Hampton Inn Oak Ridge

... heading back to the hotel and when we come out it is again pouring.

I am tempted to drive past my old apartment but I’m really hurting so instead just drive back to the hotel. I realize that I have left my PJs at the other hotel. L I call them and they have them so I tell them I’ll be back down on Monday and they say they will hold them for me. I take some Tylenol and lay down ...

... back at my Hotel. Thanks for today Robert, you were a star and I really got a lot out of meeting with all the contacts you introduced me to.

Tennessee is full of motivated, honest and dedicated staff involved in all aspects of forensic science in this part of the State. they have invested time and resources to ensure that there is a continuity of training and development for their people and this appears to be paying dividens for them. Well done guys, keep up the good work.

... away form your arrival gate??

A 10 minute sprint later and I arrive sweating at my gate to see that my onward flight has been delayed by 2 hours due to essential maintainance. Of course, that fills you with confidence doesn''t it - the words 'essential maintanance'!!

Anyway ,we all board finally and I land in Tennessee where Nathan from the University of Tennessee Forensic Training Academy is going to collect me from the airport ...

Well, not much to say about Knoxville as we arrived late due to trying to sort out an extra day car hire as we realised we wouldn't make it to Washington D.C. by 11:00 the next day. By the time we got there we just wanted to relax so we went to Ruby Tuesday's for a late lunch and then I went and sat by the pool. We ended up watching back to back movies of Get Shorty and Be Cool (which always makes us laugh).

The next day it was the big pull to Washington D.C.

... with us. After speaking with Jo tonight, I learned he quickly forgot about me once he entered the Fair! Overall we made very good time. Traffic was quite light everywhere we went. We traveled a total of 593 miles today. Ended the day in Clinton, TN--just north of Knoxville. Will head to Chattanooga in morning to check out civil war battle field. May be able to hit northern ...

So we've been home almost a whole week. Its hard to believe. My sleep schedule is back to normal, I've stopped bowing and saying "Origato" to sales people and waiters, but I still keep kicking off my shoes. Some things are here to stay, I guess.
One of the biggest challenges involves the 1900 pictures I took on our trip. I'm still in the middle of getting them organized and imported, and just the thought of beginning to edit them ...

... our son for fixing the mower and thanks to our daughter for taking care of our mail! We have a great family to come home to and we love you all bunches!!

Steve gave the MH a good bath when we got home and put it in the garage so he can start shining it up for the next trip. Hopefully that won't be too long. I think that traveling might be in our future - Lord Willing!

Signing out for this journey...

... watched the lightening for a few hours as it knocked off our electricity.

We then headed back to Knoxville for the evening as they had a sunset concert on, where The Wailers were playing (Bob Marleys band). It was cool to have a free festival in the town and it was heaving compared to the ghost town in the day!

Next we are heading on to Nashville.

Zoe and Gigs

Well, we got up Friday morning and made our way to the airport. From the time we got up in our room in London, to the time we got home was just about 24 hours. We were so sleepy that Michael couldn't evenmake it home. He had to stop at a rest stop about 20 miles from home jut to be able to close his eyes and make it ...

... and changing exhibits of local and regional artists at the Oak Ridge Art Center, home of the Gomez collection of 60 works by contemporary artists. And you can enjoy nature's artistry at the UT Arboretum, where trails wind through 250 acres in this forestry experimental station and arboretum. Displays at the on-site Visitor's Center and trails open 8 AM to sunset. Jackson Square Historic Park is the original ...