I dozed off on the couch tonight. No surprise there. But I woke up as the movie The Goodbye Girl was starting. I snapped awake with memories of the first time I saw this film. It’s a great, great picture. I watched the whole thing.
I saw this movie shortly after it came out in 1977. I was just a kid, really. I went to see it while visiting my sister who was away at college at the time. It should have been too grown up for me, but I loved this movie. It is the quintessential romantic comedy – in my book. This has to be one of the best examples of Neil Simon’s mastery of writing dialog. Loved it.
Now the movie is over and I’m left to think about all of my experiences since I was that kid way back in 1977. Holy cow….that was 36 years ago!! Well, I’m still a kid, really, but all the wiser, now.
Tag: postaday
Holy schmolies!
We had a great time on the lake this weekend. We anchored in Arky south last night. Rory and Greg joined us on Sapphire for the night. Lori, Dave and Jake stopped by on Camelot and tied up for several hours; to swim and grill up dinner on the boat. Boy was it a hot one!! 107+ in the city. Was probably hotter out here. But floating in the lake is the best way to beat the heat.
Back at the marina, we met up with Marty and Sue and floated for a while. It was great to see them. We saw Nick, Dmitri and Kelly, too. Nice day!
Made it back home by about 6 pm or so. As we were unpacking we heard all the bluejays in the vicinity urgently squawking and dive bombing something outside the kitchen window. This went on for a while, so I walked out to see what it was. There were about 10 or more jays in the oak tree joining in. I walked around shook the bushes a bit, but didn’t see anything. So I walked back to the front porch, when I saw a 6′ snake slithering up onto the porch about a foot away from me and my bare feet and legs. YIKES!!! I guess I should be more careful.
A google search later leads me to believe this is a Texas Rat Snake.
New bar toy.
While antique shopping in Tennessee last weekend, I found an old seltzer syphon, Sparklets brand. I’ve never used one of these before but we’ve talked about trying one for a while. So we took this one home.
We quickly realized we were missing a part or two. Most importantly the part that holds a CO2 cartridge / charger. Prairie Moon online carried parts that fit. So this morning we tried it out. Works great!
Cheers!
Channelling Aunt Voula.
We have lots of funny movies we love to quote for moments that would only be funny to others that share a love for the same movie humor….. from Caddyshack, Captain Ron, The Princess Bride, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Young Frankenstein, to name a few. One movie quote that comes to mind tonight is from My Big Fat Greek Wedding:
Aunt Voula: What do you mean he don’t eat no meat?!
[the entire room stops, in shock]
Aunt Voula: Oh, that’s okay. I make lamb. 🙂
Yesterday Monte de-boned and marinated a leg of lamb, and tonight he put it on the grill. Add some quick pasta and insalata caprese (with basil and tomatoes fresh from the garden), and VOILA! I think Aunt Vuola would approve.
Oh, and also: TGIF!! It’s been about a month since we’ve been out to the lake, given our travel schedules. Tomorrow we will make up for lost time.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
We took the tour and got to see the stage up close:
And a view from backstage: 
It’s a beautiful venue. Amazing to think about all the stars that spent so much time here…
One more shot from the balcony: 
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.
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.
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 🙂
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.
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.
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.
It’s margarita Wednesday!
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!!
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?!
Leaving is always the hardest part.
Sunday already!? Today we all rolled out of bed for mimosas and crepes.
Then checked out around noon.
Back in Austin the skies were colorful; remnants of today’s rain showers:
I picked up Keeto after I got home, and we enjoyed catching up on our favorite crime dramas…
I wish tomorrow was not Monday!! 
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:
An artist’s vantage point at La Jolla Cove:
Pelicans and seals nesting on the rocks:
Back in San Diego watching the America’s Cup boat Stars & Stripes tacking across the bay:
Safe and sound back at the Palomar lobby in time for happy hour:
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!
Sheila365 