Sewanee University looks great in the fall

Sewanee Alumni, potential Sewanee parents and
Sewanee Parents this week end will be perfect on
the mountain. The highs in the high 60's, no rain, the leaves
are falling, the University just looks great.
Come by for a visit. If you need a place to stay
call us at Red Oak Hollow

Morgan's Steep

Morgan's Steep offers one of the best view of the
valley below. The other day, the fog was still thick
in the valley, but your can see the hills in the distance.

One of the best hiking trails in Sewanee is Morgan's Steep to the Cross.
It's one mile one way, with blue blazes leading the way.

It's one of the most frequently hiked section of the Perimeter
Trail. It has all the components that an ideal hike wishes to have;
gorgeous overlooks, waterfalls, sandstone overhands and even
a can't miss stone tunnel.

A tree on campus

Bluff View in full color

The Bluff views all around the mountain are simply
gorgeous this year. The morning fog adds an eerie feeling
to this day. Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween

November in Sewanee

November is calling. You can practically hear it on the old
triangle bell by our pond.

November is just around the corner and
life on the mountain in Sewanee is perfect.

Come and spend a long week-end at Red Oak Hollow.
Your spirit needs it, before the holidays descend upon us.

Sheep doing their job

This handful of sheep are doing their job:
clearing the pasture
and adding pastoral ambiance.
They roam on the 50 plus cleared acres across the road
from us. They share the land with a few horses and
three donkeys.

Sewanee Cemetery

Old Stone arches create instant serenity and a touch of spooky.
Halloween is always a good time to snap classic photos.

Sewanee is an old village with an old cemetery.
A walk thru it creates it's own mood.
The headstones date back over 150 years.

Mum is the Word

Red Oak Hollow has been called the
"Best Kept secret on the Mountain."
We have many returning guests, many Sewanee Parents
that love to have "Their Sewanee Home away from Home"
always available to them. So they don't share their "Spot" with
others.

We say share your secret, we always look forward to
welcoming new guests and seeing old friends.
Mums are just flowers, not "Insider" information.

Coming and Going

This is the one left hand turn from Highway 156 to Red Oak Hollow.
The exact corner, where we tell everyone to look out
for the horse fencing.
Yesterday, two of the neighboring horses were there
to greet us.
The best thing about the neighbors having horses, is the
view. I love the pastoral setting and none of the work!

This is one of my recent favorite photo's, it's just so
country.

Come and drive

We went out for a Sunday drive yesterday and I snapped
this while the hubby was driving.
This our exit off Highway 24.
We are easy to find and frankly just the looking around
at nature in it's finest, is the journey. It's one you won't
forget.

The colors are exploding

Yesterday, was one of those brilliant days.
The fall colors are exploding.
This is the view from the hollow leading to our ponds.
We are fully booked this week-end. BOO!
But November will still be pretty as this picture.
Come enjoy the mountain this fall.

Our Entrance

One of the things I enjoy about rural life is that people really
enjoy the seasons. Fall decorating is a big thing here.
We added a 7 foot scrawcrow to this year's display.
Now, you can't miss the entrance to Red Oak Hollow.

Sewanee Atheltics Hall of Fame this Friday

Sewanee Alumni and Sports Fans, now have two good reasons to spend the
Weekend of October 23 in Sewanee. If you need a place to stay
Red Oak Hollow would love to have you.

Sewanee Athletics Hall of Fame Induction is set for Friday,Oct. 23

New members of Sewanee's Athletics Hall of Fame will be inducted
at a dinner celebration on Friday night, Oct. 23, at Cravens Hall.

The inductees will also be recognized at half time of the football game
on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Inductees include John Colmore, C'69; Sally Harris, C'92;
Jon Morris, C'99; Bob Potts, C'59; Tom Ward, C'67; Walter Bryant, C'49;
and the 1957-58 Swim Team.
All are invited to attend the awards dinner on Friday night
as space is available.
The cost for the dinner is $45 per person.
If you would like to reserve a seat at the dinner,
RSVP online at https://sewaneeonline.hosting-advantage.com/halloffame.html

Salad Plate Size Hibiscus

I can't believe that Hibiscus are still in bloom, but they are.
I snapped this beauty in front of Stirling's cafe and then
I rustled some seeds from the dried up pods.
I am in a full frenzy of seed rustling. It's a very green
thing to do, as long as you don't take all the seeds.

The waterfalls are flowing

Sewanee Home Football Games

Sewanee Alumni and Sewanee Parents!
Your seat is waiting for you.
You should be cheering this week-end at Homecoming
but if not, you have two opportunities left.

There are two more home games.
October 24th, against Birmingham-Southern College
October 31st against Millsaps College.
Consider Red Oak Hollow as your place to rest
your weary head after the game.
We love to have you here!

Getting ready for Sewanee Homecoming

The banner has been hung across University Avenue.
Like homing pigeons, the alumni will return this week-end.

It's heartwarming to see the loyalty the alumni have to Sewanee.
I went to a Top Ten University in the mid west and I never
thought of returning for homecoming.

20, 30 ,40 and 50 plus year old graduates
will make their way back to the mountain to enjoy the game,
mingle at the parties and swap memories.
We are always happy to have them stay at Red Oak Hollow.

Stirling Coffee House

One of the many things I love about Sewanee is it's void
of chain business. Not a Starbucks in sight.
Coffee shops and cafes are plenty, but each is unique.
Stirlings is one of the most popular cafes and this
week-end the ole alumni will be flocking to this spot.
It's cute as a button, with a traditional Southern porch.

Taylor's Mercantile

It's Sewanee's Homecoming this week-end and everyone
is getting ready, including the best gift shop and florist
in town. Taylor's Mercantile. It's a sure sign of autumn,
when they have their beautiful display of mums for sale.
When you visit Sewanee, you must visit Taylor's.
You would be delighted with the quality of gifts and
home decor that they have. Come visit and enjoy
small town life.

The Fiery Gizzard

If you are going to really enjoy our mountain, the best
way is on foot. There are numerous day hikes.
One of our favorite's is called "Fiery Gizzard".
It is the most famous of the South Cumberland State
Recreation area, in Grundy County.
Bring your boots, even if you only have the time
to walk thru Red Oak Hollows woods. It has
a fine effect on your mind and soul.

Our Split Rail Fence

There are many ways to know that
you have arrived at Red Oak Hollow.
The most notable, beside the sign and
address numbers is our split rail fence.

Our Entrance

The trees are just beginning to change color.
I really thought it was going to be an early
season of color, but with the rain we had
it doesn't look like it will be.
Which is just fine!
Late October and the first couple
of weeks of November should be the
height of the color season.
We love autumn. It makes you want
to go for that country drive . It reminds
you that the natural world is our world.

New Yoga Class in town

There is a new yoga class in Sewanee.
It's at St. Mary, which is a center for Spiritual
Development, with a fantastic bluff view.
The room is large and carpeted.

So far, I've been her only student and frankly
I love the attention, but I am willing to share.....
I want her to succeed, because it has been
the best Yoga instruction I've ever had.
Hadley Morris is empathetic, knowledgeable
considerate, instructive and gentle.
It's Tuesday a.m. at 9 and Thursday at noon.
Come join me.....she really is great!

Family Fun at Red Oak Hollow

Two brothers had a great time, canoeing in our largest
pond. It was their first canoeing experience. Their dad
had a great time just sharing their adventure with them.
October will be a great month for outdoor family fun.!

Spider Lily

I just love surprises. This Spider Lily recently popped up in
my mixed garden. I vaguely remember planting it.
A few were given to me by a friend a few years ago.
Spider Lily "Lycoris radiata" has an interesting coral
color with a gold sheen. The flowers are surely spidery looking,
with long stamens and narrow, wavy-edged segments curved backwards.
It blooms August thru September, grows well in pots and
beds but it doesn't like to be disturbed for several years.
When planting in pots, set with the tops exposed.
This is one plant I totally forgot about and I was
very pleased with the surprise!

Mushrooms everywhere

Like elsewhere, it has rained a lot these past two weeks.
I'm finding mushrooms everywhere.
En mass, they are actually fairly pretty. Very flower like
for fungi!

Happy Fall Y"all

Yesterday, was the first day of Fall and we are jumping into it.
This is my first display for this season.
I love the autumn colors and the unusual shapes of the gourds.
We need to get a few pumpkins too!
I really like using the hay bales for building the
display, because afterwards I use them for winter
mulch on the garden.

Come early to Homecoming October 8th

Red Oak Hollow has a availability in the guest suite for
October 8th and 9th.
If you need to head back early,on Saturday
evening this might be the perfect place
for you to stay.
Our luxury guest suite sleeps two.

REASONS TO COME EARLY To Homecoming:

Some of the best opportunities to be with old friends,
participate in educational offerings and learn more
about Sewanee begin on Thursday.

Here are some events to be sure not to miss:

Attend a Current Class on Thursday or Friday morning

Alumni Hike with Bran Potter on Friday afternoon

"The Road to November 4" faculty presentation
on the upcoming election Open House at the University Archives.

Campus Tours on Thursday and Friday Reception with faculty
at Spencer Hall, the new addition to Woods Lab on Friday afternoon.

Reunion kick-off parties on Thursday evening .

Career Networking Luncheon with students at lunch time on Friday.

Time to enjoy the Domain, campus tours, and rest up for the main events!

Admission 101 on Friday afternoon for families with prospective students

Polly Crockett Festival this week-end

No Ma'am, this is not Polly Crockett, but she almost remembers
the era. She and like minded historical folks will be
attending the Polly Crockett Festival in Cowan.
Crafts, art, fair food, kids games and more.
It's as folksy as this mountain gets, even though
it just down the mountain a piece.
There will be demonstration of how pioneers lived on the
frontier, with experience storytelling, exhibits, craft making and
pioneer living. Some of the elementary school children will be
dress in period costumes at the Cowan Railroad Park.

Friday Noon till 6 p.m. with a concert from 6 -11 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. till 11 p.m.
Sunday 11 am. till 4 p.m.

Red Oak Hollow cottage is available for last minute reservations.
Call now.

Dahlia

Dahlias are the most striking flowers in the garden right
now. The garden is moving into it's fall theme and
many flowers are spent. Dahlias say " Hey look over here.
we are still looking good!"

Big Week-end Sept 18th

September is in full swing, just like this Peacock Orchid.
Next week-end, Sept 18th-20th
is a full of events.
1. Sewanee Football First Home game
2. 16th Annual Trails of Tears Motorcycle Ride
3. Fire on the Mountain Blue Grass Festival
4. 27th Annual Polly Crockett Festival in Cowan

Most everything is free or has a very low admission price.
If you want to have a down home week-end on the
mountain, Sept 18th would be fun filled.
Red Oak Hollow has the cottage available at a great rate!

Cat Catch

At first, this little 5 year old angler was afraid
to touch a fish. After he caught a few,
he was happy to handle them. Nice catch!

Wildflower walking

The late summer wildflowers are out now.
This melange of red cardinal flowers,
yellow butter weed and white cowbane couldn't be prettier.
I snapped this photo on Sunday, during my morning
walk.

Fisherman's Guilt

This is my husband's favorite catfish.
The only one he named.
His name is Righty.
He only has a right eye.
He has been caught three times and lives to tell
his tale.

The t-shirt sums is up pretty well.
The Fisherman's Guilt
"Sometimes late at night the spirits of all the fish
I've ever caught comes back to haunt me."

Tomato Bounty

It's been a short tomato season. It's nearly gone.
We were hit with the blight and my hopes of having tomatoes
till October is bleak.
They were all wonderful, even the long shaped green
ones, called sausage tomatoes.
I made a little spaghetti sauce, I made a lot
of salsa and every salad had fresh homegrown
tomatoes. I am picking the last of the crop
and I will probably be tomatoeless in a week.

Blue Grass Festival on our Mountain

Cardinal Flowers are some of the
late summer wildflowers you can find now.

There will be an Old Time Music Festival
on our mountain September 18 and 19th.
It's called Fire on the Mountain
Bluegrass Festival.
It begins on Friday at 7 p.m. and
Saturday at 11 a.m.

I never had a chance to go before
but I surely plan to this time.

It's a fund raiser for the South Pittsburg
Fire Department. Admission is a small fee.

It's on the top of the mountain, right next to
their fire station. The chairs are set up
in grove and you might want to bring your own.

They will have food for purchase; home made
goodies.

It's country at is truest form; music under
the trees going on till all hours of the night.

Sewanee Homecoming Rental Opening

Between a Rock and a Rose, we find opportunity.
Sewanee Homecoming week-end 2009 is October 8-11th.
We recently have an opening for two for our guest suite
for Thursday October 8th and Friday October 9th.
Check out would be before the game on Saturday.

If you want to be on the Mountain and need to leave
Saturday, rather than Sunday you are in luck!
Special rate : Two nights for $300, with a water view, private
hiking trails and a fire pit to gather with a few friends.
Call quick....it's Homecoming and Sewanee is already booked up..

Labor Day Week-end in Sewanee

Before summer is gone, come and relax at Red Oak Hollow.
We have 2 or 3 day opening for Labor Day Week end in
our lovely guest suite.
Labor Day Special :$100 per night rate.
See why morning is glorious on our mountain.
This morning glory is "Heavenly Blue"

Mexican Sun Flower

Mexican Sunflower ( Tithonia rotundifolia )is a husky, gaudy,
rather coarse plant with spectacular flowers
and velvety green leaves.
It can grow to 6 feet, but ours are in fairly poor soil and
at best they are reaching 3 feet. But they are in bloom and
I enjoy their brightness.

This plant is a perennial but most folks have success
with it as an annual. I save seeds and I'll try again next year.
Butterflies and Hummingbirds are very attracted to it.
We have just begun serious seed saving season and
it's the best way to continue gardening for free.

Verbena by the pond

A few years ago,Verbena (V.bonariensis) bloomed by
our ponds. It's not technically a wild flower, so it
must be one of those generous Tennessee Volunteers.

I have saved and planted some seeds to my native garden and
it does well enough, but it seems to thrive best on
total neglect. Although, most verbenas hail from subtropical
regions , a few varieties like this one are hardy in
colder climates,up to a Zone 7. It can get pretty tall.
at least 3 1/2 feet and would probably look best in
the back of a flower bed.

Our Neighbor's Fence

A simple picket fence perks up with a frenzy of
Black Eyed Susans. I just stopped my car and shot
the scene. I wanted to remember and share how
pretty simplicity can be.

A Little Rain

Summer rain on a red mini rose is perfectly pleasing.

Whistle Stop Cafe in Cowan

We've been asked " What's your favorite place to eat around here?"
By far, It's the Whistle Stop Cafe in Cowan.
It's off the mountain, just down Highway 41A, in the center of Cowan.
The ride down the mountain is fun and has some of the best views of the area.

We love the Whistle Stop because it's as cute as a diner can get.
Lots of decor, with a train theme and collectible salt and pepper shakers
on the table, mismatched 50's kitchen tables and chairs
and tons of stuff to look at.

Jimmy (the owner) who happened to grow up in the
same little town that my husband did in Illinois,
is one hard working chef.
He puts out excellent food at very affordable prices.
It's now the only place we go for breakfast, when we go out for breakfast.

He makes fresh home made donuts. My favorite are the cherry donuts.
If you bring me one, bring me two. I will eat both, I do not share these
cherry donuts. Yes, they are that good. Sometimes, I will postpone the
second donut for the next day. Sometimes...

I love the waffle $4.29 and bacon $2.75 at the Whistle Stop
and my hubby like his short stack $2.99 and link sausage $2.35.
Our pick for lunch is either the Train Wreck, triple decker:
American, jack and cheddar cheese sandwich with smoked ham
on cheddar jalapeno bread $ 7.25
or the Dixie Flyer, homemade chicken breast salad,
with grapes and nuts served on a croissant. $6.95

We have their menu in both the cottage and the guest suite
and we always recommend the place.
We have returning guests, that now make the Whistle Stop Cafe their
stop when they are on the mountain.....even though it's just slightly off the mountain.

Any locals that follow this blog... and haven't been to the Whistle Stop Cafe,
leave your computer and go have lunch there now!

A Pearl of a Location

I know that a lot of people are wondering what has happened to Pearl's.
Will it be open for Parent's Weekend and Homecoming?
I think not.
Here is the best explanation I have seen, so I thought it bears repeating.

A Pearl of a Location

By Chris Chamberlain in Tombstones
Tuesday, Aug. 25 2009 @ 10:49AM
From a blog , Nashville Scene. com

Anyone who's spent any time on top of Monteagle Mountain probably knows about Pearl's Foggy Mountain Cafe. Located midway between the sleepy burgs of Monteagle and Sewanee, Pearl's offered upscale Southern cuisine prepared with local and organic ingredients and served in a comfortable homey atmosphere. Notice the unfortunate use of the past tense in the previous sentence.
Yup, unfortunately Pearl's was a victim of "Sewanee Lightning" last year. Just like the nearby unfortunately named Burnt Wood Roadhouse, a suspicious fire destroyed most of the building but left the kitchen space intact. The ironies swirling around those circumstances boggle the mind. Local scuttlebutt involved arson, stolen checks, meth labs and disgruntled ex-employees. What really matters is that there's one less place to get a good meal on top of the mountain.
They didn't say WHICH holiday​After an initial bit of optimism that they might rebuild and reopen, the longer the rubble remained untouched, the less optimism anyone had for a Phoenix-like revival. Hoping that there was just a delay in the insurance claim, some mountain denizens still clung to the belief that Pearl's famed Low Country Shrimp White Cheddar Grits would eventually return to the table.

Now, the ghost has officially been given up and Elvis has left the building. While the burnt debris was eventually cleared and some rudimentary structural work has begun, this large sign appeared earlier this month.
​
It's a beautiful site full of memories with a built-in clientele of Sewanee students, their wealthy parents and the weekend Nashville/Chattanooga/Atlanta commuters who own property on top of the mountain. I can't guarantee anybody can make a living entering the restaurant industry in this economy, but I can think of a lot less desirable places to go bankrupt. Hopefully, somebody will give it a go. I'll be first in line for a table for two on Opening Night.
​

Blue Heron fishing for Bass

Almost every morning, we see this Blue Heron fishing
the shores of the pond. He is huge, with a 6 feet wing
span. If he spots us, even the slightest movement
he flys off. That's a good thing, because my husband is very
protective about his bass.
The heron is certainly the largest bird we have the pleasure
of viewing.

Something so simple as Phlox

Phlox (Polemoniaceae) are native to North American and
probably have made their way into every American garden.
What is not to love?
They all have showy flower clusters, grow in average dirt,
return every year and and easily be expanded thru division.
This pretty pink phlox just showed up in my native garden,
and now I plan to increase it's presence.

Through a Mountain Laurel Grove

One of my favorite spot along the hiking trails of
Franklin State Forest is this old Mountain Laurel
grove. It follows the stream and the path is well marked.
In my mind, it's the mini version of the apple grove in the
Wizard of Oz. Twisted and gnarly.
In the spring when the Laurel is in bloom it's wonderful,
but I also enjoy the bare branches.

C C C Lake

C C C lake is just 1/4 mile from the start of your hike in
The Franklin State Forest. It is usually quiet and peaceful
andd it often has ducks and blue herons.
With picnic tables and firepits, it would be a great spot for a picnic.

Go for a Hike

Franklin State Forest is just a stone's throw from Red Oak Hollow.
It just 1/2 mile away and there is a good place to park.
Just behind the ranger's house is this sign.
The easiest walk is to old CCC lake, a little more adventurous
and off you go to Tom Pack Falls.

Angel's Trumpet

Angel's Trumpet, a double Purple one to boot!
They usually come in white, pink or yellow.
We bought two plant at the flea market this Spring,
for a mere $4.
I have seen them in catalogs for great deal more.

It's a sun lover, water drinking plant but it gives so
much pop! it's well worth it.
They can grow to 8 or 10 feet. Our best is about 4 feet now.
It will bloom from mid summer to mid fall.
I will cut it back in the fall, cover it with a lot of straw and
hope to see it again.

A Hummingbird in Hand

Do they ever sit still ?...yes for just a few moments till
they are rested and ready to fly off again.
We have many hummingbird feeders on our property,
with many happy hummingbirds.
Occasionally, they will fly into our home,where we rescue them and
put them back outdoors.