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.

6-19-2011 Kaw Indian Powwow

This weekend was Council Grove's festival, "Wa-shun-Ga Days." It is held every year to celebrate the town's involvement in being the last stop on the Santa Fe trail. The Kaw Nation used to live in the area during the mid-1800's. Each year they return to Council Grove to participate in the celebration.

6-9-2011 Brown-May Lake

This is Brown-May Lake, better known as our backyard after a hard rain. It's called as such because when we get heavy rainfall, the Brown's (our neigbors) backyard and ours flood.

6-7-2011 No Lemonade Today

When I was leaving school today (conducted a training) I saw this lemonade stand and couldn't pass it up. Wonder if business was good?

6-5-2011 Tiger Lillies

My Tiger Lillies have bloomed and are a very brilliant orange this year. I was experimenting with the macro on my new point-and-shoot as well.

6-1-2011 A Flint Hills Sunset

Nothing is prettier than a Flint Hills sunset.

5-31-2011 Fence Post

Out taking pictures in one of my favorite places, the Flint Hills. I recently purchased a "point & shoot" camera and wanted to test it out.

5-3-2011 First Bloom

This is the first bloom of this season. It's a dwarf lilly. Unfortunately, if we don't get any more rain it may be the only one.