Last night PBS had a program called  Nashville 2.0.  It was about music called  Americana.  A blend or amalgamation of country, bluegrass, some rock, folk, blues.  Really good and the players were by in large young.  Emmylou Harris started this years ago.  Jerry Douglas was there.  He's the dobro player that can take your breath away.  He played with Union Station and did some work with Allison Krauss (my all time favorite country female singer).

If you are a fan of Austin City Limits they usually have some  Americana performers

Here is a little Badin Lake NC magic early in the morning.  It was foggy earlier but burned off and the light came through the trees and I had the moment.  Sony NEX 7  18-55mm kit lens hdr photomatix and Lightroom  and tripod

I am sitting here after a fried catfish dinner with coleslaw and oven fried potatoes wondering what the heck has gotten into the military training women for combat.  I know I know they have the right, but with their heavy duty to be leaders in other fields why this?  This is not Israel.  Don't we have enough men to fill the killing jobs our government needs?  Just a little rant.


These are some contented cows from Tillamook, Oregon near where our son and  daughter-in-law live.

Badin Lake New London, North Carolina

Badin Lake and Old North Course,  New London,  North Carolina

Fall colors are wonderful

Yesterday I photographed Palomar Hospital in Escondido California.  Absolutely stunning modern architecture.

   When you walk in the main entrance it is like walking into a grand resort.  Here are a couple of photos of the exterior.

Chimney Rock North Carolina is a State Park that is a must see if you are in the area.

In the Chimney Rock area of North Carolina

Chimney Rock

Locking Down from Chimney Rock

I am reading one of Vicki Lane's books  SIGNS IN THE BLOOD.  How this brings back memories of my childhood.  I grew up in Hendersonville, NC and Mill's River.  The farmers in Mills River were just as she describes them.  Hard work and praying were their daily duties.  
Joan and I spent four days in Asheville and that  brought back memories of forty five years ago.  How it has changed.   I must say for the better.  Visual art and music predominate.  It is now a tourest destination but with class and dignity

The Grove

Flat Iron Building Asheville

Autumn in Asheville

Artist at work in River Art Dist.

Antique store in River Art District

Vicki Lanes book ARTS BLOOD made me look up the area River Art District,  An old tannery and textile mill that boarders the French Broad River on one side and the Norfork and Southern RR on the other.  Building must be 200 yards long and full of art studios, schools and teaching centers.  What a delight.