Thursday, October 05, 2006

You can't be too rich or too thin...

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We visited Biltmore Estates today. WOW! It blows you away. There are 255 rooms in the main house and 31 guest quarters!!! 4 stories tall with north and south towers. My favorite bedroom was the south tower bedroom which had a spectacular view of the grounds and neighboring mountaintops. Plus a nice afternoon sun.

We ate at the Stable Cafe for lunch. The food was great. I had a beef tenderloin and broccoli quiche and it was fantastic!

Walking around the grounds, we were able to see many different varieties of trees, shrubs and plants. Some in their autumn glory. I was able to take pictures at the Conservatory of many types of palms, a huge staghorn fern and other exotic plants. It was a great day!!!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Karmelkorn, fudge and taffy, oh my.....

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Today we indulged in sweets and lots of it! We had pancakes for breakfast...



Apple pancakes, Parisienne Pancakes (strawberry crepes), Wild Blueberry Pancakes...mmmmmm!!! And who could pass up an order of bacon to go along with it?!!! We returned to Sevierville to do a bit of shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall and the Scrapbook Superstore. Then we went to play laser tag.

Finally, we drove home in under 2 hours, late in the afternoon...just in time for Grandma Bank's baked steak and hashbrown casserole. I tell ya', this is heaven! After dinner, KJ chauffeured Karl and Teagan around the property for a little southern hayride - John Deere style!!!

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Now, it's time for bed and then onto a day in Asheville, NC at the Biltmore Estate.

Visiting Gatlinburg

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Yesterday we drove to The Great Smoky Mountains for an overnight stay in Gatlinburg and stops in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.



We spent the night in Gatlinburg on the strip at the Greystone Lodge. It was quick and fun. Lots of good food and fun times. We walked down the strip to eat dinner at Calhoun's and then came back to the hotel stopping for Karmelcorn and Kilwin's fudge on the way. It was great weather and a yummy day!!!

Monday, October 02, 2006

The John Deere Picture

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Everyone has to have their picture on grandpa's John Deere! Teagan is no exception! She did a fine job and even said she would like to have one to mow the lawn back home!!!

The trip beginnings...

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We left for TN on Saturday at 7:51 am. (I specifically looked at the clock because I have been known to "make everyone wait" for much longer than that.) Well, because the male Banks are ever-so-primed to pace while I prepare to leave, KJ forgot his toiletry bag and more importantly, his retainer!!! So, I had my brother overnight the retainer by taking it to the airport USPS office Sunday night at 10 pm (thank goodness for him!). What are vactions for? Timed arrangements? Pacing and fretting? Worked up attitudes?

Today, Monday, we are having a slow start relaxing at home, having a leisure lunch, lounging and chatting. Now that is what vacations are for. Relax in the moment.

Namaste...

Sunday, October 01, 2006

An afternoon walk by the creek

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We went for a walk by the creek and stopped for a group picture. The glare makes us look somewhat dreamy, doesn't it?!!!

First Day in TN

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There's nothing like spending the first day in TN lounging around the house and eating breakfast at noon!!! We all slept in...it felt good.

Sausage gravy, biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, beefsteak tomato slices, toast, homemade applesauce, strawberries and banana slices, OJ, coffee, milk...need I say more?!!!