9-11-2011 A Perfect Morning

The weather at the lake this weekend was perfect!!!! It was cool, no wind, and not hardly another sole on lake.

8-26-2011 Summer Storm

I forgot about this picture I took a couple of weeks ago when we were headed to the lake. Unfortunately, it didn't produce a lot of rain that we need so badly. Hopefully there will be some rain in the next few days.

8-23-2011 The Boys at the Lake

Here is (L to R): Wally, Charlie and Keilo. The two goldens are my brother's, while Keilo is ours. Charlie wore himself out swimming in the lake, while Wally & Keilo stayed on dry land. They all got along okay, however, Wally, being 9 months old, couldn't understand why Keilo wouldn't rough-house with him.

8-22-2011 Monday Morning Rainbow

What a great way to start the week! I went out this morning to get the paper, (yes, we still get the paper delivered as it isn't online) and this is what greeted me. What a great way to start my morning and week.

8-17-2011 Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniels

This is a statue of Jack Daniels, the founder of Jack Daniels Whiskey. While we were in Tennessee on vacation, we toured the distillery where they make the whiskey. The distillery is located just outside of Lynchberg, Tennessee. We got to see all the different stages of distilling and when we were through, we purchased a bottle to take with is. The ironic thing about this distillery is they are located in a "dry" county. They had to get special permission to sell bottles of whiskey and you couldn't open it on property. In the town of Lynchberg, you could get a bite to eat at "The Best Darn BBQ" restaurant; walk over the general store to get some of your Jack Daniels memoribilla; and stop and play checkers in front of the general store. (see previous post on 8-3-2011 "It's Your Move")

8-16-2011 Doe, A Deer

While we were exploring "Cades Cove" in the Smoky Mountains, this doe felt comfortable enough to show her self and munch on some greens. Although she was on alert, she wasn't spooked by the sounds of camera's clicking.

8-15-2011 Clingman's Dome

More vacations pictures....This is looking out over the Smoky Mountains at Clingman's Dome. This is the highest spot in the Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet in elevation. You can see how the mountains got their name.

8-8-2011 New Found Gap

This is the view of the Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina/Tennessee State Lines. This area is called "New Found Gap". Although this was a popular spot, you could start hiking along several trails and quickly get away from all the people. One of the trails, "The Appalachian Trail", runs along the top of the mountains, all the way to the state of Maine. Tim, Jessica & Amanda decided not to take that trail!

8-7-2011 Rachel's Garden

This is "Rachel's Garden" on the grounds of The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home and plantation, just outside of Nashville, TN. Rachel was Andrew Jackson's wife. She loved picking fresh flowers to have sitting inside of her home. It is said that Jackson was inconsolable when she died. The gazebo is a tomb where she is buried. To the right is a small family plot where other members of the Jackson family are buried.

8-4-2011 Streaming Sunshine

Late in the afternoon in the Smoky Mountains, the sun shined through the trees. This was taken at the cabin we stayed in.

8-3-2011 It's Your Move!

On the way to the Laural Ridge cabin in the Smoky Mountains, we stopped by the Jack Daniels Distillery for a tour. The distillery is located just outside of Lynchberg, TN. After the tour, we went into Lynchberg for some lunch and to check out the town. Jessica, our daughter, spotted a gentleman wanting to play checkers.

8-2-2011 LIttle Cabin in the Woods

This was the cabin we stayed in while visiting the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina this past week. The last picture is looking down the steep drive from the cabin. The inside was just as pretty. Now, to figure out how to move it to Council Grove!

8-1-2011 A Butterfly Garden

At The Hermitage, in NC, the home and plantation of President Andrew Jackson, his wife, Rachel. had a wonderful flower garden. The center garden was a butterfly garden, with flowers that attract all kinds of butterflies. It wasn't very hard to snap their picture.

7-27-2011 Magnolia in North Carolina

This magnolia flower was found at The Hermitage, home and plantation of President Andrew Jackson, located just outside of Nashville, TN. The Hermitage spreads over 1,000 acres and includes his home, garden--where he, his wife, Rachel, and many other members of their family are buried. The plantation also has the slave quarters and other out buildings. This "living" museum has costumed guides that guide you through the home, which is totally furnished with items that actually belonged to Andrew Jackson. As you stroll on the grounds outside on a self-guided tour, or audio-tour, you learn how the Jackson plantation worked and functioned. Definitely would recommend it to visit next time you come through Nashville.

7-9-2011 A Shrimp Boil

Have you ever been to a "shrimp boil"? We went to one this weekend at our neighbors at the lake. There was shrimp, chicken, sausage, steak, pearl onions, carrots, potatoes and corn on the cob. It was yummmmy!! Thanks, Beavers!

7-7-2011 A Long, Quiet Country Road

This is one of many country roads in the Flint Hills. Although I didn't take the picture, (credit goes to my daughter, Jessica) I thought I'd post it anyway. Just liked the way it looked.

7-4-2011 Mighty Fine Fixin's

We were at the lake this weekend for the 4th of July holiday. Had a wonderful time with family. This was one the the great meals we had---salmon and fresh veggies & pineapple from the grill. MMmmmmm!

6-27-2011 Coral Reef Bee Balm

We revamped the front flowerbed this past spring and planted perennials. However, spring was a passing thing and it turned hot early. I have been diligently watering, hoping the plant would take hold. Today, the Coral Reef Bee Balm flowered. Although it doesn't have anything to do with bees, it is supposed to draw butterflies. We'll see. I'm just happy the plants are thriving!

6-21-2011 White Lillies

Now that we finally are getting some rain, (could do without the storms, tho!) my lillies are starting to blossom.

6-20-2011 A Bit of the Tropics

This is the first flower on my hibiscus tree. This flower always reminds me of the islands and our trips there.