James Knox Polk Home, Columbia, TN

We took an overcast day to visit another Presidential Home, this time the James Knox Polk home, which was actually built by his father. This is the front view from the visitor's center. The home is right downtown, two blocks from the Count Courthouse. Nice Federal Style Architecture.

Polk was the 11th President of the US, and he is regarded as one of the 'top ten best' . Polk said he was only going to serve one term, and he was one leader who did everything he said he going to, and he left office after one term.

The home had Polk's beautiful furnishings. His wife had expensive tastes, that's for sure.

Polk died just a few months after leaving office. Three states were admitted during his term, Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin. The U.S. also added the Oregon territory (54 40 or fight!) and the whole Southwest following a victory in the Mexican War. Ah yes, Manifest Destiny.

Crossville, Tellico Village

We continued our search for a place to 'settle down'. After Nashville area (Del Webb--very nice!), we toured Crossville, a town of less than 20,000, but just south of Fairfield Glade, a really nice retirement community.

FFG had lots of nice single family homes, wooded common areas, and lots of golf. The last item means nothing to us, but there are many many activities and groups to become part of. Pools, fitness center and lakes. Especially appealing is the low cost of living...especially low property taxes.

Fairfield Glade is close to a lot of good shopping, and less than 10 minutes from I 40. It is cooler here in the summer and colder in the winter than say in Nashville...and that means more snow. But overall, we were very favorably impressed!

We were really won over at Tellico Village, a planned community about a half hour SW of Knoxville. They have golf here too, and just about as many activities. The homes we saw seemed much better built than in FFG. And the scenery is breathtaking!!! Driving around we had views of the Smokies (35 miles away). It is hilly here, and tons of trees are on all the hills.

Every house we looked at was great. Each one had so much good about it, none were perfect, but certainly would be a nice home for us. Everyone we met was friendly, and our realtor was awesome. We were very impressed with the fitness center.

We had our truck worked on and checked over here, and we were given a clean bill of health. It just happened that a Ford diesel mechanic 'lives' at the park we are at, and we were able to get some good one on one attention.

Nashville, the Hermitage

Above is the front view of Andrew Jackson's mansion, The Hermitage, just east of Nashville. This historic place is one of the best tours we have been on. They have terrific audio tour sets, free!!! There is a museum, informational video, and acres of beautiful grounds. The garden is awesome, as is the graveyard where the family is buried.

If in the area, this is a must see.

Here is Ellen at the side entrance to the Hermitage.

We spent a few days looking at properties around Nashville...Mount Juliet (just east of Nville) has a beautiful Del Webb, and there were developments in Gallatin and Murfreesboro. Any of these places would be great to move into, although all are a little bit pricey.

Ellen has finally kicked her intestinal bug! She has been having trouble since we got back from Mexico Sep 24. It has been a long haul, lots of discomfort and limited activity. It is great to have her back to normal.