Hunkering Down in the Storm

After we left Knoxville on Thursday morning, we traveled west toward Franklin, Tennessee. I had been scheduled to do a photoshoot there that evening, but as we drove closer it was apparent that we would need to reschedule. Given the situation with the rain, we changed our plans to stop in Spencer, Tennessee.  I was worried about the hills. Also, I knew we wouldn't be able to see the waterfall we had planned to see.  We did stop at Ozone waterfall, but as you can see from the picture that waterfall wasn't much to see.  There was a gentleman there who was a local and he said if we came back in a few days the waterfall would be much bigger. I also think that if you can hike below the waterfall it is much more impressive as well. We were at the top of the fall. We pressed forward and made it safely to our hotel after getting some lunch.  The kids had Olive Garden with my mother and I tried out a new place called East Bahn Mi which is Vietnamese sandwiches and bowls.  The food was amazing.  The sandwich was made out of true French baguette and the pork was sweet.  Yummy.  The next day we hung out at the hotel as long as we could and then we went to my mom's favorite restaurant in Franklin called Puckett's.  The food is true Southern cooking.  We all choose the smoked meatloaf with green beans and mashed potatoes. Then it was on to our friend's house where we spent the rest of the weekend that included watching movies, the Connect 4 challenge, building Legos, playing beauty salon, gymnastics in the basement, and painting pottery at the Factory.  While the rain changed our plans, it was still a wonderful weekend with our friends.  We drove home on Sunday and I am thankful that traffic was the only hiccup we encountered.  We were lucky that none of the roads were affected.  (photos in no particular order)

Today, I am watching the new reports and my heart just goes out to all those who were affected by Hurricane Helene.  While we always expect coastal damage, it is just unthinkable to see all the damage in Eastern Tennessee and North Carolina.  I am grateful that God prompted me not to book our fall break in Eastern Tennessee as it was originally our plan.  I have also seen his hand as members of our congregation are already out there helping those in need.  Unfortunately, we were not able to go help as Addy hurt her foot this past weekend, I am still healing from my accident two weeks ago, and Roman has SATs this weekend.  We are helping in other ways.  On Monday, I went through my closet and donated three large boxes and we have also donated other supplies to victims in need. Well, I need to run.  My mom is still here visiting us and I have some things I need to do.