We headed back to Moody Bluff on Friday. A wet morning caused some delay and a little bit of a reroute from the norm.
Since we were traveling through Mountain City, TN we found lunch just across the state line, Sharpie’s. Kevin’s parents have talked about Sharpie’s for years, but each time we traveled through the area, we could not locate it. This time the GPS landed us right in the parking lot for lunch: special of the day, Salisbury steak, fried potatoes, pinto beans, and cake. That was the meal for us, and we were starving.
Filled up and back on the road, we headed to the campground and set up on a new site. Great choice of site, very level, and setup was simple. Since we drove in the rain, Goose was covered in road sludge. A quick car wash and on to visit with Beth’s mom for a bit.
Beth started shopping for Christmas early last year. With all the moves and decisions of late, our car ended up being storage for the past month. Finally we are able to unload the Tennessee Christmas, a new-to-her-mom night stand and other items. That was a load we had been dragging around since Chesapeake Bay. Now to rid the back seat of all the Christmas glitter, and we will be back to norm.
Dinner took us to The Crazy Tomato in Johnson City. When I found the spot, Beth said that she had eaten there several times during high school. Having been around that long, it had to be good. Beth had pizza, and I had lasagna. Both were very good.
Saturday brought a semi family get together for some ETSU Football. Since Annaston is in school at ETSU, she arranged to get everyone that was available to the last home football game of the year. All week we had watched the weather. It was supposed to be a bit rainy and cool. That afternoon, the skies cleared, and the it was a great day for some football in East Tennessee.
Sunday was another day to visit with family and enjoy some Chiefs’ football.
Monday was the start of a busy work week, but we found time to enjoy some Christmas lights at Appalachian Fair Grounds in Gray, TN. Shadrack’s Christmas did not disappoint.
Tuesday, we had to attend to some business in the area and made a swing through Jonesborough, TN.
Wednesday afternoon, we traveled to Elk Park, NC to attend the funeral of our Uncle Mike Hardy. Very nice service and fellowship at Beech Valley Baptist Church.
Thursday was Thanksgiving. Due to the weather and late meal plans, Beth and I spent the day to ourselves visiting with Beth’s mom then heading to Abingdon, VA to Fiddler’s for an afternoon Thanksgiving buffet. Very good food. We even bought leftovers for us to enjoy the rest of the week.
Friday, we stayed in to rest up for the family Thanksgiving Christmas meal with Beth’s family on Saturday. We had breakfast catered from Cracker Barrell to feed 40. Good food and a good visit with everyone. Saturday evening brought some Vols football. Not their best moment, but it has been a good year over all. Since Olivia, Nate, and Gracie came to the meal, we all decided to visit Bristol’s Speedway of Lights. I should have asked Nate to pass when we were on the track.
After the first busy week, Sunday was a day of rest!
Monday, we got to visit with Brian and Penny in the afternoon with a late lunch from Troyer’s. That evening, we watched our niece Averie’s basketball game against Beth’s old elementary school. Good game. We did not get to see Averie play, maybe next time.
Tuesday brought another family function with Beth’s cousins. They surprised Margaret with an afternoon visit and lunch. Another good meal and good time. We visited with Beth’s friend Angie that evening and called it a night.
Wednesday was a work day, but that evening, we went to Jonesborough Elementary school to see Braxton and Emmitt practice basketball. Tough ages but fun to watch. After practice, we went to the Dairy Barn with Wesley, Caitlin, and the kids for a couple of good burgers.
Thursday after work, we went to another basketball game at Grandview. This time we watched Averie score, rebound, and play hard. She did great! And another win for Grandview.
Friday and Saturday, Kevin was sick and stayed home both days. Friday was supposed to be a travel day back to Lenoir, but the weather forecast was calling for ice in both places. We extended our stay. This worked out well as Beth got to spend time with her mom and friends.
Sunday, we traveled to Lenoir to wrap up things at GMP.