On to Quadra

It is wonderful to be back on Quadra. Because it has been so wet and cold the pants are weeks behind the norm. Here are a few things that are in bloom.
Ocean Spray that is blooming all over the island and adding a lovely touch.

Poppy flower.

Purple Foxglove.

White Foxglove.

Bachelor's Button, I think.

One exception - the path. Despite my efforts in May it is on vegetation overload. Back to the path we go, clippers and trowels in tow.

Down to the beach. Neighbor Gary's canoes.

If you look closely, the gull has just caught something in the tidepool.

Eating his catch.

Another gull flying by. We've only seen a few eagles, most are off in the rivers catching salmon.

If you have a little imagination the beach is full of wonderful things..well, even without imagination it is wonderful.
A dorsal fin rising out of a pile of driftwood.

A log monster roaring at intruders?

Just for the record, Buck is standing at the end of log which is about 75 meters long.

A stage for oceanside performances? See the log seats to the right?

Or maybe a spot for a nap in the sun? The man can sleep anywhere.

Knoxville Finale

On our last day in Knoxville we went to a park with a terrific water feature. It is more than just a fountain. Also a great way to beat the heat and to get some more fun photographs.
At first Kali was quite nervous about getting her face wet so her gallant knight took her through the spray.

Trying it on her own.

Am I safe?

"I did it all on my lone."

Everyone is wet now.

Then Kail discovers something that is much more fun than getting her face wet!


Doesn't this bring the old Coppertone ads to mind?

More Good Knoxville Times

Big Fatty's. My favorite restaurant in Knoxville and a must every time I visit.

Ready for our meal.

Good old southern favorites...fried okra, spinach casserole, red beans and rice, turnip greens and cornbread. With unsweetened iced tea to drink. YUM!!

Fourth of July parade! It was down home, a bit funky and not anywhere near Hawaiian standards. Plus it was HOT that day.

Boaters have their fun.


The best, and one of the few floats.

There was glitter and glamor.

A couple of cute oldies in the crowd. I'll bet they wear those outfits every year.

The sheriff got into the spirit.

This was the creed of a girls club of some sort. Wow! A lot to live up to.

This was our favorite group. The Any Griffith Rerun Watchers Club. Seriously! A police car followed them with Mayberry on it's license plate and several men dressed like serie's characters walked behind the sign. We also loved the ladies book club group that was celebrating its 100th year.

More parade going up the hot road.

Isn't she a looker? She's from the roller derby.

Mr. Sun in the sun..bet he is HOT!

This guy brought his red tractor.

There was a band, with tubas.

A pretty red car, probably in the parade because it is red.

Our group...Sara, Jen, Maddie, Kali and Buck.

The Venables invited a few friends over to celebrate the fourth. An evening of fun and sparklers.

We drove into the Smokey Mountains to spend the day with Sara and Rick's friends who were camping for the weekend.
Fun wading in the cold stream.

Kali holding baby Hazel.

An outdoor nap.

We had a lovely visit to the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville. A scenic walk along the lake and fun looking at the creatures in the center itself.

A turtle for three.

A log for three turtles.

A pretty reflection.

Another great place to hangout with the Venables on a summer evening.


Capcup can be very funny.

Saturday market in downtown Knoxville.

Rock climbing is more fun than shopping.

Love that ice cream.


Even dogs are welcome.

Watching the dogs and people walk by.

Nana and Kali entertain themselves in the car.

Girls love to get their nails done.

Drinks on the porch on a summer evening...great!

Kali and Nana cuddle.

The fan dancer entertains us.