Which would you rather do or go camping?

Camping, of course! Just one of the many questions Granddaddy asks. :)

Just got back from Cades Cove this afternoon. Definitely wasn't ready to come back.The weather was perfect - couldn't have been more perfect, actually. It will probably be a late fall there, considering it's been a pretty wet summer. Trees are still going strong and green.

We spent about five hours at Mom and Dad's new place/cabin/log home extraordinaire, exploring, thinking about the layout, how we (the sister and I) could help decorate, what would look good where, and why in the world did they choose the 3 foot fireplace over the 5 foot one? Dad explained. But would more heat really escape out the fireplace if it was just that much bigger??? I know. He's right. :) I'm just a very opinionated daughter. Either way the house is really coming along and they're still thinking it will be complete within a year's time from start to finish! That means they're looking at about starting the move in February or March.

Sitting around the campfiire with Granddaddy and Grandma is one of the best things in the world. Grandma's always insisting everybody just stay where they are while she makes popcorn or gets out all the fixins for hot dogs. "How about some chow chow? Y'all want some pork and beans? No you just stay there. I've got it." Granddaddy's just being goofy and telling us stories about a thrifty colonel he worked for in the Air Force or picking on Dad: "Kirby, would you rather be here on Monday, or go to work? You don't have to answer right now you know."

This trip was  a little sad though. Granddaddy and Grandma always run into people they know at the campground, but as they've gotten older, the abundance of friends has started wearing thin. Granddaddy explained that all his friends have started to pass away and their spouses just don't go camping anymore either. It's not often Granddaddy's voice takes a solemn or sad tone, so it's always hard to hear when it does. I was kinda wishing we'd have more time to stay, just so we could be their camping buddies for a while. I think he's going to call his friend Bill Sharp (who's too old and ill to go camping alone anymore but not too far to visit) to come up and stay a few hours. Everyone loves Mr. Sharp. I have no idea how old he is. But it's very. He and his dog Roxy have been camping up there for years and years and years etc. And he always has a friendly smile and story. Old people are the best company around a campfire. Or anytime for that matter.

As a side note, lately I've been reading Louis L'Amour's Education of a Wandering Man. Well, I took a break to read Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl by N.D. Wilson (which I should write about later). But Education. It's a fantastic read. Who knew that a book of memoirs could be so interesting??? Still reading through, taking notes etc. Some books you just wish wouldn't end anytime soon.

Well I have some unpacking to do now. Happy rest of the Sabbath!