Some 10 years ago, three women formed a friendship while working together in the same division at Proffitt's Department Store. Over the years, one friend (me) left retailing for manufacturing, one (Carol) moved to several cities in search of the perfect retail job (finally landing in Nashville) and one (Angela) happily remained at Proffitts until the store was sold to another last fall. Through the years, all remained in touch, even if it was just a letter at Christmas.

Yesterday morning, the three friends finally got back together to catch up with each other and enjoy breakfast cooked on the campstove at Metcalf Bottoms (Great Smoky Mountains National Park). Joined by family and loved ones, a great time was had by all! We plan to do this again before another 10 years flies by!


Angela, her stove, John and Anglea's new BMW (visible over John's right shoulder)...fancy!!

Angela arrived at Metcalf Bottoms early. She grabbed a couple of picnic tables and fired up her stove to boil water for hot chocolate. Angela is originally from Townsend, TN and Saturday breakfast by campstove in the Smokies was a family tradition when she was growing up. I have some fond memories of early morning campstove breakfasts with Angela, her husband Richard (who had another obligation this morning) and daughter, Julianna. Thanks for introducing me to the tradition!


Angela cooks, while Carol, cup of hot chocolate in hand, supervises!

John and me at the Coleman stove, filling the crisp mountain air with the smell of frying bacon. Any bears lurking?

Justin (Eric's brother's son), Angelica (Justin's girlfriend) and Christopher practice the art of keeping the fire going!


It is always about the food!

Scrambled eggs (cheese, onion, mushrooms), bacon, sausage, hash browns, fresh fruit and coffee cake. Yummy!

The whole gang!

Friends and glam girls, errr, that would be me and two glam girls, Angela and Carol.

A good looking family, Eric, Carol and son, Christopher!

The party is over. John warming his hands over the last of the hot coals before the drive home.