On the western end of the eastern time zone

(...or where to spend the summer soltice)

We are towards the end of our visit with my parents in Tennessee. It's been great. Not that I am a particular fan of the state itself, although it is really lovely. Russ and I have gotten the resort treatment - long walks down country roads, time to sleep in and read, and healthy delicious spa cuisine. Mom has always had a knack for cooking low fat meals, with lots of grilled fish, decadent desserts, and an abundance of fruits and veggies. I think Russ can hardly believe how well he has eaten.

All hail the vitamin queen who found a combination of supplements to finally balance our individual systems after months of being out-of-sync. It has also settled some of Russ' side effects from his heart medication. We are definitely healthier now than when we first arrived last week. Not something too many visitors to Tennessee can say with its country fried, gravy-covered, sweet tea diet. Mom said that the ladies at the church asked her not to bring anything to the church potlucks; we laughed because her food was probably too healthy for them, more likely they were just being gracious.

One of the changes my parents have made in the past year which I think is fabulous is eating just twice a day, once at breakfast and then a late rather filling lunch, with maybe a light snack or dessert later in the evening. This works for us and I hope we can incorporate it into our lifestyle when we return.

I love the longer evenings when the sun only goes down after 9:30.

It's hot and humid, but not unbearable. It has rained for some part of every day. We had a lovely time down in Chattanooga yesterday at what must be the largest aquarium in the world. It was really outstanding with one five-story building for ocean fish and another for freshwater species. Both were abundant with flora and fauna and it was really well done.

We've been out on the nearby lake twice. For some reason, I really like the smell of boat diesel in the summer. Mostly just guys fishing so the water was glass. Would have been nice to have skis.

We flew down here on Southwest Airlines, and I asked myself why we hadn't flown with them before? The check-in was a breeze, no extra fees, pleasant boarding process and great service on-board. So we signed up for their frequent flier program, as they really made it a pleasure to fly. National carriers outside the US also do a pretty good job but let's face it - domestic air travel sucks most of the time. My parents just booked flights for later this year to California and Charleston for unbelievable rates. Looks like I will be the armchair traveler for awhile.

Tomorrow we will meet my sister in Louisville and then drive up to Carmel, Indiana for a few days. The pace is likely to pick up as we reconnect with the four nieces and nephews, but we can't wait.