Think Anne...

“Wetlands in Focus” Nudges Your Family Outdoors

Can you imagine enjoying Charlotte’s Web if you’d never seen a pig, or delighting in Wind in the Willows if you’d never studied a stream from its bank? Many young people today have little experience with nature beyond their own backyard.
The wetlands at Discovery Center offer a tremendous chance to visit the great outdoors, all within one mile of downtown Murfreesboro!  Inspired by the amazing work of local photographers who frequent the wetlands at Discovery Center, the exhibit opens up a whole new world to their visitors.
Children will learn all about the lively creatures that make the wetlands their home.  Visitors can manipulate puzzles, play matching games, do rubbings of animal tracks or create a diorama. Little ones can dress up like a raccoon or buzz through the gallery like a bee.
After browsing the exhibit, head outdoors to walk the boardwalk. Kids of all ages can train their eyes to watch for movement in the water and the tall grasses--- is that sinewy movement a snake?  is that flash of color a red-winged blackbird? Help your child become a good observer. Practice tip-toeing with little ones so they can listen for bird calls, rub a tree leaf between your fingers and see if it has a particular scent, see who can be the first one to spot a baby duckling.
All children delight in new sights and sounds. Grab a dip net and head out to the stepping stone pond. Teach
gentleness and care in picking up a crayfish or a worm, and returning them to their habitats. There is much
to learn when families focus on the great outdoors— start your visit inside, at “Wetlands in Focus.”

Discovery Center, 502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130

615-890-2300

Hours:    Monday-Saturday   10am-5pm     Sunday    1pm-5pm
Admission:  $5 Children & Adults     Children under 2 Free

Lamplighter’s Theatre to Perform at Smyrna Library

 Not only can you check out Charlie Brown books at the library, but for one day you’ll be able to spot a few Peanuts characters there in person.  On Saturday May 24^th, Lamplighter’s Theatre will perform a sneak preview of their upcoming production of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” at Smyrna Public Library.  
“You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” follows five friends, and one Beagle as they face their individual struggles of books reports, winning the Little League Baseball Championship, becoming Queen, defeating the Red Baron, and discovering, along with one little blockheaded kid, what it really means to be a "good man".  Some of your favorite Peanuts moments are captured in this preview of the fast-paced and lighthearted musical, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.”
No matter what your age, this show will leave you with the optimism and simple joys of childhood.
So come and join the Lamplighter’s Theatre as they discover, along with one little blockheaded kid, what it really means to be a “good man”. The event will be held in the conference room of Smyrna Public Library on Saturday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m.  The library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road West.  This event is free, open to the public, and suitable for all ages.
For more information on this program and other children’s events, contact Smyrna Public Library at 459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.

Humor is to life what shock absorbers are to automobiles.

You'll never move up if you're continually running somebody down.

Rutherford County Christmas Parade – Dec. 9

A Murfreesboro holiday tradition, the annual parade starts at 2:30 p.m. on Middle Tennessee Boulevard (MTSU’s Bell Street parking lot), continues down East Main Street, around the historic Square and onto West Main, and then to North Walnut Street, where it ends.
Parking is available along the route on side streets and at places like Central Middle School on East Main Street

Ta Da - Drumroll - The voting has started...

2007 Third Bi-Annual
          ALL DOLLED UP: 
               BEADED ART DOLL COMPETITION

This year's theme:  Celestial Reflections
                  
                  "Blues, whites, fiery reds and yellows -- overtaking the sky from dusk 'til dawn --
    fascinate me, whether in my dreams, or longings for that something more,
      whirling nebulas, mysterious planets and stars I barely see

    ... my Beaded Art Doll, my celestial reflection, I name you ....   "

Some of the beaded art dolls in this competition took years to create, some only months. Some are the vision of a single artist, others either a pair or group working together.  Each doll/artist has a back story. 

If seeing these dolls on the internet only wets your appetite and you are in Nashville during the next several months, see the dolls in person at Be Dazzled.

Between now and 1/15/2008, you can judge/evaluate each of the semi finalists on insight, technique, visual appeal and quality of written story. 

In any case, vote/evaluate each doll HERE. 

The Saga Of Miss Lillybelle - Part II

On September 30th I started the saga of Miss Lillybelle, who was facing the amputation of her leg after her prior owner failed to treat her broken leg for over 6 months. My friend, Leah of Agile Knitter fame, came to the rescue.  In early October, Miss Lillybelle's leg was operated on by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon and the prognosis looked good.

I'm happy to report that this brave little girl is currently almost at the half way point in the healing process and everything continues to look good. She not allowed to put any weight on the casted leg, so she spends most of  her time in her crate or someones lap.  But as usual, she is bright and cheerful.

Miss Lillybelle's medical expenses have come to over $2500 and I'm so thankful to report that almost 80% of these have been covered by your kind contributions.  If you still wish to contribute, please contact me or Leah at agileknitter@aol.com.

Miss Lillybelle says "Thank You".       

Haunted Tennessee - Part 2

One of Tennessee's unsolved mysteries involved the death (murder or suicide) of the famous explorer Meriwether Lewis, who was known for his role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lewis was traveling along the Natchez Trace near the present-day site of Gordonsburg when he met his death. Rumors still linger as to what may have happened...

If you go a little southeast of  Nashville, Chapel Hill is the site of one of the South's most famous ghost lights. Here, at the L & N Railroad Crossing, hundreds of witnesses have reported seeing a glowing ball of light appear along the tracks. No one knows why the light appears here although some have linked it to the disappearance of a woman here in the 1940's. The suspect in her death later committed suicide and the light began to appear shortly thereafter. The light is seen near a dirt road that takes a sharp dip as it crosses the L & N tracks west of town. Witnesses say that the light is most often seen when facing north.

Right in Nashville on Music Row is the site of the old Jacob Schnell Mansion  (now home to Capitol Records). Staff members and visitors report strange voices, phantom footsteps, bizarre acting electronic equipment, cold spots and more. Most feel that the resident ghost is the former owner of the land, now resentful of trespassers on his land.

The connection between ghosts and country music does not end there. Many people have come to believe that the famous Ryman Auditorium is also haunted. Spirits of the past are often reported there and some even tell of the infamous Grand Ole Opry Curse, which has taken the life of many a music maker of days gone by.

11th Annual Harvest Days and Fiber Festival – Oct. 27

Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro, has celebrated the arrival of fall since 1976. Harvest day features old-time music, clogging and demonstrations including blacksmithing and butter churning. The Fiber Festival demonstrates skills like weaving and sheep shearing and offers traditional fiber arts and supplies for sale.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
For the adventuresome, you can access Murfreesboro’s Greenway system from a trailhead at Cannonsburgh. For more information call 890-0355.
Cannonsburgh is located just off Broad Street on South Front Street near the Shoney’s Restaurant. Free parking is available.

Haunted Tennessee - Part 1

With Halloween less than a week away, did you know that Tennessee is one of the most “haunted” states in the nation?
The most famous fright-fest is The Bell Witch of Athens, Tennessee – a short 45 minute drive northwest of Nashville.   
Closer to home is the Stones River National Battlefield in which one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War occurred. A friend of swears that she once saw confederate soldiers standing by a fire next to their tent as she drove on Old Nashville Highway. When she stopped at the visitors’ center, they said no reenactments were scheduled that day.
Another writer says, “When we reached the site of the Slaughter Pen on our driving tour, we stopped the car in a small parking area to take a look around. In the woods beyond the open field, I noticed a small light appear and bob along at the edge of the trees. I could see nothing behind it in the gloom and only saw it for a few seconds before it disappeared and did not return."  Could it have been a car reflection or another natural explanation.... or does some lone sentry from Sheridan’s brigade still walk near the scene of the battle?
Park rangers and visitors often report that the Slaughter Pen to be about 10 or 20 degrees colder than the surrounding area. It’s also been claimed that you can sometimes hear the sound of someone following you if you walk there after dark.

They're Back....

From October 19 through 21 and again from October 26 through 28, Nashville Zoo will hold its tenth annual Halloween celebration, Ghouls at Grassmere.  This year’s event features the return of all the favorites, including a wide array of activities, entertainment and treats for the whole family.  Ghouls at Grassmere runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. each of the six nights. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. and then re-open at 5:00 p.m. for the festivities.

Taking place throughout Zoo grounds, Ghouls at Grassmere is designed to appeal to families with children under 12 years of age. The event features plenty of corporate-sponsored treat stations for children as well as animal shows, activities, games and more. Back again, and better than ever before, is the Zoo’s wildly popular Haunted Hayride with quite a few "tricks and treats" of its own. This journey offers guests a tractor ride through the Zoo’s back road decorated with Halloween displays, lights and sounds. This is a must-see attraction!

Also, boogie down at our costumed "Monster Mash!" sponsored by Cumulus Radio. Take in an old-fashioned ghost story by the fire, play some ghoulish games and see a Mad Science Show at Festival Field, or wander up to the Grassmere Historic Home for a tour to learn about death-and-dying customs of the 1800s. The Zoo’s SCARE-ousel will also be aglow with black lights and have some of its own spooky twists and turns. Whatever you do...come dressed in your best and show off your costume in a children's costume parade held each night!

Ghouls at Grassmere information here.

It's a Party!

I'm so honored...

Many of you know the saga of Allie's sweater, but for those who don't, read what Lynne Vogel had to say about it today on her blog, Hand Spun Central.

Lynne's books are awesome.  After being a "pattern knitter" for years, I only became a "Thinking Knitter" after reading The Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters A Knit-to-Fit Workshop.  No more knitting projects that don't quite fit!  No more being a slave to the pattern, only being able to make minor changes!  Freedom at last!!!

Read Lynne's blog, Hand Spun Central, and see why I call The Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters A Knit-to-Fit Workshop, The Book.

The Saga Of Miss Lillybelle

Miss Lillybelle is a feisty 6 lbs. Papillion with a matted coat, hookworms and an unhealed broken leg.  So far her life's journey has been star-crossed, but things are looking up. Her original owner surrendered her two weeks ago after her broken leg had failed to heal for several months.  The vet who took her in was faced with the prospect of amputating the leg.  That's when my friend, Leah, came to the rescue.  

Leah took custody of Miss Lillybelle, and with promised help from a Papillion rescue group, set about finding a veterinary orthopedic surgeon who could give Miss Lillybelle a chance at a normal life.  The specialist here in Nashville thinks there is a 50-50 chance of saving the leg.  

Net/net, the mats are gone, as well as the hookworms.  Miss Lillybelle is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday morning.  Though the rescue group backed out on their commitment, Leah is going ahead with trying to save the leg anyway, because what else can she do!

Leah of Agile Knitter fame, has been rescuing dogs in need for several years.  Usually the dogs come from puppy mills and I think before Miss Lillybelle, Leah's menagerie numbered 7.

If you would like to make a donation to help cover Miss Lillybelle's medical expenses, please contact Leah at agileknitter@AOL.com.

Miss Lillybelle says "Thank You".       

Bob Lamb opens Exit Realty

Local real estate veteran Bob Lamb recently opened an independently owned and operated franchise of Canada-based Exit Realty in the Ralston building at 1202 SE Broad St., on the corner of Middle Tennessee Boulevard and Southeast Broad Street, representing the second location in Rutherford County for the Canada-based company.

“After 34 years in the business, purchasing a franchise for Exit Realty was a unique opportunity that was available,” Lamb said.

Previously, Lamb worked for Bob Parks Realty for 23 years and was managing broker of the company’s South Rutherford Boulevard office. Lamb also serves as chairman of the Murfreesboro Planning Commission.

Some 28 agents from the Bob Parks office joined Lamb in the new venture giving Lamb an “excellent start,” Lamb said.

Read the full story in  The Murfreesboro  Post.

Teamwork...

Teamwork is the ability

To work together

Toward a common vision.

The ability to direct individual

Accomplishments toward

Organizational objectives.

 

It is the fuel that allows

Common people to obtain

Uncommon results.

For a 3 minute investment, you see how the 9 key principles of teamwork used by the Blue Angels ties back to what it means to you and your team. See the movie here.

Five Senses Hosts Oregon "End of Summer" Wine Dinner

If you weren't at Five Senses Restaurant and Bar last night, you missed an unbelievable culinary event.  Each course was paired with an Oregon wine, specially selected by Robert Foriest of Best Brands, Inc.  The only exception was the sparkling wine, which came from Sonoma. 

One of my personal favorites was the Belgian endive with fresh figs and Humboldt fog goat cheese.  I didn't know I loved fresh figs and this was the first time I encountered this marvelous cheese. Both were enhanced by the walnuts and crisp endive.  This first course was a smashing hit with everyone at my table.

Sokol Blosser Evolution, what a pleasant discovery!

The foccacia and herb crusted lamb chops were outstanding.  I've never dared cook them this rare, but I've become a convert.

Finally, an apricot-custard tart with toasted almonds and brandied cream served with Adelsheim Willamette Valley Deglace was the perfect end to a sumptuous meal, filled with new tastes and discoveries.   I've always shied away from dessert wines, mistakenly thinking them too sweet...well another lesson learned!

Here is the full five course menu.

To our hosts, Mollie and Mitchell, we can only say thank you! thank you! and we can't wait for the next event...

The Genie's Out of the bottle

Last Thursday, some friends and I, on our way to the Tennessee State Fair, discovered a new restaurant on Thompson Lane, serving the most amazing homemade Persian food.

The owner, Mohammad Karimy, led us down the buffet, explaining each dish, it's origin and ingredients.  My favorite was a wonderfully sweet-tart version of khoresht (the basic name for a range of stews) laced with pomegranate seeds and thickened with ground walnuts (fesenjan).  Other favorites were the kabobs, lamb shanks, hummus, and the basmati rice, stained with yellow saffron, and also offered in an Afghani style with studs of almond slivers, raisins and the acidic tang of berberries, making it a good match with the chicken dishes.

We topped off the meal with rose scented tea and fresh from the oven macaroons, like none I've ever tasted before.

If you're a fan of fantastic authentic ethnic food, you must try Genie's Persian Palace at 1133 Murfreesboro Road, open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.  If you're in the Cool Springs area, there's also another location at 6990 Moores Lane.

Update on Red-Light Cameras - City Council OKs

Murfreesboro City Council unanimously passed a resolution for the implementation of an automated red light enforcement system at Thursday night's meeting.

Some of the busiest intersections in the city are being considered for the cameras, including the intersections of Broad and Church streets, Broad Street and Northfield Boulevard, Memorial and Northfield boulevards, and Old Fort Parkway and Thompson Lane, South Church Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevard.

For the entire story, see The Murfreesboro Post.

Reading Rally in RC Libraries