Holy Jingle Bells, Batman!

We're celebrating our 20th!  It's hard to believe that we've been married that long.  It's been a great ride.  There have been lots of ups and downs, but we're always trending upwards.  Speaking of rides, I faced my long-time fear of roller coasters.  More about that later.

We started our 20th Celebration Vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN where we stayed at the Inn at Christmas Place.  All the halls (and rooms) were decked out for Christmas.  I'm tempted to go back in December just to see what they could possibly add to the decor.

Here's what I loved about this place:

• The grounds were beautiful and well maintained.
• I slept in 'heavenly peace' because the beds and pillows were divine.
• The staff was attentive, friendly and sometimes jolly - there were a few Santa sightings.
• There were lots of little homey touches, like: lemonade available throughout the day, daily chocolate kisses from housekeeping, chestnuts roasting on an open fire (not really), and freshly baked cookies in the evening.
• The breakfast choices were overwhelming and amazingly delicious.  I was so delighted to learn that figgy pudding is NOT a breakfast item, but pecan pie is!

Here's the front door where you are always greeted by smiling and helpful doormen, sometimes up to three of them!

There are lots of displays like this one throughout the inn where you're encouraged to take 'elfies'.  This isn't exactly an 'elfie' but you get the idea.

You can buy Christmas decor year round in their shops across the street.  If you're ever looking for a nativity in June, this is the place to go.  Or, you can just check out their website.  Beware, the cool-looking blue and white nativity that looks like it was made in Holland was really made in China.  So disappointing!

Back to the shops, there's also a whole room devoted to Department 56.

For just $240.00, you can have your own Downton Abbey mansion!

For all you Christmas Story movie fans, did you know that there's a Department 56 village based on that movie?  But beware, it's fra-gi-le!

There's also a life-size version of the lamp for that special guy in your family!  But seriously, you must stay at the Inn at Christmas Place if you ever find yourself in Pigeon Forge!

Here's my first every trip advisor review, with the same title as this post.

100,000 Tulips

Howard and I decided to have an after-work rendezvous at Cheekwood on one of the few beautiful days we've had recently.  We didn't want to miss 100,000 tulips in full bloom!

Last year I signed up to be a Cheekwood gardener.  It was right after they had pulled out all of the tulips from last year.  The volunteers were moaning and groaning about that experience.  I'm glad I didn't sign up earlier last year!  My gardening days were cut short there when I started teaching seminary, and then took a part-time job teaching high school Spanish.  I haven't come up for air since!  Anyway, back to Cheekwood.

Don't be surprised if you see all of this in my yard one day.

I gotta be me!

Little contrasting flowers were planted around and amongst all the tulips.

Howard, at the entrance of the Japanese garden.

Here's a very cool art installation by Patrick Dougherty. 

You also might see this tree in my yard some day.

Operation Smile

Here's something that kept me very busy in January and February!

Nashville Zoo

Yesterday was beautiful and after doing various things* we headed to the Nashville Zoo for the first time.  We bought annual passes figuring that it would be a great place to go walking for a few hours on Saturdays, and a great place for photo opportunities.  Howard didn't take his fancy camera this time but did take a few pictures with my little camera.

It's not the San Diego Zoo, but the exhibits were kind of miniature versions of the cool exhibits in San Diego - where you feel like you can get pretty close to the animals.  My favorite exhibit was the Kangaroo Kickabout where you walk on a path right through the kangaroo exhibit.  Very cool idea.  We didn't see everything yesterday, but got a taste.  I'm excited to go back soon!

These squawking blue macaws greet you as you enter the zoo.

As always, flamingos are pretty entertaining.  The only thing between us and them was a wire fence.  They have a lot of awesome 'big' birds at the zoo.  I think I could totally get into bird watching. 

I'm glad we got to see the zoo with all the foliage off.  It will be pretty different to see it in the spring and summer when everything is in bloom and/or green.
__________________
*We put some finishing touches on the guest room in preparation for my sister's visit next week.  We also went to see the movie Gravity in 3D.  That was a pretty intense movie and a very different role for Sandra Bullock!  

Good-byes

You've been part of my life for as long as I can remember.  We've been through thick and think together.  You caused me some of the most intense pain I've ever felt, and we still made it through.  But, the time has finally come - we must part.  There are no other alternatives.  Good-bye tooth 18.  You served me well.