Taking our time going home.

I’ve already said how much I’ve enjoyed this reunion trip to Nashville.   It’s been a really great visit.   Today our flight leaves in the afternoon, so we have several hours to check out more of Nashville and its surrounds.

This morning we got up and checked out of the hotel and drove to Franklin.  A lovely small town with Victorian homes, antique malls and really great shops.  The backroad to Franklin is lined with amazing homes and homesteads.

This was one shot of a number of churches in the village – the First United Methodist.  I liked the doors.

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We passed the morning walking through town, shopping in several of the antique stores, and had lunch at a nice Irish pub in town.  After that, we dashed over to The Hermitage – home of Andrew Jackson. But didn’t have much time to do more than a quick drive by.  Sorry, no pics.

Back at Nashville International Airport, I was glad to find an Admiral’s Club on the same concourse as our Southwest flight.

This is a shot of the UT campus as we were landing, flying south towards the airport.  If you can find the Erwin Center in the picture (left side, middle of frame), you’ll get your bearings.  I believe the area in the foreground is the grounds of the old Mueller Airport, now a bunch of mixed use housing and retail.

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Yay, it’s good to be home!   I’m headed to baggage claim carousel #4.   I’m so very glad this is a 4 day week!!!1306242

Music City, revisited.

After brunch today we said our goodbyes to everyone and dropped Gene at the airport on the way back into the city.   We ended up staying an extra day, so we’ve decided to spend some of it getting more acquainted with Nashville.

We stopped by the original home of the Grand Ole’ Opry, the Ryman Auditorium.

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The 5th Avenue side of the Ryman Auditorium.

We took the tour and got to see the stage up close:

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And a view from backstage: 1306232

It’s a beautiful venue.  Amazing to think about all the stars that spent so much time here…1306233

One more shot from the balcony: 1306234

Then we wandered off to the nearby bars on Broadway.   We ended up at Jack’s BBQ for some brisket and pork shoulder – and it was delicious.1306235

Nashville is the “Athens of the South,” and in 1897 they built an exact replica of the Parthenon for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.  So, of course, we had to see it.  Unfortunately, by the time we made it to Centennial Park, the landmark was closed for tours, so we did not get a chance to see the statue of Athena.  But we did get a great view of all 4 sides.

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We made it to the Bluebird Cafe, but didn’t get a photo (!)

We ended up a great day at the Pla Mor Lanes.  Monte kicked my butt 2-1 … even with the badminton injury   🙂

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Looking forward to a leisurely morning tomorrow and (especially) spending the weekend on the boat.   More exploring tomorrow, before heading to the airport for our flight home.

Good ‘night!

I see flowered people.

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Just a few of the fun characters gathered this weekend for our bi-annual family reunion. Fun!

Art Deco Automobiles.

If you’re ever in Nashville, check out this great walking tour, documented on Frommer’s website.   We enjoyed it.   The current main exhibit at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts was a collection of automobiles from the Art Deco-influenced 1930’s.  You can actually listen to an audio tour while looking at (professional) photos here.

Disclaimer:  I don’t pretend to think these shots are good ones, I took them with my iPhone.  I have a new appreciation for automobile photographers.   Way too much shine, light and reflection.

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Virtual Friday!!!

This has been yet another busy week.   But, today is the last day of work for me, as we’re taking a long weekend.   Wooo Hooooo!

Tonight I stopped by Mayfield Park on the way to a friend’s house.  There are peacocks in residence here, and a couple were putting on a show when I arrived.

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It’s margarita Wednesday!

Cheers!
Cheers!

We’re most of the way to the end of the week!  These are the awesome margarita glasses Julie gave us.  We feel compelled to use them as often as possible.  🙂

And, Happy Birthday to our friend, Teri!

Old salts.

They made it. Finished the Texas 200. Boat, trailer and two sailors back in Austin. Well done, boys!!
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Work and werk.

Back home now, trying to focus on work.   At the same time, Monte and Dan are sailing the catboat up the coast on a 200 mile adventure that I wish I was there for, but will have to be content with providing support from afar when needed.   I wonder how they did this, back in the day, without cellphones, gps and google maps?!
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Leaving is always the hardest part.

Sunday already!?   Today we all rolled out of bed for mimosas and crepes.
Then checked out around noon.
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Back in Austin the skies were colorful; remnants of today’s rain showers:
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I picked up Keeto after I got home, and we enjoyed catching up on our favorite crime dramas…
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I wish tomorrow was not Monday!!  :/

San Diego – Day 3.

We had a blast last night.  Today we set out for Balboa Park in the morning, and Coronado in the afternoon.

One of my favorite places in Balboa Park is the botanical gardens:

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And its lily pond:
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We strolled over to the rose garden:
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A great morning spent amongst the beautiful San Diego architecture:
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And over to Coronado for lunch at the Sheerwater @ the Hotel del Coronado:
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Then we went to a nearby art street fair, and grabbed a late dinner at the bar in the hotel.

A LOVELY day, indeed!

La Jolla!

Today we set out for La Jolla beach, rented bikes, enjoyed a picnic on the shore.

Pelicans flying overhead at La Jolla Shores:
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An artist’s vantage point at La Jolla Cove:
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Pelicans and seals nesting on the rocks:
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Back in San Diego watching the America’s Cup boat Stars & Stripes tacking across the bay:
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Safe and sound back at the Palomar lobby in time for happy hour:
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Dinner tonight at Cafe Chole.  Didn’t get a picture of the restaurant, but the food and the service was excellent.

Back at the penthouse, there was table dancing into the wee hours.  No photos here, but what a fun time!

Girls’ trip!

Sort of spur-of-the-moment, but with just-enough planning, I left today on a girls’ weekend to San Diego with Lori, Doray, Laura, Ann and Irene.   Here are some sights from today.

We flew Southwest – my first time on that airline.  Ended up with a window seat.IMG_1167 We had reservations at the Palomar Hotel in the Gaslight district.  AAAWESOME!!!!  No complaints on the lodging.
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Dinner at Croce’s restaurant Thursday night.  Good jazz, kind of loud, and very busy.  BTW, they are not closing, they are moving, so check them out in their new location.
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Overdue.

I’m way overdue for a pedi, so I dashed out tonight to get one.   Voila!!

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Grassy Ass!

After a busy year, Julie left to spend a few weeks at home for the summer.  She gave us some awesome margarita glasses, and a Thank You card that is right up my alley. 🙂 L.O.V.E. I.T.!!
Looking forward to having her back in the Austin hood.
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