I have a new obsession and it's watching the DC Eagle Cam. The American Eagle Foundation has this cam, and three cams in Dollywood that watch over the nests of our country's bird, the Bald Eagle. There are other nests and cams that operate, but normally are most active when eggs have been laid, hatched and the world can watch the interaction of the Mom and Dad eagle with their young.
I am hooked. Who knew watching an Eagle Cam could be so engaging? I'm fascinated by so many things that occur while watching. The Mom Eagle keeps watch over her young and before they are hatched she helps to incubate them by sitting on the eggs. This may change if the temperature changes, so she keeps a close watch on these pre-born chicks. For the DC Eagle nest, the Eagles are named Mr. President and First Lady. The Dollywood Cam has Franklin and Independence, Isaiah and Mrs. Jefferson, and Sir Hatcher and Lady Independence. The Dollywood nests have recently laid eggs, so the Mom Eagles are staying right in the nest the majority of time.
Mr. President goes out and secures food, so watching the cam can be a bit gross at times, when he brings some dead animal to the nest and they pick it clean to feed the baby birds and themselves. There is blood, so be prepared. The admins that monitor the periodic chat times, also post updates. Mr. President does give the First Lady breaks and she leaves the nest to have "Eagle-ess" time while he takes over duties watching the Eaglets. Good to know that the Eagles share the parenting duties.
When I watch these cams, I'm completely enamored at the intricacy of creation. Their nests are so well made (and quite heavy I've heard), and constructed to sit atop a tree and hold the family without fail....unless some tornado whips through I'd assume. I can't imagine not believing in God as our Creator when you look at the nest alone and how it is built by these majestic birds. Also, their ability to mate, lay eggs and protect their young is something beyond my comprehension. Of course, there is a disclaimer on the site that anything can happen in the wild, but I've seen enough of upset Eagles to know they will put up a true fight before letting anything come near their eaglets. But, as Scripture teaches in Matthew, birds don't worry about things because they know the Creator will provide. Mr. President doesn't tell First Lady, "So I hope I find some food when I go looking today." Because he knows he'll find some. Oh to have the faith of an Eagle.
Beyond the evidence of a Divine Creator, after watching the Dollywood Cam, I'm struck by something even more amazing. The Momma Eagle rarely leaves from sitting on her eggs. She recognizes the life that is in those eggs, ready to come alive and she is doing her part to ensure they hatch and survive. She recognizes life, even before they hatch. Read that again, "even before they hatch." When we talk about life in a human mother's womb, we can hear heartbeats, see the babies on ultrasounds, and know that blood is pumping. But even for the Eagle, they recognize there is a life that is about to emerge. And they are going to do everything they can to make that happen. The wonder of new birth. Oh to have our world value life like the Eagle.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
It Only Happens to Me
My life is funny. I think that's why I enjoy life so much because the small encounters I have on a regular basis make me giggle. I'll share a few in today's blog post that, even days later, leave me smiling.
A couple of weeks ago I met my sweet friend, Martha, for our monthly Cracker Barrel date. We meet for breakfast (or brunch actually) once a month and I cherish those times together. Many days we end up spending a couple of hours talking and enjoying our food, but on this particular day, we could tell they wanted us out. Granted, there was a wait, so we needed to leave, but I chuckled at our not taking the server up on "to-go" drinks and then him returning with drinks to go.
Before we left, I made a trip to the restroom. There was one lady coming out and a woman and her child at the sinks. I entered the stall and then poof the lights went out. My first thought was the child must have hit the switch, but I thought surely the Mom would have noticed that. Then, when everything was so quiet and I was in the restroom alone, I thought "Did I just lose my eyesight?" I put my hand in front of my face and couldn't see a thing. Eeks! I have lost my eyesight! I was quickly reminded that public restrooms have no windows. Have you noticed that? I challenge you to check out the next public restroom you enter. No windows 99.9% of the time. So I struggled my way in the dark after taking care of business to get to the door and flip the light on. I'd waited expecting someone to enter and they didn't. I knew it wasn't the rapture, because, people, I know where I'm going! As I got to the door someone was coming in and surely thought I was a loon. I told her "someone flipped the lights off." She looked at me as if I'd just escaped the mental hospital. For all the angst of that restroom visit, I chalk it up to the wait staff wanting me to leave.
Last week I was lounging in my recliner to read and was going to use my heating pad. With RA, many times at the end of the day, I need some heat on my joints to ease the pain. I have a heating pad that I believe was on Noah's Ark, but it does the trick. Until recently. I noticed that the light would go sporadically off and on and didn't know why. Gee, didn't even dawn on my that the heating pad was 100 kabillion years old. On this one night as I was shaking the wire I saw a spark and saw smoke. The cord had worn through and it was sparking. Great. Thankfully, God loves me and kept me from catching on fire. I quickly tossed the ancient heating pad in the garbage.
Though I have crazy things happen, there are lots of "good" crazy. Today on my way to work I stopped by Starbucks to get a green tea. This Starbucks is notably the slowest on the planet. About every 3 trips, I get a free drink due to the slow service. Today was one of those days. Not all crazy is a bad thing.
A couple of weeks ago I met my sweet friend, Martha, for our monthly Cracker Barrel date. We meet for breakfast (or brunch actually) once a month and I cherish those times together. Many days we end up spending a couple of hours talking and enjoying our food, but on this particular day, we could tell they wanted us out. Granted, there was a wait, so we needed to leave, but I chuckled at our not taking the server up on "to-go" drinks and then him returning with drinks to go.
Before we left, I made a trip to the restroom. There was one lady coming out and a woman and her child at the sinks. I entered the stall and then poof the lights went out. My first thought was the child must have hit the switch, but I thought surely the Mom would have noticed that. Then, when everything was so quiet and I was in the restroom alone, I thought "Did I just lose my eyesight?" I put my hand in front of my face and couldn't see a thing. Eeks! I have lost my eyesight! I was quickly reminded that public restrooms have no windows. Have you noticed that? I challenge you to check out the next public restroom you enter. No windows 99.9% of the time. So I struggled my way in the dark after taking care of business to get to the door and flip the light on. I'd waited expecting someone to enter and they didn't. I knew it wasn't the rapture, because, people, I know where I'm going! As I got to the door someone was coming in and surely thought I was a loon. I told her "someone flipped the lights off." She looked at me as if I'd just escaped the mental hospital. For all the angst of that restroom visit, I chalk it up to the wait staff wanting me to leave.
Last week I was lounging in my recliner to read and was going to use my heating pad. With RA, many times at the end of the day, I need some heat on my joints to ease the pain. I have a heating pad that I believe was on Noah's Ark, but it does the trick. Until recently. I noticed that the light would go sporadically off and on and didn't know why. Gee, didn't even dawn on my that the heating pad was 100 kabillion years old. On this one night as I was shaking the wire I saw a spark and saw smoke. The cord had worn through and it was sparking. Great. Thankfully, God loves me and kept me from catching on fire. I quickly tossed the ancient heating pad in the garbage.
Though I have crazy things happen, there are lots of "good" crazy. Today on my way to work I stopped by Starbucks to get a green tea. This Starbucks is notably the slowest on the planet. About every 3 trips, I get a free drink due to the slow service. Today was one of those days. Not all crazy is a bad thing.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
I'll Give That Five Stars
For those who follow my blog, you'll remember I started a YouTube channel a few months back called Rosie's Reviews. I had this great and wonderful idea that I'd do video reviews of all sorts of things and become a millionaire from all the viewers I'd generate. Yeah, that didn't happen. I love YouTube. It's like another television channel I watch. Currently, I follow a lot of "vloggers" (the video form of a blogger) and usually watch a few videos in my subscription feed daily. I really love the family vloggers...those that have children and vlog daily. I'm either a sucker for kids or natural humor...or both. But these vlogs are amazing! You should check them out....the Ballinger Family....J House Vlogs....Daily Bumps....Our Teeny Family. Every one of these families has a kid I'm totally in love with, so if you watch, you can take a guess.
Lest I digress...so I started this YouTube channel and then realized the work involved in keeping up a regular video schedule. First you do the shoot. That part was easy. I'm an ad libber aka one-take wonder, so that part wasn't hard. Second comes the editing. I was editing at a low level - no bells and whistles like music, transitions, etc - but it still took time. Then, uploading and publish. My Internet is currently not the fastest - Uverse PLEASE come to my neighborhood! - so uploading a 15 minute video could take hours. Due to my OCD, making sure I had a balanced schedule and videos in the queue to edit, and some sort of publishing schedule was like having a second full-time job. So, I soon let it fade.
After my recent Oscar Challenge, my friend, Ashley suggested I start another blog simply focused on reviews. Brilliant idea!! Yes, blogs aren't as "2016" as a video, but my passion is the written word, so it just made sense. And, since I have so much time on my hands (see sarcastic font here), I decided to do it! On Leap Year Day, the blog was born - "Rosie's Reviews." I'll be reviewing books, movies, makeup, food...you name it. If it's something I use or experience, my critique will come out.
But, wait, what about this blog? Am I abandoning it? Absolutely not! My Rosie's Reviews blog will be an additional blog in my repertoire while this blog remains the mother ship. You may see blog posts here that are "reposts" of reviews on my other blog, but this will remain my home plate of creation. This blog celebrated its 10 year anniversary last April and it holds a very special place in my heart. I started this blog after a time in a dry, creative-less job and needed an outlet to "bring creative back." Giving this blog up would be like removing a creative gene from my body.
Be sure to visit and bookmark my Rosie's Reviews blog. Here are the first three posts so you can catch up...
Launching a New Blog and Recapping the Oscars
http://rosiebooreviews.blogspot.com/2016/02/launching-new-blog-and-recapping-oscars.html
Book Review: Me Before You
http://rosiebooreviews.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-me-before-you.html
Book Review: The Secrets of Midwives
http://rosiebooreviews.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-secrets-of-midwives.html
Lest I digress...so I started this YouTube channel and then realized the work involved in keeping up a regular video schedule. First you do the shoot. That part was easy. I'm an ad libber aka one-take wonder, so that part wasn't hard. Second comes the editing. I was editing at a low level - no bells and whistles like music, transitions, etc - but it still took time. Then, uploading and publish. My Internet is currently not the fastest - Uverse PLEASE come to my neighborhood! - so uploading a 15 minute video could take hours. Due to my OCD, making sure I had a balanced schedule and videos in the queue to edit, and some sort of publishing schedule was like having a second full-time job. So, I soon let it fade.
After my recent Oscar Challenge, my friend, Ashley suggested I start another blog simply focused on reviews. Brilliant idea!! Yes, blogs aren't as "2016" as a video, but my passion is the written word, so it just made sense. And, since I have so much time on my hands (see sarcastic font here), I decided to do it! On Leap Year Day, the blog was born - "Rosie's Reviews." I'll be reviewing books, movies, makeup, food...you name it. If it's something I use or experience, my critique will come out.
But, wait, what about this blog? Am I abandoning it? Absolutely not! My Rosie's Reviews blog will be an additional blog in my repertoire while this blog remains the mother ship. You may see blog posts here that are "reposts" of reviews on my other blog, but this will remain my home plate of creation. This blog celebrated its 10 year anniversary last April and it holds a very special place in my heart. I started this blog after a time in a dry, creative-less job and needed an outlet to "bring creative back." Giving this blog up would be like removing a creative gene from my body.
Be sure to visit and bookmark my Rosie's Reviews blog. Here are the first three posts so you can catch up...
Launching a New Blog and Recapping the Oscars
http://rosiebooreviews.blogspot.com/2016/02/launching-new-blog-and-recapping-oscars.html
Book Review: Me Before You
http://rosiebooreviews.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-me-before-you.html
Book Review: The Secrets of Midwives
http://rosiebooreviews.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-secrets-of-midwives.html
Friday, February 26, 2016
My Oscar Picks for 2016
This year I decided to embark on a challenge to see as many Oscar-nominated movies in the top categories as possible before the awards ceremony. One of my employees suggested we do this last year, but being in the midst of my MBA, I didn't have the bandwidth to binge on movies. I told him, "next year, I'm in." And boy was I.
You may want to carve out some time and grab a beverage because this blog post will most likely be a long one. I'll start by saying I had a similar experience that I had when I joined a book club seven years ago. I watched movies I'd never have chosen on my own, but was so glad I saw them. It'll change the way I watch movies going forward. Read: I'll be more adventurous. I'll only be picking Best Picture and the Best Actor/Actresses (and Supporting), though I have a printout to predict all the categories so I can enjoy the Oscars from start to finish. If I'd started sooner, I would have gone on a social media campaign to go as Michael Keaton's date, but finding an outfit now would be less than optimal. So, without further ado, here we go!
Best Supporting Actress:
Nominees:
Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight Rooney Mara, Carol
Rachel McAdams, Spotlight Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
I've only seen two of these nominees, which doesn't give me a full view of the competition. I have seen Rachel McAdams and Kate Winslet's performances and though both did a great job, Kate is the clear winner. Rachel did an amazing job but her character, along with the rest of the ensemble, moved as one actor, so it's hard to separate her performance from the others. Kate was almost unrecognizable in her role and was a constant in Steve Jobs' life during the years covered in the film. Kate isn't recognized for the acting work she's done.
My Pick: Kate Winslet
Long Shot Pick: Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Best Supporting Actor:
Nominees:
Christian Bale, The Big Short Tom Hardy, The Revenant
Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Sylvester Stallone, Creed
I've seen every performance in this category which makes me feel very informed in my choice. As mentioned in the last category, Mark Ruffalo was great, but as a part of the ensemble, not as an individual actor. Tom Hardy as the evil Fitzgerald is a formidable contender, but I don't think he'll be the winner. Mark Rylance's performance, much like Spotlight's ensemble, was enhanced due to this connection to the lead actor, Tom Hanks, and his role in the film. Sylvester Stallone did a great job rekindling his role as Rocky. What stood out to me was his ability to take a role that has been around for 30+ years and let that character age properly into Rocky of old. His performance with the cast and alone were both well done. His strongest competition is Christian Bale. His role in The Big Short was quite opposite of anything he's done and although I knew it was him, I didn't think about him being Christian Bale at all. He was Michael Burry.
My Pick: Sylvester Stallone
Long shot Pick: Christian Bale
Best Actress:
Nominees:
Cate Blanchett, Carol Brie Larson, Room
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy Charlotte Rampling, 45 years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
In this category, I've only seen two performances - Brie Larson and Saoirse Ronan. Cate Blanchett predictably did well, but the movie isn't getting the hype that normally follows with an Oscar. I'd say something similar for Charlotte Rampling - not enough hype. I've heard mixed reviews on Jennifer Lawrence's performance, but she could have an outside chance. I love Saoirse in Brooklyn, but the role wasn't a strong performance to gain attention. I read the book, so my love of everything Brooklyn runs deep. That leaves Brie Larson. I have to admit I wasn't extremely impressed with her performance. Or the movie, for that matter. I thought it was well done, given the tough content matter, but I really didn't see anything extreme in her performance. She played the role well, but not award-winning. But, she'll most likely win.
My Pick: Brie Larson
Long shot Pick: Jennifer Lawrence
Best Actor:
Nominees:
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo Matt Damon, The Martian
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
The only movie I haven't seen in this category is The Danish Girl. This is a great year for Best Actor performances! I'm sorry Eddie, dressing up as a woman doesn't qualify you for Best Actor. Plus you won last year. Matt Damon did a good job in his role, but I wouldn't consider it Best Actor worthy. I was impressed with Michael Fassbender. His portrayal of Steve Jobs was a very worthy performance. Bryan Cranston was excellent in his role as Dalton Trumbo, blacklisted screenplay writer in the 1940s/50s. This is his first Oscar nomination, and it is well deserved. Leo is the winner of this category, hands down. And not because he's been overlooked before. He deserves this win merely on this amazing performance. I'd love to see he and Kate win. Two performers who have been overlooked and deserve recognition...and a little tribute to Titanic.
My Pick: Leonardo DiCaprio
Long Shot Pick: Bryan Cranston
Best Picture:
Nominees:
The Big Short Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian The Revenant
Room Spotlight
I've seen every picture in this category, fulfilling the biggest part of my challenge. Mad Max is a visually artistic creation, but far from a Best Picture. How it made it there over some others is amazing to me. Brooklyn was a beautiful film to watch and a lovely story based on an even better book. The backdrop of Ireland and Brooklyn in the 1950s made this film exquisite. But I don't think it has the steam to win. The Martian is much like Interstellar meets Castaway and it's seems a bit "already done that." Enjoyable movie, but not original enough for Best Picture. Room was a bit of a disappointment since I heard great reviews. It was a good movie, but nothing earth shattering. A few levels above a Lifetime Original Movie. The last four were my favorites. Bridge of Spies was excellent and Tom Hanks is so good that he didn't get nominated for actor given he has a bar so high he'd have to knock it out of the park to get noticed. The Big Short was wonderfully made taking a crushing topic - the housing crash of 2008 - and making it understandable, and somewhat enjoyable to watch on the screen. The ensemble cast didn't hurt. Spotlight was another great movie. Subtle in its presentation of a very difficult topic, I felt the screenplay and acting was so well done and focused on the topic. It didn't veer off into the lives of the writers for the Boston Globe, giving the perspective that their lives were swallowed up in this coverage. I was moved by this movie. When I saw The Revenant, I had just been through a horrible day at work and wasn't all that keen on watching this movie. But I did. And was pleasantly surprised. From the first scene to the last I was enthralled. The story on the screen and that which was implied was strong. And Leo's performance was outstanding. After watching Leo fight a bear, my day at work didn't seem so bad. I'd be shocked if this one doesn't take a lot of Oscars.
My Pick: The Revenant
Long shot Pick: Spotlight
So there you have it. My picks. I'm keeping a scorecard with all my picks (even Best Sound Mixing) so I can see how I fare. Roll out the Red Carpet, I'm ready for my close up!
You may want to carve out some time and grab a beverage because this blog post will most likely be a long one. I'll start by saying I had a similar experience that I had when I joined a book club seven years ago. I watched movies I'd never have chosen on my own, but was so glad I saw them. It'll change the way I watch movies going forward. Read: I'll be more adventurous. I'll only be picking Best Picture and the Best Actor/Actresses (and Supporting), though I have a printout to predict all the categories so I can enjoy the Oscars from start to finish. If I'd started sooner, I would have gone on a social media campaign to go as Michael Keaton's date, but finding an outfit now would be less than optimal. So, without further ado, here we go!
Best Supporting Actress:
Nominees:
Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight Rooney Mara, Carol
Rachel McAdams, Spotlight Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
I've only seen two of these nominees, which doesn't give me a full view of the competition. I have seen Rachel McAdams and Kate Winslet's performances and though both did a great job, Kate is the clear winner. Rachel did an amazing job but her character, along with the rest of the ensemble, moved as one actor, so it's hard to separate her performance from the others. Kate was almost unrecognizable in her role and was a constant in Steve Jobs' life during the years covered in the film. Kate isn't recognized for the acting work she's done.
My Pick: Kate Winslet
Long Shot Pick: Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Best Supporting Actor:
Nominees:
Christian Bale, The Big Short Tom Hardy, The Revenant
Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Sylvester Stallone, Creed
I've seen every performance in this category which makes me feel very informed in my choice. As mentioned in the last category, Mark Ruffalo was great, but as a part of the ensemble, not as an individual actor. Tom Hardy as the evil Fitzgerald is a formidable contender, but I don't think he'll be the winner. Mark Rylance's performance, much like Spotlight's ensemble, was enhanced due to this connection to the lead actor, Tom Hanks, and his role in the film. Sylvester Stallone did a great job rekindling his role as Rocky. What stood out to me was his ability to take a role that has been around for 30+ years and let that character age properly into Rocky of old. His performance with the cast and alone were both well done. His strongest competition is Christian Bale. His role in The Big Short was quite opposite of anything he's done and although I knew it was him, I didn't think about him being Christian Bale at all. He was Michael Burry.
My Pick: Sylvester Stallone
Long shot Pick: Christian Bale
Best Actress:
Nominees:
Cate Blanchett, Carol Brie Larson, Room
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy Charlotte Rampling, 45 years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
In this category, I've only seen two performances - Brie Larson and Saoirse Ronan. Cate Blanchett predictably did well, but the movie isn't getting the hype that normally follows with an Oscar. I'd say something similar for Charlotte Rampling - not enough hype. I've heard mixed reviews on Jennifer Lawrence's performance, but she could have an outside chance. I love Saoirse in Brooklyn, but the role wasn't a strong performance to gain attention. I read the book, so my love of everything Brooklyn runs deep. That leaves Brie Larson. I have to admit I wasn't extremely impressed with her performance. Or the movie, for that matter. I thought it was well done, given the tough content matter, but I really didn't see anything extreme in her performance. She played the role well, but not award-winning. But, she'll most likely win.
My Pick: Brie Larson
Long shot Pick: Jennifer Lawrence
Best Actor:
Nominees:
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo Matt Damon, The Martian
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
The only movie I haven't seen in this category is The Danish Girl. This is a great year for Best Actor performances! I'm sorry Eddie, dressing up as a woman doesn't qualify you for Best Actor. Plus you won last year. Matt Damon did a good job in his role, but I wouldn't consider it Best Actor worthy. I was impressed with Michael Fassbender. His portrayal of Steve Jobs was a very worthy performance. Bryan Cranston was excellent in his role as Dalton Trumbo, blacklisted screenplay writer in the 1940s/50s. This is his first Oscar nomination, and it is well deserved. Leo is the winner of this category, hands down. And not because he's been overlooked before. He deserves this win merely on this amazing performance. I'd love to see he and Kate win. Two performers who have been overlooked and deserve recognition...and a little tribute to Titanic.
My Pick: Leonardo DiCaprio
Long Shot Pick: Bryan Cranston
Best Picture:
Nominees:
The Big Short Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian The Revenant
Room Spotlight
I've seen every picture in this category, fulfilling the biggest part of my challenge. Mad Max is a visually artistic creation, but far from a Best Picture. How it made it there over some others is amazing to me. Brooklyn was a beautiful film to watch and a lovely story based on an even better book. The backdrop of Ireland and Brooklyn in the 1950s made this film exquisite. But I don't think it has the steam to win. The Martian is much like Interstellar meets Castaway and it's seems a bit "already done that." Enjoyable movie, but not original enough for Best Picture. Room was a bit of a disappointment since I heard great reviews. It was a good movie, but nothing earth shattering. A few levels above a Lifetime Original Movie. The last four were my favorites. Bridge of Spies was excellent and Tom Hanks is so good that he didn't get nominated for actor given he has a bar so high he'd have to knock it out of the park to get noticed. The Big Short was wonderfully made taking a crushing topic - the housing crash of 2008 - and making it understandable, and somewhat enjoyable to watch on the screen. The ensemble cast didn't hurt. Spotlight was another great movie. Subtle in its presentation of a very difficult topic, I felt the screenplay and acting was so well done and focused on the topic. It didn't veer off into the lives of the writers for the Boston Globe, giving the perspective that their lives were swallowed up in this coverage. I was moved by this movie. When I saw The Revenant, I had just been through a horrible day at work and wasn't all that keen on watching this movie. But I did. And was pleasantly surprised. From the first scene to the last I was enthralled. The story on the screen and that which was implied was strong. And Leo's performance was outstanding. After watching Leo fight a bear, my day at work didn't seem so bad. I'd be shocked if this one doesn't take a lot of Oscars.
My Pick: The Revenant
Long shot Pick: Spotlight
So there you have it. My picks. I'm keeping a scorecard with all my picks (even Best Sound Mixing) so I can see how I fare. Roll out the Red Carpet, I'm ready for my close up!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Snow on Robinson Mountain
After a long dry spell, I finally had reservations to return to Robinson Mountain. For those of you who follow my blog, you know exactly where Robinson Mountain is...it's wherever my sweet friends, Mark and Sharon Robinson live. My last visit was the summer of 2013, and with MBA studies the next two years, my travel was limited. I knew, and felt, it was time for a return visit.
Equally as exciting was being able to visit their new home. About a year ago, they moved from Brentwood, TN, to Gallatin, TN, to a cozy home that I was thrilled to experience. We made plans and as providence would have it, the biggest snowstorm of the season was to hit that very weekend. Again, as a follower of my blog, you know I'm the Jim Cantore traveler.
As the weather forecasters kept upping the accumulation, and the treacherous conditions that would occur right down my route to Robinson Mountain, caused me to think my weekend would be a bust. Thankfully, once I knew my travel day was going to be questionable, Sharon suggested I come down the night before to avoid the weather. I scrambled together, packed, and off I went. It was smooth sailing and no issues at all, and I arrived with some rain sprinkling but temperatures above freezing.
Their new home is precious! The Robinsons would be the perfect owners of a Bed and Breakfast, because they make you feel like you are tucked away in the Von Trapp Lodge in Vermont. Their new home has a "guest suite" area where there are two bedrooms flanking the guest bathroom. One bedroom has twin beds for the children who visit. My bedroom came with all the comforts of home...a lovely gift on the bed, which included a box of Nashville-favorite Goo-Goo Clusters, and a sign on the bureau that said "Free WiFi" and how to connect.
We went to bed, knowing the snow was coming and upon waking in the morning, I found a note in the bathroom that said, "Welcome to Robinson Inn Snow Day! No makeup and let's enjoy the day!" Sharon worked from home that day and Mark's company had closed after the area got about 5-6 inches. Sharon and Mark are northerners, so they chuckle at the response of snow in the south, but we enjoyed being snowed in and the snow continued to fall. Sharon keeps the birds fed, so we could watch out their glass doors as the birds hovered around the feeders to get food.
On Saturday morning, Mark got up and shoveled the drive and walkway, and the neighbor's drive and walkway. We ended up having Day Two snowed in and it was glorious! We talked, read, colored (yes, Sharon and I had our adult coloring books) and ate. Mark and Sharon cooked, and I enjoyed the fruits of their labor (pun intended). About midday we learned church was canceled the next day and the pastor sent an outline for a family worship time. Although I was excited to attend their new church, I was equally excited to have this sweet, special time at Robinson Inn. Before we turned in for the evening we drank hot chocolate and watched old movies - and an episode or two of Chuck. My kind of day.
Sunday morning worship was great! We sang while Sharon accompanied on the piano and we looked at the life of Peter, as their church was preparing to start a new series on 1 Peter the following week. After enjoying lunch together, I left for home around 4pm my time. By this time, the roads were mostly clear and it was a great drive home.
We never left the house, but it was a sweet three days of quality time with two of my favorite people. I never understand the mysteries of how God brings people together, but I'm certainly glad He brought us together. This is a friendship that is timeless...even into eternity.
One of my favorite places to be snowed in is with the sweet Robinsons. I'm glad God providentially allowed for that time of seclusion together to cherish our friendship.
Equally as exciting was being able to visit their new home. About a year ago, they moved from Brentwood, TN, to Gallatin, TN, to a cozy home that I was thrilled to experience. We made plans and as providence would have it, the biggest snowstorm of the season was to hit that very weekend. Again, as a follower of my blog, you know I'm the Jim Cantore traveler.
As the weather forecasters kept upping the accumulation, and the treacherous conditions that would occur right down my route to Robinson Mountain, caused me to think my weekend would be a bust. Thankfully, once I knew my travel day was going to be questionable, Sharon suggested I come down the night before to avoid the weather. I scrambled together, packed, and off I went. It was smooth sailing and no issues at all, and I arrived with some rain sprinkling but temperatures above freezing.
Their new home is precious! The Robinsons would be the perfect owners of a Bed and Breakfast, because they make you feel like you are tucked away in the Von Trapp Lodge in Vermont. Their new home has a "guest suite" area where there are two bedrooms flanking the guest bathroom. One bedroom has twin beds for the children who visit. My bedroom came with all the comforts of home...a lovely gift on the bed, which included a box of Nashville-favorite Goo-Goo Clusters, and a sign on the bureau that said "Free WiFi" and how to connect.
We went to bed, knowing the snow was coming and upon waking in the morning, I found a note in the bathroom that said, "Welcome to Robinson Inn Snow Day! No makeup and let's enjoy the day!" Sharon worked from home that day and Mark's company had closed after the area got about 5-6 inches. Sharon and Mark are northerners, so they chuckle at the response of snow in the south, but we enjoyed being snowed in and the snow continued to fall. Sharon keeps the birds fed, so we could watch out their glass doors as the birds hovered around the feeders to get food.
On Saturday morning, Mark got up and shoveled the drive and walkway, and the neighbor's drive and walkway. We ended up having Day Two snowed in and it was glorious! We talked, read, colored (yes, Sharon and I had our adult coloring books) and ate. Mark and Sharon cooked, and I enjoyed the fruits of their labor (pun intended). About midday we learned church was canceled the next day and the pastor sent an outline for a family worship time. Although I was excited to attend their new church, I was equally excited to have this sweet, special time at Robinson Inn. Before we turned in for the evening we drank hot chocolate and watched old movies - and an episode or two of Chuck. My kind of day.
Sunday morning worship was great! We sang while Sharon accompanied on the piano and we looked at the life of Peter, as their church was preparing to start a new series on 1 Peter the following week. After enjoying lunch together, I left for home around 4pm my time. By this time, the roads were mostly clear and it was a great drive home.
We never left the house, but it was a sweet three days of quality time with two of my favorite people. I never understand the mysteries of how God brings people together, but I'm certainly glad He brought us together. This is a friendship that is timeless...even into eternity.
One of my favorite places to be snowed in is with the sweet Robinsons. I'm glad God providentially allowed for that time of seclusion together to cherish our friendship.
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