An early wakening this morning as the two science educators needed to be over at the Conference Center by 8AM......so this aging taxi shuttle service driver(that's me)....got up and took them. Then I came back to the hotel, watched the "Today" show, made myself beautiful(well, more beautiful than normal)...and headed to Starbucks for my morning dose of caffeine, a grande cappuccino. Then it was up the road about a half mile to Camping World where I wandered around looking at everything, but only purchasing two items!! I was surprised......didn't really find anything that I just had to have other than a front tripod stabilizer and I didn't have room for that in the trunk of the 1st Lady's Park Avenue.
Then it was off to Barnes & Noble for some well deserved time of looking and reading and cappuccino.....again. Returned about noon to the hotel....and the 1st Lady called about 1pm and was ready for lunch. We went and had a bite and then returned to the room. As we were driving there, she said she had forgotten to take her jewelry box....a small velvet one....and put it in the car. Well.......yep....you guessed it.....three pairs of her earrings that I had given her from time to time as gifts were missing!!!!!!!!!!! Sterling silver and solid gold ones!!!! I raised hell with the Manager as I was only gone about 3 hours and the maids had been in during that time and cleaned the room. She took all the data from me....and said she would file a report with the local authorities and give me a copy tomorrow morning. Needless to say......I am pissed and Marsha is angry and very upset at losing these items........worth a rather large sum of money!!!! I'll see how tomorrow goes when the Manager talks with the maids........hmmmmm, I doubt anything changes!!!!
We set around the room upset....angry....pissed.....depressed!!! I cannot replace those earrings....they were purchased at different locations in the states and in Europe!!! But....we came to our senses and got ready to head into the city center to attend the Grand Ole Opry. Went into the center early as they were to have a Christmas Parade and I knew the streets would be closed where we had reservations to park......in the Batman Building....(SW Bell).....it looks like Batman!!!
We had excellent seats....the Ryman Auditorium is a former church.....MANY years ago....and the seats are all curved church pews!!! Well.....everyone else was crammed into the pews, sitting almost on top of each other. BUT....the 1st Lady and I had a 6 seated pew all to ourselves and the one in front of us was not used, so we had a very clear sightline to the stage!!!! This was all because one of our former students from 20+ years ago is the Talent Coordinator at the Grand Ole Opry!!
The 2.5 hour show was good. We both enjoyed it, but it certainly is different to see it in person. Plus.....the only singers/musicians that we recognized were from decades ago.....Porter Wagoner, Little Jimmie Dickens, Riders in the Sky, Jean Shepard, Mel McDaniel, Bill Anderson, Marty Stuart. Age has arrived and settled upon all of these "stars"......Little Jimmie Dickens will be 85 next week!!! And speaking of age......I do believe that the 1st Lady and I were the youngest people there!!!!! WOW.......made us feel pretty good.....hahahaa!!!!
We had a great short conversation with Gina Keltner....the former student. She plans to pick up for brunch in the morning prior to our leaving to return to F'town. I am anxious to ask her all about her job with the Opry and how the shows are planned, programmed, and the performers selected. Lots of questions.....
Afterwards we walked around the corner onto Broadway and stopped in Jack's Barbque......and WOW....was it ever good!!!! Think there is one in KansasCity.....for all of you KC residents. Really enjoyed it!!!
Then back out to the hotel.....and now to get this posted. I will include some pictures taken tonight, however......the flash didn't carry far enough for some of them. I went up to the stage for a couple so they are a bit brighter!! But......even tho there was a major problem in our room this afternoon.................I still believe that:
Life is GOOD......and I hope for all of you, also!!
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