Nashville

One of my favorite places to be. Unfortunately, I don’t get here often and more often than not in recent years it’s been for funerals. My grandparents moved here when my dad was young and he grew up here. We spent a lot of time here as kids.

The ride was a pretty quick one - just under 41 miles. I made great time even though there was still 2200’ of climbing. I was at the hotel by 11. The motivation to get here knowing I have all day tomorrow off was very great. The best part of the day was seeing some familiar faces for the first time in a couple weeks. Our friends Melonie and Marcus Atkerson drove down from Lexington, KY. Melonie’s son, Calvin, is a bartender here so they coupled a visit to see him with a wellness check up on me. Hattie B’s for dinner was a highlight, with some delicious hot chicken and then a cocktail at the Greenhouse afterwards.

After I leave here, it’s several weeks before I see anyone I know. At least that was the plan until an old Rice friend checked in and said he was going to be in south Alabama later this week visiting another old Rice friend. I am now reworking my map to see if there‘s a chance to be in Mobile by Friday. It’ll be close.

Below pics are mostly a trip down memory lane that you all have to suffer through. Possibly the best picture of the day I missed when I passed the sign for the Amish Mattress Showroom (?!?)

My grandparents’ lot in Nashville. Their house burned down and was rebuilt. The magnolia tree in the front was there 50 years ago.

Percy Warner Golf Course where I played as a kid with my grandfather and dad

Small World in Nashville. Look it up. Built by one of my cousins. Note the Cone of Silence in the front left. Empty except for a captain’s chair and a circular bookshelf that had about 4 books on it.

From left, Marcus, Melonie, me and Calvin. Mel was very excited to be in the blog. She went and fixed her hair before the pic. I didn’t.

Perfectly on point. Thank you Dan Lamey.