Knoxville . . . East Tennessee . . . and sometimes Beyond

Waiting in Style While Mama Buys a New Point & Shoot

2011-10-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Norris Dam Water Spill - Norris, TN

2011-10-11T20:16:00.001-04:00

King o' da World

2011-10-10T23:31:00.000-04:00

Visiting the Tennessee Governor's Office

2011-10-08T12:15:00.001-04:00

Mowing the Lawn for the 1st Time

2011-10-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs.

2011-10-06T00:21:00.000-04:00

Elk Crossing @ Oconaluftee - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2011-10-05T00:05:00.000-04:00

Playing a Thinking Game

2011-10-04T00:05:00.003-04:00

Eye Contact

2011-10-03T00:44:00.001-04:00

Candy Apples @ the Fair

2011-10-02T06:46:00.000-04:00

Two of a Kind. Brother & sister are more alike than they realize. Striking the same pose. Also....in agreement that candy apples ROCK especially when bought at the Fair!

Bubbles III

2011-10-01T11:27:00.000-04:00

Bubbles II

2011-09-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

Bubbles I

2011-09-29T23:52:00.000-04:00

A Walk in the Park

2009-11-24T22:02:00.004-05:00

A couple walks through World's Fair Park in Knoxville, TN.

The Chocolate Factory is on the left and the Knoxville Museum of Art (the building with the eyes - lol) is on the right.

Life Savers

2009-06-27T01:16:00.002-04:00

at the end of the lazy river . . .

Photo taken with a $10 disposable underwater camera from Walgreens!

(photo taken Summer 2008)

Hello, Summer!

2009-06-03T02:51:00.003-04:00

My son enthusiastically entering the pool no matter the consequences!

Ouch! Do you remember doing belly flops during your own childhood?

Photo taken with a $10 disposable underwater camera from Walgreens!

(photo taken Summer 2008)

Cowboy Found on City Sidewalk

2009-05-14T23:46:00.002-04:00

This pigeon's treading on dangerous ground!

Splash Park !

2009-05-05T20:01:00.002-04:00

The kids played at the splash park in our hometown this evening.... for the first time this Spring.

This photo was taken last year at the same splash park ....in Spring 2008.

Don'tcha Just Love the Bass Pro Shop?

2009-05-04T03:06:00.002-04:00

If my kids had anything to do with it....this four-wheeler would have been sold at hello.

Did You Ever See An Elephant Fly?

2009-04-30T02:54:00.002-04:00

Wheee!

World's Fair Park ~ Knoxville

2009-04-24T23:29:00.001-04:00

Green space! We enjoy bringing our kids here!

Joy

2009-04-18T23:27:00.001-04:00

Skipping, running, jumping with Joy!

Photo taken with my iPhone.

My Sidewalk Wanderer

2009-04-17T20:16:00.003-04:00

We ate lunch at Aubrey's Restaurant at Northshore & Papermill after church on Easter Sunday. I snapped this photo of our daughter walking ahead on the winding sidewalk leading to the restaurant.

Letting her walk a little bit ahead of me is OK, I guess, under certain circumstances. She feels a little bit independent and, yet, she really is still under our watchful eyes.

Photo taken with my iPhone.

Sodypop

2009-04-14T23:48:00.002-04:00

Cola for country folk? Carbonated beverages for East Tennesseans? Spell Check needed?

I snapped this photo from the Chuck E. Cheese parking lot in West Knoxville.

Photo taken with my iPhone.

Eggs to Dye For!

2009-04-11T08:21:00.002-04:00

The kids having some fun dyeing Easter Eggs. The colors turn out sooo much brighter if vinegar is used instead of water in the dye kit. But, as the kids soon found out, it's some STINKY fun!

Photo taken March 2008.

Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail

2009-04-09T19:26:00.002-04:00

Easter Bunny fun at Red Top Mountain State Park in north Georgia.

Photo taken in April 2006.

Paper Birch Tree ~ and a Smile

2009-04-08T05:21:00.000-04:00

Daughter poses by a Paper Birch tree . . . . an unusual tree which has layers of paper-thin bark that peels off in sheets.

Photo taken with my iPhone.

Hike the AT? Yes, I Can Do That!

2009-04-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Daughter was all-set to begin hiking the Appalachian Trail! And while wearing her flip-flops, too! Husband had to be the voice of reason and practicality. Not today, honey. We'll come back when we're better prepared. He was an Eagle Scout back in the day and does know best. I admire my daughter's curiosity and spirit of exploration, though!

Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

2009-04-06T00:01:00.001-04:00

The Clingmans Dome observation tower is quite impressive, and the views of the Great Smoky Mountains seen from this lookout point are even more breathtaking! I just love the retro design of this concrete tower which was built in 1959.

You can see my husband and 2 children in this photo. They are just entering the observation deck from the pathway. As is sometimes the case, I am trailing along behind snapping photos.

Sky View from Clingmans Dome

2009-04-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

I took this photo from the trail leading to Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I was so fortunate to capture the bird in flight. The visibility was high on this day. Normally the mountains are shrouded in mists and clouds.

Quoted from the National Park Service website . . .

"At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi."

To read more about Clingmans Dome visit the nps.gov website.

Happy SkyWatch Friday! To see more SkyWatch photos from around the world visit Skyley at www.skyley.blogspot.com.

I Have an Idea....Let's Eat at the Steak & Shake

2009-04-02T05:28:00.000-04:00

I took the kids to eat at the Steak & Shake yesterday afternoon. They really liked it! Good food, crayons and puzzle menus, old-time diner decor (which our family is a fan of), and foldable-paper classic cars for the kids to play with and take home.

For myself....I'm always a fan of hamburgers, fries, and a milkshake! And a night off from cooking can be a good thing, too.

Photo taken with my iPhone.

April Theme Day: Yellow

2009-04-01T00:01:00.003-04:00

The Vagabondia store on Knoxville's Market Square has brickwork painted a beautiful pastel shade of Yellow.

Enjoy seeing other examples of yellow found all around the world during April's Theme Day of Yellow!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Looking for a Golden Rock

2009-03-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

Oh, to have the imagination of a child!

Photo taken with my iPhone.

Photographer's Assistant

2009-03-24T06:45:00.000-04:00

This is my husband at our son's flag football practice in August 2005. Our daughter was a very able and helpful photographer's assistant at age 21 months!

Our kids have been exposed to cameras from their very first moments after birth until now and are very willing to pose for us!

One day this may change. I hope not.

The day they roll their eyes at me and say, "Oh, Mom, do you have to take a picture?" ....that day will break my heart.

Hopefully, I'll have no worries as far as that's concerned! :)

Yee Haw

2009-03-23T07:30:00.008-04:00

Yee Haw in downtown Knoxville!

More information about this Knoxville business (which specializes in original art-like products) can be found here. Very interesting!!

Hope Brothers

2009-03-21T00:56:00.002-04:00

I found this gem in downtown Knoxville! I got all excited when I saw my name! LOL!

The Posing Tree

2009-03-20T09:35:00.002-04:00

Every time we visit the Oconaluftee visitor center ....we pose here for a photo! This tree is really quite amazing! And my children look so very small standing next to it!

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!

2009-03-19T09:18:00.004-04:00

This fella ruled the roost at the visitor's center on the Oconaluftee (North Carolina) side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He loyally and bravely guarded his hens and chicks from families with curious children (such as mine) and from 'tourists' who obviously were fascinated by his beauty (that was me, wink, lol).

Mingus Mill

2009-03-11T05:27:00.002-04:00

Last summer we visited the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The kids loved exploring Mingus Mill which is still in operation!

To me this photo almost looks like it could have been taken 100+ years ago. I can almost imagine 2 pioneer children playing at the mill just as my own kids did on this visit. Cornmeal was available for purchase....you can see bags of meal in the background of this photo.

The following quoted from the www.nps.gov website....

Mingus Mill

A half-mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is Mingus Mill. Built in 1886, this historic grist mill uses a water-powered turbine instead of a water wheel to power all of the machinery in the building. Located at its original site, Mingus Mill stands as a tribute to the test of time. Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily mid-March through mid-November. Also, open Thanksgiving weekend.

Highlights:

* Water flows down a millrace to the mill.
* A working cast iron turbine.
* A miller demonstrates the process of grinding corn into cornmeal.
* Cornmeal and other mill-related items are available for purchase at the mill.

Tennessee Aquarium ~ Chattanooga, TN

2009-03-10T00:03:00.003-04:00

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN is a wonderful place to visit....it's impressive inside and out! Lots of educational fun, too!

That's my son (he was 5 then) with a Clifford the Big Red Dog stuffed toy on his head.

What's for Supper?

2009-03-09T06:46:00.000-04:00

How about Spaghetti? Always a good choice at our house!

Found This Building on a Walk Around Town

2009-03-08T04:25:00.002-04:00

The plaque on the building reads...The Knoxville Interdenominational Bible Institute.

Balconies Waiting

2009-03-07T11:16:00.001-05:00

Soon it will be Spring, and it will be warm enough to sit outside on our balconies, patios, lanais, verandas and decks. I can't wait!

This photo was taken in downtown Knoxville.

She's Got Hope

2009-03-06T06:06:00.001-05:00

Daughter wearing my sparkly Hope hat.

Bounce Break

2009-03-05T07:35:00.002-05:00

This photo was taken on the 4th of July, 2005. It was HOT! In the upper 90's! Our community which is north of Knoxville had a parade and free food & drinks....hot dogs, chips, watermelon, snow cones, colas, and bottled water.

There were several inflatables for the kids (and adults) to play, jump, slide and bounce on. My son was 5 then and was in sheer heaven on this day. In this photo, he was inside one of the bounce houses and was taking a break from all the bouncing. His face was so flushed from the heat and exertion.

I can't wait for these days of Summer fun!

G is for Gus's Restaurant

2009-03-04T00:01:00.003-05:00

G is for Gus's Restaurant and Good eats! Gus's Restaurant is located on Market Square in downtown Knoxville.

I just discovered Mrs. Nesbitt's website and her ABC Wednesday Blog a few moments ago by stumbling upon it through another City Daily Photo blog. When I realized that today's letter is G and that I had already posted on Gus's Restaurant only just 30 minutes ago....well, I thought that's just a little too coincidental for me. So I decided to join in on the fun.

I'm not sure I've set up everything in the right manner. I'm kinda new to these things only having participated in SkyWatch Friday a few times. It's always fun to learn something new and participate in new projects!

For others' contributions to ABC Wednesday visit here.

Snow and Ice

2009-03-03T06:52:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken along SR441 which crosses the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC. We had taken the kids up to Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see some snow, and along the way, we found these icicles. It was worth a stop and a photo.

P.S. Please pay no attention to the fact that my son isn't wearing a coat. Even though he had a very warm coat in the car, he insisted on not putting it on. Sometimes kids have to learn for themselves. He soon realized that mama & daddy were right about it being cold outside.

Photo taken Winter 2006.

Let's Go for a Ride!

2009-03-02T06:54:00.001-05:00

I took this photo through the windshield of our car on a family vacation to Amish Country in Pennsylvania (June 2007). I'm glad I was able to capture the contrast in the different modes of transportation . . . the Amish buggy vs. the little sports car. Amish Country was breathtaking in its beauty, and I'm so thankful that our family was able to visit this most wonderful and unique place.

March Theme Day: Glass

2009-03-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

My son and daughter were fascinated with the stained-glass windows inside Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. After eating breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table, we went on an exploration and found this beautiful window along one of the curving staircases.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Sunsphere View VI

2009-02-28T06:42:00.002-05:00

A close-up view of the bank buildings and the Andrew Johnson Building.

Sunsphere View V

2009-02-27T06:44:00.002-05:00

In this photo....the Knoxville Museum of Art (the building with the eyes)....and on the left....the building which houses the Chocolate Factory as well as some condos.

Sunsphere View IV

2009-02-26T01:39:00.004-05:00

A view to the north of Knoxville. In this photo you can see portions of our World's Fair park in the foreground and the old L & N train station to the right. The ridgeline in the distance is called Sharp's Ridge. The gap in the ridgeline is of course called Sharp's Gap. Interstate 275 runs north of Knoxville through Sharp's Gap and then becomes I-75 North. You can also see I-40 in this photo which runs east-west through Knoxville.

Sunsphere View III

2009-02-25T05:40:00.000-05:00

From this view.....Baptist Hospital, the Henley Street Bridge which crosses the Tennessee River and leads to Chapman Hwy. in south Knoxville, and Church Street United Methodist Church. The Great Smoky Mountains can be seen in the distance.

Sunsphere View II

2009-02-24T07:33:00.003-05:00

In this photo....the First Tennessee Bank Building, BB&T Bank Building, Andrew Johnson Building, the old Knox County Courthouse, City-County Building, the old Knoxville post office (now houses courts), and the Medical Arts Building. (three buildings in the foreground of the photo not identified)

Sunsphere View I

2009-02-23T06:53:00.000-05:00

This view from the Sunsphere shows the Tennessee River, buildings from the University of Tennessee, and Neyland Stadium....home to the UT Vols. You can see the Great Smoky Mountains in the far distance.

Est. 1844

2009-02-22T06:11:00.001-05:00

St. John's Cathedral has a long history in Knoxville.

Red Doors

2009-02-21T06:12:00.001-05:00

The red doors welcome all to worship . . .

Relaxation and Solitude Guaranteed

2009-02-20T19:07:00.001-05:00

Another view of the courtyard at St. John's Cathedral in Knoxville.

Earth to Old City II

2009-02-19T05:23:00.001-05:00

....still window shopping!

Earth to Old City

2009-02-18T05:22:00.002-05:00

Window shopping at the Earth to Old City shop on Market Square in Knoxville.

My Hair-Raiser

2009-02-17T06:48:00.001-05:00

Mama....Look what happens when I crawl through this tunnel! (giggle-giggle)

Hot Doughnuts Now!

2009-02-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am on a diet....this time using the Weight Watchers online program. So far, I have lost 9 lbs.! I am happy about this, but know that really the difficult part comes when you reach your goal and then have to maintain your weight. I know this because I lost 32 lbs. in 2007 with Weight Watchers (meetings) and then in 2008 gained it all back and then some.

It is such a struggle for me to cut out sweets . . . especially chocolate. But another of my favorites is Krispy Kreme doughnuts. They are just so sinfully good.

We came across this retro/vintage Krispy Kreme store on one of our family weekend getaways to Chattanooga, TN which is about 100 miles south of Knoxville. I had to have a photo, and of course we bought a dozen glazed doughnuts, too!

(Photo taken in 2006.)

Ready, Set, Go Sledding!

2009-02-15T06:36:00.000-05:00

Wait! I just want to take a photo first....then you can go. Ok, got it! Go! Wheeee! Wheeee!

Love is . . . .

2009-02-14T10:07:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Wishes for lots of love, kisses, and chocolate hearts for everyone!

I didn't receive this rose today but one day last August. I copied & pasted this little bit of my family life from my other blog. A story of a single rose . . . .

(Friday, August 8, 2008) I was so very tired this evening. Husband took the kids to McDonald's to eat and play on the indoor playground so I could have some quiet time alone at home. I was asleep when they arrived back home. I heard "Mama" very quietly in my ear . . . . and so, woke up. The kids presented me with a single red rose with baby's breath in a vase. Husband stood behind them all quiet and smiling. They said they wanted to get me a rose to help me feel better.

I was thrilled and gave them all kisses. Of course, I received kisses in return. Such a very nice way to wake up!

My Rose

X Marks the Spot

2009-02-13T00:01:00.006-05:00

A photo taken with my cell phone ~ from my car window ~ while driving. I just had to have an image of this "X" formed by the contrails of jets ~ their paths crossing in their travels across the skies. X marks the spot of a hidden treasure. The treasure being the beauty of our skies. Apologies for the poor quality of the photo ... I was happy to obtain an image ... no matter what method I used!

Happy SkyWatch Friday! To see more SkyWatch photos from around the world visit Skyley at www.skyley.blogspot.com.

Sledding in the Backyard

2009-02-12T05:34:00.001-05:00

We have a tiny hill in the corner of our backyard which husband always hates when it comes time for mowing. But last week when we received our snowfall....that hill redeemed itself by providing our family with the perfect place for sledding! We had laugh-out loud fun and even let out a few Wheee's along the way! We took turns sledding with eachother and then sometimes took a solo trip down the hill. Our kids really needed to experience what it feels like to go sledding, and so I'm thankful for that little hill in the corner of our backyard. I think husband looks at it a little differently now, too. At least maybe until spring & summer arrive and mowing season starts.

Snowman Building 101

2009-02-11T05:33:00.001-05:00

Son was excited to finally be able to build a snowman with the snow we received last week. Husband and I had to give him the basic instructions, and then he pitched in and helped with enthusiasm. Snow is just so much fun!

Snow at Last!

2009-02-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

Even though the snowfall amount we received last week was small, the amount of fun our family had playing in the snow was enormous! Our area of East Tennessee rarely receives large amounts of snowfall anymore....like we used to receive when I was a child. My children haven't truly been able to experience the joys of a snowfall of several inches....building snowforts, creating snowmen, and having snowball fights. But this snowfall was significant enough to allow us to play in the snow, go sledding, build snowmen and throw a few snowballs. Now, I'm going to wish for a huge snowfall! We now have snowboots to play in and we want to get our monies' worth!

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

2009-02-09T06:24:00.000-05:00

If you like down-home, family-style, country cookin' like your mama or grandma used to make back in the good ol' days.....then do I have a restaurant for you! The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is located at the Apple Barn in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge near the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee.

Young Men's Christian Association

2009-02-08T06:18:00.000-05:00

Young Men's Christian Association. I like the scroll-work on this sign.

Swimming Lessons at the YMCA

2009-02-07T06:09:00.000-05:00

This is the downtown Knoxville branch of the Y.M.C.A. My brother and I took swimming lessons here in the late 1960's. I still remember the fear I had of the deep-end of the pool and how I flat-out refused to dive into the pool. I remember the parents weren't allowed into the pool area and had to release their little ones into the hands of the swimming instructors. I was thrilled at the end of the lessons to receive my swimming certificate which announced I had reached "pollywog" status.

My Little Man

2009-02-06T05:55:00.001-05:00

Son strikes a little man pose at the Apple Barn's Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant! My camera called my name and I listened. I love this photo of him!

It also makes me realize, though, that my little boy is growing up before my eyes. I must treasure every moment I have left of his precious childhood!

Happy & Grumpy at the Gazebo

2009-02-05T05:47:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken on a recent family trip to the Apple Barn near the Great Smoky Mountains. We were on a weekend getaway which involved indoor pools and hot tubs!

We ate at the Apple Barn's Farmhouse Restaurant and afterwards posed for photos at their gazebo. Son was all grins while daughter was Miss Grumpy. The lollipop didn't even make a dent in her mood....well, maybe for a few minutes....then back to grumpsville.

A nap did the trick. It always works for me, too!

Let's Go Biking in the Snow!

2009-02-04T05:43:00.000-05:00

My son loves to ride his bike....even in winter....in the snow!

P.S. I think we need to buy him a larger bicycle. He's growing so fast that I guess I didn't notice the bike was shrinking!

Eyes on Knoxville

2009-02-03T06:20:00.001-05:00

The Knoxville Museum of Art has it's eyes on Knoxville.

Eyes in the Back of the Building

2009-02-02T06:10:00.001-05:00

Open Your Eyes. Open Your Mind. The Knoxville Museum of Art has some wonderfully thought-provoking words and visuals to inspire all of us.

February Theme Day: Paths and Passages

2009-02-01T00:05:00.003-05:00

St. John's Cathedral has Knoxville's only outdoor labyrinth. Look closely on the bricks of the courtyard. I have spent a few lunch hours here; it is such a serene place. I haven't walked the labyrinth while praying or meditating . . . but sometimes feel the urge to perhaps do that.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Brighten My Day!

2009-01-31T06:06:00.000-05:00

Dear Spring and Summer,

We miss your flowers, green plants, bird-song, blue skies, warm breezes, and colorful designs on our landscapes. Please hurry and visit soon. Our family misses you bunches.

OX Love, Hope

Accessorize, Baby!

2009-01-30T06:08:00.000-05:00

Daughter loves to play with my scarves and hats . . . . she may just wear them more often than I do! This photo was taken when she was a toddler during one of her dress-up playtimes.

Gay Street, Knoxville

2009-01-29T05:21:00.000-05:00

The office building where I work is located on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. In the spring and summer I often enjoy "walking tours" of Knoxville during my lunch hour.

Funnel Cakes

2009-01-28T07:03:00.000-05:00

Funnel Cakes! Ranking high on our family's favorite things list!

Wild Bill's

2009-01-27T18:55:00.002-05:00

Old fashioned soda pop, apple cider, hot apple dumplings, and vanilla ice cream! Wild Bill's on Market Square in Knoxville is the place to visit ....during Winter when the ice skating rink is open!

A New Day

2009-01-26T19:27:00.004-05:00

My blog is back after an absence of 2 weeks. I needed a break. I contemplated taking a break of several months originally, and who knows, I might need that after all. But, for now, I am going to try to post on a daily basis.

I want to say I admire those of you who post daily to a blog and have done so for months and even years on end without missing a day. I truly admire you for the time and effort put into such an endeavor.

I've not been carrying my camera with me for the past few weeks. I just haven't had the desire to have my camera with me. Ugh. What's wrong with me?

Sorry for the absence.....I will try to do better.

This photo was taken on a recent drive to work....slowing down for a traffic light....so hopefully not too dangerous!

A Promise

2009-01-11T02:25:00.004-05:00

I need to take a break from my photo blog for a few weeks.

My Knoxville Daily Photo blog and I will be back soon....I promise....just like this flower will return in the spring & summer....it's a certainty.

Sincerely, Hope in Knoxville

Blue Circle

2009-01-10T13:12:00.001-05:00

In the late 60's and early 70's, I remember our family eating at Blue Circle grills all around town. Hamburgers were cooked on the grill right before your eyes. To us kids, eating at the Blue Circle was an adventure.

Here is a remnant of one of those Blue Circle grills. This old sign still survives in downtown Knoxville after all these years.

Alex Haley Heritage Square

2009-01-09T06:11:00.002-05:00

This statue of Alex Haley is located in Haley Heritage Square in Morningside Park in Knoxville, TN. More information about this statue can be found in my November 1, 2008 post.

Yardwork

2009-01-08T06:40:00.000-05:00

Daughter loves to help her Daddy work on the lawn. Here she helps by shoveling dirt into a Home Depot bucket with a garden trowel.

Sportsmanship and Teamwork

2009-01-07T06:27:00.000-05:00

Son plays soccer with enthusiasm and a determination to win! The soccer organization he plays in does not keep score...but the kids (and parents) still get very excited when a goal is made. This photo captures the intensity of son's concentration once he steps onto the playing field.

Einstein the Parrot ~ Knoxville Zoo

2009-01-06T06:12:00.002-05:00

This is Einstein, the famous African Grey Parrot, who is a resident of our Knoxville Zoo. Einstein is with her trainer, Stephanie, during a Zookeeper Chat at the Knoxville Zoo.

Einstein is very talented and has made appearances on Animal Planet and other tv shows showing off many sounds & words she has learned!

Knoxville . . . Then and Now

2009-01-05T06:42:00.000-05:00

Knoxville . . . then and now. From 1786 (James White Fort) to 2009.

James White's Fort ~ Est. 1786

2009-01-04T06:33:00.000-05:00

Quoted from the official website for James White's Fort:

The History of James White's Fort

James White, The Founder of Knoxville, came here in the early 1780's from North Carolina. He had fought in the Revolutionary War and was given a land grant of 1,000 acres for his service. He built his 2-story log house on the present site of Knoxville in 1786. Two years later he enclosed the house and other buildings with a stockade fence for protection from the wild animals. James White was a friend of the Cherokee Indians. He negotiated several of their treaties with the settlers and they came to his home in peace and to trade with him. The courtyard of the Fort was used as a stable for the domesticated animals such as horses, cows, pigs and sheep. The area around the Fort would have been cleared of trees, and the vegetable gardens along with tobacco would be grown there. James White laid off part of his land in October 1791 to establish a town which would become known as Knoxville, named for Henry Knox, president Washington's Secretary of War.

Knoxville's Birthplace

2009-01-03T06:48:00.000-05:00

James White's Fort is the site of the birthplace of the city of Knoxville.

Dreaming of Summer Days

2009-01-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm dreaming of Summer days and rainbows . . .

Happy SkyWatch Friday! To see more SkyWatch photos from around the world visit Skyley at www.skyley.blogspot.com.

January Theme Day: Best Photo of the Year ~ 2008

2009-01-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

The photo I chose for the January Theme Day is not technically my best photo of the year . . .but . . . still . . . to me, it is the best (my favorite) photo I took during 2008. I love this photo for many reasons . . .

My precious daughter is the main subject.
I love my daughter's expression of introspection . . . what was she thinking?
The photo brings back memories of precious family-time spent at Fort Kid park.
I recall the joy my kids had while playing here . . . and that brings me happiness.
I like the black & white.
I have had many positive comments on this photo from family members.
Mickey Mouse has a prominent place in the photo as well. I love Mickey Mouse, too!
This is the first photo I posted on this blog. It was my favorite then, too!
I also use this photo as my blog header. I changed the header once...but that didn't last long. I soon returned my precious baby-girl to the header.
Anyway....those are my reasons for choosing this photo. It will be fun to see what 2009 brings!

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New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

In just a few hours we'll welcome the New Year ~ 2009! Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve!

This clock is located on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville . . . counting down the hours until 2009!

A Coke and a Smile

2008-12-30T06:13:00.001-05:00

The kids having fun at Red's Diner at Dolly Parton's Dollywood Theme Park ....which is located about 40 miles from Knoxville.

Sweet Dreams

2008-12-29T06:44:00.000-05:00

When daughter was younger, she would often fall asleep on our frequent roadtrips exploring Knoxville and beyond.

This photo was taken with my cell phone . . . my Nikon Coolpix wasn't with me. These moments always occur when a camera isn't within reach!

Wallace Memorial Baptist Church ~ Steeple

2008-12-28T06:28:00.000-05:00

The steeple at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church is breathtaking for it's beauty, stained glass, and height! The stained glass is illuminated from within . . . the colors are amazing!

Home is Where You Build Your Nest

2008-12-27T06:36:00.000-05:00

During the spring/summer of 2007 we had a little bird family choose a hanging flowering plant on our front porch as the perfect spot to build their nest. We were fascinated by the tiny eggs.

Sweet Home Tennessee

2008-12-26T00:30:00.001-05:00

It's good to be back home! Even though we had the most amazing vacation at Walt Disney World....and spent Christmas with family in Atlanta, Georgia....it's still the best feeling to be back home to Tennessee!

Happy SkyWatch Friday! To see more SkyWatch photos from around the world visit Skyley at www.skyley.blogspot.com.