St. Elmo Blog

My name is Tara and this is my neighborhood. We're located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

[stelmoblog]

It's a Mimosa!

Thanks to everyone who responded to an old post, in which I asked, "What is this fern-like tree with a koosh ball blossom?" It's a little embarrassing that I have to crowdsource my nature queries. It's because I come from the land of the ice and snow (and factories).

[stelmoblog]

Is this a baby caterpillar? This guy looked like Elton John, circa 1974, as a teeny, tiny fly. He's a little rocker.

[photolodico]

Lilacs. 

[stelmoblog]

My old neighborhoods in my home state Michigan have very little on St. Elmo in terms of natural beauty, but I do miss the abundant lilacs every spring. I can almost smell them through these pictures.

[stelmoblog]

That's a mimosa. The leaves are also reactionary. Stroke them and they'll slowly fold up.

Wow, thanks! I'll have to try handshaking that tree.

[stelmoblog]

Anyone know what kind of tree this is? It looks like a fern with a koosh ball blossom.

[stelmoblog]

Dollar flower bunches with your bonus card at the Tennessee Ave. Bi-Lo! Also, they're running a crazy good deal on Southern Home Cumin - two jars for $1.19. Five bucks gets you a buttload of cumin and roses at Bi-Lo. Good smells abound.

[stelmoblog]

We're getting our own farmers market, huzzah! It'll be at the foot of the Incline on Fridays from 4-7pm, beginning with the May 30th grand opening. Now all we need is a karaoke night up in this 'hood and we'll be legit civilized.

[stelmoblog]

Pleased to announce that the pile of dirty old tires has left John Wilson Park. In their place we now have open grass and an unfettered view of two trees. Thanks to whoever removed them.

[stelmoblog]

Mother's Day

Back in January, when I was bundled beneath two coats, pushing my kid's stroller through a frigid chill en route to the library, I glanced at the Ben Miller Park baseball diamond and concocted my spring fantasy - a hardcore wiffle ball match with my husband and daughter followed by a trip to Slick's Burgers. Today my fantasy comes true, for this is how I'm spending my Mother's Day. We are headed to the park shortly and I think the weather is just right - mild, overcast and a little muggy. My pale flesh couldn't be happier. And although I try to not eat red meat every time I go to Slick's - we visit too enough for that to be healthy - I'm definitely indulging in a beefy burger with truffle fries today (free upgrade from regular fries for moms!). It's time for mama treats. Happy Mother's Day, everybody!

[stelmoblog]

As promised, here is a link to the St. Elmo Plan Presentation from early April. I've just started perusing the many fun and fascinating maps within, imagining all the exciting changes that could take place. From a pedestrian standpoint, I see a lot of positive development proposed. I look forward to digging in deeper. p.s. I'm viewing the documents via the free Dropbox app for iPads, which I downloaded several months ago. As I recall, setting it up was a fairly simple process FWIW.

[stelmoblog]

The Way Things Oughta Be

Moccasin Bend Brewing Company is open again, the Chris Anderson recall failed and it is officially warm-in-the-shade weather. It's as if all of January's nasty scabs have been picked clean!

[stelmoblog]

BOOYAH! In your FACE, Tea Partiers! I totally eavesdropped the news at Sugar's Ribs this evening when I heard some political insider gabbing about it on his cell phone. At first I misunderstood and thought he was saying the recall petition had gone through, but my husband sussed out the real news while I took my daughter to see the goats. So to the thin man in the blue button up-shirt who was talking excitedly on his cell phone - sorry I gave you a dirty look.

[stelmoblog]

The Bend Is Back!! Stuff I love - St. Elmo, sweet dogs, weird people, basement hangouts, wood beam ceilings, historic buildings, byo food, and delicious, full flavored beer - it's all here.

[stelmoblog]

You know that triangular lot where Beulah, 47th Street and Virginia Avenue all meet, with the row of Bradford pear trees that keep their leaves into December? Did you know it's a park? Well, according to this plaque, it is. My husband showed this to me when we were on a date and then we made out. So, hooray for Finlay A. Seagle Park! As long as you aren't smelling the Bradford pear blossoms, it's a fine place to be.

[stelmoblog]

#DetroitSkills I went for a walk at John C. Wilson Park on Cummings Highway and was sad to see paths blocked by fallen trees, obnoxious graffiti (not cool on nature, guys) and a pile of dirty old tires. Oh well. Still love this lush spot, disarray and all.

[stelmoblog]

Welcome back, MBBC!

[stelmoblog]

As several early posts on this blog will attest, I love long walks in Forest Hills Cemetery. Some of y'all might think that's weird. I think you're missing out. Spring is prime time to visit Forest Hills for the dogwood and rhododendron show, but this graveyard is truly a year-round treasure. Here at the foot of the ridge that forms the eastern boundary of our neighborhood, you'll find stunning views of Lookout Mountain and an expansive, varied collection of unique monuments. Some, like the Price mausoleum pictured above, are true works of art. If you stroll far enough into the center of the cemetery, you'll find yourself surrounded by rolling hills and distant mountain views, with no streets, buildings or houses in sight. It's gloriously serene. I recommend a Forest Hills jaunt to all nature lovers, walking enthusiasts and thoughtful introverts in St. Elmo.