What to do in Pigeon Forge? - Bluff Mountain Adventures

So what do you do when it is raining when you are on vacation?  Go muddin' of course.

In the sea of brochures and coupon books and online searches, we happened across Bluff Mountain Adventures.  We thought it sounded like fun, so we gave them a call and ran over to the ticket office to reserve our spot for the noon "Mountain Trail Adventure" ride.  We opted for a two-seater so that I could take pics and film while Big T drove.  We were given directions to their facility, which is just off of Wears Valley Road.  Once we arrived, we took a short walk to the building where we would leave from and return to.  We picked out our helmets and safety glasses and then watched a safety video with everyone in our group.  Then we went outside and received our assigned vehicles.  We actually ended up with their Teryx, a four-seater.  Big T says it was like we were in a Cadillac and everyone else had a sports car.  We were excited regardless.

When we first left, the guide took us through a little warm up course so that everyone could get used to their particular ATV.  Then we were on the trail to the bluff.  For the first few minutes, it was clear, but then it started raining.  And it continued to rain.  I was using the point and click camera during transit, so unfortunately, all of those were blurry.   But when we got to the bluff, this was our view.

It was a bit foggy, but still gorgeous.  

I had to lose the helmet for our break.

And somebody was REALLY having fun.

On the return trip, I decided to attempt to take some film.  This first one is as we are leaving the bluff.

This next video is about halfway on the return trip, and Big T is pleading to the viewers to convince me that we should add an ATV to our inventory.  I also get popped with a limb when I say "That's gonna leave a mark."

This last video is toward the end of the ride. It can only be described as F-U-N.

Hubs had to take this pic, to show how much mud was on my face.

If you choose to try this adventure yourself, be sure to check out their rules and regs on their homepage at the link at the beginning of the blog.  We were surprised to learn that many people come there and totally disrespect the machines.  Not cool.

Things I am glad we did:

Watertight container for the point and click camera.

Frog tog poncho, because it is quick drying.

Wore hiking boots.

Things I would have done differently:

Brought beach towels for the ride back to homebase. Fortunately we had a picnic blanket that served the purpose.

Water shorts or quick drying shorts. Soggy denim is heavy.

Got mud?

What to do in Pigeon Forge? - Three Bears General Store

I surely did not intend to blog about a souvenir shop when I went into it, but before I left, I knew I just had to.

To make a very long story short, we into Three Bears General Store to get some cash.  When we entered, I thought, "Wall to wall souvenirs".  This place has all kinds of the usual t-shirts, caps, bags, jewelry, toys, and anything else on which you would advertise the Smokies.   They have a concession area and a section that is similar to a Christian bookstore with tshirts, jewelry, purses, bookmarks, and all sorts of goodies.  As I ascended the stairs my thought was "wall to wall Christmas ornaments".   But then I went around the left and saw the sign to See and Feed Live Bears.   Gotta check this out.  So we pay our $3.25 each and head on out.  We missed the feeding time by 30 minutes, but we did see the black bears in their habitat.  Here are a few photos.

This must be a really comfortable lounging position because this bear did not move for a while.

This one was napping on the other side of the habitat and refused to acknowledge anything.

This one was pacing the entire time.  I figured if there were a Papa, Mama, and Baby bear here, this one must have been the Mama.

I wondered how they fed the bears without getting hurt.  Now I know.

After we had our fill of watching the bears, we went back inside and headed toward the Arcade.  Hubby loves arcades, and I do enjoy a bit of Skee-Ball myself.  On the way, we spy the massage center.  The young lady who was running it asked if we were interested, but we said no.  T asked her about a lanyard she was wearing that said "Praying for Willow"  and "Facebook- Willow's Branch".  She is the mother of a beautiful 5 year old who has Schwachman-Diamond Syndrome.  Click here to link to her facebook page for the entire story.  As she is telling us about all of the physical challenges her child has, she also shares with us about the store's prayer wall.   It started with "Rooting for Regen", a 12 year old in the community who has brain cancer that they are rallying around and supporting.  He is very discouraged because he has gone from an athlete to not being able to move.   This love and support then spread into their "Prayers for Smiling Faces".  Customers can submit a card with a child's name who is having their own physical battle and the store will post it.  See photos below.

Isn't Willow just a cutie?

And this is their wall.

The link at the beginning of the article can take you to their homepage and you can learn about all of the nifty things they have on this property.  But the niftiest thing is probably not mentioned.  It is their staff.  Most retailers in this area are friendly and nice, but Three Bears takes it a step( or should I say a mile?) further.  As customers leave a particular section of the store, every member of the staff in that section says "Have a blessed day".  And they say it like they mean it.
So, that is why I wrote this blog.  I want to encourage you to pray for Willow and Regen and all children who have to battle diseases.  I want to encourage you to pray for their parents, who are daily examples of strength and courage.  Lastly, thank God for the medical advancements we have and pray for continued research.
And have a blessed day.

What to do in Pigeon Forge? Tail of the Dragon

When I was surfing the 'net to decide what to do on our vacation in Pigeon Forge, I was a bit overwhelmed with all of the options!  And good or bad, I like to do just about anything - cheesy tourist traps, hiking, historical places, amusement parks, and even shopping.  So, I took to social media and polled my friends.  Most of the places or suggestions I had heard of, but there was one that was new to me "Tail of the Dragon".    What could this be?  A ride at an amusement park?  It is a ride alright.

Click here to see the brochure and map on page 3 of what we drove.  It was SO MUCH FUN!  And of course, since we were in God's Country (aka Tennessee), it was gorgeous.   This drive is quite popular with those who own  a different kind of Harley, Shadow, and Bandit than we do.  Theirs usually purr a little louder and run on gas instead of Cat Chow.
Below are a few photos I snapped.  Most are through the windows, so please forgive the "not so brightness".

I love names like "Punkin Center".

Add caption

Their dragon is so cool, he wears shades.

A rather mild curve at the beginning

The dam shown on the map.

We saw several of these signs, but this was your last chance to get out while you could.

This was a common site.  Very very common.

Switch to the right.....

Switch to the left....

And just hang on.

Hubby is glued to the steering wheel at the scenic overlook. Can't. Let. Go.

How purty.

Are we there yet?

After we reached the Deals Gap store, we turned around and headed to PF for some grub.  Driving this on empty stomachs was not a great idea, but we survived.  Jenean (our GPS) directed us to take Foothills Parkway.  It was a much smoother ride.

See?  He was able to peel himself out of the car at this stop.

And that is why it is called The Smoky Mountains.

God's Country. Amen.

Baseball Movies

Since hubby is not a huge baseball fan, I have tried to dial it down.  However, after yesterday's blog, I feel compelled to satisfy my craving for baseball related STUFF.   Today, I decided to review my favorite movies related to baseball, in order of release.

Bad News Bears - 1976 -This movie has to be referenced more than any other still today.  I mean, how many times do you hear this at the field?   "Stop throwing the ball around! Agh! They look just like the Bad News Bears!"  This movie made me laugh a lot as a child and I just thought that Tatum O'Neal's character was nothing less than amazing.

 

Eight Men Out - 1988 - I was so outraged after I saw this movie and super curious at the same time about what really happened.  I couldn't believe that men were so greedy that they would dare tarnish the name of baseball.  This movie teaches a great lesson about how the consequences of your choices can affect others.

Field of Dreams - 1989 - Who didn't want to hop in the car and head to Iowa at the end? I like this movie because of its connection to my previous favorite. This picture is my favorite scene.  We learn that it is okay to stick by your husband with his crazy ideas.  I would really like to visit this place, but I think it is no longer a tourist attraction.

A League of Their Own - 1992 - This movie is cram full of so many stars, it is hard to keep track.  The different characters and their personalities are developed so well.  I couldn't believe they actually played in skirts.  We learn about sacrifice and sisterhood in this one, and the reminder : "There is no crying in baseball!"

The Sandlot - 1993 - I did not see this one until a few years ago, and I just had to add it to my collection.  Once again, the characters are just lovable along with their view on the world around them.  I wish all little boys could make friends and grow into men like they did.

The Rookie - 2002 - My favorite scene is the blinking speed limit sign.  This story is one of never giving up on your dreams.  You just never know when they might come true. And then they do a movie and Dennis Quaid portrays you.

And in the category of "Haven't seen yet but sure to be on my list":

Moneyball - 2011- Because I like stories about folks who think outside the box and succeed.

42 - 2013 - Because I read a book about Jackie Robinson when I was younger and was quite impressed by him.  If we could all learn to use our talents and overcome obstacles, just think what we could accomplish!

Great.  Now I want a bucket of popcorn, an ice cold drink, and a rainy Saturday afternoon.  Or maybe just some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.

For Love of the Game

When I told my hubby that I wanted to do a blog about baseball, his response was "How original."  When I then told him my title, once again I heard "How original."  Yes, I know that there was a movie about baseball with Kevin Costner entitled "For Love of the Game."  He has an annoying ability to remember a lot of movie quotes and then to quote them when I don't really want to hear them.

"Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full."

"That's all I have to say about that."

And the worst:  "Yes Mrs. McLintock!, Of course, Mrs. McLintock, Indeed Mrs. McLintock!"

But I digress.

I wanted to do a blog about baseball because it is almost Father's Day and because I do have a love for the game because of my dad. 

A recent survey showed that baseball is America's second favorite sport, behind football.  The survey also revealed that baseball's popularity increased with the age ranges.  I think this is directly related to the memories that a person has related to the sport.   Although I am not in the Baby Boomer generation of the survey, I am sure they remember pick-up games in sandlots or fields with their buddies. It was just fun.

I grew up watching, and loving, the Big Red Machine. I was so obsessed with that team, I can probably still tell you all the starting players' names and positions.   I collected Topps baseball cards for years, and still have them today.   I eagerly looked forward to walking to Ralph's, the little country store just down the road from our house, to get a pack of cards.   I can still remember the smell of the gum and cardboard when opening the package.  I worked hard for 25 cents with hopes of getting a Johnny Bench or Pete Rose card.  They were my role models.  I know that Pete Rose fell from grace and has lost (at this time) any hope of being in the Hall of Fame.  But one cannot deny his playing ability and his hustle; that is why he was nicknamed "Charlie Hustle".  And Johnny Bench was the reason I wanted to play catcher on my softball teams.  Even at a young age, I recognized that it was desirable for someone to give 100% effort in whatever he does.

My love for the majors then grew into a love for the minors.  Growing up not too far from Nashville gave us the opportunity to watch the Sounds a few times, and I am currently hoping to retire and be an usher for the Huntsville Stars one day.   I love the atmosphere at a minor league park.  The fans talk about the players as if they are their neighbors.  The parks are smaller, and therefore, closer to the field and the action.  Almost any night will find a promotion taking place with cheaper tickets or some kind of giveaway.   And I love some of the team names.  My favorite crazy names are the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Savannah Sand Gnats, and the Montgomery Biscuits.  When I go to a minor league park, I like to think that I am experiencing baseball like it was in the old days, when guys didn't play for money, but because they enjoyed the camaraderie and just plain ol' playin' ball.

But really I love Little League.  Not travel ball, but real, boys-of-summer, kid-pitch, base-stealing, baseball.   The batters try to emulate their heroes with their swings and stances and are so humorous at times.  I truly enjoy watching an intense 9 year old catcher who thinks he can make that throwdown to second.  The look on the players' faces after they slide into home and score, even though there was no need to slide, is priceless, as well as the moan from the mom who has to bleach those white pants-AGAIN.  And what is better than to see a little feller hustle down the first base line and be safe after the crowd is convinced he is out with the dribbler to the pitcher?  Only see him crush one over the fence when he gets older.

I choose to ignore the overbearing parents in the stands that can take away from my fun.  I prefer rather to remind myself that while I am enjoying watching my friends' kids play baseball, my dad is doing the same thing in a small town in Tennessee, just like we did when I was growing up.  It was the social event of the evening, and it was definitely the best place to get a hot dog and a snow cone --  if you brought the foul ball to the concession stand.  And I know there are countless hundreds across the country doing the exact same thing.

You may be wondering about the baseball team picture that I have posted.  The picture was taken of a baseball team at Clark AFB in the Philippines around the spring of 1963.  My dad helped coach these kids.   I remember asking him when I was little "How did y'all coach them, if they didn't speak English?"   Apparently, the players were a mix of American and Filipinos on the base, but he said they just kinda figured it out.  Baseball provided a way for unity between these two cultures, which I think is just awesome.  

So I want to say "Thank you" to all of my friends and former Bible class students that keep the spirit of baseball alive and provide me the opportunity to wax nostalgic every spring.

"Play ball!"

A Valentine Goody

Although I have never been one to go crazy over Valentine’s Day, I have been part of some great traditions with friends over the years.  When I think about those late nights delivering surprise valentines, it makes me smile.   This year, I decided to embrace the holiday. I added few decorations around the house - even a burlap wreath with a metal heart ornament for the front door.   Since we were hosting the senior high half of our youth group this past Sunday night for their monthly devotional, I wanted to have some Valentine-themed candies and cookies for them.   I have a rule that I do not try new recipes on folks that are going to be in my home for the first time, but I kinda broke that rule this time.  I was very pleased with my variation of this Red Velvet Cookie recipe that I found online.

This is my version:

1 box red velvet cake mix

2 eggs

1/3 c. + 1 Tbsp oil (I used safflower because it is what I had on hand)

1 tsp vanilla

Mix well.  Dump all of the dough onto Saran Wrap or Press n Seal and wrap it up good and tight. Put in a ziploc type bag.  The original recipe says to chill 2 hours.  Because of my schedule, I had to chill the dough for a couple of days.  They were fine, but be sure to allow time for the dough to warm up to be malleable the day you bake them.  I had to let my dough sit out for almost an hour before I could work with it.

Next mix the following:

4 oz. (1/2 pkg) cream cheese

1 Tbsp butter softened

1 3/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

Dump the cream cheese mixture onto a separate piece of Saran Wrap or Press n Seal and wrap tightly.  The original recipe said to freeze this, but I just put in the fridge with the cookie dough since it was going to have to wait a couple of days.  It has to be scoopable consistency.

When ready to bake, roll the cookie dough into a 2" ball.  For me, the dough was sticking to my hands, so I put on some disposable gloves.   The rolling went much better after that.

Flatten the ball a little and press in the middle to make a well.   Put in 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of the cream cheese mixture.   Pinch the cookie around it and roll again into a ball.   Place on a cookie sheet about 2" apart.   I did not use all of the cream cheese mixture at this point, but that is okay.  Hold onto it for later in the cookie process. 

Bake the cookies at 350F for 11-13 minutes or until done.   Remove from oven and let cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes, then move to cooling racks until completely cool.   

I then moved the cookies to wax paper, and with the leftover cream cheese filling, I added a splash of milk to thin it out and used it to drizzle over the cookies.   Let the cookies sit until the drizzled icing has hardened, maybe thirty minutes.  I was able to get 20 cookies from this recipe.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Oh Boy! Soup!

My husband’s family loves to tell the story of his mother’s famous, or maybe infamous, Oh Boy Soup. She would make a huge batch of soup with whatever leftovers she had in the refrigerator.  These ingredients could be anything, but it would always make A LOT.  So when the oldest son was in school and would come home and ask “What’s for dinner?” ,  the response would be “Soup”.   Initially, his reply was “Oh Boy! Soup!”  but then it became “oh boy....soup.”   The name stuck.

  

I have not been brave enough to venture into creating an Oh Boy Soup of my own yet.   I stick with a rotation of a handful of recipes.  They are great meals for us – they are warm comfort foods and make enough for leftovers for a few days.  Unfortunately, I keep my recipes all over the place, so I thought that I would consolidate my favorites into a blog for my convenience.  Matched up with a pan of cornbread or a grilled pepper jack on wheat, all of these make a great meal.  

7 Can Soup  (from Big T’s Aunt Gail)

1 can Hormel chili with beans

1 can Hormel chili without beans
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can Campbell’s tomato soup
1 can Del Monte mixed vegetables
1 can whole kernel corn

Dump all cans into Dutch oven and warm on medium-low until thoroughly heated; about 30 minutes. Do not let boil.

Tomato Florentine(from allrecipes.com)

2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth

1 can chopped stewed tomatoes
12 oz (1 ½ c.) V8
1 can Campbell’s tomato soup
1 T. sugar
1 10 oz pkg frozen chopped spinach
1 pinch nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
½ c. cooked elbow macaroni (whole grain)

Combine broth, tomatoes, juice, and soup in a saucepan with a wire whisk over medium heat. Add sugar, spinach, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste, without thawing spinach. Allow to heat gently 20 minutes on medium-low until spinach is tender. Keep hot without letting it boil.  Add cooked pasta and cook for 10 minutes longer.

Easy Potato Soup

1 pkg frozen shredded hash browns (2 lb)
1 32 oz  container fat-free chicken broth
1 pkg Pioneer white country gravy mix
½ c. water
½ c. chopped green onions
Optional: bacon bits, cheese

Combine hash browns and chicken broth in Dutch oven.  Bring to boil, turn to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.  In a separate bowl, stir together water with gravy mix.  Add mixtures to potatoes, let simmer until thickened.  Remove from heat.  Serve hot with green onions and other toppings.  I have been known to add a package of cubed ham for a Ham and Potato Soup.

Chicken (sometimes noodle) Soup

1 can fat-free chicken broth
1 can Campbell’s Healthy Request cream of chicken soup
1 can water
1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped  (canned chicken can be substituted in a pinch)
leftover spaghetti or angel hair pasta, if available
½ tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. garlic powder

Mix all ingredients in large saucepan.  Warm on medium-low until thoroughly heated.  I invented this recipe when I was single and sick with a terrible cold.  Not feeling like going to the store, I just used what I had on hand.  It was tolerable, so I kept it. 

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef
½ c. chopped onions
1 can pinto beans
1 can chili beans
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix

Brown ground beef with chopped onion and drain well.  Combine with other ingredients and warm on medium-low.  This can also be warmed in a crock pot on low heat for a couple of hours.

Update 12/27/13
Black Bean Chicken Soup 
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
3 10 oz cans white meat chicken, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can corn
2 cans (or 4 cups) chicken broth
1 c. chopped onion
2 T. cumin
2 T. garlic powder
2 t. black pepper

Mix all and warm in large saucepan or dutch oven.