Our Journey of Thirty-two Sleeps: #14 and #15; New York City, U.S.A.
25 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in USA: Travelling Outside California
Sleep #14
There she was in her yellow dress and I was the lucky photographer.
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What do you think is on his mind? Another lucky photograph.
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Due to some special genealogy work done by L, Skips long lost cousin, he found out that his grandfather was not orphaned, but indeed, he was one of eight siblings. L passed away, but left a legacy of her work and cousins that now know of and about each other. L, L’s sister and husband S picked us up at our hotel and whisked us away to the south through the Flatiron District, through Greenwich Village, straight through the Bowery to Chinatown where we rounded Canal Street and low and behold we scored a free all day parking spot right in front of Columbus Park. When we started our big walk we noticed Tai Chi being done in the park, but the most amazing sights in the park were taking place in the park on our way back.
Tai Chi in the park.
Playing in the park
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Singing in the park
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From my recollections, Chinatown in New York used to be in a much smaller area some years back, but now it seems to have spread out to a much wider area encroaching on and actually taking over wider bands of territory. We walked in a giant circle and could not seem to get to the old haunts we remembered in the past. The walk and the talk went so well. L got a statue that will bring her health and a little wealth, God Willing. To make sure of the financial gain, she bought a money tree. We have one, do you? Everyone should have a money tree. Go to your local Chinatown and get one today!
We had lunch in Little Italy. Those boys have a special way of dragging you off the street for a meal in their establishment, but we left the decision up to L and she is no one’s fool. She chose well. The food was delicious and the catching up on family and our lives was splendiferous. L brought pictures of her dad and of she, her sister, and her brother growing up.
It came about that there are so many, many family similarities that it boggles your mind and you keep gasping and asking, “Really?” It was a magical day.
Thank you L & S!
This evening’s walk in NYC brought many new and interesting sights. First, I saw some of the most beautiful cupcakes I have ever seen. This is the city of beautiful cupcakes.
Next the signs here are not saying I am hungry, need food or will work for food, they say NEED WEED. Okay.
There is so much trash on the sidewalks that all put together would make a mountain. Of course, you must be advised that it is Sunday night and we are walking in the densest part of the city. I do believe that the trash collectors rule this city because you have to give them what they want just to get and keep the mountains of trash off the streets. Left any length of time will cause a stench and just more mountains. Trash collectors do rule. Do they not??
Now how convenient that they have made a sitting and walking area right down the middle of Broadway where the homeless can sit and relax, yak away to themselves, even sleep. I don’t know if they are rousted during the night by the authorities.
Talking about the authorities, there is a huge police presence in Times Square area. They have police cars, trucks, wagons and they walk the beat so to speak. They are visible and they are there. I know NYC authorities work hard to keep things safe for everyone.
SLEEP: # 15
All of the museums are closed on Monday’s except the MOMA. So we, along with every tourist and school class, lined up and crowded into the only gig in town.
This photo does not do the crowding situation justice.
Art speaks to you individually. It communicates something to everyone on different levels, different planes. Museums make me tired because of the intensity of the conversations going on in my head. I saw others sitting and tired, too. It is quite important to be spoken to by art, with its intensity, passion and power. That is why you go, isn’t it?
We walked for over six hours. We are thankful to be able to do it. We walked to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and were pleased to be in time for the 12:30 mass. My friend A. told me that when they ask you to turn and greet each other, it is not the end of the service as we once thought. So we greeted others and stayed through communion and then went along to continue our “see as much as you can” walk. Next, we stopped at Rockefeller Center to watch the skating, visit the Lego store, and shop at the Metropolitan Museum Gift shop. We saw where the Good Morning America show is produced and saw the window where people stand and wave. Now when I see the folks waving, I will know exactly where they are standing.
Some photos of the day:
Rockefeller Center and the ice skaters
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This skater was doing a photo shoot, so I shot her.
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Boy looking at the Lego display
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Radio City Music Hall
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St. Patrick's Cathedral
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Entering Bryant's Park for a coffee and a rest.
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Viewing inside Bryant's Park
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Eating in the park
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Playing in the park.
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Sleeping in the park.
.Today we will visit the Frick Museum, have lunch at ”Markt” where a very special former student is working and then, we will head off to the airport.
Sleep # 16 will, God Willing, take place on Delta Flight #86 to Venice, Italy for Sleep # 17 and # 18. Then, we will board a ship cruising the coast of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea.
Our Journey of Thirty-two Sleeps # 13: An addition
23 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in USA: Travelling Outside California
The Rose Main Reading Room, in the New York Pubic Library’s main building has more than 600 seats and mine was 418. I asked one of the librarians the meaning of the numbered seating and she thinks it was how, once you requested books, the delivery came to your numbered seat. The main reading room is the quietest place in New York City and many seriously quiet endeavors were going on here unseen and unheard. It was a pleasure to sit and take part in this dramatic experience.
The room is surrounded by 14 giant gothic looking windows which let in the light as well as the views of the skyscraper backdrop.
We walked the floors of the library and then settled into the exhibit celebrating 100 years of the New York Public Library and its philosophy that all knowledge is worth preserving. What I thought so appealing and interesting was that you were introduced slowly into the four categories, Observation, Contemplation, Society and Creativity. You have time to observe, and contemplate your own creative process and your own personal expressions. There was a moment of contemplation on how time has incorporated past information and transformed it into what we know today and how we plan to use it in the future. Society is so multifaceted as it relates through time and to each other and how the mix transforms in time. Relationships of human societies are characterized by patterns and through man’s material and spiritual evolution one can see the evidences of patterns. What is yet to come in this, our highly material world, I pondered; it so different from other societies past and or present. If you plan a visit to New York, the Public Library and a tour around Bryant Park is well worth your time.
View from the entrance window that faces out onto 5th street.
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THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL
The Algonquin Hotel , which opened their doors in 1902, was a gathering place for literary and artistic personalities. They met at this hotel at “The Round Table and had many lengthy and illuminating discussions over the years of luncheons. I made this a major stop because I have always been fixated by some of the discussions and when I first realized the many fascinating stories and the quoted quips from the “Round Table, I wished I could have become one of this distinguished members just for a day. I would have enjoyed a little conversation with Dorothy Parker, but she was before my intellectual time and since learning about her, I have spoken to and been with many women equal to Dorothy as well as Jane Grant and Edna Ferber. I have met men equal to roundtable members like Robert Benchley, in fact I sat next to a man like him the other night, for George S. Kaufman and imagine sitting next to or across the table from Harpo Marx.
While visiting this gorgeously preserved hotel, I asked about the “Round Table” and was shown to it very matter-of-factly. My jaw dropped to be in such presence. I quickly came down from my loft and snapped a photo, which is presented here.
In the early evening, 8 of us gathered for a dinner to remember! The 8 of us included people Skip and I have met on our travels to Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal. It was lovely seeing one another again in the Big Apple. We ordered family style and I have to give G and M the prize for excellence. They ordered everything to perfection and there was nothing left over. They are very New York and very astute. New Yorkers like to eat, know where to eat, and know what to eat. God Bless Them. You know NYC restaurants are so very turned up and the sound is deafening. They like it that way so who am I to complain. I will tell you that during the dinner it was so much fun that if I had a tape recorder and put the dialogue into a play, you would all have had as much fun as we did.
After dinner we walked over to Theater # @ 311 W. 43rd St. to preview A SPLINTERED SOUL by Alan Lester Brooks, my childhood and family friend. Alan hopes that this play will contribute to and keep our world aware of the Holocaust story for ages to come. He shows some of the evils of mankind and the right we may or may not have to avenge them. It is truly a soul searching and beautifully written story presented through the characters and their involvement in telling their stories. Thank you Alan. Your play provided essential moments for all of us to ponder our participation in the processes of right and wrong, and like you I hope your play keeps the messages of the Holocaust ever present.
Our Journey of Thirty-two sleeps: #12 and #13: Wegman’s and the Washington D.C. Train Station
23 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in USA: Travelling Outside California
Sleep 12 and 13! 
The train is pulling out of the Washington D.C. train station, heading for New York and memories of our wonderful visit with P & S come flooding back in abundance. We all enjoyed our day trips and you have read about some them, but I have not mentioned the ease, grace and elegance with which our hosts gathered us up after a plentiful, breakfast and out the door each day.
I neglected to mention a market called Wegmans and before leaving Prince William Co. I made a mental note to tell you that you must make the journey to visit this phenomenon called Wegmans. When the visit to this establishment was proposed, I went along for the ride because after all we have Whole Foods, Gelson’s, Pavilions , Trader Joe’s and a few other beautiful markets in our area. I am fairly well versed on markets after so many years marketing, but I was not prepared for Wegmans. Not prepared at all. Okay, where to begin here. First, close your eyes and imagine when you first walk into the store you see twenty-seven check out stands fully loaded with lines especially on the weekends. Tell me you have been in a supermarket with twenty-seven checkout stations. Sure you have…not. The reason they need those check out stations is because everyone for a 50-mile radius is in this Wegmans. I have included a few photos, but they do not do the varieties and volume of this store justice at all. Skip wants me to tell you that Wegmans carries the largest variety of food you have ever seen. The selection of cheese is not to be matched. The selection beer has beer from every known country that makes it in the world. They have chips made of onions, carrots, okra, green beans, of course potatoes and they are healthy, I think. The selection of mushrooms must be legendary because there are shelves of them. plain and ruffled. The meat counters are full of meat ranging from $55.99 a pound to ground everything. One more brag, the ice cream selections can keep you selecting for a long time. Anything you have experienced in any other supermarket, double it, triple it and or quadruple it according to your marketing experiences.
Sorry it is a little blurry. 
I wish you all an opportunity to experience a Wegmans in your future and hopefully we will get to go again, soon.
I have to dispel the fantasy so many people have, myself included that riding the rails is a wonderful and slow way to see the world from your window as the train slips across the country. Let us dispel this notion here and now. What do you really see? From my vantage point and for the most part on this last train trip, I saw the backs of everything, and the most rundown, worst parts of town. I have included my best shots of what I saw from the train and have decided that I need not and you need not fantasize about this wonderful train trip that you will someday make across the world. Forget about it. Or, if you do go, send me a postcard. 
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We are in our lovely 28th floor room looking at the Empire State Building. It is nice to see a N.Y. trademark building from your hotel room window. We immediately dropped our bags and ran to the streets. The city is rumbling and a cacophony of sights and sounds surround you. It is New York and it is living up to all it is meant to be for the local as well as the hoards of visitors in the tourist areas. It is noisy, with calming sounds. They are not harsh and brittle. They are sounds that just move you along in some sort of a dance. When you notice the people walking along, you see them looking up, looking around, pointing, kicking up their heals and or dragging them, flipping their garments and their necks swiveling, hands in rapid motion which I have coined the NYC Dance. Everyone does it. Some dance to the tune locals hear, some to the tune workers on their way to and fro hear; there are sounds of shoes clicking and clacking, material rubbing, sounds inside buildings, and around the corners, sounds from the throats of all ages, sounds from dragging luggage, squeaks and squawks from everything imaginable, motors running, fans, the clinking and clanking of work being done, and occasional honk, tourists make most questioning sounds; and there is a special energy, positive for the most part that runs in this city which is a loud noise and the most pleasant exchange I have enjoyed anywhere. We have been to other big cities in the USA and abroad but NYC’s energy is different, diverse, charged, exciting, electric, stimulating and thrilling.
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Our Journey of Thirty-two Sleeps: #10 and # 11: Virginia
20 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in USA: Travelling Outside California
Please accept my apologies for sending names and emails. It was an error and I will not do that again.
Sleep # 10 and #11
Each morning we are greeted with The Washington Post; today is Wednesday, October 19, 2011 and we are kept busy reading the front page, Metro, Style, Sports, Health and Science, and the Classified. This newspaper feels good, nice and thick; it is the regular size, not chopped and shrunk like ours at home. The artwork is lovely, photographs plentiful and it is laid out attractively and in a very pleasing, eye-catching style. Thank you to The Washington Post for interesting news of Washington, the goings and comings of Washingtonians, and the world at large.
Today’s journey:
The morning began with Scotch Eggs along with a Washington Post read. Scotch eggs are a specialty of the area and very delicious.
If you want the recipe for Fiona Hughes’s Scotch Eggs, let me know, I have it ready to share. You know I fully intend to make them someday!
We drove into the countryside to visit the site of the Children’s Home and compound where P and S worked and lived; mending lives, clearing minds, changing attitudes, mending broken hearts, sharing love, soothing souls, giving hope and receiving the heartfelt gratitude only a thankful child will give.
I have not included the photos of the actual homes because they are private, but the sights along the way will allow you to see the wonderful environment in which the work of God was allowed.
The creek where the children swam
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Sleep # 11 COUNTRY ROADS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Look what we enjoyed all day long followed by a long nap!!!
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Our Journey of Thirty-two Sleeps: #8 and #9
18 Oct 2011 2 Comments
in USA: Travelling Outside California
SLEEP #8 and #9
Over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the “Gateway to the Eastern Shore.
As we drove from P’s home, we were told that we have been sleeping in and among the battlefields of the Civil War. In fact, we are within walking distance of the very first battle between the North and the South. It is told that everyone thought it was going to be a one-battle war and an outing for the family to see. People brought their picnic baskets and blankets for a day out viewing an event. They were certainly in for a bloody surprise as they watched people killing each other and definitely not the picnic in the park they expected. This first battle and surrounding battlefields are protected by the Manassas National Park.
The South won the first battle and you know how they portray that the war eventually turned out. I am not saying anything about a win here because I truly believe that we are still fighting that war everyday as we go along our dualistic, pluralistic, co-existent lives interacting or ignoring each other. In some way, we are mirroring and waging the war against human differences in many of our actions everyday in a most global way. The first battle of the Civil War, unbeknownst to the picnicking onlookers was not the first or the last battle for human rights. I cannot see how the war will be won or lost, ever. Being surrounded by battlefields does give one food for thought.
In the following photos you can see the split rail fencing that borders the battlefields in Manassas National Park.
Next view a Civil War Hospital.
As we drove along on our way to the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, we pass familiar signs depicting shopping at Tyson’s Corner, Bethesda, Rockville, the Mormon Tabernacle, Annapolis, then over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into Kent Narrows on Kent Island. Easton was next and on to St. Michaels, Maryland.
We had a lovely walk and views of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and lunch of crab cakes, fried oysters and lobster sandwiches. Tilghman Island offered a wonderful boat tour, but we found out they needed a minimum of 10 people to initiate the tour. Since this is the end of the season, there were not many people to round up for a tour, so we left without boating, but did take with us the lovely sights, sounds and a greater understanding of nature’s marvelous design.
Relaxing at Inn at Perry Cabin:
On the return journey, we stopped in Annapolis for a look at the surprisingly enormous United States Naval Academy established in 1845. We were not able to drive into the complex and had to walk if we wanted to gain entrance. It was a quiet time, most of the cadets were in classes, but we understood the idea of the immensity and the intensity with which this huge training facility has become revered. It is training our future naval warriors. God bless America and God bless the men and women who insure our freedom.
The city of Annapolis is lovely and we could see through the ravages of two huge boat shows. Last week they had the sailboat show and this past weekend they had the powerboat show. The town needs s bit of a rest. We left the city over a drawbridge that stopped all traffic on both sides to let a lovely sailboat through to the other side.
Today we visited Downtown Old Manassas in Northern Virginia. We enjoyed seeing the old train station, which is still very much in use. It is the icon of the Old Town, built in 1914 and houses offices as well as daily Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express commuter trains connecting Washington, DC with Manassas. It is a well-used station on a daily basis. The old Candy Factory sign is visible, but the building is used for other purposes. Many people love to come to the monthly festivals and entertainment in Old Town Manassas.
We continued on through the new section of Manassas and there is every recognizable store and eating establishment you can think of except TACO BELL and it is possible I just missed seeing it.
Onward we head for Middleburg to have lunch where George Washington dined at the Red Fox Inn.
This is the booth where the young surveyor George Washington was served many meals.
The town holds not only an encounter with George, but many other notables have lived and played in Middleburg. Among the many are: Jackie Kennedy, Tab Hunter, Elizabeth Taylor, Senator John Warner, Robert Duvall, C.E.O of U. S. Airways, and the owner of the Chrysler Building in N.Y., Jack Kent Cooke. It is told that he had four wives and one time he went to the post office to make certain that his fourth wife would not get the mail of the third wife which would cause great discomfort. It also was important to keep the appointments of ex wives at the beauty salon separated.
Skip had the experience of trying on a vest in Linda Tripp’s store he thought might be nice to add to his collection. It was only $900.00, so he decided to leave it for the next guy. We had a lovely lunch at the Inn; actually wonderfully tasty. There was definitely a presence of George being served when he was a young surveyor working in town. A specialty we enjoyed is the Peanut soup and the mango chutney curried chicken salad. After our walk in the town we enjoyed ice cream by Hershey’s. I do believe this is the first time I have ever tasted Hershey’s ice cream. It is full of flavor and very creamy.
Our Journey of Thirty-two Sleeps: Sleep # 7
18 Oct 2011 2 Comments
in USA: Travelling Outside California
Sleep 7
After church, lunch and a short nap we took off for the Shenandoah Valley and foothills of the mountains. I am going to offer you photos and see for yourself the beautiful sights of our wonderful visit.
We came upon three little houses in a row, which according to S. probably were slave quarters. As we drove a little further on we came upon the Primitive Baptist Church and according to the sign was founded in 1724. I have included two photos because both are wonderful views. After finding the church across the road from the houses, we are convinced this was an area where slaves lived, WORKED, and worshiped. The Primitive Baptist church advocates “intense conservatism” and simple forms of worship taught in the bible (singing, praying and preaching) without any man-made inventions or additions. I am reading the book WENCH and so this historical encounter becomes even more vivid.
And now the views of the Shenandoah Valley and foothills of the mountains.
And believe it or not tucked away in all of this rural beauty is elegant sleeping and eating. We came home had leftovers and slept most elegantly and comfortably.
Our Journey in Thirty-Two Sleeps: Part II
16 Oct 2011 5 Comments
in Uncategorized, USA: Travelling Outside California
Sleep 4 and 5:
Today the Saratoga and North Creek Railway provided us with train 821 which took us into the Adirondacks, along the Hudson River to view the beautiful changing
colors of the foliage, as well as being able to see the towns of Hadley, Luzerne, 1000 acres, Thurman, The Glen, Riparius and a stop to eat and visit in North Creek. We spent our day enthralled with the sights on the trip traveling to North Creek as well as the trip back. How was the weather? It rained on and off, and some of the rain pounded, but did it dampen our spirits and the things we saw? See for yourself some of the treasures of the day. Love, hugs and thanks to our dear lovely, lifelong friends, generous, caring E & D for a our wonderful sleeps in your company. You showed us a little part of Heaven!
Sleep 6:
Skip’s first home in Albany, New York, his school, Public School #1, and his second home on Glendale Avenue.
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Our Journey of Thirty-Two Sleeps: Part One
16 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized, USA: Travelling Outside California
Sleep one 
After having breakfast in Los Angeles in the morning and having dinner at Half Moon diner upstate New York in the evening is not an easy task. There was a lot of work in the traveling mode to achieve our breakfast and dinner with a bunch of little snacks in between. We are sleeping in Bolton Landing, (established in (1799) perched atop Lake George in a mountain home which is more unique than most of the houses we passed on our ride in. In front of this mountain home fly two flags, the American flag and the Marine Corps flag. We were told, “Once a Marine, always as Marine.” 
Sleep was an important rejuvenating necessity and was provided by a private room with luxurious sheets and down comforters. Tired is an understatement. Once rested you are ready to conquer the world once again. We woke to breakfast service in the main dining room with gigantic windows showing off the land leading to Lake George. The wind would rise and fall and with each rise it would blow a rainstorm of leaves falling to the ground below forming a carpet of color beneath the tree. The sight is awe-inspiring and humbling in it’s showing of nature working through the windows. Watching these nature dances through the windows gives you the notion that of course there is a higher power, in fact, but if not a higher power or order, then, what? Next telling mountain event was the delivery of heating oil. They filled the tank making the house ready for winter heating. It was an interesting delivery because we just flip the button and gas comes from somewhere and we have heat. Sleep 2 This morning was spent enjoying the environs of our hosts E & D’s beautiful mountain home in Bolton Landing in the foothills of the Adirondacks. All the while, I keep a watchful eye for humping deer. This is the mating season and the deer love to hump in this spot. They will carry their offspring all winter and then, in the spring they come to this spot as a family. I was told to marvel at the deer as an animal extraordinaire. Why? Think about the phenomenon of an animal that lives and thrives in a habitat that gives them twenty below and over 100 degrees and yet they adapt. Isn’t nature supreme? 
At noon, we picked up a picnic lunch before our boat ride in and around the 35-mile long Lake George finding ourselves guests of P & D at their compound consisting of three small islands connected by Gothic looking bridges. It was thrilling to be escorted and to visit this lovely spot in the middle of the lake. If you are a blood relative you were welcome to build a home and live on the islands, but now that most of the building is done, you have to buy what is there now from a relative. The summer finds many of the Sir clan living and visiting this lovely idyllic paradise at the water’s edge. During the winter months you have only P & D living year round. I asked P how they get to the mainland when the lake is frozen solid and she said they have a Norwegian Sleigh, they have a canoe they use and paddle it along the ice to get over the solid lake; they skate and have their private secrets on getting to and getting what they need during the months of living on the frozen winter water. She said that they close off a good part of the house and live in a small portion of it during the freeze. As we boated our way to the mainland, I turned and saw the beautiful trio of islands and bridges receding and realized that we were very privileged guests and I thank P & D for their generous hospitality, the generous gift of imparting their knowledge and sharing their fortunate life with us for the afternoon. Thank you P & D. 
Sleep 3 Today we rode an amphibian (Hydra-Terra vehicle) tour bus/boat to experience and delight ourselves with the sights of New York’s capital city of Albany. Not only is it New York’s capital city but also, it is the city of Skip’s birth. Even though Skip is a historic sight himself, we took the tour with experienced guides to enlighten us about the other historic sites of this 402-year-old city. We passed by the Albany City Hall, the Ten Broeck Mansion, Washington Park, New York State Museum, the Palace, which was the flagship theater of RKO, many years ago and the D & H (Delaware and Hudson) railroad building. 
After an hour ride through Albany a beautiful city we rolled and splashed into the Hudson River. There are many interesting sights along the river and one that put some puzzle pieces together for me was the replica of Henry Hudson’s ship of discovery, The Half Moon. Remember I mentioned we had dinner at the Half Moon Diner. Now I fully understand the origin of this diner’s name.
Nashville: The City of Music, Love, Food and Candy
16 Jun 2011 2 Comments
in Reflections, USA: Travelling Outside California
Jack's for Barbeque on Broadway
If you know anyone who used to fake being sick so they could stay home and listen to Host Cliffie Stone and his Hometown Jamboree, introduce me to them, will you please. We share the same roots. I have always been a Country Music fan, and found that I still am, totally and absolutely. Coming to Nashville has put my love of country music in its rightful place in my heart and soul. Spending time with our dear friends, P. and S. is on the top of all reasons we chose to come here.
Minnie Pearl giving P. some advice.
In Nashville, there was an opportunity to see the Ryman Auditorium where it all began, to experience southern barbeque at Jack’s, to walk down Broadway and slip in and out of music venues. One after another, you go from one piercing, heartfelt sound to one more. Each one of us in the group had our special sounds that we clung to and few liked the same performers. I got into The Don Kelley Band and became mesmerized by a special guest, Johnny Hiland on the electric guitar. He was jamming to Ghost Riders. Then and there I found out that even at my ripe old age, I could be/have been a groupie. After listening for quite a while, it was time to move on, and I was dizzy, weak kneed and felt full of the reverberations and resonations powerful sound creates. It left a “Honky Tonk” residue that has lasted long after the music wafted away.
We met P & S at the Nashville airport and our adventures began right then and there and did not stop until we were put back at the airport for our journey home. Yes, we did touristy things. Why not? P & S spent their college years in Nashville, so they knew quite a few things tourists don’t know. We drove out of town to Brentwood, saw some homes of the stars, drove on to Franklin, the town where during the Civil War, the Battle of Franklin, one of the final battles of the war was fought. On the way to and from Franklin, we saw some charming Tennessee countryside and forty-seven churches. (I counted every one of them with a little help from our friends) Since it was a weekday, the church parking lots were basically empty, but come Sunday ALL of the parking lots were full. Our lot was so full, we had to park catawampus but left room for others to come and go as we readied ourselves for Sunday morning services. The parking lot was full and so were the pews. Standing room only and parking down in the streets.
The next morning we had a wonderful experience at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which turned out to be an interactive musical experience. Country music songs, legends, clothes, instruments and stories from long ago until now are on display. This experience was a real tribute to Country Music, the Country Music Stars and to the city of Nashville. We drove around on some of the streets around the museum and one house after another has been turned into a recording studio. Nashville is truly the city of music.
If you like candy you will be impressed with the Goo Goo Cluster. They are an original Southern confection made in Nashville, TN. A Goo Goo candy is a roundish mound of caramel, marshmallow nougat, fresh roasted peanuts and drenched in chocolate. Its taste is one you will never forget. They say there is nothing like it in the world. Probably not, but I did find its competition called Marie McGee’s Bumble Bees, also made in Nashville TN. They are heavenly. You eat one of Marie’s Bumble Bees, close your eyes and tears of joy will come dripping down. You can order Goo Goos and Marie McGee’s Bumble Bees online. Go ahead order a box of each, take the taste test and get back to me. I know what you will say.
The Grand Ole Opry House
When in Nashville you must attend the show that made Country Music Famous, yes, you’ve guessed it, The Grand Ole Opry. Before you go to the show, or after, visit Gaylord Opryland Hotel. It is a must see as well. The Grand Ole Opry is the longest LIVE radio show in the U. S. and while you enjoy your show, you will have many intervals where all is stopped in deference to the commercial messages sent across the airwaves. The high energy in the Opry house and the people watching in the audience make up for the commercial time out.
Little Jimmy Dickens
Our show was hosted by: Riders in the Sky, Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens and Vince Gill. Our performing stars were Patty Loveless, Mike Snider, Dierks Bently, Vince Gill and a host of others. Hail Mary, we have been to the Grand Ole Opry. We have seen Nashville, heard the sounds, been immersed in the traditions of the Country Music and were deeply moved by the songs of the South!!
Vince Gill and Patty Loveless
We drove out into the countryside to Fayetteville for the night. As we arrived into this lovely classic Tennessee country town, we were greeted by a howling sound that buzzed loudly, continuously and unmercifully. “The Cicada’s are here,” announced S. They come about every thirteen years. They hibernate in the ground and in the trees and come out on schedule. I heard L. say that this would be her last Cicada’s because in thirteen years she must be planning to be gone. We had a little talk with her about that and feel she will see another Cicada season. I hope so and if I am around, I want to come back to Fayetteville in Lincoln County to be with P.’s family and see L. living through another Cicada outbreak.
The General Store
We ate lunch at the general store. The next time you make chicken salad, pop in some chopped apple and grapes. Yum.
We spent some time on Fayetteville’s Main Street and walked around the square. P.’s family are the nicest, most generous and kindhearted people you would ever want to meet.
The Dance Recital
A Peek at Lucy's Dance!
We hung out at little Lucy’s dance recital in the early evening. The town was quiet during our walk around it throughout the day, but the auditorium was packed for the dance recital. Our eyes and ears were treated to the community as they came in droves for this event. After the recital we drove out into the rolling hills and had dinner in a little restaurant on the side of a country road. The food was spectacular and the company around that table was lovely and loving. We felt so enveloped and accepted. I had to pinch myself and say in my inside voice, look where you are; look who you are with; look what you are doing; hear the cicadas; think about the green rolling countryside; you are in the middle of the world with people who care; I remembered being told the town has a bench called the Spit and Whittle where old men gather to pass the time spitting and whittling; this town is so real, so authentic and so important because P. and his family grew up here and many still live here; what an honor to share it with them.
Our time in this part of the south is a treasure trove of learning and memories with S. and P. and P’s family. We must return.
Today’s Bits and Pieces: Fairhope, Alabama
03 Apr 2009 1 Comment
in USA: Travelling Outside California
Fairhope, Alabama!
You need to visit this little town in Alabama with hundreds of artists, authors and beautiful and friendly towns folks. Fairhope is the American Dream, still alive and thriving. I will tell you that we stayed in Suellen and Elisa’s home, but I can’t tell you exactly where because they would not like so many houseguests. Phil came and stayed too, and then there is Sophie and Dusty, so you see the house was full.
There are many and varied churches to choose from in and around this little town and the one I chose to attend, was suggested by our hosts. First of all, the welcome was brilliant, the people were there to pray and the Acappella, harmony of the songs they sang sent me directly to heaven on earth. More
