Cheesecake Factory

An awesome friend of mine, gave me a gift certificate to "The Cheesecake Factory" for my birthday. I actually got to go last night, and enjoy a meal there. Then for dessert I had the "Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake"; the waitress told me it was her favorite out of the 72 flavors, and to let her know my opinion after the first bite. It was amazingly delicious; cream cheese icing on top with a layer of red velvet cake, then a layer of the cheesecake, and then another layer of red velvet cake. If you like red velvet cake and cheesecake, you've got to try it!

THANKS FOR MY GIFT CARD!

ABC Extreme Makeover Home Edition Rebuild

During the devastating flooding in Nashville, "The Lighthouse School" had one of its buildings float a quarter of a mile away to the interstate. Last Sunday the "ABC Extreme Makeover Home Edition" rebuilt their preschool on higher ground.

The school is close to where Paulette and I were having lunch today. So, I persuaded her to go take a look. The words below are so inspirational on the part they called the beaker at the front of the building.







We've come a long way since the flood, and thank you to "ABC Extreme Makeover" for helping Nashville with this school!

Eurica and Chris's Baby Shower

Saturday I rode with Paulette to Eurica's baby shower in Providence; she recieved some amazing gifts, and it was a very nice shower.

Eurica is unwrapping the present from work below; it's a portable baby crib, Robin and I got her a rattle, teddy bear, and picture frame.

We unscrambled words, answered a question with a question, and played the clothes pin game. Then we closed our eyes, drawed a picture of what Eurica's baby would look like, and the worst pictures won a prize. Paulette won second prize; her's looked like an alien.

I didn't get a picture of the cake; it was so adorable, Nicole did a great job. There was crab salad, grilled wings, macroni salad, spinach dip with chips, candy and punch with fruit. I must ask Eurica who made the crab salad; it was so good.

Eurica is due on December 24th; Chris and Eurica are going to name their little girl Chelsey Elise. Did you know some people like to keep their baby's name a secret until they are born?

Christmas Village - 50th Anniversary

Friday night Robin picked me up from work, and we went to Christmas Village. My friend Kathy helps coordinate this event for charity with her sorority sisters of Pi Beta Phi. I always look forward to going; this year was no exception.

This year is the 50th anniversary and the last year that "Christmas Village" will be held at the Fairgrounds.

Miss Tennessee and me!

You were able to walk and actually look around at 4 p.m.; later on around 6 p.m. it had picked up, and people were everywhere.


We left Christmas Village around 7:30 p.m.; I knew that all the restaurants in Nashville would be busy, so I talked Robin into driving to Lebanon. We thought we would stop by Lady Godiva's, but it's actually The Bull & Whistle now. They were having a Cherry Limeade contest.

Why do I like contests?

I had a wonderful time shopping at Christmas Village, driving to Lebanon, spending time with my sis, and eating at The Bull & Whistle. If you are ever there, try the Chicken Camden (grilled chicken, sauteed mushrooms, cheese, tomatoes and green onions). It was completely delicious.

Team Bret - Life Rocks, Let's Walk

The American Diabetes Association's StepOut Walk to Fight Diabetes at Centennial Park was over the weekend. Bret Michaels was on all the badges; you could even text a number to get a special "Thank You" from him.

Robin and I walked for myself and our friend Travis; Travis has been our Internist for many years, and he also has diabetes. It does help to have someone that knows what you're going through and how difficult diabetes can be. Check out Dr. Pardue's website at http://pardue.vpweb.com/.




There was a "Hero's of Hope" display; my friend Brooke's Dad passed away in April, and she was able to display a picture. His name was Richard Parker; he had juvenile diabetes, and he was diagnosed at age 9. He lost his battle at age 59. We miss You!

FRIENDS AT THE WALK



Me and Harjin

"Harjin is the sweetest person."

Brooke and Me

Brooke and Robin

Edie and Robin

OTHER WALKERS

THE FINISH LINE - YEAH!




Robin, Brooke and Me

"Three Sisters Fighting to Stop Diabetes"

Did you know that one out of three children will have diabetes? Did you know there are diabetes dentists? I didn't, and I learned that there is so much more information out there to learn.

2010 STOP DIABETES

Joe's Crab House

Shark Bite - I had to drink 2!

Robin did 2 for 1!

Sunset Steam Bowl - Shrimp, Crab Legs, Sausage, Red Skined Potatoes and Corn on the Cob. This was an amazing meal!

We even wore our bibs.

"Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Shadow Puppet Show

At the Wishing Chair puppet theater in the downtown library, they were showing the “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” over the weekend. It's based on the story by Washington Irving. At one point these creatures walk through the crowd; a few of the children were scared, and I even jumped a little. The actors, puppets were so amazing, I even want to read "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" again now!

I had never been to the downtown library; it was originally a shopping mall, and that's the last time I had been there. They did such a GREAT job renovating the mall into this library. The Wishing Chair puppet theater looked like a lodge with the big logs.


Cinderella returns in November; I'm up for another puppet show! I think my inner child is coming out.

El Dia de los Muertos at Cheekwood 10-30

I celebrated El Día de los Muertos on Saturday with Brooke, Scott, Robin, and Jackie. It’s a Latin American holiday that brings the traditions of Mexico to Nashville. Traditional music and dance, vibrant art activities and authentic Mexican food were all around Cheekwood, and we even got to see the Chihuly sculptures. Robin and Scott had not seen them yet.

TAPETES

MARIACHI BAND

VENDORS

AREN'T THESE ADORABLE?

Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)

Legend has it that no one shed more tears than the biblical Job, and this is the name by which it is most widely known. Job's Tears are probably the oldest bead known. It is not clear where these plants were first domesticated, but it is definitely one of the oldest crops, along with beans, corn and rice. Job's Tears are a member of the grass family, more specifically; they are a very close relative to corn. As a matter of fact, in some parts of the world, it is also called "Mother of Corn."

What makes this plant Nature's gift to beaders and crafters is the fact that the male flower grows up through the center of the seed and grows above the seed. This plant grows a polished, drilled bead that makes wonderful jewelry, rosaries and accents. It's very light weight too.

I purchased a bracelet from Paula Geist (Rosaries Made With Care) at a craft fair, and I was so intrigued by the bead story I had to share it with you. A picture of my bracelet is below.

Marshmallow Man - Hugs for Haiti

Saturday there was a craft fair at St. Joseph's; Marshmallow (That's how they spelled it.) Man was giving hugs for a $1, and it was for Haiti. Robin and I could not resist.

Community Yard Sales 101

Robin and I woke up and left the house at 7:00 a.m. Saturday, ate breakfast, and proceeded on our journey to our passion of going to yard sales. Community Yard Sales are usually the best.

The first sale was in a really nice neighborhood, and there's usually only one or two yard sales during their Community Yard Sale weekend. They surprised us this year with five; we found picture frames and an electric wine bottle opener that even works on synthetic corks. The box had never been opened, and it was only $5.

One of my favorite people lives on Stuart's Ferry Pike; while I was making my weekly drive, I came across this neighborhood yard sale. It was huge! There were at least 15 yard sales in this subdivision; we found clothes, CDs, jewelry, and we even got to pet several puppies. GREAT FIND!

Then we went to the neighborhood closest to our house; it didn't have as many yard sales as last year. We probably went to seven yard sales, and found a few odds and ends.

After these yard sales, we went to Belt Buckle to their craft fair. The weather was warm enough for short sleeves and Capri pants. So nice to walk around; needless to say, I was not able to walk on Sunday.

Funny Story - First Halloween Prank

I arrived at the office this morning to notice that my desk was not how I left it last night, but I didn't think anything of it. Started moving things around; opened up a drink cozy that I had on my desk, and a pumpkin started screaming. I jumped, Kathy ran over to see what was going on.

That was a good one Margee!

Germantown Oktoberfest 2010 - October 9 Nashville

Saturday was a beautiful day for Oktoberfest; we walked, and walked and walked.

A beautiful old church is located in Germantown, and they were trying to raise
funds for their church.

The Cardinal Stritch historical sign and Holy Family sculpture at the church.

German Police Car

Robin and I sat for a caricature; Mr. Hidgon was really good!


When the crowds started moving in, we decided to drive to Rivergate and eat at Calhoun's. They have the best chicken; it even tastes like chicken.



Then the call from my Aunt, my Mom had fallen and broke her hip. They replaced the ball on the top of the hip Saturday evening, and she seems to be doing really well. Recovery and physical therapy here we come, again!