Watch the video:  Green thumbs sprout from weather and economic patterns

I was thrilled when I watched this report on Knoxville’s NBC WBIR this morning featuring my dear friend Tom Whisman.

I first met Tom over 13 years ago, while a student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  I met Tom through his partner Joe (they have now been together going on 40 years!).  Over the years, Joe and Tom have become my surrogate “gay” family.  Explaining my holiday plans each year goes something like this; “well, we go to my parents for a few days, and then we go to our ’second family’ in Knoxville for a few days – the second family is much more fun!”

Tom is one of my main inspirations for experimenting with gardening.  All those years ago, before even contemplating things like plant productivity and trees species, I would stroll through Tom’s serene gardens, pondering their beauty.  His style is more English than French, and he has traveled extensively to visit gardens all around the US and Europe for inspiration and has a library filled with books on the subject.

During our visits, his delicious dinners feature whatever vegetables are in season.  I have to admit that my love of cooking was also birthed in Tom and Joe’s beautiful home.

I have a lot to be thankful for – my wonderful and talented Knoxville family is certainly up there at the top.

Link to the full article:  http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=96057