Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State. If I understand this correctly, the term goes back to the time of the Alamo when a large number of men from Tennessee volunteered to fight. From what I can see, the tradition continues.  I'm in Knoxville as part of the Literacy celebration and have been touched and encouraged by the dedication of these volunteers. Knoxville is experiencing summer-like weather.  Yesterday it hit 91 degrees.  I brought autumn clothes.  That's OK; I look good with a sheen on my face.