Nashville's History

The day after Thanksgiving we were still full and ready for an outing.

Shopping wasn't an option. I know that thousands of people like to hit the stores on Black Friday. This fact is precisely why I refuse to go anywhere near a store.

Instead, we went to Nashville to see the capital. The capital building stands at the top of a hill with a series of parks at the base. There is a wonderful timeline showing the history of Nashville. We walked along and spent some time at the WWII memorial. The globe above shows a depiction of soldiers who left Nashville to go to Europe or the Pacific.

I was also drawn to the Civil War marker - a granite stone split in half.

My wife loves the Civil War time period. And, I thought to myself that I need to pick up a good Civil War history book for my next long flight.

BBQ in Nashville

We are visiting my brother in Nashville for the Thanksgiving holiday.

When everyone arrived, we took a quick drive into Nashville to get some ribs. As we walked down the street, I passed this great store with cowboy boots and had to take a picture of the blue boot.

We made our way to Jacks Barb-B-Que, a local rib place in downtown Nashville.


My brothers, cousin, and I talked each other into ordering a rack of ribs each.

None of us finished our plates...

Concord Players

Last night, we went to see Hay Fever at a local community theater in Concord. I have been driving past this theater for years and never noticed it.

It is a gem. The theater is small, intimate and perfect for a night out. The play, Hay Fever, is a comedy based on how a family treats their guests over a weekend stay. It is set in England in 1925.

We have just discovered how many community theater organizations there are around Boston. I looked on a bulletin board in the theater and was amazed at how many other plays and musicals are being performed in the area.


Across the street from the theater, is one beautiful old church. I had to stop and take a picture even though it was bitterly cold.

Garden cleanup

I've been raking the leaves out of the flower beds this week. And it is time to cut down the Iris leaves etc. I am always amazed at how much debris I can rake and cut out of one flower bed.

But, now is the time to get it done. It seems like every day is getting a little colder. Early this morning, it was 26 deg when I looked out the window.

Japanese Maple

The leaves are all gone from the trees now. But, I had to post one last foliage picture.

Right in the middle of our front yard is a Japanese Maple tree. Given its size (as tall as our second story windows), I think the tree must be decades old.

Every year, I look forward to the leaves turning red. The tree turns later than the older maples in the yard, but it is worth the wait.

The combination of the color and the shape of the leaves always reminds me of Japan.

Pumpkin Pie

My wife makes the best pies.

I like almost any kind of pie, but they have to be seasonal. I like berry, cherry, and banana pies in summer. At Christmas, I like a pecan pie. But, this time of year, I really crave pumpkin pie.

I like to eat it for dessert; I like to eat it for breakfast. I would eat it here or there. I would eat it anywhere.

On Sunday, when my wife offered to make pumpkin pie, I couldn't say no. She made two pies, and they were great.

BYU Football

I wrote last week about going to Utah with my son. Here is another post about that trip.

We arrived in Salt Lake and drove down to my alma mater, BYU. Once we were there, we headed for the bookstore. My son wanted a sweatshirt and my daughters wanted me to buy them some "cinnamon bears".

Then, we walked around campus. I was surprised how it had changed but was still familiar.

The next day, we went to the football game. We had seats on the top row of the north end zone section. Even from up there, the game was great to watch. BYU won, our faces got a little sunburned, and we sang the Cougar Fight Song.

The last flower

I looked around the yard this morning and noticed the final roses. I have one rose bush that blooms late into the fall. One last reminder of summer.

When Roses Cease to Bloom, Dear, by Emily Dickenson

When roses cease to bloom, dear
and violets are done,
When bumblebees in solemn flight
Have passed beyond the sun,

The hand that paused to gather
Upon this summer's day
Will idle lie, in Auburn.--
Then take my flower, pray!