My Tennessee Mother's Day

David and I have been busy working, getting things organized and visiting with family. On Saturday, I spent the day with Kiley and Robyn for Mother’s Day. They took me to Rafferty’s for lunch and then we went shopping. I tell you, that little, almost 6 year old little girl, can shop until I drop…or run out of money! I’ll admit, I have trouble saying no to her…but that will have to stop pretty soon. On Sunday, we spent time with Mom, my former mother in law, and then went to Shannon’s for Mother’s Day dinner. This is the first time I got to spend with our children in 17 years…what an awesome weekend!!


David and I visited Lowe’s last week to price washer and dryers and a new microwave for the house. We are trying to do as much preliminary work as possible while we wait for the renter’s to move out early June. We want to pull up the carpeting and have the hardwood floors refinished. Still wanting to put the motorhome at the house but really want a cover or building for it, but looks like that will have to wait a while.

We are still watching the devastation here in middle Tennessee from the flooding. So many people have pulled out everything in their home including the plaster on the walls. It is amazing to see how much trash and garbage our utility services have to haul away. So much so, that they have turned a beautiful park in Nashville into a temporary dump site. Think of how many homes and businesses that were under water who have to strip everything out of their buildings…they garbage has to go somewhere. I know that eventually this garbage will have to go somewhere else, but I’m not sure when or where. At any rate, I cannot imagine having that garbage close to me…the stench is unbelievable!

Then we, here in Clarksville, still have the water receding, but not all of it. We still have water standing in many places. Today, I noticed mosquitoes! Across the road from our RV park there is still standing water…a perfect breeding ground for these blood suckers! The park manager is having an exterminator come out tomorrow to do something to get rid of them…for ever how long they can. Tennessee will be living through this mess for years to come.

Some of my California friends have asked how they can help the people of Tennessee; check out one of the following:

To give money

• American Red Cross: Mail checks to the local chapter of the American Red Cross, 585 S. Riverside Drive, Suite L, Clarksville, TN 37040, with “local” or “Clarksville” on checks.

• United Way: Mail checks to 1300 Madison St., 1300 Madison St. Note “Relief Fund” in memo section.