Red Oak Hollow

Sewanee Graduation in May

2012-01-30T10:04:00.000-06:00

As rare as this red Trillium is to find, so are accommodations for Sewanee graduation week.
Unexpectedly we had a cancellation for our cottage and the lucky family who finds
this post will be as fortunate as a wildflower hunter finding a Red Wakerobin.

Call today and have family fun at Red Oak Hollow during your graduate's big week.
We offer so much more than a motel room, that you will be delighted to have found us.

Yes, our estate has Trilliums! Five different kinds!

Sewanee Men's Baketball Home Games

2012-01-27T11:54:00.001-06:00

There are a few games left for the Sewanee Mens Basketball season. If you would like to come to the mountain for a great week-end and see your player in action, consider the week-end of February 17-19th. There is a home game against Rhodes College on Friday at 8 p.m. and other on Sunday

at 3 p.m. against Millsaps College.

Febuary also has two week day home games. There is a game on Wednesday February 1 against La Grange College and one on Monday February 6th against Georgia Northwestern.

Red Oak Hollow will book a one night weekday stay.

Give us a call today.

Come and see your son play his game.

Blooms in January

2012-01-24T19:16:00.000-06:00

Helleborus.orientalis or Lenten Rose is the first perennial in bloom this year.
It's a little early for January, but it's beauty is appreciated.
It's been a very mild winter and it's been easy to enjoy the great outdoors.

A Wonderful Thank You

2012-01-20T08:31:00.000-06:00

" I wanted to drop a line quick to say just how much fun we had at Christmas this year visiting Red Oak Hollow. We had a terrific time and your hospitality was exactly the charming country mountain type that we had longed for in our Christmas celebration. Thank you so much for everything you provided for us, the hospitality you extended to us, and the beautiful area you shared with us. This has been one of the most memorable Christmases I have ever had and I know my children and mother will carry the memories all the days of their lives, too.

I hope we left the cottage in fine shape, and there were no problems. I apologize also for not getting this out to you earlier, but I can't believe how busy things can get. It's no excuse because I should have done it earlier. But I couldn't go another day without making the time to do this. Again, Thank you for everything (the cookies were DELICIOUS!!)"
Bill Hill

It's always rewarding to hear from our guest. The Hill family stayed with us during Christmas and I think we enjoyed their company as much as they enjoyed Red Oak Hollow. On Christmas morning, their boys were out fishing in our pond and they caught fish and a good sense of country life.

The photo is of our Christmas village. My husband worked over 20 hours putting it up and we are still enjoying it today. This year, we added a forest scene, complete with ducks, deer , fox and our dachshund enjoying the pond.

Sewanne Convocation on Monday January 23rd

2012-01-10T13:55:00.000-06:00

Opening Convocation for the Easter Semester is Monday January 23rd.
If you are coming to Sewanee and need a place to stay, Red Oak Hollow
has availablity.

Enjoy your visit and sleep well on a king size sleep number bed in the cottage
or a queen size pillow top mattress in our luxury guest suite.

Book today and rest well.

The Cottage Dinner Table

2012-01-10T13:44:00.002-06:00

Our Red Chicken Kitchen is as cute and functionable as can be.
The dishes, placemats, rug, cookie jar, wall hangings all have
a corresponding chicken motif. The table with it's four red chairs
makes a bright bold statement.

The kitchen is complete. Full size refrigerator, electric stove,
dishwasher, coffe pot, micowave, toaster,George Forman grill, wafflemaker,
pots and pans, wine glasses and opener, tea kettle and tea pot.

There is a propane grill on the front porch for your grilling pleasure.

If you have a little child, we offer a high chair, sippy cup, plastic
drinking cups and electric outlet covers in each room.

If you have a little canine friend, we offer two red matching bowls on a rug, dog treat in bowl, plastic can cover for wet dog food and a large water bowl on the front porch.

Complete is completely carefree on your part; if you want a hot cup of coffee in the morning or if you plan to bake a cake for your student. Our Red Chicken Kitchen is "Your Sewanee Kitchen away from Home"

False Spring

2012-01-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

Vinca surprises us with a January bloom

Quince with it's undeniably vibrant flourish of color.

False Spring. It could be nothing other. We are expecting more sunny days
and unseasonably warm weather.
This week-end the temperature is projected to hit 60's.

A glorious time to hike our mountains!
Give us a call, the cottage is available at a winter
rate of $100.

Holiday Bottle Tree

2012-01-03T21:36:00.000-06:00

When the only thing in full bloom is the bottle tree, it better be colorful.

Our Holiday Village

2011-12-31T15:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Brim Year

2011-12-31T15:10:00.000-06:00

The fish are still biting at Red Oak Hollow. This beautiful brim was caught on Christmas day by a happy young guest. Although small they are rainbow colored and pretty to see.

Red Oak Hollow for the Holiday season

2011-12-06T13:25:00.001-06:00

If you are looking for a holiday season get a way, come to the mountain. Last Christmas Day, we had snow that stuck for a couple of days. Last week, it snowed and trees looked beautiful but it never stuck to the ground.

We believe the snow is just for the scenery, a brief taste of a white wonderland.

This week-end should be good hiking weather; brisk and cool. I planted over 100 tulip bulbs just yesterday. The ground isn't frozen. I wore a light fleece top while gardening, the weather was so nice.

Red Oak Hollow is decorated for the Holidays.
Our white Reindeer can be seened from the road.
The cottage of Red Oak Hollow is decorated with a Reindeer theme. The Guest Suite is decorated with a Snowman theme. The guest suite has a beautiful stone fireplace. Great winter rates of $100 per night.

Come and See week-end for the School of Theology

2011-12-06T09:47:00.001-06:00

Feb. 23–26, 2012
Come and See Week-end at the School of Theology in Sewanee.

If you’re in the discernment process, either as a postulant or a lay leader, a visit to The School of Theology at the University of the South is your best way to experience Episcopal seminary education in Sewanee.

Student-organized and student-led, Come & See 2012 will introduce you to community life and theological formation in one of the most beautiful settings in the nation.

If you plan to bring your young family, perhaps our cottage at Red Oak Hollow will be your best bet. Give us a call. We will offer you an amazing rate. We want you to love our mountain.

Holiday Deer at Red Oak Hollow

2011-11-28T18:28:00.000-06:00

December is a fun time to visit the mountain.
You'll never know what you might see!
Red Oak Hollow has great week-end rates!

Lessons and Carols December 4th

2011-11-25T14:35:00.001-06:00

Red Oak Hollow has had a cancellation and now we have an opening for this week-end.
Our romantic luxury guest suite with stone fireplace is available at $100 a night.

Sewanee's Festival of Lessons and Carols has been the start of the Holiday Season for so many Southerns. For over 50 years, people have been coming to our mountaintop campus for this service.

There will be two services in all Saint's Chapel on Sunday December 4th, both are open to the public. The first service is at 5 p.m. and the second begins at 8 p.m. The doors open one hour before the beginning of each service. Seating is limited and is one a first come, first seated basis.

The University Choir will release its eight CD during the week-end.

Saturday December 3rd, the mountain will also be hosting the Christmas Parade in the Monteagle.
Good family free fun begins at 4:30 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:59:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
We are thankful for all the guests that enjoyed Red Oak Hollow.

Wha's a wattle?

2011-11-21T12:28:00.001-06:00

What's a Wattle ?
The head and neck of turkeys have no feathers; rather it is covered with red, fleshy skin. A soft floppy growth on the front of the head, which dangles downward over the beak, is called the snood or dew-bill. The turkey also has a pouch like area at the front of his throat which is called a wattle.

The head, neck, snood and wattle are all reddish colored until the male turkey begins to do his "strut" or mating dance at which time the entire area turns brilliantly bright red.

Gobble, Gobble:

Only the adult male turkey makes the gobbler, gobble sound.
The adult male is called the "tom" turkey.
The female or hen turkey never gobbles, it makes a gentle clucking or clicking sound.

Let's Hike this week-end

2011-11-14T14:53:00.001-06:00

Natural Bridge is a natural place to go on a great hike
this week-end. Sttay with us at Red Oak Hollow for only
$100 per night rate for the cottage that sleeps 4 this week-end. Call today. 931 598 9871

2011-11-10T23:28:00.001-06:00

Ringing of the Chocolate Bells (Veterans' Day)

Friday, November 11

Time: 11:11 AM - 11:22 AM

Location: St. Andrew's Chapel

From SAS website.

11/11/11 St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School Celebrates Ringing of the “Chocolate Bells”

Every year at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School the “Chocolate Bells” are rung at 11:11 a.m. on Armistice Day, a yearly remembrance of peace and a reminder of the unusual way the bells in the St. Andrew’s Chapel came from New Jersey to Tennessee more than 90 years ago. This year is especially significant as the bells will ring at 11:11 on 11/11/11!

Before World War I ended, the women in a small Episcopal church in Morristown, N.J., began collecting money to send chocolates to American soldiers overseas. When the war ended, they decided to allocate the balance of their “War Time Chocolate Fund” to some other worthy cause. Through one of their parishioners, they heard about St. Andrew’s School, an Episcopal boarding school in Sewanee, Tenn., which had recently completed building a chapel but lacked money for bells in the belltower. The churchwomen sent the money for three bells as an Armistice Thanksgiving and asked that the bells be dedicated to three archangels— Uriel, Raphael, and Michael. In return, the school agreed to ring the bells for 11 minutes on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at 11:11 a.m. every year in memory of those who died in World War I and as a prayer for peace. This is the 91st year the bells have rung out over the fields and forests of the 550-acre mountaintop campus on this day of celebration.

When Armistice Day arrives, students gather to meet at the appointed hour and walk to the chapel for the ceremonial ringing. International students are often a part of the group, and they are always intrigued with the story. Over the years many of the school’s German exchange students have been among the ringers.

Built in 1913, the picturesque St. Andrew’s Chapel is the institution’s oldest extant structure and dates to the earliest days of the school. Designed by a prominent Philadelphia, Pennsylvania architect who based his concept on the Presidio Church in Monterrey, California, the edifice is a striking example of the Spanish mission style of architecture rarely found in this part of Tennessee.

Book this Saturday at Red Oak Hollow

2011-11-08T10:02:00.000-06:00

It's so unusual to have a Saturday night in the high season of full blown autumn color,available , but we do. Last minute special $100 a night.

Looking for a quick get-away, you'll love Red Oak Hollow.
It's worth the drive from Nashville, Chattanooga or Huntsville to enjoy the glorious fall colors.

I was driving thru the state forest near our place, Hwy 156 and the colors are mesmerizing.
Come enjoy....maybe just a few days left for such visual splendor.

The Colors Continue

2011-11-03T22:26:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween from our natural friends

2011-10-31T10:15:00.001-05:00

The Beauty of Nature

2011-10-31T10:13:00.002-05:00

The simple natural beauty of the last stage of a flower pod.
It's called Chinese Lanterns and they self seed effortlessly for a everlasting garden surprise.

Roses in October

2011-10-25T09:18:00.001-05:00

My love of mini roses continues, with this stunning yellow rose. My climbing roses and knockouts are done for the season, but with a little encouragement, fertilizer and Epson salts these babies keep blooming.
keep blooming.

An Ass and a Half

2011-10-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

Two donkey's on our neighboring property, almost completely got into the frame of this picture. Almost!

Sewanee Review 119th Birthday Party

2011-10-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

Sewanee Review 119th birthday party

8:00 pm on 25 Oct 2011
McGriff Alumni House

Come help the Sewanee Review celebrate its 119th birthday.

All professors, students, and community members are invited to attend our Fall Open House for food, drink, prizes, and short readings from Jennifer Michael, Wyatt Prunty, Julie Püttgen, Dale Richardson, Andrew Drexel, Lloyd Lochridge, Keller Reeves, and Caroline Rogers.

You will hear some of the Review’s noted voices from the past as well as new voices from this year’s issues on the idioms of poetry, literary lives, the house of fiction, and our fall issue devoted to the literature of war.

A reception, courtesy of Julia’s, will be served, while our guests enter multiple drawings for door prizes, including a Barnes and Noble gift certificate, a bundle of books from the women of the Sewanee Review, a World War II memoir by Samuel Hynes, and the 2011 Aiken Taylor Award winner Billy Collins’s newest collection of poetry.

Throughout its long storied history the Sewanee Review has fostered a thriving literary tradition in America and in our community. Having remained in print since 1892—the longest sustained publishing run of any magazine of its kind—the Sewanee Review still attracts some of the most passionate and provocative writers in the world, new and old hands alike.

Cormac McCarthy published the opening chapters to his first novel The Orchard Keeper here. Several of Flannery O’Connor’s tragicomic short stories have appeared in the Review. The contributors’ list includes the most important writers of the past century: Wallace Stevens, T. S. Eliot, Howard Nemerov, Eudora Welty, Dylan Thomas, Robert Penn Warren, Albert Camus, William Faulkner, Allen Tate, Sylvia Plath, Saul Bellow, Seamus Heaney, W. H. Auden, Katharine Anne Porter, Wendell Berry, and many others have all been published on the mountain, in the Sewanee Review!

Swamp Sunflower

2011-10-18T13:13:00.003-05:00

The entrance flower circle has a bright display of the last of the sunflowers, to bloom.
It's locally called a swamp sunflower and when I planted some down by the ponds, they were quickly munched by the deer. They do look delicious.

Smiling scarecrow

2011-10-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

This fall has been fantastic and the grin from our scarecrow says it all. We still have an opening for this week-end for our guest suite. Next week end is also available for both accommodations at Red Oak Hollow.

Don't miss the great weather and the opportunity to commune with nature, before the cold arrives.

Campfire

2011-10-13T12:25:00.001-05:00

Crisp evening air and a crackling fire is what the autumn is all about.

Stay at Red Oak Hollow and enjoy our fire pit, with kindling and wood provided. It's down by the ponds, with a picnic table, hammock. swinging chair and wood bench around the fire circle.

Bring you marsh mellows and make smores. We provide seriously long sticks to hold the goodies on.

You can't have a private fire pit if you stay at a roadside motel, so consider all the Red Oak Hollow offers when you are planing your Autumn week-end.

Bloom of the week

2011-10-07T15:27:00.000-05:00

Mums provide the warm autumn hues of the season.
There are easily the best bloom of the week.
I probably have 6-8 varieties.

Red Oak Hollow celebrates Fall

2011-10-07T15:24:00.000-05:00

Come enjoy the best month on the mountain.
Don't miss the free show of autumn leaves!
Our scarecrow welcomes everyone except the crows.
Book now for the best dates!

Sewanee Football: Next Home game Ocotber 15th

2011-10-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

The next two home games for Sewanee football are October 15th versus DePauw University and Homecoming game November 5th against Austin College.

On a typical fall Saturday, the Tigers will play on the same old field that is said to be the fourth-oldest in the U.S., one whose relaxed, social atmosphere is a tad different than what you will find in Knoxville or Baton Rouge or Tuscaloosa.

Sewanee football is an open social event. Fun fashions for the gals; cowboy boots and short skirts and pearls for the coeds and bright colors and high heels for the alumni. Males are comfortable with wearing dress code khakis and blue blazers. Pretty spiffy for a football game.

Come see the new coach Tommy Laurendine and capture a couple of memories of the game that reminds us that it was good to be young! Game starts at 1 p.m. Stay the week-end at Red Oak Hollow.

Sewanee Angel Festival

2011-10-03T12:42:00.001-05:00

This Saturday, October 8th is the first annual Sewanee Angel Festival in Downtown Sewanee.
It's Free. It's Fun. It starts at 5 p.m and runs till 11 p.m.

Live Music
Art
Dancing
Food

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for the grass.
Local Bands provide a fun evening under the stars, all for free!

Johnny Neel
Shane Lamb
The Culprits
Hard Times Band
Bazzania

Your family week-end in Sewanee

2011-10-02T13:56:00.000-05:00

Surprising to us, our cottage is still available for some week-ends in October and Homecoming week-end. You could not ask for a better place to stay in Sewanee if you are a young family.

Bunk beds for the kids
Disney movie collection on their own t.v.
Highchair
Pack and Play
Sippy and plastic cups in the cupboard.
Waffle Iron for a special morning breakfast
Electrical outlet covers, in case they are still at that inquisitive age.
30 acres for them to run around, in a mowed field and thru a hiking road thru our woods.
Fishing on site, horse shoes, fire pit to roast marsh mellows.
Propane gas grill to grill some burgers.

Reunite with your classmates and have a wonderful family week-end too!

Are you coming to Founder's Day Convocation and need a place to stay?

2011-09-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

Environmental Scholar and Activist Bill McKibben To Give Founders’ Day Address

Bill McKibben, the Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College and author of a dozen books about the environment, will deliver the Founders’ Day address and receive an honorary Doctor of Letters during the Oct. 11 Convocation. The Founders’ Day ceremony will include the conferral of two additional honorary degrees and the induction of new members into the Order of Gownsmen. McKibben is a founder of 350.org; Sewanee students have participated in some projects of this grassroots climate campaign, including the 10/10/10 Global Work Party, which convened more than 7,000 demonstration events in 188 countries.

Heart's a bursting at Red Oak Hollow

2011-09-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

A native bush that is also called Strawberry bush, because of it's showy scarlet seed capsules. The red capsules open to reveal purple insides and bright orange seeds.
It's a well behaved shrub and deserves wider use in peoples native gardens.
Come see ours, they are the strangest flower up close and personal.

Happy Michelmas

2011-09-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

Today, September 29th is Michelmas Day, honoring St. Michael.
Since my name is a deriviative of Michael, I thought I would post a Michelmas Daisy which is now in bloom at Red Oak Hollow.

Lasagna Gardening

2011-09-23T12:14:00.001-05:00

The Sewanee Garden Club will hold its first meeting of the 2011–12

season at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Sept.26, at the home of Mesha Provo, 309

Snake Pond Rd., Sewanee. The topic will be “Lasagna Gardening and Gardening

Wiser as You Grow Older.”

Lasagna gardening is a no-dig,no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with very little work from the gardener. The name “lasagna gardening” refers to the method of building the garden, which is, essentially, adding layers of organic materials that will “cook down” over time, resulting in rich, fluffy soil that will help plants thrive.

Provo is a member of the Sewanee Garden Club and a Tennessee Master Gardener.

Refreshments with an Italian theme will be provided by Flournay Rogers and Chris Barret.

Individuals interested in gardening are encouraged to attend. Yearly club dues are $2.

Fall wildflowers at Red Oak Hollow

2011-09-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

Wildflowers are in bloom in the cool autumn months.
Come take a hike on our mountain to enjoy them.

Saturday event in Sewanee

2011-09-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Sept. 24, Sewanee will join hundreds of other communities around the world in Moving Planet, a global movement that aims to promote alternate means of transportation in an effort to move beyond fossil fuels. Campus events include:

A bike rally led by the Sewanee Outing Program and university students, leaving the Bishop’s Common at 11 a.m. to celebrate biking on the domain
A march for a sustainable Sewanee following the football game, going from the football field to Georgia Avenue at approximately 3 p.m.
A street festival (on Georgia Avenue), with food and music supplied by local businesses and university organizations, lasting until about 4:30 p.m.

All are encouraged to join in, and to wear green to demonstrate support for the cause.

Look what I caught!

2011-09-19T17:45:00.000-05:00

She is only 3 and she caught her first fish. Most remarkable of all,is that this little girl was eager to hold her fish for a photo.
I will always remember her, because I never knew a toddler could be so self assured.
Look at those eyes...such a cutie!

September Week-end Special at Red Oak Hollow

2011-09-19T13:58:00.000-05:00

It's going to be an early autumn and come enjoy it
on our mountain. Two nights for $300. Not a penny more!
How's that for saving up your acorns!

Autumn Entrance

2011-09-17T17:42:00.004-05:00

Bloom of the week

2011-09-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

If one flower has the corner on autumn, it's mums.
Nothing says it better with their bright burst of autumn color.

I'm sure designers take their cue for their fall color palate from nature itself.

I'm most proud of the mums planted in the circle at our property entrance.
They are big, bushy and in full bloom.
Last year, I had them in small to medium size clay pots.
I winterized them, by putting them in our potting shack and watering them 3 or 4 times during the winter. In other words, pretty much neglected them.

In spring, I took them out, and in two weeks cuts them back to an inch of their lives, gave them sun and water and planted them in my newest, hearty garden circle and they took off like a greyhound
let out it's yard.

My birthday flowers

2011-09-14T09:52:00.000-05:00

Some gals get a bouquet of flowers for their special occasions.
My hubby brought home 40 yellow mums.
I planted them in our newest rock circle and they will be
there to greet you when you visit Red Oak Hollow.

Sewanee Soccer Parents: Home games stay at Red Oak Hollow

2011-09-12T13:06:00.000-05:00

It's soccer season too!
There are lots of home games coming up, for both female and males teams.
If your student would enjoy you cheering them to a win, you shouldn't miss a game!
Come stay at Red Oak Hollow and make a week-end of it!

Bloom of the Week

2011-09-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

Rose Mallow is a good September bloomer. They are bushes
or they can be trained to a tree form.
I have both. They are also pretty easy to propagate.
A spring cutting , with a little root tone on the end, planted in
good soil is all it takes. I have three new plantings of three different color palates now established in my butterfly
garden.

Keep you eyes open for the color of your pleasing and ask
to snip a stem and try your hand at propagation now or wait
till spring.

Rose Mallow loves sun and can grow very large and be
strikingly beautiful. A 8 or 9 feet tall bush filled with blooms
makes a dramatic statement.

Some how he's cute!

2011-09-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

Everybody has to eat, but when I saw a Praying Mantis
resting on my pink phlox, I stopped to watched him.
After we made eye contact and I had the time to run to
get my camera and come back and he still hadn't move,
I thought he deserves his peace and quiet and a few
petals from the blooms.

He has a great face for a predatory insect. While at rest,
they fold their front legs as in prayer, hence their name.

Bloom of the week

2011-08-24T13:58:00.001-05:00

The wildflower of the week is certainly Black -eyed Susan.
I have a species that has a mini flower and I think it's sweet.
They grace the front border of my butterfly garden.

Black-eyed Susan's are also along side the road and in the sunny spots of mountain hiking trails .

Come to the mountain this week-end to hike. If you drop into a mountain hollow trail, it's naturally cooler in temperature by five or ten degrees.

Come stay at Red Oak Hollow and enjoy the sunny side of summer!

September Blue Grass Festivals

2011-08-22T11:51:00.001-05:00

Nine-Mile Bluegrass Festival

September 16, 17 - Bluegrass and fun are sure to be found at the Nine-Mile Volunteer Fire Dept. Bluegrass Festival in Pikeville on Friday and Saturday, September 16-17. Starting time is 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 and noon on September 17. For more information, contact Helen or Billy Fields at 423-533-2526 and visit this page of the Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association website.

"Fire on the Mountain" Bluegrass Festival

Sept. 23 & 24 - The "Fire on the Mountain Bluegrass Festival will be hosted on Friday, Sept. 23 and Sat., Sept. 24. Friday night is Gospel night from 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday event hours are from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, contact Milton VanAllman at 423-837-9895 or 423-421-0901.

Beersheba Springs week-end; August 28 and 29th,

2011-08-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

The Beersheba Springs Arts and Crafts Fair is a great country fair on historical grounds about 40 miles from here.

We really enjoyed the fair the last time we went and bought solid hardwood rocking chairs that we have at the patio of the guest suite.

It's a pretty drive from Sewanee to Beersheba Springs and it would make a great outing.
The 45th Annual Beersheba Springs Arts & Crafts Fair is August 28 & 29, 2011 in Beersheba Springs, TN at the historic site of the old hotel and United Methodist Assembly Grounds. The festival is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday 8/27/11and 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday 8/28/11

Hummingbird Hangover

2011-08-20T12:28:00.001-05:00

It may look like this Hummingbird enjoys a sip of sake,
but that is not the case.

Occasionally, hummingbirds fly into our home and knock themselves out.
I thought he was was dead, so I picked him up in a hand towel and noticed that he moved his leg.

I was hoping that he was just stunned and brought him to a hummingbird feeder and it looked like he may have taken a drink. His little body did pulse. Carefully, I place him down on the banister in the towel and he still didn't move.

I offer him my finger as a perch and he stepped up. I wish I could have handled my camera while I held him.
I placed this little sake cup down, filled with sugar water and he just perched on it and didn't drink or move.
I wasn't sure how long this way going to take; if he was simply still stunned or badly injured.
I have a small bird cage and I place him in the cage on a perch and hung a very small feeder in there. I carried the cage outside and in a few moments, he started to fly.
I opened the cage door and out he flew.

Stargazer Lily

2011-08-18T08:47:00.001-05:00

Summer is still in full bloom, just like this Stargazer Lily.

2011 Sewanee Hame of Fame ceremony Labor Day Week-end

2011-08-16T10:26:00.000-05:00

Come back to the Mountain to kick off the home football season and join the 2011 Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. The induction ceremony will begin with a dinner at 6 p.m. on Sept. 2 in Cravens Hall.

The 2011 Hall of Fame inductees include: the 1988 and 1989 men's tennis teams; Bill Barry; Hamp Bass, C'88; Joseph S. Bean, C'31; Rob Chapman, C'73; Jane H. Chapman Fisher, C'02; and Jody Gee, C'61. Remember to register for the dinner and awards ceremony.

Stay the week-end at Red Oak Hollow and enjoy our special offer.

Labor Day Week-end Special

2011-08-15T15:56:00.000-05:00

Labor Day is the last official holiday of the summer.
Plan your get-a-way now and make time for memories.
Bike thru the village of Sewanee.
Catch a big catfish at Red Oak Hollow's pond.
Let your kids beat you at a game of horseshoes.
Hike Bridal Veil Falls.
Picnic at Abbo's Alley at Trink's terrace.
Swim at Lake Cheston on campus.
Lunch at Shenanigans.
Dine at Wild Ivy.
Sleep well in a Sleep number king size bed at our cottage.
Enjoy your morning cup of coffee sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch.
Make Smores around the campfire and roast hot dogs on sticks.
Now that's making memories with your family, with the last remaining summer days of 2011.

Special Labor Day Week-end rate:
2 bedroom cottage for $500 total (no other fees) for 3 nights.

A Bed Of Marigolds

2011-08-15T15:27:00.000-05:00

Summer is thriving and so are the Marigolds.
It's a very simple flower but well placed it makes
a wonderful statement.
This just might be the showiest bed on the estate.
Last night was so cool, that we slept with the windows
open and listed to sounds of night's natural world.

Sewanee parents: Dropping off your student this week?

2011-08-13T12:31:00.002-05:00

Sewanee Parents:
As the University of the South welcomes it's largest
Freshman class this week, you may be filling your car with luggage and boxes
and wonder how are you going to do this in just one day.

Don't worry. Take your time.
If you are dropping them off this week,
and need a place to rest your weary head that night,
call us at Red Oak Hollow.
We would be happy to accommodate you in either
our luxury guest suite or our cozy yet spacious cottage.

Can you keep a secret?

2011-08-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

Kids get a kick out of our sign.
Most believe it.
Some believe in the magic of fishing.

This little boy jumped out of his car and immediately
asked where the ponds were? He was bent on fishing.
I asked him if he knew how to read and asked him to
read the sign to me. He grinned as he read it.

He caught a few catfish and then moved on to large
mouth bass. With a little help and a little patience
he hooked himself a nice looking bass.
He was happy to place them back in the pond and
hoped he could come back and catch them again.

Joe-Pye by the Ponds

2011-08-12T14:03:00.001-05:00

In the plant kingdom, are you doomed if your name includes
the word weed?
I don't necessarily think so.

The gifted gardener's definition of a weed is a plant growing
someplace that you don't want it to; a generous
and yet unabsolving definition of plants.

I planted the Joe-Pye here. I love the results.
This variation is a light purple, but I favor the dark purple
variety and I am now on the look out to stake my claim on
some seeds.
I have some white Joe-Pye in my native garden bed and
it doesn't capture the eye, like the purple hues do.

Joe -Pye weeds were widely used during the 19th century to
treat kidney stones and fever. The settlers learned the medicinal use of the plant from Native Americans.

Who was Joe-Pye?
Don't rightly know, but I figure he was someone who would
show up unannounced, in someplace he may not have been
welcomed and brightened up the place by his presence.

See what are guest say who stay at Red Oak Hollow

2011-08-05T09:43:00.000-05:00

Our family spent 4 days at Red Oaks Hollow. What a great place. The grounds are beautiful and the flower beds are spectacular. The ponds are lovely and it is so peaceful to sit in the hanging chair by the ponds. We stayed in the cottage and it was so nice to sit on the porch to view the hummingbirds feeding at the feeder. We made some great smore's at the fire pit and had fun sharing stories with the Provo's. Oh, and we loved the dogs too. They are so cute and so sweet. Thanks for a great time. The Bardot's

Horseshoe pit ,right outside the cottage

2011-08-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

Summer family fun at Red Oak Hollow can easily mean
a great game of horseshoes. Who is your family star
player?

August is the perfect time to slow down , unwind and enjoy
our mountain air. Call today for your week-end of
living the simple life.

Around the campfire

2011-08-01T13:41:00.001-05:00

Red Oak Hollow has a good size fire pit for your hot dog
roasting pleasure. We even provide the sticks with metal skewers.

It's a great way to bond with your Sewanee student and their friends.

For dessert, remember to bring marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers.

There is nothing like a Smore to bring a smile.

What's in bloom this week

2011-07-12T20:41:00.000-05:00

A bee between bee balm flowers

2011-07-12T20:37:00.000-05:00

A Rock Circle of Bee Balm

2011-07-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

One plant that attracts butterflies and bees is bee balm.
It comes in many colors, mostly on the purple hue.
I planted red bee balm and it grew to be fuchsia colored.
It could be our higher acid soil or I could be mistaken.
This rock circle probably has 50 plants in it.
The bees love it and the butterflies have claimed it too!
You get a good view of this from the cottage porch.

Front row seats at the pond

2011-07-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Whatever you do during your visit to Sewanee and our mountain,
this is the best place to have your glass of wine and unwind.
Last week-end in July still available. Call today!

Loosestrife gracing the pond

2011-07-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

A colorful mid summer wildflower popped up by our pond.

Red Oriental Lily

2011-07-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

Lilies are a new passion of mine. They only bloom once a
summer, but they certainly worth waiting for.

July has five week-ends this year. We have 3 week-ends
open in the guest suite and the last week-end open in the
cottage. Come spend a little summer on the mountain.

Cottage tub

2011-07-03T09:11:00.000-05:00

Most people are delighted to see a large bathroom in the
cottage. It has a large oval soaking tub, standing shower
and dual sink vanities.

Red Oak Hollow cottage

2011-06-18T11:57:00.000-05:00

A front porch with two rocking chairs, a new propane grill,
hanging flower baskets and beautiful view all come with
a great front porch.

The Most Common Daylily

2011-06-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

With a background of pink, the most common of all
Day lilies really sparkles.

Summer Bounty

2011-06-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

Most of think of summer bounty as fruits and vegetables,
but to our flying friends, it's blooming plants.
The butterfly Bush attract butterflies and bees.
I have a few standard tall bushes in various gardens and
this year, I planted 5 new miniature varieties.

Sweet Pea

2011-06-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

Down in the Restful Garden, I have two free standing trellises
that each have a perennial sweet pea vine growing on it.
I don't know if the plants are native or not.
I do remember transplanting them two years ago and this
is the year they are taking off.
Gardening is learned Patience.

Flower Pot on the Cottage Porch

2011-06-02T12:19:00.000-05:00

Summer time fun is all about getting your feet off the ground

2011-05-21T09:10:00.000-05:00

We are all to busy in this life. Hammocks and Swing
chairs are the antidote to a busy mind. The gentle rocking,
the pleasant mountain breeze, the view of the ponds is
100% effective in slowing down your mind and creating
peace of mind. Take a week-end off and come
join us at Red Oak Hollow this summer.
Your newly acquired peace of mind will thank you.

It's a simple frog life here

2011-05-21T08:59:00.001-05:00

This summer come hear the frog croaks, the crickets in
concert, the fish bite and you relax.
It's a simple plan for a simple relaxing mountain visit.
Memorial Day week-end at Red Oak Hollow is still open,
come for 3 days and let the summer linger all season.

Mom and Baby Frog are my newest addition to our collection
of large garden art. They are the guardians of the pond.

Our wildflower meadow

2011-05-20T07:53:00.000-05:00

If you walk thru our woods, you'll end up in the wildflower
meadow. It's in full bloom now. It's the last place we
cut, so the wildflowers have a chance to go to seed , so the
show will be equally beautiful next spring.

The bales of hay is a target for my archery.

Sewanee Alumni Summit: Family Fun

2011-05-16T16:06:00.000-05:00

Alumni Summit, June 3 and 4 – Bring the Family

Father and Daughter catch "Righty"
Our one-eyed 30 inch Catfish.

The annual Alumni Volunteer Weekend is shaping up to be one of the best ever! In addition to the traditional appreciation dinner and the annual business meeting of the Associated Alumni, participants will be able to catch up with favorite professors, hike the new Caldwell Rim Trail overlooking Lost Cove, and enjoy activities designed for the whole family.

Red Oak Hollow cottage is available for this special family week-end.
Call us and know that you'll have a memorable fun week- end.

Class of 2011 Congrats!

2011-05-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

Bloom of the Week: Mountain Laurel

2011-05-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

Mountain Laurel is in full bloom, gracing the woods
of Sewanee. I have seen some as tall as 10 feet.
The tiny cups of fragrance is a tranquil reminder
of the subtle beauty of our mountain.

Hug me!

2011-05-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

If you are a tree hugger, Red Oak Hollow is the place
to visit. How many other trees could actually kiss you back?

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T08:34:00.000-05:00

Mother's day get-a -way this week-end

2011-05-05T13:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the best thing you can get Mom is relaxation.
Call us for a last minute get-a-way in our cottage or
guest suite.

Our Momma Goose has her little goslings out for the
first time on Sunday. They are so small and sweet.

Lyreleaf Sage

2011-05-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

We have a hillside covered in Lyreleaf Sage. (Salvia lyrta)
It's a showy purple spread growing up the hillside from
my "Restful Garden". This hill receives Southern sun
and the wildflower has really taken off in this open
habitat.

It a pretty purple tubular flower, which attracts hummingbirds,
and bumblebees.

It was also called Cancer weed because of its medicinal properties.
It was made into a salve that was considered a cure for warts and cancer.

It has encouraged me to work at the "Restful Garden" so I can easily
look up and enjoy it's simple splendor.

Bottle Tree: It's a Southern Garden Look

2011-04-29T09:25:00.000-05:00

Bottle trees - often referred to as "poor man's stained glass" or "garden earrings". I’ve been on the look out for the perfect one, and a couple of weeks ago, I saw a great rendition of a bottle tree that had
more flow and flair than most. This tree can hold 20 plus bottles.

My blue bottle collection is well over 20 years old and I’ve been waiting for the tree to come along. For some very interesting reasons, the color of choice for bottle trees has long been blue. While most experts disagree on how or even if, when cultural biases are taken out of testing, colors affect humans psychologically, many references agree that blue is a universally relaxing, calming color.

I planted it in a rock circle surrounded by lavender bee balm. The blue bottles will catch light and the bee balm will attract Butterflies.

Bottle trees are currently a Southern thing, but the concept dates back for thousands of years.
Tales began to circulate that spirits could live in bottles - probably from when people heard sounds caused by wind blowing over bottle openings. This led to the belief in "bottle imps" and genies (from the Arabic word djinn) that could be captured in bottles (remember Aladdin and his magic lamp? This story originated as an Arabian folk tale dating back thousands of years, even before clear glass was invented). Somewhere in there, people started using glass to capture or repel bad spirits. The idea was, roaming night spirits would be lured into and trapped in bottles placed around entryways, and morning light would destroy them.

I believe it works, because no evil spirits reside at Red Oak Hollow, other than the ones you might buy at the local liquor shops.

If you have a spare blue bottle bring it with you, I still have bare branches on my tree.

Bloom of the Week: Iris

2011-04-27T14:39:00.000-05:00

The most widely grown irises fall into the bearded group.
They are the most popular because they are the
most dramatic Iris, particularly grouped together.

Iris is the state flower of Tennessee and I am proud to
have a variety of them planted in my gardens.
They are blooming daily now and they add grace
and elegance to the gardens.

A walk thru the Wild Azaleas

2011-04-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

This April has been unbelievable for the mountain's
wild Azaleas.
Yesterday, my husband said you have to see this to
believe it. "Did you know that we have wild Azalea in bloom
on the hill on the back side of the ponds?"

"No, it's only been six years since we lived here and I
never noticed it before."

We drove our utility vehicle up the hill and the scent
was sweet, fruity and almost overpowering.
They are sweeter than lilacs in bloom.
I believe there are over 30 bushes in bloom, that we
never saw before.

Come see them yourself and enjoy the
mountain this week-end.

Last minute week-end booking 25% off for
the cottage or guest suite.

Pink Wild Azalea

White Wild Azaleas.

The Hammocks are Hanging....

2011-04-25T21:26:00.000-05:00

Let the relaxing begin.
We hung the hammocks this week-end.
This one lets you enjoy the view of the ponds.
We hung another one , just outside the front of the cottage,
next to the butterfly's garden.

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T08:43:00.000-05:00

Bloom of the Week; Dogwoods

2011-04-13T11:39:00.001-05:00

We've been here 6 years now and this year is our best dogwood year. The photo is from the guest suite view down to the ponds. Beautiful dogwoods must have been planted here 25 plus years ago. They are pillows of fluff that move with the wind. Simply gorgeous.

Dogwoods are in bloom thru out our woods. I never knew that our forest's understory had that many dogwoods. I spend most my day working beneath a dogwood, while I am filtering well aged manure for my garden beds. The dogwood provides shade and pleasure simply by it's being in bloom.

So what's the Big DEAL about Trilliums?

2011-04-12T16:53:00.005-05:00

This week-end is a great nature event called Trails and Trillliums.
The event has been going on since we lived on the mountain.
I adore it!

This year it will be at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly.
It will have a native plant sale. EXCELLENT! ( A great place to buy Trilliums)
There will be all kinds of workshops with noted speakers.
There is a garden tour, viewing select home gardens.
Last year, the tour came to Red Oak Hollow.
There will be a Yard Art sale.
Saturday evening will have a wine and wildflower reception.
but to me the Best Part of the event are the guided hikes
and viewing wildflowers that I usually don't see or know anything
about.
The Very Best Part is seeing Trilliums in bloom.

Trilliums in bloom! During a Trails and Trilliums week-end is rare.
It's normally like visiting a garden and just missing or being too early for the
bloom of the plants you really want to see.
This year the Trillium's are in bloom!

There are more Trillium's in the Southeastern United States than anywhere on earth.
Of the 31 species found in eastern U.S, Tennessee has 17 different varieties.
Georgia is the only state that has more, 20 varieties, but we figure they took some of Tennessee to their state.
Red Oak Hollow now has 5 species of Trilliums in bloom.
1. Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum) pictured above.
2. Stinking Benjamin (Trillium erectum)
3. Yellow Trillium (Trillium luteum)
4. Large -Flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiforum)
5. Catesby's Rose Trillium (Trillium catesbaei)

It takes 7 years to grow a trillium, from seed to bloom.
They live only in the conditions that they thrive in.

Want to learn more?
Come to the mountain this week-end.
Our cottage is available for a couple or family.
Call today and I'll see you on the hikes!

Sunday Breakfast in Sewanee

2011-04-12T16:27:00.000-05:00

The Blue Chair will now open on Sundays from 7 til 2.
They will serving breakfast and brunch.
This is a wonderful addition for all of us who look for a place to eat on Sundays.

Trails and Trilliums April 16th and 17th Hike List

2011-04-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

Take a Hike! This photo was taken from one of
the previous Trails and Trilliums hikes, I went on.

If you visiting our area, our cottage is available for this
nature lovers week-end. Call Now!

From their website, the schedule of hikes:
One of the highlights of Trails & Trilliums is the guided hikes. We have a great array of hikes this year on both Saturday and Sunday, for all levels of difficulty. SCSRA Park Rangers, members of the Sewanee Herbarium, Tennessee Trails Association members, Yeatman honorees Bran Potter and Mary Priestley, and other experts will be leading the hikes. A new hike on the list is the North Nature Trail of the Assembly, with wildflowers that are said to rival Shakerag.

We are celebrating the recent land acquisition at Fiery Gizzard with several hikes, including one to the Raven’s Point overlook using an access that is normally closed to the public. Especially for children is a walk based on the new “William’s Wildflowers” book and a Fiery Gizzard Family Fun hike on Sunday. Whether it is geology, wildflowers, waterfalls, overlooks, or camaraderie… you’ll find it on the trails at Trails & Trilliums.

Hike Choices

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011

9:30-11:30 Assembly North Nature Trail Hike I (2.5 miles, moderate) Led by the Tennessee Trails Association. Begin at Warren’s Point, a breathtaking bluff behind the Assembly. Walk down an old stagecoach trail … to the bottom of the bluff. Bountiful wildflowers, rivaling Shakerag. Vans will shuttle you back to the Assembly.

9:30-10:15 “William’s Wildflowers” Walk and book signing with author/illustrator Mary Priestley. Purchase a copy of this imaginative book that introduces children (or adults eager to learn) to the world of wildflowers. Author Priestley will autograph books before leading a short hike designed to spark the interest of youngsters in all things that bloom and buzz.

10:00-12:00 “Fiery Gizzard Rocks!” Hike with Sewanee Geology Professor Bran Potter, 2011 Recipient of the Harry Yeatman Environmental Education Award. (3 miles, moderate) Join one of Sewanee’s favorite professors on this walk to the pillars near Sycamore Falls and back. Learn about the geology and ecology of this unique section of the SCRA from a teacher who has worked here with his students.

10:00-12:30 Shakerag Hike I (Moderate 2.5 miles, 450-ft elevation climb on the way out) Led by Kate Gooch. From the Sewanee campus you will hike down steep rocky trails, cross creeks, and come back up to the plateau. But it is worth every step to see one of the most spectacular shows of wildflowers in the Southeast.

10:00-12:00. Shakerag Showcase Hike I. (Easy-Moderate) Led by Michael Green, past president of Reflection Riding. You will hike the upper portion of the Shakerag Trail, see scores of wildflowers, and then turn back. Much less strenuous than the Shakerag hike, with a wonderful array of wildflowers.

— 11:30-1:00 • PICNIC LUNCH & LIVE MUSIC —

2:15-4:15 Assembly North Nature Trail Hike II ((2.5 miles, moderate) Led by the Tennessee Trails Association. Begin at Warren’s Point, a breathtaking bluff behind the Assembly. Walk down an old stagecoach trail … to the bottom of the bluff. Bountiful wildflowers, rivaling Shakerag. Vans will shuttle you back to the Assembly.

2:15-4:30 Raven’s Point “Celebrate Fiery Gizzard” Hike (Easy; 1.5 miles) Easy access to this outstanding vista is normally closed, but is made available in order to showcase the recent land acquisition undertaken by the FSC and other conservation groups. From Raven’s Point, you have a 270 degree view, overlooking much of the newly-protected acreage. The Fiery Gizzard Trail has been recognized as one of the national outstanding hiking trails by Backpacker Magazine. Hike led by Woody McLaughlin, former FSC Board Member.

— HIKES, SUNDAY APRIL 17 —

SUNDAY HIKERS will leave from designated meeting spots and carpool to the trailheads. Directions to all trailheads and meeting spots are available on the website under Directions and Accommodations.

9:00-3:00 Collins Gulf Hike (Moderate-Tough) 5 miles, about 600-ft elevation change) Led by Mary Priestley, winner of the 2010 Yeatman Award and curator of the Sewanee Herbarium. Trailhead near Gruetli-Laager. Pack water and a lunch for this spectacular wildflower hike to one of the least traveled trails of the South Cumberland State Recreation Areas. Cross the creek at towering Suter Falls and wind through acres of wildflowers that rival Shakerag Hollow. Lunch at a lovely spot near Horsepound Falls before heading back. To carpool, meet at the South Cumberland Visitors Center at 8:15 or drive independently to the Collins Gulf trailhead for 9:00 departure. (THIS IS the one to do!)

9:00-11:30 Shakerag Green’s View Hike II (Moderate 2.5 miles, 450-ft elevation climb on the way out) Led by Kate Gooch, FSC. From Green’s View, you will hike down steep rocky trails, cross creeks, and come back up to the plateau. But it is worth every step to see one of the most spectacular shows of wildflowers in the Southeast. Meet at the Green’s View parking area on the Sewanee campus.

12:30-3:30 Fiery Gizzard Family Fun Hike with Tennessee State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath (Easy 1-2 miles) Splash in the creek, explore a huge rock house cave, cross wooden bridges on this lovely winding walk. Great for families. A must for anyone who hasn’t hiked the Gizzard. Meet at the South Cumberland Visitors Center to carpool to the trailhead.

12:30-3:30 Buggy Top/Lost Cove Cave Hike (Moderate 4.5 miles, 620-ft elevation climb on the way out) Leader: SCSRA Ranger Jason Reynolds. One of the true wonders of the South Cumberland State Recreations Area. Hike through woods filled with wildflowers to a huge cave that has a creek running through it! Explore two cave entrances, enjoy amazing overlooks. Meet at the Buggy Top parking area.

1:00-3:30 Shakerag Green’s View Hike III (Moderate 2.5 miles, 450-ft elevation climb on the way out) Led by Mary Davis of the Sewanee Herbarium. From Green’s View, you will hike down steep rocky trails, cross creeks, and come back up to the plateau. But it is worth every step to see one of the most spectacular shows of wildflowers in the Southeast. Meet at the Green’s View parking area on the Sewanee campus.

Buggytop entrance at Lost Cove

2011-04-07T10:24:00.000-05:00

Lost Cove Cave’s Buggytop Entrance is one of the plateau’s most impressive cave entrances, an 80-foot mouth carved out of a 150-foot cliff.

The hike is well worth it. Bring a lunch and relax and enjoy the running creek.
Wear good shoes, the rocks can be pretty slippery.
There are impressive wildflower in bloom for the next month.
Take your camera. I'm glad I did.

Last Minute Sewanee Deal!

2011-03-31T16:29:00.002-05:00

Need a quick get a way?
Our Saturday and Sunday are open this week-end.
Last minute deal $125 a night for the cottage. 2 bedrooms sleep 4.

Crap Apple

2011-03-31T16:27:00.001-05:00

Today, I'm impressed by not a shrub or a flower, but by a tree.

Our crab apple tree is just going into bloom. It's on the bank of our fish pond.

I've seen a few others in bloom on our estate and on campus, along with Red bud, Flowering Cherry, Flowering Almond and Sarvisberry.

I believe the dogwoods will take another 3 or 4 days and will look great next week-end.

Ely: An Autobiographt by Ely Green of Sewanee

2011-03-30T10:08:00.002-05:00

If you are interested in learning more about our
unique community, I've been recommended a good read.
First the comments from a friend of mine and then a review from Amazon.com

I’m a person who likes a good read and yet it was not until very recently,, that I was introduced to the book – Ely: An Autobiography by Ely Green.

As they wrote in the book, Ely helps in understanding where we (Sewanee residents) are today by being better able to understand what the town’s roots were. Maybe I’m so naive that I’m not even aware that everyone in the community other than me has read this book years ago. But, if not, consider this review:

Sewanee, T.N. is currently known for the school there by the same name (or a.k.a. University of the South). However, when Ely Green, the subject and author, was growing up in the early 1900's, his little town of Sewanee was everything to him, and not just the school but the people too, and more. Even in the tumultuous times Ely clinged to this idea of a beautiful sanctuary, but being black in a small southern town was still no picnic, even in this quasi-oasis of Sewanee.

Ely, in a distinct (and mostly accurate) format tells of his life from his birth till his early twenties. He tells of how he was born of an anonymous white man, a local noble of Sewanee, and his black mother, whom died when Ely was young. Ely also tells how this mixed-heritage placed him in a quandary where the other African American distanced themselves from him, while the wealthy whites for the most part appreciated him. And Ely also tells how isolation seemed to come like the tides.

But that is merely a small part of Ely's past as he describes in much more detail his unusual life and that of his favorite town and estranged mother, Sewanee. Because few have ever had a life like Ely, and until this book few would of ever known of one such as Ely's either.

What's in Bloom...this week.

2011-03-22T17:27:00.001-05:00

Tulips are just opening up this week. Nice and early this year, by two weeks?
I have a new red and white collection in 5 wine barrels;150 tulips!
I also have vintage yellow and red in the butterfly garden.
The season is short, but our guests in the next two- three weeks will be able to enjoy them.

I enjoy being outside just to see the tulips.

The first crop of the season is in!

2011-03-22T17:12:00.000-05:00

My very first asparagus!
Hardly enough for dinner , but I have been snapping off
a few shoots in the garden and eating them raw.
Raw asparagus fresh from the garden is awesome.

It take asparagus 3 years to grow a first crop.
3 years for food!
If ate solely from the garden, I would be thin.
Thin asparagus could make a thin me.
Not enough asparagus to serve the husband, but he
doesn't like the vegetable.

Last year , I planted 9 plants of 2 year old Jersey Knight
asparagus. I'm thrilled to get edible plants this March.
You plant asparagus for life. Once the patch is established
all you need to do is amend the soil every year.

Perfect Spring week-end special.

2011-03-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

Red Oak Hollow has the cottage available for $125 a night!
This week-end only, last minute booking special. Call today!

Quince in bloom.
It happens early, stays for a weekmaybe two.
I absolutely love the color and even
painted my powder room a vibrant quince.

What will be vibrant this week-end is the weather.
Clear, warm and welcoming.
The weather report says it will 70 degrees.
Shirtsleeves for sure!

Hike or bike and see the beauty the mountain has.
The University campus is quiet, the students don't return
till Sunday.

What's Blooming this Week?

2011-03-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

I will post every week a great photo of what is in
bloom right now.

Spring is nature on turbo time.
Trees and bushes are slow to bud and quick to bloom.
Bulbs and Perennials are returning for the annual glory.
It's a show that can't be duplicated or forgotten.
Fortunately, it can be photographed.
I took this photo on Sunday. The sky was wonderfully
overcast and the blue looks so dream like as a background
for the joyous pink of the Magnolia.

Right outside my front door is this decade plus year old
Magnolia. Once we moved here and started to care for
it, it has rewarded us with fantastic blooms.

We planted two more bushes two years ago and they
are slow starters, but I enjoy what we have now.
Come see Spring!