Tate House

 

On Sunday, December 11, David, Penny, Linda, Jimmy, Alan, and I had a day together. We first went to the Tate House.

Here we are gathered by the tree in the room where we ate lunch. After lunch, we went up to the enclosed patio. The owner told some of the history of the Tate House. When she mentioned Sam's younger, flaky sister Flora lived at Piedmont Hospital, Linda was able to share that she remembered seeing Ms. Tate and her old nurse walking the halls at Piedmont!

Alan joining the carolers. There are 15 trees in the house and various dolls. There are sooooooo many decorations! It is just beautiful.

This young 96 year old is the matriarch of the family of the current owners.

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Black and gold were the colors of Sam Tate's bedroom.

A few days ago, the temperatures were in the 20s.

It was cold outside, but not too cold to keep us from wandering around.

Had to do one selfie. 

The fountain frogs reminded me of the ones that we saw in Quebec in front of the Parliament Building.

Across the street - cows in the field and mountains in the background.

Alan being goofy.

We ended our day together by going to the Christmas Concert at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. It was wonderful as always.

Amanda's Pinning Ceremony/Graduation

December 8, 2016

We (Alan, Austin, Alex, and I) attended Amanda's pinning ceremony this afternoon at Clayton State University. Because it was a smaller group, it was more individualized. Every student was recognized. We are very proud of our smart girl.

Then we ate at OK Cafe!

Tate House with Amanda

Amanda and I went to the Tate House for a Christmas lunch/tour for quality girl time. We were at the very first lunch of the year. We arrived early and walked around the outside first. Here we are in the outdoor pavilion. It will be enclosed in glass next year. 

We peeked in and saw them setting up. Wow. It is beautiful.

Here we are at the back of the house taking a selfie with the sun in our eyes!

Inside - ready for lunch.

There were lots of little desserts to choose from. We both had eggnog shots and creme brulee.

The peacock ornaments were in the Jewel Room - the guest room. Sam Tate would hide pieces of jewelry in this room for his sister to find. I never had a brother like that!

Amanda on the winding stairway.

Thanksgiving

The whole gang is here! It has been a while since everyone has been able to attend a function at one time. There were 29 of us today - plus the newest member of the Stoves family - Timber. He's adorable. Other tidbits:

• We had new "official" members of the family join us. Beau, Jason, Ron, and Trace!
• Austin was late because he was saving his girlfriend's apartment from a potential flood. He's a hero.
• The weather has been unseasonably warm and we are in a drought, but that made for a great day. Highs in the 70s and no rain. 
• Rylie escaped, fought with a cat, disturbed the neighbors, was captured by Amanda and brought home.
• Kelsey shared wedding and honeymoon photos. So gorgeous. I think we all want to go to Hawaii now.
• She also shared old family photos and Linda was the historian of who was who.
• Firetrucks and other emergency vehicles went to the Scotts' house. Amanda and I had a better view from the Zinsenheims' sun room. 

Rylie's head is bigger than all of Timber.

Look closely - Brian left a cup in the lampshade. I can't wait to go to his house and leave objects in random places!

Mallory - neighbor/Zinsenheim cousin - came over to meet Timber.

Madison and Shelby's roommate's puppy also met Timber.

Nashville

Alan and I worked Mon. and Tues. and then headed to Nashville to meet Sara Lee and Kevin. We had a great time! 

Sara and Kevin - Let's do this again!

Tuesday evening - At the Opryland Hotel. It is beautiful inside.

Sara and Kevin in front of the waterfall.

Wednesday - The 50th CMA Awards. We didn't get tickets. Too expensive.

We did see Carrie Underwood walk in. We also saw Stevi Nicks, Clint Black, and Charlie Daniels enter.

Since we didn't get in, we went to the Wildhorse Saloon to watch the awards on the big screen. Granger Smith was playing afterwards, but he was too slow and we left before he started.

On Thursday - We played tourist and visited the Hermitage - home of Andrew Jackson. This is the garden area. 

The burial site of Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel in the garden area.

The back of the Hermitage. 

Tourist photo op

After lunch at Chuy's Tex Mex, we continued to play tourist by visiting the Grand Ole Opry. 

Thursday evening - We went to Broadway Street downtown and listened to music. This was our first stop. She was really good.

On Friday - We continued to play tourist and visited Fontanel Mansion - Barbara Mandrell's former home - The largest log home in the U.S. There is an indoor pool under the glassed area.

Alan and I in the master bedroom.

Alan trying on Kenny Chesney's jacket.

Playing Jerry Lee Lewis's piano in the Great Room.

Playing Buck Owen's guitar.

I have Miranda Lambert's guitar. 

We ate lunch at the Merchant's Restaurant on Broadway and then walked over to the Ryman Theater for a tour. It was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.

We stood in line at the Blue Bird Cafe, but it didn't look like we would get in. Alan called the Ryman, which was sold out earlier, to see if there had been any cancellations. Six seats were now available. We debated about going. Thankfully, Sara Lee said "get the tickets". We saw Jamie Spears, Jamie Johnson and Allison Krause, Kristian Bush, AND surprise guests - Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood!!! Fabulous!

Saturday was our last day. We ate at Pharmacy Burger and then headed back to Broadway. A lot of motorcycles came down the street - including one with Santa.

And then it was time for our Redneck Comedy Tour. This was our last event before heading home.

And we made it back to Rylie. She missed us.