Hello everyone. Just back from two weeks of vacation in the eastern Tennessee mountains. We had a home on top of a mountain and it was so very nice. There was a pool within a few steps of our front door and a hot tub on our deck and I did a lot of sitting in the sun and reading. We also did some tourist things (Gatlinburg Aquarium, Dollywood and Dixie Stampede). This was a great time to relax and enjoy ourselves. Now I am back at work and I can't get myself started yet. I think it is the "car lag" from the 12 hours on the road home.

We saw a black bear from our deck one evening. My sister-in-law has pictures to prove it. I will post when I get a hold of them. Speaking of pictures, when you go to a place like Gatlinburg they are constantly taking your picture and asking you to buy the photos. On every roller coaster, at the dinner shows, riding the aerial tram, entering the men's room (just kidding). But they have figured out that no one takes their own photos anymore. We even posed with a person in a black bear suit at one of these. I think that is why Gatlinburg is known as a tourist trap. They have imagined all kinds of new ways to get your money. But, like I said, we stayed at our mountain home a lot and really enjoyed our time. Thanks to everyone at the office who kept things together while we were gone.

Kevin