Courthouse and Conways

Once again I went to work at the Knox County Courthouse. Leaving ,I took the opportunity took take some "tourist" shots. A couple spent time carefully reading all the inscriptions on some of the monuments. I noticed that the woman left a bouquet at the base of the John Sevier's monument. John Sevier held the office of Govenor of Tennessee six times and had four terms in Congress. Our Conway family was very close to the Seviers, marrying four of his children. Our ancestor, Suzanne Conway eventually DIVORCED her Sevier husband. He had deserted the family, leaving her to raise four children alone. Her divorce was the first one granted in the State of Tennessee....

Old Gray Cemetary

Saturday Paul and I went on a carriage ride and tour of the Old Gray Cemetery. The first burial was in 1851. The citizens of the community wanted a park style cemetery, all in vogue in England, a place of bautiful trees, walk ways, and away from the city. Couples would go on strolls here, families would have picnics, and everyone would enjoy the fountain, trees, and flowers. Many famous and infamous former citizens now permanently visit Old Gray. In the carriage ride, you pass by stones with familiar names that now grace buildings, roads, communities, or businesses in East TN. Stones range from simple to tall and graceful. We spied two celtic crosses, the stumps of woodsmens, angels, and a curious cube balanced on one corner. We strolled down the main street of Old Gray and were welcomed by many residents, ready to introduce themselves. Tennessee William's father was first to meet us, showing us where his mother was buried and letting it be known that it was only because he was not getting along with his wife that his final resting place was in Knoxville. A Bohemian band told how the Mother was a hardworking single Mom that loved all her family but was unhappy with her drinking son. He complained that he thought it wasnt fair that he didnt get his own gravesite, but had to be buried above his Mom because he was a pauper. A korean veteran told of his love of his wife and country. He was the first American killed in action in the Korean War, being shot down on his 26 mission. A well dressed Civil War widow complained that her murdered Union husband forgot to mention that he had another wife. She and the first wife fougnt for his pension for two years. The Army would not release her husbands body into either wife's custody so no one is sure where he is buried. She named her son after his father and made a name for herself and prospered. The other wife was given the pension but faded into history. Many other residents gladly welcomed all the visitors. The beautiful ladies in the photograph watched over the event.

elkmont

I have been working for the Knox Co election commission for several weeks. We huddle around our computers, deep down in the basement of the Old Knox Co courthouse, and try to read poorly signed petitions. I needed to get out into the sun so Paul took me to Elkmont this weekend. We hiked on the road out of Elkmont campground. It was beautiful.

so nice

Dr. ZACH Whalen

Members of Zach's fan club were honored to witness the hooding ceremony at the UF campus. The good Dr was seen skipping about his hotel room when he first tried on his robes. Hugs, handshakes, and tears were shared by all. Zach has worked so hard and has been greatly supported by his beautiful bride, Stacy. We are so proud of you both!

Out of Their Window !

Pictures of the Move!

Zach, Stacy and Teddy are on the move again.

Zach, Stacy, Teddy and "Baby Girl" have moved to Fredericksburg, VA. All their things have been moved into the third story apartment we call "The tree house." They have more windows than their last place much to Teddy's delight. He has not yet discovered the cat in the apartment across from his balcony. The cat's owener has created cat television by scattering bird seed all over her balcony. Squirrels and birds keep the cat entertained.
Stacy's father helped with the move by driving the 28ft truck up from Spartanburg, SC. Paul, Zach, and Keith carried boxes and Stacy and I unloaded them. We all had to keep an eye on Teddy after he learned how to open the front door.
After working all day, we all found a place on the floor to sleep. Keith had a few blankets, Zach had a sleeping bag, Stacy stayed in the recliner while Paul and I shared an air mattress. The second day we worked hard to make sure that Stacy and "baby girl" could sleep in the master bedroom bed. We were all happy to see the piano moving crew arrive. Stacy was afraid to watch them move the piano so I took alot of pictures. We met several neighbors when they came out to watch the piano moving show.
The third night, Stacy's Mom, sister, and nephews arrived and took Stacy to a wedding shower in Baltimore! Before they left, we all enjoyed homemade pumpkin lasagna for supper. YUMMMMY!
Today we purchased and built an entertainment center. During the day we also took a trolly tour of "Old Town", Fredericksburg. George Washington and his family lived here and across the river. His mother, Mary Washington, is the favorite daughter of the city. There are museums, concerts, galleries, stores, restaurants, tours, and historic sites. So far there has not been a sighting of an alligator or shark. We are all going to like this place.

Happy 4th of July

um,,,,watermelon feast!

Sassy in the Clouds....

One day recently the best show in town was in the sky.......one cloud gradually turned into the image of Sassy, our furry friend, dog-person.

Raising the Roof!

Oh my what a sight! Work for the night is coming.....

Father's Day

Dad,
The older I get, the more I realize how much I love you. Thank you for being so strong, so independent, and so protective. Thank you for being there for me and only wanting the best for me and my family. Your advice is priceless. When I am 80 and you are 106, I will continue to learn from you. I will help you , only when you ask, your " I can do it" attitude keeps you young.

I want to say that I love you.
Happy Father's Day
from your favorite Daughter

Oh Yes, the truth is out

baby brother

Isn't he cute

Workers!

The rent is due so our renters have decided to work off their debts. This is a wonderful plan as I have all the money I could ever want and too much yardwork. Paul has been working on a landscape design that will conceal our new neighborhood subdivision. These shrubs will grow to the height of fifty feet at a rate of five feet a year. We shall have our own forest. The fence has changed to look of the backyard so much. I sometimes feel like we have moved. The birds, having lost forty acres of trees, use the fence for conversations and perching. That has been the only good part of losing the backyard. More pics later......

A Beautiful day in the Neighborhood

Andrew

Andrew has graduated and we are so proud. He studied stuff that only he and his Dad understand. Go ahead, ask him a computer question, I dare you !

Dogwood days

Meet our newest addition to the front yard. The Pink Dogwood! We are so happy this tree survived last years drought. I spent many days hauling dishwashing water out to many plants. I could not stand the idea of tossing out the water and the plants were thirsty. I have a dripping kitchen faucet and I keep a large watering can in place to catch the drips. The water conservation has now become a part of my daily routine. The plants enjoy the attention

Grandma Rose

Teddy needed reasurrance that Grandma Rose will always love him.

Spring Beauty

Oh, I got to take a rare picture of a Spring Beauty in my front yard!