Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

Representing the Reptilian order of Squamata, suborder Serpentes (snakes), is the puff adder, so named because it puffs up when threatened. It is a native of Africa, where it may be the most widespread snake on the continent. [2020]

Jonesborough, Tennessee, USA

Upscale boutiques, fancy awnings, brick sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, flag-draped lampposts, houses and a steeple on the ridge, plus a coffee shop across the street: Together, they form one of the classic main streets of Appalachia. [2019]

Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee, USA

Just as your name is your essence, a community's name is its essence. Make sure the name of the place where you live is conspicuously displayed on the landscape so that it is visible at eye level, from above, and (as here) from below. Had to look up, didn't you? And, now you know that Bristol is "a good place to live." [2016]

Baxter, Tennessee, USA

Blooming flower or multihued octagram? Actually, it's a home-made quilt and the quilter who made it. When you are driving the blue highways of America, be on the lookout for roadside placards announcing quilts for sale out of somebody's home. Cash only! [2019]

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

It seems a shame to celebrate Tennessee's 225th birthday here at the state capitol without also celebrating something musical. So, here's 'The Story': Country+ singer Brandi Carlile has a birthday today, as well. Although not born in Tennessee, she can still pack the Ryman auditorium, and native-born Dolly still gives voice to her lyrics. [2019]

Copperhill, Tennessee, USA

How would you gauge the risk of contracting coronavirus on the Ocoee River? Apparently these healthy-looking folks think they will be fine. They are outdoors, the sun in shining, the air is moving, and all the small groups number under ten. But some are not respecting the six-foot rule, nor are they wearing masks. [2020]

Ocoee, Tennessee, USA

What's wrong with this picture? They are not wearing masks, they are not social distancing, and they are not staying home. But they are keeping their numbers under 10! How would you gauge the risk? Have you heard of any Covid clusters caused by whitewater rafting? [2020]

Jonesborough, Tennessee, USA

"Goodbye, Miss Fourth of July" was filmed here in Jonesborough (a stand-in for Montgomery, West Virginia) in 1988. The backdrop to the movie may sound familiar: (1) an immigrant family fleeing persecution, (2) KKK hatred toward a person of color, and (3) the flu epidemic of 1917 as it hit the town hard. It may be time for a re-broadcast. [1988]

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Two for two February: Perhaps it is time to mention that the white rhino is the 2nd largest land mammal (though Dolly and Polly seem rather dainty). Perhaps it's also time to mention that the white rhino (like yesterday's Arctic fox) fits February perfectly. The name of the month comes from Februa, the Roman purification ritual. White is the symbol of purity. [2019]

Cross Plains, Tennessee, USA

Today, the Cross Plains Indian presides over a fireworks outlet not far from the Kentucky border. Where he came from, though, is a bit of a mystery. Could he be a cousin the of the "mufffler men" that dotted the auto repair landscapes of the 1960s and 1970s? [2019]

Baxter, Tennessee, USA

She spent her 86 years hand-stitching quilts: some for her family, some to give away on special occasions, and some to sell. Keep your eyes open as you travel America's blue highways. You just might spot a roadside sign: "For Sale Quilts Hand Made." [2019]

Elizabethton, Tennessee, USA

In the spring, it's all about hue and saturation. In the winter, it's all about shadows and silhouettes. Welcome back to Elizabethton and its famous covered bridge, rediscovered once again by a gaggle of geese: Canada geese (sans passeport) to be exact. [2019]

Jonesborough, Tennessee, USA

The sign is in Spanish, English, and Arabic: "No matter where you are from, we're glad you're our neighbor." You can see it around town in Jonesborough and well beyond. Both the sign and the sentiment started in a Mennonite Church in Virginia and spread from there. Here's yet another sign (and sentiment) that Jesus would approve. [2019]

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Here's another anachronistic roadside giant. But, this one is a catfish. His job is to tempt us into stopping for one of the signature foods of communities up and down the Mississippi River. In him resides the spirit of place! Or, should that be the spirit of taste? [1998]

Seymour, Tennessee, USA

What do you see? An aging barn struggling to remain relevant? The ragged edges of the blue cornflower (do you see a cornflower?) seem to match the ragged edges of the barn. Quilt squares have become a popular element of rural landscapes, especially in the American south. [2009]

White House, Tennessee, USA

Here's a white horse mail box in the town of White House. Is that just a coincidence? But that poor, old white horse looks like she's turning gray! You just know she's longing to spend her retirement years out in the pasture. [2009]

Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, USA

Mailbox animals are pack animals. Where you find one, you expect to find more. Sometimes, it is the result of neighbors competing with each other to see whose property can attract the most attention. [2009]

Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, USA

Is that Blue Dog or just a blue dog? It's the latter, but maybe inspired by the famous line of paintings by George Rodrique. His Blue Dog was inspired by Cajun folk culture and expanded to international popularity from his home in New Orleans. [2009]

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

Meet Porky at Corky's. It's his restaurant, after all. And, yes, he does serve barbecue. He also spends more time outside guarding the mailbox than he should. That's because he doesn't want to become the main course. [2009]

Elizabethton, Tennessee, USA

Surplus hay at the end of the harvest season? Donate it to the city for a museum-quality sculpture. It's just as good as Carrara marble even if it doesn't last as long. Surplus tires at the end . . .  Well, you get the idea! [2012]