Morning Shoot

Before I left Tennessee yesterday, I took a few photos. It was supposed to be a sunny day, and it was the kind of perfect morning lighting that helps warm up photographs.

This little guy was pretty confident, he's the only one that would let me get close to him.


He also was a little grumpy about his territory in the grass. This goose was closer to him at one point, until he started poking his beak at him.


I took an abundant amount of photos yesterday morning for my low light assignment and I won't bore you with posting a ton of them. (But if you want to see a few shots, click on the picture below to go to the album.)

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Oh Tennessee River and a mountain man

We get together anytime we can.

This afternoon, mom and I brainstormed spots around town that might photograph well (with the pooches, of course). She helped me plan a route around town and promised to take care of my furry babies as I left.






The sun wasn't at its best, as the clouds were still trying to dissipate. However, I managed to capture a few lucky moments when the sun hit objects just right.

This is was a gate house into Oak Ridge, or as it was known in 1941 the "secret city." Over 75,000 workers were building something that they didn't understand, which turned out to be the A-bomb dropped on Japan after Pearl Harbor. (Manhattan Project Photos)

The Oak Ridge International Friendship Bell: The bell was built to honor the workers of the Manhattan Project, to commemorate 50th birthday of Oak Ridge and to become a symbol and everlasting monument for peace.

It has been a fun trip to Tennessee, with much relaxation, shopping, cooking and chatting. I am so happy that I will be home soon with a fresh start and a clear mind.

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A little time away

I was in need of an escape this week (hopefully I will be able to explain better later why I had to get out of the house.) Needless to say, I needed to get out of town for a while to relieve some stress. I left Wednesday early morning and drove up to my parent's house in Tennessee.

I packed the car as Jay was getting ready for work. (early) After our 3 weeks of belongings were tucked into my little car, I jumped in the shower and headed out on the road for our 3 day trip.

Haley and Murphy love grandma and grandpa's house. To the point where they squeel with joy as soon as they see the river that leads to my parent's street. As soon as we arrive, they tear out of the car. As I pulled up on Wednesday I had the window open, and Haley was so excited that she almost jumped out of the car through the window. They love the freedom of land to run, especially since my parents yard is not fenced. (They enjoy the neighbors yard as well, and only come back when heavily coaxed.) The only time I can capture moments is when they wear themselves out and take a break...

After Murphy got his clock cleaned by the protective dog next door, he went into time out on the porch for not listening. Haley thoroughly enjoyed the extra attention she received from the neighbor kids who also live next door.

My parents have a screened-in back porch where we spend most of our time in warm weather. I've been known to fall asleep outside in the evening on occasion. We spent the night enjoying a cocktail, talking about recent events, and enjoying dinner on the back porch.

We rarely eat out for dinner in Tennessee. My parents grill the majority of their meals and have their schedules down pat. They know exactly the time for each type of meat and the time to "flip." (In this instance they were cooking swordfish and chicken).

(I think it is only appropriate to not post pictures of us eating.)

As tired as Haley and Murphy were the next morning, they still found a way to beg at grandma's every step in the kitchen.

After rain all day yesterday and the first part of the morning today, I'm hoping that the weather clears so that I can take a few pictures for my photography assignment. If I get anything decent, I'll post it. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to the projected sunny and 65 degree weather tomorrow in Atlanta.

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Oak Ridge-ers

For the second weekend in a row, Jay and I came up to Oak Ridge, near Knoxville. The first weekend, my dad bought tickets for the two of them for TN/Auburn game. This weekend we got tickets for the TN/GA game. It's been a great couple of weekends!

Last night we went to a new-ish restaurant at the end of my parents street, called the Flatwater Grill. It overlooks the river that travels over 30 miles through east Tennessee.

Jay & me

Mom & Dad

The four of us at dinner

Mom and dad outside...

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Easter in Tennessee

Jay and I drove up to Tennessee for Easter weekend. Spending time in East Tennessee is always nice. I have classes on Saturday and haven't been up there in 3 months so it was great to be 'home'. The areas around Knoxville are so green this time of year (no Bermuda!). The wild flowers along the roads and in fields are so colorful and bright this time of year. I would move back TOMORROW if I could!

I wanted to buy Austin an Easter present so my sister and I took him to Toys R Us on Saturday. I bought him a 4-wheeler that he can drive around the house. It even has enough power to run through the grass. :)

After Toys R Us, we headed to the mall. We stopped for a while in a kiddie playground area so Austin could play. The video below is for Kerry and Grandma!

Going down the slide...

My sister Kerry and Austin

My mom cooked for hours and finally got a chance to sit down! Easter dinner was SO GOOD!! Ham, broccoli casserole, potato salad, pinapple casserole and pinapple upside-down cake. Mmmmm....

I bought him this little golf set. When we got home, Uncle Jay showed him how to play!

My dad and sister...

The goldens snuggling...

He's already 38 lbs - at 2 years!

My mom taught Austin to go to the door and call for his dog Riley. He calls her "Riiii--eeeey." This clip is for her! :)

Easter Sunday we went to my favorite church, Cedar Springs Presbyterian. There's just something about the Pastor's sermons that I absolutely love. It's THE church that has really changed my views about going to church on Sunday ...and feeling like I need it every weekend. I was happy that we got to go back for Easter!

Jay and I after church Easter Sunday

Thank you Easter bunny!

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Christmas in Knoxville

Jay and I spent a few days in Knoxville over Christmas. Allie, to the right, is my parents Golden Retriever. Not to date myself too much, but I remember picking her out of a litter of puppies in Michigan when I was in high school. I remember being told to turn her upside-down and scratch her belly to see if she was submissive. She rolled over and enjoyed every minute of it! :) Since that day, she has been such a blessing to our lives. She has uplifted so many people - friends, family, neighbor dogs & children, random strangers - have all enjoyed her smiling face, wagging tail and loving personality. She laid with me when I was sick, stayed by my side when I had heart surgery and has unconditionally accepted every mutt that I've brought into her life! Jay recently reminded me that when he was upset over the loss of our last dog Abby, she jumped up in the bed with him and wouldn't leave his side. At almost 15 years old, she gets just about anything she wants. Our dogs know she's the leader...I think in this picture one of them set a ball next to her as a kind gesture. She prefers a soft baby, but continues her gracious demeanor still. We love you, Allie!


Here are a few pictures of Austin that Kerry took on Christmas...I can't seem to find our pictures, but will upload them as soon as I find them. He enjoyed every minute of opening his presents - I think he felt very special sitting with his mother while she was putting together his toys and helping to start the paper ripping process! He is a people-person for sure!

"You want this bow? Hmm....let me think of the price...."

Here's a picture with Uncle Jay. Austin understands just about everything people are saying. He's pointing to different objects as Uncle Jay calls them out.....bell, guitar, ball and his favorite...STAR!

My sister Kerry, Kenny and Austin

This is one of my favorite pictures of Austin. All of the girls took him to get professional pictures made over Thanksgiving. My aunt, mom, sister and I had fun watching him pose for everyone. He was so good! We were clapping and "hoo-ray-ing" when posed. He loved every minute of it!

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Vols Annihilated the Dawgs!

Our 5-year anniversary was October 5th. We don't have to have fancy dinners and candlelight to have a good time (every once in a while it's nice), so we decided to go up to Tennessee for the UT/UGA game. Because Tennessee hasn't done well this year and the tickets were going for over $650 on eBay, we were just going to grab dinner somewhere Friday night, then tailgate on the strip on Saturday.

When we got to my parent's house Friday night, my mom set up a whole feast for us including shrimp, spinach dip and crackers, different kind of cheeses, fruit, and champagne with candlelight and a lace table cloth. In our anniversary card, they gave us was a certificate for 2 FREE Tickets to the GA/UGA game on the 50 yard line and a parking pass next to the stadium! My mom and dad's best friends, who we have known forever, have a couple of dealerships and donate 2 cars a year plus yearly ticket fees to the TN football association. My parents were able to convince them at the last minute to let them buy the tickets. Needless to say, they really set us up! To top it off, my parents also treated us to a gift certificate for dinner that night, so Jay and I went out after our appetizers to our real anniversary dinner (by ourselves!). It was a really nice treat!!! They shouldn't spoil us so much or we'll never want to leave!! Seriously, it was nice to be catered to --they reminded us how good that feels!

Getting ready for the game at Cool Beans

Rocky Top

It was such a pretty day that day!

Deana Carter singing during half-time.

Neither of us expected Tennessee to do very well....I thought for sure it be a blow out after the TN/FL game earlier this year. The final score was 35-14, which made it a great game for me!

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