Nashville Daily Photo

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

2009-07-03T08:54:00.005-05:00

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

2009-06-30T20:30:00.004-05:00

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

2009-06-18T00:15:00.000-05:00

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

2009-06-17T07:31:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-16T08:52:00.008-05:00

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

2009-06-15T00:04:00.001-05:00

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

2009-06-13T23:48:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-01T05:05:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-22T10:33:00.005-05:00

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

2009-05-10T10:23:00.005-05:00

"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

2009-05-09T06:23:00.002-05:00

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

2009-05-05T00:32:00.001-05:00

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

2009-05-04T00:56:00.001-05:00

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

2009-05-03T12:08:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-30T00:15:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-29T00:16:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-23T00:09:00.001-05:00

Do Not Drink

2009-04-22T10:12:00.002-05:00

Basil's Dream

2009-04-21T08:19:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-20T00:09:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-04-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

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?

2009-04-18T00:18:00.001-05:00

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

2009-04-17T08:22:00.004-05:00

Cool Store

2009-04-16T00:24:00.001-05:00

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

2009-04-14T00:50:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T11:32:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter, everyone.

Moo are you?

2009-04-11T00:35:00.001-05:00

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

2009-04-10T00:00:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-04-09T00:03:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-08T00:37:00.000-05:00

Serenaded at Lunch

2009-04-06T09:32:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-05T10:13:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-04-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

Spring = Yardwork

2009-04-03T08:48:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

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

Spring has sprung

2009-04-01T09:11:00.002-05:00

More Hail. . . .

2009-03-31T00:35:00.001-05:00

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

Fence by the Road II

2009-03-30T00:41:00.001-05:00

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

Oh, Hail!

2009-03-29T00:37:00.001-05:00

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

2009-03-28T00:08:00.001-05:00

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

2009-03-27T08:04:00.004-05:00

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

2009-03-26T00:29:00.001-05:00

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

2009-03-25T16:03:00.003-05:00

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

2009-03-22T00:29:00.001-05:00

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

Green & Gold Floral Carpet

2009-03-21T00:26:00.001-05:00

It's That Time!

2009-03-20T00:05:00.001-05:00

Dancing Through Another Year

2009-03-19T02:30:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-18T12:19:00.002-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

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

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone.

(Photo was taken in Dingle, Ireland.)

More of That Birdhouse Thing

2009-03-16T00:09:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned the other day, there were over 100 birdhouses up for auction, and a number of area restaurants and caterers offered food and dessert samples. In addition, the auction included a number of other gifts donated by area shops, restaurants and/or vendors, including jewelry, haircuts, dinners, artwork, etc.

Jonas Brothers Birdhouse

2009-03-15T00:25:00.002-05:00

My neighbor, Laura Heatherly, also decorated and donated a birdhouse to the auction. Hers was themed to the ever-popular Jonas Brothers. Not having a teenager, I know who these guys are, but I couldn't tell you a think about them.

At The Beach Birdhouse

2009-03-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

This year, I did a Caribbean-themed birdhouse for the Birdhouse Thing auction. Included were a bracelet (which is hanging from the left palm tree of the pewter frame), a scrapbook, a beachbag and the birdhouse.

Last year, I made a dog-themed birdhouse, which you can see by clicking here.

That Birdhouse Thing

2009-03-13T00:26:00.003-05:00

As I did last year, I participated in The Birdhouse Thing Auction which benefits the W.O. Smith School of Music. Over 100 artists decorated and donated birdhouses for the auction, and the public was invited to bid on the birdhouses and other items while sampling food from area restaurants and caterers. All proceeds benefit the school.

The birdhouse the woman is bidding on in the photo above is a wine-themed birdhouse. Note the corks that line the roof.

To see my posting from last year, click here.

Tomorrow, I'll show you the birdhouse and goodies I decorated for this year's auction.

Harpeth River at the Greenway

2009-03-12T00:13:00.002-05:00

Morton Mill Greenway

2009-03-11T00:05:00.001-05:00

I've shown you a few of the greenways in the Nashville area over the years. This one is the Morton Mill Greenway. The walkway - to the left of this little lake - is paved for about 3/4 mile. The lake empties into the Harpeth River, and I'll show you a bit of it tomorrow.

Sunset Out Back

2009-03-09T00:08:00.001-05:00

Blue Skies and Boney Trees

2009-03-07T08:48:00.002-06:00

Isn't it about time for the leaves to come out?

More Nashville Buildings

2009-03-05T08:35:00.002-06:00

Music Row

2009-03-04T00:00:00.002-06:00

In the Round

2009-03-03T00:06:00.002-06:00

The Bean and Jason

2009-03-02T07:42:00.004-06:00

My son's dog, Bean, is pretty ill right now. She spent most of the weekend on an IV in the emergency vet clinic. Jason picked her up early this morning and delivered her to her regular vet for further testing.

Jason rescued Bean from a shelter in Cincinnati eight years ago, and they are best buddies. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Eyes to the Sky

2009-02-27T10:00:00.003-06:00

In contrast to this beautiful sky, today Nashville is cloudy, rainy and grey.

Old Barn

2009-02-26T09:27:00.002-06:00

My auto-focus focused on the wrong this Sunday - the trees instead of the barn. But, I still do like this photo

Gas Prices

2009-02-25T00:13:00.002-06:00

The last time I posted a photo of the gas prices in Nashville (November 19), the least expensive gas I found was $1.85/gallon. Since then, gas has been on a bit of a rollercoaster, going up a bit and down a bit and up and down. Last week, gas at this Kroger station was $1.89/gallon for regular. Sunday, the price was 10 cents less expensive.

If you have a Kroger Card and use it at fill-up, you save 3 cents/gallon. If you spend $100 or more at Kroger (with your Kroger Card) during a calendar month, you can save 10 cents/gallon (with a limit of 20 gallons, I believe). And, if you use your Kroger Mastercard (or is it Visa?), you can save 15 cents/gallon. Wow.

I thought our gas was getting high until I looked at a map that gauges gas prices across the county. You can check it out by clicking here.

I have to admit that I thought that gas would go way up after the election, but I'm happy that it's stayed under $2/gallon. How long do you think it will stay like that, though?

Blooming Daffodils

2009-02-24T00:00:00.001-06:00

While driving around yesterday (Sunday), we saw this old chimney on a little rise on some farmland not too far from our house. I wonder if the chimney was part of a house at one time. . .

Look closely. The daffodils are blooming already!

Mickey D's

2009-02-23T00:04:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, I showed you the construction that eventually turned into this McDonald's.

Here's the odd thing: This McDonald's replaced. . . . . .McDonald's. Why they had to tear down one building to put up this new one, I don't know. I realize that McDonald's is doing this all over the country, and that's their right. However, I just can't figure out why. . . .

Construction Woes

2009-02-22T09:04:00.004-06:00

The economy has hurt construction of new projects all over Nashville. A number of condo towers are now in receivership, and new retail plazas are re-thinking their plans as struggling chains that were supposed to fill in new storefronts now re-think their plans.

This particular project, however, went through without a hitch. A year ago, a perfectly good restaurant stood on this corner. Tomorrow, I'll show you why they tore it down and what is now standing there.

My Favorite Snow Sculpture

2009-02-21T00:36:00.002-06:00

The amount of work in this sculpture was amazing. The guy is sitting in a wagon, and the dog is using his back to get a lift so he can get a drink from the fountain. In the foreground, you can see flowers and such. . . .

One More Cup

2009-02-20T00:28:00.001-06:00

This is the result of the snow sculpting that I posted yesterday. It turned out pretty cute!

Nashville Daily Photo Does Chicago

2009-02-19T00:08:00.002-06:00

While we were in Chicago last weekend, the Snow Festival was in Grant Park. Using snow, artists sculpted a variety of "statues." From what one of the sculptors told me, each group got a 10X10X6 foot block of snow from which they "carved" their art. We watched this group on Friday morning as they worked on their sculpture which had to be completed by noon on Saturday. While the teams were not working on their sculptures, they covered them in quilted blankets to keep the snow from melting.

Tomorrow, see how this sculpture turned out.

Book Fair

2009-02-18T00:04:00.001-06:00

Over the weekend, I attended AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) in Chicago. WOW. The conference was great, and the book fair was amazing! This photo shows about 20% of the vendors at the conference. If you like books and writing, AWP is a great venue.

The Girls - #5

2009-02-17T07:51:00.003-06:00

I promise that this is the last cow photo for a bit. I just can't resist their sweet faces, though . . .

The Girls #4

2009-02-16T00:03:00.001-06:00

I love how the cows will watch me pretty intently when I get close to the fence, but it never stops them from eating. :-)

NDP is on auto-pilot as I've been in Chicago for a conference. I'll be back tomorrow.

The Girls - #3

2009-02-15T00:08:00.001-06:00

"She comes out here with that darn camera all the time. Look good or you'll be hamburger."

I have a hard time coming up with photo captions most of the time (when I need photo captions, anyway). I posted this photo on my Facebook album the other day, and a friend came up with the one above (Thanks, Russ!).

NDP is on autopilot for the next day as I am away for a writers' conference.

The Girls - #2

2009-02-14T00:08:00.001-06:00

The farmer has been putting bales of hay behind our house quite a bit this winter, and the cows have enjoyed the grazing. I've enjoyed the opportunity to photograph them up close. These two calves (They're probably 8 months old or so.) like to stare at me when I go out to take photos.

NDP is on auto-pilot since I'm at a writers convention until Monday.

The Girls - Take #1

2009-02-13T00:05:00.001-06:00

For the next few days, NDP is on auto-pilot as I head to Chicago for a writers' convention.

Bruce Pearl

2009-02-12T00:53:00.000-06:00

Coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, Bruce Pearl moves almost constantly during basketball games. The night we watched UT pay Vanderbilt, Pearl stamped his feet, waved his arms, yelled at the players, yelled at his assistants, twirled left and twirled right. In contrast, Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings calmly stood on the sidelines.

By the way, my Vandy alumni friends told me that it is tradition that the UT coach wear the UT-orange blazer (above) only for the Vanderbilt game.

More 'Dores

2009-02-11T00:50:00.001-06:00

From what I understand, both Vanderbilt and UT's players relatively young, and most analysts think the two teams will be much better in the next year or two as the players get more experience. Tomorrow: Bruce Pearl

Go, 'Dores

2009-02-10T07:43:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, we went to the Vanderbilt-UT basketball game as guests of our good friends, Sally and Steve. While Vandy didn't quite do as well as we had hoped, neither did UT, although Tennessee won the game. That night, both teams seemed a bit lackluster. I did, however, find a couple of things quite interesting, and I'll share them over the next few days.

Villager Tavern-Hillsboro Village

2009-02-09T08:30:00.003-06:00

The Villager Tavern is on 21st in Hillsboro Village. Note the "Hillsboro" sign above the flag on the building.

The Hispanic Grocery

2009-02-07T05:24:00.004-06:00

Driving down a rural road in the Mid TN area, we saw this great Hispanic Grocery on the edge of one small town. The sign on the left indicates that they sell tacos and tortas (a Mexican sandwich) and lists the different varieties, which include beef tongue, pork, and BBQ. They also offer menudo and caldo de res, which are both soups of a sort.

The sign painted on the store announces the store's name - La Hispana - and what one can find inside: personal items, vegetables, meats, etc.

All Saints Episcopal Church

2009-02-06T05:50:00.004-06:00

All Saints Episcopal Church is located in Sylvan Park, a little west of downtown Nashville. Founded in 1962 by a group of conservative Episcopalians concerned with the liberal direction the Episcopal Church was taking, All Saints is a traditional, conservative member of the Anglican (Episcopal) Communion dedicated to preserving the orthodox practices of the church.

All Saints has an interesting history and philosophy. If you're interested in learning more, please click here.

Curious & Cold Cows

2009-02-05T05:21:00.003-06:00

It's been very cold in Middle Tennessee lately. Even though we were lucky enough to escape the ice and snow that hit our friends to the north, we've had some pretty low temperatures. We've noticed one big change in the cows' behavior in this arctic-like weather this year: The cows leave a bit of the hay from each bale and use it for warmth. While it's usually the calves that we see sleeping on the mounds of hay, a number of times the larger ones have taken a quick nap on them, too.

When I took this photo the other day, all of the girls were busy chomping hay or sniffing around. I "mooed" at them, and they turned to see what the heck kind of cow made that noise. :-)

Get Us Out of Here

2009-02-04T05:35:00.002-06:00

Decker (L) and Kasey want to go home.

Side Salad

2009-02-03T05:48:00.002-06:00

We went out for dinner a few nights ago, and I ordered, as I always do, a side salad. I wish restaurants would quit putting cabbage and carrots (and ONIONS) in salads. I know they do it to make the lettuce go further (and to add color), but I really would like to get plain lettuce with maybe a tomato or two. . . unless we're in the dead of winter and the tomatoes taste like gooey cardboard.

Don't get me started on onions. . . . .

The Snow before the Storm

2009-02-02T00:00:00.001-06:00

I took this photo of the train tracks through London on Tuesday afternoon. At the time, there were about 3 inches of snow on the ground. The snow started to come down about 10 minutes after I took this photo, and it didn't stop until almost 26 hours later. By then, we had a layer of ice and 10-12 inches of snow on the ground.

Theme Day: Paths and Passages

2009-02-01T00:00:00.001-06:00

Today is Theme Day in the City Daily Photo World, and our February Theme is Paths and Passages.

This photo of the path around Bicentennial Mall in downtown Nashville, also illustrates passages as the granite walls detail historical happenings (passages) in Tennessee's history.

There are always a number of cities participating in Theme Day. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

More and more snow

2009-01-31T00:12:00.002-06:00

Being as I am not a big fan of cold and snow, I don't usually go outside when and if I'm around the white stuff. However, I couldn't resist going out during the storm Tuesday, and I walked around the block a number of times during the morning and afternoon. I took this shot at the corner of Fourth and Union in London.

Edited around 9 am Saturday: I do like this photo next to the one of us in Antigua. . . .such parallel worlds! ;-)

Snowbound

2009-01-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

I apologize, everyone, for not having posted for a week. One of my cousins passed away last week, and we went to Cleveland, Ohio for his memorial service.

We stayed in London, Ohio for a couple of days and enjoyed 10-12 inches of snow that fell between Tuesday and Wednesday. I took this photo of the the back of our house in London on Wednesday after the snow finally stopped. For about 15 minutes, we actually saw a little sun and blue skies. It didn't last. When the clouds moved back in, the snow started again, finally stopping around 5 PM.

We stay in the apartment that is on the right side of the house when we're there.

Ball Jars

2009-01-23T06:33:00.003-06:00

Does anyone can anymore? Seriously. . . .

Hay, Baby!

2009-01-22T00:02:00.002-06:00

While many of the cows are eating the bales of hay, others are dropping calves and then resting with them on the "leftovers" in order to keep warm. The little black lump in front of the mom is a newly-born calf.

The afternoon I took this photo, two of the cows had calves. There are a bunch of babies out in the back right now.

Hay, Girls!

2009-01-21T00:09:00.000-06:00

The farmer who owns the pasture behind our house has put a bunch of bales of hay in the field lately, and the "girls" are quick to chomp down on the goods. When I went out to take a few photos today, a lot were chewing intently on the goods, although a few others were using the hay for something completely different. Tomorrow, I'll show you another use for the hay bales.

FREEDOM!!

2009-01-20T00:00:00.002-06:00

It took a lot of blood, sweat
& tears to get where we are
today, but we have just begun.
Today we begin in earnest the
work of making sure the world
we leave our children is just a
little bit better than the one
we inhabit today.
~ Barack Obama

You may have noticed the Countdown to Freedom that has adorned my blog for about a year. It has been counting down to today, Inauguration Day. In the spirit of the day, I will hold my tongue and not write anything disparaging about the past eight years. I am so overwhelmed with the enormity of Obama's inauguration that I am basically speechless with excitement, pride and happiness.

We have a long road to travel to get this country on the right track, again. I think we are heading in the right direction, and I think Mr. Obama and the men and women he has chosen to work with him are the right people to guide us down that path. Let us hope that the men and women in the House and Senate can forget their partisan differences and work together and with the administration. And, mostly, let's all work together so that we can leave our children a better world.

Skyward Silo

2009-01-19T00:26:00.005-06:00

This is a large grain silo on a dairy/soy bean farm.

ONE DAY and counting. . . . . . . .

Crape Myrtle in Winter

2009-01-18T00:01:00.001-06:00

These lovely, dry blossoms adorn crape myrtles in the winter.

TWO DAYS and counting. . . . . .

Readings

2009-01-17T00:06:00.001-06:00

Each evening during our 10-day residency, we attend readings by visiting writers and faculty members. Karen McElmurray, who is a nonfiction mentor at Murray State, read from her newest novel, Motel of the Stars. Karen is on the faculty of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.

McElmurray's second novel, Motel of the Stars is the story of Jason Sanderson and Lori Llewellyn, the father and lover of Sam Sanderson, who was killed 10 years earlier during a military training exercise, and their coming to terms with Sam's death. Set in Kentucky and North Carolina, Motel of the Stars takes place in 1997 around the 10th anniversary of the Harmonic Convergence, a world-wide, mystic event marked by the aligning of the planets.

I loved the book. As I said in my review (which you can read by clicking here), there are so many layers in this book, and they all combine to make one fabulous read.

In the spirit of fair disclosure, I do want to point out that Karen in my mentor in the nonfiction program. That being said, it had no influence on whether I liked the book or not.

THREE DAYS . . . . . . . .

Two Guys

2009-01-16T00:03:00.001-06:00

Steve Vest (L) and Roger Stanley (R) are the two guys in the nonfiction section of our MFA program. Roger, who teaches at Union University in Jackson, is in his final semester while Steve, publisher/editor of Kentucky Monthly magazine, is in his first. (Note that Roger has a wonderful Fidalgo Bay coffee in hand.) When we are in "workshop," we sit in a semi-circle so that we can see each other.

FOUR DAYS and counting. . . . .

A View From My Room

2009-01-15T00:26:00.001-06:00

While I was at Murray last week, I was lucky enough to see the sun rise from my hotel room window every morning.

My Work

2009-01-14T00:03:00.002-06:00

I survived the morning classes with a cup of coffee (actually a non-fat, sugar-free cafe mocha) from Fidalgo Bay, a local coffee house in Murray, KY. I really like their sugar-free mochas because they use a real, sugar-free chocolate syrup to make them, unlike Starbucks that used (They no longer offer the sugar-free option.) an artificial syrup to make theirs.

I pixelated the writing on my computer, by the way.

P.S. Minus SIX days and counting. . . . .