I spent the holiday weekend relaxing and recovering in Alabama with my in-laws. After my trip to Korea, I was in much need of the calmness and serenity that we always find in the Alabama countryside. We usually don't do much of anything while we're there, which sometimes drives me crazy, but it was exactly what I needed Memorial Day Weekend...

I am finally in a hotel after 5 days of no communication access. We are all tired and a bit homesick but time is passing, even if it is passing slowly. Each morning we are picked up by a different group of Koreans and you never know which way it's going to go. ...

I love food, and I especially love supporting locally owned private restaurants. I might sound like Rachel Ray here, but, when traveling or out of town, I love to find places off the beaten path where the locals eat. These places are usually affordable and delicious...

Has anyone tried Cortner Mill lately? I have a friend visiting town this weekend and made reservations for tonight at Cortner MIll. I thought it would be nice to show her local places instead of going to Murfreesboro. I have never been but, since learning Bill Hall is now there, I am very much looking forward to tonight...

I spent the weekend at a beautiful cabin in the Smokies with my Group Study Exchange team. We leave for South Korea in about a month. I can't think of a better place to have had our last training session! After a long drive from Shelbyville way up into the mountains, the rain was replaced Saturday by this beautiful rainbow that made the view from my team leader's cabin even more spectacular...

I know, I know, I have bored many people to death with all the talk of my puppies over the last couple of months. Well, now the time has come to say goodbye to the gang (as soon as they all find homes) and I couldn't resist posting one last photo. Three of the six went for a ride with me a couple days ago and this moment was captured by Danny Parker, T-G sports editor. From left, are: Charlie Brown, Buttercup and Bo (named after Rocky Balboa since he's the big boy of the bunch)...

David Hernandez was voted off American Idol last night. I was disappointed to see him go. Based on talent, I think he has far more talent than last night's other bottom two have. Do you think his personal life contributed to his short life as a Top Twelve contender? I do...

Did anyone see A Raisin In The Sun last night? Just after seven I sat down and began to browse through the channels and saw this was showing. I thought it was wonderful and watched every bit of the 3 hour movie (originally a play), which starred Sean Combs among other great actors. Bill Cosby's wife from the Cosby Show (can't remember her name) was phenomenal. Combs, playing a role very different from what one would imagine him to play, also gave a plausible performance...

Here is the gang: