He's All Boy

Caleb and I have been enjoying time together --
Time out in the wonderful Autumn weather of the Tennessee mountains. Sometimes we go to parks, sometimes we stay right here at my apartment complex.

Last weekend was one of those weekends when we stayed close to home. But staying close to home does not mean staying IN the apartment! Especially when you are all boy - which Caleb definitely is! And, especially when the weather is so delightful and the leaves are so gorgeous.

We went on a treasure hunt of sorts... On our hunt we found acorns. I hadn't seen acorns in over 30 years - until I moved here last month. Caleb, of course, stopped to pick up as many as his little hands and pockets could hold. He apparently had not seen acorns before either because he was full of questions about these odd looking items. He was especially fascinated by the "hats" that some of them had and the fact that others were bare - and their hats were found close by.

After climbing on the jungle-gym at the apartment complex playground, we discovered a white fence that separated us from a hill that sloped down to a small creekbed and lots of trees.

Being all boy, the creek, the fence, the trees and hill were an instant invitation to try out his throwing arm. All of those acorns and "hats" were not safe in his pockets for long. "Watch this, Nan!" he exclaimed with a glint in his eye that told me he was overjoyed with the gifts of nature and the promise of a way to interact with those gifts.

Being absolutely certain that I was, indeed, watching him, slowly and deliberately Caleb began pitching those acorns over the fence and into the creek. Sometimes he heard them hit a leaf and giggled. Once in a while, a chipmunk or squirrel would scurry out from under leafy cover. And on more than one occasion, Caleb was absolutely certain that his acorn had landed in the creek. "Did you hear that splash, Nan?" (Of course I hadn't but... who am I to say that he didn't?)

Yep, he's all boy and I am "all Nan"... and he and I are a great team. We each fuel one another's love for life and nature and make the most of every opportunity we have to share that love.

End of October: last year and now

Last year's end of October found me tree-watching but for quite a different reason than this year's tree-watching activities. This is the tale of two Octobers and two sets of trees... This is a pause to remember the way things were last year at this time and to be thankful for the way things are this year as October comes to a close.

In a day or two, trick-or-treaters will be scurrying through neighborhoods all over the country. In Naples, Florida last Halloween there was no trick-or-treating. It was deemed too dangerous. Hurricane Wilma had unleashed her wrath on us. In her path she felled trees and in doing so, took out many powerlines. She also left standing water of great depths in many streets and so much storm debris that it was just not safe for people to be out on the streets after dark.

I didn't think much about Wilma this month - until I had the uncanny thought that I was spending so much time watching trees change - slowly, deliberately and beautifully... And that last year, in a matter of hours, trees had changed in not so typical ways. Last year's changes were not beautiful. They were sad and terminal. The October 2005 tree changes I saw were not yearly occurrences... they were, hopefully, once in a lifetime observations that I hope never to see again.

These are the beautiful banyan trees that have been the subject of more than one bit of my writing over the years. Their roots give the appearance of an embrace. Their aged structures offer shade under lush green canopies to passersby.
For the thirty or so years that I lived in Naples, I found them to be a romantic reminder of Mother Nature's beauty.

These palms, no longer gently swaying in the balmy gulf breezes, became the harbingers of what Wilma had in store for us - her path heading right toward Naples. Sometimes, as Wilma approached, they seemed to bow in half under the sheer force of her wind strength. This sort of tree-watching I could do without.

In the aftermath of Wilma's fury, my 30-year hometown of Naples was forever changed. This is a picture of one of the main intersections of the downtown shopping area - usually filled with tourists and traffic, hours after Wilma it was filled with gulf waters instead.

Out on a walk to inspect Wilma's impact on my neighborhood, I spied the saddest of all sights: Those gorgeous banyan trees were unable to withstand the force of Wilma's wind and fury. They were uprooted- lifted right out of the ground as if they were toothpicks instead of rootbases that stood some ten feet above ground when toppled on their sides... The incredible sadness I felt as I saw these trees is something I am still at a loss to describe.

Fast forward to end of October 2006... No longer in Naples, Florida and therefore no longer in "hurricane alley," I found myself anticipating a new (actually a very familiar and old) form of tree-watching: the much anticipated "leafing" experience that people search for in areas where autumn is season of reds, golds, and oranges.

These tree changes are a welcome sight. These, too, are the handiwork of Mother Nature. But in this case, her work is lovely to behold. A wonderful reminder of the cyclic nature of life. A gentle nudge toward the cooler temperatures and shorter days ahead.

This year, my tree-watching is breathtaking, invigorating. This year, I monitor the wind by the gentle movements of the scarecrow windsock on my back porch and the soft tunes of the windchimes. Quite a change from the way in which I observed wind in motion last year! A much preferred pasttime to say the least.

I'll take this end of October's tree watching activities over last year's anyday! Here's to Autumn in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Tennessee - a far more beautiful place than the 2005 version of Naples, Florida!

Discovery!

Today was one of those picture perfect days. Crisp autumn air, clear blue sky.
Hints of red, orange and gold everywhere I looked. It was a perfect day for a Sunday drive in the country.

Ever since I arrived here in Tennessee, I have been trying to explore a little bit on my days off. Today was no exception. Another day off ... another day of exploration. Another exploration... another discovery! That's the way it goes. You go exploring and no matter where you end up, you discover something or someplace that makes the time spent worthwhile.

Deciding to get off the interstate and take a drive in the country was a treat in and of itself. But, when I spied the little signs pointing the way to "old covered bridge" I knew that I had made my discovery for today's trip. What I didn't know at that exact moment was how that discovery would shape my thoughts all day today.

Built in 1875, the Harrisburg Covered Bridge was today's discovery.
Covered bridges are not new to me. I have many fond memories of walking or driving through them in Pennsylvania when I was young. But, today's discovery awakened a different sort of memory from deep within...

I was transported to "Bridges of Madison County" and as I stood there in awe of a structure that is over one hundred thirty years old, I couldn't help but think that in a different way, I was much like Francesca from "Bridges". Oh, I am not having an affair with a Clint Eastwood type photographer. But I am having an affair - an affair of the heart and soul. An affair with my very core.

This move to Tennessee has opened the flood gates. My curiosity is piqued. My senses are in a heightened state of awareness. The wonders of Mother Nature bring joy and peace. The more time I spend in the outdoors, exploring and discovering, the more I realize that I am finding the person I thought I lost a long time ago. I like her! I like her a lot!


And in that moment, everything I knew to be true about myself up until then was gone. I was acting like another woman, yet I was more myself than ever before.
-- Francesca from "Bridges of Madison County"

What a difference a week makes!

Last week I went to Bays Mountain Park in search of signs of fall. The signs were there but they were subtle and relatively few and far between. As I walked along the nature trail and the lake I could see hints of autumn colors in the trees - mostly from a distance. And as I sat on one of the benches, I spied an occasional leaf on the ground.
I snapped these two brightly colored fallen leaves to document my first glimpse of Tennessee fall...

Fast forward to a week or so later. Now the signs of fall are much more prominent. Even here in the valley I can see Mother Nature's artwork coming to life. And, from a distance there are more than a few colorful trees to admire.

Today it really felt like fall! Actually it was one of those "Winnie the Pooh Blustery Days" The wind was brisk and chilly. And, as I made my way down the nature trail (again at Bays Mountain) I found myself thinking "My goodness! It's raining leaves!" They were drifting down from the highest branches and any little gust of wind caused the ones on the ground to swirl and dance playfully at my feet.

Sitting on the exact same bench along the trail I looked down and couldn't help but snap this picture to document that in a week's time, so much has changed! Where once there was a lone leaf and lots of bare ground it is now impossible to see the path for all of the leaves!

The crisp air, the fall leaves, the quiet of the mountain forest... a perfect setting to sit quietly and savor the moment. I am here in the midst of autumn's splendor for the first time in 30 years. This is exactly what I have longed for - it is the root of that "homesick" feeling that I have been trying to describe to people for the past few years. Today's jaunt to the mountain has reinforced what I have already figured out - my heart has come home and my soul has found peace.

My Hero

The following is a draft of a newspaper article - shared with me by my "son" (Daniel) Todd Madden. He grew up right in front of my eyes. He called me "mom" from middle school on. He dated and eventually married one of my daughters.

Back in those innocent days, belonging to JROTC was a way to learn citizenship, get pre-military training, and receive a headstart on what most thought would be a stint in the military to see the world and get a good education. When I saw Todd in his JROTC uniform, I was so proud of him. Never did I dream that in a few years he would be in the midst of a war. But the minute the events of 9-11 began to unfold, I knew otherwise. My heart sank when I realized that not only had our nation been attacked, but my "son" and many other sons and daughters would be sent to war.

As a member of Special Ops, it is rare that he is able to say where he is going or even when. Usually I get emails saying "My services are requested so if you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry." Don't worry! Right! How's a mom to NOT worry when she has no way to contact him and she reads and hears of the events in Afghanistan and/or Iraq?

When the plans to move to Tennessee were falling into place, one of the bonuses - I thought - was that now I was going to be living in the same state as my precious grandson Caleb and my "son" Todd. We would be able to visit often - a treat that I have rarely been able to enjoy in the past several years. But, alas, Todd (Daniel to the ARMY) was deployed within the first week of my being here in Tennessee. So now, we look forward to his homecoming so that I can welcome him with open arms and tell him to his face (instead of in letters and emails) just how proud I am of him - and how much I love him.

I'd like to give credit to the person who wrote this draft but unfortunately, when Todd sent it to me this is all I got.... Please read the following draft and see why I am so proud of this young man... And please remember him and all of our uniformed men and women in your prayers.


A private plane traveled from Hamilton , Ohio , to Clarksville , Tennessee , to meet a Fort Campbell Soldier at Outlaw Airfield on Saturday. Passers-by probably thought the pilots and waiting Soldier were good friends or family. In fact, it was the first time they met in person.

Joseph Secrist, an Army veteran from Hamilton , coordinated the flight to make a special presentation to Staff Sgt. Daniel Madden, a Night Stalker assigned to 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR (A)) at Fort Campbell , Ky. There was no fanfare, no audience, no speech and no round of applause. It was a personal thank you from one veteran to another.

Secrist presented a small token of appreciation to Madden for his service in the Global War on Terrorism: a replica of a SOAR(A) Chinook helicopter that was shot down in the Battle of Takur Ghar during Operation Anaconda in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan . Madden was a 160th crew member during that mission in which seven special operations forces were killed in action.

Though Secrist did not know Madden personally, he believes that every man and woman that serves our country deserves a thank you and recognition for their service and sacrifice. Building replicas of military aircraft representative of a military operation and presenting the models to veterans is Secrists' own personal way of showing his gratitude.

"I want to do more than a handshake and a thank you for veterans who fought for my freedom," said Secrist. "I also assume the responsibility to preserve and perpetuate individual contributions to aviation history."

His idea for recognizing veterans began after a chance meeting with a World War II veteran. "I was thinking about a color scheme for a B-24J (model airplane) and met Albert Oncidi who mentioned he was a B-24 pilot and flew a mission to the famous Ploesti Oil Refinery in Romania, one of the most daring and costliest raids of World War II," said Secrist. "I presented my first model to Albert in 1991 to preserve and perpetuate his story."

Secrist is not alone in his "crusade" to honor veterans. "Mr. A. Moore built a model of a second (SOAR) aircraft on Takur Ghar as a tribute to its crew," he said. "( Moore ) sent Dan photos of his model and enlisted me to shake Dan's hand on his behalf."

"I'm extremely appreciative that someone I have never met feels strongly enough about our Soldiers' sacrifices to spend so much time on such a precious gift," said Madden. "At the same time, I don't feel I did anything remotely good enough to deserve such a token."

Secrist said words can hardly describe what it means to recognize a veteran for their service to our nation. "It is an honor and a privilege to do this for veterans and I take it very seriously," he explained.

Madden's model is Secrist's first commemorating today's generation of veterans. After completing projects already in progress, Secrist hopes to find a female pilot or air crew to honor next. "My collection would not be fair or accurate without representing the courage and sacrifice of women in uniform," he said.

Working hard for accuracy, Secrist invests hundreds of hours into researching, building and modifying a single model. "Dan's nooks were modified with a false roof made of paper, balsa and wire ribs. I also made ammo boxes for the guns and made the aft cargo door retractable into the cargo ramp."

Since 1991, Secrist has completed and presented six models representing two pilots, two flight engineers and gunners, one boomer and one tail gunner representing snapshots of history from World War II , Vietnam and now Operation Enduring Freedom. When possible, Secrist builds two models of the aircraft, one for the veteran and one for his collection. He keeps a framed photo and caption of the veteran holding their model, a reminder of each Soldier's story.

Madden plans to display the model aircraft in his living room next to his Broken Wing Award, which he was presented for his actions on Takur Ghar when his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. Though Madden feels he does not deserve recognition for his participation in the events at Takur Ghar, he believes the model aircraft is a reminder that people remember and appreciate the sacrifices service members make in the line of duty.


'There are a lot of things that (special operations forces) do that so few will ever know about," said Madden. "It is heartfelt to me that the memory of our fallen comrades from that night will be remembered."

Secrist hopes when Madden sees the model it will elicit thoughts of pride, accomplishment and a reminder that someone cares and had the foresight to preserve his history for future generations.

If you have a Soldier in mind for Secrist to recognize, he has a few simple requirements. First is that he meets the veteran in person. He said it is critical to have photographs of the aircraft for reference and the Soldier should be prepared for him to pick his or her brain for details on their combat experience. Every model Secrist makes is tailored to tell the Soldier's story that goes with it.

There is no cost for the models, said Secrist. "Their account was paid in full when they fought for my - our - freedom," he said. "In fact, I still owe them."

Joseph Secrist can be reached by e-mail at Tuskegee@fuse.net.

Everywhere I turn - another reason to smile

I've been smiling alot the past couple of weeks. I know this because the surgery that I had two years ago for malignant melanoma left a nerve and muscle deficit on the left side of my face and sometimes when I smile or laugh, the left side of my mouth gets "stuck" in an upturned spot until I physically coax it to relax. I've had my hand up to that left side of my mouth more in the past two weeks than I did in the entire two years since the surgery! Seems that everywhere I turn there's another reason to smile.

Even if my mouth didn't sometimes get "stuck" I'd know I was smiling more these days. Did you ever notice that when you smile your whole body seems lighter and your heart feels weightless? Next time you find yourself smiling, stop and listen to your heart's song. It is lighter, happier, more easy-going.

So what am I smiling about? A field of blackeyed susans for one. There I was, driving along a narrow, winding road lined with freshly mowed fields. All of a sudden, there they were, these lovely flowers greeting all who drove by.

People here in Tennessee have been decorating for the fall season. There were pumpkins and scarecrows everywhere I looked. I smiled because I love fall. I smiled because even if you did decorate in Florida, it never felt like fall so it somehow lost some of its appeal but here it is genuinely refreshing.

Driving a little farther down this winding road, I happened upon an old farmhouse. As I found myself wondering about the stories this farmhouse could tell if only it could talk, I spied several goats grazing in the side yard. And I smiled. They reminded me of the goat that lived in my Gramm's neighborhood when I was small. We would take a walk along the railroad tracks behind her house. At the end of the path, the last yard was home to "Fragrance" the goat. She loved Dentyne gum but even more than the gum, she loved the wrapper from Gramm's Dentyne!

A few miles down the road, I started up an incline. Now, having driven in Florida (spelled f-l-a-t) for nearly thirty years, I had forgotten about the steep inclines and the surprises that might be lurking at the top of the incline. As I approached the top of the incline, I couldn't see what was to come. But pretty soon, I was coasting down the road at a speed that made my stomach drop to my toes. And I smiled. Not because I necessarily like that feeling, but because it caused me to remember the Sunday afternoon rides that we would take as a family. Daddy would be sure to drive down country roads, through covered bridges and up and down the hills 'til we had enough "roller coaster effect" to last 'til the next time.

Stopping at a local farmer's market along the way I discovered the small town appeal and homegrown element that has been missing back in Naples, Florida for so long. Vendors with their homemade jams, pastries, and breads encourage sampling. Fresh produce never looked so good. Cardboard signs boast "best local 'taters" and other homegrown fruits and veggies. The locals are charming, friendly and welcoming. Smiles abound at the farmer's market - mine included!

On the way back from my country drive, I began to notice that here in the valley there is an occasional blush of autumn's colors but nothing that one would call spectacular - yet. And I smiled. I smiled because seeing those first blushing leaves I know that the fall season is on its way.

At the end of my country drive I smiled because I had just spent a delightful day exploring and experiencing my new surroundings. I smiled because I had been given so many reasons to smile that day. I smiled because I realized that I am genuinely happy and relaxed. And I smiled because I felt good and when you feel good it is just natural to smile!

You are my sunshine...

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away"

This handsome little guy is my sunshine! Caleb and I spent the day together this past Sunday. Caleb has always loved Autumn -- wonder who he gets that from? As we strolled down the street in Pigeon Forge he asked if we could get a scarecrow to put in his front yard. Some years it's been the pumpkins; other years it was the black cats. This year it's a scarecrow. No matter what catches his fancy in any particular fall season, he always has "Fall Fever" just like his "Nan."

We never did find an appropriate scarecrow to buy but we did find this adorable one to use in our Kodak Moment. He (the scarecrow, not Caleb) was a very willing participant in the photo shoot. Caleb was thrilled to be able to have his picture taken with the smiling fella in blue.

My project this week is to get/make a scarecrow for him. I am happy to try to honor his request. Anything that makes him smile is worth any and all effort. You see, his smiles are like sunshine to me. They radiate their way right into my soul.

Sitting on a haystack - next to a scarecrow - and in the midst of sunflowers, Caleb is sunshine personified. And now that I am living in Tennessee I am once again close to my sunshine which means there are an untold number of sunshine days ahead!

Alive & Well in Tennessee!

Bet you thought I got lost once I left my thirty year home of Naples, Florida! Actually I was lost - but it was a different sort of lost... I was lost to the world of cyber space. Not lost IN space - more like lost WITHOUT it!

The trip to Tennessee was relatively uneventful. Even travel with two kitties proved to be a breeze (after one of them meowed herself into a state of being hoarse).

Securing internet access was not such a breeze! Over the course of two weeks I had three service calls and two modems and still no consistent access. The wonderful world of technology is ONLY wonderful IF and WHEN it works well! At last, one very nice young man from the cable company decided that perhaps the problem was not in my apartment or my modem, but rather out on the pole and the external lines. Sure enough! An adapter that had signs of burn on it... The nasty culprit has been replaced and now I am reconnected with my cyber world!

So, stay tuned for some posts to catch everyone up on the goings on here in Tennessee as I ease into my new life. I have lots to share!