Piggies, a Poke of Corn, Moonpies, and Dope!

We are just beginning to settle into Eastern Tennessee. We've been here about a week and are really enjoying the community and nature around us. We live on beautiful farm with lots of hay and 2 old barns. The neighbors are great. Our beloved realtor turned friend/adopted grandma helped us find this place and we feel so blessed to be stewards of it. We've had a few funny experiences. One being that she told me in February to take a picture of her shoes on her feet....I obeyed and then she said, "Now you can tell all your friends and families that we East Tennesseeans do wear shoes!" I laughed and thought she was silly....then just a few days ago Jordin poked me in the ribs to draw my attention to this man coming out of the grocery store dressed from head to....well ankle....he was bare foot and using a cane! If Glenna hadn't had me take that picture, I'd of thought less of it! We had a good laugh (of course after we drove away). The kids have romped all over this farm....the first few days they were covered in scratches from wet grass cuts....they learned to forge the little spring more carefully. Today I took the kids to the farmers market....jordin and kenedi wanted to compete in the hog calling contest....you know the kind where farm folk yell "suey-suey-suuuueeeeeee!" well my city born turned country kids got up there and Jordin yelled, "come here piggy piggy!" and Kenedi said, "this little piggy went to the market" into the microphone. it was so cute and the audience laughed and were very kind. I think the girls will work on their hog calling for next time. ;-)

Last night we took "moonpies and dope" up to our neighbors.....its a east tennessee favorite according to our neighbors, the Jarretts...dope is an old tennesseean name for soda and moonpies are these smore like cookies the shape of round moons about the size of the circle your thumbs and forefingers on both hands make when circled together. We receive a "poke" of corn every week from these and various neighbors. (poke is the word for bag) we'll eventually get the lingo down. (not sure if I spelled dope or poke right) This place is so beautiful. The mountains and green hay fields and forests are something to behold....and sunsets!!!!! I thought Texas was the best until now....these sunsetts have a magenta flair with deep purple to them with a contrast of some orange and last night blue-green! Amazing! The old barns on our property make the scenery quite picturesque. And the stars at night are something to behold. Our garden is sprouting! And our little adopted blue bird is flying around our home and comes down for his dinner each couple of hours. The girls made a new friend from directly accross the street. Shes been with us for the past 72 hours....she sleeps and eats with us. funny! Thomas started work 2 days back. The er director told him he knew he'd made a mistake when he hired thomas....thomas said he was worried at that remark until Dr. McFarlane said, "yeah I promised myself i'd never hire anyone smarter than me!" Thomas has thus far diagnosed 2 premature heart attacks in 2 different people when others were about to send them home....so he surprised his colleagues the first days of work and so far it seems they are glad of his arrival as he lessons their load by 160 hours a month. We are still adjusting but feel really good. That's what happens when the Lord blesses us with a change of heart. We knew we were suppose to move here and did so because we trusted Him....and now we just feel peace....so despite the long hours from friends and family, the new and unexpected experiences, and some lonliness....I know we made the right decision....and that brings peace. We miss y'all and hope you will come visit...our home is always open....just come right in and if we aren't here, you can grill up some corn, find a moonpie to nibble, and rest in the "cooler than Texas" breeze sipping "dope" ;-) until our return....See ya soon!