Wednesday, April 30, 2008

If you need a laugh today


I thought I might lighten up NDP today with a photo of the "Bathroom Wiz." Painted on the wall of a store bathroom, the Wiz has a plunger in his right hand and is "holding" the paper towels in his left. The word bubble at his head reads, "Magic wand, my butt!"

Monday, April 28, 2008

Germantown Churches

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (above) is the second oldest Catholic church in Nashville. Built in 1859 to serve the German families settling in the area north of downtown Nashville, the Assumption Church was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. Over the years, it has been renovated and enlarged. For more information about The Assumption Church and to see photos of the altar, click here.

Around the corner from The Assumption Church is the Monroe Street United Methodist Church (right). Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find much information about this church, although I did read that, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Methodists in the north Nashville area were involved in social causes, assisting immigrants and low-income families in a number of different ways.

Assumption Catholic Church and Monroe Street United Methodist Church joined forces more than 25 years ago to host Oktoberfest. Held annually in early October in Germantown, Oktoberfest is Nashville's longest-running cultural celebration. You can read more about Oktoberfest here.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Germantown III

This is one of the older homes in Germantown. I thought you might like to compare it to the newer homes that I showed you last week.

Tomorrow: Two churches in Germantown

Music City Marathon

Yesterday morning, 30,714 runners and walkers participated in the Music City Marathon in Nashville.  Of those, 5,652 ran the full marathon, while the remaining 25,000+ did the half marathon.  The runners started the race in "corrals," meaning they were grouped with other runners and all members of a particular corral started at the same time.  There were 32 corrals, and the last ones started the race over an hour after the elite runners (in the first corral) began.  The winner of the half marathon ran it in just over one hour, and the winners of the marathon ran the race in 2 hours 14 minutes (men) and 2 hours 30 minutes (women).

I chose to post this photo for two reasons:  A) You can see the downtown skyline.  Note the clocktower on the left-side of the photo as it's the Union Station Hotel tower from my post a few days ago.  B) If you click to enlarge the photo, you can see runners all along the road that crosses the photo horizontally.

I had a number of friends run or walk the race, and my hat's off to them!  Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Tax-Free Tennessee

This weekend is the first "tax-free" shopping weekend of 2008 in Tennessee.

In 2006, the state legislature decided to hold two "tax-free" weekends to help alleviate the sales tax burden on Tennessee's consumers. Tennessee has the highest state sales tax in the continental United States (9.25-9.75%), and the state estimates that shoppers all over the state will see a sales-tax savings of approximately $10 million over the three-day weekend. Eligible items include clothing ($100 and less per item), school and art supplies ($100 and less per item) and computers ($1500 and less per bundled package). If you want to see the list of exempt items, click here.

(Confused? Don't even get me started on the food/non-food taxable rates!)

Here's the interesting thing: The list of tax-exempt items is pretty interesting. The sales-tax holiday, from my understanding, was originally meant to relieve parents of high sales tax on school clothes and supplies each year. Because I owned a retail establishment until May of last year, I received the list of taxable and exempt items, and I found it pretty interesting. For example, in 2006, paints , clay and crayons (all conceivably school supplies) were taxable, while bridal gowns, diapers and jogging apparel were tax-exempt. Paper was exempt because it is a school supply. Last year the legislature included art supplies since both elementary and high school kids use them in classes. Bridal gowns (and jogging and aerobic clothing as well as thongs and tuxedos) are still exempt (although try to find a gown or tux under $100 these days!).

A lot of confusion reigned in my store, which was a paper arts store. Since I sold a number of exempt items (scissors, adhesives, color pencils), I could not charge tax on them even though most of the customers were going to use them for personal use. I also sold some items that were not exempt in 2006 but exempt in 2007 (clay and acrylic paints). Worse, I sold paper of all kinds - color paper and cardstock (exempt), writing paper (exempt) and scrapbook paper (who knows?). A great guy in the department of revenue finally told me just to exempt all the paper and not worry about it. PHEW!


For the past two years, I didn't really get to take advantage of the sales tax holiday, but this year, I bought something great. . . . .But, that's a story for next week!

Tomorrow: Music City Marathon

Friday, April 25, 2008

Skywatch Friday - Union Station Hotel


When Union Station opened in 1900, it served as Nashville's railroad station. In 1986, the restored building opened as a hotel, which it remains today. This is the back of the hotel, looking north. To the left of the hotel, you can see railroad tracks which remain in use today. Union Station is a National Historic Landmark, so designated in 1977.

Although I took this photo some time ago, the skies over the past few days have been just like the sky in this photo: bright blue dotted with fluffy white clouds. Unfortunately, we're about to experience grey skies and rain over the weekend. :-(

Tomorrow: Tax-free Tennessee

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Germantown #2

Although I said I was going to post photos of the Germantown churches today, I decided to show a few more of the homes in the area. The two in the main photo are, I believe, newer homes built to fit the architecture of the neighborhood. The homes in the two smaller photos at left and right are, of course, older homes.

The home on the left, built in 1880, is now the site of Monell's Restaurant, a Nashville favorite. Open since 1995, Monell's serves its food "communal" style. In other words, when you go, they seat you at a table with other diners, and the staff brings out plates and bowls of food. There are 2 or 3 meats, a few salads, 4 or 5 vegetables, drinks and desserts. The times that I went, the food was basically southern comfort food: fried chicken, squash, potatoes, corn, etc. It's pretty good, although the communal dining does tend to scare some people off the first time they go. You can read a little more about them by clicking here.

The house on the right sits across the street from the Catholic church in Germantown. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on it, so I don't know if it's the church rectory or what. The yard to the left of the house is a large, gravel parking lot, so that leads me to wonder if the church owns it. However, I don't know.

Tomorrow: Skywatch

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Germantown

Just north of downtown and Bicentennial Mall, Historic Germantown is a 20-square block area that is home to a variety of homes and businesses. Originally part of a land grant given to James McGavock for his during the Revolutionary War, Germantown is thriving again today due to the diligence of area residents. The neighborhood association dedicates itself to preserving the history and charm of the area, and new building (homes and businesses) maintain the architecture of the original area.

Tomorrow: Two of the churches of Germantown

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

The Mad Platter


Another great restaurant located in the Germantown area of Nashville is The Mad Platter. While the Germantown Cafe occupies a rather new building, The Mad Platter is in an old Victorian building in the heart of Germantown. Inside, exposed brick walls lend to the atmosphere.

When we first moved to Nashville, The Mad Platter had a little restaurant in the Farmers' Market, and they served great sandwiches and such. Their popularity extends to the free-standing restaurant's menu which includes a variety of dishes and desserts. While I've never had it, I've heard the Chocolate Elvis is good.

(Don't you just love the restaurant's name?)

Tomorrow, I'll show you a few homes in Germantown and tell you a bit about its history.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Meeting Another City Daily Photo Blogger


I mentioned that my husband and I were out of town last week for business (his) and that I got to meet up with another City Daily Photo Blogger. We were in Las Vegas, so I got to meet up with Mo of Another Las Vegas Daily Photo. We had met when I was there in January, but we both forgot our cameras that time. Last week, I had my small camera with me so my husband could record our meeting. We look pretty serious in the photo above, but my husband did have us laughing at his jokes (left).

Here's something that I found interesting: When Mo and I first met in January, we became fast friends. We both have said it was like we knew each other before. I don't know if it's the CDP connection, the fact that we both love Las Vegas, or that we are quite alike, but it is funny that we found friendship through CDP.

For the record, we met in the coffee shop at the Las Vegas Hilton. I was all shook up that Elvis didn't make an appearance.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Germantown Cafe


Situated on the corner of 5th and Madison Streets near downtown Nashville, The Germantown Cafe is a great local restaurant. The menu consists of traditional items with a little twist thrown in to make them unique. I've had a great pasta dish there, and I hear the Plum Pork is fantastic. For more information, click here.

Aside: I am still one-handed, hence the short comments on my own blog. Please know that I have visited but have not commented.

Coming tomorrow: Nashville Daily Photo meets -------- Daily Photo!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Friday, April 18, 2008

Skywatch Friday - Scene from Home


After big rains recently, the clouds were hanging pretty low behind our house. Note that the field was flooded.

For more Skywatch Friday photos, click here.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Pump It Up


When was little, I remember seeing water pumps like this in parks and on historical properties. I had not seen one in years until I visited Bellemeade Plantation in Nashville. Located behind the main house and near the kitchen, this water pump is the most ornate I've found.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Star Bagel


This is STAR BAGEL where we like to go on Saturday or Sunday morning. When I owned my store, we hardly ever came over here since I worked Saturdays and didn't really want to do much on Sunday since it was my one day off. We've made up for it in the past 10 months! ;-)

Star Bagel is in Sylvan Park which is one of the neighborhoods that residents are trying to revitalize. There are restaurants, shops, parks, and great houses in SP. I'll introduce you to the neighborhood next week.

ASIDE: I got together with another CDP blogger this afternoon. We had met when I was in her town in January, but we both forgot our cameras. I had my Nikon Coolpix with me today, and my husband took a few photos of us. I'll post one once I get back to Nashville.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Bagels, Bagels, Bagels


Until I got married, I had never had a bagel. The first one I tasted was awful, so I never tried them again until we moved to Las Vegas in 1987. There was a great bagel place - Bagel Oasis - near our house, and they had wonderful bagels. Since then I've tried other bagels, and I tend to like certain kinds.

The one above - honey wheat with lite cream cheese -is from STAR BAGEL in Sylvan Park in Nashville. They have great bagels, as the crowds prove every day. In the next week or so, I'll be doing a tour of Sylvan Park.

ASIDE: Thanks for your comments about Kasey and about my shoulder. I am, unfortunately, out of town, and the vet and I are playing phone tag. She is doing okay and is better under their care than at home right now. My shoulder is healing a little more slowly than I want, but I am quite impatient. ;-) I cannot wait to get rid of the sling. Typing with one hand is driving me crazy!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

St. Ann Catholic Church


Sorry to be so late in posting this today. . . .

St. Ann Catholic Church is on the westside of Nashville near Sylvan Park. I will be doing a tour of Sylvan Park in the next week or so.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

What Kind of Dogs Are Those?


Kasey (L) and Decker were watching the cows through the slats of our back deck a few weeks ago while I was shooting photos. They stopped a moment to look at me when I called them. I often wonder, though, what they think of the cows out back. Often, they will stare at the cows, and the cows will stare at them. It's pretty funny to watch.

Please keep Kasey in your thoughts. She has had some health problems this week, which would not be unusual for a 13-year old dog. She is at the vet hospital for the next several days while I stress over her.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Skywatch Friday: Equestrian Center


The day I took this photo, the air was crisp and cool, and the sky was a beautiful blue dotted with fluffy, cumulus clouds. Unfortunately, the sky in Nashville this morning is completely clouded over with grey storm clouds as the weather system that swept through Texas, Arkansas and other states is now visiting us. It is the storm season in Tennessee!

I took this photo at the Equestrian Center of the Warner Parks. I'll tell you more about it when I can type with both hands. (Yes, the splint is still holding me captive and mono-handed after shoulder surgery. I apologize if I don't make personal comments on blogs as usual due to my limitations right now.)

To see other Skywatch Friday posters, please click here.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Another Street Mural


I thought I would post another street mural today. This one, on Rosa L Parks Ave, is near the Germantown area of Nashville. I've been wanting to shoot this mural for some time, but never got the chance until last Monday or Tuesday. Unfortunately, it was starting to rain, so I took this photo from the comfort of the car.

As you can probably tell, this is just a small portion of the mural. Once I can hold my camera again, I'll shoot the entire piece so you can see that it depicts Nashville. The portion that is in this photo is of the entrance to Bicentennial Mall, which is about one block away from the mural.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Vanderbilt Mural


On the side of the You Greek, Me Greek store near the Vanderbilt campus is this great mural starring three Vandy coaches. Bobby Johnson (L) is head football coach, while Kevin Stallings heads the men's basketball program. Melanie Bascolmb is coach of the women's basketball program. The mural does change with coaching changes, although these three have been at Vandy for a number of years, so there's been no need to re-paint.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Pinwheels


While we were walking through World Market recently, I saw a display of pinwheels. I love pinwheels. . . pretty pinwheels. In recent years, I've seen huge, plastic pinwheels in arts and ceafts stores. They aren't as nice as the colorful, shiny metallic ones.

Aside: I still have use of only my left hand after shoulder surgery. Thanks for understanding!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Cathedral of the Incarnation


Home to more than 2300 Catholic families, the Cathedral of the Incarnation is on West End Blvd. just west of downtown Nashville. The Cathedral is actually the third cathedral for the diocese: The first, Holy Rosary wa demolished, and the second, St. Mary's, still exists but is too small. Completed in 1914, the church mimics the style of the Roman basilicas and actually is patterned after two churches in Rome, St Martin's (the church itself) and St. Damasse (the belltower). To the left is the church rectory. The school is no longer in use.

The term cathedral comes from the Latin cathedra which means chair or throne. Hence, a cathedral is home to the bishop of a diocese. While the bishop normally does live in a cathedral's rectory and say Mass at the cathedral many times, however, the cathedral does have its own pastor and staff. Included in the staff is Coti, Fr. Patrick Kibby's dog. Any idea how she got her name?

If you would like to read more about the Cathedral history, click here.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Redbuds



I mentioned redbuds the other day, and I thought I would post a photo of the drive at the northside of Bicentennial Mall (above). The redbuds provide a beautiful entrance to the park. What I particularly like about them is that they seem to be growing right on the branches and/or trunk (photo right). Redbuds seem to grow wild here, which makes roadsides very pretty during spring.

I don't know much about redbuds, but if you want to learn more, click here.

Thanks, again, for understanding about my shoulder surgery. I will hopefully be able to type with more than one hand soon.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Flooded River


Please excuse the quality of this photo. I took it through my office window using one hand. BUT! I wanted you to see how the rain we received in Middle TN has affected the Harpeth River. Areas of Middle Tennessee received more than 3 inches of rain yesterday, swelling a number of creeks and small rivers.
The small photo at right is another view of the river.

The cow pasture behind us has a lot of water in it (foreground of photo), and the river has gone over its banks. What you cannot tell from the photos is how swift the current is. I can see it from here, and at times I notice downed tree limbs and such moving along.

Note the vibrant green grass and the green starting to appear on the trees. Spring is here!

Again, I apologize for the quality of the photos. I just wanted you to see how swollen the Harpeth is right now.

Please Note: As I have mentioned, I just had shoulder surgery and don't have use of my right hand since it is in a sling and stationary. I am visiting blogs, but it is hard for me to comment since I can type only with one hand.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Walkway of the Counties


In my post two days ago, I asked you to notice the circular cement paver on the sidewalk. Today's photo is a close-up of that circle. Please note that it gives information about Unicoi County.

Along the sidewalk on the eastern side of Bicentennial Mall (The Walkway of the Counties), you'll find 95 such circular plaques, one for each county in Tennessee. Beneath each plaque is a time capsule containing items from that particular county. If you enlarge the photo, you can see where Unicoi County is it is highlighted on the map.

The walkway is divided into three areas representing the three areas of Tennessee - east, middle and west. The south end of the walkway, representing West Tennessee is low and flat, and as you walk north toward the area representing East TN, the topography becomes more rolling and hilly. The plants and flowers growing along the walkway also represent the area of the state in which they're found.

Please note: I had shoulder surgery the other day and cannot type with that hand. Please know that I'm visiting blogs, but I can't make comments. Thanks for understanding!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Bike Friendly?


While there are quite a few bikers in Nashville, most of them are distance riders. In other words, they don't ride to work/school, but they do ride on weekends. There are a number of streets with dedicated bike lanes, which is good since it makes biking a lot safer for everyone.

I happened to catch this bike outside Whole Foods about a week ago. I'm not sure if the owner works there or if he/she is a customer.

Please Note: I had surgery on my shoulder yesterday, and I am not able to type with my right arm at all. I will be visiting blogs, but please excuse my silence!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Spring Comes to Bicentennial Mall


Although overcast, yesterday was a rather pleasant day in Nashville, and while I was out shooting photos, I encountered a lot of people enjoying the nice weather by walking in Bicentennial Mall. The flowering trees are redbuds, which are among my favorite spring trees.

Please note two things: At the top of the photo, there is a red building. In addition, on the sidewalk behind the guy and his dog, is a circular piece of cement. In the coming days, I'll show you what both of those are.

Please note: I'm having surgery on my shoulder today and am unsure of how much typing I'm going to be able to do. I'll be visiting sites, I'm sure, but I think I probably won't be able to type many comments. Sorry!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

What Water? THEME DAY - Water

Except for a few drops, this water fountain wasn't spewing too much water. I guess it was playing April Fools jokes on the kid!!

Since today is the first of the month, it's THEME DAY here at City Daily Photo. This month's theme, WATER, should provide a lot of interesting photos. Be sure to check out these other blogs participating in today's Theme Day:
theme day id=13

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Paja, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix - Bostonscapes, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Cypress (TX), USA by Riniroo, Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), USA by A Wandering Soul, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lake Forest Park (WA), USA by Azure, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Nancy, France by yoshi, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norman (OK), USA by Chad & LaCresha, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Odense, Denmark by ania odense, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Paris, France by Gordio, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Pont-à-Mousson, France by Tintin-j, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portland (OR), USA by NWgal, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Shanghai, China by Jing, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Nathalie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Toruń, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,