Snow in Jacksboro

The snowstorm began in the evening and by midnight it was coming down hard

The way it was gathring on the branches, I was afraid the power would go out. Thankfully, it didn't.

Before
&
After

Our Dog Tomlin

Just hangin' out with my human

Peekaboo

Well, are you going to throw the ball or what?

He's a three-year old Husky mix who is convinced he's "people" too.   Tomlin brings a lot of joy to our lives and will be a big help to our daughter when she goes off to graduate school.

He's rotten, but we love him anyway.
Peace,
John

Avatar Movie Review

Just got back from seeing Avatar. In a word, "Wow!"

So the story is familiar (Disney's Pocahontas with blue cat people), it didn't keep me from fully investing is the experience.  I really enjoyed it.  Sweetie made a good point; the familiar story kept from distracting from the gorgeous special effects.  BIG hat tip to James Cameron, Avatar looks like nothing you've ever seen before.  All the tired tag lines: "Revolutionary," "Game Changing," really do apply.  Pandora is a fully realized world and the Na'vi are fully realized "people."  Oddly enough, the scenery was more distracting than the Na'vi characters.  I quickly forgot they were CGI blue cat/people aliens and just thought of them as "people."

Go see Avatar.  Now.

Aren't you gone yet?

Peace,
John
Avatar Website Here

American Museum of Science and Energy

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved visiting the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The AMSE is full of exciting exhibits about energy and the historic role Oak Ridge played in world events. Admission price is $5 for adults and is well worth an afternoon of exploration

I could watch the lightning ball for hours, it's more mesmerizing than a lava lamp.

This is the main exhibit hall for atomic energy. The large blue ball is a whirling model of an atom

This shows the principles behind a nuclear power plant and historic milestones in the development of nuclear power.

The Atomic Theater is a wonderful place for demonstrations and educational events.

If you're in Knoxville or Oak Ridge, be sure to visit the American Museum of Science and Energy
www.amse.org

Gates of Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Oak Ridge Tennessee was known as the "Secret City" during World War 2. The city was created as part of the war effort to build the atomic bomb. Uranium for the bomb was produced at 3 top-secret facilites. The entire area was an armed military camp guarded by fences and checkposts. I have family who lived in Oak Ridge and worked on the Manhattan Project and there were many family stories of having to get the proper pass to go through the gates to visit relatives.

These checkpoints were no joke. Armed guards carefully checked passes and documents and routinely searched people and vehicles. Cameras and binoculars were strictly forbidden within the city. Those narrow windows are fitted with bullet-proof glass and the small opening beneath the window is for machine guns.

Searchlights on the roof and floodlights everywhere else made sure no one snuck past. These buildings are still powered and in use. The are unmarked and I believe they are offices for the security forces that still guard the government operations in Oak Ridge.

High on the ridge above the gate, a second guard tower provides an additional layer of security.

It's not hard to imagine hard-eyed guards still suspiciously watching for enemy spies and saboteurs.

I love Oak Ridge

Winter at Cove Lake 2

Winter at Cove Lake

Pictures of the Chattanooga Choo Choo

Completed in 1909, the Termial Staion for Southen Railway in Chattanooga was a familiar stop for many travellers. The beautiful building won awards for design in a 1900 competition in Paris, France. Closed in 1974, the property was purchased by private investors and now is a Holiday Inn Hotel. You can sleep in a real train car!! We love this place.


The familiar sign and beautiful Art Deco brickwork are a beloved landmark in Chattanooga, TN

Lobby interior featuring the Great Dome

These doors used to lead to loading platforms, now they open to a very nice dining room with a "patio" feel

Beautiful Christmas decorations (many featuing life-sized figures) grace the lobby area

Chattanooga Getaway

This year we took our annual New Year's trip to Chattanooga, TN.

We used to live there and it remains a favorite getaway destination.

We visited some favorite restaurants (Acropolis, Imperial Garden), visited some favorite places (Chattanooga Choo Choo, Rembrandt's, Arts District) and visited some favorite people (Hello Dover and Winter families!!)

After the Christmas rush it was a good break to go away for a couple of days. We came back rested and ready to get back to "normal"

Allie and Tomlin relaxing at the hotel

Gayle (between shops) in Choo Choo lobby

Sam proves you're never too old to ride the kiddie train

hmmm. I wonder what this does....

Chattanooga Choo Choo Photos

Our annual New Year's trip was to Chattanooga where we had a great time looking at the historic railroad station, in the shops and at the HUGE model train exhibit. We had a blast