Jack Daniel's Distillery

 The distillery in Tennessee was very interesting.

The Jack Daniels Distillery was very interesting.

 The photo above is of one of the warehouses. Millions of dollars in revenue sit there.

 The taster's job was a much coveted job :)

 

After the tour we walked down town to the tourist shop. 

Going back a little on the blog

We were super busy while we were gone or squished in a tiny hotel room with so many people and so much stuff. that I didn't really feel inclined to blog. I am going to go back a little and pick up on some of the fun stuff!

Because of the weather prediction, Dean and I pulled out a day early. We were thankful we listened as there was lots of snow in El Paso and west Texas. We got into Murfreesboro in time for a late lunch with Eric and the Schreibers. We also went to Christmas Eve service and then had dinner with the Schreibers. They were so gracious to include us.

On Christmas morning, we had breakfast in the hotel and I made lasagna in the room in the tiny (miniscule) kitchenette. Later we went to the Schreiber's for Christmas Dinner. It was great fun!

Monday through Wednesday we did things that needed to be done before the wedding - like framing the photo Eric bought Ashley, wrapping gifts and enjoying our time with Eric. Tuesday night, Eric picked Ashley up for a 'real date.' They really had not had any of those. Wednesday night Joy Anna and Jeremy got there and we realized there was no way all five of us could stay in the room with a dog and kennel and all our stuff. Thankfully the room next door was open, so we were able to spread out. Eric, Ashley, the siblings and the siblings' significant others all went to dinner that night. Dean's mom, sister and nieces arrived and we had dinner with them - and then the really busy times started! Everyone who was already in town met at the bowling alley for a little friendly competition.

The bride won!






Thursday, Eric and Ashley met Eric's family for lunch.

After lunch, Eric and Ashley had to go pack. Mom, Troy and Jamie went to Nashville, but the rest of us went to the Jack Daniels distillery. I think I will do those pics in their own post.

Later that night, the young adults all went on their way for bachelor and bachelorette parties- the rest of us went to dinner at a local eatery.

 since my sister has done her best to corrupt my kids, I let Jackson 'belly up to the bar' and order a drink.

Ashely and her mom maid Eric this amazing quilt for Christmas - she does wonderful t-shirt quilts.

 Blaze allows Ranger to come chill at his house when Eric is visiting.

H-L

 H is for Holly - out side Eric's and Ashley's apartment

  I is for Ice from the Varsity I really like crushed ice :)

 I was bored and the letter of the day was I, so I played with shots of the interstate.

 J is for Jackass

 K is for kitty - this is Pouncy - she looks so sweet. looks are deceptive.

The love of my life - still smiling even after news he is being laid off and we had been looking online for jobs for a few hours.

Laid off - now what?

When I started the blog over a few months ago, I was determined to be positive! No more depressing blog posts. Okay, I am going to try.


First off, we had a wonderful time off. We were able to see the birth of a new family with the marriage of Eric and Ashley. We were blessed to spend time with so many wonderful family members and friends. There were over fifty of us on the groom's side. We have such great friends and family. For many, I know the trip was a sacrifice. We greatly appreciate that you made that sacrifice in order to spend time with us.

While we were visiting with my dad last week, Dean got a phone call from a coworker letting him know that layoffs were going to start today. We had planned to vacation some on our way back. We really tried, but the threat of the layoff, really put a damper on it. We finally decided to go ahead and head home. The next day. we got another phone call staying that the layoffs were going to be more extreme. We have known they would come, we just really thought we had until April.

Today, we got the news - he will be laid off on February 29. We are not ready! We just finished a wedding and have another one in less than 5 months!

We have applied and applied for jobs. We send hundreds of resumes each week. It seems that sooner or later the law of averages would kick in, and he would get a job- so far that has not happened.

We are ok - we knew the possibility was there- we are thankful that we have until the end of February. The majority only have until the end of January. We would really appreciate your prayers as we continue the job hunt.

We know that God is never late - but we also know this His timing is not always the same as ours.

B-G

 B is for Barn

 C is for Cow Dog Wannabe - Ranger had never seen a cow up close that we know of. He was fascinated.

 D is for Dog

 E is for Evergreen - it was nice to see so much green

 F is for Flower

 G is for Geese going away

 They were just so beautiful! I had to take several.

A new photo project

I have been doing a photo challenge on facebook with a few friends and friends of friends. The object of January's challenge is the alphabet - each day is a new letter. I am really enjoying the challenge. Being out of town, I did have to play catch up some.
Here is my letter A - Acorn