I can see the top of Old Smoky from my window
and it was 80 degrees here in the valley today.
The rhododendrons and mountain laurel will be in
full bloom in a few more weeks. 'Tain't the Alps,
and I'd love to see them, but I left the Ozarks for
the Smokies and guess I'll stay put. Have you ever
seen little bright orange salamanders? Or mudpuppies
that are three feet long? And Mockingbirds ... they
can imitate a red-tailed hawk so you think it's
comin' in the window after you.

Peacefulness, from my mountains to yours,
giac