Down the Silvery Trail

Day is Done...

What a gorgeous way to end my day as I drive home from work!

Jesse

The Hermitage: A Step Back in Time

My hand travels down the the stair railing and my immediate thought is "I am touching the same railing that Andrew Jackson routinely used in his daily life". The Hermitage is a peek into a past time that seems so long ago until you realize you are seeing and touching the very things that made up his and Rachel Jackson's life.

One little bit of history that I was not aware of is that Jackson left for the White House as the seventh President of the United States a mere three and a half weeks after his beloved Rachel passed away. Can you imagine taking over the most important position in our country while in the midst of possibly one of your greatest losses of your life?

Now, scenes from The Hermitage grounds (photos not allowed inside).

 The Ladies' Hermitage Association has established a 

small herd of Belted Galloway cattle

 to help support the museum.

 Andrew and Rachel are buried here in The Hermitage gardens.

 The house bells. Each occupant of the mansion had a specialized ring that could

 beckon assistance from the  house slaves from any area of the house.

 The farm bell used to alert slaves to the main house.

 The smokehouse where the meats (especially pork) 

were preserved. The openings in the brick 

allowed the smoke and air to circulate.

 The Springhouse, the source for water used in the mansion

 An alternate spring located near the slaves' area

 Barn used today for the farming endeavors

 The walk through the garden to the tomb of 

Andrew and Rachel

 Cooper's Hawk

 Ornamental Cabbage

Dusty Miller

Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for....

Thanksgiving morning I decided to go for about a 2 hour hike before the busy activities of the day. Being able to hike on such a beautiful morning and any morning is one thing I'm thankful this Thanksgiving Day.

What did I find by the side of my car at the trailhead? I'd say this was a pretty fitting way to start my hike!

 Sunrise at Stones River National Battlefield.

 The deer were very active and I saw small groups of 3 or 4 around every turn.

Old Barn

Better Things to do than Black Friday Shopping!

While the crowds were stressing over getting the great advertised deals, I was enjoying the beauty and serenity of the woods. I will always prefer this beautiful way to spend Black Friday than saving a few dollars at the mall.

(You can view the complete album on My Picasa site shown above.)

Stones River Battlefield - In Search of Deer

I again visited Stones River Battlefield to see if I could again spot some deer and/or other wildlife. I was in luck until the hikers and dog-walkers began to arrive at the park.

 Ice Ribbons

 Whispers in the wind

 Stark against blue skies

 Peek-a-boo!

 Wood on wood

 The deer are hidden and I'm on the trail out.