ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE…this southern girl is feeling appreciative

Crisp cool evenings

chilly air wafting through the house at night through the open windows

the constant smell of freshly cut grass

the constant sound of birds of different species singing to one another in all their different languages

the tall majestic trees

the sight of moss-covered rocks

my kids running around in and out of the house in their pajamas all morning

the sweet melodic (occasional consonant dropping) tone of friendly people greeting me as I walk by

the mouth-watering rich taste of barbecue and it’s sidekick the perfect southern accompniment to any meal, the ever-addictive sweet tea

the smell of wood burning in a fireplace early in the morning

seeing family members looking and living well

seeing barns in open fields

driving through long winding roads
the smell of coffee first thing in the morning

gorgeous bellowing white and pink dogwood trees that line friendly neighborhood streets

and dark gloomy rainy days like today

These are just a few things I am appreciating while visiting family in Northeast Tennessee.