Pressed for Time

Saturday is one of those days that I look back on and wonder how it all exactly happened. Jonathan and I had originally planned to go hiking, but we decided against it at the last minute. Instead, we did what Jonathan referred to as “a tour of our own south central Tennessee” or something weird like that. It translates to: We drove down Natchez Trace and ate lunch in Leiper’s Fork. Crazy, right?

A brief aside: I’ve become a little bit obsessed with this place in Cummings Station called Joe Naturals. The owner, Paul, is a farmer, and between him and his “Amish friends” (his words), they supply everything he serves in his restaurant. It’s not easy to find a true farm-to-table, all-local place anymore, but Joe Naturals is definitely that. They don’t even use fossil fuels or pesticides. I ate there Thursday. And I ate there on Friday. 

On Friday, I actually met Paul and Sara, who helps him with his work on the farm and in the restaurant. We talked for 20 or 30 minutes, and I was so impressed with both of them. They’re two of the nicest people you’ll find anywhere. 

I don’t know what you know about Leiper’s Fork, but there isn’t much to it. It’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s an adorable little town with antique shops and a couple of restaurants. The famous one, Puckett’s Grocery, I hear is fantastic, but it’s not Gluten-free friendly. Fortunately for me, the original Joe Naturals is in Leiper’s Fork, and it is Gluten-free. Now are you seeing why I like this place so much? 

Anyway, when Jonathan and I walked in, Paul was there at the front door, and he recognized me from less than 24 hours before. As we were paying after yet another delicious meal, he gave me a free Gluten-free cookie and told us we should go out and see the farm. 

Uh, sure. Why not?

He gave us directions and the code to get in the gate, and we were met by eight dogs that escorted us to the home. After playing with a couple of awesome Golden Retrievers for a while, we went and played with the horses and goats, saw the farm and played with eleven brand new, baby kittens. I melted. 

(Source: caley)

Bug? What bug?

The [increasingly worthless] sidekick.

(Source: caley)

The sidekick.

(Source: caley)

I think he likes to make me feel guilty that he can’t go outside. 

Hiding Wondercat.

The Wondercat enjoys the view from my desk, too, apparently.

This sweet lady showed up at our house today, and Jonathan fed her, so, needless to say, she’s not leaving. And by not leaving, I mean, she’s been sitting on our “Welcome” mat for an hour, wondering why we won’t welcome her inside. Anyone in Henderson/Jackson need a super-sweet Calico cat?