late Thanksgiving pictures
There were 19 people at my house and all went well. Already ready for next year!
Van Buren vs. Alma
Friday night was the "big game" with Alma. This rivalry has been going on for decades. Ended up 36-36.
sorry
sorry I've been gone, but it has been so busy at the beginning of the school year. hopefully, it will slow down soon.
Classroom
School starts tomorrow. I've spent tonight trying to make my classroom look like a classroom. They started to re-build that wall to keep sound from going to the other rooms behind me. Not a good time to do it. I got the chairs where I want them, though, and I have my spot put together, so we'll make it. They should be done by Friday.
school
This was a year ago today. Sadly, but my room looks the same. :)
The kids start next Wednesday.
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
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!
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.
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.
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