Alabama

HUNTSVILLE

Scenes from the road--- large expanses of pasture land, some mountains in the background.









Here are scenes from the US Space & Rocket Center, let me just say that while blogs should be used for reflective purposes, I was totally put out about having to visit this place. I have no interest in science, space, or any combination of the two. I did use some forethought and brought my Casts-Off book, and I did finish it. What a life saver- Yarn Harlot! She totally puts the knitting thing into perspective. I have learned that yes, I am in the land of Knitting, and I'm a knitter with a capital "K"!



Hopefully those who are into the whole space/science thing will at least enjoy these pictures --- heading home tomorrow where there will be laundry, grocery shopping, and getting stuff ready for the week- I promise the next post will be less of a vent, and more of a reflection.

Graceland

Welcome to Graceland, I'll be your tour guide for the next 10 minutes or so.
I think Steve would agree if I said that Graceland was not what either of us expected. Sure you hear about the tacky interior, the trophy room, the on-site burial grounds, etc. However, at the end when we walked passed the small family cemetery I felt a very deep sense of loss. I just turned 9 when Elvis died, but I remember being just as mesmerized with him as those that idolized him when they were teens. I had forgotten that he was only 42 when he died, 42! Even Madonna has made it to 49,and looks pretty good! Anyway I digress- While the sense of loss permeated the hot afternoon, I realized on the tour through the house that Elvis really loved his family, especially his parents, which I think has to be his most honorable trait. I didn't know that his mother died suddenly while he was in the Army, and he was totally devastated. He served his country willingly, he gave to those in need, and I think he was pretty smart to set up a trust where his daughter had to wait to inherit the bulk of his estate. Without a doubt this man touched the world, and I think if you interviewed a 100 musicians, you'd find that at least 95, if not all of them said that Elvis in some way influenced their music. Now on with the tour---


Front door of Graceland, this home was not near as big as I thought it would be, Elvis purchased it when he was 22 years old for $100,000! It sits on 13+ beautiful acres. I'd love to see photos from when it was first bought, I bet the views were spectacular.

the peacock stained glass windows look into the TV, music room, on the right next to the lamp is the "famous" 15' white couch. the upstairs is not open to the public, which includes the bedrooms, I wonder if Lisa Marie ever pays a visit, and stays at the house?


The next 2 photos are the area in the basement where Elvis liked to relax, the yellow decor is more subdued in these photos, but believe me it's bright! We figured it was okay as it was Georgia Tech colors with the blue and white to off-set the yellow-


Here's the pool table, the walls and ceiling are covered with fabric, everything is busy, busy, busy. I guess all the carpet and fabric on the walls and ceilings is to make the house as sound proof as possible, don't want to disturb Mama!







WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE-
Photos of the "famous" Jungle Room. The round chair was supposed to be Lisa Marie's favorite place to sit.



yes, this is green shag carpet on the ceiling



Lisa Marie's toy box- we're the same age, this brought back memories, I remember these.




Notice the organ in the background- I think Elvis wanted to be able to hear music wherever he was in the house--

gun collection
One of several badges given to Elvis








Something I didn't know- Elvis was an 8th level black belt- when'd he have the time?????


LM's swing set-oh my the bolts aren't covered, and there are sharp edges- call DFCS!!!






"Hey Priscilla, what should we do with the old smokehouse out back?"
"I don't know honey, maybe a FIRING RANGE" "Just, think how convenient that would be, right in our own back yard."


A view out back, the Presley's even had horses- country living right in Memphis- who'd have thought





back of Graceland









gold lame' costume (c 1957)


Some Elvis memorabilia that could be bought (back then)

gold and platinum records-galore!
Remember the 45's and LPs? I think Elvis would have loved CDs and DVDs-I think he was really a kid at heart.














movie costumes

concert outfits- remember the leather outfit- that had to have been hot-

more. . . . yep more . . . , and I didn't take pictures of everything!


The swimming pool, another surprise at how understated this was-







These are the costumes I remember, the capes and rhinestones from the late 60s and 70s. This exhibit is housed in the building Elvis had constructed as a racquetball court. I think had he gotten into the "health" thing earlier, he might have lasted a bit longer. who knows- we're not given any guarantees.

Elvis' grave, and that of his mother, father, and grandmother.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this flower, it looks like an azalea, but it seems to late in the year for it to be blooming. I love how the pink comes out from the middle.

I know visiting Graceland may seem like a cheesy, over priced tourist attraction, but I did learn some things about Elvis, and I'm glad I went. I have visited castles, palaces, and stately homes where kings, queens, presidents, and important figures in history have walked, eaten, and slept. From Hampton Court, to Stratford-upon-Avon, this place (or at least it's owner) is no less significant to OUR history.

Walking in Memphis

We're here in Memphis, on our way to finding a state park to have
our picnic lunch we came upon the Pearl River Marina, where apparently they harvest fresh water pearls. There was a small museum and video that explained the process. One of those unexpected, but kinda interesting things you sometime come across on your journey in areas where you have no idea where you're at-

We got checked into our hotel, and rested up for a few, then we were off to downtown Memphis-



Of course, the journey couldn't start until we made a stop at the local yarn shop (LYS) Stash, I know the sign says The Yarn Studio, but it has recently changed ownership, and the shop has a new name.. This shop was neat, but I expected no less.


It had really unusual hours 12-8, 11-8, etc. Most yarn shops are only open until 4 or 5 during the week which always makes it hard for those of us who work to visit during the weekday, and have to wait until Saturday when it's the most busy to make our stop. Really enjoyed chatting with Amy who has been to Atlanta on several occasions, and was there recently with her choir, and she made the requisite yarn shop visit to Knitch. Melissa, the owner, was on her way out the door, but did take the time to make us feel welcome.

Steve and the boys "enjoy" their time at the shop.








Some of the shops interior

Totally fell in love with this yarn, reminded me of creme Life Savers, couldn't think of a thing to knit with this yarn, or what color to choose, so I left it there- maybe order some in the mail?









Here's what I bought, the left is the yarn blanket, and on the right is some cotton, not sure what I'll make just really loved the color, most likely will order more as not too many places in Atlanta carry Jo Sharp, maybe a summer shell or shrug?

A picture of "us".




Time for dinner- Rendezvous- recommended by Karen and Ron, thank you! It was awesome.
Here's my dinner- full rack of ribs, didn't care for the slaw, and the beans were pretty good.









Andrew wanted a picture of his dinner- BBQ nachos- actually tasted pretty good!


I decided to leave off the photo of my finished dinner, it lacked appeal! But I did eat it all except for 2 ribs I gave to Steve. We were glad to get to the restaurant when we did, because 45 minutes later, here's the line. This place was located in an alley, but the smell of the BBQ lets you know this is THE place.









After dinner we took in some of the sights. Here's the Mississippi river.

Here's the sunset.







Here's a photo of us
Steve and I at sunset


Then we walked along Beale street.
Beale Street comes alive





Apparently on Wednesday nights, Beale Street is blocked off between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, and bikers can park in this area, show off their cycles, and enjoy some music. This is a great town to be in if you like the night life or music, or both. We'll be back tomorrow for some more sightseeing.
TTFN