I stumbled into my study before dawn Saturday morning, glanced out the window, and was surprised to see I was receiving a black bear visit. We live on the eastern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so black bears are quite common. Still, it is always a surprise when you realize one of [Continue Reading]

Dad’s shout echoed through the neighborhood. Sharp. Loud. Angry. My older brother’s entire name. All three words. His thirteen-year-old face drained of color. “You’re in trouble,” I taunted. “You’re in trouble.” The shout again. This time, my name. My entire name. “What did you do?” he hissed at me. “Nothing. I swear.” “So why is [Continue Reading]

The Catawba Rhododendron blooms have faded for the summer, but the mountain laurel exploded in bloom. The bumblebees follow the blooms and allowed some very up close photography as they gathered nectar and pollen in the early morning cool. The weather conspired to give us a favorite sunrise treat – the valley fog below us [Continue Reading]