Jean & I had a really special Christmas Eve this year. We had five close friends over for a lunch of Jean's favorite finger foods, and everything was exceptional! We had bacon wrapped water chestnuts, little smokies cooked in currant jelly and mustard, jalapeños stuffed with a cream cheese and sausage mixture, then wrapped in a half a slice of bacon, a cheese tray, a pickle tray, little ham sandwiches, spinach dip/w Hawaiian bread, and a red grape salad. For dessert we had a home made Red Velvet cake.
A time of reflecting, and resting came next. Then Jean and I opened a few presents, and we really racked up! A box of pink & green mints from Sally Lane's Candy Farm, two calendars, a hand painted Mrs. Butterworth bottle, and the piece de resistance: tickets for two to see the eagles, and dinner on the boat.
The older we get, the more we enjoy living in this community. I have to make my living in metropolitan areas, but, by golly, my home is in Paris, Tennessee, and it always will be!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas
Jean & I really had a memorable day, here in Henry County. With Jean losing her Mother back in September, this is the first Christmas season without Sue. Homer and Sue's house was always the gathering place for her kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren, but we decided that this year we would have the festivities at the lake.
We reserved a room with two double beds and a parlor, and it was a great idea. We used to always have a big Christmas dinner at Sue's, with Polly & Jean cooking the meat and the desserts, and George's wife and Polly's kids bringing the fixins'. This year we let Paris Landing State Park Inn do all the buying, cooking, and clean up!! We had an excellent meal with barbecue and catfish fillets for the entrees, and plenty of vegetables, salads, and desserts!
We then went back to the room and played Christmas trivia. It amazes me how much I do NOT know, when it comes to Christmas songs and traditions. As we were playing, a bald eagle came fairly close to our windows and perched in a tree. It wasn't long before his mate joined him. There were also many, many, ducks swimming in beautiful, cold looking, Kentucky Lake.
We all had a very fine day in Henry County, in a venue that I can highly recommend, and I do hope other Henry Countians take advantage of things that are available right here at home.
We reserved a room with two double beds and a parlor, and it was a great idea. We used to always have a big Christmas dinner at Sue's, with Polly & Jean cooking the meat and the desserts, and George's wife and Polly's kids bringing the fixins'. This year we let Paris Landing State Park Inn do all the buying, cooking, and clean up!! We had an excellent meal with barbecue and catfish fillets for the entrees, and plenty of vegetables, salads, and desserts!
We then went back to the room and played Christmas trivia. It amazes me how much I do NOT know, when it comes to Christmas songs and traditions. As we were playing, a bald eagle came fairly close to our windows and perched in a tree. It wasn't long before his mate joined him. There were also many, many, ducks swimming in beautiful, cold looking, Kentucky Lake.
We all had a very fine day in Henry County, in a venue that I can highly recommend, and I do hope other Henry Countians take advantage of things that are available right here at home.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
North Pole Family Fun Day Warms Hearts
North Pole on Friday, LBL Saturday...what's next?
I was disappointed when my daughter (Kristi), granddaughter (Millie) and I first arrived in Paris for North Pole Family Fun Day about mid-way through the festivities. The ad had mentioned several events taking place "around the court square" and I saw only a long line of youngsters at Santa's candy-cabin and scouts cooking hamburgers on the grill. Quickly, though, we realized Parisians think bigger than the grounds of the square; events were scattered strategically between shops about town and we made haste to see all the attractions. First on our list was MOLLY. We'd heard about this elfin wonder, granddaughter of Lisa Ellis, and found her to be even cuter and sweeter than her photos. We'd have missed her if Millie hadn't honed in on her behind the scenes at Leach's Music, where, incidentally, we noticed a plethora of guitars in various sizes and styles. Every youngster, teen and young adult needs a guitar; it's a rite of passage for some and a must for the musically gifted.
We also had to duck into a shop called Penique's, which must be a synonym for UNIQUE. Much larger inside than it seems, this shop carries a wonderful array of items from baby items to homewares and decor, clothing and accessories. Kristi's favorites was the "Life is Good" section while Millie enjoyed the area designed to entice little girls. Among other signs we saw one that read, "Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." This is a statement in which we fully believe, and one that Paris apparently embraces as well. Where else can you find, downtown, the nostalgia engendered by people enjoying the holidays -- walking, mingling, meeting people and seeing the stores? No mall can replicate it. Most towns can't either, but in Paris downtown shopping is a convenient and welcome reality.
And then there were the 4-H Honor Club youngsters braving the cold -- and despite sun-warmed spots it was COLD in the shade. These young entrepreneurial types showed children how to make various Christmas crafts. Said one of the girls, "That's what we're all about: service to the community." She and her friend described the wonderful 4-H Club opportunities in Henry County, and said it gets better and better as you progress to higher grades, including helping with the younger kids in camp. I can't say enough about the wholesome opportunities provided by this great organization.
We also had a first look at Trees on the Square (don't miss this display of Christmas tree decor by local shops and organizations, where you can vote for your favorite). It is located in downtown Paris next to BPU on East Washington Street. Gingerbread Village will be on display at Trees on the Square from December 1 through December 23, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $1.
We had lunch at Miller's Country Store, a Mennonite establishment out toward Como in Henry County. They make out of this world sandwiches from your choice of home-baked breads, meat, cheese and vegetables. Our favorite is sweet Lebanon bologna and yogurt vegetable cheese on sourdough bread with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayo but the choices are wide and varied. Have a wild cherry cola or other drink for about half of what you'd normally pay. Don't pass by the opportunity to try out the rocking chairs they offer that are designed for lumbar support. (Thinking we might need one of these when the twins arrive!)
We went home tired and happy only to head back through Henry County Saturday on our way to The Homeplace at LBL. An intriguing visit everyday, the place was even more special with holiday fudge and gingerbread served in the old-fashioned kitchen, plus crafts and candy for the youngsters. Everything in the gift shop was half price and we went home with Susie, a soft, curlyhaired lamb that fit right in with the rest of Millie's animal friends. I'd say she was a stuffed animal, but that was before we took her home and made her a member of the family headed up by Millie and Sammy, a panda bear brought home from the Memphis Zoo when Mil was about three years old.
Funny how every time we venture to Paris, whether we're stopping or just passing through, we seem to be creating a little more of what we want to be, and be a part of. If you're looking for yourself, maybe it's time to give up that fruitless task and create yourself -- in Paris.
I was disappointed when my daughter (Kristi), granddaughter (Millie) and I first arrived in Paris for North Pole Family Fun Day about mid-way through the festivities. The ad had mentioned several events taking place "around the court square" and I saw only a long line of youngsters at Santa's candy-cabin and scouts cooking hamburgers on the grill. Quickly, though, we realized Parisians think bigger than the grounds of the square; events were scattered strategically between shops about town and we made haste to see all the attractions. First on our list was MOLLY. We'd heard about this elfin wonder, granddaughter of Lisa Ellis, and found her to be even cuter and sweeter than her photos. We'd have missed her if Millie hadn't honed in on her behind the scenes at Leach's Music, where, incidentally, we noticed a plethora of guitars in various sizes and styles. Every youngster, teen and young adult needs a guitar; it's a rite of passage for some and a must for the musically gifted.
We also had to duck into a shop called Penique's, which must be a synonym for UNIQUE. Much larger inside than it seems, this shop carries a wonderful array of items from baby items to homewares and decor, clothing and accessories. Kristi's favorites was the "Life is Good" section while Millie enjoyed the area designed to entice little girls. Among other signs we saw one that read, "Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." This is a statement in which we fully believe, and one that Paris apparently embraces as well. Where else can you find, downtown, the nostalgia engendered by people enjoying the holidays -- walking, mingling, meeting people and seeing the stores? No mall can replicate it. Most towns can't either, but in Paris downtown shopping is a convenient and welcome reality.
And then there were the 4-H Honor Club youngsters braving the cold -- and despite sun-warmed spots it was COLD in the shade. These young entrepreneurial types showed children how to make various Christmas crafts. Said one of the girls, "That's what we're all about: service to the community." She and her friend described the wonderful 4-H Club opportunities in Henry County, and said it gets better and better as you progress to higher grades, including helping with the younger kids in camp. I can't say enough about the wholesome opportunities provided by this great organization.
We also had a first look at Trees on the Square (don't miss this display of Christmas tree decor by local shops and organizations, where you can vote for your favorite). It is located in downtown Paris next to BPU on East Washington Street. Gingerbread Village will be on display at Trees on the Square from December 1 through December 23, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $1.
We had lunch at Miller's Country Store, a Mennonite establishment out toward Como in Henry County. They make out of this world sandwiches from your choice of home-baked breads, meat, cheese and vegetables. Our favorite is sweet Lebanon bologna and yogurt vegetable cheese on sourdough bread with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayo but the choices are wide and varied. Have a wild cherry cola or other drink for about half of what you'd normally pay. Don't pass by the opportunity to try out the rocking chairs they offer that are designed for lumbar support. (Thinking we might need one of these when the twins arrive!)
We went home tired and happy only to head back through Henry County Saturday on our way to The Homeplace at LBL. An intriguing visit everyday, the place was even more special with holiday fudge and gingerbread served in the old-fashioned kitchen, plus crafts and candy for the youngsters. Everything in the gift shop was half price and we went home with Susie, a soft, curlyhaired lamb that fit right in with the rest of Millie's animal friends. I'd say she was a stuffed animal, but that was before we took her home and made her a member of the family headed up by Millie and Sammy, a panda bear brought home from the Memphis Zoo when Mil was about three years old.
Funny how every time we venture to Paris, whether we're stopping or just passing through, we seem to be creating a little more of what we want to be, and be a part of. If you're looking for yourself, maybe it's time to give up that fruitless task and create yourself -- in Paris.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
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Many, many miles Jean and I traveled this Thanksgiving holiday. The only miles that were in Henry County were Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon, but we had such an incredible time that I had to write about it. Jean left Paris at 3:55 Thursday morning, and arrived at Timbercreek, where I was, at 8:25. We unloaded her truck into the condo, then piled into my truck for a 2 hour trip to Brownstown, Illinois, where we had a feast. Turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sinfully rich sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, turnips, dumplings, corn pudding, baked beans, pineapple salad, cranberry salad, Ramen noodle salad, tossed salad, homemade yeast rolls, Snicker Doodle cookies, pumpkin pie, apple pie, blueberry pie, sweet cream pie, pumpkin bread, apple bread, and assorted candies. Brownstown is about 120 miles from Timbercreek, and it was a beautiful ride, almost the whole way. Even downtown St. Louis looked pretty nice with hardly any traffic. Then we came by Denise's house, in Granite City, Illinois. Denise is my bus driver at work and she read my blog on riches, was moved by it, and asked to put it in her church bulletin. She wrote an opening paragraph to my story that just blew me away, so I wanted her and Jean to meet. We left there and rode back to the condo, for some much needed rest.
Friday morning was spent preparing another great meal. We had two lady friends for a lunch fit for a king. Kentuckian ham, green bean casserole, confetti potatoes, slaw, cooked apples, homemade bran muffins, pumpkin bread, apple bread, and three candies. After a short nap, we headed for Alton, Illinois to visit a 90 year old lady who Jean and I know quite well. We left her house and drove to a park that had 2.5 MILLION Christmas lights strung throughout the trees, and had many Christmas displays set up. After the Christmas display, we drove the 60 miles back to Timbercreek.
We love this country of ours.....we hope to spend many, many, more hours traveling in the good ol' USA. There are lots of things we have not seen yet, but there are also many areas that we have already checked off our list. With time, more beautiful and historic sites will be enjoyed!
Many, many miles Jean and I traveled this Thanksgiving holiday. The only miles that were in Henry County were Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon, but we had such an incredible time that I had to write about it. Jean left Paris at 3:55 Thursday morning, and arrived at Timbercreek, where I was, at 8:25. We unloaded her truck into the condo, then piled into my truck for a 2 hour trip to Brownstown, Illinois, where we had a feast. Turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sinfully rich sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, turnips, dumplings, corn pudding, baked beans, pineapple salad, cranberry salad, Ramen noodle salad, tossed salad, homemade yeast rolls, Snicker Doodle cookies, pumpkin pie, apple pie, blueberry pie, sweet cream pie, pumpkin bread, apple bread, and assorted candies. Brownstown is about 120 miles from Timbercreek, and it was a beautiful ride, almost the whole way. Even downtown St. Louis looked pretty nice with hardly any traffic. Then we came by Denise's house, in Granite City, Illinois. Denise is my bus driver at work and she read my blog on riches, was moved by it, and asked to put it in her church bulletin. She wrote an opening paragraph to my story that just blew me away, so I wanted her and Jean to meet. We left there and rode back to the condo, for some much needed rest.
Friday morning was spent preparing another great meal. We had two lady friends for a lunch fit for a king. Kentuckian ham, green bean casserole, confetti potatoes, slaw, cooked apples, homemade bran muffins, pumpkin bread, apple bread, and three candies. After a short nap, we headed for Alton, Illinois to visit a 90 year old lady who Jean and I know quite well. We left her house and drove to a park that had 2.5 MILLION Christmas lights strung throughout the trees, and had many Christmas displays set up. After the Christmas display, we drove the 60 miles back to Timbercreek.
We love this country of ours.....we hope to spend many, many, more hours traveling in the good ol' USA. There are lots of things we have not seen yet, but there are also many areas that we have already checked off our list. With time, more beautiful and historic sites will be enjoyed!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Bright Reflections Indeed
Downtown Paris is magical during the holidays!
Since I failed to take my camera with me last night to the PARIS! magazine gathering (held in the avante-gard penthouse of COMPUTER HELP in downtown Paris) and the concurrent holiday open house of downtown shops, I am relying on Ray Harding's recent photo he entitled "Bright Reflections". Ray (2008 Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year for his work with the Heritage Center and Lee Academy for the Arts) is one of many intriguing associates of PARIS! magazine as well as its online companion, myparismagazine.com. I love reading his "Who Knews" as well.
I was accompanied to the event by my daughter, Kristi, her twins-in-the-oven, and granddaughter Millie. Millie, who is proud of her association with the group, missed "Mr. Rick" and made good with Miss Lisa's pink-frosted cupcakes. Kristi came away glowing, just as my son did after meeting some of the crew recently. His assessment, "Those are some good people," is an accurate accounting of this group of movers and shakers in Henry County.
Henry County must be full of them, if our experience in the shops' open houses are an indication. We only had time to visit four stores in the remaining time of the event, but daresay they were among the best! We first slipped into The Gallery, where we were greeted with aplomb by a gracious hostess, who said the items in her store were created by a variety of (apparently very talented) artisans. With a store full of wonders, we were drawn to a few special items, including some unique silver "spoon" bracelets (the more unique because of their chained clasp - drop by to see these!) and some whimsical zoo animal paintings on stretched canvas.
Next stop - Nirvana! Calling all quilters...you'll be delighted first by the intricate, precise detail of the machine quilting in the fine pieces displayed near the front of the store (and throughout) and then by its delightful purveyor, who may have been Ginger Eichler or Diane Sundstrom (both of whom are listed on the business card for YOUR PLACE Quilting Studio). This lady of charming smiles and interesting conversation deserves to be called by name and I regret that I am unable to do so. It is incumbent upon you to visit this store and make her acquaintance! You'll find all sorts of quilting fabrics and notions and more. This shop was voted "best smelling" (among a plethora of aromatic shops) by Gaines Hedges of WTPR-KF-KQ 105, WENK fame who with his wife, Becky (a local artist, and both PARIS! associates), ventured in while we were there. We learned the odor was created by Japanese cherry blossom oil diffused via a votive candle-heated bowl. (Got to get one!)
Then we visited JuJu's. Just as their slogan proclaims, "It's accessory heaven!" Necklaces, belts, SCARVES (all the rage), earrings, rings, bracelets, a big variety of handbags and shoes... and great prices! If you ever visited Claire's and similar stores at the mall, this is the classy version, with room to move and enjoy the wonderful inventory. Gifts galore could be purchased here!
It was espresso heaven at the next stop - Jack Jones Flowers and Gifts, also home to Jack's Java (the reason for the sensational aromas wafting throughout the shop) and Studio J. My daughter here found her "home" due to all the unique items that appealed to her bohemian nature. I can't tell you all the fabulous finds we discovered here because I have to go pick them up for her Christmas surprises! Just kidding, check out everything from long, appliqued and pom-pommed scarves to jewelery and fashion accessories to baby clothes. In fact most of the shops had some baby items, which reminds me that there was a FIFTH shop included in our adventure...
This one is a must-see -- Paris on the Square! This is a local treasure that embodies all the pride of Paris and Henry County in a collection of everything from wall hangings to handbags to clothing. Have you seen those Abercrombie jackets where the "ABERCROMBIE" is stitched-on appliques? Well, Paris on the Square one-upped them with the more exclusive "LAKE GIRL" ensembles. The pièce de résistance is the handbags made from PARIS! magazine covers. Live in Paris or Henry County or just visiting, this specialty shop is a treat.
And just think... this was just one side of the courthouse square! All the shops we missed! This was Millie's lament as we ended the evening at open house quitting time - 8 p.m. But it's a beautiful day for shopping! Hope to see you in downtown Paris today!
Since I failed to take my camera with me last night to the PARIS! magazine gathering (held in the avante-gard penthouse of COMPUTER HELP in downtown Paris) and the concurrent holiday open house of downtown shops, I am relying on Ray Harding's recent photo he entitled "Bright Reflections". Ray (2008 Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year for his work with the Heritage Center and Lee Academy for the Arts) is one of many intriguing associates of PARIS! magazine as well as its online companion, myparismagazine.com. I love reading his "Who Knews" as well.
I was accompanied to the event by my daughter, Kristi, her twins-in-the-oven, and granddaughter Millie. Millie, who is proud of her association with the group, missed "Mr. Rick" and made good with Miss Lisa's pink-frosted cupcakes. Kristi came away glowing, just as my son did after meeting some of the crew recently. His assessment, "Those are some good people," is an accurate accounting of this group of movers and shakers in Henry County.
Henry County must be full of them, if our experience in the shops' open houses are an indication. We only had time to visit four stores in the remaining time of the event, but daresay they were among the best! We first slipped into The Gallery, where we were greeted with aplomb by a gracious hostess, who said the items in her store were created by a variety of (apparently very talented) artisans. With a store full of wonders, we were drawn to a few special items, including some unique silver "spoon" bracelets (the more unique because of their chained clasp - drop by to see these!) and some whimsical zoo animal paintings on stretched canvas.
Next stop - Nirvana! Calling all quilters...you'll be delighted first by the intricate, precise detail of the machine quilting in the fine pieces displayed near the front of the store (and throughout) and then by its delightful purveyor, who may have been Ginger Eichler or Diane Sundstrom (both of whom are listed on the business card for YOUR PLACE Quilting Studio). This lady of charming smiles and interesting conversation deserves to be called by name and I regret that I am unable to do so. It is incumbent upon you to visit this store and make her acquaintance! You'll find all sorts of quilting fabrics and notions and more. This shop was voted "best smelling" (among a plethora of aromatic shops) by Gaines Hedges of WTPR-KF-KQ 105, WENK fame who with his wife, Becky (a local artist, and both PARIS! associates), ventured in while we were there. We learned the odor was created by Japanese cherry blossom oil diffused via a votive candle-heated bowl. (Got to get one!)
Then we visited JuJu's. Just as their slogan proclaims, "It's accessory heaven!" Necklaces, belts, SCARVES (all the rage), earrings, rings, bracelets, a big variety of handbags and shoes... and great prices! If you ever visited Claire's and similar stores at the mall, this is the classy version, with room to move and enjoy the wonderful inventory. Gifts galore could be purchased here!
It was espresso heaven at the next stop - Jack Jones Flowers and Gifts, also home to Jack's Java (the reason for the sensational aromas wafting throughout the shop) and Studio J. My daughter here found her "home" due to all the unique items that appealed to her bohemian nature. I can't tell you all the fabulous finds we discovered here because I have to go pick them up for her Christmas surprises! Just kidding, check out everything from long, appliqued and pom-pommed scarves to jewelery and fashion accessories to baby clothes. In fact most of the shops had some baby items, which reminds me that there was a FIFTH shop included in our adventure...
This one is a must-see -- Paris on the Square! This is a local treasure that embodies all the pride of Paris and Henry County in a collection of everything from wall hangings to handbags to clothing. Have you seen those Abercrombie jackets where the "ABERCROMBIE" is stitched-on appliques? Well, Paris on the Square one-upped them with the more exclusive "LAKE GIRL" ensembles. The pièce de résistance is the handbags made from PARIS! magazine covers. Live in Paris or Henry County or just visiting, this specialty shop is a treat.
And just think... this was just one side of the courthouse square! All the shops we missed! This was Millie's lament as we ended the evening at open house quitting time - 8 p.m. But it's a beautiful day for shopping! Hope to see you in downtown Paris today!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Labor Day Fun
Labor Day weekend kept bringing me back to Paris from my hometown in nearby McKenzie. On Saturday, my granddaughter and I headed to the movie theatre but, finding no kid's movies playing, began driving down the road toward Paris Landing wondering what to do that might be a little nearer. We stopped at the old Sally Lanes Candy Farm only to discover it had moved and, we're told, does a mostly online business these days. You can learn more about them at Sally Lanes.com.
Well...directly across the street was an intriguing little shop that everyone should visit. The name of it is Nana's Treasures, and that is an apt description because it is full of treasures at very reasonable prices. There were folks there with two or three kinds of accents, proving the region is a magnet for visitors and residents from all across the country. My granddaughter, at nine years old, was as enthralled with the place as I was. After we loaded up our purchases, we headed way across town toward Como enroute to Miller's Country Store, a Mennonite grocery store and deli (watch for the sign). You have never had a sandwich until you have one of theirs. Lebanon bologna and sweet Lebanon are two of their delicacies and their black cherry colas are to die for. We also bought some cheddar powder from their bulk stores in order to make cheesy popcorn and extra-cheesy mac-and-cheese.
On Labor Day, now with my daughter in tow as well, we headed back to Paris to Prater's Taters. This is another must-see place where the food is great and the taters are plentiful - Mr. Potato Heads as well as the biggest baked potatoes you've ever seen. It was a lot of fun.
PRATER'S TATERS
We then headed out of Henry County to Hazel Kentucky where we walked through most of the antique shops before deciding we would hit the rest another day. The coolest thing was that each shop had its own distinct appeal and we fell in love with each one.
The pièce de résistance of the day was discovering Glenn Newman's Fine Art Gallery in Hazel. The folk artist took the time to explain his works and his method to an enthralled audience. His amazing collection includes illustrated stories of his life in Louisiana as a boy and beyond, plus lots of adventurous animal lore of the region.
GLENN NEWMAN'S FINE ART GALLERY
Next weekend we plan to head back to Hazel to the 50's restaurant Glenn recommended and back to his shop as well as back to Paris for more explorations. I'd love to hear what others are doing in and about Paris. Share your experiences!
Well...directly across the street was an intriguing little shop that everyone should visit. The name of it is Nana's Treasures, and that is an apt description because it is full of treasures at very reasonable prices. There were folks there with two or three kinds of accents, proving the region is a magnet for visitors and residents from all across the country. My granddaughter, at nine years old, was as enthralled with the place as I was. After we loaded up our purchases, we headed way across town toward Como enroute to Miller's Country Store, a Mennonite grocery store and deli (watch for the sign). You have never had a sandwich until you have one of theirs. Lebanon bologna and sweet Lebanon are two of their delicacies and their black cherry colas are to die for. We also bought some cheddar powder from their bulk stores in order to make cheesy popcorn and extra-cheesy mac-and-cheese.
On Labor Day, now with my daughter in tow as well, we headed back to Paris to Prater's Taters. This is another must-see place where the food is great and the taters are plentiful - Mr. Potato Heads as well as the biggest baked potatoes you've ever seen. It was a lot of fun.
PRATER'S TATERSWe then headed out of Henry County to Hazel Kentucky where we walked through most of the antique shops before deciding we would hit the rest another day. The coolest thing was that each shop had its own distinct appeal and we fell in love with each one.
The pièce de résistance of the day was discovering Glenn Newman's Fine Art Gallery in Hazel. The folk artist took the time to explain his works and his method to an enthralled audience. His amazing collection includes illustrated stories of his life in Louisiana as a boy and beyond, plus lots of adventurous animal lore of the region.
GLENN NEWMAN'S FINE ART GALLERYNext weekend we plan to head back to Hazel to the 50's restaurant Glenn recommended and back to his shop as well as back to Paris for more explorations. I'd love to hear what others are doing in and about Paris. Share your experiences!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Riding to the West
Saturday morning, Jean & I decided to find one of only two cotton patches located in Henry County. I guess cotton patch is really a misnomer, we found 7 fields of cotton, and know we probably didn't see them all. These fields were in the Henry County portion of McKenzie, along State route 140, and it was very beautiful roads we took to get there!
We left home on Guthrie, went south on Market, out the interconnector to Dunlap. We headed south on Dunlap to Hill road, took Cope-Looney road till it dead ended into Gate 3 road, went north about 2 miles, then proceeded southwest on Palestine road. After about five miles we again turned north onto Gum Springs road which we took up to Tyson road, then to Herondale East which turned into Herondale West after crossing Henry-Midway road. We then went south on State route 140 to Radford Lake road, continued south on Dorsey road, continued south on Ben Smith road to Highway 79 south. We took 79 south into Carroll County, went west on 22 back into Henry County, and saw the cotton at highway 140.
We had a very enjoyable ride, but are thinking it will be even more beautiful when we take the same ride, during cotton picking time, in mid October.
We left home on Guthrie, went south on Market, out the interconnector to Dunlap. We headed south on Dunlap to Hill road, took Cope-Looney road till it dead ended into Gate 3 road, went north about 2 miles, then proceeded southwest on Palestine road. After about five miles we again turned north onto Gum Springs road which we took up to Tyson road, then to Herondale East which turned into Herondale West after crossing Henry-Midway road. We then went south on State route 140 to Radford Lake road, continued south on Dorsey road, continued south on Ben Smith road to Highway 79 south. We took 79 south into Carroll County, went west on 22 back into Henry County, and saw the cotton at highway 140.
We had a very enjoyable ride, but are thinking it will be even more beautiful when we take the same ride, during cotton picking time, in mid October.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
St. Louis
I took another fantastic trip, Saturday. Wasn't too much of it in Henry County, but I wanted to write about it, anyway. My destination was St. Louis, Missouri, and it is only a short four and a half hours from Paris. Whether you come up I-55 from Cape Girardeau, or I-24, then I-57 from Paducah, you pass through wine country, with small wineries dotting the very beautiful countryside. Once you get to the City of the Blues, there are lots of entertainment venues for your pleasure, including a free zoo, and a ball team steeped in legend. There is riverboat gambling, beautiful trees and flowers at Shaw Gardens, and every kind of cuisine you could want.
Paris is home to me. It has my home, my wife, my good friends, but it is nice to get away, once in a blue moon. You spend a little time on those freeways, you read about the crime in the papers, you check out some real estate prices, and it makes you real glad to call Paris home, though!!
Paris is home to me. It has my home, my wife, my good friends, but it is nice to get away, once in a blue moon. You spend a little time on those freeways, you read about the crime in the papers, you check out some real estate prices, and it makes you real glad to call Paris home, though!!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Ridin' Henry County
Saturday, Jean & I took another beautiful excursion deep into Henry County. We left the house on Guthrie, took 641 south through downtown, and on out the interconnector to 79 south toward McKenzie. We took the Old McKenzie Highway to Bunn School Road, crossed Van Dyck Road, then took a right on Henry-Mansfield Road, stopping to photograph old barns, farm implements, and butterflies along the way. We left Henry-Mansfield Road after going through the small town of Henry, and picked up Henry-Midway Road which carried us through some more beautiful countryside to Highway 54. We turned west on 54 and went through the town of Como, into the counties of Weakley & Obion where we visited friends. We are amazed at how green things still are, and we hope they stay green all the way to October!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Bully!
Last night Jean, nine close friends, and I, had a very enjoyable dinner/theater experience. We went to Murray, Kentucky, ate at the Big Apple Cafe, then went to see T.R. at the Playhouse in the Park. I believe a pleasurable time was had by all.
Jean's and my meal was very good. She had a grilled chicken salad, I had a burger and fries. We topped the meal off with a slice of Key Lime pie that was delicious! The rest of the bunch had Mexican cuisine and not a complaint was heard.
The Playhouse is a very short distance from the restaurant, where we got to see Pete Lancaster portray Theodore Roosevelt, or Teddy, as he liked to be called. The play dealt with his early years, up to the time right before his presidency, and brought back many schoolday memories of our 26th president. "Walk softly and carry a big stick", and the Rough Riders are just two stories that I remember from my youth, that I haven't thought of in a while.
Good friends....good food....good entertainment....life just does not get any better!
Jean's and my meal was very good. She had a grilled chicken salad, I had a burger and fries. We topped the meal off with a slice of Key Lime pie that was delicious! The rest of the bunch had Mexican cuisine and not a complaint was heard.
The Playhouse is a very short distance from the restaurant, where we got to see Pete Lancaster portray Theodore Roosevelt, or Teddy, as he liked to be called. The play dealt with his early years, up to the time right before his presidency, and brought back many schoolday memories of our 26th president. "Walk softly and carry a big stick", and the Rough Riders are just two stories that I remember from my youth, that I haven't thought of in a while.
Good friends....good food....good entertainment....life just does not get any better!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Henry County
As I sit here, listening to it thunder and rain, I cannot help but think about how blessed I am. This has been the wettest and coolest July that I can remember, and on the 4th day of August things are still green and beautiful, here in Paris and Henry County. Jean & I made a ride Saturday that was just spectacular. We rode down 79 to the river, came back toward Puryear, on 140, headed south on Shady Grove Road, then west on India Road, to Jackson Drive, then back home on Guthrie Road. The grass is still green, the trees are still green, the fields are still green, the woods are still green. I am 53 and cannot ever remember a summer this perfect. I may not ever see another.....but that is okay.....I have experienced this one!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Hummingbirds
My wife, Jean, my sister, Linda, and I went to the Nature Center, at LBL, Saturday, and saw all things hummingbird. We saw over two hundred birds, watched one get banded and learned a lot about the little fellas.We learned that a nickel weighs more than two adult male hummers. We learned that they fly to the coast and begin eating insects. These insects provide them with stored fat for their 500 mile journey across the ocean. We also learned that they return to the same place, both spring and fall, every year.All in all it was a very interesting, and a very enjoyable day trip, and one we would highly recommend.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Welcome to Gallivant!
Along with the Gallivant Calendar, the GALLIVANT Blog is the place to see what's happened and what's happening in Paris and Henry County, Tennessee. From biking and hiking to arts and entertainment, Gallivant strives to let you know what to do and where to go in the region. If you know about something that is coming up, please share it in the comments section and we'll be sure to get it on the calendar, or drop us a line via email.
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