Christmas With Wes’ Parents

By Rachelle Siegrist

George, Jeanie and Wes in front of Carter Shield’s Cabin

This past week has been an exciting one for us here in the Smokies, with Wes’ parents arriving from Indiana last Sunday evening. Monday, we took full advantage of the beautiful weather and spent it in Cades Cove, in nearby Great Smoky Mountains. It was a glorious day indeed, with clear blue skies above and the sun streaming down, as we walked through the open field leading to John Oliver’s cabin. The drive around the loop was most pleasant, and since the Cove wasn’t very crowded, we were able to visit almost every cabin, stepping back in time each time we entered the front door! We spent time watching several White-tail Deer and playing in the pines by Dan Lawson’s beautiful old cabin. That evening for supper, we enjoyed a delicious meal at No Way Jose’s in Gatlinburg. Seeing the beautiful Christmas lights was a real treat, as we left Gatlinburg and headed for home.

George, Jeanie and I by Dan Lawson’s cabin

Jeanie and I amidst the “Christmas trees” in Cades Cove

Once a monkey . . . always a monkey!

What in the world are you?  . . . she asks

In front of Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Aquarium’s Christmas light display

Tuesday brought rain, so we headed into Knoxville to the West Town Mall, and watched last minute shoppers scurrying about, as we ate in the food court. We then enjoyed looking around for awhile, with a highlight being visiting the Williams-Sonoma store. I must say though, that we were all quite happy to return to our peaceful little Townsend that night, after being immersed in all of the traffic and commotion that day!

Jeanie gets a kiss from a very BIG bear

Christmas Eve,  dear friends Paul and Norma, joined us for a dinner of my homemade potato-oat soup, and of course dessert! Afterwards we enjoyed playing Mexican train, and I have to tell you that I won, and won 7 out of 9 hands at that! We don’t recall anyone ever doing this before in our games! I’m not sure how I managed it, but am pretty sure it will never happen again although it’s fine if it does!

Playing Mexican Train on Christmas Eve

We took a lovely walk in nearby Tremont, Christmas afternoon, and enjoyed being serenaded by the sounds of the rushing river as we walked along, admiring the moss lined riverbank and moss covered tree trunks! Each time we rounded a corner and found the sun streaming down, I just had to stand in it for a minute, basking in its warmth. I can’t imagine a better way to spend Christmas afternoon, than taking a glorious walk in the woods!

What a wonderful spot to sit and relax a spell!

The colors of winter

I named this “X Falls”

Christmas evening, dear friends Fred and Barb, joined us for dinner, consisting of my homemade spaghetti, and lots of dessert. The evening was full of much conversation and laughter as we ate and were of course, . . . merry. After supper, another game of Mexican Train was played, with Wes winning that time.

The next day we decided to visit the Bush’s Visitor center, including a lovely museum about how the family owned company got started and has become the major bean canning facility that it is today. We also enjoyed looking through the old-fashioned general store, and eating a piece of their specialty pinto bean pie, which was scrumptious and tasted just like pecan pie! On the way home, we stopped by to see and photograph the Harrisburg Covered Bridge, built in 1875. Imagine my sheer delight when a beautiful 1951 Chevy convertible drove through while I was photographing the bridge, perfect timing indeed!

Jeanie and I with Duke, the family mascot dog for Bush Beans

Posing with  a very BIG can of beans!

Yesterday, we enjoyed watching the movie “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” and found it to be very funny and most entertaining! We found ourselves back at home that evening, for a nice quite dinner, before watching a few episodes of the old Dick Van Dyke show, which always brings many wonderful laughs! This morning, we said our goodbyes to Wes’ parents, and are anxious to be back at our easels tomorrow.

Perfect timing . . . a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe convertible drives through!

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~ The latest paintings off of the Siegrists’ Easels ~

I’m so excited to be able to share with you my latest Christmas commission of a beautiful Doberman Pinscher, named Lily Rose. Wes and I will be busily back at our easels this next week and should have another miniature painting or two to share with you.

“Lily Rose” by Rachelle

To commission a miniature painting visit http://www.artofwildlife.com/commissions.htm

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Until next time . . .
Wishing you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year! 

~Rachelle