One Thing I'll Miss (But not Top Ten)

I'm going to miss the Titans. We didn't go to many games - maybe one or two a year - but I did enjoy them. It seems that there's a lot of energy in the city during the season and on game days, and I really like that.

One big reason that I think I really like the Titans is because most of the players and coaching staff seem to be pretty down-to-earth. In a league that is filled with headcases - and the Titans have had a few - the Titans seem to be pretty grounded and nice guys. When the team first came to town in 1998, two of the players lived across the street from us, and they and their friends were just regular guys. And, in the kingdom of coaches, Jeff Fisher seems to be the type of guy who inspires responsible behavior both on and off the field.

A Cincinnati Bengals fan for years, I was sure that I would remain one forever. I find the antics of many of the Bengals a little too spoiled for my blood. I still like the Bengals, but I find I'm a Titan fan and will be one for years to come.

Another Thing I'm NOT Going To Miss About Tennessee

Storms! I hate severe thunderstorms, lightning, and the threat of tornadoes. In the 13 years we've lived in Middle Tennessee and this house, we have had numerous tornado threats, storm damage in the area, and storm damage to our roof and home. BLECH.

Since the National Weather Service started keeping records of tornadoes (1830), this area has experienced an average of 16 tornadoes annually. Between 1830 and 2003, 469 tornadoes of all categories have hit Middle Tennessee. In the past six years, we've had some of the most devastating twisters in history.

I took this photo at the end of March when a previously sunny day suddenly turned dark, and a fast-moving storm came through. Last year, every roof in our neighborhood suffered wind and hail damage when a similar storm hit this area.

Yep. I'm not going to miss the bad storms!

One Tennessee Thing I'm NOT Going To Miss

WEEDS! I hate the stupid things. These aren't as bad as some, but they were on the pasture side of the fence behind our house, so I shot a quick photo of them.

Truth is, I don't like them because I am so highly allergic to weeds of all kinds - ragweed, Queen Anne's Lace, poison ivy, etc., etc., etc. Since moving to Middle Tennessee, my allergies and asthma have gotten worse, and these are a few of the culprits. So, "Out! Out! Darn weeds!"

Tomorrow, I'll post another thing I'm not going to miss when we leave Middle Tennessee.

One Big Thing I'm Going to Miss

Call me crazy, but I love arts and crafts shows. In Nashville, they abound headlined by the best of the best - American Artisan. In its 38th year, American Artisan is held in Centennial Park in June each year (this weekend, as a matter of fact!). Founder Nancy Saturn recently closed her gallery and store of the same name. Another show that I enjoy is the TACA Fair, held twice a year (also at Centennial Park). I rarely buy anything at either, but I do love to see artistic talent in the "flesh."

As I noted in yesterday's post, as I head towards thesis semester and a move to Las Vegas, I'm going to wind down NDP. I'm working on a top 10 list (Things I'm Going to Miss Most) for you, but in the meantime, I'll feature things that won't make the list . . . as well as things I won't miss!

Tomorrow: Something I definitely will be glad to put behind me.

Visit from an Old Friend

Two weeks ago, my first best friend, Nancy Clemente, came through Nashville on her way back to Clarion, PA from Tuscaloosa. Nancy and I attended elementary and high schools together, and she was my first "best" friend. I remember riding bikes with her, running through her great house and singing in my bedroom while one of us played piano. Nancy is one of the most positive people I know and is always happy. We lost touch after high school, but thanks to the internet, we reconnected about 10 years ago, and we've visited only twice since we live so far away from each other.

One of my Murray State friends told me she thinks that maybe my house hadn't sold before so that Nancy and I would have the opportunity to visit again. I think that maybe she's right. ;-)

NEW NEWS!!

If you have followed Nashville Daily Photo, you might remember that I decided to go back to graduate school in January, 2008, and I am working on my MFA in creative writing at Murray State University. On July 10, I'll start my fourth and final semester, my thesis semester. If everything goes as planned, I'll defend my thesis in January and graduate. My classwork has been the reason I have been writing less and less for the blog in the past year or so.

You might also remember that last July, my husband was able to take early retirement. When we moved to Nashville 13 years ago, we had no idea that we would stay here this long, nor did we have any idea that we would be looking at enjoying retirement at our ages.

We've always planned to move back to Las Vegas when we retired. While our house has been for sale for a few months, the economic downturn the US is facing right now has slowed down our plans. Showings have picked up, so we're hopeful. . . .

So, all of that said, I need to announce that I'll be closing down Nashville Daily Photo within the next few weeks. I am going to have to concentrate on writing my thesis, and that will take a huge amount of my time over the next several months. In addition, we will eventually be moving west, and I would have to close the blog anyway.

Before I close my blog, I would like to share some of my favorite places in Middle Tennessee, and I'll show you the Top Ten Things I'll Miss About Nashville. I hope you'll come along for our ride into the sunset.

Tomorrow: One of the big things I'll miss about Nashville when we move.

Factory at Franklin

Built in 1929, the Factory at Franklin is on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally home to Magic Chef, Dortch Stove Works and Jamison Bedding, the Factory today houses a specialty shopping venue, restaurants, art galleries, offices and entertainment venues.

I offer this photo today for two reasons: First, yesterday I showed you the Farmers' Market which takes place in buildings behind the Factory Saturdays during the summer. I thought I'd follow-up with a photo of the Factory itself.

Second, I liked the way the one sidewalk on which I was walking branched off to make three separate sidewalks under a blue, blue sky. I look at those as a metaphor for what is going on with me lately.

NEW NEWS!!

If you have followed Nashville Daily Photo, you might remember that I decided to go back to graduate school in January, 2008, and I am working on my MFA in creative writing at Murray State University. On July 10, I'll start my fourth and final semester, my thesis semester. If everything goes as planned, I'll defend my thesis in January and graduate. My classwork has been the reason I have been writing less and less for the blog in the past year or so.

You might also remember that last July, my husband was able to take early retirement. When we moved to Nashville 13 years ago, we had no idea that we would stay here this long, nor did we have any idea that we would be looking at enjoying retirement at our ages.

We've always planned to move back to Las Vegas when we retired. While our house has been for sale for a few months, the economic downturn the US is facing right now has slowed down our plans. Showings have picked up, so we're hopeful. . . .

So, all of that said, I need to announce that I'll be closing down Nashville Daily Photo within the next few weeks. I am going to have to concentrate on writing my thesis, and that will take a huge amount of my time over the next several months. In addition, we will eventually be moving west, and I would have to close the blog anyway.

Before I close my blog, I would like to share some of my favorite places in Middle Tennessee, and I'll show you the Top Ten Things I'll Miss About Nashville. I hope you'll come along for our ride into the sunset.

Farmers' Market in Franklin

Last weekend, we went to the Saturday Farmers' Market at the Factory in Franklin. A lot of local vendors were there, and I bought some of the best butter lettuce I've ever had.

PLEASE NOTE: I have been quite remiss in posting lately. Monday, I'll have an announcement as to what is going on with Nashville Daily Photo.

Turtle #2

You can see the moss and mud on this guy's back and head if you look closely. After he crossed our yard, he disappeared. I assume he's okay.

Backyard Visitor

I looked out of the kitchen window the other day and saw this guy booking across our backyard. I'll tell you more of the story tomorrow.

Happy Mothers' Day

"A mother is the truest friend we have,
when trials, heavy and sudden,
fall upon us . . .
when adversity takes the
place of prosperity . . .
when friends who rejoice with us
in our sunshine,
desert us when troubles thicken
around us . . .still will she cling to us,
and endeavor by her kind precepts
and counsels, to dissipate the clouds
of darkness, and cause peace
to return to our hearts."
- Washington Irving

Happy Mothers Day!

Blue Sky Morning

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de mayo (May 5) is the celebration of the Mexican Army's defeat of the French during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Cinco de mayo does NOT celebrate Mexican Independence Day (That date is September 16.), and it is actually more regionally celebrated in Mexico (mostly in the state of Puebla). As a celebration of Mexican heritage, it is very popular in the United States.

Feliz dia, amigos!

Skyline from the Market

The Farmers' Market sits in the shadow of downtown Nashville. In the middle of the photo, you can see the state capitol, and to the left, you see AT&T Tower, more commonly called "The Batman Building" because of its resemblance to the caped crusader.

National Pet Week

May 3-9 is National Pet Week. Decker (L) and Kasey are hoping that means they get a few extra treats. Of course, since they're spoiled and get treats all the time, I don't think they'll be getting too many extras. ;-)

For more information on National Pet Week, click here.

At The Art Show

My son, Jason, recently participated in a juried art show. His artwork is behind him and his girlfriend, Michelle. I have no idea what the painting is. Sorry.

Remnants of Brunch

Sunday Brunch included blintzes (top), roasted potatoes (middle right), link sausage (bottom left), and a mushroom/tomato/spinach omelette (consumed). All were very delicious, thank you. ;-)

Jason Buys a House

Our son, Jason, bought his first house last Friday. Because there are so many short sale and foreclosures in Ft. Myers, he was able to get a good deal. . . . and an $8000 first-time buyer incentive won't hurt. He was a little amazed at all the papers he had to sign before he got the keys, but once it was over, he was pretty happy . . . and tired. We helped, of course, although we left the unpacking to him.

Sorry to have had a lapse in posting, but I got very behind with helping him.

Springtime Pansy

Do Not Drink

Basil's Dream

Chris Hale, one of the nonfiction mentors in the Murray State University MFA program, has published her first novel, Basil's Dream. Chris read from the novel during our winter residency (above), and I look forward to reading the entire novel.

"In Basil’s Dream, a novel of love, lies, betrayals, and struggles of conscience, a love affair exposes violence and deceit at the heart of not just two unhappy families but an island nation’s history, shattering lives and bringing a stumbling government to its knees. Basil’s Dream melds the personal to the political to offer a redemptive vision: the world as a place where destruction and moral ambiguity enlarge hope rather than annihilate it."

For more information, go to www.christinehalebooks.com.

No Bull

While I was out in the back taking photos of the calves and cows, three bulls approached me slowly. I stood quietly by the fence, and all three came up to me. One was young, but the other two, including the one above, were older. I picked a long piece of grass and held it through the fence. The bull in this photo put his nose up to the fence and let me scratch him with the grass. Evenutally, he took it from my hand and ate it. His tongue touched my fingers, which shocked me because it was quite rough. It felt almost like a Brillo pad.

We were quite surprised that the bulls not only came up to the fence, but also took the grass from me as they can be quite skittish.

Keep Away from Me!

This baby calf was asleep when I walked outside. At some point, he woke up and walked over to his mother and tried to nurse. Mom, who was busy eating, did NOT want to be bothered, and she head-butted him a few times before she finally turned and walked away from him. Of course, she also kept a good eye on him while she was going. ;-)

Tomorrow: A bunch of bull

Hey, aren't you a little old for this?

The cows are out behind our house, again, and this afternoon I went out to shoot them. While I was out there, I noticed this rather large "calf" trying to nurse. Her mom was pretty patient, unlike the one I'll show you tomorrow.

Coming Monday: A bunch of bull

It's Spring

Cool Store

I love the stuff in some high-end furniture/home furnishing stores, but I have a question: Do people really decorate with some of this stuff? White sofa? Antler bowl?

Tiptoe Through The Tulips

Happy Easter

Happy Easter, everyone.

Moo are you?

If you follow my blog, you know that there is a cattle pasture behind our house (not ours). I love to go out and shoot the cows (with the camera, of course) when they're in the field. A lot of times, I'll open the door and "moo" at them. It always gets the attention of a couple of them.

The calf in the photo above is probably about 6 months old. . . . I think. It could be younger. Isn't it beautiful, though?

Sunset in the Hills

Every time we buy a house, we end up with one with a backyard facing west. The best part about having that west view is that we get to see some beautiful sunsets.

Used Cows?

If you travel I-65 between Nashville and Louisville, you have probably seen this sign.

For what did someone use these cows previously? Are they gently used or really worn down? Do they come with a guarantee?

Peek-a-boo

Serenaded at Lunch

Michael and I ate lunch in a Potbelly Cafe in Columbus, OH recently. There was a great singer there who serenaded us during lunch. Too bad there weren't more patrons in there to listen.

Hide and Seek

A few months ago, Decker, my 13-year old Welsh Terrier, suddenly started trying to "bury" his dog food every morning. He tries to cover it with his placemat and leaves it under the corner of the counter, in front of the refrigerator (as in this video) or in the middle of the floor. During the day, he'll walk over, sneak his nose under the cover and eat a kibble or two. I happened to have the camera out the other day when he started, and tried to upload a video, but I just couldn't get it to take. Instead, I offer this photo.

In the wild, canines (and other animals) cover their food to save it for themselves. We figure this is a natural instinct for him, but we wonder why he's doing it at this advanced age.

The funny thing is that he will also try to bury Kasey's food at times, particularly if she is sitting next to me or getting attention. :-)

Which way is up?

Spring = Yardwork

When the grass wakes up from its winter dormancy, it looks beautiful. It also brings a lot more work with it. It's time to get out the lawnmower, trimmer, weeder, hedge trimmer, shovel, trowel, rake, fertilizer, weed killer . . . . . . . .

The last of the daffodils

Our daffodils are gone already. Here's one last look . . .

Spring has sprung

More Hail. . . .

We had a huge hail storm Saturday afternoon. I braved the pellets to take a photo or two.

Fence by the Road II

I don't think this fence is going to keep many animals in - or out - of this field.

Oh, Hail!

I took this photo out from our back door this afternoon when it was raining hail while the sun was shining. The dime-sized hail came down for a good 5-10 minutes straight before it stopped.

Hello X 4

When I first stopped to take a photo of these guys, they were probably a good 50 feet or so away from the fence. When I approached the fence to take yesterday's photo, they started walking toward me and watched while I took that photo and a number of others. These five (There's one behind the 2nd from the right.) watched me a good 5 minutes before asking me to take their photo. ;-)

Hello

Not too far from the pasture filled with Belted Galloways, we saw another pasture filled with donkeys. They were quite curious, and this one wanted to see my camera up close.

Tomorrow, I'll show you the group that followed me along the fence.

Oreo Cows

The Belted Galloways are a rare breed of cattle which originated in Galloway, Scotland (or so it's believed). While their origin is unknown, it's believed that the Scotts bred the black Galloways with Dutch Belted sometime in the mid-19th Century. Note the longer hair (outer coat) which helps them shed rain and snow while their soft undercoat insulates them from cold winter temperatures.

Belted Galloways are a rare breed with fewer than 2500 registered in the US and 10,000 or so worldwide. While most US breeders of the herds are in the east (mostly New England)and there are herds in the midwest and southeast, breeders west of the Mississippi are building herds, too. There is a herd of Belties not too far from our house.

Spring Brings Dandelions

Along with the flowers of spring come the weeds, although I rather like dandelions and don't know if one can consider them true weeds. I know that my grandmother used to pick dandelion greens for salad and other dishes. And, I know there's dandelion wine (although I've never had that). Anyone else remember eating them?

Please note: I have been receiving spam from one email address lately, so I'm enabling comment moderation. If it doesn't stop, I'm going to have to enable word verification. Sorry that one person has to spoil things, but I know a lot of you have the same problem.

Evan at the Depot

Evan checked us out after we picked flowers for our yard.

Green & Gold Floral Carpet

It's That Time!

Dancing Through Another Year

My birthday!
What a different
sound that word
had in my youthful years. . .
~ Thomas Moore

I don't like this business of getting older. Sometimes I lie about my age, usually subtracting a year or two or ten, and sometimes (but not often) adding a year. Most days, however, I just avoid the subject completely. I've come to the conclusion, however, that there are a lot of good things about celebrating birthdays. For one thing, celebrating a birthday is better than the alternative. In addition, each year brings me thousands of experiences in thousands of places with thousands of people. Through them all, I've learned thousands of things. So, today I'll dance through this first day of Spring and celebrate another milestone while happily looking forward to more experiences, adventures and friends.

The photo: This is one of my favorite photos of my late mother and me. I was about three or four months old, and she was 32. Mom passed 3.5 years ago, and while she drove me crazy at times (as I'm sure I did her), I still miss her.

PS. Yes. Yes. Yes. I know that the calendars say the first day of Spring is tomorrow. They're all wrong. March 19 HAS to be the first day of Spring as I would *never* have been born in winter!

Dancing into Spring

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

On St. Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone.

(Photo was taken in Dingle, Ireland.)