Well, the cabin trip was awesome! I will have to post a few pictures later. The mountains were beautiful. On the way up, we stopped at some of our favorite places: The old apple orchard where we picked up some apple butter, apples, and cider. Then we made a stop at the old suspension bridge, that we have been visiting since Race and I were in college. The kids LOVE this spot! It is a part of the Appalachian Trail, and is somehow still relatively secret, except to serious hikers. It is beautiful. (Look for pics tonight)

Once at the top of the mountain, we had a bit of a snafu getting our key to get into the cabin. (I say it was a snafu, because, you have NO cell phone coverage of ANY kind the entire time that you are up there...NONE.) I had to go back to the little country store-(the ONLY store) and use the pay phone. The owners met us out at the cabin, and got everything straightened out. They chatted with us for awhile, and wanted to know how Race was doing.It was nice to talk with them again.

Once we settled in, we were completely relaxed. We had warm bowls of chili, topped with cheese and a dollop of sour cream. We followed up with thick slices of chocolate cake. The mulled cider on the stove made the whole cabin smell wonderful.There is nothing like sipping warm cider sitting on the fieldsone patio, in front of a 170 year old log cabin, in the middle of the woods.

Thomasina and Austin had a killer Monopoly game that lasted till after midnight, and had to be resumed the next day. The kids had an awesome time hiking through the woods and metal detecting. As always, one of the highlights for the younger two is the loft. The cabin has a second story and a tiny loft, with it's own window that looks out onto the yard. This little spot is a kids dream! It was great.

We are at Mom and Dads, now, and will be heading back home soon. The night that we arrived, my dad fixed us some of the most mouth watering steaks that I have ever had the pleasure of eating. (And this is really sayng something, because , for those who don't know it, Dad is known in these parts for fixing the most succulent beef around). But this meat was FRESH, and marinated, and cut and cooked to perfection. I shall dream of this steak for quite awhile. I had an awesome dinner last night in down town Fredericksburg at one of my all time favorite Restaraunts "La Petit Auberge". Thomasina and I met Janelle and Allona and we had such a nice evening! We laughed and talked and the meals were wonderful. We didn't get out of there until after 11:00.

BTW, if you are ever having trouble sleeping..........GO HOME. I slept better at Mom and Dads, in my old room, than I have slept in weeks! It felt so good, and I feel human again.

I wanted to say thanks so much for all the payers and really sweet comments you guys have left. You know, it really does help when you begin to wear down. It's great to hear someone say, "Hey, you're doin' fine. It's O.K. Keep goin', I'll pray for you." Thanks so much! And I think that I will start responding to comments IN the comments section, so be sure to check that out once in awhile!

Bye!
Melissa