The closest part of the Smoky Mountain National Park is Cataloochee Valley. That was our destination for Kate’s and Nathaniel’s last day with us. We walked up to a lookout point where I took a photo of daughter Lise and grandsons David and Nathaniel.
We were stopped, not by rain, but by a bridge closing. We couldn’t drive to the area where elk often graze, nor could we explore the old house and barn near there. Going back, the younger people went in the old church, but John and I opted to take a short nap in the car. We also wanted to walk across a log bridge, which we’d not bothered to do before. I liked the view as you approached it.
Bridge and stream are more picturesque from a different angle.
I love mountain streams and took a short video from the bridge.
I cooked our last dinner together. For the foodies: salmon with molasses/soy/lime sauce, sliced potatoes with Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese, green beans, double lime Jell-o salad, and frozen lemon pie.
Niece Julie and friend Michael came to pick up Lise to spend a few days in Winston Salem. I hope to remember to take a photo when they return her.
Mehrling Muse 
How very picturesque! And my you do eat well! That salmon sounds amazing. Some wonderful family time for all of you. I’m missing mine.
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I hope you will be able to make up for lost time with your family when the virus restrictions have been lifted.
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Sounds like you will have a few days alone with David. Family visits go so fast!
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Time evaporates when families gather. We’ll have another week with Lise when she returns from Winston Salem.
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You are very lucky. The granddaughters are coming east at the end of July but they will be with us for only three days. They are going to see some other friends in another state for a few days before going back.
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That’s wonderful that you are going to see them this summer.
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Yes we are looking forward to it.
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What a great day! That log bridge looks neat:). I always think streams are so picturesque, but they never look as good in photos
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Your feet don’t get wet in photos of streams. Nathaniel was on rocks in the stream when his foot slipped. Only a part of his shoe got wet.
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On Thursday when I was running the river I wanted to throw my whole body in it was so hot!
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I’ve been that hot before, so I know what you are saying.
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Oh good because that is definitely not typical for me
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I hate the speed which the goodbyes come round with. Family timei is never enough the older I get,
Massive Hugs
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At least we’ve spread the goodbyes apart.
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Wow! You guys really get around!!
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We concentrated on doing something special outside the house every day Kate, Lise, and Nathaniel were here. David took his week’s vacation at the same time. It was marvelous to be able to come and go as we pleased.
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I would never have thought of putting molasses with salmon.
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I saw that in a recipe, and we like it. There is just a small amount of molasses. It/they balance the salty soy sauce and the sour lime. Grated ginger adds a little kick. I also add white wine, water, and corn starch. Use it to de-glaze the pan.
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The photo on the bridge is really nice, Anne. And I love the sound of the dinner that you made. I wish I had a grandmother like you that I can visit and have meals with, too.
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I wish you lived closer and could come for a meal. We love to visit around the table.
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Thank you, that is so nice. I would also love to cook for you one time, Anne.
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That’s even nicer!!
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Sorry to see you are reducing the ranks … you’ve had so much fun this week. That bridge is very picturesque and very narrow on top of it … the weather looked perfect for this trip.
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Kate got home safely last night, and Lise returns tomorrow for another week of fun. David will have to work, though. We had rain several times. We cancelled only one thing because of it. It was a great week.
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That’s good … Nathaniel and John left too then – I remember you said that John would take Nathaniel to school for his job. Yes, it was a great week – visiting places you like and visiting with people you love.
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As you said, it was a great week.
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Happy times.
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I must commend you on your excellent menu choices. Glad all had a wonderful time.
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We would have saved you a serving of salmon. You wouldn’t have eaten green beans, would you?
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No, no I don’t like green beans. But the salmon sounds delicious!
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You’ve had such a nice time with your grands and girls! Tell me about frozen lemon pie, I think my mom used to make something like that.
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Frozen lemon pie has lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk as the main ingredients. It’s a very easy thing to do. We had a gluten free person in the group, so I skipped the Graham cracker crust.
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Thanks Anne!
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Yes, ountain streams are the best. However, I have found it is important to maintain ones balance.
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Yes, balance is important. That’s why I was glad I didn’t fall in the stream.
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That salmon sounds delicious!
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Lovely surroundings! I’m cooking salmon for supper as we speak! 😀 (Usually John cooks – because he likes to – but I’m giving him the day off. :-D) It’s Canada Day today! We were ‘born’ in 1867, so that makes us… oh, I hate math! Let’s just say Canada is older than me! Lol!
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Happy Canada Day! Umm! Salmon!
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Thanks Anne!
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