Our Day in a Nutshell

Even the best of plans go bad. Harry and I drove the 23 miles to the golf course he wanted to play only to find that it was closed due to expected bad weather. He looked so disappointed that I quickly decided we should check out Guntersville State Park and Bucks Pocket State Park. He perked up at the suggestion because he had never been to either. It was a very pleasant drive on a mild overcast day. I knew there was a state operated lodge at the Guntersville park but didn't realize how elaborate it is since the recent renovation. After looking it over, we plan to spend a couple of days there just relaxing and golfing on the course adjacent to the lodge. Every room at the lodge has large windows that overlook Guntersville Lake and the surrounding mountains. Bucks Pocket is scenic and a treasure to campers which Harry and I are not. We drove approximately 135 miles today. We decided to eat an early dinner before coming home and stopped at our favorite Chinese Buffet. Oh Yes, about the "expected bad weather" - it is big, wet, and loud. The wind is up but not enough to cause damage.

Getting caught in big, wet, loud weather reminds me of - Once upon a time many years ago, in a different lifetime. I believe I was almost 12 years old at the time. My brother and his new wife came to visit for a few days. At that time we had several horses and they wanted to ride on the mountain trails behind our house. I was to be their guide. Well, off we went - me aboard my mustang (my barrel racing steed); brother riding the sorrel with a bad temper (his choice); and new wife was riding my strawberry roan Tennessee Walking horse. We were starting up the mountain trail when I noticed clouds boiling over the mountain and suggested we turn back because storms can be rough up there. New wife-know-it-all told me to go on back to the house she and brother were going on. After a bit of conversation (which didn't go in my favor), I rode back to the stable. Long story made short a wet thunder storm raced across the mountain and two inexperienced riders held on for their lives aboard two running, spooked, high strung horses. Daddy thought it was funny, brother was embarrassed, and new wife was mad as she could be. As for me, I strutted around saying, "I told you so." as only a 12 year old can - and will - do. Mother was cool to the whole event. Her only comment was to ask if anyone would like a hot cup of tea. Life as a young person was sometimes exciting for me.

That's it for this evening. Gonna have a glass of wine, veg out, and enjoy the evening. Glad you could visit. Ya'll come back now.