Natchez Trace Parkway Arches Bridge

One of the outstanding features of the Natchez Trace Parkway is the Arches bridge, located just a few miles south of the northern terminus near Franklin, Tennessee. It is 155 feet high and spans 1648 feet across TN Highway 96 and Birdsong Hollow. It is said to be the nation's first segmentally constructed concrete arch bridge.

I clearly remember when it was completed in 1994; we were so excited that we could go almost all the way to Vanderbilt with little traffic on the Trace. The speed limit on the Trace is 55 or less, unlike the alternate route of I65N where people generally drive anywhere from 80-130 mph.

We were crossing the bridge going south here after driving to the northern end and turning back. I love it when I'm not driving, and can make photos out the car window.

We left the Trace, heading to Franklin on Tennessee 96. The rest of the photos were made just before we got on 96.

It was breathtakingly beautiful. I have been here in the spring, when the roadsides are decked out with redbuds and dogwoods, and it is difficult to decide which I like best. Either one is worth the drive!

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Amish in Stantonville, Tennessee

Last week, my sis and her hub went with us to the Amish community near Stantonville, Tennessee. It was a beautiful day, and we love driving to new places and finding new treasures. We enjoy these mini-trips we take together, where we giggle a lot and get caught up on everything. Also, the squirrels ate all our tomatoes, so we needed to find some to buy. You know the food you are buying is fresh when they bring it from the field while you are standing there waiting for it. Here is part of what we brought home, and it was all delicious. Stantonville is located in McNairy County, Tennessee, northwest of Shiloh National Military Park.

Holy Smoke Pie

I think it was in the late seventies that I first had Holy Smoke Pie. It was at a party at Debra Morris Harville's house. After we ate, Debra had to give the recipe to everyone there. I came home and made it for my family, and it has been a favorite since then. I always make it at holiday dinners, because I believe tradition is important. It has become a favorite of our granddaughters. I've heard it called Chocolate Delight, Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert, and other odd things. We call it Holy Smoke. Here is how I make it: Chop us a cup of pecans; set aside. Add a stick of softened butter (NOT margarine) to one cup of self-rising flour. Cut the butter into the flour. Add the chopped pecans, and work it all together. Save two tablespoons of the pecans to sprinkle on top. Pour into a 9" x 12" pan that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Spread it over the bottom of the pan. It helps to use your hands (o...

Cedar Trees in Cemeteries

If you ever wander in old cemeteries, and I know many of you do, you are bound to see some cedar trees. The tradition goes back to the early days of the United States and even earlier in Europe. Cedar trees were not always used, but some type of evergreen trees were planted because they were a symbol of everlasting life. Some Cherokees believed that cedars contained powerful spirits, including the spirits of the departed buried beneath them. Perhaps because they are known as burial trees, there are many superstitions that surround cedars. My grandmother told us in no uncertain terms that if we planted a cedar tree, we would die when it was large enough to shade our graves. Some others are: Never transplant a cedar tree; it will bring bad luck. If you transplant a cedar and it dies, you will die shortly. Planting a cedar tree in your yard welcomes poverty. Some say Christ was crucified on a cedar tree, and wil...

Faith, Folklore, and Friends

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