Juxtapositions

I wandered down to the water this morning. I couldn't help but try and catch a photo of a sight I found to be very amusing: ducks hanging out on an old inner tube that has been tied to the dock and forgotten about:

Of course, they fled as soon as I approached. Little did they know I came bearing gifts of bread. I managed to snap this shot before they were all off of the raft though, which I came to find out is actually called Big Mable. I find it nice, in a way, to realize how nature will appropriate things when she pleases. That raft had obviously been there long enough to be incorporated into the ducks' environment and no longer deemed a human "threat".

While I realize this appropriation can be a good thing, I also realize it can be dangerous. In the same way our feathered friends might make use of the things careless humans leave behind, they can also become entangled in things like fishing wire. We live an existence of opposites. Juxtapositions.

Once I was down to the deck, a little lady came up to say hi. She wasn't with the other ducks and was actually quite friendly. She got the bread all to herself (well, except for a few pesky fishes who attempted to snatch it away from her). I really enjoy how quirky ducks are. It was peaceful on the lake with just her this morning.

Laurel Falls Hike

Downstream

Upstream

Daniel and I went hiking out near Laurel Falls, TN. on Sunday. It was really beautiful out there. I am sad to report that we didn't make it all the way out to the falls (next time!) due to mud and improper shoes on our part, but the scenery we did see was still amazing. I snapped a few photos of the creek as it ran along a rock face out in the woods. We hiked a total of 2 miles so I still feel pretty good about the exercise we did get.

If you click the Laurel Falls link above, it will take you to a website with info. on how to get there/what to expect out of the hike, etc. The path is part of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia all the way to Maine. I feel so lucky to live in such a vibrant hiking community. I'll be sure to share more trails with you as we check them out.

New Addition

We added a new member to the aquatic family this past weekend. Meet George! He (I am assuming it's a he, although I think snails can change sexes? Don't quote me on that though!) is a "Blue Mystery Snail" of the aquatic variety, obviously. I think the name is derived from the color of their shell, which you can't see at all here. But it's a beautiful bluish-grey. I'll try and get a photo of it sometime soon.

Our aquarium gets a fair amount of sunlight and algae has started growing already. Instead of getting chemical drops to clear the tank up, we wanted to take the more natural approach to maintaining our little ecosystem. Snails love algae. It seemed like the logical thing to do. If you look really closely you can see his little mouth going to town on that glass. I love his little "moustache" too.

The Beta (who I affectionately refer to as "fatty fish" because he can never get enough to eat!) hated George the first two days we had him, but I think he has figured out that George poses no threat to his food supply so he's stopped picking on him. Thank goodness.

Weekend Wrap Up and a Backyard Visitor

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend. I know I did! Saturday was filled with fun adventures. Daniel and I went to the Jonesborough Farmer's Market Saturday morning and picked up a few goodies, including a miniature day lily, cherry tomato plant, and some gluten free peanut butter dog treats that my dogs go crazy over. I am so happy its farmer's market season. Buying local really is the way to go.

Then Saturday afternoon we went out to Kingsport, TN. for the annual Racks by the Tracks beer tasting and barbecue festival. I had a blast. There were probably 20 different beer tents there. $25 got you in to sample as many beers as you wanted, along with a souvenir glass, and the food was amazing (although not included in the ticket price, which is understandable). There was live music as well. Overall a great community event.

We also had visitor over the weekend! This little guy hung out under our porch light for a few nights, catching bugs I assume. (If you look really closely in the first photograph, you can see a little something hanging out of his mouth. Mmm.) I hope to catch some more photos of him again, if he's around.

I just love the patterns on his bumpy skin. And those golden eyes!

Hope your week is off to a good start : )

P.S!!! I have still been listing lots of new stuff in the shop that I haven't posted on here! Please stop by and check it out!

Cherokee National Forest

Daniel and I got out with the dogs this weekend for some much needed sunshine and fresh air! Here are some photos I snapped of the forest floor. Spring is well on its way!

Autumn, Finally!

The first hint of autumn is finally here! The southeastern states don't get to experience the cool breezes of this beloved season until around mid-October, so by the time the humidity breaks we are all past ready for it. Autumn is my favorite season, so I am trying my best to enjoy everything about it before winter makes its swift arrival. It seems like the transitional seasons are never long enough in this part of the country...


I had the day off today, so Daniel and I took the dogs to the TVA's Rockpile trail for some fresh air. Everything is still really green, but the first leaves are starting to change.


Things I'm looking forward to this autumn:

• Wearing scarves
• Hot tea in the morning
• Apple cider
• The smell of fallen leaves
• Cuddling under blankets with the dogs and a good book
• Baking
• Dressing in layers
• Riding with the windows down
• Visiting the river
• The Alabama Renaissance Faire
• Evening walks
• Introspection

What about you?