Saturday morning started gray and dreary with showers. Just as we were about to go across the street to visit the Llamas (yes llamas) the bottom fell out and the llamas ran for shelter. So we packed up and headed south. Of course most people would just get on the interstate and be back home in a couple of hours. But that's not in the nature of the Horizon Seeker. We got back on 31E and headed to Bardstown stopping briefly at Rooster Run http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooster_Run for gas and a sandwich. Rode around Bardstown looking for the Trappist Monks who make the bourbon fudge, http://www.gethsemanifarms.org/ got lost, got back on 31E and stopped at Lincoln's birthplace for a potty break and to walk Gus.
Staying on the backroads for a couple more hours brought us to a lovely picnic spot below the Wolf River Dam. Yep, the one with the big cracks that is supposed to flood half of middle and east Tennessee if it breaks. http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/pao/News/10-71_construction_of_Wolf_Creek_Dam.htm It was a beautiful spot and the weather had turned gorgeous. After a lunch in the shadow of doom (Betsy's dramatic wording) we kept going south to get to Pall Mall.
In Pall Mall we made 3 stops: the home of Alvin C. York (you know, the one the state of Tennessee gave him after the war), http://www.sgtyork.org/ the grave of Alvin C. York on a windy hillside outside of town, and Forbus General Store in Pall Mall which has the best fudge in the world. Sadly, they had no dreamsicle fudge so we settled for Amaretto chocolate fudge.
We settled at a site in Pickett State Park http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett and after setting up, starting a fire, and walking Gus it was time for beans and burgers cooked on the fire with brie and crackers, mango salsa with multi grain scoops and of course, fudge for dessert. After our late night of ghost busting the night before we were ready for bed early Saturday night. We left out early this morning to have lots of time to roam as we headed home. We took the scenic route - the only way to go for true Horizon Seekers - over the mountains of Monterey through twisting backroads. But eventually we did get back to Nashville and the Seeker is parked for a short while. Later this week Seeker will be in the shop getting a special addition - towing package for taking along the HHR on long trips. Now this should be exciting.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Do You Believe?
Have you ever felt like you weren't alone when you thought you were? Ever had that eerie feeling that someone was right over your shoulder, whispering in your ear? I did, in fact, tonight, as I walked down the darkened hallways of Waverly Sanitarium in Louisville, KY. Yes, that Waverly. The one that the ghosthunters did a show about on TAPS with the unexplained phenomena. Check out their website at http://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/
And the weather tonight was just perfect for ghost hunting. We had driven into Louisville under threat of storms and even got stalled on I 65 with a heavy downpour. By the time we got to Waverly it was just before dusk and the wet weather had left a hazy feeling in the air. Off in the distance flashes of lightning played in the sky. Fortunately, or some may say unfortunately, the weather remained calm around Waverly while we completed our tour. At 10pm we drove about 20 miles south to an RV park where we had a spot reserved. Just as we got water and electric hooked up and got back inside the storms arrived. By midnight we were all exhausted and the storms were not letting up. Gus was unhappy with the weather and paced most of the night. I slept in the penthouse suite with an awesome serenade of hail stones during the night. My curtains were closed so I missed the light show but the girls were wakened by it many times. What a great way to end our night of ghost hunting.
Ok, I know it's lame to some of you, but I do believe in spirits that walk on this earth. Some, like my dear departed Larry, are kind, protective (and sometimes playful) spirits. He left this world surrounded by the ones who loved him most and I do believe that he looks after us. Other spirits are out there too, but they are not so happy and left this world in less happier circumstances. And a lot of them inhabit the old hallways, terraces,and treatment rooms of what was once a large, busy TB hospital. So, take a look at the pictures and see what you think. Do you believe?
And the weather tonight was just perfect for ghost hunting. We had driven into Louisville under threat of storms and even got stalled on I 65 with a heavy downpour. By the time we got to Waverly it was just before dusk and the wet weather had left a hazy feeling in the air. Off in the distance flashes of lightning played in the sky. Fortunately, or some may say unfortunately, the weather remained calm around Waverly while we completed our tour. At 10pm we drove about 20 miles south to an RV park where we had a spot reserved. Just as we got water and electric hooked up and got back inside the storms arrived. By midnight we were all exhausted and the storms were not letting up. Gus was unhappy with the weather and paced most of the night. I slept in the penthouse suite with an awesome serenade of hail stones during the night. My curtains were closed so I missed the light show but the girls were wakened by it many times. What a great way to end our night of ghost hunting.
Ok, I know it's lame to some of you, but I do believe in spirits that walk on this earth. Some, like my dear departed Larry, are kind, protective (and sometimes playful) spirits. He left this world surrounded by the ones who loved him most and I do believe that he looks after us. Other spirits are out there too, but they are not so happy and left this world in less happier circumstances. And a lot of them inhabit the old hallways, terraces,and treatment rooms of what was once a large, busy TB hospital. So, take a look at the pictures and see what you think. Do you believe?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Teenage Insight
While I'm looking forward to the end of this final year, there are some things I will miss. One of those is the incredible insight of my students. Incredible as in hard to believe. Each class starts with a short writing exercise and just for fun I decided to ask the students for guidance, so my question to them was "How much money does it take to retire and what do you need money for when you retire?" I don't think it's a violation of anyone's privacy if I share some of the answers here as long as I don't identify the authors. Besides, some of the things I learned in reading through their responses were too good to keep to myself.
One young girl said that I can't retire unless all my bills are paid (so does that mean that retiring magically makes all bills disappear?).
A rather opinionated young man said I wouldn't need money because I could just live off my kids and social security (a sad comment on his view of life).
And their understandings of the real cost of life (remember, I teach mostly poor, inner city kids) was vastly spread across the board. One girl said I would need $100,000 and another suggested $250,00, while a thrid thought that I could live quite nicely on $5,000 since I was old and probably wouldn't live much longer any way.
One child did see through my subterfuge (or perhaps was angling for an increase in his class average) and suggested that I was way too young to retire and that the students needed me. Sadly, though, when I suggested he research Eddie Haskell he replied, "That's too much work." Maybe I should have asked how much money they think I would need to stay.
One young girl said that I can't retire unless all my bills are paid (so does that mean that retiring magically makes all bills disappear?).
A rather opinionated young man said I wouldn't need money because I could just live off my kids and social security (a sad comment on his view of life).
And their understandings of the real cost of life (remember, I teach mostly poor, inner city kids) was vastly spread across the board. One girl said I would need $100,000 and another suggested $250,00, while a thrid thought that I could live quite nicely on $5,000 since I was old and probably wouldn't live much longer any way.
One child did see through my subterfuge (or perhaps was angling for an increase in his class average) and suggested that I was way too young to retire and that the students needed me. Sadly, though, when I suggested he research Eddie Haskell he replied, "That's too much work." Maybe I should have asked how much money they think I would need to stay.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Braco Italiano
No, it wasn't my weekend for fine Italian dining. This weekend I joined my dear nephew Clay for a weekend with the dogs. Lots of dogs. Dogs I had never even heard of - one of which was the Braco Italiano. I also got a chance to meet some Griffons, some Spinones, Pudelpointers, German Shorthair Pointers (which I sorta knew of), and of course Clay had his two Britney Spaniels with him.
Overall it was a great weekend, but I wouldn't have predicted that on my arrival. More rain (you know, the word that has become my middle name of late) in 24 hours than this little valley was used to getting on top of a good bit of rain over the previous week meant that we were parked in a big, sloppy, muddy field. But Clay was a great companion so I really didn't mind. He even removed my old accordian door on the shower (the coffin door as I fondly call it) and put up my new wide angle shower rod.
We joined the other dog people up at the main cabin (yes up a hill through the woods in the pouring rain) and were greeted with huge pots of low country boil: shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage. These folks really know how to welcome guests! Clay had actually brought his tent and camp gear but since it was still raining at bed time he crashed on the couch in Seeker.
Saturday morning greeted us with more rain, though lighter, along with gray skies that the sun tried but failed to break through. I hid out in Seeker with a massive stack of homework notebooks to be graded. But I was parked at an angle where I was able to watch one portion of the retriever tests and got to see some of the dogs in their field work. Very fascinating.
After the dog trials were over we cleaned up and drove to Tullahoma to see a friend's new herbal/earth products shop and do a little geocaching. We also stopped at the static displays in front of Arnold Test Center before meeting up with the rest of the dog group at a small meat and three restaurant for the evening meal. And although the rain had stopped Clay didn't make any move toward setting up his tent so I made up the couch for him. He really was a good roommate and didn't complain about my snoring.
Sunday came up sunny and rapidly warming. The mud tracks around Seeker made me a little nervous as I considered driving out of this muddy field. Spent the morning watching some more dogs in their field work. It's not something I had ever thought of doing, but I can see that Clay really enjoys it and I loved seeing how well he does with his dogs and with helping set up the fields. After lunch I drove right out of that muddy field and headed north on 41 toward home. Hated to return to the city and noise and traffic after all the fun and beauty in the country. Hope to get down to Georgia this summer and camp with Clay again, especially if we can kayak again. Thanks Clay for taking me to the dogs!
Overall it was a great weekend, but I wouldn't have predicted that on my arrival. More rain (you know, the word that has become my middle name of late) in 24 hours than this little valley was used to getting on top of a good bit of rain over the previous week meant that we were parked in a big, sloppy, muddy field. But Clay was a great companion so I really didn't mind. He even removed my old accordian door on the shower (the coffin door as I fondly call it) and put up my new wide angle shower rod.
We joined the other dog people up at the main cabin (yes up a hill through the woods in the pouring rain) and were greeted with huge pots of low country boil: shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage. These folks really know how to welcome guests! Clay had actually brought his tent and camp gear but since it was still raining at bed time he crashed on the couch in Seeker.
Saturday morning greeted us with more rain, though lighter, along with gray skies that the sun tried but failed to break through. I hid out in Seeker with a massive stack of homework notebooks to be graded. But I was parked at an angle where I was able to watch one portion of the retriever tests and got to see some of the dogs in their field work. Very fascinating.
After the dog trials were over we cleaned up and drove to Tullahoma to see a friend's new herbal/earth products shop and do a little geocaching. We also stopped at the static displays in front of Arnold Test Center before meeting up with the rest of the dog group at a small meat and three restaurant for the evening meal. And although the rain had stopped Clay didn't make any move toward setting up his tent so I made up the couch for him. He really was a good roommate and didn't complain about my snoring.
Sunday came up sunny and rapidly warming. The mud tracks around Seeker made me a little nervous as I considered driving out of this muddy field. Spent the morning watching some more dogs in their field work. It's not something I had ever thought of doing, but I can see that Clay really enjoys it and I loved seeing how well he does with his dogs and with helping set up the fields. After lunch I drove right out of that muddy field and headed north on 41 toward home. Hated to return to the city and noise and traffic after all the fun and beauty in the country. Hope to get down to Georgia this summer and camp with Clay again, especially if we can kayak again. Thanks Clay for taking me to the dogs!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Still Just a Weekend Warrior
Back home again after a weekend escape in Horizon Seeker. The Goddess and I drove down the trace to Hohenwald Friday after school and parked at my favorite stepdaughter's house then hopped in her van to get to the local ballpark in time for grandson's ball game. Their team lost but it was a nice family outing and Aiden played hard on the field while Addy and Drake played hard off the field with some of their friends. I swear I don't know how Darlene keeps up with all of them.
After the game we went back to the house and sat up late with girl talk. Hadn't done that in a long while so it was really fun. Darlene has always been my biggest supporter in the family. Nothing I do surprises her so when I said I was retiring from teaching, selling my house, and traveling around the country in a small rv her response was "Sounds fun."
Saturday morning we drove to Dickson and set up in a beautiful site at Montgomery Bell State Park. We were on the backside of the campgrounds with lots of shade and a fast running creek just a few feet from our door. The lot was very clean and level and had full hookups for $25. Just after we got the awning out and the chairs unfolded our friends Jen and Braden drove up. Originally they had planned to pitch a tent on our site but some unexpected events at home meant they would have to return home that evening (about 45 minutes away). Still, they did spend the day with us and it's always fun to get together with them.
Braden and I waded in the creek and had a rock skipping contest. Then the Goddess and Jen went to town to buy a few more things for dinner, I went inside to tenderize the chicken, and Braden waded the creek again (give him a break, he's 13). He's a good kid and when I asked him to help start the campfire he was there putting all his boy scout skills to work. When the girls got back he pitched in to make the salad while Jen and I put the chicken and some kabobs on the fire.
The evening ended with a feast at the picnic table and more laughter. We teased Braden a lot about his upcoming birthday Easter weekend. He and his mother will be camping with fellow geocachers at Henry Horton State Park, but we won't be able to make that camp since we have plans to be in Louisville, KY on those days. We will be camping with them this summer in Pennsylvania at Geowoodstock, and from my estimation on a 14 yr old's appetite, we may need to pull a trailer to have enough food for Braden over 4 days!
Seeker is parked out back again and the last load of laundry is folded and put away. It's back to school tomorrow (7 weeks to go) and get through another week. Then escape in Seeker again. Next week - Pelham, TN.
After the game we went back to the house and sat up late with girl talk. Hadn't done that in a long while so it was really fun. Darlene has always been my biggest supporter in the family. Nothing I do surprises her so when I said I was retiring from teaching, selling my house, and traveling around the country in a small rv her response was "Sounds fun."
Saturday morning we drove to Dickson and set up in a beautiful site at Montgomery Bell State Park. We were on the backside of the campgrounds with lots of shade and a fast running creek just a few feet from our door. The lot was very clean and level and had full hookups for $25. Just after we got the awning out and the chairs unfolded our friends Jen and Braden drove up. Originally they had planned to pitch a tent on our site but some unexpected events at home meant they would have to return home that evening (about 45 minutes away). Still, they did spend the day with us and it's always fun to get together with them.
Braden and I waded in the creek and had a rock skipping contest. Then the Goddess and Jen went to town to buy a few more things for dinner, I went inside to tenderize the chicken, and Braden waded the creek again (give him a break, he's 13). He's a good kid and when I asked him to help start the campfire he was there putting all his boy scout skills to work. When the girls got back he pitched in to make the salad while Jen and I put the chicken and some kabobs on the fire.
The evening ended with a feast at the picnic table and more laughter. We teased Braden a lot about his upcoming birthday Easter weekend. He and his mother will be camping with fellow geocachers at Henry Horton State Park, but we won't be able to make that camp since we have plans to be in Louisville, KY on those days. We will be camping with them this summer in Pennsylvania at Geowoodstock, and from my estimation on a 14 yr old's appetite, we may need to pull a trailer to have enough food for Braden over 4 days!
Seeker is parked out back again and the last load of laundry is folded and put away. It's back to school tomorrow (7 weeks to go) and get through another week. Then escape in Seeker again. Next week - Pelham, TN.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
A Cure for Cabin Fever
Well I didn't have any camping planned for this weekend, but I woke up early Saturday morning to a gorgeous day and thought "why waste this gorgeous day on housework?". Made a quick trip to the store for a few supplies then called the goddess to tell her to load up. Oops! What was I thinking. It's spring and everything is blooming and she has her annual hayfever/allergies/sinus attack/maybe turns into bronchitis attack. I swear that girl should move to the desert. So Gus and I had to go it alone.
Since it was just me and the dog I decided to take a trip through my childhood and headed east on highway 70 then north on 109 into Gallatin, TN. Spent a lot of my youth in Gallatin and Lebanon where my 2 sets of grandparents lived. Most of the 60s my Pa Wade was sherrif of Sumner County and I would spend my summers at their house on the highway. I never really knew it was highway 25 - guess you never care when you're a kid - but today when I turned off 109 onto 25 the memories came flooding back. Hard to believe that was 40 years ago and a much gentler time. Little Granny & Big Pa's house (yes, she was about 4'9" and he was well over 6' and at least 350#) is still there though the neighborhood around it has changed drastically. Still, it conjured up a melancholy feeling.
Pulled into Bledsoe Creek State Park around 10am and found that it was about half full what with the gorgeous weather and all my fellow "cabin fever" sufferers. Lots of bass boats on the water so there must be a bass tournament in the area. Decided right then that I didn't want a spot near the water. Those guys run and gun up the lake too much for me! Found a great pull through site not far from the bathhouse and in the trees but sort of on a hill so that I could see the water in the distance. Only water and electric to hook up but got set up pretty quick even without the goddess to help. Called Betsy, my friend from Navy days who lives in Lebanon, and invited her to join me for a campfire dinner, then did the right thing: opened the windows to let the breezes blow through and stretched out on the couch with a good book and a good dog. Was asleep in no time and slept till 2:00!
Gus and I took a 3 mile walk along a loop trail that ran near the water. I could see where the flooding had been this time last year. Actually the water is up pretty high right now and I had to skirt some muddy places on the trail. Gus didn't care as long as we were on the trail. Got back to camp and started the fire so that when Betsy arrived we were sitting by the fire trying to read that book again. We had a good visit and a great supper - sorry, I forgot to take pix - of jerk chicken and a tossed green salad. I cooked too much of course so repeat for supper tonight. Yeah! First time me and Bets have had a chance to just sit and visit for a long while and of course since we were both in the Navy and both work in education now, it was a lot of shop talk. It was also her first visit to Horizon Seeker and she was excited. She's decided to take a 3 day trip to Louisville with me and the Goddess in April so that's going to be fun!
After my company left I pour the last of the wine in a glass and curled up with that book and dog on the couch again. I said to myself, "Self, we'll just read a little while and then put on some pj's and fold the bed out. When I woke up at midnight it was all I could do to get into the pj's so the couch didn't get folded out. Still sleeps good that way too!
This morning I woke up around 4 and thought I heard a donkey braying. Went to the bathroom and crawled back under my cover to doze a while but an hour later I'm sure I heard that donkey again. This time I got up and got dressed. It was barely light out but Gus and I went walking around the campground for his morning rounds and to look for that donkey. Never did find him. Oh well. By 7am I'd had breakfast and closed up the camp. Stopped at the dump station to empty tanks and then headed a little further north to the historic site where Bledsoe's fort was located. Too bad none of that was in the park.
Gus and I walked for over 2 hours at the fort/park. We had the whole place to ourselves and the sun was warm and Gus kept rolling in the grass and hiking his leg on every tree. I knew that this was the site of an old fort/inn during the longhunter days and that they frequently have living history days there. But it was really neat to roam around the old buildings by myself too. The local unit of Sons of the Confederacy keep up the place as well as the local historical society so it's really nice but not overly done up. Loved walking up the old Holston Road and found the Bledsoe cemetery (again forgot to take pix). Also found a naval connection I never knew (and I'm from this neck of the woods).
So this part is for my brother Mike who has plans to visit Charleston, SC this spring. Among other things he plans to see the Hunley which was a small submarine that played a key role in the naval history of the Civil War. My dear husband was a huge fan of the Hunley and watched anxiously as they raised it from the briny depths and restored it for us to see. Yes, we went to Charleston just to see the Hunley. But what I learned today, Mike (which maybe you already knew) is that Hunley was from Bledsoe Creek. I took a picture of the marker to prove it. And since you and me are both Navy vets I think that's kind of a cool connection. Hope you enjoy Charleston! As for me, well, it's back to the house to clean out the rv and wash clothes for school. Only 8 more weeks!
Since it was just me and the dog I decided to take a trip through my childhood and headed east on highway 70 then north on 109 into Gallatin, TN. Spent a lot of my youth in Gallatin and Lebanon where my 2 sets of grandparents lived. Most of the 60s my Pa Wade was sherrif of Sumner County and I would spend my summers at their house on the highway. I never really knew it was highway 25 - guess you never care when you're a kid - but today when I turned off 109 onto 25 the memories came flooding back. Hard to believe that was 40 years ago and a much gentler time. Little Granny & Big Pa's house (yes, she was about 4'9" and he was well over 6' and at least 350#) is still there though the neighborhood around it has changed drastically. Still, it conjured up a melancholy feeling.
Pulled into Bledsoe Creek State Park around 10am and found that it was about half full what with the gorgeous weather and all my fellow "cabin fever" sufferers. Lots of bass boats on the water so there must be a bass tournament in the area. Decided right then that I didn't want a spot near the water. Those guys run and gun up the lake too much for me! Found a great pull through site not far from the bathhouse and in the trees but sort of on a hill so that I could see the water in the distance. Only water and electric to hook up but got set up pretty quick even without the goddess to help. Called Betsy, my friend from Navy days who lives in Lebanon, and invited her to join me for a campfire dinner, then did the right thing: opened the windows to let the breezes blow through and stretched out on the couch with a good book and a good dog. Was asleep in no time and slept till 2:00!
Gus and I took a 3 mile walk along a loop trail that ran near the water. I could see where the flooding had been this time last year. Actually the water is up pretty high right now and I had to skirt some muddy places on the trail. Gus didn't care as long as we were on the trail. Got back to camp and started the fire so that when Betsy arrived we were sitting by the fire trying to read that book again. We had a good visit and a great supper - sorry, I forgot to take pix - of jerk chicken and a tossed green salad. I cooked too much of course so repeat for supper tonight. Yeah! First time me and Bets have had a chance to just sit and visit for a long while and of course since we were both in the Navy and both work in education now, it was a lot of shop talk. It was also her first visit to Horizon Seeker and she was excited. She's decided to take a 3 day trip to Louisville with me and the Goddess in April so that's going to be fun!
After my company left I pour the last of the wine in a glass and curled up with that book and dog on the couch again. I said to myself, "Self, we'll just read a little while and then put on some pj's and fold the bed out. When I woke up at midnight it was all I could do to get into the pj's so the couch didn't get folded out. Still sleeps good that way too!
This morning I woke up around 4 and thought I heard a donkey braying. Went to the bathroom and crawled back under my cover to doze a while but an hour later I'm sure I heard that donkey again. This time I got up and got dressed. It was barely light out but Gus and I went walking around the campground for his morning rounds and to look for that donkey. Never did find him. Oh well. By 7am I'd had breakfast and closed up the camp. Stopped at the dump station to empty tanks and then headed a little further north to the historic site where Bledsoe's fort was located. Too bad none of that was in the park.
Gus and I walked for over 2 hours at the fort/park. We had the whole place to ourselves and the sun was warm and Gus kept rolling in the grass and hiking his leg on every tree. I knew that this was the site of an old fort/inn during the longhunter days and that they frequently have living history days there. But it was really neat to roam around the old buildings by myself too. The local unit of Sons of the Confederacy keep up the place as well as the local historical society so it's really nice but not overly done up. Loved walking up the old Holston Road and found the Bledsoe cemetery (again forgot to take pix). Also found a naval connection I never knew (and I'm from this neck of the woods).
So this part is for my brother Mike who has plans to visit Charleston, SC this spring. Among other things he plans to see the Hunley which was a small submarine that played a key role in the naval history of the Civil War. My dear husband was a huge fan of the Hunley and watched anxiously as they raised it from the briny depths and restored it for us to see. Yes, we went to Charleston just to see the Hunley. But what I learned today, Mike (which maybe you already knew) is that Hunley was from Bledsoe Creek. I took a picture of the marker to prove it. And since you and me are both Navy vets I think that's kind of a cool connection. Hope you enjoy Charleston! As for me, well, it's back to the house to clean out the rv and wash clothes for school. Only 8 more weeks!
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