Purchase Knob Home

Our first Fall field trip was to Purchase Knob as noted in
previous post. I had added this photo of the home, but
it disappeared when published. So here it is. A beautiful
place built as a summer home in 1964 and then donated
to the government in 2000. This would be a difficult
place to give up, but as a result, many more people
can enjoy it.

First Fall Field Trip-Purchase Knob Science Center

Here we approach the mountain top property via a narrow, steep, winding lane. We pray there is no oncoming traffic. It is a beautiful sunny day, the temperature drops as we get higher and higher.  I drove my car behind the bus, that is another parent in front of me. It was a dust storm by the time we got to the top.

Students file off the bus and head for the house for a short orientation.

After a short hike into the woods we sift the leaves collecting bugs.

The rangers say don't worry about poison ivy or oak.

It doesn't grow in this high elevation. Several

parents have come along. I was happy for the help.

We enjoyed a sack lunch on the side porch of the house.

Teacher assistant, Mr. B, knew more about the flora and fauna

than the rangers. He has a BS from Indiana in agriculture.

Beautiful view from the side porch of Purchase Knob.

We viewed the collected bugs projected on the wall of the once

master bedroom. Bugs were under a microscope and MUCH

bigger than life size. Interesting but eerie! It made my skin itch.

Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Appalachian Highland Science Learning Center is based on 535 acres in Haywood County, North Carolina, contiguous with the rest of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The parcel includes the 5,086 foot elevation Purchase Knob, a historic cabin, and two buildings which contain offices, laboratory space, a 50-person classroom, and housing for up to eight visiting scientists.
The buildings and land were donated in 2000 by Kathryn McNeil and Voit Gilmore, who had owned the property since 1964, and had built a summer home upon it. This represents the largest donation of land since GSMNP came into existence. Since then, the park has averaged about 5,000 visiting scientists, students and teachers each year. Everyday, the staff and program participants thank the family for their generous gift.
In 2001, Purchase Knob became the home of one of five initial Learning Centers created by Congress to support research in the National Parks and to transmit the information generated to the public. Eventually, 32 learning centers are expected nationwide.

Full Size Football

We've wanted a big screen tv for a long time. A couple of years ago we were numbed by sticker shock and came home with a modest 32 inch flatscreen. This week we took the plunge and went shopping and came home with a 55 inch LG flat screen LED tv with 3D!  We are watching University of Michigan football right now and feel like we are sitting in the bleachers of the Big House!

Hopeful...

Justin Verlander is having the kind of season where you could see him pulling off the impossible — advancing to the World Series and knocking off the powerful Phillies.

Well, we can only hope!!

My friend Cathy

I taught middle school with Cathy (Clark) Martin in Deltona, FL. Our classrooms were next door to each other and we became fast friends. We both love teaching and horses. I was lucky enough to be able to do both with her. Today we keep in touch via email and on Facebook. She posted these photos of her barrel racing on FB. She still has it, I however have hung up my spurs.

Hey, sister Deb, does this give you the urge to get back in

the saddle again?  I am afraid I would look like the

greenhorns we used to laugh at, bouncing around.

Notice-no bit!

Cleo at the Farmer's Market

Cleo had not fit the stereotype, happy as a clam, while living with her Clam Clan in the Indian River in front of JB's Fish Camp south of New Smyrna Beach, FL. Encouraged and assisted by her clan, she hitched a ride with tourists returning to Western North Carolina. Adventures in the mountains with her new friends had made Cleo a very happy clam. She had made her new friends happy too. They enjoyed taking her picture and laughed as they reviewed the photos.

Each day brought new experiences. Today they were off to the Western North Carolina Farmer's Market just outside of Asheville. There were arts and crafts of all kinds, fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies and most entertaining of all...people.  Cleo loved the natural beauty of the places she had visited in the mountains but oh, the people an added delight.

Cleo's friends peeking through the market display.

Cleo rests on a bench, ready to head home.

Cleo the very happy clam.

Cleo had left the Turtle Mound Clam Clan. She had been successful in hitching a ride. She was on an adventure. Gypsy blood coursed through her veins. She had experienced the cool mountain air and cold bold stream fresh water of WNC. She had certainly found the right people to tag along with. She found them entertaining and their conversations funny. She liked them, and they seemed to like her too. Today they went hiking through a beautiful woods. The sun rays danced through the tall tree tops. The crisp mountain air was invigorating. Yes Cleo, is happy as a clam!  If you look closely, you will see a smile on Cleo's face as she pauses on the trail.

Her new friends, noticing the growing smile built

a stone pile so she could enjoy the beautiful day.

The sense of adventure, earthy smells, sights of nature and

sound of laughter ringing through the woods made

Cleo a very happy clam.