Day with the Dude

Today was full of "must-dos", and what started out as a list of just a couple stops turned out to be tons- what else is new. Here he is at Target's (Mom you look like a tourist- like I care!),









PJ needed bedding for his new bed so that was the main goal, and since he's not too picky we found the black comforter in like no time, did some other stuff, and then had a sit down lunch at Henry's, (check out his website, cool music and photos)

PJ had two restaurant choices, and if he wanted something else, he'd have to submit a list of places that had a wine list. He made a good choice-I tried the Camelot Merlot- delish!








and his catfish po'boy, yes, that's a lot of food, and he left part of the bread and some of the fries- yummy good,
and some kind soul who saw us struggling with the long arm shot took our picture!

We enjoyed the day together, and I think PJ got a glimpse of the other kind of "work" adults have to do on the weekends, and why we often just want to veg!

Another stop was at Total Wine, a huge, I mean HUGE wine and spirits store on Barrett Parkway, I loaded up my wine fridge with a variety of new wines. I also found the Merlot I had at lunch, and was happy to see it so reasonby priced, less than $7, but it cost me $5 per glass? what's up with that Henry? I only made it through about a quarter of the store- can't wait to go back. I left PJ in the car with his MP3, and the conversation was a bit like this-

Mom- I'm leaving the key in the car with you, don't let anyone get you-
PJ- okay
Mom- if anyone tries to steal the Tahoe, let them have it, but be sure to take the Longaberger basket and rescue the knitting!
PJ- got it I think there was a salute in there somewhere as well!

I got some lovely double sided paper at Michael's and some embellishments that were on clearance. On the home front I did manage to get the Christmas decor (not the tree stuff) down into the basement to be sorted and put away, and got the drafting table cleared up so I can do some cards on Sunday. Figured I'd get the C.mas stuff in it's proper place soon enough, at least it's corralled in the "warehouse". Looking forward to some down time tomorrow before another week at work!

TTFN

Gratitude:
a short work week

heat at home- since I don't have any at work near my desk- something's gotta give
time with PJ

The boy's got taste

must get it from me!
i don't know about those with teenage girls, but it seems that with teenage boys, you can't hold onto the furniture you buy for them as a toddler. why??? because apparently as they grow their feet begin to hang off the bed, okay some girls may have this problem, but i know at 5'1", I don't and haven't--such was the case for PJ. we purchased his bedroom furniture when he was a baby in the hopes that that would be it, we even got the twin bed to match.
needless to say mother nature has created a need for round 2 of furniture shopping which began on saturday. fortunately, i didn't have to go on this excursion as i had my knitting (class)group over for the morning. i was completely taken back when i was shown what he picked out, i must say i was actually pea-green with envy, he picked this group, ain't it gorgeous!
and will look lovely with the pale mustardy-gold walls.

the cheeky bugger did have the nerve to ask if he could paint the walls BLACK, um that would be NO!!! then he asked if he could get black bedding, again, No, but maybe we can incorporate the black with the bedding-not sure when we're going to have a chance to shop for sheets, etc. he has been threatened with bodily harm if he mistreats this stuff, can't wait to see it!

BTW, Steve ordered me the end table that matches the coffee table for the living room, so it was a win-win for me.

photos courtesy of www.havertys.com

.

It costs how much?!!!

Les Paul Gibson Guitar in the Slash style (named for Guns and Roses/Velvet Revolver's bassist), I guess it's his most favorite color scheme???

When I first took this photo, I thought- hey cool PJ's getting to jam on a Les Paul at the Gibson store- hey no problem kid, JUST DON'T BREAK IT!

Oh sure, no problem if we have to replace a $3,000 guitar!

Good thing I didn't know this in advance-

this thing is equal in value to a nice USED CAR!

Here's PJ with his much less expensive Fender bass- a bit more easier on Mom's blood pressure!

Gotta say that I don't think this is PJ's most flattering look! I love him anyway!

Nashville continued

The day started at 6:00 local time that's sleeping in for me! Andrew and I headed to the fitness center, did 4 miles in 55.xx minutes, a personal best, thank you!

Then Andrew and I headed to breakfast- mine included:

*wheat toast with a smidge of peanut butter and sliced banana
*poached egg
*bowl of plain grits
*coffee (Starbucks, yea!)

Here's a view of the lobby at the Hilton Gardens Inn in Smyrna, TN that's just outside downtown Nashville. I totally love the decor browns, teals, etc. ---


the carpet, the whole place is done in this color scheme, have decided that the "smoky" blue walls will be the color I'm going to paint the dining room, hopefully this time next year- will probably get someone to do this as the current walls are maroon- not MY fault!.


Andrew wanted a picture next to the fireplace- it's really beautiful, I'd love to meet their decorator!

While Steve and the boys went to see the County Music Hall of Fame Museum, I saw it with Steve on our last trip, I used the opportunity to see the city on my own. Took a walk trying to find a coffee shop- no luck :-(. Wound up by going back near the museum and getting a cup at the Visitor's Bureau, it was NOT Starbucks, oh well. Here's the County Music Television building on my journey



This is another landmark I came across, it is the oldest building in Nashville, and was one of the locations of the Underground Railroad.


here's a closer view.


Here's a view of the County Music Hall of Fame- here's how you decode the features of the building:
*dark windows= piano keys
*upward arch of roof= fin of a 1950s Cadillac
*spire=County's WSM radio tower
*Tiered rotunda=vinyl 78s, 45s, and CDs
*From overhead= museum resembles a bass clef


Here's a view from my "perch" where I enjoyed the outside while the boys were inside. It was across from a symphony hall, not sure-me thinks some research is required!


The Tangerine Twist sees the symphony hall - sort of

Things I love--Union Jack tote, Vera Bradley bag Mother's Day gift from the boys, my knitting, and a cup of coffee (not the best cup I've ever had, but coffee nonetheless).


The oldest church in Nashville, more on this later- insert research here!


another look at the church


Scenes from the Tennessee State Museum- a cabin from early America


weaving loom-


a crochet reticule- very beautiful, vibrant color considering its age-the picture doesn't even begin to do it justice.


stockings, yes, i do believe these are, dare I say it? KNITTED from way back when, and they are done in the - stop me now- STOCKINETTE stitch, I would have LOVED to have been able to touch these.


a printing press- oooh aaaah


Andrew's been a BAD boy- we've put him in the stocks! What would DFCS say-


So has PJ - in you go-



some gorgeous furniture native to the Tennessee area.


a grandfather clock and other bits.


We really enjoyed the museum, a ton of stuff to see.

Steve and I in the lobby ready to head out for the evening. Yes there is a "bit" of a height difference.


Andrew, me and PJ outside the Opry Mills Mall


us again.


Go Jackets! PJ found a GT guitar at the Gibson Guitar store. Couldn't resist capturing the moment. We are in SEC country!


Andrew is considering a career in banjo playing.


PJ has a go in the "amp room" at the Gibson Guitar showroom. This is a Gibson Les Paul guitar with the "Slash ,Guns and Roses former guitar player, finish". PJ can actually pick out a tune, I didn't spend a lot of time in here, a bit too noisy for me!


What can I say about this shot? yea, I agree, nothing. However, we did have a fabulous meal at Macaroni Grill, always a favorite of mine, along with some house chardonnay before our evening at the Opry.


Can I interest you in some fabulous olive oil- look how young and peppy it will make you!


Outside the Grand Ole Opry-


Our seats, up close and person, don't know whose grandma is in the picture, but ain't she cute?

awwww,


These shots are of some of the acts we saw, not the best, but we couldn't figure out the best camera setting. What a fabulous experience. The line up included-
Bill Anderson--Craig Morgan--Jimmy Dickens--The Whites--Dierks Bentley--Danielle Peck--The Grascals (bluegrass- great!)-, and the one the only CHARLIE DANIELS BAND- YEAH!
The music was just over the top. Can't believe Charlie Daniel is still going strong. What a great ending to our time in Nashville. We did stop at THE Shoney's restaurant nearby; which is supposed to be a favorite place for some of the folks performing at the Grand Ole Opry. We didn't see anyone, but PJ had his bass guitar in the car just in case. Tomorrow MEMPHIS.






Bill Anderson

Jimmy Dickens


Dierks Bentley-maybe?


Charlie Daniel-not sure


yes, definitely CD


Danielle Peck


TTFN