Life is like a ball of yarn: Nashville continued

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

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.