New Year's Eve

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Nativity of Jesus at First Baptist Church ~ Downtown Knoxville

Luke (King James Version) Chapter 2

2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Hello Castle, Goodbye Castle

It's Christmas Eve, and our family will leave the Walt Disney World Resort today and our immersion into a fantasy existence. It's been so much fun! Now the real world beckons . . . but wait, we have a few more days of precious time to spend with our family enjoying the Christmas holidays (in Atlanta, GA). Soon we will be back home in Knoxville, but for now let's enjoy these precious hours with family.

This photo of my daughter was taken in December 2005 when she was two years-old. This was one of her first glimpses of the castle at the Magic Kingdom. Of course, she was fascinated and fell in love immediately with the magic of this place.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Music on Main Street, U.S.A.

These guys put on an amazing performance. They stroll along Main Street, U.S.A., at the Magic Kingdom .... playing their instruments, entertaining folks, and creating lots of smiling faces.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Alligator Band at Port Orleans ~ French Quarter

The alligator band is on parade near the pool at the Port Orleans French ~ Quarter Resort. The kids enjoyed posing with the alligators! The New Orleans theming of this resort is just phenomenal!

Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Jedi Training Academy

The Jedi Training Academy is located near the Star Tours ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Children are chosen from the audience to be trained in the art of using a light saber to defeat Darth Vader. Our son was lucky enough to be chosen to fight against Darth Vader. It's something he will never forget. In this photo, Darth Vader had just emerged onto the stage and was trying to intimidate all the new trainees. This stage show is awesome fun for the kids and adults!

Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Singing in the Sunshine

Daughter had fun playing with this umbrella located on the Streets of American at Disney's Hollywood Studios park. There's a button on the sidewalk that activates a shower of water from the umbrella if you step on it just so. Sometimes unsuspecting folks will receive a cool and refreshing surprise ~ nice on a hot day!

Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

And the Beat Goes On

Son enjoyed a music session in the Africa section of Disney's Animal Kingdom park. We always stop here to relax for a while. No lines, no wait, no crowds....just lots of fun!

Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Walking to Port Orleans ~ Riverside

Our family walked from the French Quarter Resort to the Port Orleans ~ Riverside Resort to swim in their pool located on Ol' Man Island. The walk over was relaxing with beautiful sights all around us. Once again, I walked behind, snapping photos as I went along. My husband and son are ahead on the walkway ....while daughter chose to walk through the grass.

Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Port Orleans Resort ~ French Quarter

Daughter standing outside our corner room at the Port Orleans Resort ~ French Quarter ~ at Walt Disney World. We immersed ourselves into the atmosphere and environment of this resort .... until we almost believed we might just be in New Orleans, LA.

Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

12:39 a.m.

It's 12:39 a.m. Do you know where your children are? Yes, at the Magic Kingdom, of course. Where else?

Another shot taken on Main Street, U.S.A, after midnight. Photo taken October 2007

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Main Street, U.S.A. ~ Evening Quiet

Main Street, U.S.A., at the Magic Kingdom as it is rarely seen. This photo was taken after midnight, and we were some of the last folks to leave the park. Main Street was eerily empty and quiet. Normally this area of the park is absolutely packed with people. It was a peaceful stroll out of the park....walking at our own pace and enjoying the lights of the storefronts.

My son is at the front right ....wearing the neon green glow-stick necklace. Notice he was still walking upright even at this late hour.

Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

A view of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, looking down Main Street, U.S.A., from the railway station. Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

Where Dreams Come True

You are now entering a magical place. . . . where dreams do come true. . . . if you just believe.
Photo taken October 2007.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

It's A Great Big World Out There!

Even at the young age of 2 years, daughter was aware of the beauty of this amazing world as seen through her small airplane window. This photo was taken on our kids' first flight and our first trip to Walt Disney World with our children in December of 2005.

Our home during December 12-24, 2008, will be at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). During this time, I will post some of my favorite photos from previous vacations to Walt Disney World (our family's favorite vacation destination).

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

Ice-Skating Rink on Market Square

A snapshot of some folks enjoying the ice-skating rink on Market Square in downtown Knoxville.

Blue Christmas

This tree decorated with blue & white lights in downtown Knoxville makes me think of Elvis Presley's song "Blue Christmas."

Historic Tennessee Theatre Sign ~ At Night

The Historic Tennessee Theatre sign is especially impressive at night.

Christmas in the City ~ Knoxville Style

Festive blue & white Christmas lights can be seen throughout downtown Knoxville this year.

It's the Santa~Police!

I only had a few seconds to capture this policeman dressed as Santa! Even though the image is blurry, I still wanted to post it because it's a photo that will hopefully make others smile.

Boardwalk Trail Along the Tennessee River

A portion of the River Trail that meanders along the Tennessee River at Ijams Nature Center is a boardwalk. This boardwalk was built in 1998 by Don Niday, whose crew rappelled from the steep bluffs to construct this impressive structure. The views of the Tennessee River from this boardwalk are breathtaking.

Walking the Rails on an Abandoned Railway Line

Husband helping the kids walk along the rails on an abandoned railway line located at Ijams Nature Center.

Geologic Fold at Ijams Nature Center

This Geologic Fold is located along the (Tennessee) River Trail at Ijams Nature Center. Boy Scouts built a wooden staircase which allows close access to this unique rock strata formed millennia ago.

Definition of geologic fold from Wikipedia:

"The term fold is used in geology when one or a stack of originally flat and planar surfaces, such as sedimentary strata, are bent or curved as a result of plastic (i.e. permanent) deformation. Synsedimentary folds are those due to slumping of sedimentary material before it is lithified. Folds in rocks vary in size from microscopic crinkles to mountain-sized folds. They occur singly as isolated folds and in extensive fold trains of different sizes, on a variety of scales. Folds form under varied conditions of stress, hydrostatic pressure, pore pressure, and temperature - hydrothermal gradient, as evidenced by their presence in soft sediments, the full spectrum of metamorphic rocks, and even as primary flow structures in some igneous rocks. A set of folds distributed on a regional scale constitutes a fold belt, a common feature of orogenic zones."

Hiking Buddies

Son and daughter bonding in their enjoyment of hiking at Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville.

Ijams Nature Center ~ North Cove Trail

Our family loves to explore Ijams Nature Center which is located near downtown Knoxville in the Island Home community at 2915 Island Home Avenue. We especially enjoy hiking along the many trails and finding all sorts of nature discoveries along the way. More information about this wonderful nature center can be found at www.ijams.org.

Quoted from the Ijams Nature Center Trail Map:

"Ijams Nature Center is a member-supported nonprofit environmental education center and 165-acre sanctuary. The park was founded in 1965 on the original home site of H.P. and Alice Ijams who lived at the location for more than 50 years from 1910-1964. Their passion for nature and educating children still lives on in the park today."

This photo was taken while hiking along the North Cove Trail this fall. Husband, son, and daughter walked ahead while I trailed behind snapping photos along the way!

December Theme Day: Circles/Spheres

Knoxville's own beloved Sunsphere . . . the symbol and icon of the 1982 World's Fair held in Knoxville, Tennessee. I wouldn't dare post any other circle or sphere on theme day!

This photo is also posted at the request of my mom who is a loyal and daily reader of this blog. She is a fan of our Sunsphere and is proud to see it grace our Knoxville skyline. Our family has some wonderful memories of visiting the World's Fair many times during 1982. I was young then (only 19) and thought it was so cool that Knoxville was host to the world for just a while.

I remember being able to eat in a restaurant located inside the Sunsphere in 1982 . . . and the thrill of being able to view Knoxville from such a high perch while eating such a delicious meal. Such a wonderful experience . . . one that I will never forget!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Knoxville from the Hill Avenue Bridge

A view of Knoxville from the Hill Avenue bridge.

Gay Street Bridge & Knoxville Waterfront

A view of the Gay Street bridge and Knoxville along the waterfront of the Tennessee River. This photo was taken from the south-Knoxville side of the river.

On the left, just peeking above the bridge, you can see the Sunsphere. The Sunsphere is located in the World's Fair Park but is such a presence on the Knoxville skyline that you can see it from all sorts of views around town.

The long horizontal glass building is the City-County Building which houses city & county government offices, courts, and the Knox County jail.

The Andrew Johnson Building is on the right. It's the old-style red-brick building located in front of the glass office buildings. The Andrew Johnson Building at one time was an upscale hotel, but it now houses offices for the Knox County School System.

Red Sky at Night

On a Saturday evening last June we were blessed with this gorgeous red sky at sunset.

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

Counting My Blessings

I count my blessings everyday for my precious children. This photo was taken November, 2005, at Thanksgiving. Daughter (2 years-old at the time of this photo) did not want to wear her homemade pilgrim hat . . . but son (5 years-old then) was very happy to show off the Native American feathers he colored in Kindergarten class.

Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all!

Historic Tennessee Theatre Box Office

They just don't make theatre box offices like they used to! This one is especially beautiful!

Historic Tennessee Theatre Entryway

These beautiful light fixtures/chandeliers are found behind the Historic Tennessee Theatre box office in the outdoor area prior to entering the theatre. I'm still dreaming of taking a tour of the inside. Someday ... I hope!

Miss Robbie

Having two parakeets as pets, we have to make frequent trips to a store in Knoxville called Strictly Feathers to buy seed and millet. This store is a noisy place with the sounds of parrots, parakeets, finches, and all sorts of other birds singing and talking all at once. You never know just what words you might hear upon entering this wonderful place. I once heard a bird say "Help, Help....Let me out!" in the most pleading of voices.

On a recent visit to buy parakeet seed, this beautiful bird was sitting behind the counter. This is a Rose-breasted Cockatoo or Galah Cockatoo named Miss Robbie.

To Serve and Protect

Our community is much safer with the sheriff's department here to protect us. It's always nice to see the department leading the way during our hometown parades.

Leading the Way

The Knox County sheriff's department leads the way during a parade through our hometown. Photo taken Summer 2008.

Unexpected Words of Wisdom

Wise words found on a Knoxville billboard. I drove past this billboard, turned around in a church parking lot, stopped to read the sign again, and decided to snap this photo.

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

JFG Coffee Sign

This vintage sign advertising JFG Coffee sits on the south Knoxville side of the Tennessee River to the left of the Gay Street bridge.

We're Going to Walt Disney World!

A few days ago we revealed to our children a wonderful surprise . . . . that we are taking them to Walt Disney World in December! This snapshot shows their happiness at the great news!

Dog Walk Fashion

My mom and dad's sweet doggie is modeling the latest in rain gear. Isn't she cute? I think she looks ready for the catwalk . . . or should that be dog walk?

Autumn Leaves

Fall is my favorite season because . . .

(one of the reasons, anyway)

Leaves Can Be Fun

Mama . . . . now can we play in the leaves?