Fred Thompson dies at 73; family issues statement

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Former Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) passed away today (see Former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson dies at 73 in the Tennessean). It was a shock to most who did not know of his battle with lymphoma. As the news raced through media outlets and social media, his family released a statement on Mr. Thompson’s Facebook page:

The following statement is from the Thompson family, following the passing today of former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson following a recurrence of lymphoma:

“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of grief that we share the passing of our brother, husband, father, and grandfather who died peacefully in Nashville surrounded by his family.

“Fred once said that the experiences he had growing up in small-town Tennessee formed the prism through which he viewed the world and shaped the way he dealt with life. Fred stood on principle and common sense, and had a deep love for and connection with the people across Tennessee whom he had the privilege to serve in the United States Senate. He enjoyed a hearty laugh, a strong handshake, a good cigar, and a healthy dose of humility. Fred was the same man on the floor of the Senate, the movie studio, or the town square of Lawrenceburg, his home.

“Fred believed that the greatness of our nation was defined by the hard work, faith, and honesty of its people. He had an enduring belief in the exceptionalism of our country, and that America could provide the opportunity for any boy or girl, in any corner of our country, to succeed in life.

“Our nation has lost a servant, Tennessee has lost a son, and our family has lost its rock. In the days ahead, we ask for prayers of comfort, assurance, and peace.”

Terrorism again strikes America, 4 Marines dead

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Four American Marines woke up Thursday morning, got dressed, ate breakfast, and left home to drive to work, never to return. They had families. They were part of the community. They were part of our military.

Thursday’s terrorism attack on two U.S. Armed Forces recruiting centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by a lone 24-year-old gunman named Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez again points out the danger to America and the reason we need to be ever vigilant (see 4 Marines killed in attacks on Chattanooga military facilities). Four U.S. Marines, dead. Four families, shattered.

Farewell, Nashville and Franklin

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Nashville … thanks for the memories.

Franklin, TN  … fond memories as SWAC Daughter and husband move back to Virginia.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Snow won’t keep her from work

By Lynn R. Mitchell

My baby girl walking to work on Thursday in the snow that hit Franklin, Tennessee. That’s dedication. Wonder where her strong work ethic came from….  🙂

Photo by SWAC Son-in-Law
March 5, 2015

A Tennessee Christmas parade in Franklin

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The sights of Christmas Parade day in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

Autumn colors in Franklin, Tennessee

By Katy Lord

Fall in Franklin, Tennessee … I was flattered to have my photo shared by Visit Franklin! 

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Katy Mitchell Lord grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia but now lives with her husband in Nashville, Tennessee. A 2012 graduate of Staunton’s Mary Baldwin College, she earned a BS in Sustainable Business with a minor in Marketing. Katy is the daughter of Lynn R. Mitchell and shares a love of photography.

Pragmatic Lamar Alexander prevailing in Tennessee

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The Hill takes a look at Congressional races throughout the country but I was particularly interested in Tennessee for a couple of reasons. My daughter and her husband live in Nashville and I’ve told them about what awesome representation they have in U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander. Now the tea party wants to take him out. Why? Sounds like it’s the usual “not conservative enough.”

So I found it particularly interesting to read The Hill’s analysis of that race (see Lamar rises over Rocky Top):

Nashville by night

By Katy Lord

Nashville waterfront by night … the Cumberland River reflects the lights of Music City.

Photo by Katy Lord
Nashville, TN
June 21, 2014

Nashville riverfront

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Nashville’s riverfront is situated on the banks of the Cumberland River and, on a warm June day, it was packed with all kinds of activities for locals and visitors — wine festival, Run or Dye 5K race, Gay Pride Festival, and other events. Many took place along the river.