Category: Nature

In the garden, November 1

~ Spence's Girl ~ 2 Comments

While there is a chill in the air in Michigan, a combination of rain and sunny days has kept my garden flourishing. A freeze is imminent so I’m getting some photos of the last beautiful blooms …while I can. Enjoy!

  • Iris
  • Rose
  • Hydrangeas
  • Heather
  • Verbena
  • Snap Dragons
  • Geraniums
  • Geraniums
  • Sweet Williams
  • More irises ready to open

Autumn Wine Tasting

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Autumn in Michigan is my favorite season with cooler nights, leaves changing color and this year unseasonably mild day time temps.  My BFF invited me to visit her in Traverse City for a couple of days and wine tasting at several vineyards – including a 3 course wine pairing -were on the agenda. Northern Michigan’s west coast has a robust wine region. With elevations overlooking the bay and endless rows of vines heavy with clusters of grapes, natural beauty surrounds you.  The wine tasting rooms are elegant, inviting and always a fun way to enjoy the day.  It was sunny so we opted to sit outside while they brought us wine flights to sample overlooking views like this. Perfection.

 

Scenes from Tennessee

~ Spence's Girl ~ 2 Comments
Driving into Cades Cove, what a thrill
Look closely, a momma bear and two cubs
Momma bear and one cub moved along then realize this one is lagging behind
Momma bear calls and he takes off running
Old Mill
Old Mill
Roses
I had to take this photo
Local wine
My nightly routine, wine at sunset from my deck
I love this photo, my view of peaceful Wears Valley with the little white church in the foreground.

Sunrise, Sunset Repeat

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There is something magical about Tennessee that draws me back year after year. With the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop and overlooking Wears Valley, the view from my cabin is ever-changing. Rising early to watch the sunrise – this year with a rooster cock-a-doodle-doing in the valley and enjoying a glass of wine while witnessing every sunset is a priority for me. It’s a perfect way to bookend a day in Tennessee and never disappoints.

Tennessee – the Beauty of Storms in the Smoky Mountains

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One of my favorite things is watching afternoon thunderstorms roll over the mountains. Protected by my covered deck, I watched one front move through Wears Valley followed thirty minutes later by another. The heavy downpours, booming thunder and crackling lightning set against the Smoky Mountains is magnificent to witness. As the storm passed, thick fog slowly blanketed the valley, making the mountains disappear before my eyes. The air cooled as mist enveloped my cabin. It seemed I was in a cloud.

First storm coming my way
The clouds and fog roll in
Mountains disappearing
Peace, tranquility and the beauty of nature.