We watched fireworks in Dillsboro this year instead of Main Street in Sylva. Jackson county decided to not have them overthe courthouse anymore because of fire hazard near a historical building. I can respect that, but the huge explosions over that courthouse on a hill would just make you want to dance and shout the Star Spangled Banner and Dixie at the same time. This year, the crowd seemed a little milder and the fireworks show seemed so far away. I reckon we were spoiled; but, I hope that the community works together to improve it and get back to the July 4th that we loved in Sylva. Lynzi and Jill are waiting on the fireworks which were late to start. Lynzi gets very tired of having her picture taken; so, she was getting exasperated with all of our flashes. But, I do like this picture of Lynzibug. We enjoyed laughing at her and glad she got to spend the 4th with us.

A group of kids were giving out boxes of these pop-eyed spectacles. We collected a pile of them and played around with poses.

We sat on chairs and benches outside of the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory and enjoyed some street music, people watching, and frozen coffee drinks.

The Factory

We have lots of fun at The Factory. We play various arcade games and try to win tickets to redeem extra fine prizes. The girls want to save up for lava lamps that are about 4 thousand tickets which seems out of reach since a big night of winning including donated tickets from our whole group only yeilds about a thousand. We'd be better off if I just bought them a lava lamp from Wal-mart; but, somehow it is just not the same.

Laser tag is exciting. Since I have this bad cough and can't run around much, I found a good hiding spot and shot at the base spot. I did get lucky and hit a few of my opponents. Toni is proud cause she "totally kicked butt." She still has her score sheet to prove it.

The Boiler Room is one of the best restaurants in the area. Several of us enjoyed prime rib that was on special. Lynzi just could not be pleased because 1. The menu had too many choices, 2. They don't cook the broccolli to mush, 3. Her sandwich (which was a club!) came with mayo and tomato. Lynzi is proof that picky eaters can grow up to be nearly normal adults which is relief for my daughters.

Jill and Curtis camped at Mile High Campground a few days before the 4th. So, they are official members of the mile high club I suppose. It is near Maggie Valley and a little difficult to find. They discovered it last year while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has an ok bathroom, no electricity, but stunning views. While our group chatted at their picnic table, I took a nap. My snoring kept the bears away.

Then, we rode the slow and winding drive into Cataloochee. This is an area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that was once a settlement. It now has a couple houses and outbuildings, a church, a school, a cemetery that are open for touring. The park service is reintroducing elk to this area. They are doing very well as the population is growing and the bucks get larger each year. This one thought Curtis was pretty cute.

Here Again

I am here in Sylva again for the rest of the summer. By this time last year, I had already been in the mountains for a few weeks. But, our family had an amazing trip to Nevada and California that we are still recovering from. We saw Vegas, Lake Mead (along with the Colorado River and Hoover Dam), Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park. Videos of that trip are being posted on my facebook profile as I find time to edit and upload.

My mom and dad brought Mrs. Smith last week after a family reunion camping trip in Helen, Ga. That's right: my mom and dad. The home belongs to my husband's family, but over the years mine and his family have truly become one big bunch. When I drove in late on Wednesday night, everyone was already settled in the house and the yard looked nice. It will be a lot less work than last summer. So far, all I've had to do was hook up service for the satellite dish.

At the house on 34 Dirt Road in Sylva, I have slept mostly in the same bedroom since I was only 16. It is such a familiar place; I have already arranged my summer reading in the nightstand, clothes in the dresser, and all my toiletries in a bit of order. At first, I was a guest of the family as the oldest son's girlfriend. Now, I've been married for 16 years and share the room with my two daughters and husband when he is here. I feel guilty leaving him in Florida with his normal routine of work and an empty house while we live the mountain life. But, not guilty enough to make me change my mind. Plus, there is the part about us being with Gah, who is 88 and would be alone most of the time without our company. It is strange to pack your bags and drive 10 hours to feel like you are simultaneously leaving home and coming home.