Back to The Big Easy

Sunday, March 9 - It was warm enough to hang out on the patio in shorts today and let that yellow sun hit these white, white legs!!  Come on, summer!  We're ready!! 

Wednesday, March 12 - We were back out enjoying the unusually warm weather on the patio this afternoon with our "Appy Hour" snack assortment that became our full dinner.  It's a quarterly service Ashlee signed up for to get tasty charcutier items shipped right to our door.  Cheers! 

Saturday, March 22- We headed down to Chattanooga today to celebrate both our niece and nephew's upcoming birthdays.  We met our niece, Ella, Paige and Mollie at Big Bad Breakfast downtown and had an excellent brunch.  We then took Sunny over to the Play, Wash, Pint dog park next and enjoyed the warm sunshine and a few libations while we there.  Our nephew, Matt, joined us there and then we all went over to Clyde's on Main (photo above) for some appetizers and catching up.  

Wednesday, March 26 - We headed over to The Belcourt Theaters tonight to see a free early showing of the new independent comedy film, The Ballad of Wallis Island.  There was also a Q and A after the film with two of the stars and writers of the film, Tom Basden and Tim Key.  The film was very funny and touching as well, and we both really enjoyed it!  Tom and Tim were excellent in it as well as was their co-star with a little more fame, the lovely and talented Carey Mulligan.  The event was also hosted by one of my favorite local podcasters, Movie Mike Deestro. 

Thursday, March 27 - We flew to New Orleans after work today to meet up with our friends, Toney and Lisa, who were taking the train down from Birmingham (which we talked them into do and then wound up flying instead - oops! - but they had company with Lisa's cousin, Doug and his wife, Dana, coming along as well).  I found a decent 3-bedroom AirBnb for all of us just a few blocks off Bourbon Street.  Since we beat the others down here by a couple hours, we went and had dinner and libations nearby at the Habana Outpost (photo above) that was pretty good.  Set up in a old gas station, their Cuban fare was pretty tasty including the street corn.  Note that the big fleur de leu sign on the right has an ear of corn in it (lol). 

After the others arrived, we walked on over to Bourbon Street and stopped at the first bar whose name we liked - Cat's Meow.  The drinks were overpriced, and the place was loud, but, hey, it's Bourbon Street.  Actually, the area seemed a little subdued in comparison to other times we've visited here.  We would up in the beautiful Carousel Bar and Lounge in the historic Monteleone Hotel.  The place was packed, but we found seating in the lounge and enjoyed some drinks and some great live music. 

Friday, March 28 - This was our first time staying in an AirBnb in New Orleans, but it fit our needs with 6 people traveling together.  It was nothing fancy.  Just an old historic home in the historic district of Treme'.  We were warned twice not to walk in the area at night due to recent muggings, so we took Ubers a lot. 

The only thing we had scheduled today was an afternoon food tour.  So, this morning we ambled around Jackson Square and took a look inside the famous St. Louis Cathedral.  This reverse panoramic shot gives you a good look at the exceptionally beautiful interior. 

It was good to be back walking the quirky streets of New Orleans.  So unique.  So historic.  So much character.   

We strolled the huge French Market on our way to somewhere I wanted to go, Brieux Carre Brewing Company.  We had some great early afternoon libations and some tasty finger foods in case the upcoming food tour wasn't really filling - which it may not be based on the low price.  

Our New Orleans Walking Food Tour that I booked us off of Viator.com was simply fantastic!  What a bargain.  Granted, we didn't get a lot of food, but what we did get was outstanding!!  And our tour guide, Mr. Wonderful (hey, that's what his shirt read), was local and really knowledgeable.  Our first stop was Oceana for some great seafood gumbo.  Our next stop brought us back onto Bourbon Street in the stark light of day with stops at Mambo's for some excellent jambalaya; and then NOLA for some tasty shrimp etouffee.  Our last stop was the historic (established in 1913) Laura's Candies for some decadent pralines.  It was a perfect little affordable tour and since our four companions had never been here before, it was also a great introduction to the amazing food options here in The Big Easy.  

Our guide recommended our next stop after the tour, The Spotted Cat Music Club where there was some great live jazz being played and a nice beer garden out back to take a break in.   We closed out the day back at the Airbnb, where we decided to order in for dinner from Gus's Famous Fried Chicken which was great and watch some college hoops including a nice win for UT.  

Saturday, March 29 - We had another full day in NOLA today with a VIP Small boat (no kids) Swamp Tour set for later in the day.  We started the day with a walk to the outstanding Ayo Bakehouse for breakfast.  The place was packed with a line around the corner by the time we left.   Not surprising, since everything we ordered was delicious. 

With some time to kill before our tour, we decided to Uber over to St. Louis Cemetary # 3 for a look around this amazing, historic place.  This was another suggestion from our food guide and it was spot on.  You could walk around freely here among the crypts and tombstones sitting just above sea level.  

We probably didn't give the sprawling World War II Museum enough time, but we squeezed in what we could including taking in both films being shown.  This was a repeat visit for me and Ashlee again, but we didn't mind since it's such an inspiring and well-down memorial to an amazing time in U.S. and world history.  

One of the saints was looking for us for sure while in NOLA this trip.  With forecasts of heavy rain every day and the most possible all day today, we somehow dodged all of it and got all of our activities in without a drop of rain on us.  Amazing!!   The map above shows where we traveled to by luxury motorcoach to catch our swamp tour with Cajun Encounters while it rained seemingly all around us.   

At around 6' in length, this one was estimated to be about 30 years old.  Our VIP swamp tour by boat was awesome!  No kids on our boat and only one other young couple with us.  Our guide again was a no-nonsense local who gave us great insight and information.  And, yes, the gators, several of them, were this close at times.  We also saw a huge wild boar, several friendly raccoons, and lots of waterfowl.

No roads, no problem. We motored out on the West Pearl River and into some backwater swamps that were teeming with life.  The water was flowing, so no smelly areas either.  The area is part of the National Wildlife Refuge, so it was clean and quiet as well.  

Mudbuggin'!! That's Cap'n Zander behind us.  He was a hoot and real local of the area.  I was proud of Ashlee for wanting to hold one of the little crayfish from a trap the captain retrieved.  Mine was a bit bigger and give me a good pinch, but it's all good in love and mudbuggin'!!  

There was also a movie star swamp tree - this one was featured in the 2009 Disney film, The Princess and the Frog.

How come these guys look cuter than the ones rummaging around in our garage sometimes? 

Sunday, March 30 - We said goodbye today to our temporary home in The Treme' located on historic Kelerec Street.  It's been a quick but fun trip back to The Big Easy.   

We had a nice time-killer for lunch and libations at Port Orleans Brewing on the way back to the airport.  Our flight was quick and on time and we were home before dark.  Thanks again, NOLA!! 

A New Year and the Winter of our Discontent

 

Year of "the snake" indeed - God help us all..

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Happy New Year!! (we hope).  We met our friend, Nate, today, down at East Nashville Beer Works - Wilson County for some "Noon Year's Day" brunch breakfast pizza and libations to start off the new year the right way.  

Thursday, January 2 - Well, the 2024 Collage turned out pretty nice despite it being a tough year with the unexpected loss of our sweet baby boy, Byron, and also, Andrew, the husband of our friend, Emily.  We honored both in our own small way and will try and focus more on the fun and joy we had this year with hopes 2025 will be better despite what's already coming up against us.

Tuesday, January 7 - After seeing it win a Golden Globe for best animated feature the other night, we decided that we just had to see, Flow, on the big screen and the only place showing it was The Belcourt Theaters which is fine since I just bought a membership there that gives us a slight discount.  Plus, the fact that it basically stars our cat, Letty, and a young version of our dog, Sunny.  How could we not go see it??  The incredible film with no dialogue was delightful and well worth the effort to go see in Nashville on a chilly weeknight. 
Beforehand, we had a tasty dinner of chicken lettuce wraps at The Cheesecake Factory in Green Hills.  

(Editor's Note:  Flow went on to win The Oscar for Best Animated Feature also!) 

Friday, January 9 - This "snow clawhammer" coming from the southwest really nailed us but good today with about 3" to 4" of the "devil's dandruff" (credit to SNL for that one).

Who says keeping your Christmas tree up into January doesn't pay off!!  Nice shot, Ashlee! 

 

The pool's ready for a good slip-n-freeze!! 

Tuesday, January 15 - We finally got back to the Cumberland U Cafeteria for dinner tonight.  It was taco night, and it was pretty good!   Winter break was too long!! 

Saturday, January 18 - We had a nice lakeside lunch today at the house where I am dog-sitting again this weekend.  Lunch was subs from the always-great Jersey Mike's and the space heaters help cut the winter chill even though it was actually rather mild today compared to our last week, and what's coming again tomorrow with another artic blast.  

Thursday, January 23 - We love bingo, but, man, do we stink at it.  We played 5 games tonight with no luck.  We even had a bingo only to lose it in a tiebreaker.  But, we still had fun at Cedar City Brewing tonight with some good food, some good brews and a very short drive home.  That's hard to beat and not say BINGO!! 

Saturday, January 25 - I was in Gallatin this afternoon for a pet-sitting meet and greet, so we decided to get a pie for dinner from the awesome Prince Street Pizza.  I did my best to get it home in 30 minutes! 

2/2- I entered the Nashville Charity Poker Challenge at Fat Bottom Brewing today for four good reasons:  First, it's a poker tournament!  Second, it's held at a brewery!  Third, it's for a good cause!! And, last, the tournament director was none other than our friend and Poker Barn host, Zack.  You could choose the charity you played for, so I represented our own beloved Mighty Miracles Kitten Rescue of course.  We hung out at the brewery beforehand and during a break in the tournament with some free pizza that was delicious. 

Big check time!! I got second place in the tournament vs. 70 other people and lots of rebuys.  I even knocked out the mayor of Nashville (and defending champion of this tournament), Freddie O'Connell.   That's $3,500+ for the kitties!!! 

Monday, February 3 - We enjoyed some super mild weather today for early February (the fire still felt pretty good) sitting outside at East Nashville Beer Works off Hwy. 109 here in Wilson County along with our friends, Curtis and Kate, a couple of their co-workers, and the always-chummy, Sunny.  We had some libations and an excellent order of beer-cheese nachos for dinner.  

Friday, February 14 - Happy Valentine's Day!! We had dinner tonight at the BrickTops/River House restaurant in Nashville with our friends, Curtis and Kate, before attending the Broadway musical, "And Juliet" at TPAC.   The food was fantastic, the ambiance was great, and it was very reasonable in price.  The show was a ton of fun and Ashlee got great seats just seven or eight row from stage.  The 4 cats and Sunny also "chipped  in" two roses each along with me for a dozen red beauties for our favorite gal.  In return, Ashlee and the pet gang got me a bag full of sweet yummies. 

Monday, February 17 - We enjoyed some beer and pizza this later afternoon/evening outside with Sunny at East Nashville Beer Works - Wilson County.  This place is definitely becoming a regular hangout for us.  

We closed out February and most of March living sort of separate lives with a lot of individual events taking place like: 

.........................Ashlee on a girls' cruise-------

--------------------Ashlee work travel--------------- 

-------------------Rob pet-sitting gigs--------------

------------------Rob work travel-----------------

Closing out a tough-at-times 2024 and heading toward 2025 with dread and anxiety

We closed out a somewhat rough 2024 with the unexpected loss of our young, beautiful boy cat, Byron; and then, Andrew, the husband of our friend, Emily; and now moving on with dread as another term under "that idiot" as the leader of our country will begin.  Let's miss those we've lost and hope for the best, I guess.  

You know it's been a down year when one of the things you get most excited about is a new kitty litter that you've found, but this stuff is worth the praise.  No smell, no concrete clumping, no dust.  It's the best thing to come down the line in a long, long time!!   We even got Paige and Andy a "starter" bag for Christmas since it's such a game-changer! 

Saturday, December 14 - This year's Christmas party - Succ It for Santa!!  - was a big success with a half-dozen attendees making beautiful succulent Christmas trees thanks to a great set-up by the Classy Cactus Farm - another brilliant idea by Ashlee.  The rest of us meandered in an out of the house all evening with drinks in hand (there was an eggnog tasting as well), good conversation and laughs at the ready.  Great BBQ and party snacks and even a "hundred-dollar cake" from Ina Garten for a late-night after-party dessert.  It was so moist and delicious!!  

We say every year this will be our last one and then we have such a good time we forget all the hard work to pull it together and start planning the next one!! 

Here are our six succulent Christmas tree crafters...and Danny being a doofus. 

Tuesday, December 17 - After a very nice work Christmas party hosted by my Admissions Department at Cumberland University tonight at Sammy B's, we strolled the grounds of the beautiful and historic Mitchell House here in town enjoying the excellent Christmas light display.  Big props to our current mayor, Rick Bell, for really pushing to make Lebanon a nice town to be a part of now because that has not always been the case here. 

After a few more poses around the grounds of the Mitchell House (photo above), we got in some comfier clothes, picked up Sunny and headed over to the Wilson County Fairgrounds to enjoy a drive through The Dancing Lights of Christmas display once again.  It is now the state's largest drive-thru light and music show.   

12/21 - Well, the UT game stunk as they got roasted by OSU, but the atmosphere where we watched the slaughter was nice at least.  My new work friend, Todd, and his wife, Kelly, invited us over to their new townhome here in Lebanon to hang out and watch the game along with a few other folks they know.  It was a nice time with good food, libations and conversation (about anything but UT football!). 

12/22 - We finally got to visit Working Man Winery here in town for their Pup Pics with Santa event this afternoon.  It was a bit of hectic situation since the location is kind of small.  We had some decent Asian snacks from a food truck on site and a glass each of their wine that was OK at best.  With limited parking and so-so wine, I am not sure this place will make it through 2025, but we shall see. 

We did get some good pics with a pretty authentic-looking Santa and Sunny behaved very well considering it was her first time seeing The Big Man in person. 

Monday, December 23 - We exchanged presents today before heading to Chattanooga tomorrow with the family.  Games are always on the gift list seems like and I got two this year and Ashlee got this one pictured above - kind of a Jenga with challenges on some of the blocks as well.  We were impressed with this being our tallest tower before collapse.  

Tuesday, December 24 - Our first Christmas Eve on Mowbray Mountain!!  Paige and Andy's new house is great and so is the drive, cutting about 20 minutes or so off our commute from Lebanon.  We stopped for gas on the way down, and I bought a MegaMillions lottery ticket that was hovering at $1 billion, but, alas, we only got one number out of five woeful picks.  But nobody else won either!  So, we move on to over a billion on Friday's drawing.  Wish us luck!!

(Editor's note:  There was no luck for us, but someone out in California hit it.  Good for them!) 

Wednesday, December 25 - Merry Christmas!!  No, Ashlee didn't get yet another pet from Santa this year (thank goodness), but Sebastian here is a new acquirement for the Harlins and he's a sweetie.  Oh, and he's over 25 years old!  So, "Parks and Rec" stole the name from him!!  It was a lovely and mild Christmas Day, and we enjoyed spending a lot of it outside on Pagie and Andy's great new property.  

Friday, December 27 - We went to a matinee showing of the new Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, today with our new couple friends, Todd and Kelly, at our local Roxy Theaters (recliners!).  The film was very good.  There's no way Chalamet doesn't get at least an Oscar nomination, if not a win, with this one. 
This evening, we attended the yearly Mug Club Dinner at Cedar City Brewing Company here in town along with our other local couple friends, Curtis and Kate.  The nacho bar menu was good as was the camaraderie.  These folks are a blessing to Lebanon. 

Saturday, December 28 - We finally made it out to a (belated) Christmas Pop-Up today at Nicky's Coal Fired Pizza over in West Nashville.  "Saint Nicky's" theme this year was The North Pole, and it was pretty terrific (photo above).  We had a tasty early dinner with our friends, Wendy and Charley, as well as a couple of Christmas-themed cocktails.   This is a place worth coming back to not only at Christmas, but anytime!  

Sunday, December 29 - We stumbled upon info kind of last minute for a big Cat Show at The Nashville Fairgrounds this weekend, so we had to go check it out.  It was pretty cool with tons of competing cats in several categories from all over the country and even an agility test for those that wanted to participate.  It was hosted by the national CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association); which seems to be kind of a big deal for fancy cat owners. 

Sunny came with us, but had to stay in the car for the cat show for obvious reasons, but we included her in our next stop nearby at Fait La Force Brewing where we waited out the rain with a couple libations and a tasty lunch of homemade pimento cheese with crackers and a tasty chicken pesto sandwich that we split from Jambox Sandwich Shop which is also at the brewery's location. 

The Sun(ny)day Funday continued with our next stop being the rooftop bar of the chic Bobby Hotel where their Camp Bobby pop-up winter fun spot was happening again this year.   Dogs are allowed up here, so Sunny got her first-ever elevator ride and was higher of the ground (unknowingly) than she'd ever been before.  We enjoyed a couple more winter-camp-themed libations, took some fun pics and with the weather improving, we moved on again.  

Our last and final stop today was at the brand-new Urban Dog Bar in West Nashville.  Similar to the one in Chattanooga that we (Sunny most of all) enjoy, this one is bigger and very well organized and maintained.  We got a day pass for Sunny and our entry was free.  The beautiful sunset brought on some cooler temps, but they have outdoor heaters and warm libations for the "hooo-mens" to stay warm with while the doggies of all shapes and sizes romp around having a fun time.  Let's just say that Sunny slept very well when we got home from this fun day in Nashville.  

Tuesday, December 31 - Happy New Year (hopefully)!  We had dinner tonight at Chauhan Ale and Masala House with our friends, Emily, Danny and Brenda.  This excellent Indian restaurant with some Southern U.S. flair seemed to be the perfect place for us and Danny and Brenda to look ahead to our big cruise planned at the end of the 2025 to India and some other Far East destinations.   The food was great, as always.  I had the garlic shrimp, and Ashlee had the lamb chops both with their decadent korma sauce.  We headed back home before the midnight hour and celebrated the new year on the couch with pets and that's good enough!