Brewfest in Franklin - St Patty's Day 2012

We arrived in Franklin about 5 p.m. on 3-17-12; it was St Patrick's Day, and Jim/Robin had purchased tickets for Brewfest. I went to listen to the music, look in the shops, eat some good food, and drive everyone that needs a ride home.

I turned my head to see this very large great dane coming toward me; the owner asked if it was ok for Clemetine to stop by and say hello, but she wasn't for sure if she could have stopped Clemetine from stopping by. That was ok; I like puppies, I bet he eats a lot. Clemintine was sporting a shamrock; she was ready for St. Patrick's Day!

Then it was on to Mellow Mushroom for food; it was so crowded in there, there was a 45 minute wait. We waited, the other restaurants probably had the same wait time. Note to self: get there early next year to eat!

We ordered drinks with the meat lovers pizza; the bread was awesome, but I wasn't crazy about the actual pie. Robin and Jim both said that their pizzas were usually much better; it might be the crowd, and the restaurant trying to get orders out quickly.

While Robin/Jim and Richard stood in line for beer samples, I would either take pictures or walk with them. There were many people dressed up; some people had green on, and some people

didn't.

There was music throughout the streets and restaurants!

So much art within the stores to look at; Robin and Jim purchased a blue, sea glass bracelet for me, and I picked up a couple of shell boxes. We also found a present for a baby shower at Robin's work; it was a homemade bib, receiving blanket, burping cloth with A,B,C blocks on it. So cute.

There was a painted piano; there's more to that story, the front page of a magazine was displayed next to this piano. Then these other pictures were taken through the windows of a few of the antique stores.

Brewfest and the St. Patrick's Day Festival in Franklin was fun, but let me give you a few highlights that are unforgetable.

1. Clemintine the Great Dane stopping by to say hello to me.
2. This really cute, muscular, Vanderbilt fan that was intoxicated, hugging me in the middle of a store. I didn't know him, and I couldn't get him to quit hugging me. Thank goodness his friend came back; he said that I didn't have any green pants, my friendly hugger had lost his. Then he stopped hugging, don't know if I was happy or sad.
3. It would rain, thunder, then stop and the sun would shine. A rainbow was above the buildings at the exact moment we needed to see one. We felt better about being there in that weather at that moment.
4. Spending St. Patrick's Day with my Sis and a few friends.

The festival was over at 9 p.m.; we left a little earlier, the attendees were getting a little drunk in the streets.

So I got the crew in Jim's car; we went for ice cream (Robin's idea) at ColdStone Creamery, and then I took Richard home before returning to the house.

Hawaiian Marketplace Vegas Strip

There are between 50,000 and 75,000 Hawaiians living in Las Vegas; Las Vegas is nicknamed “the ninth Hawaiian Island.”

The 80,000-square-foot, two-level Hawaiian Marketplace located on Las Vegas Boulevard just south of Harmon, is also a nostalgic reminder of how things used to be on the Strip before the megaresort was introduced.

King Kamehameha I, the ruler who unified the kingdom of Hawaii during his reign from 1795-1819, is respected on those islands and commemorated with a large, gold, robed statue in a few places. But in Las Vegas, along the Strip, the noble Hawaiian leader invites tourists to visit the shops and restaurants of the marketplace. "The great state of Hawaii has allowed this statue to be put here; it's a very rigorous process to get them to agree to it. If those folks don't believe in what you're doing, they're not going to do it. It was a tremendous honor."

The statue may be almost as large as the island versions, but is dwarfed by Vegas proportions.

Modeled after the International Marketplace in Honolulu, the outdoor shopping center near Polo Towers features island-style shopping; instead of the typical souvenir, gift shops or restaurants that tourists can only access by entering casinos, most retailers have kiosks or carts set up outside. People can walk through without having to venture far off their path.

What Las Vegas marketplace would be complete without entertainment? Visitors to the center will be awed by the authenticity of oversized animatronics birds that dance and sing Hawaiian songs, designed by a team whose clients include Universal Orlando.

The center also offers performances by hula and Tahitian dancers, and free lessons for those who want to learn to swing their hips like a hula girl.

For the pyromaniac in all of us, Samoan fire knife dancers will be juggling flaming cutlery. Hawaiian story-tellers and craft makers will share Hawaiian culture with visitors.

"There are so many Hawaiians that move to Las Vegas. Those people cannot go back to Hawaii often, so it’s like bringing Hawaii over to them."

Ringling Brothers Circus Nashville - January 27th, 2012

On July 16, 1956, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the financially troubled Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey gave its last performance under the big top. John Ringling North commented that "the tented circus as it exists today is, in my opinion, a thing of the past." LIFE magazine wrote that "a magical era had passed forever."Before long, though, the magic would return. Later that year, Irvin Feld would save Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey from oblivion by masterminding its transition from tents to arenas, his vision and creativity ushering in a new era of entertainment. Feld not only restored Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey to its former glory, but set the stage for The Greatest Show On Earth to reach new heights of excellence!

Don’t miss Fully ChargedSM, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® where megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize Children
of All Ages! I was able to see Fully ChargedSM in Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena on January 27, 2012 with my friend Brooke. It was electrifing.

The most electrifying edition ever of Ringling Bros.®celebrates performance power that boosts circus-goers excitement. The amazing acts, which can only be seen at The Greatest Show On Earth®, include Tabayara, a dynamic animal trainer whose rare ability to communicate with animals allows him to ride rearing stallions at a fully charged gallop and orchestratemajestic four-ton Asian Elephants in a symphony of dance. When he stands inside a cage, eye to eye with twelve ferocious tigers, Tabayara sees family where others see danger.

The Fearless Fernandez Brothers dial up the thrills as they perform daring feats of athleticism on the Twin Turbines of Steel, including, extreme jumps and twists inside the moving wheels! Audiences will crackle with excitement as they watch Guillermo perform a three hundred
sixty degree flying forward somersault, three stories in air, a feat so difficult it has only been attempted by one other person in the 141-year history of Ringling Bros.The Human Fuse, Brian Miser, sets the arena sky ablaze as he rockets through the air from his self-made human crossbow. Don’t blink as he flashes across the sky in less than a second, and travels 80 feet at 65 miles per hour.

Ever wonder how many clowns it takes to change a light bulb? The hilarious hoopla continues to flow as the clowns from the world-famous Ringling Bros.®clown-alley, charge-up the audiences’ funny bones with hysterical silly antics and clownish comedy.

Three rings were set up within the performing area; one ring had spotted horses, one ring had solid black and white horses, and the other ring had minature horses doing tricks.

You saw the performers walking and riding a bike on the high wire.

You also were fortunate to see someone blown out of a type of canon, dancers playing basketball, acrobats, log carriers, and we wouldn't want to forget the elephants.

You should experience this current of excitement at Ringling Bros. Fully Charged!

Before we left the Bridgestone Area; there were different booths that you could get your picture taken at. We chose to take a picture with the lions; that was one of our favorite parts of the show, you should have seen our faces when the photographer explained how to climb on the lion and how to lean.

Of course, the circus has a person in control. He keeps the acts going, and joins in on a few. This would be the "Ring Master", and I really liked this one.

Omni Hut - Owner Passes Away

Jim Walls: A Pearl Harbor veteran who later created one of Rutherford County's most popular restaurants has died.

Brooke and I saw the marquee, but didn't have have clue what had happened or who had passed away.

Jim gave State Rep. Mike Sparks his first job at the restaurant at the age of 13.-
“I remember him telling me that the banker he went to get a loan said he’d only be in business about three months,” Sparks said. “Maj. Walls was a visionary and he really walked to the beat of his own drum. He had a belief in himself that he could make (Omni Hut) successful.”

Omni Hut in Smyrna revives the Polynesianand Hawaiian vibe of the ‘60s tiki trend to great effect. Not just the amazing decor, with its South Sea carvings, real aquariums full of stunning fish and glowing, colorful net-weight lights, but the menu of real Polynesian treats is full of unique and unusal meal options.

Founded in 1960 by Major James Walls (U.S.A.F., retired), the restaurant is now run by his charming daughter Polly Walls-Balakhani, who greets guests dressed in a traditional floral mumu. Walls made a hobby of collecting recipes during his Air Force career, and when he settled here, he brought a love of Chinese cookery styles and used his recipe files to wow audiences. Omni Hut was actually only the second Asian-themed restaurant in Tennessee. The first, in Memphis, has since closed its doors, but Omni Hut still thrives, and the community fills its dining rooms five nights a week. There is no bar, but you can bring your own alcoholic beverage, and for a small fee they will arrange it in ice and glasses for you to drink

Brooke and I met to eat dinner here last Wednesday night after Brooke had her hair appointment; you know those gray hairs (just kidding). It had been a long day; we were both tired, and we overheard the hostess telling the table behind us about the visitation hours. When I was researching for this post, I found out that it was the owner who passed away.

Almost twenty years ago I had been in this same restaurant with my two sisters, and my sister's family. We had the egg drop soup with the Poo Poo platter. We had so much fun, and the food was amazing back then. I do have a souvenier from that day, my older sister was upset because she couldn't get a souvenier too.

Today: Brooke ordered the chicken and fried rice meal; I ordered chicken on a stick and egg rolls with shrimp and vegetables. In my opinion the chicken and egg rolls were a little bit off at this visit, but I'm sure the staff/family of Jim Wall's were mourning the loss of their friend/family member. I will say that the warm bread they brought out with butter was so amazingly delicious. I had to stop myself from eating a second piece.

This restaurant brings back some fond memories for me, new memories with a dear friend and under the circumstances, I will give it another try in the future. That Volcano dessert looked amazing, and it's brought out to you with a flame to look like a real volcano. WOW!!!

When we were settling up our tabs at the end of the meal, we were asked where we would have eaten if not here. Our response was "Cheddars or another restaurant on Sam Ridley, close to the interstate." The Omni Hut is farther from the interstate, it's a privately owned restaurant. I can imagine that it's hard to compete with these larger chain restaurants.

Thanks Brooke for meeting me to eat, and just doing something different. It helps to do something different; I wish "Omni Hut" the best of luck through lifes trying times, and my souvenier of this visit is pictures. My sister Wendy wouldn't be jealous this time, Enjoy!

Curious Heart Emporium - Great Place to Shop!

Curious Heart Emporium is truly an oasis of a gift shop, unique in every way. Everything about the store speaks of alternative and creative shopping. Filled with motivating and uplifting art and giftware, many customers often drop by just to cheer themselves. So much of the inventory changes so frequently, so each visit is sure to be a new experience every time. The shop is located in the eclectic Berry Hill district, in a charming yellow and green cottage, easily recognized by the colorful lawn art. The owner, Kathy Corley, has crammed every cranny of the store with merchandise­ from the exquisite, the whimsical and even the far-out whacky. Curious Heart Emporium has consistently been voted by the Nashville Scene Magazine Best of Poll, as the “Best Place to Find Something for Just About Anyone.” Kathy scours North America and sometimes even as far as Europe for unique and always new merchandise and artisan pieces. Every season has a reason at Curious Heart Emporium. The store features season specific items, from the ever evolving Christmas room that sparkles with our Krinkle ornament and gift line, and many other amazingly wondrous, sparkly things for the tree and the season, to our back patio that celebrates the spring and summer season of entertaining. The patio features pottery, wind chimes, fire pots and much more.No matter the type of gift you are looking for, they are sure to offer a unique and creative alternative.House warming, Baby gifts, Birthday, Anniversary, Holiday, and especially that “Just-for-fun” or “Just because” gift. Drop by soon for a few laughs, love, happiness and maybe even a wee bit of potty humor.

Fairy Sightings at Curious Heart At the wee small hours of the dawn a fairy size door magically appeared on the side tree at the Curious Heart lawn. Fairies are very industrious for in the blink of an eye they built a staircase and a bitty bit window close by.

Darcy's Donkey Lyrics - Some Bad Language Sorry

What's The Rumpus?
Release date: 7/8/2008
Track Listing: Darcy's Donkey

I came home late on a Sunday, and the house was a screaming zoo

I couldn’t tell if it was a party or a full on wrecking crew

there were barrels of Booze in my bathroom, Bodies all over my floor

they charging me a cover at my own front door!

When the whole thing’s over, there’s gonna be hell to pay,

But when its upside, downside, inside out, what else can you say?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Cad e an sceil a buachail? What’s the Rumpus?

A pack of Peruvian peddlers, were giving Guinness to their
llamas

One came out of my bedroom, wearing my best pajamas,

Half a dozen Hungarian dancers doing Hornpipes on the bar

Something running in the kitchen, It might have been my car

You know when the whole thing’s over, there’s gonna be hell to
pay,

But when its upside, downside inside out, what else can you say?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Cad e an sceil a buachail? What’s the Rumpus?

Walshie’s waltzing with a tree, pete and podge were on their
backs

Drunken Monkey's drinking draino and the guarda's in the jacks

people hanging out my windows, and bowling down my hall

Mad Music loud enough to shake the shingles off the wall.

You know when the whole thing’s over, there’s gonna be hell to
pay,

But when its upside, downside inside out, what else can you say?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Hey Pah da-da-da-da yah hah hey What’s the Rumpus ?

Cad e an sceil a buachail? What’s the Rumpus?

(Dm) A hundred days at sea, A retch
away from misery

(G) Rummies and rats and tarry jacks my only family (break)

The island of salvation Is still a scream a way

As the lungs of the night Blow out the light my heart kneels Down to pray

(strait into chorus)

Lord why did you take her She meant so much to me

Now I’m a wretched soul on a privateer Drowning out at sea

I’m killing and I’m drinking My blue heart to black

But I swear oh lord I’ll never sin again If you bring her back

Gypsy was a siren, Dripping with desire

Her moonless hair and skin so fair as warm as frozen fire

She had the loyalty of a cat, behind those pale green eyes

through her cherry lips, the devil slipped, a thousand lies

A clan of rogues and vagabonds, occupied her head

That thieving band took her pale white hand and stole her from my bed

And like a ghost ship in the night, She drifted out once more

To land upon the sand of another lover’s shore

Lord why did you take her She meant so
much to me

Now I’m a wretched soul on a privateer Drowning out at sea

I’m killing and I’m drinking My blue heart to black

But I swear oh lord I’ll never sin again If you bring her back

In my sleeping mind she sings a sad
and lonely lullabye

When I wake there’s just the ache it will haunt me till I die

When those winds of vanity no longer blow her west

I pray they’ll guide her home (across the foam) and put my heart to rest

Press gang filled this Man-o-War To make the black mouthed cannon roar

Now all my trade is ball and blade, and blood forever more

And the sting of salt and spray, the ocean’s howl and squall

A stumbling wreck, I roam the deck, at the devil’s beck and call at the
devil’s beck and call

Lord why did you take her She meant so
much to me

Now I’m a wretched soul on a privateer Drowning out at sea

I’m killing and I’m drinking My blue heart to black

But I swear oh lord I’ll never sin again If you bring her back

Twas up the Bluestack
mountains, D’arcy kept a bit of a still

We were sneaking home a bottle, when the guards came up the hill

“Lose the booze” cried D’arcy! And before we could reply,

He’d poured it in the nosebag of his donkey standing by.

The donkey had a ganky leg, and only one good eye.

When he got a lick of the whiskey, well you’d swear that he could fly

He rocketed through the roundabout, and down by jamsie’s bar,

Then he vaulted through the hedges at the track at ballintra

Here’s to you, to me
and one and all

To the garda, and the gargle, and the trophy on the wall

Here’s to you, to me and one and all

the day that D’arcy’s drunken donkey won the race at Donegal

The gardai chased the
donkey, and we followed in pursuit,

For fear they’d spill the whiskey, we begged them not to shoot

We barreled through the turnstiles we got there just in time,

To place our bets before the lot of ‘em reached the starting line.

The flag was up the race was on, the donkey looked behind

He saw the guards were after him but sure he didn’t mind

He had himself another sip and a second one as well,

Then bucked and kicked and knocked the competition all to hell.

Here’s to you, to me
and one and all

To the garda, and the gargle, and the trophy on the wall

Here’s to you, to me and one and all

the day that D’arcy’s drunken donkey won the race at Donegal

The donkey past the
post about a lap or two ahead

He finished off the whiskey and then toppled over dead

We went to check the bets and found when everything was done

the garda came in second and paid 35 to one!

So we dragged the donkey’s carcass down to jamesies for a pint

To drink up all our winnings, and to celebrate the night

We missed the poor old Donkey, but still we had to laugh

When Jamesie made a trophy of the Donkey’s better half

So raise a beer in the
air, to that famous derriere

Everybody raise a glass to D’arcy’s ass! D’arcy’s ass!

CHORUS

Nicole's 30th Birthday

30th Birthday Poem

Another decade has gone by
Time is starting to seem to fly
Now with 20’s being gone for good
More to take care of than I should

What’s next but middle age?
The story written page by page
It only gets better from here
There's nothing left of life to fear.

Ashleigh and I had talked about decorating Nicole's office in skulls, but then time got away. Then we got busy and stressed. I did tell Nicole that I would do the skull theme for her next big "O" birthday, and I'm keeping my word.

Paulette and I was at Walmart; we picked up a few things. Then decorated her office in black and silver with some streamers coming down from the ceiling. She's off on her birthday; I sure hope she enjoys her day, and has a GREAT birthday.

Happy 30th Birthday Nicole!

30th is not bad, you just get even better!




PS: Marsha did it!

Findley's Irish Pub

Within the Opryland Resort and Convention Center, you can find solace in the cozy confines of Findley's Irish Pub, a neighborhood-like tavern serving up appetizing pub food and cold beer. The ambiance pays homage to the Irish tradition with a warm space that beckons weary conventioneers and thirsty locals alike, though it's not exactly the real thing. While waiting for the froth on your Guinness to settle, be sure to make a request to the numerous acoustic and Celtic bands that play live music in the evenings.

Alycia and I went to Findley's to grab a drink before calling it a night last Saturday night; we had just finished walking through the Delta, Cascades and Conservatory in the atrium of the hotel. I ordered a strawberry daquari and Alycia ordered an old fashion. Boy they were strong; the bartender told us that she made them as strong as possible since they were so expensive. Expensive was correct; these two drinks were $27.56.

Last call was made, and we paid up, and started back to the car. Findley's would be closed the preceding two days for low occupancy.

When the Excalibur Hotel and Casino was opened in 1990, it was the largest hotel in the world. With over 4000 rooms in themed buildings on a property sprawling out over 70 acres, one can see why it got the distinction at the time. Built at a time when themes hotels were all the rage, the Excalibur's facade is like a picture from one of Walt Disney's sketch books. There is a castle with five multicolored turrets, bounded on each side by stylized high-rise hotel blocks. When the turrets were built, a wizard was set leaning out one of the windows (it was removed in 2007).

The Moat once featured an animatronics show which featured a fire-breathing dragon and a
Merlin. The show was shut down sometime in 2001; since then, the dragon has been removed, while Merlin's house remains. Recently, the moat was drained; rendering some of the tracks and parts from the original attraction visible, leading to speculation that said original version may return or be replaced by a newer attraction.

At the time of the grand opening, the hotel was filled with fun medieval themed decor, from larger than life statues to majestic backgrounds painted on walls. The idea was to include a family fun environment along with the casino experience. The casino began with 100,000 square feet of gaming area, later expanding another 50,000 square feet.

There are over 1700 slot machines in and around the numerous table games. One thing every casino does not want to do is pay out the big jackpot win that every gambler is seeking. On March 21, 2003, a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles won $39,713,982.25 after putting in $100 in the Megabucks slot machine at the Hotel. This was the largest slot machine win that Vegas records list being without some mega winnings.

1.2 million, the number of alcoholic beverages served each month to guests at the Excalibur
hotel-casino.

The Excalibur is probably most famous for its dinner theater 'Tournament of Kings', in which a medieval jousting tournament takes place live in front of the diners. Twelve breeds of horses and
32 cast members act out a genuine jousting competition, complete with serfs and wenches. Dinner is served without the modern luxuries of utensils and niceties.

A more recent addition to the Excalibur is 'Dick's Last Resort Restaurant'. The theme here is not medieval but wacky and obnoxious. Large bibs are handed out, napkins are thrown at the customer and paper hats are expected to be worn. Servers are trained to be familiar and even obnoxious towards guests - all as part of the 'fun'.

Circus Circus Enterprises built the Excalibur but MGM Resorts has owned it since 2005. Since then, the medieval theme has been toned down quite a bit. The murals remain, but the statues and scenery have been removed in order to update and modernize the attraction. All of the 4000 rooms are being updated to include more understated decor, new furniture and plasma televisions. According to Wikipedia as of 2009, the Excalibur is now the seventh largest hotel in the world and the fifth largest in Las Vegas.

The Excalibur Hotel does have reports of ghosts – Whispers, shivers, words without meaning… Walking down the hallway on the 10th floor you feel as though someone is directly behind you, hovering over your back, and then you hear a whisper, directly in your ear as if their lips were only an inch away. Don’t worry… nobody is there. Just the AC or maybe King Arthur is looking for his magical sword.

Fun Facts:

*The hotel was featured in the South Park episode "It Hits the Fan".
*In the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, a hotel resembling the Excalibur made an appearance.
*In the video game Driver, Excalibur is featured in the "Las Vegas" portion of the driving/gaming mode.
*In a special Las Vegas edition of the TV show Fear Factor, The Excalibur casino was the setting for one of the stunts.
*The hotel was featured in season six of Top Chef, when Jennifer used it for inspiration of her next meal.

Kardashian Khaos Vegas

Kourtney Kardashian - Keeping up with the Khaos

Kourtney talked with Kiko Miyasato from the Las Vegas Magazine's about the family's newest venture, the new boutique Kardashian Khaos at The Mirage.

Q: Why open up Kardashian Khaos in Las Vegas?

A: There are so many people that travel in and out of Vegas: it's such a huge city. It just made sense to open our store here. Actually, we always wanted to do it differently this time instead of our Dash stores. This store is unlike any other of our stores.

Q: How is it different?

A: It's the first store of its kind. It's a celebrity lifestyle boutique. And all the products are ones that we own or represent, market and endorse, but we've also designed one-of-a kind items that will only be in this store.

Q: What are some of those one-of-a kind items?

A: We have beach towels with a full body image of us in bikinis. We did private label makeup with Stila-it has little images of us on it, they're little cartoons. They are really cute!

Q: Are there any particular pieces that are unique to Kardashian Khaos?

A: We're also going to have items that are one-of-a kind and we're going to rotate them. I just donated a dress to the store; it's a red carpet dress that I've only wore once. There'll be a Kim piece, a Kloe piece, a Kourtney piece, and I'm sure my mom will put one in there too...That will be really fun and different.

Kardashian Khaos opened in Las Vegas within The Mirage shops on December 16, 2011. I got to visit their store in Las Vegas just a few days after it opened. You were not allowed to take any pictures within this store, only outside in the hall.

There were some unique items; I bought Debbie a fan with Kim's face on it, and some guitar pics. Debbie's favorite Kardashian is Kim; my favorite Kardashian is Kloe, but we both enjoy watching their reality shows.