Happy Easter 2026

Easter gathering with the family was special!

The decorations were perfect -

The food was delicious -

The flowers were lovely - 

Easter day started out rainy and chilly here in East Tennessee, fortunately the rain stopped so the egg hunt could happen but the chill remained, brrr

#Blessed

(Trying To) Getting "Acquainted"

Our cousins have two dog, Ms. Violet and Mr. Snoop, both still in their puppy stages.

They're both great dogs, well trained and super friendly and personable, however, Ms. Trixie doesn't see it the same way. Ms. Trixie wants nothing to do with them and will constantly bark at them when she see them and will lunge and snap at them if we're all out in the yard at the same time, which is why I usually keep Ms. Trixie on a leash.

Here's an action shot of Ms. Trixie chasing off Ms. Violet -

I'd like to think that by slowly introducing them that they're getting better, see below. You can see they're both relaxed and coexisting but it's short lived -

They don't need to be BFFs but it would be nice if they could behave and tolerate being out in the yard together.  Ms. Trixie is just too set in her ways and at her age I don't see her changing much but we'll keep trying with fingers crossed.

Click the link below to watch and see how happy-go-lucky Ms. Violet is while trying to win over Ms. Trixie's attention, and how grumpy and defensive Ms. Trixie is -

"Trixie and Violet Getting Acquainted" 

A Blast From The Past

My grandfather worked for Union Carbide in South Charleston, West Virginia for 41 years!

"Charlie Frye (with an "e") came here over 41 years ago. He spent 30 days in AX and 30 days in the catalyst, then went to ethanol operations for 24 years,  Since '69, Charlie has been in polyols as foreman on "C" shift. The Frye's have two children and four grandchildren"

Below is a picture of my grandfather at his 40-year celebration party -

 To be a fly on the wall...

A Ride Back In Time

One of the best spots in Tennessee!

This location and this view has always been VERY special to me!

Last week I once again got to sit in that swing (from where I took the above picture from) and sway, and just like Marty McFly in Back To The Future it was like I was thrown back in time, and SO many wonderful memories came rushing in taking me back to when I was a wee pre-teen youte to the present, as a now (almost) senior (citizen).

Even though so much has changed over the years, the memories created in that swing, on that back porch and in that yard remain with me and I hold them close.

I cherish and am thankful for each and every one, even the difficult ones!

#Blessed

A Country Wedding!

Tennessee weddings in the country are something special!

Congratulations to Maria & Kyle!

The wedding was beautiful - from the location, to the weather, to the views, to the décor and of course the bride, all spot on perfect!

Meet Oscar, the weiner dog, AND ring bearer! He performed flawlessly and on cue and even stole a bit of thunder when after delivering the rings to the groom he opted to lay down and curl up on the brides dress train instead of going back to his bed. A great moment and one that you couldn't have scripted any better if you tried -

Maria and Loriann made the cake and the cupcakes, what talent!

OMG, SO darn delicious -

The flowers were all stunning!

I don't know how David pulled it off or where he got all these lovely flowers from but kudos to him for tapping into his feminine side and pulling off this beautiful feat -

It was all perfect!

We had a great time celebrating and SO thankful for getting to be a part of it!

What A View!

One last posting from my visit to Chicago last month.

We took in the 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the John Hancock Observatory, which is on the 94th floor, a mere 1,030 feet above Chicago, YIKES!

One of the offerings is called "TILT", where you stand against floor to ceiling windows that slowly tilt outward towards the city below.  Um yeah, I passed on this option but there were many people doing it.

The views were incredible in all directions -

I found the below signage funny, which were posted outside of a pub we went to.  Based on the news I've seen, Chicagoans don't seem to follow the "no gun" directive.

A Google search returned the following, "as of July 7, 2024, there have been almost 1,200 total reported shootings in the city, according to the Chicago Police Department."

Looking forward to my next visit to the windy city!

 

Just Saying!

If the shoe fits...

It's Here...

Country singer Justin Moore released a new album on October 12, titled "This Is My Dirt".

I'm a fan of his and enjoy many of his songs and this album is no different.  Although, I tend to stay away from listening to music these days, as the songs tug more than I like on the ole heart strings.

This morning I happened upon one of his new songs of this album called "You Know It's Coming" and boy-o-boy did it hit me hard, just like Kenny Chesney's song "Don't Blink" did and still does.

I didn't listen to or believe it when I was younger, I wish I had, but let me tell you, someday has arrived...

Click the link below to listen on YouTube -

Justin Moore - You Know It's Coming

Here are the lyrics -

From the moment a man paints his guest room pink

He can't help but think

About the reason I'm cleaning this gun tonight

Sitting here on the front porch swing

Waiting on a shined-up Chevy emblem

To show up in my driveway

I've been dreading this for sixteen years

Three months and a couple of days

Even though you know it's coming

Like a freight train humming from a mile away

You think you'll be ready

With life's lead foot leaning on the clutch and off the brakes

'Til what's down the line ain't down the line no more

That's how time does it

You just crack a beer 'cause someday's herе

And dang if you can't do nothing

Even though you know it's coming

You figure the man that taught you how to fish

Is madе of steel and bricks

It's just strangers' and a few good buddies'

Grandpas that wind up sick

And then one day, you're wearing all black

Crushed behind a Cadillac

Even though you know it's coming

Like a freight train humming from a mile away

You think you'll be ready

With life's lead foot leaning on the clutch and off the brakes

'Til what's down the line ain't down the line no more

That's how time does it

You just crack a beer 'cause someday's here

And dang if you can't do nothing

Even though you know it's coming

As sure as Pawpaws pass on

And baby girls grow up

Can't even think about the day

What the preacher's gonna say

The rice, the tie, the tux

Even though you know what's coming

Like a freight train humming from a mile away

You think you'll be ready

Life's lead foot leaning on the clutch and off the brakes

'Til what's down the line ain't down the line no more

That's how time does it

You just crack a beer 'cause someday's here

And dang if you can't do nothing

Even though you know it's coming

Yeah, even though you know it's coming

The Windy City

A view of the city of Chicago from my daughter's apartment.

What a difference 24 hours makes.

I took this first pic on the first morning of my stay -

A day later grey, cloudy and overcast, with much of the city skyline hidden -

It didn't slow us down, nope, and did improve some.

The Iceman

C'mon! My house isn't THAT cold!

A visiting Floridian having a difficult time adjusting to Winter in New England. Ironically, the same winters he grew up in.

This image reminds me of my mom and how she was always bundled up on the couch.  As my brother said, seems I've turned into my dad.  Tug at my heart but one of the most heartfelt and best compliments I've ever received and one I couldn't be more proud of.

The apple didn't fall too far from the tree, on both accounts!

Beef, It's What's For Dinner!

Christmas Eve dinner has been picked up, sorted, cut, marinating (half teriyaki and half plain) and patiently waiting in the freezer for GO TIME!

Almost six and three quarter pounds of beef sirloin tips!

I'm not rushing things but already looking forward to a family gathering here at the ole homestead on XMas eve and digging into these tips, hanging out, catching up and enjoying family time!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

#Blessed

Happy Birthday Uncle Joe

As a general rule of mine, I don't typically post pictures of myself or of family or of friends.

Today, I am making an exception and it's with a heavy heart that I do.

This is a late 70's, early 80's throwback picture of me and my Uncle Joe in Tennessee.  I have SO many great memories of my uncle, of time spent just he and I, as well as time spent with our families.  Whether out fishing, gigging frogs, driving back roads off the beaten path, finding good eats or just tagging along when he had errands or side jobs, I was always my happiest.  I wish I could go back in time and relive some of these adventures.

Sadly, Uncle Joe passed August 4, 2021, a very sad day.  My uncle remains and lives in my thoughts and memories and they always bring a smile to my face and pull me out of my funk.

It's his birthday today and I want to wish him a BIG happy birthday!

I miss you Uncle Joe...

Love One Another

Time sure does have a way of quickly passing by and before you know it you're older and roles change.

A simple illustration that hit's home and moves me every time, in a good reflective way.

 

Faster! Faster! Go Faster!

This past Saturday was a beautiful day.  We spent the afternoon detailing cars and cleaning some items from the garage.  One item emptied and cleaned was a Craftsman Radio Flyer wagon.  

Of course an empty wagon clearly means wagon rides up and down the driveway, regardless if you (56) in dog years or 19 in college student years.

Bubba Night-Night

It's uncanny!

65 years in the making!

A Walk Down Memory Lane...

Pulled and scanned some old pictures the other day.  The process, although tedious, is wonderful, as it beings back SO many memories of growing up and times gone by.  I'd be lying if a tear or two isn't shed...

Here are some pictures of my goat Nani!  She was awesome and more like a dog.

Here she is atop of Charlies Place getting a birds eye view of things.  She would love to get up there and then literally jump off the front and soar -

She wasn't bothered by the snow and loved her some plastic!  Here she is eating the plastic garbage bags that she could get a hold of -

The pictures below are of Nani at her new home.  Honestly, I don't recall why I chose to sell her, perhaps graduating.  Perhaps falling in love.  It was tough decision but set in motion a friendship that has lasted over 30+ years now. Fate?  Karma?

Here she is again enjoying a tasty plastic bread bag -

She really loved to climb on things and jump off them, often times sideways.  She became a mother at her new home too, an excellent mother too -

I miss her and I apologies to her often...

A Snapshot In Time

Cleaning out "Charlie's Place" we came across several family relics - our grandfather's Union Carbide hard hat and his lunch pail.  Unfortunately, the lunch pail was it terrible condition and unable to be salvaged, however, the Thermos was in very good condition.

The items have been cleaned and look good.  I'll find a spot here at the ole homestead where they can be displayed and bring me back to a time long ago; one that I miss dearly.

Feeling Nostalgic

I stopped by the ole Frye family house in Westwood yesterday, walked the property and took a handful of pictures.

Sure do miss the old place and the old times.  Memories came flooding back of times gone by; wonderful memories.  Such a quiet and peaceful lot, much of it created but our hard work and labor of love over so many years.

Where's my time machine?!

Boston Here We Come!

We spent the day in Boston on Tuesday, 8/23.

We took in Faneuil Hall with a Regina pizza lunch outside over looking the waterfront.  A stroll along the waterfront to the Northend.  An even longer stroll through Downtown Crossing to the Boston Common and a couple photos in front of the State House.  Then ended with a pleasurable boat ride on the historic Swan Boats

Another terrific day!

Maine Steamer and Maine Lobstah!

We had ourselves some lobsters and Maine steamers for dinner a couple weeks ago and it was delicious!

Cooked the steamers in 24oz of beer.  The artery clogging dipping butter with fresh out-of-the-garden-garlic put it all over the top.

Here's Trixie-dog introducing herself -

Even the our chickens got to partake in the seafood experience.  We cracked up all the lobster shells and parts into smaller manageable pieces and they quickly went to town.

Looking forward to doing this again!