Looking for Lucy

For my millions of readers that might not be aware, I have been searching for Lucy. Lucy was Paul's Grandmother. She has always been a woman shrouded in mystery that holds the key to family history of Paul's family, the Wonderful Whalens. The Burka/Allen/Murphy/Maloney/Cunnyngham families have made themselves known in many ways and are easy to trace, discover, and ponder. The Whalens are on the opposite side of the family history story. This family is very private, shy, and somewhat secretive. The known facts are few, the family stories confusing. Thus the adventure I call, Looking for Lucy. Lucy's story alone would make a wonderful novel. Two husbands, maybe. A third love but not marriage, two children, red-hair, wild mountains, beautiful coves, coal-mines, a last train ride home from Alabama. A devoted son, many grand-children, millions of great-grands.
Paul and I are following the family story that Lucy is buried in a cemetery in Oliver Springs. We have spend the last three Sundays, looking for Lucy.
It is a beautiful time of year to be looking.

Happy Birthday Andrew

Happy Birthday Andrew
Your Dad and I are so proud of you. You have grown up in so many ways. We love you and pray for you everyday...
MOM and DAD

Zach, Stacy and TEDDY

We drove down to Florida to visit Zach, Stacy and Teddy. We had a wonderful visiting, playing and resting. Teddy sometimes turns Zach's world upside down! Oh but he is such a wonderful dog and friend.

Sam

Paul and I just returned from a trip to visit the family. First went to visit Sam in Statesboro Georgia. Sam is doing well at Georgia Southern. He took us on a tour of the school and his office. We got to meet many friends and professors. We only met people that love Sam and think he is great. Sam is very organized and working his plan to move to the next level in school. He is sorting through his options for the PHD level in his field. We are so proud of Sam.

Cute Couple

Oh, here I am with my boyfriend.....

The View from the top

A beautiful day in the mountains. A view from Clingman's Dome

Cades Cove

Paul is trying to reconnect with the real world. He has been out of town most of the year. We went to Cades Cove and paused at one of the last stops and watched the sunset. We have passed this place manytimes. We decided to walk out to the trees, while we waited for the long lines of cars to pass. There is a cemetery under those trees. The stones are so old, that no ingraving can be read. We then walked out to the trees, out in the distance. It was so awesome. We realized that you can stay in the Cove, after the front gate is closed, because they do not close the back gate. We soon had the place to ourselves, so beautiful, so quiet.