about her kids and grandkids.. She has 2 children, a son and a daughter, and five grandchildren.

Yesterday, the three of us cousins had a "Girls' Day Out".... We went shopping, antiquing, more shopping, and had lunch together. AND---there was a TON of talking going on the entire time.

Today, during the afternoon, there are 7 of us who are going to Fall Creek Falls for dinner at the state park restaurant there. Bonnie's husband couldn't come with her this time, but Carol's husband, John, is here. Carol and John are staying with John's sister and hubby who live in Sparta, TN (near here). SO---all of us (including George and me) are going to meet and enjoy dinner together, and also see the park and the waterfalls in the Fall. I hope to have some pictures soon.

Today, I'll introduce you to these two special cousins. George was nice enough to take some pictures before we left home yesterday for our fun day. Above is me, Bonnie and Carol taken inside our home in front of the fireplace. Below is one more of the three of us --taken outside near the front porch.



I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend also.


Hugs,

Rain, Rain---Go Away

Yesterday, George and I drove to Hendersonville (north of Nashville) to check on George's elderly parents. We knew that 'storms' were coming ---but didn't realize at the time just how BAD they were going to be. We ran through a little rain heading to Hendersonville ---but when we got there, the wind was picking up and the temperature had risen to 81 degrees. We KNEW that something was brewing!!!!


We spent the morning working on Mom and Dad's financial work and going through the mail. They made their grocery list --so we headed out for lunch. At that time (around noon), it was still breezy but no rain. We had lunch and got all of their errands run --and got back to their house BEFORE the rains began.



We finished all of the other things in order to help the folks ---and headed home about 3 p.m. There were tornado warnings and even tornado touchdowns in several areas of Tennessee. The skies were black-black-black... Once we got on I-40 heading east--- the rains began to pick up. Once we got near Cookeville, the heavy rains came. We kept on plugging --and George drove us through some of the hardest rain we have been in in a VERY long time. The interstate traffic was heavy ---and we all just prayed and crept along. We saw at least THREE cars which had hydroplaned and lost control of their cars. BUT--there were no accidents (other than those three), praise God.


We finally made it to Crossville, picked up my cousin who was waiting for us, and went to dinner. The rains finally headed east ---and left our area. We made it home safe and sound, only to find no damage here, other than some rain. BUT--we are hoping that there hasn't been too much damage in Tennessee due to the storms yesterday. We heard on TV that Kentucky suffered damage.

AND---we hope that there is no rain today or Sunday ---so that we can show my cousins (and their families) all around our area. I had to laugh when I picked one of the cousins up last night in the pouring rain---and said, "Welcome to Tennessee"...

The good news is that Mom and Dad Adams are still doing GREAT. They are two amazing people!!!

Hope you have a great weekend and don't have storms and tornadoes in your area.


Hugs,

All of the pictures came from the internet in today's post.