Our Border Collie, Blazer
Miss Kitty
Some of our Banties
Mooooo
A View Through The Trees
Autumn Mushroom
Fall is Falling
Changing Leaves
3 days ago
Thursday, October 9
Wednesday, October 8
Wonderful Mapping Idea For Family And Friends
I ran across another blog today, Having Fun at Home by Katey Magill. She posts a lot on family and children and she has a wonderful idea for keeping track of your long-distance friends and family, put them on a map! Check it out here.
Thanks Katey for a great idea! :)
Thanks Katey for a great idea! :)
Win A Homemaking E-book
Lisa over at Homestead Originals has a new contest for October! Visit her blog here, leave a comment, and you'll be entered to win her brand new e-book "Homestead Simplicity: Natural Clean". Post this contest on your own blog and get another chance to win!
Free Garden E-books
Gardenvisit.com is celebrating their 10th birthday by giving away two free e-books by Tom Turner. Go here, enter your e-mail address and they will send you a download link. "The Principles of Garden Design" will be available through October 15th and "24 Historic Styles of Garden Design" can be downloaded October 16th through the 31st.
Today's Homeschooling Freebies
Homeschool Freebie Of the Day
Today you can download "The Story of the White House", narrated by Boris Karloff. This is an MP3 audio file and you can get it here.
Highlights of Homeschooling
For the month of October Highlights of Homeschooling has their "Pumpkin Notepaging Unit" available to download for free! You can find this freebie here.
Note: You do have to create a free account to download this product.
Today you can download "The Story of the White House", narrated by Boris Karloff. This is an MP3 audio file and you can get it here.
Highlights of Homeschooling
For the month of October Highlights of Homeschooling has their "Pumpkin Notepaging Unit" available to download for free! You can find this freebie here.
Note: You do have to create a free account to download this product.
Tuesday, October 7
Pear Preserves
There's a wonderful old-time canning recipe for pears on one of the blogs I follow, Blind Pig and the Acorn. It's her Granny's Pear Preserves recipe, complete with pictures. Looks yummy! Check it out here.
Now, to find some pears! :)
Now, to find some pears! :)
Free Downloads of Old Almanacs
I found some neat sites with old almanacs that have been scanned and made available to download, for free!
The National Library of Medicine of The National Institutes of Health has some old "patent medicine" almanacs, you can find them here.
A Victorian Passage has a scanned 1887 Agricultural Almanac available to download free, get it here.
The Internet Archive has a bunch of old Canadian almanacs:
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 48, 1895)
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 22, 1869)
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 53, 1900)
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 65, 1912)
The Canadian Almanac 1874
The Canadian Almanac and Directory 1850-1851
The Canadian Almanac and Directory 1897
Canadian Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge 1848
An International Harvester almanac:
IHC almanac and encyclopedia, 1911
A Scottish almanac:
Oliver and Boyd's Edinburgh almanac and national repository
A "Family Christian Almanac":
Family Christian Almanac
An old Home Insurance Company almanac:
The Home Almanac (Volume 1893)
An 1842 Boston almanac:
The Boston almanac for the year .. (Volume 1842)
An Illinois almanac:
Wakefield's western farmers' almanac and account book (Volume 1874)
Many more American almanacs:
Farmers' and country merchants' almanac and ready reference book
Chicago daily news national almanac for .. (Volume 1889)
Chicago daily news national almanac for .. (Volume 1920)
Notes on the calendar and the almanac
The American almanac and repository of useful knowledge for the year .. (Volume 7 (1836))
Tables of the moon : constructed for the use of the American ephemeris and nautical almanac
The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's almanac, and other papers
The New-England mercantile union business directory, six parts in one. Containing a new map of New-England, an almanac for 1849, a memorandum for every day in the year, and a business directory for New-England
The book of almanacs, with an index of reference, by which the almanac may be found for every year, whether in old style or new, from any epoch, ancient or modern, up to A. D. 2000. With means of finding the day of any new or full moon from B. C. 2000 to A. D. 2000
The National Library of Medicine of The National Institutes of Health has some old "patent medicine" almanacs, you can find them here.
A Victorian Passage has a scanned 1887 Agricultural Almanac available to download free, get it here.
The Internet Archive has a bunch of old Canadian almanacs:
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 48, 1895)
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 22, 1869)
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 53, 1900)
Canadian almanac and directory (Volume 65, 1912)
The Canadian Almanac 1874
The Canadian Almanac and Directory 1850-1851
The Canadian Almanac and Directory 1897
Canadian Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge 1848
An International Harvester almanac:
IHC almanac and encyclopedia, 1911
A Scottish almanac:
Oliver and Boyd's Edinburgh almanac and national repository
A "Family Christian Almanac":
Family Christian Almanac
An old Home Insurance Company almanac:
The Home Almanac (Volume 1893)
An 1842 Boston almanac:
The Boston almanac for the year .. (Volume 1842)
An Illinois almanac:
Wakefield's western farmers' almanac and account book (Volume 1874)
Many more American almanacs:
Farmers' and country merchants' almanac and ready reference book
Chicago daily news national almanac for .. (Volume 1889)
Chicago daily news national almanac for .. (Volume 1920)
Notes on the calendar and the almanac
The American almanac and repository of useful knowledge for the year .. (Volume 7 (1836))
Tables of the moon : constructed for the use of the American ephemeris and nautical almanac
The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's almanac, and other papers
The New-England mercantile union business directory, six parts in one. Containing a new map of New-England, an almanac for 1849, a memorandum for every day in the year, and a business directory for New-England
The book of almanacs, with an index of reference, by which the almanac may be found for every year, whether in old style or new, from any epoch, ancient or modern, up to A. D. 2000. With means of finding the day of any new or full moon from B. C. 2000 to A. D. 2000
Free Image Software- InPaint
Today only, Giveaway of the Day is offering "InPaint", a simple little image program to delete any unwanted object from your photo. Download it here.
Free Sewing Tutorial-Placemat Purses
Check out the blog, House of Whimsey, she has a neat little project to make purses out of placemats and recycled purse handles. This would make a great sewing lesson for little girls.
You can find the tutorial here.
You can find the tutorial here.
Free Educational Software
You will find a wide assortment of free educational resources at Owl & Mouse Educational Software. There are Pre-K learning programs, software to build your own town, farm, village and castle and interactive maps. Find all these great freebies and more here.
Today's Homeschooling Freebies
Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
Today the Erskines give us "Rainy Day Activities for Kids" plus a bonus link. Find them here, today only.
Homeschool Radio Shows "Living Books for the Ears"
This week's program is "Mr. President Builds His Dream House", an episode of "Mr. President" classic radio show, little known but true stories of our past presidents. Download the show here.
While you're there, check out their sale. You can purchase their "Mr. President" collection and "Forgotten Tales of the Revolution" on CD for $12.00, normally $19.95.
Sale runs through Thursday, October 9.
CurrClick
Do you do notebooking? This week's freebie is "All About Birds - Basic Study Notebooking Pages" published by NotebookingPages.com. Download this product here, available free for one week only.
NotebookingPages .com
You will find a treasure trove of free notebooking pages here on a variety of subjects, from Bible, arts and music to planning, math and science. Sign up for the newsletter and receive information on new products, sales, freebies and more.
EcoBrain
This week's free e-book is "Extreme Kids", 20 outdoor sports and a slew of trips and activities for your family. This product is free all week and you can download it here.
Note: You will have to create a free account.
Today the Erskines give us "Rainy Day Activities for Kids" plus a bonus link. Find them here, today only.
Homeschool Radio Shows "Living Books for the Ears"
This week's program is "Mr. President Builds His Dream House", an episode of "Mr. President" classic radio show, little known but true stories of our past presidents. Download the show here.
While you're there, check out their sale. You can purchase their "Mr. President" collection and "Forgotten Tales of the Revolution" on CD for $12.00, normally $19.95.
Sale runs through Thursday, October 9.
CurrClick
Do you do notebooking? This week's freebie is "All About Birds - Basic Study Notebooking Pages" published by NotebookingPages.com. Download this product here, available free for one week only.
NotebookingPages .com
You will find a treasure trove of free notebooking pages here on a variety of subjects, from Bible, arts and music to planning, math and science. Sign up for the newsletter and receive information on new products, sales, freebies and more.
EcoBrain
This week's free e-book is "Extreme Kids", 20 outdoor sports and a slew of trips and activities for your family. This product is free all week and you can download it here.
Note: You will have to create a free account.
Monday, October 6
Free Homeschooling Resources for National Fire Prevention Week
This week is National Fire Prevention Week and this year's theme is "Prevent Home Fires". Here are some online resources to learn more about National Fire Prevention Week and fire safety. I've also included some links to information on the Great Chicago Fire.
Tennessee Fire Prevention
Sparky the Firedog
Sparky the Fire Dog: Fire Prevention Week Website for Kids
Fire Prevention History
Fire Prevention Children Activities
Exit Drills in the Home
Fire Safety Tips
Sleep Products Safety Council Lesson Activities
Sleep Products Safety Council Fire Safety For Kids
A to Z Teacher's Stuff Fire Safety Lessons and Activities
Fire Safety: Activities to Spark Learning!
The "Big Red" Fire Museum
Knowledge House Fire Safety Mini-Unit
Scholastic Fire Prevention Week Resources
U.S. Fire Administration for Kids Lesson Plans
Smokey Bear Website
Smokey Bear Coloring Book (pdf file)
Smoky Bear Puzzle Book (pdf file)
Fire Safety for Middle School Students
Fire Safety Mini-Unit for Preschoolers
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Teacher's Tools
BeFireSmart- An Interactive Approach to Fire Safety
Virtual Fire Department
Tennessee Fire Prevention
Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Official Kid's Website
National Fire Protection Association Fire Prevention Week
The Great American Fire DrillSparky the Firedog
Sparky the Fire Dog: Fire Prevention Week Website for Kids
Fire Prevention History
Fire Prevention Children Activities
Exit Drills in the Home
Fire Safety Tips
Sleep Products Safety Council Lesson Activities
Sleep Products Safety Council Fire Safety For Kids
Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Safety Tips and Bulletins
The Teacher's Corner Fire Prevention Week Lesson Plans and ActivitiesA to Z Teacher's Stuff Fire Safety Lessons and Activities
Fire Safety: Activities to Spark Learning!
The "Big Red" Fire Museum
Knowledge House Fire Safety Mini-Unit
Scholastic Fire Prevention Week Resources
U.S. Fire Administration for Kids Lesson Plans
Smokey Bear Website
Smokey Bear Coloring Book (pdf file)
Smoky Bear Puzzle Book (pdf file)
Fire Safety for Middle School Students
Fire Safety Mini-Unit for Preschoolers
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Teacher's Tools
BeFireSmart- An Interactive Approach to Fire Safety
Virtual Fire Department
ThinkQuest The History of Fire
The ChildFun Family Website Safety Activities
The Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory
National Geographic Kids magazine-The Great Chicago Fire of 1871
A Story of the Chicago Fire (1892)
Chicago and the Great Conflagration (1872)
The Great Chicago Fire Webquest
Great Chicago Fire Lesson Planning Article
Today's Homeschooling Freebie
Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
Today's freebie is "From Boys to Men: A Teenagers' Work and Influence", an e-book edition of a classic essay published in the 1800's. Download this resource here. Good today only.
Today's freebie is "From Boys to Men: A Teenagers' Work and Influence", an e-book edition of a classic essay published in the 1800's. Download this resource here. Good today only.
This Week In Townsend
Daily
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
Open Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Free admission.
Monday October 6
Townsend Visitor's Center
Weaving by Gaynelle Kyser
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Tuesday October 7
Townsend Visitor Center
Weaving by Gaynelle Kyser
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Townsend Farmer's Market
You can find fresh produce, baked goods and plants for sale every Tuesday from 4:00-7:00pm in the Trillium Cove Shopping Village parking lot. The market will run through October. For more information, call 865-448-8700.
Wednesday October 8
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Randy White
Woodcrafts by Charles Goosie
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Thursday October 9
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Randy White
Woodcrafts by Charles Goosie
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Friday October 10
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Randy White
Woodcrafts by Charles Goosie
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Saturday October 11
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Cathy Colter
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop
Every Saturday night at 7:00pm join the Clemmer's at the Pickin' Porch for some good ol' mountain music! This week's guest is Americana singer/songwriter Karen Reynolds.
For more information call (865) 448-6647. This event is free.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
The Heritage Center's Sunset Music Series presents Jenna and the Jones this Saturday at 7:00pm. Admission is free for members and $3.00 for non-members. For more information call 865-448-0044.
Sunday October 12
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Cathy Colter
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
For activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park please see this post:
Free Events and Activities In The Great Smoky Mountains For The Week of October 5-11.
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
Open Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Free admission.
Monday October 6
Townsend Visitor's Center
Weaving by Gaynelle Kyser
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Tuesday October 7
Townsend Visitor Center
Weaving by Gaynelle Kyser
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Townsend Farmer's Market
You can find fresh produce, baked goods and plants for sale every Tuesday from 4:00-7:00pm in the Trillium Cove Shopping Village parking lot. The market will run through October. For more information, call 865-448-8700.
Wednesday October 8
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Randy White
Woodcrafts by Charles Goosie
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Thursday October 9
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Randy White
Woodcrafts by Charles Goosie
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Friday October 10
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Randy White
Woodcrafts by Charles Goosie
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Saturday October 11
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Cathy Colter
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop
Every Saturday night at 7:00pm join the Clemmer's at the Pickin' Porch for some good ol' mountain music! This week's guest is Americana singer/songwriter Karen Reynolds.
For more information call (865) 448-6647. This event is free.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
The Heritage Center's Sunset Music Series presents Jenna and the Jones this Saturday at 7:00pm. Admission is free for members and $3.00 for non-members. For more information call 865-448-0044.
Sunday October 12
Townsend Visitor Center
Art Exhibit by Cathy Colter
Open 9am-6pm. Event is free. For more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
For activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park please see this post:
Free Events and Activities In The Great Smoky Mountains For The Week of October 5-11.
Sunday, October 5
Wit and Wisdom from the Hermit in the Holler
"I didn't just fall off the turnip truck yesterday!"
:)
Biographical Family Film "Stars and Stripes Forever"
We don't have cable TV, satellite TV or even regular TV at our house. We do watch tapes and DVDs, when we find a good one for the whole family. Most of what we watch comes from our local library and I ran across a good movie last week, "Stars and Stripes Forever", a wonderful biography of John Philip Sousa.
In the 1890's, Sousa was leader of the Marine Corps Band and served under five presidents. He left the military to form his own orchestra, which became known as the "most famous band in the world". Sousa appreciated all types of music and was equally adept at playing dignified chamber music or the rousing marches he was famous for.
"Stars and Stripes Forever" is wonderful film that portrays Sousa's many sides of husband, father, bandleader, composer and military officer. Hear flawless performances of some of his famous marches and see recreations of many of the parades he led. One of my favorite scenes is a rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic", set in Atlanta, Georgia.
"Stars and Stripes Forever" stars Clifton Webb as John Philip Sousa and co-stars Debra Paget, Ruth Hussey and a very young Robert Wagner. This film was produced in 1952 and is not rated. I do consider this a family film but there are a couple of dance hall scenes with skimpy costumes- no nakedness, just form-fitting. Run time is 1 1/2 hours, color.
In the 1890's, Sousa was leader of the Marine Corps Band and served under five presidents. He left the military to form his own orchestra, which became known as the "most famous band in the world". Sousa appreciated all types of music and was equally adept at playing dignified chamber music or the rousing marches he was famous for.
"Stars and Stripes Forever" is wonderful film that portrays Sousa's many sides of husband, father, bandleader, composer and military officer. Hear flawless performances of some of his famous marches and see recreations of many of the parades he led. One of my favorite scenes is a rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic", set in Atlanta, Georgia.
"Stars and Stripes Forever" stars Clifton Webb as John Philip Sousa and co-stars Debra Paget, Ruth Hussey and a very young Robert Wagner. This film was produced in 1952 and is not rated. I do consider this a family film but there are a couple of dance hall scenes with skimpy costumes- no nakedness, just form-fitting. Run time is 1 1/2 hours, color.
Saturday, October 4
Free Events and Activities In The Great Smoky Mountains For The Week of October 5-11
Sunday October 5
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.
Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Junior Rangers: "Bear-Ing" The Winter
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
How do bears prepare for the winter months? Find out from a ranger. Fun for the entire family!
Autumn Arrives In The Smokies
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join a ranger to discover the "wondrous" world of the Smokies in fall, and learn about some out of the way places to view fall color.
Boogertown Gap Appalachian Music
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Old-time Appalachian music. This program is on-going throughout the day. Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Laurel Falls Old Growth Forest
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Laurel Falls Trailhead
This guided walk takes you to one of the Smokies prettiest and best-known waterfalls and continues ½ mile beyond to explore an old-growth forest. Enjoy a portion or the entire walk. No pets allowed.
Duration: 2 ½ hours.
Level: Easy to moderate.
Ranger Tells All!
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Oconaluftee Visitor Center, South Porch
Want to know where the fall colors are? Need answers about wildlife in the park? How about what to take on a hike? Are you tired of traffic and want to find a quiet place to enjoy the park? Stop by and get all the answers from the Ranger who knows all!
On-going program. Join us anytime during the hour.
Accessible for persons using wheelchairs.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park. Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Elkmont`s Natural World
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Entrance Station
Learn about what this area was like before human settlement, and how we have affected this environment over the years, on this guided walk along the Elkmont Nature Trail.
Monday October 6
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
Stream Life
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Have you ever wondered what lives in a mountain stream? Join us for an easy stroll along the creek to find out.
Tuesday October 7
Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Go back in time to discover what it was like to live in a mountain community and go to school in a one-room schoolhouse. This program is fun for all ages. Please arrive 15 minutes before program start; space is limited.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
Wednesday October 8
Heritage Hunt
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Join a park ranger to learn about the cemeteries of Cades Cove. After the talk, a self-guiding activity booklet will be provided to discover the stories, mysteries and insight cemeteries give us about community life in the cove.
Mountain Living "Life in the Roaring Fork Community"
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Farmstead on Cherokee Orchard Road (turn at traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg)
Would you like to do something different while visiting the Smokies? Learn about living in the mountains as we caravan along the 5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, stopping at different farmsteads such as the Ephraim Bales and Alfred Reagan places.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial
In this 75th anniversary year of the New Deal and the Civilian Conservation Corps, come learn about what the "Three C`s" meant to our National Parks.
Thursday October 9
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Precious memories still linger and are alive at the Primitive Baptist Church.
Trees Of The Sugarlands Valley
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a leisurely walk along the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to identify some of the trees found in the Smokies. This is an ideal program for future Junior Rangers.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Friday October 10
Rug Hooking
10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of rug hooking techniques. The program is on-going throughout the day-join us at any time. Wheelchair accessible.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
Indians, Bushwhackers And Conscripts: The Civil War in the Smokies
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a short walk to hear about Colonel Thomas and his legion of Confederate Cherokees, the Civil War outposts of Clingmans Dome, Fort Harry, and Alum Cave, and the Battle of Gatlinburg.
October Night Hike
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Difficulty: Easy.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Saturday October 11
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Attack Of The Killer Adelgids: Threats To The Hemlock Forest
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
A discussion about the non-native insect now destroying the Hemlock forests of the Smokies. Find out the current status and what is being done to one of the signature trees of the park.
Oconaluftee River Trail Walk
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Location: Oconaluftee Trailhead adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Join the Ranger for a short easy walk on the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Blacksmith Demonstrations
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Blacksmith building near Cades Cove Visitor Center
Learn the art of blacksmithing and why it was important in the Cades Cove community. This is an on-going program. Join at anytime during the day.
Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Autumn Arrives In The Smokies10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PMLocation: Sugarlands Visitor Center PatioJoin a ranger to discover the "wondrous" world of the Smokies in fall, and learn about some out of the way places to view fall color.
Mill Walk
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Junior Ranger: Young`uns: Life on the Farm
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
Location: Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center
What kinds of chores and games did kids have on a farm in the "old days?" Join a Ranger to discover how children worked and played. You may even get to feed the pigs and chickens!
On Top Of Old Smoky: Sunset at the Dome
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Clingmans Dome Parking Lot
Experience inspiring views from the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest in the eastern United States. Future Junior Rangers will enjoy learning about the creatures of the night in the Spruce-fir forest. Bring a flashlight!
Level: Moderate to strenuous.
The Resort Communities Of Elkmont
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Entrance Station
What’s the story of the buildings located behind today`s Elkmont Campground? Learn about early 20th century Smokies vacationers on this 1 ½ hour walk through one of the historic resort communities of Elkmont.
Traditional Evening Campfire Program
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Amphitheatre
Gather for a "Ranger`s Choice" series of special programs. Topics vary from natural to human history.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Wheelchair accessible.
All of the above programs are free and many are wheelchair accessible.For more information check their website or contact them here.To download maps go here.For more information on the Junior Ranger program, stop by any park visitor center or the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground.
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.
Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Junior Rangers: "Bear-Ing" The Winter
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
How do bears prepare for the winter months? Find out from a ranger. Fun for the entire family!
Autumn Arrives In The Smokies
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join a ranger to discover the "wondrous" world of the Smokies in fall, and learn about some out of the way places to view fall color.
Boogertown Gap Appalachian Music
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Old-time Appalachian music. This program is on-going throughout the day. Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Laurel Falls Old Growth Forest
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Laurel Falls Trailhead
This guided walk takes you to one of the Smokies prettiest and best-known waterfalls and continues ½ mile beyond to explore an old-growth forest. Enjoy a portion or the entire walk. No pets allowed.
Duration: 2 ½ hours.
Level: Easy to moderate.
Ranger Tells All!
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Oconaluftee Visitor Center, South Porch
Want to know where the fall colors are? Need answers about wildlife in the park? How about what to take on a hike? Are you tired of traffic and want to find a quiet place to enjoy the park? Stop by and get all the answers from the Ranger who knows all!
On-going program. Join us anytime during the hour.
Accessible for persons using wheelchairs.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park. Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Elkmont`s Natural World
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Entrance Station
Learn about what this area was like before human settlement, and how we have affected this environment over the years, on this guided walk along the Elkmont Nature Trail.
Monday October 6
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
Stream Life
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Have you ever wondered what lives in a mountain stream? Join us for an easy stroll along the creek to find out.
Tuesday October 7
Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Go back in time to discover what it was like to live in a mountain community and go to school in a one-room schoolhouse. This program is fun for all ages. Please arrive 15 minutes before program start; space is limited.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
Wednesday October 8
Heritage Hunt
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Join a park ranger to learn about the cemeteries of Cades Cove. After the talk, a self-guiding activity booklet will be provided to discover the stories, mysteries and insight cemeteries give us about community life in the cove.
Mountain Living "Life in the Roaring Fork Community"
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Farmstead on Cherokee Orchard Road (turn at traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg)
Would you like to do something different while visiting the Smokies? Learn about living in the mountains as we caravan along the 5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, stopping at different farmsteads such as the Ephraim Bales and Alfred Reagan places.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial
In this 75th anniversary year of the New Deal and the Civilian Conservation Corps, come learn about what the "Three C`s" meant to our National Parks.
Thursday October 9
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Precious memories still linger and are alive at the Primitive Baptist Church.
Trees Of The Sugarlands Valley
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a leisurely walk along the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to identify some of the trees found in the Smokies. This is an ideal program for future Junior Rangers.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Friday October 10
Rug Hooking
10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of rug hooking techniques. The program is on-going throughout the day-join us at any time. Wheelchair accessible.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
Indians, Bushwhackers And Conscripts: The Civil War in the Smokies
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a short walk to hear about Colonel Thomas and his legion of Confederate Cherokees, the Civil War outposts of Clingmans Dome, Fort Harry, and Alum Cave, and the Battle of Gatlinburg.
October Night Hike
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Difficulty: Easy.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Saturday October 11
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Attack Of The Killer Adelgids: Threats To The Hemlock Forest
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
A discussion about the non-native insect now destroying the Hemlock forests of the Smokies. Find out the current status and what is being done to one of the signature trees of the park.
Oconaluftee River Trail Walk
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Location: Oconaluftee Trailhead adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Join the Ranger for a short easy walk on the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Blacksmith Demonstrations
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Blacksmith building near Cades Cove Visitor Center
Learn the art of blacksmithing and why it was important in the Cades Cove community. This is an on-going program. Join at anytime during the day.
Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Autumn Arrives In The Smokies10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PMLocation: Sugarlands Visitor Center PatioJoin a ranger to discover the "wondrous" world of the Smokies in fall, and learn about some out of the way places to view fall color.
Mill Walk
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Junior Ranger: Young`uns: Life on the Farm
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
Location: Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center
What kinds of chores and games did kids have on a farm in the "old days?" Join a Ranger to discover how children worked and played. You may even get to feed the pigs and chickens!
On Top Of Old Smoky: Sunset at the Dome
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Clingmans Dome Parking Lot
Experience inspiring views from the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest in the eastern United States. Future Junior Rangers will enjoy learning about the creatures of the night in the Spruce-fir forest. Bring a flashlight!
Level: Moderate to strenuous.
The Resort Communities Of Elkmont
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Entrance Station
What’s the story of the buildings located behind today`s Elkmont Campground? Learn about early 20th century Smokies vacationers on this 1 ½ hour walk through one of the historic resort communities of Elkmont.
Traditional Evening Campfire Program
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Amphitheatre
Gather for a "Ranger`s Choice" series of special programs. Topics vary from natural to human history.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Wheelchair accessible.
All of the above programs are free and many are wheelchair accessible.For more information check their website or contact them here.To download maps go here.For more information on the Junior Ranger program, stop by any park visitor center or the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground.
Friday, October 3
Educational "Picture Of The Day" Sites
Here are several sites that have a "Picture of the Day".
Space
Astronomy Picture of the Day
NASA Image of the Day
Lunar Photo of the Day
Earth
Earth Image of the Day
Earth Science Picture of the Day
National Geographic Photo of the Day
Weather
Weather Picture of the Day
The Weather Picture of the Day
Nature
Botany Photo of the Day
Insect Picture of the Day
Science
Live Science Image of the Day
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Image of the Day
History
American Heritage's Picture of the Day
Old Picture of the Day
Space
Astronomy Picture of the Day
NASA Image of the Day
Lunar Photo of the Day
Earth
Earth Image of the Day
Earth Science Picture of the Day
National Geographic Photo of the Day
Weather
Weather Picture of the Day
The Weather Picture of the Day
Nature
Botany Photo of the Day
Insect Picture of the Day
Science
Live Science Image of the Day
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Image of the Day
History
American Heritage's Picture of the Day
Old Picture of the Day
I Won!!!
Lisa over at Homestead Originals was giving away the e-book ,"Haircuts for Little Men", on her blog and I WON! This is great, it's haircut time for my son, Daniel. I cut his hair anyways but I can always use a few pointers. :)
Thank you, Lisa. :)
Thank you, Lisa. :)
Thursday, October 2
Pickin' Porch Update
Butch Ross is unable to appear at Wood 'n Strings Pickin' Porch this Saturday. The Clemmers will be performing instead.
Online Freebies/Giveaways
Free DVD
Feature Films for Families is giving away free DVD's. Go here, fill out the form and they will contact you to help you pick out your film.
Free Ziploc Fall Gift Pack
Ziploc is giving away a Fall Gift Pack with samples and coupons to the first 20,000 registrants. Go here to register.
Thanks to Crystal at Money Saving Mom for finding these.
Feature Films for Families is giving away free DVD's. Go here, fill out the form and they will contact you to help you pick out your film.
Free Ziploc Fall Gift Pack
Ziploc is giving away a Fall Gift Pack with samples and coupons to the first 20,000 registrants. Go here to register.
Thanks to Crystal at Money Saving Mom for finding these.
Rummage Sales/Giveaway in Townsend
Today and Friday
Big Valley resort's annual rummage sale continues today 9am-4pm and tomorrow 9am-12pm. Tomorrow is $1-a-bag day. Big Valley is located on the right, a little past the Back Porch restuarant, just as you enter Townsend on Lamar Alexander Parkway/321.
Saturday
Church of the Cove is having a clothing giveaway from 9am-1pm. They are located on Wears Valley Rd., approximately one mile from the traffic light in Townsend, on the right.
Wednesday October 8-Saturday October 11
Hearts and Hands is having their annual rummage sale at the River Rat across from the Heritage Center on Hwy. 73 (about a mile past the traffic light). The sale will run 9am-5pm all four days.
If you would like to donate items to the sale, drop them off 9am-5pm Saturday, October 4, Monday, October 6, or Tuesday, October 7.
Ongoing
The Townsend Alumni Rummage Room is open every Wednesday 11am-2pm. This is located in Townsend City Hall on Tiger Dr. (across from Townsend Elementary School).
Big Valley resort's annual rummage sale continues today 9am-4pm and tomorrow 9am-12pm. Tomorrow is $1-a-bag day. Big Valley is located on the right, a little past the Back Porch restuarant, just as you enter Townsend on Lamar Alexander Parkway/321.
Saturday
Church of the Cove is having a clothing giveaway from 9am-1pm. They are located on Wears Valley Rd., approximately one mile from the traffic light in Townsend, on the right.
Wednesday October 8-Saturday October 11
Hearts and Hands is having their annual rummage sale at the River Rat across from the Heritage Center on Hwy. 73 (about a mile past the traffic light). The sale will run 9am-5pm all four days.
If you would like to donate items to the sale, drop them off 9am-5pm Saturday, October 4, Monday, October 6, or Tuesday, October 7.
Ongoing
The Townsend Alumni Rummage Room is open every Wednesday 11am-2pm. This is located in Townsend City Hall on Tiger Dr. (across from Townsend Elementary School).
Monarch Butterfly Monitoring Results
Tuesday we participated in the Monarch butterfly monitoring program of the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. We met at the entrance to Cades Cove at 10:00AM, 22 of us plus Mr. Nathan and Miss Kim from Tremont (15 of us were homeschoolers :)).
After filling out the required waver of liability (there's always one of those, isn't there?) and getting aquainted a little, we proceeded to our destination, a field across the Cove on the way out. We got to the field and...it had been mowed! No problem, we just had to walk a little farther to find the butterflies (good exercise!).
We were there about 3 hours and caught 10 Monarchs. That doesn't seem like many but they only caught 4 last week. When a Monarch was caught, it was identified, recorded, and tagged.
The tags are small, round, lightweight, stickers, each of them with a number and our state abbreviation. This information is written down, along with the name of the person who caught the butterfly and whether the Monarch is a male or female. Did you know that a male Monarch butterfly has a black spot on each of it's lower wings, and the female doesn't ?
The Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico where they overwinter. The Monarchs are monitored in Mexico, also, and we will be notified if they catch the one with our tag!
We caught several other kinds of butterflies and caterpillers while we were in the Cove and we saw a deer and some turkeys. Everybody had a super time and it was educational, too! Needless to say, we will be doing this again.
Here are some pictures from our outing. Unfortunately, I didn't get any butterfly pictures. :(
After filling out the required waver of liability (there's always one of those, isn't there?) and getting aquainted a little, we proceeded to our destination, a field across the Cove on the way out. We got to the field and...it had been mowed! No problem, we just had to walk a little farther to find the butterflies (good exercise!).
We were there about 3 hours and caught 10 Monarchs. That doesn't seem like many but they only caught 4 last week. When a Monarch was caught, it was identified, recorded, and tagged.
The tags are small, round, lightweight, stickers, each of them with a number and our state abbreviation. This information is written down, along with the name of the person who caught the butterfly and whether the Monarch is a male or female. Did you know that a male Monarch butterfly has a black spot on each of it's lower wings, and the female doesn't ?
The Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico where they overwinter. The Monarchs are monitored in Mexico, also, and we will be notified if they catch the one with our tag!
We caught several other kinds of butterflies and caterpillers while we were in the Cove and we saw a deer and some turkeys. Everybody had a super time and it was educational, too! Needless to say, we will be doing this again.
Here are some pictures from our outing. Unfortunately, I didn't get any butterfly pictures. :(
At the entrance to Cades Cove. 
A Deer
Some of the children
Abby
Woolyworms
Daniel
For more information on the Monarch monitoring program please see this post, Monarch Butterfly Monitoring and Website.
Wednesday, October 1
Free Hanging Dishtowel Tutorial and Giveaways
Want to make your own hanging dishtowels? You can find a free tutorial here. This is from Kathy at Teaching Good Things. She also has a giveaway every day this week on her blog, which you can find here.
Thanks so much, Kathy!
Thanks so much, Kathy!
Today's New Homeschooling Freebies
TOS Magazine Schoolhouse Store
The Schoolhouse Store has some special offers right now and one of them is free! "Literature Helpers", by Knowledge Box Central, has over 200 ideas for literature studies, 60 templates and a study guide for teacher. You can download this e-book here.
I don't know how long this special will last, so get it today before it's gone.
Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
Today's freebie is two sample lessons from “The Thinking Toolbox” by Nathaniel & Hans Bluedorn, a great resource on critical thinking and logic skills. You can download this freebie here, today only.
More freebies for this week are listed here.
The Schoolhouse Store has some special offers right now and one of them is free! "Literature Helpers", by Knowledge Box Central, has over 200 ideas for literature studies, 60 templates and a study guide for teacher. You can download this e-book here.
I don't know how long this special will last, so get it today before it's gone.
Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
Today's freebie is two sample lessons from “The Thinking Toolbox” by Nathaniel & Hans Bluedorn, a great resource on critical thinking and logic skills. You can download this freebie here, today only.
More freebies for this week are listed here.
Tuesday, September 30
Free Home and Garden E-books
Sunday Hike
We took a hike Sunday up the mountain on the east side of the holler.
This is a view of Rich Mountain, Townsend is just right of center.
Ilex Decidua
Winterberry is a member of the Holly family, it's also called Possum Haw.
Once we climbed past the Laurel thicket, the mountain was covered with them.
Monarch Butterfly Monitoring and Website
We are in Cades Cove catching butterflies today! We will be participating in the Monarch butterfly monitoring program in Cades Cove, our first time, and my children are very excited. We'll be taking lots of pictures and I'll share some later.
If you would like to participate in the Monarch Monitoring program please see this post, Free Citizen Science Program at Tremont.
In the meantime, here's a great website all about Monarchs, Monarch Watch, from the University of Kansas.
Help track the monarch butterfly migration each fall and spring at Journey North and another good site is the Monarch Butterfly in North America website.
If you would like to participate in the Monarch Monitoring program please see this post, Free Citizen Science Program at Tremont.
In the meantime, here's a great website all about Monarchs, Monarch Watch, from the University of Kansas.
Help track the monarch butterfly migration each fall and spring at Journey North and another good site is the Monarch Butterfly in North America website.
Homeschooling Freebies This Week
TOS Magazine Schoolhouse Store
The Schoolhouse Store-Deal Of The Day
Today only you can download "Let's Make a Webpage Junior", published by Motherboard Books. This is in e-book form and you can get it here.
Don't forget, it's available today only!
While you're there, download The Schoolhouse Store's newest freebie, "Noble Womanhood: A Collection of Quotes". This would be a great copywork resource for your girls. Download it here.
Note: You do have to create a free account to download the e-books.
Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
Today's freebie is "Getting Your Children to Obey", by Kelly Crawford. Download this resource here.
Don't forget to stop by each day for a new free resource. Better yet, join their mailing list and get an extra freebie each week!
HomeschoolRadioShows.com
This week's program is "America's First Invention", a 1950's "Adventures in Research" radio show about the The Pennsylvania long rifle. Download this audio program here.
The programs usually change on Tuesday, so get 'em while the gettin's good!
CurrClick
The free product for this week is "Oakes Basic Planner" a homeschooling planner for the upper grades. Get it here.
Note: This is an e-book and you do have to create a free account to download it.
EcoBrain
"Green Books For Green Living" Every week they offer a free download of one of their products. There are titles on sustainable living, gardening, cooking and so much more. This week's free e-book is "Cooking With Tofu", a Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin. You can download it here.Note: You will have to create a free account.
SchoolExpress
SchoolExpress publishes e-workbooks and theme units. Sign up for their newsletter here and receive a free theme unit or e-workbook a week. This month's topic is "Feelings", if you sign up before October 5th.
You can also download free worksheets here and find free activities and games here.
Hands Of A Child
A free lapbooking "Project Pack" is offered every three months. The freebie for this quarter is "Thomas Alva Edison". This can be downloaded through December 16th and you can get it here.
The Schoolhouse Store-Deal Of The Day
Today only you can download "Let's Make a Webpage Junior", published by Motherboard Books. This is in e-book form and you can get it here.
Don't forget, it's available today only!
While you're there, download The Schoolhouse Store's newest freebie, "Noble Womanhood: A Collection of Quotes". This would be a great copywork resource for your girls. Download it here.
Note: You do have to create a free account to download the e-books.
Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
Today's freebie is "Getting Your Children to Obey", by Kelly Crawford. Download this resource here.
Don't forget to stop by each day for a new free resource. Better yet, join their mailing list and get an extra freebie each week!
HomeschoolRadioShows.com
This week's program is "America's First Invention", a 1950's "Adventures in Research" radio show about the The Pennsylvania long rifle. Download this audio program here.
The programs usually change on Tuesday, so get 'em while the gettin's good!
CurrClick
The free product for this week is "Oakes Basic Planner" a homeschooling planner for the upper grades. Get it here.
Note: This is an e-book and you do have to create a free account to download it.
EcoBrain
"Green Books For Green Living" Every week they offer a free download of one of their products. There are titles on sustainable living, gardening, cooking and so much more. This week's free e-book is "Cooking With Tofu", a Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin. You can download it here.Note: You will have to create a free account.
SchoolExpress
SchoolExpress publishes e-workbooks and theme units. Sign up for their newsletter here and receive a free theme unit or e-workbook a week. This month's topic is "Feelings", if you sign up before October 5th.
You can also download free worksheets here and find free activities and games here.
Hands Of A Child
A free lapbooking "Project Pack" is offered every three months. The freebie for this quarter is "Thomas Alva Edison". This can be downloaded through December 16th and you can get it here.
Homemaking Tip- Butter Wrappers
My grandmother used to save her butter wrappers and use them to grease her baking pans. Just stick them in a plastic bag and store in the fridge. You'd be surprised at the amount of butter that remains on a wrapper!
Monday, September 29
Freeware-Photo Editing and Manipulation
Irfanview
Fast, compact and free graphic viewer for Windows. Image editing and manipulation, many supported file formats, batch processing, create slideshows, play audio and video, special effects and free plug-ins are just a few of Irfanview's features. For more info and download link, click here.
FotoSketcher
Freeware to convert your digital photos into paintings, sketches or drawings. Go here for more information and to download.
Artweaver
A simple freeware program for creating sketches and art from photos. Find it here.
Fast, compact and free graphic viewer for Windows. Image editing and manipulation, many supported file formats, batch processing, create slideshows, play audio and video, special effects and free plug-ins are just a few of Irfanview's features. For more info and download link, click here.
FotoSketcher
Freeware to convert your digital photos into paintings, sketches or drawings. Go here for more information and to download.
Artweaver
A simple freeware program for creating sketches and art from photos. Find it here.
Free Citizen Science Program at Tremont
Do you like to search for salamanders or catch butterflies? Does identifying insects or banding birds sound like fun?
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont operates a volunteer program called Citizen Science. This program offers adults and students opportunities to aide in research projects collecting data for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th, are monarch tagging days in Cades Cove and Monday, October 13th, you can assist with salamander monitoring.
For more information, or to sign up, please call Josh Davis at 865-448-6709.
Space is limited.
Note: This will be the last monarch tagging this year. The salamander monitoring takes place on the 2nd Monday of each month.
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont operates a volunteer program called Citizen Science. This program offers adults and students opportunities to aide in research projects collecting data for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th, are monarch tagging days in Cades Cove and Monday, October 13th, you can assist with salamander monitoring.
For more information, or to sign up, please call Josh Davis at 865-448-6709.
Space is limited.
Note: This will be the last monarch tagging this year. The salamander monitoring takes place on the 2nd Monday of each month.
This Week's Activities and Events In Townsend
Townsend Farmer's Market
Tuesday, September 30
You can find fresh produce, baked goods and plants for sale every Tuesday from 4:00-7:00pm in the Trillium Cove Shopping Village parking lot. The market will run through October.
For more information, call 865-448-8700.
Townsend Visitor Center
Tuesday, September 30-Thursday, October 2
Art & Woodcrafts exhibit by Myron & Sanford Downs
Friday, October 3-Sunday, October 5
There are three exhibits scheduled for this weekend:
Decoupage Plates by Anna Bolton
Art Exhibit by Gloria Nelson
Stained Glass by Clay Bolinger
All events are free and for more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834 (toll free).
Mary E Tippitt Memorial Library
Wedenesday, October 1
Mike & Connie Clemmer from Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop will present "Making Mountain Music" at the library's after-school program on Wednesday.
Please call the library at 865-448-1441 to pre-register your children no later than Tuesday.
Children in grades Pre-K through 5th are welcome and this is a free program.
Wood-N-Strings - Dulcimer Shop
Saturday, October 4
Every Saturday night at 7:00pm join the Clemmer's at the Pickin' Porch for some good ol' mountain music! This week's guest is Butch Ross, a mountain dulcimer player from Chattanooga.
For more information call (865) 448-6647.
This event is free.
Update: Butch Ross had to cancel and Mike and Connie will be playing instead.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Saturday, October 4
The Heritage Center's Sunset Music Series presents "Wild Blue Yonder" this Saturday at 7:00pm. Admission is free for members and $3.00 for non-members.
For more info call 865-448-0044.
Tuesday, September 30
You can find fresh produce, baked goods and plants for sale every Tuesday from 4:00-7:00pm in the Trillium Cove Shopping Village parking lot. The market will run through October.
For more information, call 865-448-8700.
Townsend Visitor Center
Tuesday, September 30-Thursday, October 2
Art & Woodcrafts exhibit by Myron & Sanford Downs
Friday, October 3-Sunday, October 5
There are three exhibits scheduled for this weekend:
Decoupage Plates by Anna Bolton
Art Exhibit by Gloria Nelson
Stained Glass by Clay Bolinger
All events are free and for more information call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834 (toll free).
Mary E Tippitt Memorial Library
Wedenesday, October 1
Mike & Connie Clemmer from Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop will present "Making Mountain Music" at the library's after-school program on Wednesday.
Please call the library at 865-448-1441 to pre-register your children no later than Tuesday.
Children in grades Pre-K through 5th are welcome and this is a free program.
Wood-N-Strings - Dulcimer Shop
Saturday, October 4
Every Saturday night at 7:00pm join the Clemmer's at the Pickin' Porch for some good ol' mountain music! This week's guest is Butch Ross, a mountain dulcimer player from Chattanooga.
For more information call (865) 448-6647.
This event is free.
Update: Butch Ross had to cancel and Mike and Connie will be playing instead.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Saturday, October 4
The Heritage Center's Sunset Music Series presents "Wild Blue Yonder" this Saturday at 7:00pm. Admission is free for members and $3.00 for non-members.
For more info call 865-448-0044.
Free Activities in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Monday, September 29
Quilting
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of quilting techniques.
This program is on-going throughout the day.
Stream Life
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Have you ever wondered what lives in a mountain stream? Join us for an easy stroll along the creek to find out.
Tuesday, September 30
Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Go back in time to discover what it was like to live in a mountain community and go to school in a one-room schoolhouse. This program is fun for all ages. Please arrive 15 minutes before program start; space is limited.
Quilting
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of quilting techniques. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
Wednesday, October 1
Heritage Hunt
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Join a park ranger to learn about the cemeteries of Cades Cove. After the talk, a self-guiding activity booklet will be provided to discover the stories, mysteries and insight cemeteries give us about community life in the cove.
Quilting
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of quilting techniques. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Mountain Living "Life in the Roaring Fork Community"
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Noah
Would you like to do something different while visiting the Smokies? Learn about living in the mountains as we caravan along the 5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, stopping at different farmsteads such as the Ephraim Bales and Alfred Reagan places.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial
In this 75th anniversary year of the New Deal and the Civilian Conservation Corps, come learn about what the "Three C`s" meant to our National Parks.
Thursday, October 2
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.
Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Precious memories still linger and are alive at the Primitive Baptist Church.
Trees Of The Sugarlands Valley
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a leisurely walk along the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to identify some of the trees found in the Smokies. This is an ideal program for future Junior Rangers.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Friday, October 3
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day. Join us at anytime.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
Indians, Bushwhackers And Conscripts: The Civil War in the Smokies
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a short walk to hear about Colonel Thomas and his legion of Confederate Cherokees, the Civil War outposts of Clingmans Dome, Fort Harry, and Alum Cave, and the Battle of Gatlinburg.
October Night Hike
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Difficulty: Easy.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Saturday, October 4
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Attack Of The Killer Adelgids: Threats To The Hemlock Forest
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
A discussion about the non-native insect now destroying the Hemlock forests of the Smokies. Find out the current status and what is being done to one of the signature trees of the park.
Oconaluftee River Trail Walk
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Location: Oconaluftee Trailhead adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Join the Ranger for a short easy walk on the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Little Cataloochee Hike
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Meet at parking area on left just after entering Cataloochee Valley
Join a Ranger for a hike into Little Cataloochee Valley to discover the rich history of the area. Stops on the hike include the Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee Baptist Church and cemetery, and the restored Dan and Rachel Cook Cabin on Coggins Branch. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring a bag lunch and drinking water.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, 5 miles round-trip, 300 ft. elevation change with some steep trail sections.
Autumn Arrives In The Smokies
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join a ranger to discover the "wondrous" world of the Smokies in fall, and learn about some out of the way places to view fall color.
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Mill Walk
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Junior Ranger: Young`uns: Life on the Farm
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
Location: Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center
What kinds of chores and games did kids have on a farm in the "old days?" Join a Ranger to discover how children worked and played. You may even get to feed the pigs and chickens!
On Top Of Old Smoky: Sunset at the Dome
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Clingmans Dome Parking Lot
Experience inspiring views from the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest in the eastern United States. Future Junior Rangers will enjoy learning about the creatures of the night in the Spruce-fir forest. Bring a flashlight!
Level: Moderate to strenuous.
The Resort Communities Of Elkmont
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Entrance Station
What’s the story of the buildings located behind today`s Elkmont Campground? Learn about early 20th century Smokies vacationers on this 1 ½ hour walk through one of the historic resort communities of Elkmont.
Traditional Evening Campfire Program
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Amphitheatre
Gather for a "Ranger`s Choice" series of special programs. Topics vary from natural to human history.
Stargazing
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Join a park ranger and the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society as we learn about the stars and galaxies. Numerous telescopes will be available for viewing the night skies. Bring warm clothes, a blanket to sit on and a flashlight. The program will be cancelled in the case of rain.
Difficulty: Easy 1/3 mile walk to program site in a field.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Wheelchair accessible.
All of the above programs are free and many are wheelchair accessible.
For more information check their website or contact them here.
To download maps go here.
For more information on the Junior Ranger program, stop by any park visitor center or the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground.
Quilting
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of quilting techniques.
This program is on-going throughout the day.
Stream Life
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Have you ever wondered what lives in a mountain stream? Join us for an easy stroll along the creek to find out.
Tuesday, September 30
Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Go back in time to discover what it was like to live in a mountain community and go to school in a one-room schoolhouse. This program is fun for all ages. Please arrive 15 minutes before program start; space is limited.
Quilting
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of quilting techniques. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
Wednesday, October 1
Heritage Hunt
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Join a park ranger to learn about the cemeteries of Cades Cove. After the talk, a self-guiding activity booklet will be provided to discover the stories, mysteries and insight cemeteries give us about community life in the cove.
Quilting
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Becky Cable House at Cades Cove Visitor Center
A demonstration of quilting techniques. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Mountain Living "Life in the Roaring Fork Community"
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Noah
Would you like to do something different while visiting the Smokies? Learn about living in the mountains as we caravan along the 5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, stopping at different farmsteads such as the Ephraim Bales and Alfred Reagan places.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial
In this 75th anniversary year of the New Deal and the Civilian Conservation Corps, come learn about what the "Three C`s" meant to our National Parks.
Thursday, October 2
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.
Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Primative Baptist Church
Precious memories still linger and are alive at the Primitive Baptist Church.
Trees Of The Sugarlands Valley
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a leisurely walk along the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to identify some of the trees found in the Smokies. This is an ideal program for future Junior Rangers.
Nestled In The Hills: The Noah "Bud" Ogle Place
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place on Cherokee Orchard Road
Who lived in this place? Meet park staff at the cabin for a series of short walks and talks around this mountain farm. Brief tours of the cabin will alternate with 45 minute walks to the barn and tub mill at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Friday, October 3
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day. Join us at anytime.
Cataract Falls Walk
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Meet a park ranger for an easy stroll to one of the hidden secrets of the Sugarlands.
Indians, Bushwhackers And Conscripts: The Civil War in the Smokies
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join us for a short walk to hear about Colonel Thomas and his legion of Confederate Cherokees, the Civil War outposts of Clingmans Dome, Fort Harry, and Alum Cave, and the Battle of Gatlinburg.
October Night Hike
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Difficulty: Easy.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Saturday, October 4
Junior Ranger Program
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Cove.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Attack Of The Killer Adelgids: Threats To The Hemlock Forest
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
A discussion about the non-native insect now destroying the Hemlock forests of the Smokies. Find out the current status and what is being done to one of the signature trees of the park.
Oconaluftee River Trail Walk
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Location: Oconaluftee Trailhead adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Join the Ranger for a short easy walk on the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Little Cataloochee Hike
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Meet at parking area on left just after entering Cataloochee Valley
Join a Ranger for a hike into Little Cataloochee Valley to discover the rich history of the area. Stops on the hike include the Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee Baptist Church and cemetery, and the restored Dan and Rachel Cook Cabin on Coggins Branch. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring a bag lunch and drinking water.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, 5 miles round-trip, 300 ft. elevation change with some steep trail sections.
Autumn Arrives In The Smokies
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Join a ranger to discover the "wondrous" world of the Smokies in fall, and learn about some out of the way places to view fall color.
Traditional Old Tyme Music
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
The group "Tymes Past" presents music gleamed from the immigrant homeland and altered to a unique lifestyle in the Appalachians. This program is on-going throughout the day.
Mill Walk
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community.
WILD by Design
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Visitor Center
A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things in the park.
Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area may be an hour or more once you enter the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly.
Junior Ranger: Young`uns: Life on the Farm
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
Location: Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center
What kinds of chores and games did kids have on a farm in the "old days?" Join a Ranger to discover how children worked and played. You may even get to feed the pigs and chickens!
On Top Of Old Smoky: Sunset at the Dome
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Clingmans Dome Parking Lot
Experience inspiring views from the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest in the eastern United States. Future Junior Rangers will enjoy learning about the creatures of the night in the Spruce-fir forest. Bring a flashlight!
Level: Moderate to strenuous.
The Resort Communities Of Elkmont
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Entrance Station
What’s the story of the buildings located behind today`s Elkmont Campground? Learn about early 20th century Smokies vacationers on this 1 ½ hour walk through one of the historic resort communities of Elkmont.
Traditional Evening Campfire Program
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Elkmont Campground Amphitheatre
Gather for a "Ranger`s Choice" series of special programs. Topics vary from natural to human history.
Stargazing
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Join a park ranger and the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society as we learn about the stars and galaxies. Numerous telescopes will be available for viewing the night skies. Bring warm clothes, a blanket to sit on and a flashlight. The program will be cancelled in the case of rain.
Difficulty: Easy 1/3 mile walk to program site in a field.
Cades Cove Evening Program
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Cades Cove Campground Amphitheatre
Gain insight into some of the special features of Cades Cove.
Wheelchair accessible.
All of the above programs are free and many are wheelchair accessible.
For more information check their website or contact them here.
To download maps go here.
For more information on the Junior Ranger program, stop by any park visitor center or the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground.
Sunday, September 28
Consider The Lilies
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mathew 6:28
Saturday, September 27
Where's The Flashlight?
Me(talking to my children): Where is the flashlight? Is it on one of your desks?
Abby: No. I don't think so. I'm not sure.
Daniel: I found the flashlight, it was on Abby's desk.
:)
Abby: No. I don't think so. I'm not sure.
Daniel: I found the flashlight, it was on Abby's desk.
:)
Wit and Wisdom from the Hermit in the Holler
"Watch out fer i-dots!"
-or-
"Watch out fer tourons!"
(especially today!) :)
-or-
"Watch out fer tourons!"
(especially today!) :)
Friday, September 26
Homeschooling Freebies This Week
Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
Today's freebie is "Treasure Island: A Piratey Literature Seminar for Kids", by Lydia Netzer. This is a reader submitted, 12 lesson unit based on the classic book "Treasure Island". Download this great resource here.
Week-long freebie:
"Emergency Prep for YOUR Family: A Planning Guide for Your Family When Disaster Strikes", is a simple guide to help you put together a family emergency plan. This freebie will be available all week and you can download it here. Don't forget to stop by each day for a new free resource. Better yet, join their mailing list and get an extra freebie each week!
HomeschoolRadioShows.com
This week's program is "The Hairpin In The Bottle", a 1940's radio show about the invention of the electric light. You can download it here.
The Erskine's have also made available last week's program, "Victory on Lake Erie" and you can get it right here.
CurrClick
Their free product for this week is "B is for Beatitudes: An Early Learning Lap-book". Get it here.
Note: This is an e-book and you do have to create a free account to download it.
EcoBrain
"Green Books For Green Living"
Every week they offer a free download of one of their products. There are titles on sustainable living, gardening, cooking and so much more. This week's free e-book is "Cooking With Tofu", a Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin. You can download it here.
Note: You will have to create a free account.
SchoolExpress
SchoolExpress publishes e-workbooks and theme units. Sign up for their newsletter here and receive a free product a week. You can download free worksheets here and find free activities and games here.
Hands Of A Child
A free lapbooking "Project Pack" is offered every three months. The freebie for this quarter is "Thomas Alva Edison". This can be downloaded through December 16th and you can get it here.
Today's freebie is "Treasure Island: A Piratey Literature Seminar for Kids", by Lydia Netzer. This is a reader submitted, 12 lesson unit based on the classic book "Treasure Island". Download this great resource here.
Week-long freebie:
"Emergency Prep for YOUR Family: A Planning Guide for Your Family When Disaster Strikes", is a simple guide to help you put together a family emergency plan. This freebie will be available all week and you can download it here. Don't forget to stop by each day for a new free resource. Better yet, join their mailing list and get an extra freebie each week!
HomeschoolRadioShows.com
This week's program is "The Hairpin In The Bottle", a 1940's radio show about the invention of the electric light. You can download it here.
The Erskine's have also made available last week's program, "Victory on Lake Erie" and you can get it right here.
CurrClick
Their free product for this week is "B is for Beatitudes: An Early Learning Lap-book". Get it here.
Note: This is an e-book and you do have to create a free account to download it.
EcoBrain
"Green Books For Green Living"
Every week they offer a free download of one of their products. There are titles on sustainable living, gardening, cooking and so much more. This week's free e-book is "Cooking With Tofu", a Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin. You can download it here.
Note: You will have to create a free account.
SchoolExpress
SchoolExpress publishes e-workbooks and theme units. Sign up for their newsletter here and receive a free product a week. You can download free worksheets here and find free activities and games here.
Hands Of A Child
A free lapbooking "Project Pack" is offered every three months. The freebie for this quarter is "Thomas Alva Edison". This can be downloaded through December 16th and you can get it here.
Thursday, September 25
Homemaking Freebies/Giveaways/Contests
Lisa's Blog at Homestead Originals
Lisa currently has a couple of contests on her blog. She's giving away a bar of Homestead Kitchen handmade soap and a copy of "Haircuts for Little Men" e-book. Just leave a comment on her blog and you're entered. Comment here for the soap giveaway and here for the e-book. Note: You do have to create a free account to make a comment.
While you're there check out the rest of her blog, she has some good recipes, homemaking articles and more.
Old Fashioned Homemaking
Coffemom has two free recipe book downloads, "Jam Recipes" and "Vegetable Dishes". You can download them here.
This is a great Christian homemaking site, you'll find recipes, cleaning and organizing articles, decorating ideas, articles on old fashioned values, homeschooling, family, and so much more!
Lisa currently has a couple of contests on her blog. She's giving away a bar of Homestead Kitchen handmade soap and a copy of "Haircuts for Little Men" e-book. Just leave a comment on her blog and you're entered. Comment here for the soap giveaway and here for the e-book. Note: You do have to create a free account to make a comment.
While you're there check out the rest of her blog, she has some good recipes, homemaking articles and more.
Old Fashioned Homemaking
Coffemom has two free recipe book downloads, "Jam Recipes" and "Vegetable Dishes". You can download them here.
This is a great Christian homemaking site, you'll find recipes, cleaning and organizing articles, decorating ideas, articles on old fashioned values, homeschooling, family, and so much more!
Update on Gas Update
Deliveries were made yesterday and there is now gas and diesel available at all stations in Townsend. It's still $3.59 a gallon.
Only In Townsend
Our new Townsend mascot!
He was spotted watching traffic from across the road from Parkway Grocery. :)Wednesday, September 24
Some Thoughts on Breakfast
We don't have cold cereal in our house. I used to buy it, but after eating two bowls of it, my children would be hungry again in an hour! I make oatmeal or grits, most of the time, and I'm talking about the kind you cook, not instant.
For oatmeal, we usually eat it with honey or brown sugar and cinnamon. My mom used to make it with cheese, sprouts and (if I remember correctly) sunflower seeds!
We usually eat grits with cheese, and my son and I like them with just butter. My grandmother used to eat her grits with jelly in them.
Other Breakfast Ideas
We have a flock of chickens so we eat a lot of eggs (when they're laying good). I usually boil a half dozen a day. My husband takes a couple in his lunch and the rest get eaten either at breakfast (with fruit and cream-cheese toast), or for a snack in the afternoon. Boiled eggs are also great for a snack on the go.
We love pancakes at our house but I don't like serving them with fake syrup. Real maple syrup is expensive so I buy it on sale and use it sparingly. We also eat pancakes with honey, jelly or applesauce on them, all delicious and much cheaper than maple syrup. Homemade fruit syrup is also good. I froze a lot of berries this year and I'm going to try my hand at making some blueberry syrup. As for the pancakes themselves, I never use a mix, made-from-scratch always tastes so much better. I usually use this whole wheat/buttermilk recipe:
For oatmeal, we usually eat it with honey or brown sugar and cinnamon. My mom used to make it with cheese, sprouts and (if I remember correctly) sunflower seeds!
We usually eat grits with cheese, and my son and I like them with just butter. My grandmother used to eat her grits with jelly in them.
Other Breakfast Ideas
We have a flock of chickens so we eat a lot of eggs (when they're laying good). I usually boil a half dozen a day. My husband takes a couple in his lunch and the rest get eaten either at breakfast (with fruit and cream-cheese toast), or for a snack in the afternoon. Boiled eggs are also great for a snack on the go.
We love pancakes at our house but I don't like serving them with fake syrup. Real maple syrup is expensive so I buy it on sale and use it sparingly. We also eat pancakes with honey, jelly or applesauce on them, all delicious and much cheaper than maple syrup. Homemade fruit syrup is also good. I froze a lot of berries this year and I'm going to try my hand at making some blueberry syrup. As for the pancakes themselves, I never use a mix, made-from-scratch always tastes so much better. I usually use this whole wheat/buttermilk recipe:
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
Sift together dry ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Combine wet ingredients:
4 Tbsp. honey or molasses
2 eggs
4 cups buttermilk
4 Tbsp. melted butter
Mix dry and wet ingredients together quickly, do not over-beat.
Drop by spoonfuls on lightly greased, hot griddle. Flip pancakes when edges turn brown and bubbles are popped. Cook on other side till golden brown.
This recipe usually makes about 20 pancakes (depending on the size) and feeds my family of four.
Enjoy!Townsend Gas Update
Our gas has dropped back down to pre-Ike levels! The Texaco, Phillips 66 and Marathon stations all have gas for $3.59. The cheapest place in town is BP (IGA) at $3.49, but they don't have any to sell! If you buy diesel, you'll have to go some place else, Townsend is completely out of it.
Tuesday, September 23
Wild Medicine for Poison Ivy
We have poison ivy all over the place up here, you can't do anything outside without getting in some of it. My husband is highly allergic to it (he used to have to get a shot after exposure) and the rest of us have varying degrees of tolerance, I used to not have a reaction at all! We've bought many things to ease the symptoms of poison ivy but the best thing, we've found, is a plant that grows all over these mountains. It's called Jewelweed.
We usually crush the stems and rub them over our exposed skin after we've gotten in poison ivy, you can also rub it on before exposure for added protection (I just never think of it before!). If you can get this on your skin quick enough , you won't get any blisters at all!
Needless to say, my husband doesn't have to get shots anymore. :)
We usually crush the stems and rub them over our exposed skin after we've gotten in poison ivy, you can also rub it on before exposure for added protection (I just never think of it before!). If you can get this on your skin quick enough , you won't get any blisters at all!
Needless to say, my husband doesn't have to get shots anymore. :)
Monday, September 22
Stamping Give-away
Connie over at Artistic InkSpirations is giving away some fall-themed BlogCandy. Included in the give-away are a hand-stamped pocket book and cards, some Clear stamps, some pumpkin colored brads, buttons, and tabs, and a set of little photo frames. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on her blog, here, answering the question "What is your favorite theme to stamp during this time of year, and why? ". Winner will be anounced this weekend.
Activities And Events In Townsend This Week
Townsend Visitor Center
Friday September 26-Saturday September 27
16th Annual Townsend Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day
Bluegrass, arts and crafts, tractor show, children's activities and more!
For more information, call the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-525-6834 or 865-448-6134.
Note: This event is free but they do charge for parking next to the Festival.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park-Cades Cove
Saturday September 27
Old Timers Day in Cades Cove
Free event at the Cable Mill area in the Cove. Traditional mountain music, storytelling and reminiscing. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic lunch and stay all day!
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Saturday September 27
Blue Ribbon Country Fair
The fair takes place from 10am to 5pm, admission is $3.00. For more information call the Heritage Center at 865-448-0044.
Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers
Saturday September 27-Sunday September 28
Nawger Nob Craft Show
80 crafters, food and music. Admission is $1.50 with free parking.
Boy, we have a busy weekend! Please drive safely!
Friday September 26-Saturday September 27
16th Annual Townsend Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day
Bluegrass, arts and crafts, tractor show, children's activities and more!
For more information, call the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-525-6834 or 865-448-6134.
Note: This event is free but they do charge for parking next to the Festival.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park-Cades Cove
Saturday September 27
Old Timers Day in Cades Cove
Free event at the Cable Mill area in the Cove. Traditional mountain music, storytelling and reminiscing. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic lunch and stay all day!
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Saturday September 27
Blue Ribbon Country Fair
The fair takes place from 10am to 5pm, admission is $3.00. For more information call the Heritage Center at 865-448-0044.
Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers
Saturday September 27-Sunday September 28
Nawger Nob Craft Show
80 crafters, food and music. Admission is $1.50 with free parking.
Boy, we have a busy weekend! Please drive safely!
Some Of My Daughter's Pictures
My 11 year old, Abby, is exploring digital photography. Here are some of her pictures.
Experimenting with special effects
Moooooo
What are you lookin' at
The Great Smoky Mountains from the Dark Holler
Pickles and Pup
The pictures at the bottom of my blog are Abby's, also.
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