Connie B

Zoo Turkey

2011-11-20T19:37:00.002-05:00

What a proud fellow. He strutted around like this the entire time we were in the petting area. I fell in love with him.

Melton Hill Lake

2011-07-23T07:48:00.002-04:00

Looking for ways to beat the heat.

Dustin at the deerlease

2011-07-14T08:28:00.003-04:00

We're still spending time at the deer lease. Here Mark is with his young friend. Dustin is eager to fish, but Mark explans mid day is just not the best time for fishing, too hot.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-29T13:33:00.000-04:00

So glad Day got to get out and enjoy this day. The first in a long time.

2011-05-10T12:33:00.001-04:00

Wish I could remember what was so funny.

turkeys at the cabin

2010-12-05T07:36:00.001-05:00

I counted 23 turkeys in the backyard at the cabin. They came through right after Thanksgiving dinner where turkey was the main course. I snapped this photo through the window. I was afraid too much movement would scare them off.

cabin 2010

2010-11-29T03:19:00.000-05:00

Small group at the cabin for Thanksgiving this year. I really enjoyed spending time with the ones that made it.

Disney World 2010

2010-09-29T03:51:00.002-04:00

If Disney World were located in Tennessee I would probably have visited it before now. But since it's located in Florida I made my first first visit last week at age 56. The place is HUGE!! I'm very glad I went in the off season. We avoided crowds, and the heat.

Ijams Nature Center

2010-08-28T22:06:00.002-04:00

If you live in Knoxville you've visited the Ijams Nature Center. One of the trails in the park takes you to this broadwalk looking over the Tennessee River.

Watauga Lake

2010-08-23T08:58:00.003-04:00

Watauga Lake near Johnson City Tennessee.

Mark has a brother who lives in Johnson City. when we visit Paul and Sally we explore the area a little before heading back to Knoxville.

Clinch River

2010-08-10T05:13:00.007-04:00

Trying to beat the heat Mom and I took a trip to Clinch River. (Of course we took the four legged members of our family.)

You can't see the water in this photo because of the fog.

Exploring is great, but attention from grandma is great too.

Backbone Rock Tunnel

2010-07-27T20:42:00.003-04:00

Paul and Sally's place

2010-07-25T20:02:00.004-04:00

It's a two hour drive from our house to Paul and Sally's house, but it's a nice drive, and once you're there you wonder why you don't make the trip more often. This is the view from their back porch. Can you imagine getting up to this every morning? I'd never make it to work.

sisters

2010-07-15T19:16:00.005-04:00

Mom with her oldest remaining sister Chris.

Every so often Mom and I will take a day to visit with with family members. Originally there were eleven siblings, now there are four girls left, including Mom. It's sad, so many wonderful aunts and uncles are no longer with us.

July 4th weekend

2010-07-05T15:07:00.005-04:00

Mark is the official cook for all foods grilled.

Mom and I found enough blackberries around the cabin to make a cobbler.

Knoxville Zoo

2010-07-01T06:28:00.003-04:00

I had forgotten about taking this picture at the Knoxville Zoo. There are three bears in the enclosure, but this fellow was so relaxed and so close to the viewing window.

Mark's Dad

2010-06-30T06:41:00.000-04:00

This is the person Mark gets his love of anything outdoors from. My father-in-law is 84 years old and very active. We took a short hike at the deer lease he still looks cool as a cucumber, while I look all hot and sweaty.

iphone pics

2010-06-24T19:49:00.007-04:00

This photo was taken with my iphone. I never dreamed it would turn out so well. That's Norris Lake in the background.

The first blackberries of the season!! Delicious.

(another iphone photo)

Momma Robin

2010-06-14T20:14:00.002-04:00

Mom discovered this robin building her nest on the fence just outside the condos. In this photo she may not look like she'd qualify for any mother of the year awards, but all her fledgings did survive.

Parrot Mountain

2010-06-01T20:31:00.002-04:00

Mom and I loved the scenic walk at Parrott Mountain almost as much as we loved visiting with all the birds.

My yard

2010-05-23T23:53:00.003-04:00

I don't know why the birds haven't eaten all the cherries off this tree. This year my siser Jackie beat them to at least a few cherries.

At the deer lease Mark found an old cemetary. Most of the markers can't be read, but the date is clear on this one.

Parrott Mountain

2010-05-17T03:38:00.005-04:00

We had a blast at Parrott Mountain this weekend. So many different birds. The best part is you're allowed to interact with the birds. Totally awesome.

I was a little concerned Mom would be scared of the birds, but she loved it.

2010-05-09T19:30:00.003-04:00

These flowers were growing on land just a few days ago. Now we have underwater flower gardens.

We hung around this fellow for several minutes. Long enough to see him catch a fish and eat it. He didn't seem to mind the company.

Here's an animal I don't want to go swimming with.

OH NO!!

2010-05-05T21:17:00.000-04:00

This changes our plans to visit the cabin. There's no getting around this fallen tree. I guess tomorrow we'll be back with a chainsaw.

another Sunday afternoon at the cabin

2010-05-03T06:06:00.002-04:00

Sunday afternoons at the cabin isn't all rest and relaxation. The last two Sunday afternoons we spent some time picking poke. Mom will spend monday morning cooking it down and freezing it for future use. This bag will cook down to appx. 3 quarts.

Sunday afternoon trip to the cabin

2010-04-26T03:46:00.003-04:00

Pepper seems to know that when grandma is around the rule about jumping up on the furniture does not apply. I guess it's easy to forget when grandma is coaxing you into breaking the rules.

The lake is a little less visible in the spring and summer.

Easter 2010

2010-04-06T17:59:00.001-04:00

Mom and Dad with six of their seven kids.

raccoon excitement

2010-03-28T15:14:00.007-04:00

First it was cats ambushing birds at the feeder.

One morning we got up to find the feeder on the other side of the yard.

I'm betting this guy will leave the feeder alone for a long time.

myself & siblings

2010-03-26T05:49:00.004-04:00

Me first, cause I'm the oldest.

My sister Julia followed 13 months later.

Brother Mark came along 14 months after Julia.

Another 16 months goes by and brother Michael arrives

I can remember Mitchell as a toddler.

I can remember Jackie coming home from the hospital.

By the time Mac arrived Julia and I had our own "LIVE" dolls to play with. We were good play parents.

Fish Pond

2010-03-15T06:49:00.004-04:00

A lot of work that Mark is doing here. And his only motivation, he knows it makes his wife happy. (A bunch of carp in a small pond is not Mark's "thing".)

2010-03-04T06:05:00.003-05:00

More Snow

2010-02-16T03:49:00.007-05:00

This snow is from two weekends ago. It is beautiful, and cold. I made the first human tracks in the new snow, but the deer had left evidence they had gotten there first.

No fishing today.

Maybe ice skating?

Muffin loves the snow. Shih Tzu's must have great coats for cold weather because all four of ours love the snow. All four HATE the rain, even a light drizzle.

snow day

2010-01-31T07:34:00.004-05:00

This is the view from my sun room, looking straight back.

I was surprised to see this Eastern Towhee at my feeder. He's not one of my regulars.

Lafollette

2010-01-24T12:32:00.004-05:00

Decided to take advantage of a warm, dry winter day. Mom hasn't been to the deer lease since the deck was added. She was just a little uncertain about Mark's carpentry skills. I finally convinced her it was not as big a risk as it looked.

As a reward for living dangerously we spent some time around the camp fire. Cookie found it so relaxing she dozed off in Moms arms. Life is definitely good.

Mark not only builds pretty good floating docks, but he builds a pretty good camp fire too.

Cove Lake State Park

2010-01-10T21:06:00.010-05:00

It's the weekend, and I've spent most of it indoors. I've got to get out, even if only for a short time.

A thirty minute drive and I'm at Cove Lake. The lake was kinda pretty, but I am soooooo ready for some above freezing temperatures.

These guys love the snow. The park was empty so I let them run free. They darted this way, and that way, checking everything.

2010-01-07T04:27:00.002-05:00

I am so tired of this weather. The birds provide the only color in the area. I caught this pretty boy while watching for deer from my sunroom. Mark saw three deer at the edge of our yard last weekend. I have only seen tracks.

Mark and Pepper

2009-12-29T22:09:00.006-05:00

If it were up to me Pepper would be wearing her summer cut even though it is mid winter. However, Mark is on her side so her coat is long, at least for now.

Hornets Nest

2009-12-26T08:56:00.023-05:00

I hadn't been to the deer lease property since hunting season began, but it has been such a pretty weekend, and I wanted to spend some time outdoors.

Last summer I loved walking around the beaver pond.

Now that all the leaves are off the trees, a walk around the pond reveals something I hadn't noticed before.

I'm sure noticing it now. This nest is huge. During the summer I was within three feet of this thing. We all were!

I never saw a single hornet all summer.

I still plan on spending time here as often as I can. The lady of the pond is just too entertaining to watch.

While the cat's away .........

2009-12-20T12:03:00.003-05:00

The Neighbor's cats still continue to be pests. I tried orange peels at the base of the tree, but these cats pay no attention. Chili pepper continues to be my best deterrent.

snow

2009-12-07T06:35:00.001-05:00

Less then 1/4 inch of snow this weekend, but the landscape took on a whole new look. This is the dogwood in front of my house. By late afternoon all the snow was gone.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T20:45:00.002-05:00

Mom and Dad had seven kids. Six of us were able to make it to Thanksgiving at the cabin. They'll all tell you I'm the oldest so I'll go ahead and say so. Mom had all seven kids within a ten year span. I'm thirteen months older then my sister, fourteen months later our oldest brother came along.

My birthday is Nov. 24th, and my husbands is Nov. 26th. Just to keep that week interesting we got married Nov. 22nd.

neighbor's cat

2009-11-16T19:53:00.005-05:00

An occasional hawk will sometimes take one of the birds from my backyard, but the best hunters by far are my neighbors cats. I put coffee grounds at the bottom of this tree because I read somewhere it was a cat deterrent. Unfortunately the cat hasn't read this. Chili powder, and hot sauce work pretty well, but frequent applications are necessary. My husband can live with the occasional loss of a songbird, but paw prints on his company truck is another matter.

Saturday at the cabin

2009-11-15T12:40:00.002-05:00

It was just too nice a day to stay indoors. Mom and I decided to buy some groceries and have supper at the cabin.

fall day with mom & sis

2009-11-01T16:38:00.003-05:00

Mom took this picture of her two oldest girls.

My dogs manage to get in the picture with Mom & Julia.

And here I am hiding behind Mom.

A visit with my Dad

2009-10-30T18:45:00.002-04:00

Hi Granddad!! We came to visit!

More petting please. Momma doesn't allow us on furnitue or we'd be in your lap giving you lots of doggie kisses. If only momma wasn't here.

Tellico River

2009-10-29T03:27:00.005-04:00

My husband and I have spent a lot of time on this river. Even before he was my husband, we fished and played in this river.

Cherokee National Forest

2009-10-19T20:48:00.002-04:00

The colors on the mountain haven't peaked yet, but we were enjoying what there was.

The real excitment came as we continued to drive up the mountain. SNOW!! How white everything suddenly looked.

Bald River Falls

2009-10-18T19:16:00.018-04:00

From I-75 take Highway 68 South to Tellico Plains. Turn East on Cherohala Skyway, right onTellico River Rd. go appx. five miles.

UT Arboretum, Oak Ridge

2009-10-07T17:13:00.002-04:00

Are the leaves going to change this year? I enjoyed the mile and a half walk anyway.

coyote

2009-10-05T06:38:00.002-04:00

Another photo from one of the mounted camera's at the deer lease in Lafollette.

Corky- Boston Terrier

2009-10-04T10:09:00.007-04:00

My oldest brother Mark came to visit his oldest sister this weekend. (OOPS, I meant to say his favorite sister.) I'm the oldest of seven kids, and my brother Mark is the oldest of the boys.

He brought along his best bud Corky, to visit with some furry friends at Connie's house.

Bear near camp

2009-09-28T11:54:00.006-04:00

There are several cameras mounted on the deer lease property in Lafollette. It's really neat to see what wild animals visit our camp while we're away. This bear has been leaving paw prints everywhere in the area. Now we have a photo to go with the paw prints. I'm glad he's shy and doesn't come around except when the humans are gone.

new dock

2009-09-22T12:45:00.008-04:00

There are several ponds on the property in Lafollette, but this one has fish. Lots of fish. Where there's fish we must have a dock.

I think Mark did a great job on this dock.

It doesn't take long for the fish to find the remainder of a hot dog bun in the water. It's a good photo opp. for me. I think the fish are small mouth bass. If not Mark, or someone will let me know.

Wagon Train

2009-09-20T20:32:00.004-04:00

We had some excitement at the property in Lafollette this weekend. A wagon train came through. There were seven wagons, and I don't know how many beautiful horses.

A Walk in the Woods

2009-09-10T19:57:00.003-04:00

We try to get to the cabin at least twice a month, usually on Wednesdays. A walk in the woods is nice before we start up the grill. I think Mark is actually scouting for deer sign that might come in handy when deer season opens. I prefer my deer in the woods instead of in my freezer.

mom & dad visit

2009-08-29T16:20:00.007-04:00

This is Dad's first visit since we completed the remodeling. The sunroom didn't exist before.

The kitchen has all new appliances, as well as new cabinets.

Time to go.

Norris Grist Mill

2009-08-25T19:11:00.002-04:00

The kids explored every inch of this place. Ethan misses nothing.

My dad used to bring us kids here when I was a child. I brought my son here. I've brought my neices and their friends here. So many memories. Picnic's, hikes, field trips ..... Today I'm here with Caden and Ethan Fox. I wonder if someday they'll bring their own kids here?

Gatlinburg

2009-08-19T13:38:00.003-04:00

I always like to stop at the welcome center.

We decided to have lunch at Ober Gatlinburg. As you can tell we got the best table in the house.

We took the chair lift to the top. It's much better then the chair lift in downtown Gatlinburg.

covered bridge

2009-08-16T18:35:00.005-04:00

This covered bridge is just outside Gatlinburg.

You can drive across it, or there's a crosswalk for pedestrians.

(Mitchell finally got the cast off his arm.)

There was a really nice creek going under the bridge. I missed my dogs here, but they were having fun with Mark.

Cabin?

2009-08-13T13:31:00.005-04:00

We spent some time at the cabin after work last night. I do like the cabin being so near to our home that we can drive up anytime we like without having to worry about the distance.
Our cabin doesn't really look like a cabin. It looks like a small house in the woods. Inside it does look more like a cabin. It has wood floors, the walls are made of wood, and even a wood ceiling. The walls are tongue and groove and gives the place more of a cabin feel. The cabin sets on a hilltop. Looking down you can see Norris Lake. Yesterday we saw 6 turkeys in the yard. Last time we were up we saw a coyote. Bats come out every night, and an owl alarm goes off every morning, sometimes two owls.

This is a view of the lake if you walk in the back yard. The front yard is trees. I noticed acorns are popping out on the oaks. My favorite are the persimmon trees. They produce really large persimmons that are quite tasty. The deer think so too.

Indian Boundry

2009-08-06T09:02:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite campgrounds. My first visit to Indian Boundry was with Mark when we were dating. These pictures are from a couple of years back, but we're planning a camping trip here in October.

rabbit

2009-08-02T06:45:00.003-04:00

Mark had to work today while I spent some time with my niece. While she was getting in some extra snooze time I knew there would probably be some rabbits in my back yard. (For some reason we've had lots of rabbits this year.) The dogs and rabbits just ignore each other, but cats had best beware.

supper at the cabin

2009-07-30T06:27:00.005-04:00

Mark says if we're grilling, we're stopping at Archers first. The guy who runs this market also has a butcher shop and we have no complaints about his steaks.

Muffin says any time spent at the cabin is good time, and there's no such thing as a bad steak.

After supper we enjoy the view. We were lucky tonight, no rain, just a light breeze.

Pond Fishing

2009-07-26T21:11:00.005-04:00

There are several ponds on the leased property in lafolette, and this one has been named "The fish pond". It's large enough to put a small boat in. Mark tries out the boat first.

Now Jasmine and her Dad take a turn.

From the smile on her face I'd say the boat is a success. Or maybe the smile is from catching a fish.

You don't really need a boat to fish.

All you need is a fishing rod, a cricket, and a little patience.

A day with mom

2009-07-19T04:35:00.006-04:00

Mom lives in a condo, and it's a really nice condo,but it's in the city. Mom has spent most of her life in the country and sometimes she misses it. So occassionly I pick her up and we just spend the day together. First we walk around my back yard.

My youngest brother lives just down the road, so we go visit him too.

I think we chose the perfect place for lunch. The resturant at Cove Lake. We ate on the patio and enjoyed every minute.

Next, a little blackberry picking at our campsite in Lafollette.

And we ended our day here. This pond is also on the property in Lafolette and it has lots of fish. Next trip we'll bring fishing rods.

In Memory of Diane Woodby

2009-07-14T19:18:00.003-04:00

Diane Woodby, age 42 of Knoxville, passed away suddenly Sunday, July 12, 2009. Diane was a loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Neil. Diane is survived by her children, Amanda Reynolds, Casey Woodby and Ricky Allen Woodby: 2 grandchildren, and special friend Mark Mincey; brother Ricky Hensley, and the father of her children Ricky Woodby.

ATV Trip

2009-07-07T12:50:00.005-04:00

This property is located between Lafollette and Jellico. Our neighbor is Rarity Pointe. We've been camping here all summer.

We had some company on this trip. Some friends from Knoxville came by to spend the day with us.

July 4th Holiday Weekend

2009-07-05T18:04:00.007-04:00

Our first day out we discovered this interesting tree.

The boy in the photo is the son of a family friend. Notice there is nothing hanging from the tree branch?

The following day we went by the tree again and found something had been added.

Parsons Branch in the Cove

2009-07-02T09:29:00.002-04:00

Anytime I see anything resembling a waterfall I think of Betsy. This is just a place in the creek where the water is falling over a few rocks. No not a real waterfall, with a name. Just falling water.

We found several small falls as we hiked this creek.

Turkeys in Cades Cove

2009-07-01T07:39:00.003-04:00

I have made many trips to Cades Cove and seen many different animals, however this is the first trip I can recall that I saw so many different animals on the same trip. We went looking for bear and saw not only bear, but deer, wild hogs, and turkeys too.

wild hogs near Cades Cove

2009-06-30T07:58:00.004-04:00

We were attempting to get a different view of Caulderwood Dam. No luck there, but we did happen along a field of wild hogs.

Caulderwood Dam

2009-06-29T10:39:00.001-04:00

This is the only vantage point I could get of this dam. It's located somewhere between Blount County and Monroe County. (Tennessee)

Cades Cove Bear

2009-06-28T14:23:00.005-04:00

The local news has been reporting bears stirring around Cades Cove. Mark & I decided to investigate for ourselves.

There are four bears n this tree. Momma & three cubs. There is a crowd of humans below the tree, but the bears don't seem to mind.

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T16:27:00.005-04:00

Mark's sister Elizabeth with our nephew, and newest family member.

Marks Dad at the cabin

Short Hike

2009-06-15T10:45:00.009-04:00

There are three dogs trailing Mark but the weeds are so tall they're hidden from my camera. I don't think any of us had this in mind when Mark suggested a walk.

P-nut had expected Mark to take the four wheeler. Next time he'll make certain the travel arrangements are more to his liking. Oh well, at least he can enjoy the creek.

Thank goodness Mark remembered to bring a nice comfy bed.

Stinking Creek

2009-06-10T09:29:00.002-04:00

I thought it was time I posted a photo of the actual creek. The water is not deep at all, and it's warmer then the creek water in the Smokies. This creek is about 1/4 mile from our campsite. We haven't spent much time here. I'm not sure how clean it is, or if there is any fish in it. I am sure there is plenty of wildlife around the area where our camper is set up, and that's where we'll be spending most of our time.

more camping pictures

2009-06-09T06:05:00.006-04:00

Laf The property where we've been camping has several ponds on it. This pond is closest to our campsite. Just a little more to the left, but not in the picture is the beaver dam that made the pond.

We can't go camping unless we take the whole family. You can see where those military haircuts come in handy.

I guess next they'll be wanting their own four wheeler. Actually these guys love to ride. Even at home when they hear the riding lawn mower start up they all run and jump on.

Great Spangled Fritillary

2009-06-08T14:37:00.010-04:00

My husband and I spent this past weekend camping near Jellico in an area called Stinking Creek. I've walked the banks of this creek several times now, and it there is no odor. I like the name anyway.

I've enjoyed walking around the property taking pictures of wildflowers that I do not know the names of, when a butterfly flew right in front of me and landed on this flower. I figured I might as well take a picture of something else I didn't know the name of. Eventually I will look up the names of all these plants and animals, but for now it's pictures only.

Mitchell

2009-05-25T11:08:00.002-04:00

My brother Mitchell has a broken arm, but it didn't keep him from going on a short, but challenging hike. My husband and friends have leased some proberty near Lafollette. We found this small creek while we were checking out the property.

Mom & Girls in Gatlinburg

2009-05-23T04:42:00.006-04:00

This is my mom & my sisters. When we were kids the family took many trips to Gatlinburg. I'm the oldest of seven kids. When I married and left home there has never been a trip to Gatlinburg, or anywhere else that included the entire family. Of course we've all continued to visit Gatlinburg with our new families. Today was a happy day for me. To go somewhere with even half the original family is something that hasn't happened in nearly 30 years. I guess my age is showing when I start looking at everything as possibly the last time we'll do this.

Hatfield Mountain

2009-05-21T07:48:00.004-04:00

These pictures are from an elk viewing platform in Lafollette, Tennessee.

Everyone wants to see.

We counted 20 elk during our visit. Most were cows.

Maybe six bulls.

Blue Jay

2009-05-18T12:56:00.001-04:00

Heron on Clinch River

2009-05-15T10:18:00.002-04:00

It's raining on the river. I pulled into a parking area that fishermen frequent and found this heron. I took this photo from inside my van. He doesn't seem to mind the rain at all. This spot is just below Norris Dam. TVA is still letting water through.

backyard rabbits

2009-05-14T22:08:00.004-04:00

These guys finallly stayed put long enough for me to get their picture. They took off as soon as the dogs spotted me, and ran over to give me doggie kisses. The dogs never saw the rabbits, but the rabbits saw them. I guess the rabbits didn't want any doggie kisses because they hopped off. All the way to the front yard.

Is there any way to block spam?

Norris Dam

2009-05-12T21:38:00.008-04:00

This is a day shot of water coming over Norris Dam. I've been told this hasn't happened in 20 years. Usually this parking lot is empty on week days, but since TVA has opened up the floodgates we've got a traffic jam here every night.

This is a night time view of the dam.

Although you can't see it this is the Weir Dam. When TVA doesn't have the water running you can walk out on the dam.

Atlanta Aquarium

2009-05-09T13:31:00.002-04:00

We made it! We left Knoxville at 10:00 last night and arrived in Atlanta 3 and a half hours later. The Aquarium opened at 9:00 this morning and we were there when the doors opened. It is really worth the visit. Especilly if you arrive early and beat the crowds. By 11:30 we were begining to have to wait in lines to see an exhibit. My favorite exhibit was the Beluga Whales. I had never seen a beluga whale before and these three were very visable and active in their tanks.

more flowers

2009-05-07T08:01:00.003-04:00

If you're gonna take any pictures in Knoxville these days, you will have to do it in the rain. We're drowning in rain this entire year. I have flowers in bloom everywhere. Some of them are so heavy with rain they're on the ground, but the blooms are just beautiful. I have these impatients hanging off the banister of my back porch.

Cades Cove

2009-05-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

My neice April and her friend Caden are checking out one of the head stones in the graveyard at Cades Cove in the Smokey Mountains.

Friends

2009-05-02T22:13:00.001-04:00

My Tennessee Flowers 2009 - Scrapblog.com

2009-04-29T17:49:00.000-04:00

My Tennessee Flowers 2009 - Scrapblog.com

Dogwood

2009-04-29T13:39:00.001-04:00

My dogwoods have peaked but there were enough pretty blooms left for me to get a couple of pics.

More Birds

2009-04-22T08:03:00.001-04:00

I have lots of pictures of the cardinals, but not too many or the red winged blackbirds.

A visit from Mom.

2009-04-20T08:25:00.002-04:00

Everyone enjoys a visit from my mom. They have abandoned me, the person who feeds them, bathes them, and gives them a nightly treat, and are instead begging for attention from Mom. Apparently my moms petting is better then mine. Oh well, I should be used to it by now, she does everything better then me. But I'm gonna remember this at treat time.

The Grandkids

2009-04-16T10:10:00.002-04:00

All four of mom's grandkids.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T08:24:00.001-04:00

Our family tradition on Easter is to gather at Mom's house after church, enjoy a huge family dinner, and then the Easter egg hunt. Sounds like a lot of families on Easter I guess. But there is one thing that is different about our egg hunt. It's almost all adults. My parents had seven children. You'd think there would be lots of grandchildren, and by now even some great grandchildren. My son is the oldest grandchild, he's 33 and never married. My sister's oldest is 21 and still in college. My brother's girl is 25 and also never married, and our youngest is 11. Even though we're short on children, we've never missed an egg hunt, and it has got to be the liveliest egg hunt in Knoxville. There is some cheating. This year one of my sisters brought some extra eggs but didn't tell anyone. She was looking like an easy winner for the first hunt until someone started counting the eggs. There is always so much enthusium on these hunts you'd think there was a $100. prize for every egg found.

Carter Park

2009-04-09T08:32:00.002-04:00

I love Summer. I love East Tennessee. I love going to the parks in our area.

Norris Dam Overlook

2009-04-08T08:14:00.000-04:00

This was taken at the overlook at Norris Dam Sunday. I like Norris, plus it's so close to my house I don't have to spend much time getting there. My dad used to take me to this very same overlook. It's the only place from my childhood that hasn't changed one bit. (except maybe the trees are a little bigger) You can't see it in this picture, but Clinch River is between this hill, and the ridge behind Pepper.

Spring Fever

2009-04-06T13:46:00.001-04:00

What a beautiful day. The kids spent some time Saturday afternoon doing some planting. We've been saving egg cartons and finally the day arrives to see if flowers really can grow from seeds. If these seeds don't sprout there will be some very disappointed kids.

An indoor day.

2009-03-29T18:26:00.002-04:00

The high at my house today was 45 degrees. I am so ready for summer weather.

Volunteer Landing

2009-03-24T14:12:00.002-04:00

Mom & Dad at Volunteer Landing.