Charleston

On Friday of last week we spent the day in Charleston, SC. We woke early and drove over to E. Bay Street and parked the van. Then we walked all over Charleston! We hit the open market first. Bubba found an alligator head he just had to have! The guys also decided I needed a floppy brimmed hat to wear around, so they found a great hat for me and some sunglasses to match. We're walking...we're walking...then lunchtime at Bubba Gump. We're walking...we're walking...see some churches, stores, and other cool sights. Then we headed to our main destination. Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown! I will talk about that tomorrow. Until then enjoy some of our pics!

Rainbow Row (on E. Bay Street)

Butch and me at the cemetery at
the Circular Congregational Church

Lunch at Bubba Gump.
Joe, Butch & Bubba with the Shrimp

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

More Garden News

Our garden continues to do well. Our broccoli was very good! The lettuces are giving us plenty to eat. Both Romaine and Buttercrunch are growing splendidly. We also harvested our cabbage this past week. It was also very good! I cooked the first cabbage head for Joe and Bubba. I, personally, hate cooked cabbage unless it is in an egg roll. Today I planted more things. Watermelon, okra, black beans, and more peanut beans. I am hoping to see all of these doing as well as the others.

Our Garden

I went and got more stuff to plant in our garden today. I got eggplant, zucchini, crookneck squash, tomatoes, green peppers, turkey beans, and cucumbers. I got most of it planted right before a huge downpour hit the area. So I was soaked before I could get under cover, but I did not have to water the plants. God did it for me!

We ate some of the broccoli and lettuce that we had planted a few months ago. It was really good! I am so glad we tried the broccoli!

Happy Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day I hope we all remember those who have fought for the wonderful freedoms we experience everyday.

My Plants

Last night I was working outside and thought I would try to propagate some of the plants I have in the back yard. Here are a couple that I am trying currently:

Common Names: Japanese Rose or Kerria Rose
Latin Name: Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'

Common Name: Aucuba 'Gold Dust'
Latin name: Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'

Prayer Request

As many of you know I lost an uncle in January. Yesterday I learned that I lost another uncle. This was the husband of my mom's sister, Fannie. Grant has been in declining health for some time and it has been very difficult. Please pray for his family during this time. Thank you!

My Dream Refrigerator/ Freezer

For many years I have known exactly what I would love to have in my dream kitchen as my refrigerator/freezer. I saw it in a store once, but after that it was never out for my viewing pleasure at most appliance stores. Today I found them online and also in a local store. Here it is...Frigidaire makes a full size refrigerator and freezer that are meant to be side by side. Aaahhhh! How wonderful! This is my dream (minus the stainless steel look, it is not for me!). Of course, in my current kitchen it would possibly be overkill!

Llama Llama Red Pajama

I went with my friend, Em, to see Llama Llama Red Pajama put on by the Penguin Players at the Fountain City Library. Of course it was for our daughters to be able to see it, but I admit it was really cute. They are making a circuit around the Knox County Libraries, so if you want to see it look at the events calender at the library web site (link). Both of the girls seemed to enjoy it. Otter watched the whole time!

Griffin Is Here!

Since BJ and M did not get many pics today, I thought I would add a picture of the new little one.

The whole family together

Weird Crafts

Today I was looking for some images to create my own background for my crochet blog when I found this...A knitted dissected frog! It is mounted on a frame to make it look like it is pinned to a tray, just like in Biology class. This is really weird! Just had to share it so you could get a laugh, too!

Oh, by the way...the artist selling these art pieces on Etsy has a category called Knitted Dissections. They have three different animals for your choosing pleasure! And Joe...the artist is in Burlington, VT! To visit the site of The Crafty Hedgehog here is a link: CraftyHedgehog

Diaper Cake

If you have never seen a diaper cake it is a very interesting concept. It is a way to give an expectant mother diapers in a more creative way than in the original packaging. I just finished one that went to M and her little GJ.

My Endangered Plants

It seems that when you get men together to mow a yard there is always the inevitable killing of plants. I thought that my yard was safe, until within the last few days. Today I was outside, in the cold I might add, to look over the plants that are coming up right before our current cold spell takes effect. I had watched as my son trampled upon my lilies as he was turning the mower around on Saturday, but what I did not see was the most horrifying, atrocious act. I have always loved lilac bushes. Preferably the old fashioned lilac, but I enjoy others as well. I had last year purchased a Josee Lilac which is a beautiful pink and a rebloomer. I was so excited to see that it had grown from last year. How sad I was when I was out today and found it chopped down to a couple of inches and the copper marker in front of it was obliterated! I guess I must make sure to make a larger barrier around my plants until they are large enough to be noticed!Now I am left to hope that it is not killed by this act, but will grow back with no visible damage as quickly as possible.

Duck Duck Goose

This week is the Duck Duck Goose consignment sale. If you have never been it is a huge sale of children's clothing and related items. The sale is Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. Next Monday is the half price sale. Here is a link for more information and for location/ time details. Duck Duck Goose

Almost A Ride

Today Joe, Otter and I packed up our bicycles and heading to Oak Ridge for a ride. The Melton Lake Greenway stretches over a four mile trail paralleling Melton Hill Lake. We have driven by before, but this was our first time to ride there. Sadly enough we did not make the full trip. We biked for almost two miles before having to turn back. Otter was fussing most of the way down so we decided to turn back. It ended up that she was so tired that she was asleep before we were three miles down the road. Evidently her fun day with Daddy yesterday wore her out! Oh well, maybe next time!

Scout Banquet

Tonight we had our annual Blue and Gold Banquet. It was a Patriotic theme this year. Once again we did a Father-Son cake bake. Might I just say that when I informed Joe of this several weeks ago his response was "Ugghhh! Who do I have to thank for this, again!";) Well, I must say that he and Butch did a wonderful job when all was said and done. They decided to do an Uncle Sam cake. For having only made two cakes (which includes this one) in his life, Joe does much better than you would think. The cake turned out very good looking and tasted great, too! Here is a picture of their beautiful, manly cake!

Date Night

Tonight we had a wonderful evening together. After having dinner at home we headed downtown to watch the Ice Bears game. Of course it is not a real hockey game without a fight (there was one, by the way!). It was a good game and the IceBears beat the FireAntz 6-3.

Afterward we went to Coffee and Chocolate again for a killer chocolate dessert. It was great! It is called Dynamite cake, chocolate cake on the bottom, chocolate mousse in the middle and chocolate fudge on top! Fabulous! (very similar to the picture to the right)

Family Outing

Today we had a very enjoyable day. We got ready this morning and took a scenic route to Sweetwater, TN. There we had lunch at a quaint little place called Hunter's Bakery and Cafe. I had their Smokey Black Bean and Cheddar wrap. It was very good! You can see the cafe in the background of the picture below.


We then headed to Athens, TN to take a tour of the Mayfield Dairy plant. As soon as we got there Otter got excited to see the huge Jersey cows outside. We kept hearing "cow" and "moo" until we got inside. We watched a short video about the history of the company and about how they make their products. We then put on hair nets and went on the tour.


It was very interesting to see how they make the jugs, how they are filled and sealed. We also were able to see the ice cream area. The machines closest to us were not in use at the time, but some machines in the back were in use. After our tour we stopped off in the Visitor Center for some creamy Mayfield ice cream. The kids seemed to really like that part! Wonder why? Want proof? Look at Butch's face below!


After the ice cream we went back to Sweetwater to visit the Sock Shop. Bubba and I got some socks. I got the spa like socks just like the ones Aileen got me. They are very warm and sooo soft!

Ahh...Spring!

Today was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, it was warm...ahh, the feel of spring! To celebrate the gorgeous day Joe, Otter and I went bicycling around the riverfront and World's Fair Park area. That was wonderful! For the past several months we have not been able to bike due to the cold weather, but the past few days have been really nice and I was eager to go riding. So today we did! I was loving the wind in my face and the fun time with Joe and Otter.

Ideas For Valentine's Day

There are several things happening in the Knoxville area for someone who would like to do something special for their valentine. Here are just a few:

For the Romantic:
Tennessee Riverboat has three different cruise options with multiple sailing times.

Volunteer Princess also offers cruises. There are four different options with two already sold out.

Romantic Picnic Apple Valley Riding Stables offers a 2 hour horseback ride to a picnic on a mountain top. (this sounds wonderful and I think it would be awesome, but it will never happen for a girl like me!)

For the Unconventional:
Vols VS Vanderbilt need I say more?

Knoxville Rugby VS Chattanooga

Great Porsche Show Off will be in Market Square on Valentine's Day

Knoxville Icebears VS Twin City Cyclones what is better than a good hockey game with the possibility of a good fight!

Going Home

Today my uncle Allen went home.
Please pray for my family during our time of loss.

This is Allen with his sister, Dorothy.

Snow!

For most of the day it has been snowing here. We do not have much of an accumulation, but it is pretty! Here are a few pictures I took.

Happy New Year

Happy
New
Year


May God bless you in 2009!

Games And The Guys That Love Them

Last Christmas Joe was dying to get the boys a board game called Samurai Swords. It is no longer being made so you really just have to find a used one. Well, it did not happen last year, but he made sure that he got it this year. This was originally a game called Shogun, and it is somewhat similar to Risk.


The guys (Joe, Bubba, Butch, Wesley, and BJ) got together on Friday evening around 8pm and started playing between 9:30-10pm (after all the setting up and learning rules). I came home and put Otter to bed around 10:30ish. Would you believe that the guys played until almost 4am! I could not believe my Joe was able to function at that time of the morning!


To show how bad it was the guys all slept in to around 10:30-10:45am Saturday morning. If you know my two boys, then you know that they never sleep past 8am. What was more surprising is that they were ready to play again within a hour of waking.

Merry Christmas

I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas with your families.

Nadolig Llawen (Welsh)

Movie Night

Sunday night is our movie night at Church. We will be watching Prince Caspian if anyone wants to join us. Food, fellowship and a movie. What more could you want? I was reminded of this as I was listening to the Switchfoot song This Is Home today.

Favorite Christmas Songs

I thought I would share a few of my favorite Christmas songs.

Once in Royal David's City
What Child is This (Third Day's version)
White Christmas (Bing Crosby)

A favorite album is Third Day's Christmas Offerings.

Great Evening

Tonight we had a date night. We dropped off the kids and headed to dinner. We ate at a local Japanese restaurant. I was a little worried because the last time we were there they would fling rice clumps at you (you were suppose to catch them in your mouth). I had forgotten my bib at home! What to do...what to do? Well, we did not have any food flipped for us to catch in our mouths. Whew! What a relief!


After dinner we decided to head to downtown Knoxville to walk around. We parked on Gay Street and headed to Mast General Store. I love that place! We were looking around for gift ideas when I found something that was totally awesome. It was a deluxe lap harp (plucked psaltery). It looks like a lap sized hammer dulcimer. There were music sheets that you slide under the strings. It has the notes for a song that coordinate with the strings. Here is a link that I found online (link). After looking around a little longer ( in the camping section for Joe) we went towards Market Square. On our way we stopped at a quaint little placed called Coffee and Chocolate on Union Ave. We shared a turtle cheesecake and had hot chocolate and coffee.


To wrap up our evening out we stumbled upon a horse drawn carriage waiting by Market Square (on the Union Ave side). It was so much fun! Even with the chilly weather I have to say that this was a wonderful idea! For about 30 minutes or so we traveled around through downtown looking at the Christmas decorations and the wonderful architectural details of some of the historical structures. As we walked back towards where we had parked we stopped to see everyone having fun ice skating in the Market Square rink.
Tomorrow I have been told that we will wake up early to go to a turkey shoot (yes, this will be the third in a row for Joe!). We will see how this goes. Maybe it will be fun!

Our Christmas Tree

Our sad little tree seems only half dressed. I guess that is because it was only half decorated. As we were trying to decorate the tree today we learned that Otter would not respect the tree and the ornaments. Oh well! Last year we did not even put any ornaments on the tree, so I guess this is an improvement! ;) Of course the kids had tried to decorate the tree with stuffed animals first.

Fulmer's Last Game

Here are a few pictures from the
UT/ Kentucky game last Saturday.

Fulmer's last run through the Power T

Celebration after a touchdown

Fulmer as he was carried off
the field at Neyland Stadium

After Thanksgiving Hike

On Black Friday we went hiking in Greenbrier. We were on a mission to see the big poplar tree. The last time Joe and I tried this hike we did not make it all the way before we had to turn around. This time we made it. It was a huge tree, too! Here are a couple of pictures. The first is from the trunk of the tree. I laid down on the ground to get that shot. The second is the guys trying to see how many it took to go around, fingertip to fingertip. It was five of them.

Santa Train

The Santa Train started in the early 1940's rambling through eastern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia and ending in Kingsport, Tennessee. It was a way to thank people for shopping in Kingsport. It happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving every year. The train starts in Shelby, KY and works its way to Kingsport, TN to bring Santa to the start of the Christmas Parade in Kingsport. On the way Santa and his helpers throw out things like candy, toys, and other little things. Here is a link to the train schedule: Santa Train Route

Otter's Friend

My friend, Em, had recently taken a picture of Otter at her house where her hair was covered in bows. Em had labeled her the Hairbow Queen. Well, today we learned that she is willing to have a Hairbow Princess! She was unselfish and wanted to share the bows with her friend. So here they are!

New Pictures

My cousin shared some new pictures with me today. This is one of my favorites! This is my great-great-grandfather on a boat. Of the few pictures I have seen of him, this is the most relaxed and casual. He is not even wearing a coat! Shocking!

Bearded Man

This is for Joe: I really like bearded men. Well, I also like men with a mustache, but I prefer more facial hair. I have a picture that shows one of my favorite beards on one of my favorite men, too (aka Daddy). If I find a picture of another good beard I will post it as well.

Political Pins

I am sure that this will surprise you, but Joe collects political pins. He can tell you how it started, but I know that he has continued to collect since we were married. Every presidential election he buys campaign pins from both sides.

Well, I saw this and had to share. On Antiques Roadshow on PBS they had someone come in with a collection of political pins. There is a picture, video and a transcript at this link.

Disapointment

There are no words to express the disappointment I am feeling to hear an acceptance speech given tonight by Obama. I pray that God will show mercy on us and that the next four years will not be as bad as I believe they might be.

Fulmer's Last Year

I just read that Coach Phillip Fulmer has decided that this will be his last year at Tennessee. (link)

Game Day

Today we prepared for another UT game day. I got Otter all decked out in her cheerleader outfit and Butch wore his UT outfit. When we stopped by my parents' house my dad insisted on getting his camera to take pictures as soon as he saw them. He was disappointed not to get all three kids in UT colors, but we had just picked Bubba up from a hike with the Boy Scouts.