THAT PAST NIPPING AT MY HEELS

It may be the most redneck thing I've ever done.

This summer we visited my family in West Virginia, where I was born and raised. I first must state that my growing up life was nothing hillbilly-like... white-collar suburbia is more appropriate. But when empty-nesting approached, my parents decided to ditch that and finally get their dream house out in the country.

However, that dream house is outside of access to city water lines. Its water supply comes from rain that runs through a filtration system. But the week or so before we arrived, a problem with one of the holding tanks was discovered cutting their water supply down dramatically. Just what you want before houseful of company shows up, right?

Long story short, we really had to conserve water during our stay. Fourteen people under one roof can use a lot of water quickly. Teeth were brushed and hands were washed using water from bottles. Showers were rationed.

One more thing you need to know about West Virginia before I go on... is that when it rains it pours. Truly. The water is dense and heavy. And obviously very wet.

One afternoon while we were there, I very much needed to shower and was contemplating driving across town to where my uncle was staying to use the facilities there. But then I heard rolling thunder and got an idea. A crazy, Survivor-style idea. "Maybe I should just go shower in the rain," I announced with a hint of sarcasm. "Really, it wouldn't be too bad if people couldn't see you." "Um, Ashley, you could wear your swimsuit," someone replies. (Oh right, I guess I am not much of a boy scout.)

And with that, I sprinted off to grab my soap, shampoo, conditioner and razor (Yes, I was even going to do a quick shave while I had the chance.) I put on my swimsuit and off I went before the rainstorm went away. Dan and my sister followed suit and we did it. We showered in the rain.

To prove this I have doubly embarrassed myself by posting a picture of me in my swimsuit online. Oh well. I have to say that natural shower may have been the most refreshing one in my life. Honestly, it was great. So even if it was redneck, it was worth it.

In these pictures you can see just how hard it was raining. The water was just pouring off the gutters like a waterfall. It was completely awesome for rinsing hair.

The rest of our time together was wonderful. We did a little in-state traveling to see some sites and beautiful scenery. We tubed on a lake. We spent time just visiting with close friends and extended family. We shared our thoughts and feelings with each other about those people and things most important to us, our family and faith. It really was special and a memory in my heart. Typing this now is making me miss them all. (To my family- We love you and look forward to seeing everyone again, whenever that it is. )

Performing on stage at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg

Having a royal ball