We are about to start “leg” 2 of our big road trip.  We brought our daughter-in-law, Laura, home to Virginia from her visit to her dad who is undergoing cancer treatments.  We didn’t make any scenic stops because the two love-birds were anxious to be back together.  (Yesterday was their 6th anniversary, and Jeff took off to a training class in Seattle!)  As we drove through northern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, the dogwoods were blooming everywhere.  Redbud trees and white dogwoods were mixed all through the thick forests.  The beautiful scenery continued through Tennessee and Virginia.  The last time we were here, spring was only noticeable by the cherry blossoms. (nothing to sneeze at)  Now everything is leafed-out and green.  Unfortunately, it turned cool and rainy for the whole visit.  Doug and Jeff painted the smoker/BarBQ pit that we had brought up from Texas (thanks to son-in-law Daryl’s wanting to get rid of it).  Then they laid some patio stones under the deck so that mud and dirt wouldn’t be tracked in while cooking was being done.  Friday was spent trying out the smoker, so we feasted that night. Today we are heading west, with the goal being granddaughter Brittany’s 12th birthday party on Saturday in Laramie, Wyoming.