I had a few days off this week, so I decided to head to South Carolina to visit my brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Julie, and their kids, Emery, Lucy, and Andrew, who is the newest addition to the family at about a month old. I think I ended up taking the longer way because I ended up driving through Chattanooga and Atlanta. A 6.5 hour drive ended up being about 9. I actually added an hour on to that by stopping at a state park that included Ruby Falls and Rock City. I wasn't planning on stopping, but I fell victim to relentless billboard advertising. I probably saw a billboard every 5 miles saying "Stop at Ruby Falls!" "Come see Rock City!" "Check out Lookout Mountain!" Curiosity got the better of me, so I stopped off at the designated exit just past Chattanooga. I also wanted to stop in the Chattanooga area because of the famous song "Chattanooga Choo-Choo." I am a sucker for going to places that are in songs. I also passed signs for Grundy County (John Michael Montgomery's "Grundy County Auction"), and Wildwood (June Carter Cash's "Wildwood Flower"). It seems that a lot iconic country/folk songs were inspired by places in Tennessee. Maybe that is a sign that I should get inspired by a place that will make me write a hit song! I will work on that. Anyways, so yes, I stopped in Lookout Valley where I drove up this windy road to the top of Lookout Mountain. Ruby Falls was up the mountain, but it was a lame tourist trap where you had to pay to enter to see them, so I drove past. I stopped at a little Civil War gift shop half way up the mountain. I talked to the lady working there and learned that she was from Virginia. We also talked a little about Hurricane Sandy and about how unfortunate the circumstances were for the people of New York City and New Jersey. I bought some taffy and headed up the road. There apparently was a Civil War site up at the top, but also another attraction you had to pay for. I parked and got a view of Lookout Valley from the top of Lookout Mountain. I was happy that it was actually a mountain compared to the hills around Nashville. It was definitely not as high as the Uintas or the Ruby's, but a good alternative. I took some pictures, and then headed back on my way to South Carolina. I drove through Atlanta and pulled off to eat after I got past. I have recently discovered Chick-Fil-A. I had seen them in Utah, but never had gone. I think I have gone 3 times since I have moved to Nashville. The bad thing is that I discovered their cookie and cream milk shake. I think it is seriously the best shake I have ever had. Unfortunately, I heard that it has something like a whole day's worth of calories, so it will have to be a once of month sort of deal. Anyway, that is where I ate. I arrived to Simpsonville, SC at my bro's house at about 9 p.m. I had my niece and nephews all to myself the next day until the day after when my mom came. She is staying for 2 weeks to help with new baby Andrew. It was nice to spend time with family for a few days. I now live closer to Joel and Julie than anyone else in my family, so they may be visited more frequently and I shall reign as the favorite aunt of the East! Mwa ha ha! I hope to maintain my title as the favorite aunt of the West as well, but I may have to work harder with the distance. After my visit ended, I decided to go back on the route that goes up though Asheville, NC and through Smoky Mountains, and then through Knoxville. The route proved to be shorter, and more scenic. It was a beautiful drive through the Smokies. I also stopped in Kingston, which is where my Grandpa Williams grew up. It is about 2.5 hours from Nashville. I hope to go back and visit sometime to do some family history, and maybe find some of my living kin. They could still be living the hill billy lifestyle that my grandpa grew up with, or they may be normal...and boring. I got a taste of Tennessee rain storms on my way back. It was pouring and everyone on the road slowed down-I'm guessing to avoid the risk of hydro-planing. I also saw an exciting display of lightning. I finally made it back to Nashville, and then to Brentwood, which is where I actually live. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.
I had the opportunity to attend a stake conference this Sunday, today actually, where a new stake was formed for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Murfreesboro. So, there were actually about 3 stakes meeting. Since there isn't a stake center large enough to hold that many people, the meeting was held at The Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. It was the most members I have seen in one place since I have been in Utah. We also had the privilege of hearing from Elder D. Todd Chistofferson from Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He gave a great talk, and the whole meeting was a witness of the great growth of the Church that is taking place in middle Tennessee.
Well, that is all for now!
