Category Archives: Family

You Can Drink the Hemlock

Christmas came and went quickly this time, and 2017 quietly wound down with time spent at home. January, however, has found us off and going and we’ve already experienced a variety of activities. To kick off the New Year, the … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Holidays, Ian | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas Time’s a Comin’

Doesn’t it seem like time really accelerates about mid October? Once the fall festivals hit, it just seems like a roller coaster of events clear through to Martin Luther King Junior Day. We’ve already zoomed past so many fun events … Continue reading

Posted in birthdays, Family, Friends, Holidays, Ian, My Critters, paddling | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“We Can Take My Flashlights”

It rained in middle Tennessee this week. A lot. So of course all of the creeks jumped up and the paddlers rejoiced. But daylight savings time ended this week, leaving Cookeville in darkness by 5:00 PM, with no hope of … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Ian, paddling | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Let’s Get This Show Going!

The sound of fish hitting the surface of the water and birds chirping as yellow and red leaves fluttered down from the autumn trees provided a calming backdrop for our evening after a busy day. Ian participated in the Tomahawk … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Ian, paddling | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Ian’s Ocoee PFD

All the time I hear friends jokingly talk about how it takes a village to raise a kid, especially from our like-minded friends who tend toward more free-range parenting. I would say that Ian’s upbringing also takes a village, but … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Friends, Holidays, Ian, paddling | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

5 Methods that Helped Us Introduce Our Kid Under 5 to Whitewater

    IMPORTANT This entry is not meant to be a substitute for common sense, or a treatise on child care. The purpose is to provide suggestions as what has worked successfully for my family and friends who have ventured … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Ian, paddling | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Class of 2030

Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you’re in diapers; the next day you’re gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul.      The Wonder Years Parents belong to a club. This club requires tears … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Ian | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Puh-puh-puh Paw Patrol!

As Ian approached the big 5, he decided that he wanted to have a Paw-Patrol birthday party playing laser tag. With the help of Amazon, Joy, Lauren, and Cookeville Cyber Tag, this was not a hard feat to pull off. … Continue reading

Posted in birthdays, Family, Friends, Ian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

15 Years

15 years ago today, a raft guide yanked me out of my boat and dropped me in the Ocoee. 15 years ago today I agreed to a first date with a raft guide. 15 years ago today my life forever … Continue reading

Posted in Family, paddling | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

And Out Like a Lamb

While March may have roared in with rain and snow, it has yielded to a mild and dry spring as it exits quietly. The middle and end of this month have flown by with some of the most fun that … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Farm Life, Friends, Holidays, Ian, My Critters, paddling | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment