Memphis TN Suggestions

I love Memphis! We usually go about once a year as my dad is always working down there. My brother and Sis-in-law are going at the end of the month for a quick birthday trip and were asking for suggestions on where to stay, eat, and play. Figured might as well do a quick post of my recommendations. Sure many others have even better ideas so PLEASE comment away if you have any great Memphis ideas.

STAY – this is a no brainer The Peabody!! Can’t beat the atmosphere, the history, and the charming ducks.

EAT – Several favorites here.

Pearl's Oyster House has the best char grilled oysters ever!!

Flights is fancy and delish. Must try the chicken and waffles and the chocolate dessert flight. This is a new favorite of ours and a nice departure from BBQ and the noisy but fun Bealle Street options

Huey's is fun as you get to write you name on the wall and they have excellent hamburgers



Neely’s would be my pick for BBQ hands down. We usually eat at Interstate BBQ it's a great option for authentic tasty BBQ

PLAY – So many options most within walking distance (or a short trolly ride) of the Peabody – score!

Flying Saucer (my dad’s name is on a plate on the ceiling!!!) is a great place to start the evening with one of the 100’s of beers on tap and a fun appetizer

BB Kings always has great live Blues music

Rum Boogie another fun venue for live music and Southern food if you want

Silky O'Sullivan’s is always a favorite of mine – the dueling pianos and the atmosphere is unbeatable

A. Schwaab has an array of things you never new you wanted or needed. Highly entertaining

 

Graceland – even though it’s not nearly as luxiourous as you expect no trip to Memphis is compelte without a trip to Graceland just to see all of Elvis’s paraphernalia. All my Graceland pics are pre-digital age so none to share.

Antique shopping – they have some gorgeous antiques, especially furniture, in Memphis. I always wish I had a U-haul so I can take several items home

Shopping at the Peabody is always a must as well as both Lansky’s and Lansky’s 126 have a great selection of high end stylish clothes and accessories. My closets thanks me my bank account does not.

Obviously there are a million other places to eat, drink, and play but my siblings are only in town for a weekend so was trying to just touch on my favorites. Suggestions greatly appreciated! I would love to stow away in their luggage and take a trip to Memphis with them right now!

A View from the Tree Stand

 On  a recent walk I decided to venture up into a tree stand to check out the view. Pretty spectacular I must say!

Granted I was a slight chicken and didn't quite sit down and get comfortable - maybe next time - but being up amonst the trees and looking out over the land is pretty cool.

                                                                                                                                                              

Looking forward to this fall when I actually start bow hunting and my time in a tree stand will have a purpose!

Justin's Winter Wonderland

A few pretty pictures of Justin's new acreage. It's so peaceful and pretty at his house and the snow made things even prettier.

I love that he even has a clothes line! Not sure how much he will use it but I have wanted a clothesline for years and they seem hard to find anymore.

Weekend Recap

A few fun pictures from the weekend. Great great weekend celebrating my AMAZING mom's birthday and enjoying time with family and friends.

Sequestration

Sequestration starts today for all federal workers. Pretty certain there are many four day work weeks in my future.

Many trips to this slice of paradise to maximize the long weekends we are surely going to be granted.

Is it bad I am slightly excited about this? It’s like a mini vacation/break without using up leave. Granted it also means a significant cut to the paycheck which is never a bonus. However, sometimes a slower pace and a break from this rat race of life is just what the Dr. ordered.

I am going to be positive and if we do get furloughed take it as a sign I needed some time off and find creative ways to make up for that 20% loss of cash.

Anyone else dealing with the possibility of a furlough? Are you looking forward to a short work week for several months? Do you have any creative money making ideas? I might offer up mulch delivery and spreading services. Sounds wacky I know but I love doing it and guessing there are plenty of people in my area that don’t have a truck, time, or the desire to do this themselves but want a pretty well nourished yard.

For those worried about the financial impacts of this furlough another perfect bible verse sent to me yesterday by my cousin Sarah. He will protect and provide for all.

“and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 

Slow but Steady

These aren't the greatest pics as all Iphone pictures taken late at night with no natural light. But seems that is the only time my schedule allows work on my brother's house right now. Progress has been slow due to limited free time but we do have progress. The "workout room" now has crisp white windows (hardware is ready to install as well), and original woodwork free of paint and restained. Next up walls and ceilling.

The bedroom has the same progress - with the bonus that I tackled the lovely ceilling last night. Nothing as fun as painting ceilings right? I was covered in splatter by the end. I am one messy painter! So hope it turned out good.

We did have one slight fail - my brother picked out a very cool stain color but sadly on his woodwork it turned out looking more burnt wood than rustic (so we started fresh and ended with a more light honey color you see in the first picture)

Midwinter Walks

Prior to the latest snow storm we had a perfect relaxing weekend at our cabin with several days of weather nice enough to walk and explore.

Nature's beauty always amazes me. Just so perfect.

Someday I will live in the country surrounded by this beauty on a daily basis. I want the ability to run outside sans clothing if I desire. Space to raise animals and vegetables. Plenty of walking to clear away the daily stress. The list could go on.

Until then I am grateful we have this cabin and land for weekend escapes (which may become more frequent if we do get furloughed!) These images make me anxious for spring - I want fields of green, trees full of leaves, flowers bursting from the ground!