Where my knives live and play......

[Moosez45]

SO, I been absent from the forums for a couple of days, figured I owed you guys and gals an explanation. Most of you know my situation, and in a nutshell, I got fired 2 months ago, and I don't have a job yet. UI is something I have been working on, but the details are far from acceptable for communications here. AND so......

The coffers have been running dry. My savings has been nearly depleted, and I have had some tough choices to make and make soon. There were some circumstances over the last couple of weeks, with me making decisions I thought I would never have to make. Well, I made them.

But enough of that, today was a day of problems being solved. No, I didn't get a job, it would complicate my life too much right now and unless it was a VERY good paying job, it might actually cost me money, but the weight has been lifted off me, and my life can continue as it should for now.

I've been spending much needed time with my kids. That's what I have been doing the last couple of days. I had such a good time with them at the Gathering, I felt the fun didn't need to stop. So, we been swimming at the pools, playing at the house, and today, we went to our favorite spot in the Smokies, to have some fun, and beat the heat. That, is where my knives live and play.....

More coming.

Moose

 

[Moosez45]

It wasn't until I got home, that I realized that I can continue the rest of the summer, keeping and raising my daughters as I have been for the last couple of months.

Life is strained, but all the loose ends are tied up. I can have fun without guilt, or causing my family's level of living to suffer. Which is good.

We hit this spot about a couple dozen times a year. Its got everything, sandy beaches, shady trees, fresh cold running water, rapids for water slides, and cliffs to climb and jump. And I'm pretty sure the water is magical. Cuts, scrapes and bruised heal almost overnight, from a day spent soaking in the cold, clear water of the natural springs found in the Smokies. This is my home, and yes, I do think that it is magical.

More coming.

Moose

 

[Moosez45]

And just like any day in paradise, a hillbilly fridge for some cold 'Dews, and a cold, and scared copperhead, really round off the overall experience.

We had the place to ourselves, which is rare. When we first got there, we built up the dam to provide what my daughters and I call, the mountain water slide. Nothing special, we just funnel all the water we can through a 3' wide opening, then clear all the rocks out, so no one busts their buns while going down. Today, we made "The Trifecta", which, means a trip down the waterslide, over to the rock cliff, up and off, and then a swim back. To some, its not much, but for Shy and Sisi, its better than a water park.

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This is my zen, my home, and my passion. I love my Smokies, and hope to never leave here. Its not the same as when I was a kid, and it will never be the same, but I hope that the memories that I am creating, are much happier than the ones that I created. And some of them, were pretty damn happy.

If you're ever in my neck of the woods, and want to know of a few good places to hang out, hit me up, I can sure take you through some parts of the Smokies, that most folks around here, have never seen.

Moose

 

[thrillbilly]

That is some great country Moose, I wish I could have spent a few more days exploring, maybe next trip. Great pics too...It was a pleasure to meet your girls, very polite and grounded kids, a rarity in this world. Also a pair of Becker packing buchcrafters-in-training!

If u ever get to the Ozarks....gimme a holler and I can show you some fishing and hiking spots.

 

[Moosez45]

Oh, I snapped a couple of shots of the knots I use the most. Not sure what you call 'em, but I know how I use em. And some gear pics, too.

Moose

 

[Skystorm]

Thanks for sharing the pics, I love Tennessee.

I really need to learn some more useful knots. I got the one for shoes down, doesn't work for much else though.

 

[tman038]

amazing pics, man. looks like a great time out with the family. i hope everything works out for you.

 

[Moosez45]

Thanks for sharing the pics, I love Tennessee.

I really need to learn some more useful knots. I got the one for shoes down, doesn't work for much else though.

Well, one of them is what I've heard called a "trucker's hitch"??? and the other is an "inline prusik" ???? Maybe? Not sure, but man, do they work awesome and easy to untie.

Moose

 

[trailbum]

Glad to hear everything is good.
Looks like you are going to have a great summer.

 

[Sagewood]

Great pics Moose, looks like an amazing place to hang out, especially with the little ones. :thumbup:

 

[RogueBowie]

Wow, gorgeous. Your girls are very lucky, both for living near such a beautiful place and for having an awesome dad that shows them cool places like that. I honestly prefer this kind of 'beach' to big coastal beaches, and I'm from California!

 

[kakefat]

That looks like a great area. We don’t have that kind of landscape here in Norway.
Hope you have a great summer in the wild with your family

 

[KiljoyKutlery]

Thanks for Sharing Moose! I was just telling the wifey that I wished we were in TN. I love it there.
That is some great looking spots to get back to center again!
Do what you can to stay were your happy, I moved my family 6 years ago, thinking I had to...I wish I busted butt to stay at home now...and thats all we think about, getting back home!

 

[Tilley Knife]

Wow, great pics Moose. Thank you for sharing them, they remind me of home. It's good to see a positive outlook on life and a reminder of what's really important.

 

[Moosez45]

Thanks guys, it was a special place for me as a kid, and I hope it will be for them too.

If I ever have to leave, I headed for Texas, or Aridzona. I had some special times there too, and would like to share some of that with them. Vacations maybe, but home is still in the High Land.

Moose

 

[UCPOPO]

Nice post Moose. I really enjoyed it. It actually helped me put a few things in perspective.

 

[majormountaineer]

Awesome post - my kids are my life. Glad you are in a good place.

 

[wasatchdan]

I've always wanted to go to the Smokies. What a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing, Moose.

 

[InquisitorLord]

Hey Moose, sorry to hear about your work situation; I tore the meniscus in my left knee April 29 2010 and I have been out of work since. Got the OK to go back over a year ago, just can't find anything... Good luck with that and enjoy the time with your family as much as you can. I have had two years with my daughter and the whole 13 months my son has been here so that has been a blessing, the money trouble is what sucks I am glad that you've got things under control for the summer at least, hopefully you will have the UI squared away sooner rather than later and hopefully your dream job will fall in your lap. Being out of work like this, I have taken a gunsmithing course, two NRA courses (so far) and I just finished the 40 hr HAZWOPER. Education can only help and you can do a lot online. I finally decided that I am going to do what I love and will enjoy; going to take the NRA Basic Instructor course next month then maybe on to pistol or rifle but not sure yet. If that don't work, I am counting on the Army taking my old ass ... I guess what I am trying to say is good luck and let you know that I (and I'm sure countless others here) sympathize and know how it is. If you need anything don't hesitate to reach out Thanks for the beautiful pics, makes me want to get outside.

 

[madhappy]

I haven't been to tennessee since I was 15 sure would like to make it back some day. Enjoy the time with your kids life is short.