Automobile Trip to Knoxville, TN

October 12 - 16, 2006

Naomi agreed to take a road trip with us to Knoxville to visit Patrick and Laura -- 9 hours duration.

We were greeted by Patrick and his menagerie of 6:  Laura, his spouse; Dakota, the African Grey parrot; Molly and Nikko, the border collies;  and Otis and DC, the basement cats.  Laura is Dakota's third "mama" and Dakota is consequently just a little neurotic.  However, he is most lovable:   at times bobs his head to music, says "Good Night" when ready for bed, "good morning" when he wants the cover off, "see you later, alligator," when he determines his human hosts are about to leave, and "wanta shower" when he wants one!

          Dakota in the shower, enjoying it immensely.                          Dakota the Great

Dinner at Chesapeake's  --  very good with lots of interesting mounted fish on the walls

Morning of visiting the Knoxville Museum of Art downtown

 Naomi and daughter-in-law Laura

Brother and Sister horsing around

Patrick and Laura's  Homestead

Naomi and eldest son Patrick

Alpha Male  with Molly -- or is it Nikko?

Dave and Patrick with that memorable architectural wonder in the background...they call it the "sun dome"...Hmmm...what else could it be?!

All in all, we had a great time and much enjoyed the opportunity to see how Patrick and Laura live with their "children".