We attended the annual Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving Day at the Riverplains Farm in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee today.  No matter where we attend this event… it’s always  a fun festive event with all level of horse riders & supporting fans coming out to celebrate this annual event.

Hope you enjoyed the preview of this years Blessing of the Hounds.  The full gallery will be up shortly!

Veterans Day 2010

The Newman family would like to thank all the men & women that have served our country honorably.  Please come out & show your support today at the Veteran’s Day Parade starting at 10:45am in downtown Knoxville.

I took a long needed break today to check out the first big snow on Mt. LeConte, which is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Eastern Tennessee.  It was an incredible 10 mile round-trip hike via Alum Cave trail.

Mt. LeConte Lodge is about 6,360 ft elevation with the LeConte Peak is 6,593.

I look forward to do this all winter.  Enjoy!

A few weeks before departing for a on-location shoot in Miami.  I learned about a wonderful foundation (Woodstock Foundation) that was putting on a fundraising event just north of Miami.  So I contacted the Event Chairman, Richard Jankus to volunteer my services & time to support this great event.  I truly enjoy giving back & each year I find myself donating my services & time to wonderful causes & organizations such as this one.  The “Fashionista” was held this past Friday at the Players Club in Wellington, Florida.  The event offered supporters a red carpet experience, cocktail party, multi-course dinner & the “Fashionista” fashion show.  

Nataschia Fasnakis & staff did an amazing job on make-up & hair from Gilded Spa & Salon.

 Co-Founders of Woodstock Foundation Shannon & William J. Raike.

 Andrea Farfan, the saxophonist was incredible throughout the evening.

 Helene & Michael Sussman, Silent Auction Chairmen

 Rosabeth Alfaro, the clothing designer for Rosabeth Couture & her husband.

Patrica Turner of Unique Interior Designs.

 Richard Jenkus, SE Regional Chapter Director for Woodstock Foundation, Inc.

 Shea Johnson, National Woodstock Foundation Spokeswoman. 

 Daniel P. Herrema, Woodstock Managing Director.

One of many amazing designs by Rosabeth Couture.

 Rosabeth Alfaro, the designer/owner of Rosabeth Couture.

 Kimiko Deguchia & the Caruso’s Dancesport at the Plaza dancers provided entertainment.

Mt. LeConte located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park has always been my favorite point to hike to for the past thirty (30) plus years.  So when my daughter who was born a natural runner starting taking up hiking with me at the age of four (4).  I knew our short term goal would be for her to top Mt. LeConte [third highest peak in the area at 6,593 ft] without assistance.  The only hard part about getting someone her age to do… keep her from trying to skip her way to the top.  I failed.

 Madilyn completes round-trip via Alum Cave to Mount LeConte under 5 hours!