DOLLYWOOD

Back in August during our vacation to Gatlinburg TN we stopped our blog on Sunday, promising that Monday would be Dollywood. Somehow it was never written about though so on this rainy April day I can take myself back to that beautiful August day......

For as many years as I can remember I have wanted to go to Dollywood. We got close several times, but the trip always changed up a bit and we missed it. Not this time!! We had spent several great days in Gatlinburg which is next to Pigeon Forge where Dollywood is. Tour guides advised waiting until Monday so the crowds would be easier and we usually take their advice. Monday morning we took Tigger for a nice walk, got him settled and then we walked downtown to Ripleys where the trolleys gather. We hopped on the Pink trolley (of course)which was bound for Dollywood. There was about 20 of us on board and no one else had ever been there either.
After a half hour ride, there it was- DOLLYWOOD and it was almost like the first time you see the Disney Castle in Orlando- kind of like " I cant believe I made it!!"


We were both starving when we got there, having skipped breakfast so we could indulge in the park. Of course the first eatery you come upon is a pastry shop with this huge selection of goodies. Paul is always watching his sugar so we opted for coffee and sat and watched the people coming in. The we started our day, riding every water ride they had- Beaver Creek Boat Float, Blazing Fury, Daredevil Falls, Mountain Slidewinder, Timber Tower, Smoky Mountain River Rampage. We toured Dolly's tour bus. We rode the 5 mile excursion on Dollywood Express an actual coal fired steam locomotive. We battled in River Battle. We rode the carousel! And we ate.
Ham and Beans, funnel cake with strawberries, barbecue, kettle corn, corn dogs, flat bread sandwiches.....I am surprised we didn't burst.





We also explored the little shops- so many hand made crafts made by local artists. Dollywood has brought prosperity to Pigeon Forge and allowed traditional artisans to maintain their lifestyle. We ordered a hand forged name plate sign for our house and had it shipped back to the Poconos. The weather was sunny and very warm but not awfully hot, we really could not have asked for a nicer day to go. Finally it was time to catch a trolley home to Gatlinburg, to walk Tigger along a stream bordered trail at the Smoky Mountain National Forest and finally sit on our deck on our rocking chairs and watch the sun set over the Smokies. It was another of those days where you just feel truly blessed.

MEET BEAR ROYCE

On March 20 we found our newest family member at Friends of Pep Border Collie Rescue in Gouldsboro PA. I had seen little Bear on the petfinder site for over a week and kept coming back to his picture to look at him.Two years old, chihuahua -boston terrier mix, owner surrender from Kentucky. His picture was really not all that flattering and I was afraid no one would want him. I had been reading petfinder for months looking for a new family member- since the loss of Cato and Niels the house has had a big empty hole that just loomed larger everyday. We have so much love to give but the problem was that we had to find the perfect match. We have met several great dogs, which will make great family additions but they just did not click with us and it would never have been fair to them to not have their perfect forever home. I filled out the online app, called the rescue and was told to come right up. Bear met me at the gate and I knew he was the one. Before I left to see him Paul told me to listen to my heart and it was screaming Bear. A few formalities later and Bear was in his new ride on his way to his new home. We have only been with Bear two weeks now but he has blended in seamlessly and we cant wait to spend a lifetime loving him and making him happy. Let the adventure begin.....

St. Patricks Day, NYC 2009

St. Patricks Day is always fun to be in NY. Everywhere you look you see green and this year was to be no exception. We started our day at Cosmos, walked Tigger and headed up to the parade. The sun was shining and it was really a beautiful day. (Last year we had a big snow right before and we spent the parade wearing snow sneakers and trying to avoid slush. ) One of the first people we saw was this man who was drawing as much attention as the parade. Bagpipes filled the air, Irish flags, hats, scarves and banners. The marchers made their way up Fifth drawing huge applause from the crowds. Back in 1762 the first parade was held in NY when Irish soldiers organized the routes, with marchers gathering at their own churches and marching up to the old St. Patricks Cathedral where the Archbishop would address the crowds. When St. Pats moved uptown, the parade came with it. It remains a marchers parade allowing NO cars, floats or vehicles.

After the parade we took the subway down to the village to walk about and enjoy the sunshine. We followed Bleecker over and passed Johns Pizzeria. Johns was established in 1929 and has consistently been voted "The Best in New York City." Pizza is available in small and large sizes only — No Slices.

We continued our walk uptown now, passing so many restaurants all gaily decorated in green and white, many offering outdoor seating! Woo-hoo winter is over!!! At one point we stopped in at a small shop and had a cup of coffee just to sit and people watch. That is the fun of NY- there is always something or someone to look at!

We ended up walking all the way uptown to Times Square which was still a sea of green tourists and growing crowds outside of the Irish pubs. (The smoking ban in bars has them all smoking outside now). Starting to tire we walked back to our neighborhood, found some corned beef and retired early!