Dad and Phoebe's visit

Dad and Phoebe were just here for a few days. While they were here, we worked a lot on our yard...doing clean up from after the storms and the yard was also in need of some special attention to tree trimming and shaping up some problem areas. Also, I have always wanted to start gardening, and with this fantastic back yard and living in a part of the world where growing things is quite easy with a moist climate, I thought now would be the perfect time to do that.


Molly was helping Dad...using her own plastic shovel and rake.


Running up to see what Grandpa Phil was doing.


The spot where I wanted to put the garden.


Digging with a real shovel.


"My 1st Garden"...so happy to have one of her own. She'll be growing cherry tomatoes and basil.


Hammering in the pegs.


Adding the soil..."so heavy!"


Trying to decide what to get into next.


Spreading out and mixing up the soil.


Planting cherry tomatoes.






Watering her garden.


Time for a break.

We spent a couple days working on the yard and garden. There was one day it rained, so we stayed indoors. On Wednesday, we went to Cades Cove in the Smokey Mountains for a picnic and to drive the historic loop. Sorry to say that Dan missed most of the fun stuff since he had to work, but he did get to be a big part of the first day of yard work. :)


Picnic by the creek at Cades Cove.


Beautiful setting...it was a bit chilly, but nice.


The creek.


Eating lunch.


Protected from wind, sun, peanut butter and jelly.


Walking in the picnic area with Grandpa Phil.


A church steeple.


Walking out of the old church.


If I were a tree...I would want to be one right here.


The landscape is so lush and peaceful.


A perfect place.


With a new toy fawn we got at the gift shop.


She loves her fawn...his name is Tiny Star, from a book...but she insists it is Bambi.


The many barns, houses and outbuildings near the visitor center.


What a ham!


The gift shop.


Walking to the mill with Grandpa Phil.


A wood turner doesn't see a fallen tree...he sees all the artistic potential that could come from that stump.


More houses and barns...as we head back to the car to go home.

We really want to express our gratitude to Dad and Phoebe for their help and hard work. Thank you!