I'm not sure if you've ever been to Gatlinburg before, but if you haven't then you should probably expect to spend a day there. There are a lot of local shops plus that's where the aquarium is and you could ride the tram to go figure skating as well. You might even need more time depending on how much your kids and husband tolerate looking in the shops. I've gone to the area almost every year since I was a little girl. When I was younger, I wanted to stay in Pigeon Forge and ride go-carts and go to the arcades (that's where most of these type activities are), but my parents always wanted to spend time in Gatlinburg. Now as an adult, my husband and I like to spend most of our time in Gatlinburg, and maybe go to Pigeon Forge/Sevierville for a day. There are numerous things to do in both. You can take a scenic helicopter tour if you want (never done this myself). We like to take some time to drive through the Smokies on 441. You can drive up to Clingman's Dome and then hike the last little bit (maybe a mile-I can't remember) to the highest point in TN. It's a great view on a nice clear day. Also along 441, there are a lot of great pull outs to park and take some pics. Of course, as a child I used to hate these long car rides with my parents. For breakfast or lunch one day, you might want to try the Applebarn/Applewood? in Pigeon Forge/Sevierville. I think it is actually Sevierville, but the two really kind of run together. It has some little round donut type things that come with apple butter that are excellent. They come with most of the meals I think, but we always order an extra bag to take with us for the next day. In Pigeon Forge, there is the Dixie Stampede which is a show and dinner I think, but I've never been, so that's pretty much all I know about it. And then of course there's Dollywood. I don't know much about Cosby other than I've drove through it. I think it has some small shops and maybe a couple of places to sight see but I'm really not sure. If your family likes to hike, then there are a lot of trails to check out. It's good for some piece and quiet from all of the shops.

Schools are not really designed for tornadoes. I never understood why they do not plan for tornadoes when they design schools. They have us take the children in the halls, sit on knees, put head on floor, and cover heads. Some get to go to the restrooms and sit the same way. Have you ever seen or smelled an elementary school's bathroom? Maybe that is something we could do. Talk to legislatures about making schools safer in design. Redo front door areas so people cannot get in just because they want to. We all think we should be able to walk into "our" schools, but times have changed. People do crazy things now. Then build a saferoom in every classroom. More and more other states are getting tornadoes, not just tornado alley. We saw more in other states last year than we had in ok last year. I just hate to see the children at risk. Peke

The solution in part would depend on the "bowl" depth and grades of the rest of parcel. For about $15 of supplies (string, stakes, line level) at the big box, you can figure out grade elevations on your own. Standing water aside, with clay you would probably want to raise plantings anyway.

Hi! We are about to install about 450 sq ft of turf, and need to select plants to fill a 3’ perimeter bed. We are in 10b / Los Angeles- and have a toddler, so need it to be low water and low maintenance. The yard is walled, and covered already in a dark green vine. We much prefer dark and bright greens w/ movement (and height) to succulunts and sage color plants common in low water gardens. We are looking for a modern look, and on a tight budget so need things that will grow to a larger size. Landscaper suggested Lamandra Breeze, which we like, but looking for a couple more choices to alternate in. Hoping to find a look that softens the harsh lines of a large rectangle of turf. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! Here’s the before picture.