Beale Street

In the late afternoon we wandered around Beale Street. There was a statue of WC Handy, and it was quite a remarkable place to wander around. We also went to a great museum called the Rock & Soul museum, unfortunately we weren't allowed to take photos, which is too bad, as they had some Jimmy Lunceford memorabilia there, and I knew Morag at least would appreciate that! ("Where's the waiter with the water for my daughter?")

Next we went to Sun Studio. This was also quite interesting, and a big thrill for me. Here it was that Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, etc. recorded. And the recording studio is completely original. In the photo of Elvis, Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and some other fellow (whose name I can't remember) you'll see the wall behind them and the wall behind the photo are the same! WOW! I definitely recommend visiting this place. We were on a tour with a bunch of elderly folk, all avid Elvis fans, and when our zippy tour-guide first mentioned Elvis and played us a little sample of one of his early recordings, one lady standing near me said to herself, "That's my boy!"

Stax

After the Pink Palace we went to Stax studio, where artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, etc. recorded music. To tell the truth, I went here pretty much in ignorance of soul music (I know Otis Redding, that's about all), and the story was fascinating, and the music moving. It was a great place to visit. I still don't know that much about it! Visit the website: www.soulsvilleusa.com

Memphis: The Pink Palace

The Pink Palace is a wonderful museum. It had been built back in the 30's or thereabouts, by the man who started the Piggly Wiggly stores, but he went bankrupt, and never enjoyed the house. It's called the Pink Palace becaues of the hue of the stones used for the building.

They had natural history exhibits, old medical exhibits, life in Memphis. . . A great place.

Opreyland Hotel!

After leaving the plantation, we drove to Nashville. We sort-of drove by The Grand Ole' Oprey (trying to ignore the big glossy pictures of modern country singers, and doing what Heather told me to do - "think of Patsy Cline!" emphatic advice she gave me on the telephone...). We wandered into the Opreyland Hotel, this huge hotel that has an area of shops within, which included a river, trees, waterfalls, among the restaurants and gift shops. It was CRAZY! After wandering through this place (dazed and confused), we went to the replica of the Parthenon.

Parthenon!

Here is the replica of the Parthenon, built sometime in the 1920's or '30's I believe. The inside was closed when we went (in the twilight), but we were able to walk around the outside, which was magnificent. Ernest had the idea to take pictures by the huge columns, saying to me: "I want you to look small."

Carnton Plantation

Months ago I started reading a book called 'Widow of the South'. A lady from book group had read it and loaned it to me. It was by happenstance that I realized the people, house, etc. of the book were outside of Nashville. So, we decided to go there. The house was used as a hospital after the battle of Franklin (Civil War). The lady of the house helped with the wounded soldiers, and she and her huband donated 2 acres of their land to bury the dead soldiers. Our tour guide was wonderful! He was a senior in highschool and took his job VERY seriously. He referred to the Union army as the "Federalists" and when telling us how many soldiers died, and what a large number of generals were killed, he paused for a moment, then told us he just wanted a moment of silence, so the magnitude of what happened could sink in! The house and grounds were lovely, and there was a tree in the garden that is about 200 years old. And now I need to finish reading that book!

Asheville Continued

We did alot of walking around in Asheville, I ate a delicious "Hillbilly Breakfast" complete with grits! Also we all met up with Hannah Mason, who is going to school there. She joined us for lunch, and also showed us the horses the school owns and boards, including her own pony Meadow. The weather was perfect...warm, not too hot, and everywhere there were white and pink dogwoods in bloom.

Asheville, North Carolina

After returning to Chattanooga, Ernest (or Ernie, as all his friends and family call him!) and I met up with some friends of his: Heather & Dennis, and we all drove to Asheville, NC together. The drive was a little shy of four hours, but very pleasant, and picturesque, driving through the mountain area. We stopped on the way (to see a dumpster and eat Fig Newtons). Also, while in Asheville we went to a Theremin concert, which was fascinating, and very enjoyable.

Aquarium

While in Atlanta, we went to their aquarium, which is huge, and very lovely. My favorites were the Beluga whales. I always love the sea turtles too.

Tennessee Trip: The General

From April 21-30th I went down to Tennessee to visit my friend Ernest. The first place we went to was a museum outside of Atlanta, Georgia, which has the train, The General. There's quite an exciting story about it's being stolen during the Civil War, but I wanted to see it as it was the inspiration for Buster Keaton's film THE GENERAL.