We're Here.....Really!!!!!

We're here!!  Still have to pinch myself. Was so nervous last night I couldn't sleep. I felt like a kid at Christmas waiting for Santa.  I have no idea what time I fell asleep but was awake early. Didn't stay in bed this morning and enjoy that bed, oh no up and ready to go in record time.  Now that was for many reasons, one we wanted to get on the road, and the biggest reason I couldn't stand it knowing saying good bye to Hannah was inevitable. Yep, I was doing pretty good until Art came into the bathroom to brush his hair with big tears in his eyes. I said, "Art, I was doing good, suppressing emotions until you started." Sorry Tam! Oh well I didn't want him to feel alone so I stuffed my pocket with 6 tissues and headed out to give Hannah that dreaded hug good bye. It was hard, hard, hard! I will see her in 2 weeks but still 2 weeks, seems like forever to my "Mama's heart."

We made it, got into our individual vehicles, Art the truck, me in the Mini Cooper and did the walkie talkie check. That is how we communicate while driving.  OK, right turn signal, check, left signal, check, brakes, check....go!

We left home right at 10:00 on the dot and pulled into Hardin Ridge at around noon. We made really good time but we went around Indy at a good time. No morning traffic, no lunch hour, no after work traffic. I listened to my music and talked to Cooper. Effie was in the truck with Art. That way we each had a dog to keep us company.

The welcome wagon was here when we pulled in. That is why it takes hours to set up, we talk, do some things. Then in pulls more hosts, talk some more, set up, talk. But we love it they always make you  feel so welcome.  OK here is our site......

Can you imagine how beautiful this is going to be when the trees are green and lush with new leaves.

As soon as we arrived Art put up the dog fence so we would all be fenced in and safe.  This photo turned out weird, the lighting was bad, and the only one I took so sorry, I'll get a better one in the days to come.

Cooper of course had to claim one of our chairs. See his bed is on the ground, but since he is not a dog he doesn't have to lay in one. :)

"Mom, I'm in Dad's chair not yours. So it's ok right?"

It was such a gorgeous day outside. The sun, yes, the sun was out and warm and no snow. We decided to go for a walk. Mostly this is all we saw, downed trees everywhere. The Forest Service has cut down many of them. Some had fallen over the road and they cut them up. Isn't very pretty is it?  

See those little dots way up ahead? That is Cooper and Effie. They love it that the park isn't open to the public yet (April 15th), so they can run loose without a leash.

We were walking and walking and walking, thanks Art. We were pooped when we got back to the trailer. I wanted to turn back half way and let us get broken in but he said, "oh we can make it." Sure making it to one end isn't the issue, but you have to turn around and come back! 

"Come on Mom you can make it."

Well I cannot say I was at all disappointed that we walked and walked because I got this picture. Sorry Louis, this is one beautiful bird. Al, it wasn't in flight but I was kind of proud of it anyway. I worked on the color like you said what do you think?

Red Headed Woodpecker...right Judy?  I used my bird book to identify.  He is one fancy bird, all decked out in that black and white suit and that bright red head. I was kind of proud of myself for seeing him and being patient enough for him to light on a tree I could get.

 

 

Before I say good night I want to say thank you many many times over for all the wonderfully, sweet, kind, comments on the blog last night. I can honestly say I feel like a load of bricks is off my shoulders this evening. And boy does that feel good!!!  You have all become great blogging friends to us and we cannot tell you what that is like for us. 
Cannot wait to meet some of you one day.  And can't wait to continue to share this great adventure we are now on. For those of you who are waiting and wanting to do this is so worth it. Looking forward to reading your blogs one day too hearing all about your excitement. I sure enjoy reading the blogs I do where many of you are already full timers.

  So for the first time this year.....Best Wishes and take care everyone from Hardin Ridge.