these are my people

Brian's visit was over before we knew it. I guess that happens when your visit is only for two days. He and Peppy went to a Kansas concert Thursday night, and Friday Brian wanted to go for a drive and see everything that has changed in the last eight years since he moved. Then we went up on the mountain and walked some trails, reigniting Owsley's love for climbing on rocks. 

Peppy and I decided it might be nice for the two of us to get a cabin on Monte Santo for a couple nights before it gets too cold, although we went to bed last night with the weather in the 70s, and today is going to be drizzly and in the 40s. I hope it creeps back up to give us some normal fall weather for a while, but considering how wild the weather has been the last couple years, we never know what to expect anymore. Just look outside. That's your weather for the moment. 

Brian and Peppy would be further back on the trail talking, and Owsley and I could scamper down below in hopes that they wouldn't see us. 

On Friday we had brunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Peppy's cousin, who is more like his brother, is the manager there, and it has been five years since he had seen 'Uncle B.' If you look at my family's faces we were all laughing because the waiter was backing up to take our picture and elbowed someone in the head. Ah, the only time to see a legitimate smile from my children is often when it comes at someone else's discomfort. 

Yesterday we got up and drove to Kentucky Kingdom for Owsley's early birthday. The weather was forecast to rain all day long, and it was an almost four hour drive, so we were concerned with driving that far and it being a total wash out. But at the same time, this was the last day they were open for the year, so we didn't really have another chance. I had been praying (and I know how crazy this might sound to some) but I generally know when I get an affirmative "NO" to my prayers, but I definitely wasn't getting that when I asked for some guidance involving if we should stay home or not. I am thankful that Peppy trusts me when it comes to stuff like this. We grabbed our ponchos and hoped for the best.

The drive past Nashville on the interstate was fun, because Peppy and I were calling out all the old world buildings we could see, versus the cold, sterile skyscrapers that are built today. Look for libraries, churches, banks, and municipal buildings. Those are generally some of the buildings they decided to keep and re-purpose them into whatever they are used for today. Once you know what you're looking for, these buildings pop out in every city you go to. Even smaller towns seem to have at least one or two of these buildings in their downtown area. Also, look for buildings where half of the lowest floor windows are underground. Howdy, mud flood!

I had not been to Kentucky Kingdom in almost 20 years, when it was owned by Six Flags. It closed down maybe 15 years ago and was bought and reopened over the last few years by the same company that runs Dollywood and Silver Dollar City. (I learned this information from our resident theme park expert, Owsley.) We even brought home a loaf of Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread that they now also sell at KK. Considering the forecast, the place was basically barren. I had assumed it would be mostly families with younger children anyway, because they were having a special trick or treat/pumpkin extravaganza thing going on. Yes, it did rain some while we were there, but no one complained and it wasn't pouring the entire time. In fact, I would say it was more drizzly than any real downpour. At least where we were.

Another theme park, another chance to witness first hand how people don't yell and scream on thrill rides the way they used to. More verification that I am not the only one not feeling adrenaline anymore. Way to go, numb frontal lobe! Two thumbs way, way up. (Not really. It sucks half the time.) The more I think about it, the more I believe this was all intentionally done so the world would be numbed to all this going on right now. Not everyone has received this odd super power, but as a people watcher I have begun to realize it's about 50/50. Some people are just so distracted they don't even realize they can't feel anything, so maybe it's actually more like 3/4 of people. I can't even type up a 'dear diary' post without going off on a conspiracy tangent. I am glad I was made this way. I wouldn't want to be anyone else. 

Pumpkin flavored items getting a little out of control over here. 

See? No people. 

It's rare and elusive to catch Gage smile, but we were all laughing as he was sucking his poncho over his face like plastic wrap.

There was an airport right next to the park and it was actually pretty cool to see these massive planes take off and then vanish into the clouds. It was like they were entering into a portal. I know you can't tell from this picture, but they really would just disappear in an instant.

We rode a new favorite, Storm Chaser, about seven times. I think Owsley rode it five times in a row without getting off at one point. It was a good day, and I'm glad we decided to go despite the forecast.