Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Yes folks, we do get snow in Nashville.  Personally, I believe that Jeanie from Michigan brought it with her when she flew out here last week.  Snicker.

Although I was unable to pick her up at the airport because of bad weather (wimp, I know), we were able to hook up later in the week when she had some free time!   It took me about an hour to get us out of Nashville.  I had the brilliant idea to take her the back roads so she could see the beautiful hills that surround us while the sun was setting.  Well, we got in a neighborhood and I never did find the road I had wanted to take Southwest.  Ha, I can get lost in my own neighborhood, by golly!  We did find a lot of cute bungalows and saw lots of snowmen!  Well, we finally did make it out to Franklin to have dinner at The Red Pony, one of my faves.

Of course, they have wonderful libations, which we enjoyed.  I love the colors in this photo, especially Jeanie's red cheeks that match the martini!

We had quite the knowledgeable waiter who was very helpful in explaining the chef's work and even brought out an appetizer for us to test, flour gnocchi with a truffle sauce.  YUM.  

Jeanie had been introduced to shrimp and grits, a Southern staple,  earlier in the week, and she decided to try more.  This is what I always order when the hub and I come here, so I know they are good.  She raved!

My stomach has been on the fritz for a couple of weeks and this night it was acting up again.  (I'm sure the Indian lunch I had earlier probably wasn't one of my wisest decisions in hindsight.)  Regardless, I ordered something small, or so I thought.  This is an appetizer pizza.  I could barely get two pieces in.  Ugh.  I guarantee Jeanie, I normally eat away.

Unfortunately, there is never enough time.  It was such a delight meeting Jeanie after knowing her from here for so many years.  What a delight she is, but I knew that already.  What a sweetie. 

I've been  feeling better, as if I'm awaking from a semi- conscious state.  Hello world.  This morning, I made waffles for breakfast.  We had some oranges that needed using, so I squeezed them.  I can't drink the stuff.  Oh my, the one time I tried it, it like made the skin in my mouth peel.  Whattup witdat?  Ew.  So, I skip the OJ,  freshly squeezed anyway.

My computer has been acting up for quite a while.  I was unable to download any photos to it and instead used my laptop.  It's kinda difficult blogging from the laptop; so I got the hub to help me move my photo file (over 36,000 pictures) to an external hard drive.  Hmmmm.  120 GB cleared off, right off the bat!  Wow.  

So, momma's back in business!

Back Home in Nashville

It's nice to be home.  I found the New Year Maiden in Fairhope.  Yup, decorating.  We still have Little Christmas this weekend, so it's ok.

My SIL, Ellen, picked my name this year for Christmas.  She had this "Nana Claus" made for me by Angie's Unique Creations.  El gave the artist one of mom's old wool jackets which took me a moment to notice.  When Ellen said he was "Nana Claus," I noticed the coat material, and I just cried.  How precious.

Hope you're still ho, ho, hoing and being loved this Season.

Happy 2011

Sending very Happy New Year wishes to all.  There is certainly something to be said about waters being therapeutic.  I feel so much better after being at Riverside for five days.  

Today I cleaned.  More therapy for me.  Sent the boys to the beach; and I puttered about cleaning the place.   It lets me think.  We leave tomorrow heading back to Nashville.  Definitely do not want to think about that drive! Ugh.

I am still taking pictures; so perhaps one day, I can catch up!  Probably wishful thinking on my part.

Merry Christmas 2010

Another Christmas come and gone.  As much joy as Christmas brings, I felt none of it.  It's wonderful having the teenager home for the Holidays, but I'm numb.  Not numb, broken.  When a parent passes after a long and wonderful life, you can continue on.  After losing my brother Johnny, my heart is broken.  A part of me is missing.  I have never felt so empty with sadness.

Brother John

Sorry for the long absence, but my brother Johnny has been very ill and is losing his battle with pneumonia.  I am in Virginia staying with him in the hospital.  He has been in good spirits even though he knows his time on this earth is drawing to a close.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he moves on to his next journey.

xo ro

The Big Five-OH!

Happy Birthday to me! A week ago, I officially turned fitty!

The hub whisked me off to Bermuda for a long weekend.  It seemed the entire island knew. And, hahaha, it somehow even made front-page news! Go figure, right?  Champagne with hibiscus?  Check.  All dressed up with somewhere to go?  Yup.

 The bar was fabulously oh-so-British.  Scrumptious, to say the least.

 The library?  Perfect for a night cap before retiring.  Oh yes.

 So very tasteful.

And speaking of which. . . 

A room with a view. Sunrise, sunrise birthday morning; Saturday, November 13, 2010.  I'm 50!

And later that afternoon, the same view from the balcony.  Sigh.

There were views from everywhere, of course.

Absolutely one as beautiful as the next.

 Even better with a Swizzle in hand, no?

 I spied a Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher!  Yes, everything in Bermuda is absolutely lovely.

 A short shopping spree into Hamilton where I spied my favorite local black rum!

 A small cove in The Flats, a short distance from the main hotel.

And the beach.

  The pink sands motivated me.

Along with the darling pastel-colored homes.

And the free-roaming chickens and hens.

  

Birthday flowers.

 Swimming in the pool.

 The views from the main pool.

And some relaxation time at the spa.  Like you need this in addition to every other gorgeous spot on the property.  

What a magical birthday weekend.  Hats off to the ever-wonderful hub.  It was absolutely perfect in every way. I'm the luckiest girl in the entire world.

PS  Tucker's Point resort was the best place ever.

Somewhere, Over the Rainbow

 . . . or over the Atlantic.

Precisely, here.

In order to get here.

Stay tuned!

Be Back Soon

Promise.

xo

ro

Bursting with Color

A room with a view (guest room). 

  

Maybe I'll sleep down here while the hub is away.

Don't ya love it?!!

November

November two!  Already!  Birthday month!  I'm just a little excited, can ya tell? Today, most states are holding their gubernatorial elections.  I got out pretty early and voted for the next Governor of Tennessee as well as our representatives in the House and Senate.  I try and time it right after rush hour and before lunch hour.  It seems to work pretty well for this locale.  The hub ran over before he headed out to Memphis for the day.  Ugh.  What a dreary drive that is.

I've been playing with glitter for a couple of days now.  I'm going to make some banners.  I am so loving all these glittery golds!  Of course, it's everywhere now.  But, a little glitter here and there never hurts anything.  I have to smile when I see a little sparkly on the floor.

We have perfect fall weather, a little cooler than it's been.  My one oak tree is gorgeous! LOVE it!

Happy November!