Category: Photography

In the garden 9/16/21

~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Leaves are falling and my garden is still producing beautiful blooms. As I did my daily “garden tour” I was inspired to photograph and share them.

I’ve been obsessed with hydrangeas for years but have had little success other than healthy green plants. In April I hired a professional landscaping company to make the front of my home prettier. Among other lovely plants he brought in three hydrangeas, all of which have been blooming for months, I was thrilled. Success at last!

Always lovely are my turtleheads, flowering garlic chives and annuals that continue to add punches of color…

Life is better when surrounded by the beauty of nature isn’t it?

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 Travels

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Road trip 2021, arrived on Memorial Day hours early for my Wears Valley cabin check-in. Already in nearby Townsend it was time to let my vacation begin, starting with an impromptu wine tasting at Cades Cove Cellars, stocking up on wine…. since I was there anyway. Next on to drive Cades Cove Loop, 11 miles, one lane/one way road. The 11 miles is leisurely and slow-moving easily 2-3 hours which lined up with my check-in and a perfect choice as this place is everything I love about Tennessee. My #1 Tennessee trip goal is to see a black bear every trip – hopefully more than one. Photos never truly capture the majestic mountains, abundant meadows and that sky above… what I’d imagine heaven looks like. 

And on this first vacay day, I had my first bear sighting, check!

First 2021 black bear sighting, grazing (at some distance) you can see his head is up and make out his ears. Every time I see them it’s a thrill.  Every single time. 

 

 

In the garden on the last day of April

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A walkabout in my garden on the last day of April, finds signs of life everywhere, from bulbs to perennials to sprouting cilantro from last years wind-blown seeds. 

 

In the garden

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Today was sunny, a perfect day to spend outdoors working in the yard. I noticed these blooms and grabbed my phone to capture these beautiful images. Then I picked a bouquet….

  • Bluebells over oregano
  • Hyacinths
  • Tulips
  • Daffodils
  • Ruffled Daffodil
  • Grape Hyacinth
  • Tulip
  • Daffodils
  • Ruffled Daffodil
  • From my garden oasis

 

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.