my friend tammy and i took our kids to the apple farm.
we had apple fritters and chicken and dumplings.
it was all divine, the food, the fellowship, the fun!
our friends sebastian and sarah invited us for dinner and introduced us to raclette.
it’s a european dining experience where you cook your own food on a double decker grill at the table.
kinda like fondue, except not.
it was really cool.
we ate too much.
and then…….
then, sarah made butterscotch molten cakes!!!!
whaaaaat?
i must get the recipe. it was joy unspeakable. and full of butterscotch glory.
sarah, who is a math teacher, taught us some cool math games using playing cards.
and they’re doing some super renovations at their new lake house.
we love them! we’re so glad they’re here. {sebastian is steve’s new partner.}
thanks guys!
and then i took the girls (and two friends) to a local fall festival.
have you ever been to a fall festival in the south?
it was priceless.
and i have crowned myself mother of the year for this endeavor.
it’s not for the faint of heart.
what, with the hillbilly clown and the deep fried oreos and the reindeer crafts,
i could hardly contain myself.
then there was a guy with a shirt that said,
“i’m a good-looking redneck. what more do you want?”
what’s more, i let them eat hot dogs, kettle corn and cotton candy.
i rest my case.
crown me now.
mother of the year.
do we really even need a vote?
but in all fairness, there was some nifty stuff too.
a few really unique quilts.
a potter working at her wheel.
a bee-keeper, keeping his bees.
some bluegrass music.
inspiring.
whew!
now i must ready myself for another doozy of a weekend.
my sweet caiti is in the ms. teen tennessee pageant next weekend in clarksville.
neither of us are really into pageants.
but she applied and she’s in it and we’ll have fun i’m sure.
when she went for her orientation weekend, she came home and said,
“those girls need to eat a cheeseburger.”
that’s my girl.
she said the other moms were ‘sizing her up’. these people have probably been doing pageants all their lives.
my daughter still hasn’t found a bathing suit and she doesn’t seem to be the least bit worried.
i should probably be more into it but all i can think of is toddlers and tiaras.
maybe i’ll set up a fried oreo stand just for kicks.
think it would go over well?
i am excited to spend the weekend with caiti. she’ll be beautiful and self-deprecating and wonderful.
and nashville is pretty swell too.
any recommendations for me? regarding pageants? or antique stores near nashville? yarn shops? favorite food stuffs? field trips? (the littles are coming along) music to add to my ipod? or books on tape? things i should say if confronted about my laissez-faire pageant attitude?
help a girl out.
lest i lose my mother of the year status.
we love that apple farm, were just there last week! As far as your trip to Nashville, when I was at the Together for Adoption conference last year I stayed in a fabulous hotel near the Galleria at the Cool Springs exit called Aloft, http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3076, it was modern and cool. I enjoyed the shopping in downtown historical Franklin, very cool and great restaurants. Kate introduced me to a fantastic new band today called, Gungor, eclectic music with banjos, cello, awesome! As far as the pageant goes you need to watch Little Miss Sunshine, especially the final pageant scene. Have fun!
I’m rolling in laughter! So glad you have that attitude about pageants! Just go and have fun! And be sure to eat a cheeseburger or two over the weekend! I am south of Nashville, so I can’t help you with what to do up there north of Nashville. Cool Springs area is full of shopping and restaurants, but it is south on I65 of Nash. Green Hills shopping (upscale) is just semi south and west of downtown. Rivergate Mall is toward the north east side. I am sorry I am no help at all! (I don’t get out much, can you tell?)
IF you are looking for fun and different, The Factory in Franklin is the place. I65 south through Nashville, and get off at hwy 96. Just us google map! It’s a fun fun and different kind of place.!
Have a great weekend. Love your blog!
teresa (aka:nonnie at nonniesblessings.blogspot.com
dear ma,
something about apple picking conjures up images of covered wagons, therefore i’ll resort to calling you ma. sometimes in the midst of a really good self indulgent pity party over my current digs, i daydream about solving all of my problems by living in a magazine, or a store, or a blog. next time i find myself with a case of the doldrums i’m going to choose to live here, probably in this post. because somewhere between apple fritters and butterscotch molten cakes (ummm, or i think it’s mmm, make her your royal subject, quick!) i think i’d always be content. my answer to confront the doomsayers? keep your mouth full.
enough already, nashville oh play me some mountain music i adore nashville. must go to the bluebird cafe, you get to hear song writers! it’s worth the wait and you must eat sweet potato fries! then go and wash them down with one or three las paletas gourmet popsicles. they iz way good. as is me english.
you’re a fun one, ma!
love,
laura
Edie. You totally brought back a flood of memories (& laughs) about when I was in my first & only pageant in Nashville wayyyyy back when. Oh, my. Y’all have fun!
Edie, I’ve been enjoying your blog for a while. I either found you as I was looking for homeschooling stuff, or amazing home decor, or many other things-this is a great blog! We moved to Clarksville this summer and although I love Nashville, I thought I’d put a few ideas in for when you have to stay around Clarksville for pagent stuff. One of my favorite spots is a junk store/antique store called “This Old Place” on College Street just past APSU. I always find something there–sometimes really valuable things, and other times just cheap paintable things. Plus, it’s next door to Silke’s Old World Bakery which is delish. I’d be happy to fill you in on more if you need it! Have fun!
Edie, I’ve been enjoying your blog for a while. I found you when I was looking for homeschool stuff, or maybe amazing home decor, or something else–this is a great blog! We moved to Clarksville this summer, so I thought I’d give you a few ideas to do here, when you can’t make it to Nashville (although you SHOULD make it there whenever possible. I love N’ville). One of my favorite places to go here is “This Old Place” on College Street just past APSU. It’s a big junk store/antique store and I always find something. Plus, it’s next to Silke’s Old World Bakery which is delish. I’d be happy to give you more ideas if you need them. Have fun!
Okay, so as I live in NZ ( and it is spring, hence no apples or pumpkins) – I can’t really comment on what to do in Nashville. I CAN however say that if you turn into one of those awful pageant mums that we get to see on documentaries downunder – I’ll personally fly over and slap you 😉 Well, maybe that’s a tad violent – but you know what I mean 🙂
we wish her bestest of luck! i hope she has fun! what a funny post and i’m curious what fall festival bc if i missed mountain makins, i’m looser of the year mom b/c lexi was supposed to dance at that… but i’m sure i would have heard by now if i did… 😉
drive safely and enjoy nashville… btw-all (who i spoke with) are good w the bookclub swap!
from catching a couple of episode of toddlers and tiaras I’d say fried oreos will go over big with the pageant moms!!!!!
fall festivals in the south.
perfection.
hotdogs, cotton candy and fried oreos.
you ARE mother of the year.
We have the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair in our hometown each September, and you’ve never seen such.
Take lots of pictures of your sweet girl next weekend for us to see…it’ll be a great experience!
I love Nashville, but it’s been so long since I’ve been there that I have no advice to offer….
I have no doubts that it’ll be a wonderful family weekend!
add some Dailey and Vincent to your iPod (they recently re-did some of the Statler Brothers, and their harmony is unbelievable – that should bring back memories) 🙂 Have fun!
Kids would love the Hard Rock Cafe. Country Music Hall of Fame, $20 for adults, cheaper for kiddos…you’d need about 2 hours to really take it all in, or 30 seconds to do a quick run through 🙂
My daughter and her husband introduced is to raclette a few years ago! FUN! But LOTS of trouble for the people doing it….so much prep work!!! Your pictures are great!
Your statement about serving fried oreos at the pageant CRACKED ME UP!!!! I’m still chuckling…
Ok, I’ve never heard of a fried oreo…really?
-FringeGirl
Definitely Las Paletas. It’s a cute little popsicle shop that doesn’t even have a sign, so if you have a GPS it would be helpful but not a necessity. They were on the Food Network. Read the reviews here:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/las-paletas-gourmet-popsicles-nashville
You’re so funny, Edie! Love going to apple farms and fall festivals. Wishing there were more around here. About the your pageant attitude: if confronted just say that this is fun, but there is so much more to life. Then offer them a fried oreo! Looking forward to a report and some pics of your pageant experience.
this is sort of related…to fall and antiques…have you ever been to the clinton antique fair? you should check it out sometime! they have it spring and fall.
HEy if you want some good fastfood bbq you must go to Whitt’s bbq is nashville, it is the most tender delicious bbq I have ever put in my mouth! You will LOVE it!!!
love nashville, but I seriously don’t know too much about it. it’s been years. have fun. great pics.
definitely go with the fried oreo stand! those other girl’s will love your for it!
Have a delightful time this weekend with pageantry fun. I think you should opt to have an apple fritter stand!! I love that Caiti is going into this with her relaxed attitude. Have the most delightful time in spite of the toddlers and tiaras atmosphere. Maybe next time you can enter a mother/daughter pageant!! Wouldn’t our daughters just adore us for that? Have a superb time, my friend. Be careful of any antique shop owners! Remember, if you break it, you pay for it!! 🙂
The festivals look fun! Hope you two have a great time this weekend! And remember to just have fun with it! How exciting! I’ll keep you two in my prayers!
~Molly P
I feel the same way as you about pageants…just not my thing, but that didn’t stop me from traveling from Virginia to Texas for the Miss Teen USA and California for the Miss USA when my niece competed. Actually, Miss Tennessee won the Miss that year. 🙂 Just have fun and don’t take it too seriously. Make some signs to hold up in the audience so your daughter can see you and make a button to wear. And don’t be surprised if you lose your voice yelling and screaming for your daughter. 😉 My family still can’t believe how I went from a quiet mild mannered lady to a screaming fool in a matter of seconds when my niece hit the runway. 😉
oooooohhhh – raclette! My sister came back from Germany, raving about it. She got one of the raclette grills, and loves to entertain with it.
Sounds like something I need to learn….
Oh, you make me long for Tennessee. I miss it so much. Those were the best years of my life. sigh.
just agreeing to do a pageant gets you mother of the year status in my book.
((i guess this is your first post of the day, right? i was excited to see you already starting your new goal today.))
i love all the pumpkin pictures. what fun! i used to take my kids to a fall thing every year. hay rides, face painting, stacks of hay bales to jump on. i was telling my hair dresser friday how i’m a failure for having never taken my littles over there.
still, i’m not that moved to do it. maybe next year.
Edie, wear that Mother of the Year tiara, and wear it proud! I think you should wear it to the pageant. Those moms won’t know what it’s for, and if they manage to take a break from living vicariously through their children it will surely strike the fear of Aqua Net into all them! Hmmm… now that was ugly, I’m sure they’re all lovely women, bless their hearts. ;o) Good luck!!
hahaha Oh Edie, I always know where to come for a laugh! I am picturing you at your “fried oreos” booth in the hallway of the hotel telling the moms to “step right up, get ur fried oreos right here” LOL you could even have the littles sitting on chairs, shoving their mouths full of them ! hahaha u crack me up! Have fun and i know Caiti will be beautiful!
Edie,
I love your blog. It makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis. I must say it is a long way from our eagleton days. I just had to comment on the pageant post as a former majorette and occasional pagent attendee. Take plenty of hair spray and lipstick (remember your 80’s upbringing). Have fun and take care 🙂
Connie
JUST (like and hour ago) returned from a weekend in N’ville myself. here’s my brief recommendation.
CHIHULY (you know as in the world renowned glass artist. He’s amazing!) http://www.cheekwood.org/Art/Chihuly_at_Cheekwood.aspx If you can make it happen go to Cheekwood at night to see it. My kiddos went for my 11 yr olds b’day with cousins and Gparents and their description was “nothing short of magical”
Park at Bread and Company:http://www.breadandcompany.com/ EAT THERE then take the shuttle to Cheekwood for the exhibit. But if you don’t eat at Bread and Company…well you just MUST stop in for some Fruit Tea!! It’s filled with southern yumminess….take a gallon home with you, you’ll want more. trust me!
Oh fried oreos! I had one once and was really not that impressed.
I may be in danger of losing my Southern status since this weekend I also passed up funnel cake at our local Fall Fest for cupcakes with all natural ingredients! But the cupcakes were divine.
For the pageant, I strongly suggest you work on your best and believable “Why, Bless your heart!” face and expression. As you well know it works in any number of situations when you really want to smack someone.
Did your apple orchard/farm have honey crisp apples? They are my latest obsession from my farmer’s mkt. You must try one if you get the chance.
Nashville fun for Edie – definitely check out the shops on Bransford Avenue off Thompson Lane. Some fun, funky, independent stores. Stichin’ Post, Curious Heart Emporium, a bead shop (can’t remember the name), Designer Renaissance (great upscale consignment), Pfunky Griddle (Where you make your own pancakes tableside), Baja Burrito (best pineapple salsa), and more!. Around the corner is one of my favorite and the best antique malls called Gas Lamp Antiques on Powell. Downtown Franklin is always great, too, but not as funky as the shops on Bransford.
Nashville fun for Edie – check out the shops on Bransford Avenue off Thompson Lane! Lots of funky, unique, independent stores. Stichin’ Post, Curious Heart Emporium, a bead shop that I can’t remember the name of, Pfunky Griddle (restaurant where you cook your own pancakes tableside), Designer Renaissance (great upscale consignment), Baja Burrito (Best pineapple salsa). Around the Corner on Powell is one of my favorite antiques shops called Gas Lamp Antiques. And a fun deal store for home decor – Southeastern Salvage on Eugenia Ave off right off Thompson Ln. Downtown Franklins is always great, too, but Bransford shops are more funky. One great little known shop in Franklin is PD’s. It’s off the square on S Margin Street. Always fun home decor items at great prices. Have a great trip!!
Edie…
12 South has Las Paletas (mentioned above) and Burger Up (a gourmet burger place that has great sweet potato fries). This area is really fun to walk. Downtown Franklin (south of Nashville) is a favorite for shopping (PDs in the old train stop building) and Pucketts Grocery for breakfast or lunch.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Debra
Ooooh! Franklin, TN is the most wonderfully charming on the face of the planet – especially this time of year. Also, if you can take the time (and ask someone how to get there) Leipers Fork (just 15 or 20 minutes outside Franklin) is even more delightful. Have fun!!!
Ooooh! Franklin is the most wonderfully charming small town on the face of the planet – especially this time of year. Also if you can take the time (and ask someone how to get to Leipers Fork – just 15 or 20 minutes outside Franklin) is even more delightful. Have fun!!!
Had my laugh for the day and my Edie fix. You just make everything an adventure. Can’t wait to read about your weekend.
Edie- go to Franklin for antiquing…it’s just the best-right outside cool springs. I LOVE Franklin…you will too!!!!
Hi Edie!
I’m from a little town between Nashville and Clarksville, Ashland City, a pretty town right on the river. And I was in the same pageant several years ago! The antique stores in my hometown have vanished over the years, but there’s a new antique store in Pleasant View (right off I-24 on the way to Clarksvegas/Clarksville) called the The Livery Stables (http://www.theliverystables.com) with a chocolate shop attached. You’ll love it!!
Let me know if you make it!
-Andrea
Love all the pics! Which farm is this? (I may have overlooked it in your post) I would love to take my kids over fall break!