Chicken Chasin' at the Dixie Stampede and Other Things

Gene and I went returned on Tuesday from Gatlinburg, spending a few days with Will, Kelli, and Alyssa. One morning we saw a group of people gathered outside the condo with cameras and went out to investigate. A mother black bear was there with her two cubs and they were playing across the street. One of the cubs was up a tree. It was great fun to watch these animals together. When we arrived we were advised at check-in to be on the lookout for the bears, since the mother does not welcome humans around her babies. Sounds like a wise mother to me. One night when Gene and I returned to the condo, a security employee was driving by and warned us again about the bears. He said that at night we might not be able to see the bears in the darkness until it is too late. As we were driving through the Smokies on our trip home, we spotted some, but didn't really get a good look. Will and his family are still there, and he says that the staff continues to warn visitors about the bears.

Another highlight of the trip was our experience at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. It was very entertaining. The performers were talented singers, dancers, horseback riders, magicians and even one comedian. Costumes were outstanding. One event involved inviting children between the ages of 4 and 8 years to participate in the Chicken Chasin' event. My granddaughter, Alyssa was invited to participate and she did. The event required the children to chase chickens to the coop and the team to get their chickens in first would win. I remember thinking that if the word gets out PETA will be all over this. I would like to announce that I am the proud grandmother of a Champion Chicken Chaser! Alyssa and the other little girl got a medal for Champion Chicken Chasin'.

There is a food connection to this story. No eating utensils were available to use to eat the dinner. Each food item was brought out and served individually. Soup, served in a cup, biscuits, cornish game hens, pork loin, corn on the cob, half a baked potato, and apple turnover for dessert. Everything was tasty and served hot. I was amazed at the precision with which the food was served. Every item was hot and tasty.