Day Three Hundred Forty Two 2012

Neil and I did a bit of Christmas shopping today in the Nashville area. We stopped in at Bass Pro Shop and I couldn’t resist taking a shot of this bear. I had to laugh when I saw this picture on my computer this evening. That tree limb sticking out behind his paw makes him look like he’s on stage, belting out a number—maybe a Christmas carol. Cracks me up.

On our way back home, we decided to stop by the Christmas tree farm and chop down the tree we picked out a couple of weeks ago. Actually, Neil used a saw to cut it. Hope to get it decorated in the next day or two. Stay tuned.
And a Happy TGIF to one and all!

Day Two Hundred Ten 2012

Yes, I am a Fanilow. Got hooked on Barry Manilow waaay back in 1974, and I’ve had the opportunity to see him in concert several times over the decades (I’m making myself feel really old right now). My dear hubby Neil and I enjoyed his concert tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. And these pictures are the clearest ones I managed to take. He played to a packed house, to little kids and old geezers such as myself, and all ages in between. His voice is still awesome, his tunes are classic, and he still knows how to entertain. He has slowed down a bit—not nearly as active on stage as he once was when we were all younger—but his voice still blows me away (and everyone else in the house). Coolest part of the show—singing ‘Mandy’ and ‘Could It Be Magic’ with a video of his 1975 self on ‘Midnight Special’ (remember that show?). I’m glad I got to see him perform again in concert (last time he was in Nashville was ten years ago), and yes even Neil, who is not particularly a fan, said he's a class act. Could it be magic? Oh yes.

Day Two Hundred Thirty Eight 2011

Neil and I headed to the Nashville Flea Market today for the first time in months. It was a beautiful day but extremely hot as you can tell from the thermometer in our truck. Actually, the temperature was 113 degrees when we left the flea market. We had the air conditioner cranked to the max, so by the time I snapped that picture

the temp had dropped two degrees.

Being an amateur photographer, I'm always fascinated by vintage cameras. This one dated to the mid-1800s and was made of wood.

Santa and Rudolph say "hey!" I'm surprised they didn't melt in the heat.

Gratuitous picture of moi browsing at the market. Old Mason jars are a weakness of mine, but I didn't buy any.

Our grandson Elijah wanted a pogo stick for his fifth birthday this year, but his mom and dad couldn't find one. So Neil was immediately drawn to this one when he ran across it in a pile of stuff. It is vintage to say the least, and Elijah won't be heavy enough right now to make it bounce, but the price was right and it's in good shape, so we bought it. As Neil carried it around the flea market, the pogo stick got a lot of attention, mostly from older folks who knew what it was and probably had one when they were growing up. More than a few times, they'd ask Neil for a demonstration which he politely declined.

The flea market is filled with strange and bizarre things such as this old claw foot bathtub that was filled with crudely made crosses.

Some vendors were selling Halloween decorations. This was one of my favorite.

I can't resist looking at the old cameras like these vintage Polaroids. They weren't expensive, probably because the film is no longer made except for some of the later models. Such cool cameras. Instant gratification.

These bumper stickers are definitely vintage and maybe even a little wishful thinking for some of us. I should have bought one and stuck it on my car.

This golden woman was having a light bulb moment.

I tried to slip my thumb into the waste band of these pants just to see how tight they really were. Couldn't do it. It's like they're painted on. Maybe they are. Who wears this stuff?

Makes me wonder what this was used for before it landed at the flea market.

I like to think they were loved to death, especially the one whose stuffing is about to fall out.

I've said it before, but this is always the saddest thing I see at the flea market. Family photos that end up here because nobody thought to label them and the relatives have no clue as to whom these folks are (were) so I guess people feel like there's no reason to keep them.

I have no idea what this thing is or why anybody would want it. It's just one of those weird wild flea market things.

Great great great grandma's iPod.

The flea market is never lacking in heads of all sorts.

This is the stuff that makes Neil's heart go pitter patter. I just walk away before my eyes permanently glaze over.

But you're free to boogie the rest of the week.

Politically incorrect picture of the day.

This used book vendor is always one of our favorite stops. Neil inhales books, so he ended up buying quite a few paperbacks to tide him over for a while.

Met up with daughter Kelly for an early supper at Olive Garden, our little after the flea market tradition. That's always enjoyable.

We indulged in a decadent dessert.  I can't pronounce it much less spell it. It was delicious! Happy TGIF, everyone!

Day One Hundred Forty Seven 2011

Random Picture Postcards From The Nashville Flea Market

This little cicada hitched a ride on the windshield wiper of the truck as we headed out for the flea market this morning. I was hoping he would fly away, but he just held on even after we hit the interstate. His wings started to blow backwards, and I could not bear the inevitable sight of the wind ripping his wings off. Neil pulled over, caught him and let him go on the side of the road.

You can always find a little mermaid or two at the flea market. Made me want to break out in a rendition of 'Under The Sea'.

This is a fan that only my airplane loving hubby could love.

Somebody's home movies? I wanted to ask the vendor what was on these reels of film, but he was so busy unloading his stuff, and he didn't seem like he cared to chat.

Give us a kiss. This was a cute display, and I wondered if the vendor placed them like this on purpose. Probably not.

Laundry day for great great grandma could not have been easy with this contraption! No wonder they had to iron all the time. Imagine the wrinkles after wringing out the clothes.

This made me laugh. I love monkey business at the flea market. Fun.

I coveted this fancy iron bed. The pigs not so much.

This here is a redneck wine glass. Only in the South, folks. Only in the South. Love it.

Every time I see firearms at the flea market, I always think of my brother in law Terry. For some strange reason.

A cauldron Harry Potter would love. I imagine it was once used to make lye soap.

I can't decide if this mannequin's hair is cute or if it just looks like a rat's nest.

The guy hiding behind that basket of oranges is mixing up some fresh orangeade for Neil. He wanted to try it instead of lemonade and found it very tasty.

My heart goes out to the poor bridesmaid who was forced to wear this dress, maybe in the seventies. Eighties? Maybe it belonged to Scarlett O'Hara.....Frankly, my dear.....

I think this guy was on his way to a toga party. Really. He was wearing a sheet.

The Nashville Flea Market is scheduled for the Tennessee State Fair Grounds through May of 2012. One vendor I talked to said it was looking good for the fairgrounds to stay put, which of course is good for the flea market. I hope it happens.




We arrived back home this afternoon in time to watch grandson Elijah play his last T Ball game for the season. The Muck Dogs won 18-17. I think the team came in third out of all the teams. Great season! Good job, Muck Dogs! Elijah is looking forward to their picnic at Hidden Hollow. They deserve it. Happy TGIF, everyone!

Day Twenty Two

Sign Of The Times

The Nashville Flea Market has been around for a long time, making its home every fourth weekend of every month at the Nashville Fairgrounds. This flea market is listed in the top ten flea markets in the nation. Neil and I have been junkin here regularly for the past six or seven years. But the current leadership in Nashville has the idea that this piece of property could better be used in some other (money making) way. If they get their wish, the Tennessee State Fair, the speedway, the flea market and a whole host of other events that take place there will soon be history. We beg to disagree and readily signed the petition to save the Nashville Fairgrounds. The city council will hold a meeting on the matter in February. In the meantime, the flea market is scheduled to run through the end of this year. Neil and I plan to visit as many as we can before another Nashville icon becomes a memory.