Red buds

The Red buds are finishing up their flowers.  It seems that each spring flowering plant takes it's turn and then fades while another takes over.  Who's next?

Garden sculpture #2

I've walked past this guy almost every day and not noticed him before.  He must have been uncovered in spring garden clean up.

Root and STEM

STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are very much the rage now in education, although the latest are being called STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) 

I subbed for 3 months in a high school program that was fantastic.  The students were learning college level programming, digital electronics and Engineering technology.  I'm not sure how that translates into elementary school, but I couldn't resist this sign. 

 Root elementary school is a STEM magnet.

Birthplace of Andrew Johnson

This building has been moved to the Morticai Historic Park.  It was a kitchen out building, the bottom floor is a big room with an enormous fireplace to cook for a big house.  Andrew Johnson, 17th president of the United States was born above the kitchen.  The family lived in the one room above, probably because his mother worked in the kitchen below.  It might have been nice in the winter, but the summer heat must have been brutal.

Weeping Winged Elm

Weeping Winged Elm

When you visit the Arboretum in the winter you see things you can't see when there are leaves and flowers growing.  This twisted tree is not like any Elm I've ever seen.

Off the Grid

Here is a blender for those of you who are off the grid.  No electricity needed.  She probably worked off the calories of the smoothie before it was even finished.

Proud Americans

Yesterday I had the privilege to be a part of a swearing in ceremony for  new citizens.  As a member of the League of Women Voters I helped the new citizens register to vote after the ceremony. There were over 60 people from 32 different countries. The ceremony was very moving.  With all that is going on in this country now, it made me feel pride and hope for our country.  There are still people who believe in the American Dream.