My first eight weeks of pottery are over and I had a great time! Pot 1 and Pot 2 are proudly shown below; Pots 3, 4, 5 and 6 are in the works and will be completed during my next eight week session. I am counting on the fact that practice prevents lopsidedness cause right now everything I am doing has a decided defect in one direction or the other!

Pot 1 (lavender) and Pot 2 (green)

After several weeks of cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze (thanks to the cold I picked up in San Francisco), I seem to be on the mend and was thrilled to take off to Chattanooga with John for the weekend. We drove down after work on Friday and returned home late this afternoon. We had a great time! Among the many activities that filled our time...a ride down the Tennessee River on the Chattanooga Duck Tour, strolling downtown, rummaging through our favorite shops on Fraizer Avenue, an incredible ride "down and up" the Incline Railroad (fulling a longtime goal of mine), walking around the battlefield on Lookout Mountain and of course, eating lots of yummy food. Restaurants included Broad Street Grille, Big River Grille, Taco Mac and Northshore Grill. We also had late evening decaf and dessert at Rembrandt Cafe on Art Bluff.

We stayed at the Chattanoogan Hotel. It was brand new on our first trip to Chattanooga several years ago but is now showing signs of wear. From a tear in the blanket, to soap scum on the bath tub wall to a very noisey group of Church of God of Prophecy convention kids running up and down the hallway, I was a little disappointed. Next time we will probably look at one of the central downtown hotels.

I would post a few snaps (I took a lot) but I seem to be having some problems with "Hello" the software used to transmit photos. Could it be from lack of use? :-) I will write a page and post photos on the website in the next few weeks. Chattanooga is definitely worth a weekend visit!

A little late posting the pics from Roger and Susie's going away party last weekend! The party was held at the University Club and 35+ of their friends attended. We enjoyed an evening filled with stories about Roger in the backcountry and slides of Roger and Susie dating back 30 years. The slide show was also a snapshot of changing hair styles, clothing and outdoor equipment. Amazing the changes in the last 30 years.

Roger and Susie will be greatly missed in Knoxville's environmental community, a community they helped define over the years. But gee, after a few months of hiking and skiing in Montana, they will probably forget that Knoxville exists.

Barbara chatting with Gary.

In the pasta line, the honoree Susie (from left), the McDonalds, Sue and Lance.

Enjoying food and conversation from left Dolph, George, Jeanne, Axel, Liz and TJ.

Will, "master of ceremonies" and teller of great Roger stories.

Listening intently to Will!

Randy reading the inscription on the plaque he will shortly present to Roger and Susie.

Susie and Roger are all smiles as they accept the plaque.

Lots of laughter from left, Priscilla, Ed, Steve, BJ and Bob.

Susie giving their thanks for the years of fun, friendship and laughter.