July 12, 2017.  Hello all - sorry for the long break, but we were having too much fun at the Tolle House!  Fireworks and dinner were lots of fun on the 4th.

Baxter is so funny - he has gotten to where he doesn't even want to leave the air conditioned house.  He just stands there and looks at you if you try to get him to come outside.  Can't blame him, though - it has been in the mid-90's with 80% or more humidity!

Faith and Hannah took us to a nice spot on the Catawba River at the old Langford Canal.  It was built in the 1700's to detour around a bunch of rocks and rapids in the river.  Much of the travel in the south during that time was done by rivers, as there was no real road system.  We walked along the canal and were in awe of the stone work done by Irish immigrants that is still rock solid (pun intended).  Also saw a unique feature - irises that grow in the river and have a really pretty white bloom.  They require moving water, rocks and a sandy bottom to grow, and only occur in that area.  We missed the season for heavy blooming, but were able to see a few still in bloom.  Saw lots of little turtles sunning themselves on logs.  Also saw a snake (small) with a little catfish in it's mouth, wrestling around in the water.  Yuk!  Had a very nice day with the girls.

Did more kayaking with Casey after church last Sunday at a nice lake.  The water is very "muddy" and you can't see what is in it - which is probably a good thing!   Happy to report there were no snake sightings but we had a great time.   Are seriously considering acquiring a couple kayaks to throw on top of the Jeep - a nice, peaceful way to see things you wouldn't see otherwise.

Saw a beautiful sunset from the front porch at the house - sky was amazing.  Watched a video, had Mexican shrimp salad (thought of you, Diana!) and enjoyed each other's company.  Lots of thunder and lightning storms in the afternoons, but they help break the humidity a little bit.

Enjoyed the swimming pool - we will definitely be putting one in when we get to Colville!  However, didn't like the FIRE ANTS!   They are everywhere, even getting into the pool.  If you stand still for more than a few seconds, they are on you and biting.

Found the Sequence game at Target (thanks, Gallanger's, for the introduction to this fun game) and taught Casey to play - he promptly beat the pants off of us!

Mike taught Faith how to drive a "stick" - manual transmission in the Jeep.   I think they put about 25 miles on it going up and down their long driveway!  She did really well, and we are all happy she knows how to drive a manual if she ever needs to.   We will catch up with Hannah and teach her as well when we are back in September.  We got up early and had the motor home and Jeep all washed up and ready to hit the road - they had to wash the Jeep again when they got done.

On the road to Franklin by 11:00 on Tuesday.  Hard to leave them, but further adventure is calling!  We felt so bad that Sabrina had been so impacted by her fall and resulting complications - she was not able to join in in the activities but we tried to spend quality time with her when we could.  We watched "Me Before You" the other night - a good girly chick-flick!   Had a good "sister" time with her.

Leisurely drive to Franklin - took the long way around through Charlotte and Asheville, as the roads were much better.   Saw beautiful flowers along the way at freeway interchanges - they were planted with day lillies in bright yellow or orange, or with sunflowers.  Very pretty!  We have been surprised at the lack of RV's on the road for this time of year - saw very few.

Crossed the Eastern Continental Divide on US 26 hear Hendersonville, NC.  Elevation was only 2,130 feet!

Arrived in Franklin about 5:30 - beautiful RV park!  Very nice host, and the grounds are manicured and shady.

Wilma and JC came and picked us up and treated us to dinner at a wonderful Mexican restaurant.  Good conversation, lots of laughs and memories.   We are going to go and find the Watson cemetery later in the week - I didn't know about that one.  Anxious to get pictures of headstones and learn more about that side of the family.  

Lazy morning this morning and enjoying the pretty park.  Will catch up with everyone this afternoon.

Mike and Glennis

Things we have learned:

• Fire ants are nasty!
• We are NOT cut out for the heat and humidity in the south
• Baxter LOVES air conditioning
• Don't teach Casey how to play new games
• We have driven 4, 2017 miles so far
• We still like each other!