Picturesque Southern Appalachian Mountain Names

Welcome!

One day, when Greg and I were on a rather lengthy road trip, I happened to glance over at a sign that read, "Buttermilk Road."  I thought that the name, "Buttermilk Road," sounded so romantic and picturesque.  Images of what it would be like to travel down that road flashed through my mind.  Although we didn't have time to go down that road on the trip, it made me curious as to what Buttermilk Road would be like.  Maybe someday when we have more time...

Later, when we got back home, I thought it would be fun and interesting to check a map we had that listed Southern Appalachian Mountain streets and towns to see what names I could come up with.

I was amazed at the very descriptive names I found that actually tell something about what each area is like. 

I came up with a pretty extensive list, but here are some of my favorites:

Many referred to trees:
Dogwood Lane, Big Oak Road, Juniper Street, Old Hemlock Lane, Mimosa Street, Walnut Grove Road, Laurel Branch Road, Whispering Pines, Evergreen Valley Road, and Forest View Drive.

Some referred to flowers and other plants:
Tulip Street, Apple Blossom Circle, Daffodil Lane, Honeysuckle Lane, Clover Drive, Ivy Lane, and Rose Hill.

Quite a few referred to birds, animals, and insects:
Buzzard Roost, Eagle Drive, Hummingbird Lane, Deer Cove Lane, Falcon View Drive, Bear Hollow Road, Fox Den Road, Frog Level Road, Kitty Lane, Hollow Blacksnake Road, Goat Nanny Hill Road, and Cricket Drive.

Others referred to water in some form:
Silver Lake Road, Cold Springs Road, Ebbing Flowing Springs Road, Pond Road, Grassy Creek Road, Moss Creek Drive, Twin Falls Drive, and Sinking Creek Road.

Still some referred to the mountains or foothills:
Mount Pleasant Road, Rocky Hill Lane, Woodland Heights, and Mountain Meadows Road.

The Native American influence is evident in these names:
Cherokee Lane, Arrowhead Drive, Comanche Way, Apache Drive, and Seminole Drive.

The English influence can be seen with:
Robin Hood Lane, Saxon Road, Knight Lane, Scarborough Lane, Canterbury Road, and Ivanhoe Drive.

The religious influence is obvious with:
Bible Drive, Church Lane, Beulah Land, and Paradise View Drive.

Places you might want to go:
Happy Valley Road, Pleasant View Drive, Valentine Street, and Merry Street.

You might want to stay away from (especially after dark!):
Skunk Hollow, Cemetary Road, Poor Valley Road, Devils Nose Road, War Valley Road, and Gunsmoke Hollow.

Other picturesque names are:
Country Gardens Road, Old Country Lane, Old Farm Road, Misty Lane, Strawberry Plains, and Sleepy Hollow Road.

I even found streets that were named for me and members of my family.  (Sure!) 
Rebecca's Lane, Nick Drive, and Lisa Lane. 

Greg even had a whole town named for him!-Gregory.

I thoroughly enjoyed my research project.

What are some picturesque names in your neck of the woods?  Bet you'd find some good ones!

Positive thought:  "Why not enjoy the little things-there are so many of them."-Author Unknown
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday, Becky

A Very Early Spring, in January?

Welcome!

 Where Greg and I live here in Tennessee, I have concluded, through Greg's and my recent observations that we are in for an early spring.  I think it's more than just the "January thaw" that iconic weather man Willard Scott used to talk about.  We've seen several flocks of birds the past few weeks, chirping away.  Also, the distinct odor of skunk has been wafting through the air a bit more than usual for this time of year.  And, one evening, as Greg and I were about to enter our house, we heard the sounds of frogs in a nearby pond!  Greg said that the earliest he'd ever heard a frog before was in February.  Some people even have daffodils coming up in their yards.

We have been having some warmer weather.  Last week, it was in the low 70's here.  It's colder this week, and we've had some snow flurries and sleet, but it's bouncing back to the 40's and 50's with sunny skies for the next several days.  We'll take that!

Although we love the warmer-weather months, there is still plenty to be positive about in the winter. One thing I really enjoy doing inside the house is going through drawers and cabinets and organizing them.  While I'm at it, I am finding things I can sell in a spring yard sale or online.

Then, there are special days to enjoy like Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.  (Greg and I are part Irish, but it's a great day for anyone to enjoy, of course!)

Also, it's just so cozy to sit by the fire and enjoy popcorn and a cup of warm cocoa while curled up with a good book.  Or, playing a game of Chinese checkers with loved ones could be fun.  One could just daydream about a vacation in Hawaii or the South Seas.

Whether an early spring is just wishful thinking or just around the corner, we can make the most of the here and now, by having a wonderful time, no matter what the season or time in our lives.

Positive thought: "Life is a special occasion." (From a "Hallmark" bag)
Thanks for visiting!  Until next time, Becky

Inspiration During Winter

Welcome!

During the dark, cold months of winter, it's nice to be inspired by something positive.

Today, I've decided to share with you some of my favorite photographs and quotes for some inspiration, not only for the winter, but also for the whole new year!

"It's during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
-Aristotle Onassis

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
-Norman Vincent Peale

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt with the heart."
-Helen Keller

"The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises."
-Leo Buscaglia

"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."
-Napoleon Hill

"We can change our lives.  We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish."
-Tony Robbins

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."
-Rabindranath Tagore

Final positive thought: "What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality."-Plutarch
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday, Becky