ReeferMac

Ggorgeous, GLWS.

Please report back here how it goes. Always been curious.... - K

If it's possible, consider renting a place for a year before buying a home, to see if you really like an area (easier than moving!) When we were looking to move down here, we visited several times, and even put an offer in on one place (never worked out). Glad it didn't, as we ended up on the other side of town. We have now purchased land and are building a house, but 45 minutes away from where we first started shopping. Now that we've been here 3 years, I'm glad it worked out the way it did.

LOL@ Different planet. It's funny, takes a while to get used to everyone waving, and the first few times someone chat's you up at the grocery store will be unsettling. It is a nice change of pace, though. Learned to slow down and take it easy real quick. The left-lane drivers will make you nuts, however. We looked at Southern Blount county area (near Maryville), gorgeous views, still some good land available 'cheap'. Oak Ridge is more urbanized and older, so it's a different environment than the surrounding towns. If you make a trip down again give a shout and we'll get lunch! I actually found a fair pizza place in Oak Ridge w/ a former NY'er behind the counter. Little Nicky's got a decent NYC style pie. - K

Well hello there Knifemaker, where 'bouts in Yankee'dom you hailing from? Originally from Buffalo/Rochester area myself, moved down here 3 years ago. It's been great! We're living a little outside Knox, west side on Watt's Bar lake, but I commute to town for work, it's not too bad. Give me a shout if you have any questions. Would HIGHLY recommend visiting this area to get to know the area's, the suburbs are all a little different, each with it's own charm, and it would suck to relocate 800 miles, only to wish you'd bought on the other side of town. - Kevin

I have one of the Ruger American .22's, great little bolt gun. If I'm on my game, I can hit 9 out of 10 at 100 yds on the steel range at the club.

That's what I carry, and am satisfied with it's accuracy.The shooter I think needs more practice than the gun in my case, LOL! - K

My wife picked up a cheap plastic-tarp variety from china mart last year that we've been using as a hay-tent. Ain't pretty, but it's been serviceable for the last 2 years, we even had to move it once. Was under $200

This is where I started to believe the calls and stories for the 'end of the American Empire". Much like happened to Rome, I didn't want to believe it, but heard someone say/write (and I'm paraphrasing here), but when the laws cease to be about protecting the people, you know you're nearing the end of the line. This may not be the best example, however it is one of many, where your gut just says things ain't right. Have trust in your instincts, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Ditto, was a very good book. I think the author had another one I found interesting as well.

My local library has up to 8 or 9 I think? I heard the quality waned as they got higher, but so far they're very interesting to read. I sorta wish some of these old folks were still around, would love to learn some of their crafts and trades.

D'oh! Bash and C-shell both have a simple function to do that, but... Winblows systems need not apply.

The Foxfire Book Series

Welcome! That is a beautiful part of the state. I get up there for work a few times per month.