A Trip to Tennessee - Part One

You all know that one of my favorite places to getaway to is eastern Tennessee. Longtime friends own the cabin where I stay, and for me, it's a perfect place to relax and recharge and escape to. And because guests are allowed to bring dogs makes it a big bonus too. The cabin books up pretty quickly, so when I plan a trip there, it needs to be at least 5-6 months ahead of time, depending on the time of year. 

~The cabin in summertime~

At any rate, in September, I made a reservation to go to Tennessee in early April for a long weekend. And as you know, my brother passed away in January. Months before he died, my brother made me promise him that he would be buried in Kentucky next to our parents. Sister in Law knew this as well and she decided that she wanted to go to Kentucky in late March or early April. I didn't mention to her that I had another trip planned -- I felt strongly that it was not about me or my plans, it was about her and what my brother's last wish was. 

Well, Sister in Law decided she did not want to go to Kentucky (long story) to bury my brothers remains and she has asked me and my 2 brothers to do it instead. Of course we needed to get together and Tennessee is just about the same distance for the both of us to travel. So, I invited her and my nephew to come to the cabin. It worked out pretty well. Sister in Law also brought with her things that had belonged to my parents, Grandfather and Great Grand Father too. 

~My Grandfather's pocket watch, a treasured family heirloom~

I really tried my best to make our getting together as pleasant and positive as it could be. And looking back at it now, I think I was able to do that. It was what it needed to be, even though it left me emotionally drained. I'd mentioned beforehand to my friends (cabin owners) the change of plans. They knew I'd probably be worn out afterwards, and they thoughtfully (and unexpectedly) gifted me extra time at the cabin after Sister in law and Nephew left to go back to Florida -- It was exactly what I needed. I used those two days to relax and nap, and nap some more and having lunch with "E&G" (owners of the cabin) lifted my spirits. I could not be more grateful to them for all they did to make my visit end on a positive note.

~I took Sister in Law and Nephew to see a view of the Smokies~

**On the flipside of this trip are the dogs I always love to have with me in Tennessee. Todd was always great fun to take there, and I knew I was going to miss his not being there. And who I really wanted to take to Tennessee was Ree. I knew she'd love being at the cabin as much as Todd did. 

However, Ree is terrible in the car; she barks at everyone she sees, and is just too antsy and won't settle down. After a lot of overthinking, (something I do best!) I decided to remedy any anxiousness by giving her a 'doggy downer' for the 8 hour drive. It worked like it needed to. Now don't get me wrong, Ree still barked, and a few times needed to be told to 'settle down,' but I know it wasn't as bad as it could have been had she not been medicated. 

~Ree - my backseat driver~

But once when we arrived at the cabin, Ree could not have been happier. She had a great time! 

She loved all the new smells and hanging out on the porch....

She loved seeing and barking at the Llamas ...

Ree loved chasing and barking at the squirrels ... This is where I tell you that when I let Ree out to chase a squirrel off the porch railing, another one ran into the cabin .... EEEKKK!!! I managed to trap it in the bathroom, and when I gathered my courage, I chased and swept it back outside with a broom.   Whew ..... squirrels  ....... And right afterwards, this squirrel was there taunting me and Ree. 

Ree was totally exhausted -- She was a great diversion and conversation starter with Sister in law and Nephew. 

I've decided that Ree is the new generation of our dogs that will get to enjoy the cabin. 

But Ree was not the only dog I brought with me on this trip to Tennessee. There was one more of our dogs that has previously enjoyed being at the cabin. I'll tell you about that in my post tomorrow. 

I hope your week is off to a good start -- Thank you as always for your blogging friendship and stopping by!