March 2023 held a special reason for a visit to Tennessee: my mother-in-law’s 95th birthday. We celebrated a special person, as well as a colorful beginning of spring. Unfortunately, only two months later, we returned to celebrate Marian’s life, as she peacefully made her passing.

Spring comes early in Tennessee. By March, impatient daffodils, crocus and hyacinths peak their delicate heads up looking for sunshine. Although spring can be moody, with a lot of rain, I always cherished the good days and celebrated the explosion of color as everything bloomed (before my allergies kicked in).

I took time to reconnect with my favorite parts of Knoxville and the Smokies: a drive through my old neighborhood overlooking Northshore Drive, a quick stop at Lakeside Tavern overlooking Tennessee River and Concord Marina, a walk through Sequoyah Hills Park and a drive into the Smokies via Foothills Parkway.

I have fond memories of walking our two dogs through the neighborhood and stopping to admire the view from the top of the hill. Just a short drive west on Northshore, Lakeside Tavern offered spectacular views from its patio or cozy indoor booths by the fireplace when the weather got chilly.

Sequoyah Hills Park had spring on full display: cherry and crabapple blossoms, tulips, red buds, grape hyacinths, as well as white, pink, and purple hyacinths, daffodils, forget-me-nots, violets, dogwoods, and magnolias. Breathe in and feast your eyes!

The Smokies displayed two different moods: gloomy and steamy on a rainy day, brilliant and gentle on a sunny day.

Just west of Knoxville, in Oak Ridge, I followed the rowing boats gliding over Melton Hill Lake.

Mid-March, relatives gathered around Marian as she smiled brightly and enjoyed her favorite type of cake: frozen ice cream cake. She had a great day, surrounded by loved ones and warmed by a gentle spring sunshine.

May brought us together again as we said good bye to Marian. She passed peacefully, in her sleep, a life well-lived and well-loved.

Nature and friends are the best antidotes for sadness! We visited with friends and drove into the Smokies once again. We also got to experience a couple of musical treats: a summer concert series al fresco in World’s Fair Park and an intimate show at the Bijou Theatre by Latin Grammy award winner, Alex Cuba.

Randomly, we happened upon a car show in Maryville. The little wanna-be red car (what do you call that?) cracked me up… (see last photo)

I lived in Knoxville for 18 years and I have mixed emotions about it; it is where I met my husband and raised our two dogs and a cat. It’s where I made friends, many of them while doing something I love: dancing. Although I miss my Tennessee friends, I love calling Colorado “home” now. It provides us with sunny outdoorsy living and even more friends. I love the Smokies and the Rockies for different reasons; nature doesn’t disappoint.

I’m grateful for family, friends, nature, and the ability to travel and see them all. I hope you take the time to travel and explore the beauty that different parts of the country and the world offer.

Happy Spring!