Happy news!

I’m heading back to the Smoky Mountains… where the air is cleaner, cooler, and much improved over the city air we normally breathe. Next week is my daughter’s birthday, and she’s requesting a trip to the mountains. Although we’ll be going through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, we won’t be stopping until we reach the Great Smoky Mountains park.

However, we are planning a drive through Cades Cove — one of the prettiest sights (in my opinion) in Tennessee. Rain or shine, the drive is always a pleasure to behold. Sometimes it gets a bit crowded, but it’s actually a nicer drive if you can take it slowly.

And that’s how we’re going to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. That’s all she wants… except for a possible side trip to the mall for some of her favorite truffles!

Shh. And don’t tell… but if we get to the mall, I’m going to splurge — and treat her to lunch (or at least dessert) at The Cheesecake Factory! It was built a few years ago, just before we moved away. We’ve talked about going, but so far we haven’t made it — and this would be the perfect time. YUM!

Please say a prayer for a safe trip! Birthday trips to the mountains can be dangerous… but that’s another story – for another time.

Blessings!
Naomi