Home Farm Spring 2009

CAMPING WITH
THE CLYDESDALES
Lodestar Farm lets kids interact
with rare breed of horses

Win a trip to Huntsville
SEE TENNESSEE
NEIGHBORS
tnfarmbureau.org Published for the
636,344
family members of the Tennessee Farm Bureau
tnhomeandfarm.com
Spring 2009
Home & Farm
STATE
FLOWER
POWER
Nashville agricultural center
showcases 40 varieties of irises
Tennessee
SEE GARDEN VIDEO ONLINE
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106 C2 C4.indd 2 2/3/09 1:14:48 PM
106 TOC.indd 1 2/3/09 12:04:48 PM
Tennessee
Home & Farm
TENNESSEE HOME & FARM
(USPS No. 022-305)
Issued quarterly by the Tennessee Farm Bureau
Federation, 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN
38401, (931) 388-7872. Periodical permit paid at
Columbia, TN, and additional entry offices.
POSTMASTER
Send address corrections to: Tennessee Home &
Farm Executive Offices, P.O. Box 313, Columbia,
TN 38402-0313.
TO SUBSCRIBE
TH&F is included in your $25 Farm Bureau annual
dues. (No other purchase necessary.) Stop by any
county Farm Bureau office to join!
ADVERTISING POLICY
For advertising information, contact Kelly
McBrayer at (800) 333-8842, ext. 277, or
by e-mail at kmcbrayer@jnlcom.com.
All advertising accepted is subject to publishers
approval. Advertisers must assume all liability
for content of their advertising. Publisher and
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation maintain the
right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or read-
er complaint about advertiser service or product.
Publisher does not accept political or alcoholic
beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or
guarantee advertiser service or products.
Publisher assumes no liability for products or
services advertised in Tennessee Home & Farm.
An official publication of the Tennessee Farm
Bureau Federation 2009 TFBF
EDITOR Pettus Read
CIRCULATION MANAGER Stacey Warner
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jessy Yancey
COPY EDITOR Joyce Caruthers
ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER Matt Bigelow
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Batey, Carol Cowan,
Catherine Darnell, Rebecca Denton, Susan Hamilton,
Laura Hill, Anthony Kimbrough, Leslie LaChance,
Kevin Litwin, Jessica Mozo, Ryan Vaden, Julie Vaughn
DATA MANAGER Ranetta Smith
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Brian McCord
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett,
Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Anne Whitlow
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Keith Harris
WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brian Smith
ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Carden
PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGER Katie Middendorf
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Laura Gallagher,
Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams
WEB PROJECT MANAGERS Andy Hartley, Yamel Ruiz
WEB DESIGN Ryan Dunlap, Carl Schulz
COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN Twila Allen
AD TRAFFIC Jessica Childs, Marcia Millar,
Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty
CHAIRMAN Greg Thurman
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Bob Schwartzman
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Ray Langen
SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT Jeff Heefner
SR. V.P./SALES Carla H. Thurman
SR. V.P./OPERATIONS Casey E. Hester
V.P./SALES Herb Harper
V.P./SALES Todd Potter
V.P./VISUAL CONTENT Mark Forester
V.P./TRAVEL PUBLISHING Sybil Stewart
V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Teree Caruthers
MANAGING EDITORS/BUSINESS Maurice Fliess, Bill McMeekin
MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY Kim Madlom
MANAGING EDITOR/CUSTOM Kim Newsom
MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL Susan Chappell
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Natasha Lorens
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Jeffrey S. Otto
CONTROLLER Chris Dudley
ACCOUNTING Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman,
Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER, CUSTOM DIVISION
Beth Murphy
INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER Kelly McBrayer
RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR Suzy Waldrip
DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR Gary Smith
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Yancey Turturice
NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR James Scollard
IT SERVICE MANAGER Ryan Sweeney
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Peggy Blake
CUSTOM/TRAVEL SALES SUPPORTRachael Goldsberry
SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR Rachel Matheis
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT Kristy Duncan

CUS TOM MAGAZI NE MEDI A
Tennessee Home & Farm is produced for the Tennessee
Farm Bureau Federation by Journal Communications Inc.,
725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067,
(615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of
this magazine may be reproduced in whole or
in part without written consent.
Member Magazine Publishers of America
Member

Custom Publishing Council
Please recycle this magazine

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Lacy Upchurch (Columbia)
VICE PRESIDENT Danny Rochelle (Nunnelly)
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
Jeff Aiken (Telford)
Charles Hancock (Bumpus Mills)
Linda Davis (Rutherford)
DISTRICT DIRECTORS
Malcolm Burchfiel (Newbern)
James Haskew (South Pittsburg)
Eric Mayberry (Hurricane Mills)
Dan Hancock (Smithville)
David Mitchell (Blaine)
STATE FB WOMENS CHAIRMAN
Jane May (Newbern)
ADVISORY DIRECTORS
Dr. Joseph DiPietro (UT-Knoxville)
STATE YF&R CHAIRMAN
Mark Klepper (Greeneville)
OTHER OFFICERS
AND STAFF PERSONNEL
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Julius Johnson
TREASURER Wayne Harris
COMPTROLLER Tim Dodd
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation
Tennessee
Farm Bureau
Federation
tnfarmbureau.org
Contest Central
Its that time of year again the flowers are blooming, the birds are
chirping and everything is finally turning green. Spring is an inspiring
season for shutterbugs as illustrated in our photo essay on irises on
page 16 and we hope it motivates you to grab your camera and
capture a picture-perfect moment for our 14th annual photo contest,
which kicks off in this issue.
This year, were tweaking two categories to add Tennessee Churches
and Things on a Fencepost along with the ever-popular Just Kids. We
bet you amateur photographers can expand your creativity with these
ideas. Learn more about the contest on page 7, and find our official
rules and entry form on page 45 or on the Web at tnhomeandfarm.com.
Speaking of contests, how would you like to win a trip to Huntsville,
Alabama? In addition to the fascinating exhibits and exhilarating
rides at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the city also has botanical
gardens, living history museums and much more. Read the story on
page 28, and then be sure to fill out an entry form or register online for
a chance to win one of two vacation packages up for grabs. Good luck!

Jessy Yancey, associate editor
thaf@jnlcom.com

2
Home& Farm|Spring 2009 tnfarmbureau.org
Editors note
106 TOC.indd 2 2/3/09 12:04:58 PM
ON THE COVER Photo by Antony Boshier
Ellington Agricultural Centers iris garden
16
8 28
Departments
4
/
From Our Readers
Members tell us what they think
5
/
Read All About It
New tiller turns garden into a rodeo
6
/
Short Rows
Its time again for the photo contest
26
/
Country Classics
Mason jar magic with pickled peaches
27
/
Restaurant Review
A little taste of heaven in Halls
28
/
See Tennessee Neighbors
Huntsville mixes high-tech, history
34
/
Gardening
Horticulture is good for your mind
37
/
Family Security
Making a stand for common sense
39
/
To Good Health
Health-care costs can add up
40
/
Events & Festivals
Things to do, places to see
49
/
View From the Back Porch
Spring lambing brings a guest inside
Features
8
/
Camping With
the Clydesdales
Lodestar Farm lets kids interact
with a rare breed of horses
12
/
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Our Backyard Town B&B re-creates
a simpler, gentler time
16
/
State Flower Power
Walk among the irises at
Ellington Agricultural Center
20
/
Hide & Seek
Lynnville craftsman makes luxury
gifts from American leather
22
/
Eating Green
Go green for the environment,
but also for good health
22
tnhomeandfarm.com Home& Farm
3
Table of Contents
106 TOC.indd 3 2/3/09 12:05:22 PM
Questions, comments and story
ideas can be sent to: Jessy Yancey,
725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400,
Franklin, TN 37067, or e-mail us at
thaf@jnlcom.com.
TENNESSEE LIVING HOME & GARDEN TRAVEL FOOD & RECIPES
online
Tennessee
Lodestar Farm
Check out our video section to
learn more about the unique
black Clydesdale horses and a
great summer camp for children
in Buchanan, Tenn.
Only Online Watch videos, find recipes, enter contests and more.
Food & Recipes
Plan a Sunday brunch with our unique
breakfast recipes. You can also print or
e-mail recipes, and add comments for
making these dishes taste even better.
Travel
Sign up for our See Tennessee
Neighbors giveaway to Huntsville, Ala.,
at the homepages online entry form.
tnhomeandfarm.com > PHOTO CONTEST
In Search of Images
Upload your best shots of Things on a Fencepost, Tennessee Churches or
Just Kids with our online photo entry form. See page 45 for more details.
Stick Horse Mania
My Old Trusty Steed [Winter
2009] by the enjoyable Pettus Read
brought back many fond memories.
I, too, was reared on a tobacco farm
and rode the trusty steed. But my
greatest pleasure with the tobacco
sticks was to build a playhouse by
stacking the sticks log-cabin style.
Mud pies and cucumber dolls were
made and played with there.
I feel stick horses and houses are
now obsolete because they dont
require batteries.
Marjorie Wade
Clarksville, Tenn.
Stick horses may be on the
extinction list, but I assure you
theyre not in our family. Our grandson
Jaxson has been riding a stick horse
for over a year now. He loves riding so
much that when he comes to visit us,
he is usually not here more than five
minutes, and he has already gone to
the toy room to retrieve Midnight, his
trusty black stallion stick horse that
resides at Gran and Papas house.
Jaxson spends a lot of time staying
with us and literally rides him from
sunup to way past sundown when
here. He also has Misty that lives at
his home, and he enjoys watching old
DVDs of Bonanza, The Lone
Ranger and The Man from Snowy
River. His mommy says he thinks he
is truly supposed to be in a Western.
Wayne and Tina Hopkins
McMinnville, Tenn.
Editors note: Many readers wrote us
in response to Pettus column in our
Winter 2009 issue, both reminiscing
about their own stick horses, as well as
reporting that active imaginations are
still alive and kicking. We appreciate
your comments, so keep them coming!
Home & Garden
Find more spring gardening tips from
past Dr. Sue columns, including rose
varieties that require minimal care.
Tennessee Living
Discover why Laura Hill thinks we
should celebrate the new year in
spring. Read this and more seasonal
musings from our regular columnists.
Jacki Turner

4
From Our Readers
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About the Author
Pettus L. Read is
editor of the Tennessee
Farm Bureau News
and director of
communications for
the Tennessee Farm
Bureau Federation.
Read his weekly
blog of country
wisdom and wit in
the Tennessee
Living section at
tnhomeandfarm.com.
SEE MORE ONLINE
A
hh! Spring has arrived with the beauty
of its flowers and the sounds of garden
tillers in the distance. Every backyard,
open space and whiskey barrel is being filled,
tilled and planted all across the state.
Gardeners are releasing all of their built-up
stress from a long winter of reading seed
catalogs and watching HGTV. These green
thumbs are finally planting Big Boys,
Beefsteaks and other b-named varieties
of tomato plants.
I, too, have had that same desire this year.
Along with my fellow gardening friends,
I spent the winter months seeking just the
right place on my property to sink hundreds of
dollars into the ground to grow $20 worth of
produce over the summer. But, I also use the
same reasoning used by other gardening
enthusiasts as we write another check for more
miracle dirt. I reason that it keeps us outside,
and the soil is therapeutic.
This year I have gone even more in the
therapeutic area of enjoyment by ordering
one of those little tillers. After two deliveries
by UPS and three big boxes, I prepared to
assemble the last garden tool I would ever
need. I could have paid $30 more to have them
assemble it, but not old country conservative
me. I have tools, and Im a man.
So, one Saturday morning in my garage I
opened the boxes and poured tiller parts out
for hours. It is amazing what those folks can
pack in a cardboard box! The instructions had
plenty of pictures, thank goodness, but the
packaging was all vacuum-sealed and encased
in bulletproof plastic. Why do they do that?
After using the Jaws of Life to open all the
packaging, I began to put the tiller together.
I did real well with the engine assembly and
only got the handles backwards. That required
me to disassemble the entire machine twice
to get them right. Finally, after a few bruised
knuckles and three Band-Aids due to box-
cutter-inflicted puncture wounds from opening
the hermetically sealed parts, the tiller looked
showroom perfect.
With the pride of a kid holding a brand-new
bike, I gently carried my 20-pound,
two-cylinder tiller to the backyard. With
instructions in hand, I pushed all the buttons
and gave the starter cord a yank. The little
engine started to purr like a kitten, and I
pulled on my form-fitting professional garden
gloves like I was a racecar driver in the
Indianapolis 500. I pulled down my JD cap
over my eyes and gave the troll lever a
squeeze to set the tiller in motion.
The little purring engine immediately
started sounding like a giant hornet locked up
in a fruit jar for two days. It roared with its
entire might, and I suddenly noticed one
mechanical failure on my part that was really
making a difference. I had put the blades on
backwards, and my little tiller had suddenly
become a deranged kangaroo. I had it by both
handles in a death grip, but it was bouncing so
high that at times it would block the sun.
I wanted to stop it, but I had failed to read
that far in the instructions. I had just read
the starting part, so I was now tilling things
that I hadnt planned on tilling.
After a bouncing trip around the yard, my
hand finally (and accidentally) hit the kill
button on the handle. The tiller stopped, but
the laughs coming from the sunroom window
where my wife had been watching the tiller
rodeo continued into late afternoon. My arms
had become like jelly and, when I tried to
remove my gloves, I had a problem of making
my hands come together. I couldnt even take
my finger and touch my nose.
Since that afternoon, Im tilling somewhat
like the advertisement demonstrated. But next
time, I think I will pay the $30 for assembly.
That seems more therapeutic than being the
whole show for a tiller rodeo.
Springtime Show
NEW TILLER TURNS GARDEN INTO RODEO
5
Read All About It
106 read all about it.indd 5 2/3/09 12:06:46 PM
2
4
5
1/ Why Rockefeller Rocks
The Rockefeller Archive Center
online exhibit, Their Bellies Are Being
Satisfied: The Rockefeller Quest To
Conquer Hunger, shows the worldwide
impact of Rockefeller funding for
agriculture. John D. Rockefeller
established the General Education
Board (GEB) in 1903 without
distinction of race, sex or creed.
Although U.S. colleges received
grants for buildings, salaries and
scholarships, the emphasis was to
improve the rural Souths economy by
educating impoverished farmers. Many
were African-Americans who had few
occupational choices due to legal and
social discrimination, so the GEB hired
traveling agents to demonstrate
modern farming techniques and assist
farmers with testing new crops. The
University of Tennessee and Tennessee
Agricultural and Industrial College
both received GEB grants.
Visit www.rockarch.org/gallery to
view the online exibit.
2/ Photogenic Farmers
He visited with farmers families.
Ate their homegrown food. Walked their
unpaved paths. Then, he shot photos.
Over the course of three years, Paul
Mobley photographed more than 300
farmers in 35 states from Tennessee to
Montana, traveling more than 100,000
miles across North America. In 2008,
he amassed his striking images into a
book, American Farmer: The Heart of
Our Country.
The book has more than 150 photos
and includes interviews by Katrina
Fried, who provides the farmers
perspective on the struggles and
blessings of life married to husbandry.
Go to tnfarmbureau.org for more
information and a link to purchasing
a signed copy at a discounted price.
3/ Commander Inn Chief
Its not the White House, but all
three presidents from Tennessee
stayed there.
The Netherland Inn of Kingsport was
frequented by several prominent
Americans, including Andrew Jackson,
Andrew Johnson and James K. Polk.
The estate now known as The
Netherland Inn House Museum and
Boatyard Complex is the nations
only registered historical site that was
both a boatyard and stagecoach stop.
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6
Short Rows
106 short rows.indd 6 2/3/09 12:07:30 PM
TN
FARM
FRESH
Watch Your Garden Grow
An entrepreneurial Giles County farm is doing its best to redeem the
perception of chicken manure.
In 1993, Rollins Farm added chickens more specifically, their eggs to
its stock of cows and pigs. With thousands of chickens roosting, Ed and
Teresa Rollins soon realized the potential for using the birds waste as
fertilizer. Their composting efforts led to a partnership with the Tennessee
Department of Agriculture and the University of Tennessee Extension
Service to develop a new product: R-GROW organic soil conditioner.
Through a closely monitored five-phase system, R-GROW is a mixture of
natural waste and fresh wood shavings, blending carbon and nitrogen to
emit as little odor as possible.
The conditioner serves as an excellent choice for top dressing and soil
incorporation. According to customers, the nutrient-enriched plants
possess brighter colors, higher yields and healthier appearances after
R-GROW application.
Ed Rollins traded in his former occupation for full-time farming in 1995.
Now dedicating himself to ensure that his clients are fully satisfied with
R-GROW and other Rollins Farms products, he seeks advice from
professionals, collaborates with retailers and meets with customers
face-to-face.
Ed and Teresas children, Debbie and Robert, also help run the farm,
which is solely family operated. Established in the 1970s, Rollins Farm also
sells fresh beef and honey. The soil conditioner contributes about one-fifth
of the farms revenue.
Bulk and individual purchases of R-GROW are available at Rollins Farm in
Prospect, and bulk can also be delivered locally. Learn more about how to
order at www.rollinsfarms.com.
Developed in the early 1800s as a
Holston River boatyard, the site was
later bought by Richard Netherland
and converted into an inn and tavern.
Today, the Netherland Inn
Association owns and preserves the
site, where it hosts special events.
The museum, decorated with artifacts
and replicas from the 19th century,
revives the frontier days of America.
4/ Send Us Your Photos!
Its time for the 14th annual
Tennessee Farm Bureau Photo Contest.
Bring out your cameras and capture all
the springtime beauty around you. Be
on the lookout for photos that fit in one
of these three categories: Tennessee
Churches, Things on a Fencepost and
Just Kids. Category winners will each
receive $100, and the grand-prize
winner receives $200.
For more details, check out the
entry form on page 45 or go online to
tnhomeandfarm.com. Also, be sure to
note the deadline change this year all
entries (whether online or mailed in)
must be postmarked by Aug. 1.
5/ Fostering the Forests
Smokey Bear has old friends in
Knoxville, although fire prevention
isnt their main concern.
This year, the University of
Tennessees Tree Improvement
Program (UT-TIP) marks its 50th year
of commitment to faithfully improve
and protect the forests. Since 1959,
UT-TIP has been securing forest
animals winter food supply and
studying ways to make forest property
more valuable. The program also
benefits landowners by improving the
genetics, and thus productivity, of both
hardwood and coniferous trees.
Striving to educate students from
kindergarten up, UT-TIP is the oldest
active forestry research program in the
state. Visit treeimprovement.utk.edu
to learn more.
Tennessee Farm Fresh helps our states farmers market their products directly to
consumers through an organized marketing program. For more information about the
program and more Tennessee farm products, visit www.tnfarmfresh.com.
SEE MORE ONLINE
7
106 short rows.indd 7 2/3/09 12:07:46 PM

8
Tennessee Living
106 F1 clydesdales.indd 8 2/3/09 12:08:14 PM
Camping
LODESTAR FARM LETS KIDS GET UP CLOSE
AND PERSONAL WITH A RARE BREED OF HORSES
Clydesdales
A
s sunlight peeks into the barns of
Lodestar Farm in Buchanan at
daybreak each morning, youll find
Meredith Vajda mingling with a
herd of handsome black Clydesdales.
The first thing Meredith does every
morning is go down to the barn to see the
horses, says Jim Vajda, Merediths husband
and co-owner of Lodestar Farm. She wants
to make sure she likes the way everybodys
looking. Theyre like her own children.
Clydesdale horses, made famous by the
Budweiser Clydesdales that appear in
commercials and parades, are known for
the feathery white hair on their fetlocks and
are traditionally bay, or light brown, in color.
Black Clydesdales are a rare breed, with
fewer than 3,000 living in the United States.
Meredith and Jim started breeding and
selling the unusual black Clydesdales in
Washington state in 1999. They now have
10 of the black beauties: Bootes, Arcturus,
Raspaban, Nova, Spica, Keira, Dutchess,
Kimberly, Domino and Kaylee. Lodestar Farm
is also home to Kitalpha, a Gypsy Drum filly,
and Traveller, a Gypsy Vanner.
We wanted a project we could do
ourselves, and we considered miniature
horses, Meredith recalls. But while
vacationing in eastern Oregon, we saw
a herd of black Clydesdales, and we
were taken with their beauty and elegance.
They look very regal, and theyre gentle
and smart.
The Vajdas moved their Clydesdale farm
to West Tennessee in August 2007.
Jim wanted to retire and move somewhere
where it would be less expensive to buy
property the size we needed, Meredith says.
We looked at property in Indiana, Missouri
and Tennessee, and found this 91-acre cattle
farm that already had two barns on the
property. It also has a 10-acre field of hybrid
Bermuda grass, and were able to offer
boarding here as well as horse training.
To satisfy the publics curiosity about their
rare breed of horses, the Vajdas graciously
open their farm to the public free of charge
on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for open-
barn hours, giving people a chance to get a
STORY BY JESSICA MOZO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY S. OTTO
Visit Lodestar Farm in
our online video, where
we see these unique
Clydesdale horses in
action and talk with
their owners, Jim and
Meredith Vajda.
SEE VIDEO
ONLINE
With the
Three of Jim and Meredith Vajdas rare horses graze in a pasture at Lodestar Farm in Buchanan.
9
Meredith Vajda, top left, and her husband breed black
Clydesdales in West Tennessee. They also run summer
camps that teach children, such as 9-year-old Laura
Whitby, right, about riding and caring for horses.

10
Tennessee Living
close look at the black Clydesdales.
We had 300 people show up at our first
open barn. Most people who visit our farm
say theyve never seen a black Clydesdale,
Meredith says. Having open-barn hours is
our way of being a good neighbor. People
can pet the horses, and if there are little
kids, we try to give them a ride.
Kids ages 6 and up can ride the
Clydesdales and a whole lot more at
Lodestar Farms annual summer horse
camps. The day camps run Monday through
Friday every week of the summer starting in
late May or early June, and each week is
limited to six campers so everybody gets
one-on-one attention. In 2008, the cost of the
summer camp was $275 per week.
We have a curriculum for the week, and
we do a little of everything, Meredith says.
We start off with lessons on being safe
around horses, grooming a horse and having
students learn what to look for in a horse.
Then we move on to leading a horse, trotting,
bareback riding, basic Western and English
riding, and trail rides.
When the campers feel comfortable around
the horses, they can even play games with
them, as well as learn about bathing them,
horse feed and horse first aid.
We take clues from the students on how
much interest and experience they have,
Meredith says. Most are not horse owners,
but Im surprised at the number of kids who
arrive with some horse experience. We only
have two rules everybody needs to be safe,
and everybody needs to have fun.
Campers leave with a new appreciation
for horses and for animals in general.
What they learn here can be applied to
other farm animals and even dogs, Meredith
says. The one-on-one interaction between
the horses and kids is so important. It gives
them self confidence when a 2,000-pound
animal does what they ask them to do.
For the Vajdas, the best part about the
camps is seeing other people enjoy their
horses as much as they do.
We get a kick out of seeing a little 6-year-
old kid control an animal that big, Meredith
says with a laugh. Our horses are well-
trained, so if you touch the back of their foot,
for example, the horse will lift it up for you.
Clydesdales originated in Scotland during
the Middle Ages to carry knights in armor
and arrived in the United States in the 1800s.
The knights needed a big-boned, hearty
horse to carry all that weight, and they
appreciated the Clydesdales big feet because
they were not likely to sink in the boggy land,
Meredith explains. The breed almost
disappeared from this country at one time,
but Budweiser helped change that in the 1950s
by offering free breeding to their stallions.
Meredith and Jim and all those who visit
Lodestar Farm love the black Clydesdales
for their gentleness, intelligence and beauty.
We love horses, we love this breed and
we love interacting with them, Meredith
says. Going down to see them at the barn
is the first thing I do every morning and the
last thing I do before bed at night.
Visit www.lodestarfarm.com or call
(731) 247-3220 for more information on
Lodestar Farms summer horse camps.
Farm
Facts
Horsing Around
in Tennessee
Our state ranks second
in the nation for total
equine numbers. That
means more than
200,000 horses and
ponies reside on 41,000
farms. Rutherford
County is home to the
most horses, followed
by Wilson, Williamson,
Bedford and Marshall.
Tennessees most
popular breed, quite
logically, is the
Tennessee Walking
Horse, followed closely
by quarter horses. The
two breeds combined
account for more than
half the states total
equine numbers,
according to the
Tennessee Agricultural
Statistics Service.
11
A Trip Down

12
Travel
106 F2 b&b.indd 12 2/3/09 12:10:01 PM
W
hen most of us think about our
backyards, decks, swing sets
and flower beds come to mind.
When Mike and Cathy Barnett
think about their backyard, theyre thinking
old-timey barbershops, antique cars and a
train depot.
Welcome to Our Backyard Town bed and
breakfast in Martin, one of Tennessees most
fascinating, one-of-a-kind destinations and a
unique spot for a close-to-home getaway.
Located on part of what was once Mike
Barnetts family sawmill and farm (he still
runs the lumber business there), Our
Backyard Town boasts four acres of antique
and new buildings. Together, these buildings
recreate the look and feel of two towns of
yesteryear the 1920s on one side and the
1950s on the other.
In addition to a nostalgic trip back to a
kinder, gentler time, overnight guests can
enjoy comfortable pampering in two log
cabins and a hearty home-cooked breakfast
by Cathy, an accomplished chef.
We had no plans to be a bed and
STORY BY LAURA HILL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ALDRIDGE
Reserve a Room
in Their Backyard
Our Backyard Town
is located at 520 N.
College St. in Martin.
Call (731) 587-1918 for
reservations, or visit
ourbackyardtown.com.
OUR BACKYARD B&B RE-CREATES
A SIMPLER, GENTLER TIME
Lane
Memory
Cathy and Mike Barnett opened Our Backyard
Town, a junk-collection-turned-B&B, in 1998.
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106 F2 b&b.indd 13 2/3/09 12:10:19 PM
breakfast, says Cathy, who admits
she had never stayed in a B&B until
she owned one. We were just trying
to entertain ourselves while our kids
were in college. Some people hire
psychiatrists; we just played in our
junk in the backyard.
That junk was the result of
Mikes lifelong collecting affliction.
Antique cars. Porcelain advertising
signs. Relics from country stores.
Flea market finds, estate sales and
lots of swapping.
As the collection grew, especially
the cars, the Barnetts began reworking
existing buildings on the property into
display areas for their treasures.
People came to visit, celebrations of
all sorts took place in the yard, and
their tiny town grew and grew.
Eventually, people asked to spend
the night, and word of the Barnetts
bounteous hospitality spread.
They obtained their B&B license in
1998, but another year passed before
any official guests were registered.
I was worried my grandmother
was sure wed be robbed blind,
Cathy laughs.
Today, two log cabins equipped
with all the conveniences of a
modern hotel room attract visitors
year-round from throughout the
country and overseas and even
from closer to home.
I have to say it was one of the
most wonderful experiences I ever
had for an anniversary, says Brenda
Evans of Martin, who was treated to
a night at Our Backyard Town by her
husband. It was very welcoming,
the dcor was homey and beautiful,
and we were treated like royalty
from the moment we arrived.
In the backyard today, Clints Cut
and Chew, a mans place set in the
farms old smokehouse, serves as an
old-fashioned tobacco store and
barbershop. A vintage checkerboard
appears to have a game in progress,
and an antique barber chair and tools
look ready for a shave and a haircut.
In the old chicken coop, visitors
enjoy a gas station with antique
pumps, a 1950s diner and a vintage
grocery store complete with screen
door and a nostalgic array of
groceries from rural general stores
of yesterday. A 1920s drugstore
contains an authentic soda fountain.
A tiny chapel seating 20 guests has
become a charming spot for weddings
of all kinds. And soon, a train depot,
complete with toy train and antique
four-poster bed, will join them.
Its like stepping back in time,
says Kate Miller of Knoxville, who
spent several weeks at Our Backyard
Town when husband Daniel was
temporarily working in Martin. The
little details are amazing, right down
to the canisters in the general store.
And the Barnetts go out of their way
to make you comfortable.
Perhaps the towns biggest
attraction is Mikes collection of 27
antique cars, a hobby he began at
15. Among his collection is a 1911
Maxwell, a 1939 Packard Victoria
convertible and a 1931 Cadillac
LaSalle that once belonged to Hoot
Gibson, retired NASA astronaut.
As popular as the buildings and
vintage treasures are within, though,
it is the Barnetts hospitality that
keeps visitors coming back. Cathy
modestly attributes her talent for
making people feel comfortable to
her mother and grandmother and
to a major change wrought by a bout
with Guillaume-Barr syndrome that
cost her the sight in one eye and
impaired the other.
I tell people all the time that we
have plans for what were going to
do with our lives, but we dont know
what God has planned, she says.
God gave me the gift of hospitality.
She and Mike have never met a
guest they didnt like, Cathy says.
Apparently the feeling is mutual.
People plan to come for a night
and ask if they can stay another, she
says. Thats the highest compliment
I can get that and when people
come back to see us.

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Pottery on
the Premises
One of Our Backyard Towns unique
attractions is the hand-thrown
pottery made on the premises by
the Barnetts son, Clint Riley.
A graduate of the University of
Tennessee at Martin with a degree in
visual arts, Riley has exhibited widely
at festivals and crafts shows, where
his functional and decorative items
have gained considerable attention.
Rileys Six Toe Studio is named for
his son, Kizer, who was born with six
toes on his left foot. Its a reminder,
Riley says, of the uniqueness of
each of us as humans as well as
each piece of pottery. True to his
mantra, no two pieces of Rileys
work are exactly the same.
Visitors to Our Backyard Town can
watch him make his pottery, buy a
piece in the gift shop, or order a
custom piece with choices of size,
color and glaze. To learn more, visit
www.sixtoestudio.com.
A cozy room in a log cabin at Our Backyard Town costs just $120 per couple per
night, making it popular for anniversaries. Visitors also come to see the collection of
27 antique cars and many other nostalgic items, from collectibles to entire buildings.
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In a peaceful clearing on the spacious grounds of Ellington
Agriculture Center in Nashville, irises of more than a hundred
varieties and colors pop up from the ground every spring.
Its kind of like a secret garden not everybody is aware
its there, says Darnell Hester, vice president for Region 7
(Tennessee and Kentucky) of the American Iris Society and an
avid iris grower on his Springfield farm. You can see so many
new and popular iris varieties on about one third of an acre.
The iris garden is located at the end of a scenic nature trail
and features a stunning white gazebo, which has made it one
of Nashvilles most popular outdoor wedding destinations.
The garden is maintained by around 40 volunteer members
of the Middle Tennessee Iris Society, an affiliate of the
American Iris Society.
We are responsible for weeding, fertilizing and replanting to
keep the iris plants growing, Hester says. The society also
has a flower show in May and an iris sale in July. Both are held
at the Ellington Agriculture Centers Jones Auditorium.
It was the annual iris sale that prompted Hester and his wife,
Judye, to join the Middle Tennessee Iris Society in 1989.
We saw an ad for the iris sale and wound up buying some
plants, Hester recalls. Now we have our own iris garden
on our farm where we grow more than 1,000 iris varieties,
including ones we hybridize.
Iris blooms begin to appear in mid-April and reach their peak
around the second week in May. Ellington Agriculture Center
is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday,
and admission is free.
Interested in joining a local chapter of the American Iris
Society? Call Hester at (615) 384-6593.
State Flower Power
17
Photo Essay
106 F3 iris.indd 17 2/3/09 12:12:08 PM
Looking for more places to see irises?
Visit www.tennesseeirisfestival.com for
details on the event in Dresden, or learn
about Greenevilles annual Iris Festival
at www.greenecountypartnership.com.
SEE MORE ONLINE

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Photo Essay
106 F3 iris.indd 18 2/3/09 12:12:37 PM
For a virtual tour of the
iris garden at Ellington
Agricultural Center, visit
tnhomeandfarm.com and
click on the video page.
SEE VIDEO
ONLINE
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C
Learn more about Col.
Littletons products from
The Colonel himself at
tnhomeandfarm.com.
SEE VIDEO ONLINE

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106 F4 leather.indd 20 2/3/09 12:16:10 PM
M
ost folks regard their family
heirlooms with more than a
touch of nostalgia, counting
items of lasting value whether
sentimental or otherwise among their
most prized possessions. Since 1987, one
Tennessee designer and craftsman has
staked his entire business on that reality.
And hes accomplished much success.
I got to thinking about family heirlooms,
says Col. Garry Littleton, proprietor of Col.
Littleton, Purveyor of Fine Accouterments in
the Americana Tradition. There are no more
swords, no more pearl-handled pistols, no
more pocket watches. So, I thought of a
pocketknife. If you had your granddaddys
pocketknife, what would you take for it?
Probably nothing. And thats where I started.
In fact, every heirloom-quality knife the
company sells is accompanied by a card
bearing the story of how Littletons own
grandfather gave his pocketknife to
9-year-old Littleton a gift he still carries.
Today, Col. Littleton knives are crafted
with mother-of-pearl and bone handles and
Damascus steel blades. His knives, along
with leather apparel and accessories
ranging from picture frames to flyswatters,
are sold at retailers, in catalogs and online,
as well as at the Col. Littleton store in
historic downtown Lynnville, population 327.
Company headquarters and works,
including Littletons unique field-tent office
and artifact-filled research and development
department, reside on his Foxfire Farm on
the edge of town. It might be easier to run
the business from a metal building in an
industrial park somewhere, Littleton
acknowledges, but the farm is part of the
philosophy of what were about.
A major Lynnville employer, the company
gets its leather from a small tannery nearby.
We use all-American steer hide, Littleton
says. If you want some fancy black Italian
leather, youll have to buy it somewhere else.
Were a brown company.
Furthermore, all his products could have
been made in 1890, he says, and some
actually are based on designs of that era.
Many of the tools used to manufacture them
have changed little in the past century.
Even The Colonel himself, sporting a
handlebar mustache and flowing gray hair
and speaking with elegant country wisdom,
seems like a throwback to less complicated
times. I think everybody wants to believe
theres still a Mayberry somewhere where
lifes simpler, Littleton says. Thats pretty
much the way it is around here in Lynnville.
Its just real simple.
To order the leather products, call (800)
842-4075 or visit www.colonellittleton.com.
STORY BY CAROL COWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT
Quite Famous
Some of the famous
people who own Col.
Littleton products
include:
s 4HELASTFIVEGOVERNORS
OF4ENNESSEE
s 0RESIDENT"ILL#LINTON
s 0RESIDENT
'EORGE"USH
s 0RESIDENT
'EORGE7"USH
s !CTOR2OBERT$UVALL
s #OUNTRYMUSICSTAR
!LAN*ACKSON
LYNNVILLE MAN
CRAFTS LUXURY
LEATHER GIFTS
&
Hide
Seek
Col. Garry A. Littleton owns Col. Littleton LTD, which sells saddlebag briefcases, leather journals,
belts, hats, strongboxes and other products in hundreds of upscale mens stores, catalogs and online. B
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Tennessee Living
106 F4 leather.indd 21 2/3/09 12:22:23 PM

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106 food.indd 22 2/3/09 12:29:48 PM
GO GREEN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT,
BUT ALSO FOR GOOD HEALTH
Eating
G
o Green has become Americas
mantra when it comes to reducing
our energy consumption in the 21st
century. But the slogan could very
well serve another important purpose that
of our diets.
Leafy greens such as spinach, cabbage,
kale and chard are readily available in
backyard gardens across Tennessee (or in
supermarkets, if your thumb is anything but
green), and they pack a punch when it comes
to vitamins and minerals. Iron, fiber, beta-
carotene and folic acid are just a sampling of
the nutrients you can get from spinach and
other greens, and that translates to health
benefits like stronger bones, disease
prevention and even a lower risk of
developing cataracts.
Not sure how to turn greens into a flavorful
dish youll actually want to eat? Thats where
we come in.
Try combining chopped Swiss chard with
savory garlic and onion, and simmer it all with
rich chicken broth and plump, golden raisins.
Sprinkle on toasted pine nuts, and voila!
If spinach is your favorite green, whip up
our Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon
Vinaigrette. Spinach leaves, grated egg and
tomato slices are drizzled with a warm
dressing made from balsamic vinegar, onion
and spices with bits of crispy bacon.
You can even incorporate greens into soup,
as we did in our Kielbasa and Kale Soup. Its
a chicken broth-based soup thats chock-full
of kale, a member of the cabbage family, as
well as sweet yellow onion, bright orange
carrots, fiber-rich cannelloni beans and
sliced kielbasa.
Finally, for a salad with Chinese flair, try
combining chopped Napa cabbage and bok
choy with toasted ramen noodle bits, slivered
almonds and sesame seeds. Toss it all with a
homemade soy-flavored vinaigrette dressing,
green onions, carrots and red pepper. You
can even make it a healthy meal by adding
grilled chicken or shrimp.
STORY BY JESSICA MOZO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY S. OTTO
FOOD STYLING BY KRISTEN WINSTON CATERING
Green
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Food
106 food.indd 23 2/3/09 12:30:06 PM
Wilted Spinach Salad with
Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
10 ounces baby spinach
4 ounces bacon, cut into -inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
small red onion, thinly sliced
teaspoon kosher salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 hard-boiled eggs
5 ounces grape tomatoes (about half of a package),
sliced in half, lengthwise
Place spinach in a large bowl.
Fry bacon in medium skillet over medium heat
until crisp, about five minutes. Remove, leaving
grease in skillet. Return skillet to medium heat and
add oil, onion, salt, pepper and sugar. Cook, stirring
occasionally, two to three minutes or until onion is
slightly softened.
Add vinegar and swirl to incorporate.
Pour warm dressing over spinach and toss gently
to wilt. Sprinkle bacon over the salad, grate the eggs
and top with grape tomato slices.
Swiss Chard with Pine Nuts
and Golden Raisins
2 bunches red Swiss chard
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup chicken broth
cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
Wash the Swiss chard and cut leaves from stem.
Coarsely chop leaves.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and
saut until soft. Add garlic and saut two minutes.
Add chard and toss until wilted. Add chicken broth
and raisins, and simmer until greens are tender,
about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts
and serve.

When adding the Swiss chard to the pan,
it may seem as if theres too much, but
just keep tossing and it will wilt enough to fit.

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Napa Cabbage Salad
cup butter
2 3-ounce packages ramen noodle pasta, crushed
(do not use spice packet)
cup slivered almonds
cup sesame seeds
1 medium head of bok choy (white part included)
1 medium head Napa cabbage
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, julienned
1 red pepper, julienned
Vinaigrette Dressing:
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon pepper
cup canola oil or light olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Melt butter in a skillet. Add ramen noodles,
almonds and sesame, and saut until toasted.
Remove from heat and set aside.
In separate bowl, combine vinaigrette ingredients.
Trim the bok choy three inches from the bottom
and chop remaining in one-inch ribbons. Chop Napa
cabbage in one-inch ribbons.
Add remaining vegetables to cabbage mix. Before
serving, toss with noodle mixture and vinaigrette.
Kielbasa and Kale Soup
1 pound kielbasa, sliced into rounds
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 cups kale, thinly sliced in approximately
-inch ribbons
1 teaspoon kosher salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
2 14-ounce cans cannelloni beans
1 bay leaf
7 cups chicken broth
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, saut kielbasa
approximately five minutes. Remove kielbasa and
set aside.
Add olive oil, and saut onions and carrots five
minutes. Add garlic and saut one minute. Add kale,
turn to low heat, cover and let kale steam for four
minutes. Add salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
Add beans, bay leaf, broth and kielbasa. Bring
to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer for
10 minutes.

This dish tastes even better when
served the next day.
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106 food.indd 25 2/3/09 12:31:07 PM
Want More?
Each issue of
Tennessee Home & Farm
highlights a selected
recipe from Country
Classics Volume II.
Copies of the cookbook
are available for
$17 each, including
shipping and handling,
from county Farm
Bureau offices, or by
calling the Tennessee
Farm Bureau home office
at (931) 388-7872,
ext. 2217.
O
ne things for sure about Ann
Morrisons family and friends: Theyll
never go hungry on her watch.
You name it, I can it. I freeze, I make fried
pies, I make peanut brittle, I make chocolate
butter rolls, says the 74-year-old Henderson,
Tenn., homemaker who happily shares her
tremendous bounty. My mama said, You give
more away than anybody. The Lord has blessed
me in so many ways, I love to give it away.
Included in her repertoire of Mason jar
magic are Pickled Peaches, featured in Country
Classics II, published by the Tennessee Farm
Bureau Women, now in its second printing.
The peaches get mixed reviews from people.
Theres a lot of them that dont know what
they are or dont like for them to have to have a
seed, she says. Some people love them, and
some dont.
Still, Morrison keeps making her prized
pickled peaches and other homemade delights.
She stores her wares in her own freezers and
her two daughters freezers she is mother
to five, grandmother to seven, and great-
grandmother to two as well as her library,
which is an old smokehouse she and her late
husband, James, used for curing meat. A son
converted it to a pretty library, Morrison
says, with old books and souvenirs on one side
and shelves for her foodstuffs on the other.
In fact, all of her children live within six miles
of her, so large family dinners are frequent.
When two of her grandchildren were in the
service, Morrisons peanut brittle made it to
them all the way to Iraq, Germany and the
Mediterranean. She sent it with the pastor
when he toured underdeveloped countries.
He came back with rave reviews.
Thats been my thing peanut brittle and
fried pies, she says.
Before her husbands passing in 2000, the
couple farmed all of their lives corn, cotton
and beans.
I loved it, she says, having driven a tractor
for 35 years.
Morrison still lives on the family farm.
Its just in me, she explains. Im an outside
person. When spring comes, I love to run a
garden tiller and love to mow the yard. Ill be
here until someone takes me away.
Catherine Darnell
Pickled Peaches
4 cups sugar
2 cups vinegar
24 small whole peaches
4 sticks cinnamon
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon salt
Boil everything except the peaches for
5 minutes. Add peaches (not open hearts).
You can strain out cloves, if desired. Simmer
15 minutes or until tender. Place in hot sterile
jars and seal.
Mason Jar Magic
CANNING WITH ANN MORRISON IS JUST PEACHY
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Country Classics
106 cc rst rvw.indd 26 2/3/09 12:35:11 PM
The Dish on Just
Divine Tea Room
Throughout the year,
our team travels the state
in search of good food
and friendly service. In
each issue, we feature
one of Tennessees best
eateries, and in our
opinion, the best dishes
to try.
Just Divine Tea Room,
located at 2257 Highway
88 W. in Halls, is open
for lunch Tuesday
through Saturday from
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dessert
is served until 3 p.m.
Just Divine can also be
reserved in the evenings
for private gatherings.
Call Pam Davis at
(731) 836-6113.
Visit the Food section
of tnhomeandfarm.com
for more Tennessee
restaurants worth
visiting.
T
hough the atmosphere of Just Divine Tea
Room is country-casual, visitors might be
inspired to wear their Sunday best when
stopping by for a weekday lunch. Thats because
the eatery makes its home in the former Hales
Point Baptist Church. But no matter how they
dress, customers will find themselves singing
the praises of the tasty, home-style fare.
In 1998, Charlene Roberts spotted a vacant
country church while checking crops on the
family farm with her husband, Ronnie. They
bought the 50-year-old clapboard building and
moved it to its current location at Charlenes
Colony of Shoppes on Highway 88, where it
joined a thriving group of quaint boutiques.
After a year of renovation, the former church
sanctuary was transformed into the main
dining room, a cheerful space painted yellow
with white wainscoting accents. The walls are
covered with eye-catching dcor an antique
lamp, a landscape print, blue-and-white china,
a ceramic rooster all for sale, part of Roberts
inventory from her home furnishings store.
The smaller former Sunday school rooms,
called the Blue Toile and the Green and White
rooms, are designed for more intimate dining.
A one-room house relocated by the Roberts now
serves as a larger formal dining room. Adorned
in rich reds and earthy browns, its perfect for
large groups and private parties.
The loving attention to detail in the dcor
carries over into the food. Just Divines simple
menu features gourmet deli sandwiches and
salads, such as the zingy mandarin orange
salad with honey-pecan dressing, as well as
daily specials, like the creamy pesto pasta with
grilled chicken or shrimp. For a new twist on an
old Southern favorite, try the orange-scented
cornbread or the garlic-cheddar biscuits.
The restaurants fabulous chicken salad,
which began as one of Charlenes recipe
improvisations, has become something of a
local legend. Folks order it for sandwiches,
and they take it home by the pint. No wonder;
its made daily from fresh chicken breast
(no canned meat here), red seedless grapes,
chopped red and green bell peppers, almonds,
and a light honey-mustard-and-mayo dressing.
Dont miss homemade scrumptious sweets
like chocolate cobbler, hot-fudge cake, apple
dumplings or the decadent four-layer dessert,
built on a base of pecan shortbread covered in
chocolate pudding and cream-cheese whipped
topping, drizzled with chocolate syrup and
sprinkled with toasted pecans. Its heavenly.
Leslie LaChance
A Little Taste of
Heaven in Halls
THIS CHURCH-TURNED-TEA-ROOM ISNT JUST FOR SUNDAYS
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Restaurant Review
106 cc rst rvw.indd 27 2/3/09 12:35:49 PM
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Travel

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106 travel.indd 28 2/3/09 12:40:06 PM
VISITORS FIND A MIX
OF HIGH-TECH AND
HISTORY IN HUNTSVILLE
T
he 360-foot-tall Saturn V rocket
towering above Huntsvilles skyline
is the first indication that this city
offers something a little different.
Known as Rocket City, Huntsville, Ala.,
is home to Redstone Arsenal, a U.S. Army
post where work focuses on missiles,
aviation and rockets.
Just half an hour south of the Tennessee
border, this thriving cosmopolitan city offers
a wealth of fun and interesting places to
visit, from space-themed activities to a lush
botanical garden and interactive historic sites.
1
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CLAIM-TO-FAME ATTRACTIONS
The states largest attraction is the U.S.
Space and Rocket Center, a hands-on
showcase of space technology.
Visitors can try dozens of interactive
exhibits from experiencing three times the
force of gravity in the G-Force Accelerator
to feeling the G-forces of launch aboard
the Space Shot.
Next to the space museum is the renowned
Huntsville Botanical Garden, a 110-acre site
with inviting woodland paths, grassy
meadows and flowers ablaze with color from
spring through fall. The Nature Center and
Childrens Garden complex features the
largest seasonal butterfly house in the nation.
The Huntsville Museum of Art in downtown
Huntsvilles Big Spring International Park
includes seven galleries filled with traveling
exhibitions and the work of nationally and
regionally acclaimed artists, along with a
2,522-piece permanent collection.
2
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FUN FOR THE FAMILY
Burritt on the Mountain A Living Museum
is a must-see stop for families. The 167-acre
site overlooking the city is home to a historic
mansion, a park with restored 19th-century
houses and an animal-filled barnyard.
Interpreters demonstrate activities that took
place on an 1800s-era farm blacksmithing,
spinning and cooking over an open hearth
STORY BY REBECCA DENTON
ROCKET
Have a Blast in
CITY
TENNESSEE
NEIGHBORS
SEE
Two lucky families will
win a trip to Huntsville!
You can check out the
entry form and official
rules on page 47, or
register online at
tnhomeandfarm.com.
A Saturn V rocket replica stands outside the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Visitors can
view the real restored spacecraft inside the museums Davidson Center for Space Exploration. Staff Photo
29
106 travel.indd 29 2/3/09 12:40:22 PM
and nature trails wind through the
woods and around the mountain.
Sci-Quest Hands-on Science
Center is another great place for
kids to explore. The childrens
science center is home to more than
150 interactive exhibits including
a tornado simulator and a giant
magnetic pendulum and a 3D
Immersive Reality Theater.
For a change of pace, Monte Sano
State Park just a short drive from
downtown has more than 14 miles
of hiking/biking trails and a picnic
area on a bluff overlooking a scenic
mountain valley.
3
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HISTORICAL INTERESTS
One of Huntsvilles most popular
historic destinations is the
EarlyWorks Museum Complex
downtown, which includes three
interactive museums Alabama
Constitution Village, the Historic
Huntsville Depot and EarlyWorks
Childrens History Museum. Some
highlights include a 46-foot river
keelboat, an 1860s-era train depot
with locomotives visitors can climb
on, and the cabinet shop where
delegates stood to sign the Alabama
State Constitution in 1819.
The stately Weeden House
Museum, built in 1819, is known for
its collection of period furnishings
and its elaborate design features.
Twickenham Historic District,
with early 19th-century homes
dating from 1814, is another good
place to check out architecture.
Visitors can rent or buy a self-guided
CD of the district at the Visitor
Information Center on Church
Street downtown.
4
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GOOD EATS
When youve worked up an
appetite, take time out to enjoy
the citys diverse restaurants.
The Blue Plate Caf is a local
landmark that specializes in home-
style favorites such as meatloaf,
fried pork chops, chicken and
dumplings, hash-brown casserole
and black-eyed peas.
The Jazz Factory, downtown on
Washington Square, serves up San
Francisco cuisine in a large dining
room with a mezzanine. Open
nightly for dinner and brunch on
Sundays, this restaurant also hosts
live music several nights a week and
features an upstairs lounge with
pool tables.
Rosies Mexican Cantina is a
casual, family friendly place known
for its spicy barbecued chicken
nachos as well as signature chips
and salsa.
The upscale 801 Franklin serves
creative and elegant dishes prepared
with heirloom and organic foods
from local farms, and it focuses on
a seasonal menu.
Another choice for fancier fare
is Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante, a
modern, casually elegant Italian
restaurant and lounge.

30
Travel
106 travel.indd 30 2/3/09 12:40:41 PM
5
/
RING IT UP
A must-see shopping stop is
Harrison Brothers Hardware on the
square downtown. Established in
1879, its the oldest continuously
operating hardware store in the
state. Things havent changed much
inside this store, where shoppers can
find old-fashioned candies, marbles
by the scoop, cast-iron cookware,
oak rocking chairs, bird feeders and
other gifts.
Modern-day shopping destinations
with a range of retailers and
restaurants include Madison Square
Mall, Bridge Street Town Centre,
Parkway Place mall and Interior
Marketplace.
For more information about
Huntsville, including a list of
attractions and itinerary options,
visit www.huntsville.org.
The Huntsville Botanical Garden spans
110 acres. Above: The childrens area at
EarlyWorks Museum Complex Right: The
Huntsville Museum of Art Staff Photos
3
1
1
Antony Boshier
31
106 travel.indd 31 2/3/09 12:41:18 PM
For the latest Value Plus information and more discounts for Tennessee Farm Bureau members,
call the hotline at (877) 363-9100. Visit our Web site at www.tnfarmbureau.org/valueplus.
Exclusive Farm Bureau Member Savings
Visit our Web site at
www.tnfarmbureau.org/valueplus
TOLL-FREE
(877) 363-9100
American Cellular
Offer applies to new activation. 10% cell phones,
smart phones and air cards with recommitment to
existing contract. www.americancelluar.net (user
name and password: tfbf). Available only by
calling or visiting American Cellular location.
Save 20% on ce
phones, smarL phones
and ar cards
0a (888) 653-8323
or vsL your
oca Amercan
0euar ocaLon
Phones shpped
drecLy Lo your door
Car Rental Discounts
To make reservaLons, ca
(800) RENT-A-CAR
(800-736-8222)
or go onne aL www.enterprise.com.
0orporaLe raLe pan 56MFARM
PIN # - TEN
Prices will reflect your member-only discount.
Posted Internet rates and 1-800 rates may differ.
10% Discount
Nashville Super Speedway
T0% DscounL on LckeLs for TN Farm
Bureau members
0a T (866) RA0E-TIX Lo redeem Lhe offer
Apr TT NAS0AR NaLonwde 300
June 6 FederaLed AuLo ParLs 300
AugusL T ToyoLa Tundra 200
*Not valid on day of race
106 Value Plus spring.indd 32 2/3/09 12:42:29 PM
Where Membership Means

Tennessee Farm Bureau
*Offers are subject to change without notice
Choice Hotel Discounts
Call or go online: (800) 258-2847
www.choicehotels.com
Farm Bureau ID# 00800606
Prescription Savings
Present Farm Bureau membership card to
participating pharmacy to receive discount.
Savngs aL mosL chan and many
independent pharmacies.
Name-brand and generc drugs.
Visit the Agelity section of
www.tnfarmbureau.org/valueplus to locate
pharmacies and obtain drug pricing.
The card is not an insurance benefit and will
not offer additional savings on pharmacy discounts
offered through insurance plans. Some restrictions may apply.
Vision Discounts
$35 eye exam
25% off frames and enses
0a (800) 340-0T29 or vsL Eyecare 0enLers
of America on the Web @ www.ecca.com.
Nashve Knoxve Johnson 0Ly
BrsLo KngsporL 0arksve 0ookeve
Discounts cannot be combined with insurance benefits, coupons,
promotional offers or any other offer.
Online Tax Preparation
Easy Lo use, do-L-yoursef Lax preparaLon
Prcng sLarLs aL $T4.95 for a form T040
\sL www.fbLaxservce.com for more deLas
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proLecLon ncuded. $2 off ADT`s
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*36-monLh monLorng agreemenL requred aL $3T.99 per monLh
($T,T5T.64). $99 cusLomer nsLaaLon charge. Form of paymenL
musL be by credL card or eecLronc charge Lo your checkng or
savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit
fees may apply. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new
customers only. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined
wLh any oLher offer. PowerLnk, LL0 TN. 0erL. #0-0332.
UP TO 60%
SAVINGS!
FB MEMBER
ANY COUNTY ASSOCIATE
MEMBER NO. 99-12345 EXP. 12/31/01
TENNESSEE FARMERS INS. COs.
www.fbitn.com
Priority Claims Service 1-800-836-6327
TRH HEALTH PLANS
www.trh.com 1-877-874-8323
HOTEL/MOTEL DISCOUNTS
Choice HoteIs - ID# 00800606
20%DISCOUNT
1-800-258-2847
Comfort Inn & Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion,
MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn,
Cambria Suites, Suburban
GRAINGER INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY
10%-35% off TFBF Acct# 854398591
1-800-255-0955 www.grainger.com
CELLULAR SAVINGS
Free digital phone and accessories
1-888-653-8323
VISION DISCOUNTS
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ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR
Corporate rate plan code 56MFARM
1-800-RENT-A-CAR
ADT HOME SECURITY - 1-877-832-6701
PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNTS
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Help Desk 1-800-847-7147
Advance reservations required. Blackout
dates and other restrictions apply.
Lands End
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106 Value Plus spring.indd 33 2/3/09 12:42:50 PM
Good for
Mind
Your

34
106 gardening.indd 34 2/3/09 12:43:41 PM
GARDENING BENEFITS MORE THAN JUST YOUR STOMACH
I
ve been gardening for more than
25 years, and experience has taught
me that gardening benefits my body as
well as my mind. Working in my garden
is a real stress buster, helping me relieve
feelings of anxiety and providing a break
from the general rush of my life.
Ive learned that Im not alone in my
thinking. Noted author Eva Shaw reports
many psychological benefits of gardening
in her book Shovel It: Natures Health Plan.
Her research found that people who garden
generate the same brainwaves as people
who meditate, and that grief-stricken people
who worked in a garden recovered faster
than those who didnt. She also reports that
gardening can lower blood pressure, reduce
depression, cut the effects of chronic fatigue
and reduce the need for pain medication.
Environmental psychologist Roger Ulrich
reports similar findings in his research. His
studies show that even just viewing a garden
or nature has healthy psychological benefits
and can help people heal and recover faster.
Many hospitals now have gardens as part of
their facilities because Ulrichs research has
shown that people with wounds or other
physical problems heal faster if exposed to
gardens or landscapes. By focusing less on
themselves and more on plants, they have a
more positive outlook.
Ulrich now works full-time consulting
on the design and implementation of
therapeutic gardens for health-care
facilities. His work demonstrates that
gardens can be planted with stress reduction
in mind using soothing colors and scents
and buildings need to be designed to provide
plenty of views of nature.
Gardening connects us with the rhythm
of life.
In fact, a growing area of professional
study is horticulture therapy, which uses
plants and gardens as a mode of treatment
for recovery from a variety of maladies.
Gardening can also be a good brain
workout. It gives us a chance to be creative.
I like to think of plants as my box of crayons
or paints, and the canvas I create usually
provides a great deal of satisfaction for me
along with a sense of accomplishment.
Plants serve as mental refreshment.
Research by Dr. Virginia Lohr found that
when interior plants or flower arrangements
are placed in an interior work environment,
employee work productivity is increased and
absenteeism is decreased. Based on this
finding, my boss provides fresh flowers
weekly for all office staff.
Adults arent the only ones to reap the
benefits of gardening; its advantageous for
children, as well.
In his latest book, Last Child in the Woods:
Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit
Disorder, journalist Richard Louv says that
many children today who spend too much
time indoors being physically inactive and
not engaged in the natural world suffer from
nature-deficit disorder. He reports that the
symptoms of nature-deficit disorder are
ADHD, depression and obesity.
We are seeing an all-time high of these
afflictions in our children. Louv maintains
that gardening is a good activity to engage
our children with the natural world and
reduce nature-deficit disorder. I cant tell you
how many times I make my children shut off
the television and computer and go play
outside in their own garden.
Gardening requires us to live in garden
time. We all could use a lesson in slowing
down, and the garden therapy you can find
in your own backyard might be cheaper than
a therapist.
Even if you dont have a green thumb, you
can benefit from a bit of garden therapy.
About the Author
Dr. Susan Hamilton is
an associate professor
in the University of
Tennessee Department
of Plant Sciences and
director of the UT
Gardens. The gardens
are a project of the
Tennessee Agricultural
Experiment Station,
with locations in
Knoxville and Jackson:
http://utgardens.
tennessee.edu.
B
r
i
a
n

M
c
C
o
r
d
35
Gardening
106 gardening.indd 35 2/3/09 12:44:06 PM

36
106 family security.indd 36 2/3/09 12:45:11 PM
About the Author
Dan Batey is vice
president of corporate
communications for
Tennessee Farm
Bureau Insurance
and can be reached
at dbatey@tfbf.com.
A
few years ago I wrote an article on how
they make skillets over at the Lodge
Cast Iron Cookware foundry in South
Pittsburg. One of the things they told me is
that they were going to have to start
seasoning the skillets before they left the
factory, because people either would not or
could not do the job themselves, which caused
sales to suffer.
In case youre wondering what Im talking
about, seasoning a cast-iron skillet involves
oiling it up, bringing it to a high temperature,
then letting it cool slowly. Then your cornbread
will pop right out.
Lodge was compelled to offer pre-seasoned
skillets to keep pace in a world of Teflon. Try
finding anything but nonstick cookware any
place other than a serious cooking store.
Some people will try to tell you nonstick
cookware is intended to lessen the need for
grease, butter and oil, but, in my observation,
those pots are a sure sign of someone who
lacks appreciation for proper stovetop skills.
Nonstick pots and pans are just one example
of inventions that are intended to make life
easier but actually just dumb us down.
Spell-checks on computers are handy, but
they arent much help if you dont know the
difference between allude and elude.
And if a man doesnt have enough sense to
know when to turn his headlights on without
an automatic sensor, does he really need to be
out driving around after dark?
Speaking of cars, a friend of mine bought his
son a fancy new SUV with a buzzer to let him
know when he was about to back into
something. All the device did was train the boy
not to look where he was going, and sure
enough, his daddy had to pay the deductible
when the alarm quit working.
Another automotive convenience that
renders lots of folks brainless is the cruise
control. How many times have you seen two
cars traveling door-handle-to-door-handle for
miles because both of them have their cruise
set at the same speed and are blissfully
unaware of each other?
Recently there was an article in The Atlantic
magazine in which a British writer argued that
Americas jumble of traffic signs, intended to
make us safer, actually has the opposite effect.
He says Americans are trained to look for
speed limit signs (and scope the bushes for
the police) instead of looking at the road and
making sound judgments based on actual
driving conditions.
The gizmo makers and sign posters may
want to rob us of our good common sense, but
we can take a stand. Everyone should know
how not to weld an egg to a skillet. (By the
way, Charlie says it only takes a drop or two
of oil, and dont put the egg in until the skillet
is hot enough.)
Out on the road, dont rely too much on
artificial intelligence. Look over your shoulder
when youre backing up. Understand why
bridges freeze before the roadway. Know when
to cut off the cruise control. And in a howling
rainstorm, the sign may say Speed Limit 70,
but that doesnt make it a good idea.
Youll be happier and live longer, and your
insurance company will thank you, too.
Seasoning Ourselves
TAKE A STAND AGAINST LOSING YOUR COMMON SENSE
37
Family Security
106 family security.indd 37 2/3/09 12:45:32 PM
V I S I T
www.tnfarmfresh.com
for a listing of local farmers near you!
Or call (931) 388-7872 ext. 2763
When you buy from
local farmers you ...
s3UPPORTLOCALECONOMY
s%NJOYAFRESHPRODUCT
s+EEPLOCALAGRICULTUREVIABLE

38
106 health.indd 38 2/3/09 1:02:38 PM
About the Author
Anthony Kimbrough
is vice president
of marketing and
government relations
for TRH Health
Plans. His e-mail is
akimbrough@trh.com.
For more information
about TRH Health Plans,
call (877) 874-8323 or
visit www.trh.com.
I
ts a funny-looking Cat in the Hat cup,
but the nice folks at the bank wont like it
because its the third cup right now. The
other two beside it are already brimming over
with pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. At
the end of each day, I toss what change I find
in my pockets into the cup, a habit I inherited
from my father. Eventually, my months of
saving all go into a bag, and Im off to the bank
to see how closely I guessed to the amount.
Ill admit its become a game for me,
watching a little change here and there add up
substantially. Last family vacation, it went a
long way toward paying for a beach condo.
Tightwad that I am, that was pretty cool.
Recently, two things happened in the same
day that caused me to wax philosophical about
the change-collecting habit. One, my teenage
daughter completely out of the blue told me
she had started her own change pile, and it
was growing. I was impressed and a bit proud
that she is following in her dads footsteps,
though I suspect it might also have been a
veiled suggestion that her allowance is
woefully shy of where it should be.
And secondly, a report came across my
desk at work that made spare change seem
insignificant: In one months time, 10
individual health claims totaling nearly
$2.4 million had been filed with TRH Health
Plans. Two claims totaled more than $500,000
each, and, maybe most startling of all, was
that four of those 10 claims were for children,
which alone accounted for $1.6 million.
Discounts, negotiated partly due to the
strength of having nearly 200,000 people
covered, enabled that $2.4 million to be
reduced by $1 million-plus, and then TRH paid
Making
Cents
HEALTH-CARE COSTS, LIKE
CHANGE CUPS, CAN ADD UP
about $1.2 million of the remaining balance.
As I studied the report, I recalled a handful
of conversations over the past two or three
years with TRH members. Often prompted by
notification that premiums would increase to
keep pace with rising health-care costs,
members inevitably offer a phrase something
like this: Ive been paying premiums to you
folks for a long time and hardly ever have any
claims, or Weve not filed a claim this year.
Their point is very understandable,
especially when health-care costs continue to
outpace virtually everything else. But because
we also get the other side of the story told by
individuals and families like those 10 claims
we realize such a complaint misses the mark.
It fails to account for the unexpected and
tragic health issues that occur each day, the
kind of costly situations that, without health-
care coverage, would financially bankrupt an
already emotionally bankrupt family.
It may sound too flippant, even when its not
intended to be, for us to simply respond to
complaints about cost by saying, Be grateful
you havent had claims. Unfortunately we
know those who have, and yet we are pleased
we can be a financial safety net for them.
The policies offered by TRH Health Plans are
an opportunity for folks to have something
in the cup. Its not exactly pennies, nickels,
dimes and quarters, but it adds up remarkably
when that health issue youd hoped would
never occur actually does happen.
39
To Good Health
106 health.indd 39 2/3/09 1:02:58 PM
This listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in March,
April and May as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist
Development.
Dates were accurate at press time but are subject to change; please call
the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.
To include your local events in our listing, please call the Tennessee
Department of Tourism at (615) 741-7994. Events are included as space
permits. Additional information on Tennessee events is also available
online through the departments Web site, www.tnvacation.com.
MARCH
MARCH 6-8
ALL NATIONS AMERICAN
INDIAN FESTIVAL
Tennessee Livestock Center, Murfreesboro
This festival includes Native Arts Market,
exhibition dancing, cultural exhibits, family
entertainment and more. CONTACT:
(615) 796-4210, www.mtsu.edu/powwow
MARCH 14
FEILE FRANKLIN
Historic Downtown Franklin
Includes Irish dance and music
performances on Main Street, special Celtic
vendors and festival foods. Throughout the
day, there are two stages of continuous
dance and music. CONTACT: (615) 591-8500,
www.historicfranklin.com
MARCH 20-21
OLD TIME FIDDLERS
CHAMPIONSHIP
Clarksville
This 34th annual state championship
features authentic old-time music.
Competition in 12 events with monetary
prizes awarded. CONTACT: Tad Bourne,
(931) 552-6149, www.tnfiddlers.com
MARCH 21
60th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE OPENING OF
THE GATES CEREMONY
Oak Ridge
Sixty years ago, the secret city of Oak Ridge
was officially opened to the public, with
notable speakers and famous movie stars all
lining up to be the first to enter the gates. This
year marks the anniversary of that event, and
a recreation of that remarkable day will take
place at the original Elza Gate and the
American Museum of Science & Energy.
CONTACT: (865) 481-0542, www.orhpa.com
MARCH 21
47th ANNUAL WEARIN
OF THE GREEN IRISH DAY
Erin
From the Grand Parade, leprechauns and
banquets to carnival rides, pageants and
arts-and-craft booths, there is entertainment
all around. From wee tots to wise old
leprechauns, we have something for
everyone. Relive the spirit of St. Patrick at one
of the largest St. Patricks Day celebrations
south of Chicago. CONTACT: (931) 289-5100
MARCH 28
OAKLANDS HISTORIC
HOUSE MUSEUM 50th
ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Murfreesboro
Once the center of a 1,500-acre plantation,
Oaklands was the home of the Maney
family. The house was built in four phases
during a 40-year period; Oaklands
eventually was transformed into an
Italianate mansion with the fourth and final
addition in 1857, just a few years before the
beginning of the Civil War. CONTACT:
(615) 893-0022, www.oaklandsmuseum.org
Tennessee Events & Festivals
Fall Creek Falls Wildflower Weekend and Townsends Herb and Wildflower Day are two of many flowery events popping up.

40
106 events.indd 40 2/3/09 1:05:01 PM
MARCH 28-29
HISTORIC MANSKERS
STATION SPRING
ENCAMPMENT
Historic Manskers Station, Goodlettsville
Observe how people lived on the frontier in
the late 1800s. Costumed interpreters and
re-enactors will camp around Manskers
Fort. Watch woodworking, blacksmithing,
spinning, cooking over the fire and bread
baking. Tour Manskers Fort and the Bowen
Plantation House, built in 1787. CONTACT:
(615) 859-FORT, www.manskersstation.org
APRIL
APRIL 2-5
MULE DAY
Columbia
One of the biggest mule celebrations in the
world, this includes mule sale, mule pulling,
mule shows, pancake breakfast, flea market
and parade. CONTACT: Mule Day Office,
(931) 381-9557, www.muleday.com
APRIL 4
WOOLLY DAY
Rocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats
Rocky Mounts annual spring event focuses
on 18th century wool processing and other
agricultural activities. Come and see sheep
shearing, spinning and weaving, and living
history tours of the Cobb House and
grounds. CONTACT: (423) 538-7396,
www.rockymountmuseum.com
APRIL 4
GILES COUNTY
GOBBLERS GALA
Pulaski
This community event includes delicious
turkey, entertainment, games, crafts, and
the Turkey Roll and Turkey Calling contests.
CONTACT: (931) 363-3789,
www.gilescountytourism.com
APRIL 4
HERB AND WILDFLOWER DAY
Townsend Visitors Center
A tribute to the beauty and fascination of
wildflowers, ferns, trees and herbs. Visit
with expert botanists, photographers and
naturalists. CONTACT: (800) 525-6834
APRIL 4
CELTIC CELEBRATION
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga
Join the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra
as Irish fiddler Riverdance star Eileen
Ivers electrifies with her blue violin at this
Celtic Celebration. CONTACT: Chattanooga
Symphony & Orchestra, (423) 267-8583,
www.chattanoogasymphony.org
APRIL 4-5
WILDFLOWER WEEKEND
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville
Explore the park and see wildflowers and
breathtaking views. Features a variety of
hikes, workshops, driving tours and more.
CONTACT: Betty Dunn Nature Center,
(423) 881-5708, www.tnstateparks.com
APRIL 9
JOHN OVERTONS BIRTHDAY
Travellers Rest Plantation, Nashville
The historic house will be open as you take
a look at one of Tennessees most influential
19th-century citizens. CONTACT: (615)
832-8197, www.travellersrestplantation.org
APRIL 16-18
4th ANNUAL DUMPLIN DAYS
AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Fiddlers Grove Historic Village, Lebanon
Come and experience storytelling, old-time
games, dumplin cook-off, musical
entertainment and more. CONTACT: (615)
444-5503, www.lebanonwilsontnchamber.org
APRIL 16-18
4th ANNUAL FIDDLERS
GROVE STORYTELLING
Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon
The event will include a delightful day of
dumplins stewing in pots, storytelling
featuring nationally known storyteller Bill
Lepp, storytelling workshop for those who
would like to work on their storytelling
skills, craft demonstrations, an assortment
of food vendors and an old-fashioned
childrens game. CONTACT: Johnnie Payton,
(615) 812-1183, www.fiddlersgrove.org
APRIL 16-19
AFRICA IN APRIL CULTURAL
AWARENESS FESTIVAL
Memphis
Celebration honoring The Republic of
Mauritania using education, economics,
fashions, arts and crafts, music and cuisine.
CONTACT: (901) 947-2133,
www.africainapril.org
APRIL 16-19
MARDI GRAS RIDE
East Fork Stables, Jamestown
Cajun food, Cajun music, Mardi Gras
parade, costume prizes, beads and bingo.
CONTACT: (800) 978-7245,
www.eastforkstables.com
APRIL 17-19
SPRING NATURE FESTIVAL
Warriors Path State Park, Kingsport
Features a wide range of nature topics
where each leader first gives an indoor
mini-seminar then leads an outdoor walk on
that same topic. CONTACT: (423) 239-6786
APRIL 18
SPRING MILE-LONG
YARD SALE AND
EXCURSION TRAIN
Watertown
Ride the train to the huge yard sale,
which features arts and crafts,
entertainment, and more. CONTACT:
Jim Amero, (615) 237-1777, www.tcry.org
APRIL 18
DISCOVERY FEST
Wartburg
Features rock climbing wall, hiking,
paddling, horseback trail riding, ATV rides,
kayaking clinic, childrens activities, food,
arts and crafts, live music, and more.
CONTACT: (423) 346-5740,
www.morgancountychamber.com
APRIL 18
33rd ANNUAL
CANNONSBURGH
PIONEER DAY
Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro
Food, crafts and demonstrations of life in
pioneer times. CONTACT: (615) 890-0355
APRIL 18
ELKTON MILE LONG
YARD SALE
Hwy. 31 South, Elkton
Mile long yard sale. CONTACT:
(931) 363-3789, www.gilescountytourism.com
APRIL 20-26
WORLDS BIGGEST FISH FRY
Paris
Over five tons of catfish are on order to
serve thousands of visitors at this fish fry.
Includes IPRA rodeo, parade, catfish races
and more. CONTACT: (731) 642-3431,
www.paristnchamber.com
APRIL 25
EARTH DAY
AK Bissell Park, Oak Ridge
This family-friendly event educates,
encourages, and empowers citizens to
create a sustainable community. Features
interactive exhibits, activities for all ages,
presentations and live music. CONTACT:
(800) 887-3426, www.oakridgevisitor.com
41
Events & Festivals
106 events.indd 41 2/3/09 1:05:18 PM
APRIL 25
WHITE COUNTY
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Sparta
A medieval renaissance festival with a
human chess match, storytelling, food,
masked ball and much more. CONTACT:
Carol Lee Norris, (931) 738-9238
APRIL 25
HERB FAIR AND GARDEN SALE
The Rose Center, Morristown
The Rose Center Herb Society conducts the
fair that includes 50 herbalists. CONTACT:
(423) 581-4330, www.rosecenter.org
APRIL 25-26
13th ANNUAL NATIONAL
CORNBREAD FESTIVAL
South Pittsburg
Live entertainment, juried arts and crafts,
and food. This festival honors cornbread
with the National Cornbread Cook-Off.
Sample cornbreads and main dish recipes.
CONTACT: (423) 837-0022,
www.nationalcornbread.com
APRIL 25-26
FRANKLIN MAIN
STREET FESTIVAL
Franklin
More than 220 artisans and crafters, four
stages of music and dance, two carnivals,
and food courts. CONTACT: (615) 591-8500,
www.historicfranklin.com
APRIL 25-26
CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY
DAYS AT RAMSEY HOUSE
Knoxville
Civil War encampment with drills,
demonstrations, and a skirmish each day.
Demonstrations include arms, medicine,
period clothing, period cooking, music and
more. CONTACT: (865) 546-0745,
www.ramseyhouse.org
APRIL 26-MAY 2
TRENTON TEAPOT FESTIVAL
Trenton
This celebration is centered around the
theme of the Worlds Largest Collection of
Rare Porcelain Veilleuses. The festival
begins with a ceremonial Lighting of the
Teapots and culminates in the Annual
Grand Parade. CONTACT: (731) 855-2013,
www.cityoftrentontn.com
APRIL 30
CASEY JONES DAY
Jackson
Celebrate the anniversary of the legend of
Casey Jones, the worlds most famous
railroad engineer. Tour his original 1890s
home in Casey Jones Village. CONTACT:
(731) 668-1222, www.caseyjones.com
MAY 1-3
38th ANNUAL TACA TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR
Nashville
This juried crafts festival features more than 180 contemporary and traditional artists,
continuous demonstrations, live music and food. CONTACT: (615) 385-1904,
www.tennesseecrafts.org
APRIL 30-MAY 2
FIRST FARMERS &
MERCHANTS TRAIN STOP
STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Maury County Park, Columbia
Features miniature train rides, world
famous storytellers telling stories in
traditional form, through magic and in song.
CONTACT: (931) 375-6103
MAY
MAY 1-2
OLD TIMERS DAY FESTIVAL
Holland Park, Dickson
Everything from a liars contest to Miss Old
Timers Talent Contest. Includes parades,
crafts and quilt shows, live entertainment,
dancing in the street, and more. CONTACT:
Rhonda Adams, (615) 446-2349,
www.dicksoncountychamber.com
MAY 1-2
TOWNSEND IN THE SMOKIES
SPRING FESTIVAL
Townsend Visitors Center, Townsend
Activities include bluegrass music, arts
and crafts, barbecue, Appalachian
demonstrations, wildflower walks and
storytelling. CONTACT: (800) 525-6834,
www.smokymountainfestivals.org
MAY 1-3
BLEDSOES FORT
COLONIAL FAIR
Bledsoes Fort Historical Park,
Castalian Springs
Experience life as it was in the late 1700s.
Vendors selling items that were used during
the 18th century will be setup throughout
the park along with music, food,
entertainment and costumed re-enactors.
CONTACT: Henry Govan, (615) 206-9777,
www.bledsoesfair.com
MAY 2-25 (Sat. & Sun.)
TENNESSEE
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Triune
16th century England comes to life with full
contact jousting, food, crafts and artisans.
CONTACT: (615) 395-9950,
www.tnrenfest.com
MAY 3-9
72nd ANNUAL
WEST TENNESSEE
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Humboldt
One of the oldest festivals in the state.
Events include parades, carnival, horse
show, live entertainment, barbecue cook-off,
concerts, contests, fireworks and more.
CONTACT: (731) 784-1842, www.wtsf.org
Events & Festivals

42
106 events.indd 42 2/3/09 1:05:34 PM
MAY 6-8
38th ANNUAL DAYS
ON THE FARM
Sam Davis Home, Smyrna
Come find out what life was like on a
farm 100 years ago. This popular living
history celebration will feature over 25
demonstrations such as blacksmithing,
sheep herding, spinning, butter churning
and lye soap making.
CONTACT: (615) 459-2341,
www.samdavishome.org
MAY 8-9
SUNDROP BBQ COOK-OFF
Giles County Agri-Park, Pulaski
This professional and amateur barbecue
contest includes chicken, ribs, pork
shoulder and brisket and is State Barbecue
Championship-sanctioned by the
Kansas City Barbecue Society.
CONTACT: (931) 424-2134,
www.sundropbbq.com
MAY 9
4th ANNUAL HENDERSON
COUNTY FOLK FESTIVAL
Lexington Courthouse Square
Features live bluegrass and folk music,
folk exhibits, contests, games, antique
car show and food.
CONTACT: (731) 968-3239
MAY 9
24th ANNUAL FLAG
POND RAMP FESTIVAL
Old Flag Pond School, Flag Pond
Authentic Appalachian celebration with
gospel and bluegrass music, crafts,
childrens events and tempting ramp dishes.
CONTACT: Edgar Rice, (423) 743-6185
MAY 9-10
STRAWBERRY WEEKEND
Ritter Farms, Rutledge
An agritourism event features homegrown
strawberries, tomatoes, recipe contest
and local bluegrass music.
CONTACT: (865) 767-2575,
www.ritterfarms.com
MAY 9-16
62nd ANNUAL TENNESSEE
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Dayton
A celebration of small-town life with
hay rides, ice cream, exhibits, food
vendors and delicious strawberries.
CONTACT: (423) 775-0361,
www.tnstrawberryfestival.com
MAY 15-16
TN52 YARD SALE
From Portland to Celina
Tennessees second-longest yard sale with
over 550 sellers. Spans 95 miles and passes
through four counties. CONTACT:
(888) 301-7866, www.tn52.com
MAY 15-16
BLOOMIN BARBECUE &
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Sevierville
Tennessee State Championship Barbecue
Competition, bluegrass concerts, arts and
crafts, food, and authentic mountain crafts.
CONTACT: (888) 766-5948,
www.visitsevierville.com
MAY 15-16
OLD TIME
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Dyer County Fairgrounds, Dyersburg
Two days of bluegrass picking and great
food. CONTACT: (731) 285-2681
MAY 15-17
PICKWICK CHALLENGE
Pickwick Dam
A full weekend of great powerboat racing
action with events for all ages. Includes
cruises on the Pickwick Belle riverboat, arts
and crafts fair, car and motorcycle show,
golf tournament, 5k run, carnival,
entertainment and more. CONTACT:
(877) 936-2355, www.pickwickchallenge.com
MAY 16
STRAWBERRY JAM FESTIVAL
Maple Lane Farms, Greenback
Features food, fun and entertainment for the
entire family. CONTACT: (865) 856-3517,
www.maplelanefarms.com
MAY 16
ARMED FORCES
DAY CELEBRATION
Veterans Museum, Halls
A tribute to all who serve and have served
in the armed forces. Features a Military
Vehicle Rally and WWII reenactments. The
location is the site of a WWII Army Air Force
B-17 Training Base from 1942-1945.
CONTACT: (731) 836-7400, www.dyaab.us
MAY 16
ROBBERY EXCURSION TRAIN
Tennessee Central Railway Museum,
Nashville
This train to Watertown is full of excitement
when the train gets taken over by some Wild
West robbers! CONTACT: (615) 244-9001,
www.tcry.org
43
106 events.indd 43 2/3/09 1:05:50 PM
MAY 16-17
35th ANNUAL FESTIVAL
OF BRITISH &
APPALACHIAN CULTURE
Historic Rugby
Continuous British Isles and Appalachian
music and dancing, traditional arts and
crafts demonstrations, storytelling, historic
building tours, childrens activities and
delicious food. CONTACT: (888) 214-3400,
www.historicrugby.org
MAY 16-17
15th ANNUAL SEIGE
AT FORT WATAUGA
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area,
Elizabethton
Its 1776, and the colonies are in the throes of
a Revolution and the frontier is in a state of
chaos. Come see how settlers of the
Watauga Valley defend their lives, families,
hearth and home at the Seige. CONTACT:
(423) 543-5808, www.sycamoreshoals.org
MAY 16-17
GATLINBURG SCOTTISH
FESTIVAL AND GAMES
Gatlinburg
Scottish games and festivities including
concerts, Highland athletics, bagpipe
competitions, Highland dancing, food and
demonstrations. CONTACT: (800) 568-4748,
www.gsfg.org
MAY 20-23
21st ANNUAL SHERIFF BUFORD
PUSSER FESTIVAL
Adamsville
Held in the hometown of the legendary
Sheriff Buford Pusser of Walking Tall
fame. People from all over the country come
together to enjoy good music, food and
family fun. CONTACT: (731) 632-4080,
www.sheriffbufordpusser.com
MAY 21-23
39th ANNUAL CELEBRATION
SPRING FUN SHOW
Calson Arena, Shelbyville
Early season preview of the top Tennessee
Walking Horses across the country. Many
will compete for world championship
honors at the Tennessee Walking Horse
Celebration in August. CONTACT:
(931) 684-5915, www.twhnc.com
Almost One Mile of

All-Accessible Riverfront
Private 61 Acres
Rolling Hills

Calfkiller River in White Co.
Just off the Caney Fork River
$995,000
(931) 260-6068 or (931) 526-3759
orthopod@frontiernet.net
RIVERFRONT RANCH
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGS
TENNESSEE FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANIES
Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Tennessee Farmers
Life Insurance Company and Tennessee Farmers Assurance Company
will hold their annual meetings on Thursday, March 26, 2009, at
the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn., beginning at
10 a.m. (Central Time)
The meetings are for policyholders of Tennessee Farmers Mutual
Insurance Company and stockholders of Tennessee Farmers Life
Insurance Company and Tennessee Farmers Assurance Company.
MAY 23
LESTER FLATT MEMORIAL
BLUEGRASS DAY
Sparta
Features a full day of music, crafts, food,
games, truck and car show, and much more.
Visitors from across the country come to pay
tribute to legendary bluegrass pioneer
Lester Flatt, and enjoy an entertaining
outing. CONTACT: (931) 836-3248,
www.sparta-chamber.net
MAY 23
APPALACHIAN
DUMPLIN FESTIVAL
Winfield Municipal Center, Winfield
Includes live bluegrass music, horseshoe
competition, pageant, carriage rides,
firefighter competition and the largest
variety of dumplings in the region.
CONTACT: (423) 569-6139,
www.appalachiandumplinfestival.com
MAY 23
11th HERITAGE DAY
Granville
Includes bluegrass festival, antique car and
tractor show, craft demonstrations, food,
storytelling and more. CONTACT:
Randall Clemons, (931) 653-4511,
www.granvillemuseum.com
MAY 23
ROCKIN THE DOCKS
Lenoir City
Live bands, food, fireworks, rock-climbing
wall and childrens area, all on the banks of
beautiful Fort Loudoun Lake, the Lakeway
to the Smokies. CONTACT: (865) 986-1223,
www.visitloudoncounty.com
MAY 23-24
LOG CABIN DAYS
McBays Log Cabin Village, Pikeville
Fourth annual fine arts-and-crafts fair
with craft demonstrations, live music,
storytelling, antique tractor display, living
history re-enactors and activities for
children. CONTACT: (423) 533-2732,
www.logcabindays.org
MAY 30
NATIONAL MOO FEST
Downtown Athens
A day of historical and educational
activities highlighting the important
role the dairy industry plays in the
community. Features tours of Mayfield
Dairy Farms, crafts, food, homemade
ice cream and live entertainment.
CONTACT: Richard Newman, (423) 746-9041,
www.nationalmoofest.com
Events & Festivals

44
106 events.indd 44 2/3/09 1:06:11 PM
Its Time to Enter the 14th
Annual Tennessee Farm Bureau
Photo Contest
Pull out your camera and start snapping! Submit your best photos in
our annual contest, and you could be named the grand-prize winner.
To enter, ll out the form below and mail your prints to us. Or, visit
tnhomeandfarm.com to upload your digital photos and enter online.
Winners will be announced in the winter issue of Tennessee Home &
Farm. First-place winners in each of three categories will be awarded
$100 cash prizes; the grand-prize winner receives $200. Entries must
be postmarked (or submitted online) by Aug. 1.
Name ___________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________
City __________________________ State _______ ZIP ________
Phone ___________________________________________________
County of FB Membership _________________________________
Category:
Mail entry to:
Tennessee Farm Bureau Photo Contest
P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313
OFFICIAL RULES: Only original photos or high-quality reprints will be accepted via mailed
entries. Color or black-and-white photos are acceptable in any size. Attach this entry form to the
back of the photo (copies may be made of entry form if more than one is needed). No CD-ROMS
(or other digital media storage) will be accepted via the mailed entry option.
To submit a digital photo, visit tnhomeandfarm.com and click on the photo contest entry form.
Digital les must be high quality minimum of 5x7 size at 300 dpi resolution. An online tutorial
for testing le size can be found at tnhomeandfarm.com. To avoid legal entanglements, make
certain permission has been given for use of photos.
We offer three categories: Tennessee Churches, Things on a Fencepost and Just Kids. Only one
entry per person per category. Only Tennessee Farm Bureau members and their immediate family
(parents, children, siblings) are eligible to enter. Employees of Tennessee Farm Bureau,
Tennessee Farmers Insurance Cos., county Farm Bureaus or their families are not eligible to win.
This is an amateur photo contest. Professional photographers are not eligible. Entries must be
postmarked by Aug. 1, 2009. Photos will not be returned and will become property of Tennessee
Farm Bureau. Images may be used in TFBF publications with photo credit given. For additional
information, call Tennessee Farm Bureau, (931) 388-7872, Misty McNeese, ext. 2211. For
questions about the online entry form, call Jessy Yancey at (800) 333-8842, ext. 217.
RThings on a
Fencepost
RJust Kids RTennessee
Churches
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a
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f

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o
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i
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45
106 events.indd 45 2/3/09 1:08:02 PM
Earlyworks Museum Complex
www.earlyworks.com
First Farmers & Merchants Bank
www.fandmbank.com
Gatlinburg Department
of Tourism
www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com
Huntsville Botanical Garden
www.hsvbg.org
Huntsville/Madison County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.huntsville.org
Jacks Roost Ranch
John Deere Atlanta Branch
Qualsight Inc.
www.qualsight.com
Sevierville Convention &
Visitors Bureau
www.seviervillecvb.com
Southwest Tennessee
Tourism Association
www.tast.tn.org
Tennessee Department
of Agriculture
www.picktnproducts.org
Tennessee Farm Bureau
www.tnfarmbureau.org
Tennessee Farm Fresh
www.tnfarmfresh.com
Tennessee Farmers
Insurance Companies
www.fbitn.com
Tennessee Rural Health Plans
www.trh.com
Your Man Tours
Visit Our Advertisers
Home & Farm
READ PAST ISSUES
SEARCH FOR RECIPES
COMMENT ON YOUR
FAVORITE ARTICLES
WATCH OUR
COOKING VIDEOS
Visit us online at
tnhomeandfarm.com

46
106 events.indd 46 2/3/09 1:08:29 PM
The Tennessee Farm Bureau and Tennessee Home
& Farm want to send two lucky families to Huntsville,
Ala. Each prize package includes two nights at the
Westin Huntsville in the new Bridge Street Town
Centre plus a family four-pack of tickets to the U.S.
Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden,
EarlyWorks Museum Complex, Sci-Quest Hands-on
Science Center, Burritt on the Mountain and the
Huntsville Museum of Art.
Enter online at tnhomeandfarm.com or complete the
ofcial entry form and mail. Must be received by
May 5, 2009. One entry per household open to
Tennessee Farm Bureau members only.
Mail to:
See Tennessee Giveaway
c/o Tennessee Home & Farm
725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400
Franklin, TN 37067
Ofcial Rules: No purchase necessary. Contest is open to all members
of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation age 18 or older. Entrants
must use the ofcial entry form printed in the magazine or submitted
online at tnhomeandfarm.com. The winner will be selected by random
drawing at Journal Communications, and all decisions are nal.
Winners are responsible for their own transportation to/from Huntsville.
Sponsors are not liable for any incidents (including injury/death or lost,
stolen or damaged property) that may occur at any time during the trip.
Employees and immediate family members of Journal Communications
Inc., Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the Huntsville sponsors, or
their subsidiaries, afliates or agencies are not eligible to enter.
Name:
Address:
City: State: ZIP:
Daytime phone number: ( )
E-mail address:
County of Farm Bureau membership:
Entry Form:
TENNESSEE
NEIGHBORS
SEE
Win a Getaway to
Huntsville, Alabama!
47
Quantity: ______ @ $9.95 ____________
Sales tax
Quantity: _____ x $0.92 sales tax ______
(TN residents add 9.25% sales tax)
Postage: rst book @ $3.99 ___________
additional books ____ @ .99 ___________
Total amount: ________________________
1 book = $14.86
2 books = $26.72
3 books = $38.58
4 books = $50.44
5 books = $62.30
Includes shipping & sales tax
Make check payable to
Journal Communications
Send to:
Name: _______________________________
Address: _____________________________
City: _________________________________
State: ________________ Zip: __________
Daytime phone #: _____________________
As author Pettus Read puts it, country has been around for a
long time. In this book of his favorite Read All About It columns
from the past 30-plus years, Read discusses pulley bones, the
disappearance of stick horses, Christmases at Mop-Mas and the
ever popular Uncle Sid and Aunt Sadie. Full of Reads wisdom
and wit, this Rural Psychology Primer will likely stir up your
own feelings of nostalgia for the country way of life.
Tennessee Home & Farm presents:
By mail:
Journal Communications Inc.
c/o Retail Fulllment Center
725 Cool Springs Blvd.,
Suite 400
Franklin, TN 37067
Portion of proceeds to benefit Tennessee 4-H and FFA programs.
106 events.indd 47 2/3/09 1:08:57 PM
courses available. (800) 488-7570, www.
amagappraisers.com
Real Estate
26 acres hunting land Possum Hollow
Rd. Dekalb Co. TN. Wooded. 700 ft. road
frontage on gravel. Electricity. Owner
financing with 20% downpayment.
$50,000. (931) 224-9077 ralphnorthcutt@
hotmail.com
Residential Design/House
Custom residential designer, cabins to
mansions, additions, remodels, reasonable
fees, professional service. (731) 616-3771
Vacation Rentals
Cabins & chalets in Pigeon Forge. (800)
382-4393, www.pantherknob.com
Log cabins streamside Townsend,
Tennessee. www.blountweb.com/smlc,
(800) 532-4565
Cabins near Dollywood, 1-36 people. (800)
362-1897, www.mcrr93.com
Gatlinburg, www.baskinscreeksounds.
com
Gatlinburg chalet, all amenities. (615)
828-3059, www.morningmistchalet.com
Cabins Peaceful Townsend. (865)
983-3545
Ranch Bed and Breakfast, weddings
and group events, farm tours. www.
chestnuthillranch.com, (931) 729-0153.
Cozy Clean Creekside Cabin in
Cosby. Reasonable rates. www.
bearfootproperties.com (812) 779-6143.
Cumberland Plateau www.grandview
mountaincottages.com (423) 365-4412.
Linden Perry County Historical Hotel
hunting and other outdoor fun. www.
commodorehotellinden.com (931) 589-3224.
Wholesale Clothing
Work clothes Save 75% on quality work
clothes. 6 pants + 6 shirts = $39.95, mens
jeans 5 pair $25, lined work jackets $9.95.
Since 1968. (800) 233-1853. Satisfaction
guaranteed! www.usedworkclothing.com
Bakeries
www.gibsongoodies.com
Business Opportunities
www.DreamBigBBold.com,
www.smile1234.com
Farm Land
Looking for farm land on paved roads. 100
acres or more. No limit on size of acreage.
Call Doug Horne at (865) 560-1131.
Gospel Music
www.salvationtrain.com
Help Wanted
Appraisal Career Opportunity. Earn
$65,000/yr part time. Farm equipment
and livestock appraisal training and
certification. Agricultural background
required. Classroom or home study

48
Marketplace
106 marketplace.indd 48 2/3/09 1:10:44 PM
View From the Back Porch
About the Author
Julie Vaughn is a
farmer, wife and mother
who raises her two 100
percent farm boys in
Eagleville, Tenn. She is
looking forward to this
years spring lamb crop
hitting the ground.
I
have raised goats, and, to tell you the truth,
I really dont miss them. While it is true
that baby goats are one of the cutest farm
animals around, it is also true that grown-up
goats can be quite annoying.
We used to raise goats when we first moved
to our farm more than 10 years ago. They were
quite useful in helping to clear out the
underbrush on our long-neglected piece of
land, but still, I dont miss the horns-stuck-
in-the-fence syndrome that seems to be a
dominant trait in the greater goat population.
Once the browse was cleaned up and our
pasture lands were restored, we switched to
raising sheep. And, thats when I really fell in
love. Of course, my first love will always be
beef cattle, but somehow our flock of ewes has
slowly etched its way into my heart and,
for that matter, my home.
One cold spring afternoon I met my first
(and certainly not last) bottle lamb. Upon my
routine afternoon check during lambing
season, I found the weaker half of a set of
twins missing. It was already cold, getting dark
and spitting that lovely half-rain, half-ice
mixture we Tennesseans know and love. After
looking nearly everywhere, I found her curled
up in a fencerow, her tiny ears already cold and
unresponsive, but, remarkably, the newborn
lamb was still alive. Without even thinking
twice, I took her to the house, stripped the
sheets off our bed and turned the electric
blanket on to warm.
While the blanket was heating up, I carried
my little lamb around with me as I looked in
books for a good sheep colostrum recipe.
After finding one for which I actually had all
the needed ingredients, I returned my lamb to
our bedroom and deposited her in the middle
of our warm, fuzzy electric blanket and went to
mix up a bottle. Not really expecting all of this
attention and care to work, I was amazed when
I returned with the bottle and found she was
actually trying to stand on her own feet.
She was fighting hard to live, so I attempted
to feed her. Amazingly, she liked my sheep
formula and actually took a few sips before she
drifted off to sleep for a bit. I found a clothes
basket, lined it with towels and made a little
bed for her, but she would not settle down in
her bed, so all night she slept with me on my
chest. I would get up to feed her every time
she awoke, and she became stronger and
healthier quite quickly.
I decided to call the lamb Milk Dud.
From that point on, Milk Dud thrived. She
followed us around the farm like a puppy dog
and would even squeeze through the porch
door into the house if she knew it was feeding
time. The click, clack of her little hooves on
the kitchen floor became commonplace. And,
of course, Milk Dud became the best lead
sheep we have ever had, as she would come
running even when you did not want her to.
Yes, the sheep have shared my home on rare
and necessary occasions, but they share my
heart for all time.
After my Milk Dud, how could they not?
A Woolly Surprise
SPRING LAMBING BRINGS UNEXPECTED HOUSEGUEST
49
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106 C2 C4.indd 4 2/3/09 1:15:19 PM

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