A Sense of History

The day has begun, it is 11:30 A.m., and I’m comfortably settled by the fire in Cabella’s, while hubby shops for a set of binoculars.

That’s done, and we are on our way to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

But first, lunch at the Cross Ties Cafe, the food is the best.
If you are in the area, check it out.

Turkey with Basil Pesto Panini got my vote, and the best Café au Lait outside of New Orleans, Louisiana.
46 Railroad Ave, Falkville, AL 35622

On to our destination.
A nice surprise to discover it has been totally renovated, beautiful and functional.

So many birds, about 20,000 so far, mostly Sandhill Cranes, 2 Whooping Cranes, and many ducks and smaller birds.
Whoopers are rare, so seeing 2 is a treat.

Sandhill cranes are between 2 and 5 ft tall, and the whoopers are a little larger.
Large groups make for an amazing sight!

When they take flight, they become highly vocal.

Lots of children on site today, that was a joy to see,  they were really into the birds!!

Another lovely day trip logged and rated AAA!

The first draft of Sage Hill Farms began as an idea while I hiked Pisgah Mountain in North Carolina in 1999.

Over the next four years, doodle paper stock, no doubt, was the highest the market had ever seen!
I worked through every possible scenario on paper.

With two retirements to get through, my idea had a small chance of becoming reality.  Until one day, it all fell into place.
In 2003, we found ourselves in Lincoln County, Tennessee, via hubby’s AT&T transfer.
(It would not have been my first choice, but it was close to my home grounds, and so be it.)

The first garden stake was planted in late August 2003.

Sage Hill Farms was a successful, commercial herb grower/producer until the end of 2018.
All commercial activity was retired, and the name was changed to Sage Hill Gardens.
(We revamped into private food growers and teaching others how to do the same.)

With each passing year from 2018 to 2025, production has been less and less, by design and life demands.

I find it only fitting to put all those years to rest on the birthday of Sage Hill.
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But wait———-Sage Hill is not going to sleep forever. A short nap and she will be back with a new purpose and lots of passion!

This new venture came to me in a discussion about selling and opting for a smaller home and grounds.
That idea got no traction!

In the next blog post, I will introduce you to our new purpose. Stay tuned!
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Meanwhile, I’d like to share one of Tennessee’s State Parks that inspired us to plant Native grasses 15 years ago.
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Henry Horton State Park.

We were there on Tuesday,  the renovations are amazing, and more to be done.

A portion of the grounds, including the golf course, has been planted with native grasses for wildlife, attracting beautiful birds and butterflies.
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The grasses at Sage Hill are exceptional!

Today, while cleaning a wildflower spot, we discovered 3 offshoots about 3 feet high-exciting!
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Native Grasses at Sage Hill.
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Hohenwald is a city in and the county seat of Lewis County, Tennessee.
The name “Hohenwald” derives from German meaning “High Forest.”
The town was founded in 1878 and later merged with a town named “New Switzerland” to the south. New Switzerland was founded in 1894 by Swiss immigrants in conjunction with the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway.

Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, died and was buried seven miles east of the town at Grinder’s Stand in 1809.

Hohenwald is also the home of the Elephant Sanctuary, the largest natural-habitat sanctuary for elephants in the United States.
The 13 elephants that call this amazing place home live a peaceful beautifully cared for life and dine like royal elephants should.

On 3,000 acres of elephant proof surroundings, with a Warming barn to protect them from the  cold in winter and a staff dedicted to making life comfortable, healthy and fun.
I am in awe of and came away profoundly touched by the history and the many traits that man and the elephant share. So much to know!

If you choose to visit, be aware you view them in real time on video in their natural habitat, doing their daily routine, unaware they are being watched.
It is not a zoo like setting. It is their sanctuary, a place to live out their life with dignity and security. ( the two oldest are 67 and 69 years.)

One hour and 30 minutes west of Sage Hill. (Driving the back roads can add miles and minutes to any trip, but the rewards are worthy!)

The Rockhouse Coffee Company serves up some tasty fare and great, no junk drinks.

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The best Chamber folks I’ve ever met, really into the job, friendly, informaative and actively open to ways of bringing more attention to their town.

They have  the October Fest each year to celebrate the German  heritage of the town.

We had a great conversation about the October Fest in Cullman, Alabama (another city with German Founders) she plans to visit and perhaps find some comman ground for cross promot.
I hope so.

September 21-2023
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Good Evening from Sage Hill.

From Garden To Table-My Mother’s Table!

When I allow my mind to return to my childhood, and stay for dinner, the kitchen gets interesting.

My Mother’s table-
Pinto beans, Fried Green Tomatoes, Whipped Potatoes, (straight from the ground) Cornbread in a black iron skillet, and a toss-up on dessert, anything from Apple pie, Peach pie, Blackberry cobbler, Coconut cake, Carmel cake, Raisin cake…mercy, and we were all skinny as rails.

The Table at Sage Hill-
Red Beans, Brown Rice, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Real French bread.
Blueberry Muffins with Lemon glaze.

I believe we still qualify for some level of skinny!

I love traveling down Memory Lane.

Pass the butter (the real stuff) please and thank you!

Disclaimer~In no way is this meant to exclude anyone, just my personal tribute to my son.

As I traveled to and from my grandson’s Pinning Ceremony recently (RN-Nursing-program/Bevill State Community College) my mind kept returning to another little red-haired boy and his zeal for life. Like father like son.

Watching my son’s face yesterday, watching his son celebrate a big hurdle, was a moment I’ll hold in my heart forever.
Knowing my son’s hurdles, the mountains he has climbed, and the valleys he has walked, the outstanding accomplishments he has made in the journey of being a man and a Dad.
No words can paint the picture.

The bond I saw in that swift moment will remain forever, this I know.

Just as the bond with his dad has done.

My love and respect will also remain forever.

Thank you Randy Wayne England

The most beautiful baby boy ever!
A kick the flood lights out “drummer!!
Retired USN Honorable Servant to his country!
A Dad to his sons that outshines it all.