After leaving Cincinnati, I spent two days with friend Pat in Athens, Ohio; home of Ohio University. I got to meet her new dog friend, Cobbs; and reunite with big, black Rocky. They are sweet boy dogs who welcomed me with opened paws and wagging tails.Pat and I then drove to Abingdon, VA, exploring the small, tender town in the rain. The highlight was delectable deserts at Anthony's.
The next day we twisted through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, beside a rushing mountain stream to stay with dear friend, Marsha, at Crystal Mountain Mamas cabin. Cabin! It's a giant log home in a mountain development named Carefree Cove. She and her partner are co-owners with Carol and Jan, my other dear friends.
When Marsha and her partner, Ruth, helped other friends in Ohio care for me in 2007 in the throes of chemotherapy, I helped Marsha choose her first guitar. We went to the local mall in Cincy and spent several evenings in Music Stores. I'd be stoned from chemo and the other drugs that go with it, somewhat clear-headed enough to test the neck and string action on numerous instruments until we found the best one. Then, Marsha couldn't even play one cord.
Now, she is a talented song writer and singer/performer.
Marsha and I planned a concert for the cove women. Lissa, the local banjo picker, joined us. She was an instrumental (pardon the pun) part of our successful concert. We performed original songs written by both Marsha and I. Lissa taught us some good old mountain tunes.
Our audience was grateful for our gifts. Bayley, Marsha's dog, couldn't tolerate sitting with the audience. He took his place at our feet as though one of the performers.
