Since our son lives in Auburn, Alabama we decided to forego the mail service and let our mail come to his address. Also, because I am a retired educator Alabama does not tax my pension thus no state income tax. We thought this would be easier. What we didn't count on were the high ad valorem tax on our truck and Oliver!! So we are going to look into doing something different next year. Perhaps declaring Texas or Florida as our domicile!! Live and learn!!
Today (Wednesday) is absolutely beautiful!!! The weather has finally started feeling like fall and it just puts so much energy in your steps!! Mike and I, along with our Shih Tzu Nick, took a ride through the campground to see if any fall color was showing. It's beginning but just not there yet.
We had been wanting to explore the Donald E. Davis Arboretum which is located right in the heart of the Auburn University campus. This arboretum sits on 13.5 acres and has 263 species of trees and shrubs, more than 1,000 azaleas (look out Callaway Gardens) and many other plants that are native to the southeast including a 150 year old Post Oak. This Post Oak was only 6 years old when Auburn University was established. If only that tree could talk!!! Take a moment and just think about all that it might have seen through those many years!! The arboretum is open year round and there is no fee for admission. I would say that is quite a bargain.
We found it well laid out and highly maintained and manicured!!! It begins with plant species native to north Alabama and as you stroll through the well laid out paths you can experience the entire state from Decatur to Gulf Shores viewing the plant species from those regions!!
Come Take a Stroll with Us!!
We had a great afternoon exploring this beautiful, serene area and just being amazed at all of God's beauty!!!
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| Southern Magnolia |
I hope you are having a great fall!!!!
What a lovely area to explore and excellent photos you took as well.
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting Arboretum and fun taking the pics. Thanks for your comment
DeleteHello, States are going to get you --one way or the other.. Sorry about your RV/Truck tax... Not sure TN does that....
ReplyDeleteI read this week that the peak colors this year in lower elevations won't be until mid-November.. Shocker, huh?
Beautiful Arboretum.. I'd go back there in all four seasons. I'd love to see that old Oak tree....
Have a great day.
Hugs,
Betsy
betsy, we should have taken a pic of that old Oak Tree, a good reason to return and visit again as fall gets a bit more colorful here. It seems fall colors are getting later coming each year.
DeleteSuch a lovely place
ReplyDeleteYes it is, we really enjoyed the time there.
DeleteI enjoyed that lovely walk with you.This place is a beauty.Looks so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruth, it is very pretty and peaceful, We have talked about returning in 2 or 3 weeks when the fall colors are peaking.
DeleteOh my goodness. That Arboretum is on the campus. How very lucky those students are. It is beautiful. Not sure I could study there though. I would probably be too distracted at the beauty to study.
ReplyDeleteIt was very pretty and I do agree, it is so peaceful and serene that I would not be able to focus on studies there. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteFl has been a good state residence for us. We had FL residence our last four years full timing and as luck would have it, ended haing a home here as well now. I think it is among the best states to live based on costs and of course..no snow!
ReplyDeleteWe should have set Florida as our domicile this year, but seemed less trouble in Alabama...slight mistake!
DeleteThanks for your comments.
That Arboretum looks fabulous, and I love how much shade there seems to be on the walkways. I, too, will look forward to seeing a picture of that old oak on your next visit.
ReplyDeleteA little late to the post...trying to shake a cold...A magnificent place...a bucket full of "tranquility"...Awesome photography...thanks for sharing...enjoy the Fall! Horst sends
ReplyDeleteHorst, thanks for your comments. Shake that cold and set aside some time to get out and get some good fall pics.
ReplyDeleteWow, such beauty! Our Lord knows how to show off His creation.
ReplyDeleteWe are Florida residents. No state tax there and no requirement to return every year - whereas Texas does. BUT you will pay about 7% I think, to register your truck and Oliver there as well.