Visiting Peggy and Leslie

Chris replaced the cam shaft cover as the bike had cooled overnight. Very little oil was lost.

Two of our friends, Peggy and Leslie, who we met first at the metal artists' Shindig in 2006 and again in 2008 had invited us to stay with them in Harriman TN. This is about 45 miles north of Etowah, so we were happy to be taking a short trip today given the oppresive heat and humidity.

From Etowah we rode north on TN 30 to Athens, where we stopped for brunch in a small diner. One of the other customers realised we weren't locals and started talking to us. Heather was one of the brightest, bubbliest, extroverted and well travelled people you could meet. We shared stories of travel and adventure some of which we had in common. She regularly enjoyed coming to the Spice of Life Cafe for its great food

and friendly staff. We couldn't agree more.

Outside grew a huge sunflower plant.

From Athens our GPS took us right to Peggy and Leslie's home. We received a right royal welcome (beer was involved).

Peggy and Leslie look after Peggy's grand-daughter Juliana. She is a delightful and very precocious 5 year old. Chris was quickly drawn into playing with her. The dolls' house she has, rotates. The 'rooms' are readily accessible, back and front.

Leslie has her hands full as Grandma. She also cooks, repairs lawn mowers (as well as mowing the lawns), is interested in tools, woodwork, metalwork, chickens, ducks, looks after three cats and her new love is a brilliant young horse. She definitely needs a farm to run.

Vestment studs are safe from being misplaced in a celtic cross box made by Leslie.

She has also made cages for the ducks and is determining how they best breed. Winter will bring other problems as it snows here.

Duck and chicken eggs are great for breakfast. The chooks have gorgeous feathers. The patterns are hard to see in a picture.

All three cats lie around like this one.

A home cooked roast couldn't be better.