Girl trip.

Four girls. One car. Lots of luggage. Whole lotta laughs. 

It was a most fun weekend. Three friends and I ventured to Tennessee after "winning" a three night stay in a mountain lake house at a charity silent auction several months ago. 

We tried, and succeeded, to not eat at any chain restaurants. We also tried and succeeded in not cooking all weekend. 

Girls don't mind bathroom stops. We found interesting items at the Country Store, where there was a two toilet bathroom but no stalls with door. Hmm. But we did spy this pickled bologna. And. We each purchased a small can of potted possum. It was too funny to pass up. (We were assured that it really wasn't road kill in the can, even though that is what the label says.) I also spotted moonshine jelly in this store. 

We made it east of Nashville before stopping for lunch. We found a gyro place in a strip mall and ventured in. This gyro salad was delicious. And. I was hungry. The tabouli on the side was scrumptious, too. 

Upon arrival we discovered that our hosts had gifted us a basket chock full of goodies. A bottle of champaign, two bottles of wine, assorted crackers and cookies, cheese, and salmon filled the basket. 

Thursday night we had a smorgasbord of goodies from the basket and from my friend, Patricia, who prepared some lovely bruschetta. We stayed up late talking and laughing. 

Our view Friday morning out the window. 

We had to walk across this bridge to enter the house which was built on the side of the mountain. There were three more floors below this level. 

We found a very nice mall Friday afternoon and we each made happy little purchases. Friday night our hosts had made us reservations at a locally renowned steakhouse, Flemings. It was an upscale dining experience. Enjoyed by all. 

Saturday we visited The Hermitage, the home of Andrew Jackson. We spent hours touring the site. The wagon tour of the working part of the estate was, by far, our favorite. The driver was most entertaining. 

Pastoral scene on the grounds of The Hermitage. 

We woke to thick fog Sunday morning. We packed up and took the long way home through beautiful country. Gorgeous horse farms. Winding roads. Huntsville provided a diner with a menu chock full of too many choices. I settled on the ruben with a side of slaw and fries. There was no way I could finish it all. 

All in all it was an excellent adventure. Just like Bill and Ted. We are already talking about next year and bidding on the house again, if it is offered. 

On my way home I bought Mr. Macho a lottery ticket for his birthday. It is tomorrow. I hope he wins. 

It is a little tough getting back into the real world. But. My house smells better already. 

Happy fog will follow me this week as I bask in the glow of good friends. 

Namaste y'all.