Day 71 - Tennessee

Day 71

Dec. 21

Pigeon Forge, TN

My Dearest Miss Smith,

    What a day this has been! I declare, I’m quite worn out. What with getting up before five this morning so I could get Katelyn, Kristina, and Amy to their plane on time, and then doing all the driving today. Though I do love to drive my red RV, one sometimes grows tired of watching the road and wishes to rest one’s eyes on the scenery which is passing. Now Miss Smith, don’t fret that you didn’t send anyone who could drive, I’m sure I’ll have a delightful time with my new companions, though I shall miss Amy dreadfully at first.

    But I must start with this morning.

    Arriving at the airport, we discovered that the departing plane was delayed, and my new traveling companions arrived before Amy and the twins left. We did enjoy a lively time of visiting. Amy gave the others instructions about Timber, for they couldn’t get him on the plane at such a late date. I don’t know how long I’ll get to keep him, but Nellie will be glad not to lose him. Those two are almost inseparable now.

    Anyway, we at last parted ways, and I escorted my new companions, Isaiah, Olivia, and Grace, to the RV where they made the acquaintance of the dogs. After stowing their belongings, we got underway. Since I no longer have Amy to ride shotgun, I let Isaiah ride up there today.

    We had to drive through the Great Smoky Mountains and, Miss Smith, it was very difficult to keep my eyes on the road! A light dusting of snow lay on nearly everything. Not enough to make driving difficult, for the roads were clear, but the landscape, the trees, mountains, and grasses, were softened from their drab brown by a delicate garb of white crystals. Several times we pulled over to get out and enjoy the snow. I’m very grateful that whoever designed these roads made sure there were places to pull off the road. We tried not to stop too many times as we did want time at our first stop.

    It was cold to be exploring Andrew Johnson’s homes in Greensville, but it meant there was no one else there but us, and we were glad we could go inside the different homes. I didn’t know President Johnson was a tailor, did you? In one place there was a timeline of pictures which really were quite fascinating once I realized that this was not Andrew Jackson! For some reason I had mixed the two up and couldn’t understand why there was so much about the Civil War! As you can imagine, Isaiah and the girls thought that was rather amusing. But Isaiah and Olivia were rather excited to see this place since they share the president’s last name. I wonder if they are related?

    I had to keep a close watch on the time as we had to make sure we had time to drive down to Pigeon Forge (what a name for a town!) to keep our reservations at the Dixie Stampede. This time we took the most direct route and listened to Christmas music most of the way.

    Oh, Miss Smith! How can I tell you about the evening? It was a mixture of music and lights, horses, dazzle, splendor, good food, and an utterly delightful Nativity. I would tell you what we ate, but it was dark, and I wasn’t paying much attention, only that it tasted very good and I believe there was chicken, corn, bread, and other things. I will point out, however, that when eating at the Dixie Stampede, you must use your fingers for everything since they do not give you any utensils. None at all! No one cares what your manners are, for everyone’s focus is on the show in the arena. Our servers were dressed as elves which was quite delightful. I did love their hats.

    Here I have been sitting without writing for at least ten minutes trying to come up with a way to tell you about the show, but to no avail. I simply cannot tell it. Perhaps it is because I am tired. Perhaps the wonder of it all is too recent. Perhaps it just can’t be described. Whatever the reason, I can’t do it and I won’t even try.

    Isaiah is up in his loft reading, and I hear the two girls talking in the bedroom. I am going to take the dogs for a quick run outside around the RV before I head to bed myself. We have busy days before us, and I must get some sleep.

Until another time,

Priscilla

P.S. I do hope the girls all made it home safely.