Monday's Musings - Memphis Style

Well, today is a mighty big day here at our house.  Hubby is celebrating  his "3 score and 10" (as he likes to call it) birthday.  That is one of those birthday milestones for sure!

And, can I just say, nothing makes this Poppa any happier, birthday or otherwise, than to have these little darlings surrounding him.  I wish it were possible for him to have them all with him today but the miles do separate us from half of them, but it is what it is and we sure make the best of it.

Part of my gift to Tommy was a long weekend trip to Memphis to "do all things" Memphis.  We've been through Memphis many, many times but never took the time to stop and take in any of the sights.

We arrived on Thursday and met up with our dear friends, Dwight and Diane.  We had reservations at the new Guest House of Memphis.  It is across the street ofrom Graceland and Priscilla Presley built it as another way to memorialize Elvis.  It is decorated in pure Elvis fashion, everything just a bit "over the top."  There is a nice theater where they show Elvis movies most every night and Elvis music plays throughout the hotel.  And, of course, a gift shop that sells any and everything one could want concerning Elvis.  I am an Elvis fan for sure but I'm not likely going to buy any Elvis paraphernalia.  We went to see Love Me Tender in the theater on Thursday evening and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Elvis looked like he might have been 12 years old in the movie but he was really 19. 

Friday we headed out to tour Graceland and the many museums that display his cars, clothes and other interesting memorabilia.  

The gardens and burial site of Elvis and his parents was so impressive.  The house, Graceland, was fun to see, but it just wasn't near what I was expecting.  But, I have to remember that "back in the day" it was likely the "Taj Mahal." 

Indeed, Elvis was a most handsome man.  I so well remember the first time I saw him in concert in 1973.  A real heart throb for sure!

On Saturday we headed out to see and visit some of the sights of Memphis and ended up on Beale Street for the afternoon.  We walked up and down the street and then found a nice sidewalk cafe/bar where we could sit and enjoy all the street entertainment.  Let me assure you, there were some sights to behold.

There were carriage rides available and we decided that would be a fun way to spend some time and learn some about the history of the area.  We took an hour long ride and enjoyed it so much and definitely learned a lot that we would not otherwise know about the area.  

We ended the day by dining at B B Kings Blues Club.  It was probably the loudest place I have ever eaten in my life. ~no joke~  Between the band and all the folks making noise, I could  hardly even think straight but the food was d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s!  We started with the fried pickles and I could have easily made a meal off of those.  

After dinner we headed back to our hotel and enjoyed some nice piano music being played in the hotel lobby.  We visited a while and then bid each other adieu and after a good night's rest we headed towards home yesterday morning.  I think Tommy would say that it was a great way to celebrate and begin his birthday week.  We'll probably celebrate most of the week because "3 score and ten" is worthy of a week long celebration. ~don't you think~

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's another Wednesday which means another Hodgepodge.  I wish I knew how many of these I have participated in but I'm too lazy to go back and count.  But, it's a whole bunch and they have all been such fun and have been great exercise for my brain.

1. Setting aside the real March Madness (NCAA Basketball) describe something happening at your house this month that might earn the title 'March Madness'?
Well, I think a certain someone's 70th birthday might qualify.  I'll say more about this.....

2. What's a favorite made up word from your childhood or a favorite from your children's childhood? Does your family still use the word today? If there's a story behind the origin please share.
I have been using the made up word "skoochi" for most of my life.  I would say it to my parents when I wanted them to hold me tightly or snuggle me.  I still use it to this day.

3. Will you be doing any spring cleaning now that the season is upon us? I read here a list of 15 quick (under one hour) spring cleaning tasks. They were-

clean out a drawer, vacuum furniture, whiten tile grout, dust the nooks and crannies you don't get to year round, degrease kitchen cabinets, wipe down walls, go behind furniture, wipe down ceiling fans, vacuum the mattress, clean the range hood, wash baseboards, shine the stainless steel, clean out vents, tackle the windows, and wipe down gadgets

Of the fifteen 'quick' tasks listed which two most need doing at your house? Will you do them?
Most of this took place around here about 2 weeks ago.  Thankfully our house is still new enough that it hasn't been necessary to do some of these just yet.  And, doubtfully our cabinets will ever need degreasing as I fry absolutely nothing.  That's right, it smells up the house and makes a huge mess as far as I'm concerned.  There's too many other ways to prepare food. ~chuckle~

4. A favorite movie set in Paris or New York?
There are several set in NY that are favorites but the first one to come to mind was BIG  with Tom Hanks.

5. What's put a spring in your step this month?
The arrival of warmer weather and readying our porches and patio for spring and summer.  I love getting the ferns and other plants potted.  They make for such a warm and welcoming look!

6. Did you ever want to be a teacher? Why or why not?
No, can't say that I have.  I probably do not have the patience for teaching. ~wink~

7.  What's your favorite floral scent? Do you have this somewhere in your home or maybe in a perfume? How do you feel about florals in food? How about wines with floral notes-yay or nay?
It would definitely be lavender.  My Grandmother introduced me to Lavender when I was just a little girl and I've loved it ever since.  I have it in essential oil, in diffusers,lotion, soap and room spray.  I'm not much into florals in food but that may be just because I'm not that familiar with it.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yes, the man I have loved for most of my life and been married to for almost 47 years, will celebrate his 70th birthday this next Monday. (now, remember I married an older man) ~big chuckle~  I started thinking of what I could give him many months ago and decided that a trip to Memphis, TN with accomodations at The Guest House at Graceland would be something he would enjoy.  Hubby loves "fine" hotels and I hear that The Guest House is one of the finest.  Priscilla Presley built the hotel in memory of Elvis and it opened in Oct. of last year.  We have some dear friends that are going to meet us there and share in the celebration.  We will leave in the morning and be home later this weekend.  It's a short driving trip for us and Hubby likes that as well.  I'm sure I will have lots of pictures and fun stories to share next week.  Look out Memphis, here we come!