Power Tools, Quiche and Cicadas

We were planning to leave the Marston’s driveway on Saturday, but I wanted to record some video for one of our ‘Gabbing with the Geeks’ and was enlisting Roxie’s help to run the camera.  That took us to about 11am.  We also needed to stop by a truck tire place on our way out of town to install some air fill extensions and get the tires properly filled.  Oooops, we called the place and they close at noon – no way we could get there and get it done in time.  And, they’re closed on Sunday.

So.we stay in the driveway for another couple days.  What a treat!  It was like I was just handed two days on a platter – two unexpected days.  Those things that we say “I just wish we had a little more time, then I’d ….”  Well, we now had that little more time!  I had wanted to get my closet organized but we hadn’t gotten around to it.  Now’s the time! Using a cool website for ClosetMaid, we feed in our closet’s dimensions and then drag and drop different combinations of shelving, hanging space and storage products to build your dream closet.  When you’re done, you can print out a shopping list.  It will show exactly what parts you need, including the various brackets, and cut lengths of shelving.

I think Jim was just happy to have a reason to use some of his power tools!  I’m thrilled to have shelves rather than piling boxes and clothes on top of each other.  A place for everything, and everything in its place!

Since we were here on Sunday and Roxie and Charles like to ‘do brunch’ on Sundays, I decided to make quiche.  Years ago, I was in a habit of hosting Sunday brunches all the time and my signature dish was quiche.  I surprised myself that I still remembered how!

We’re in Tennessee and it happens to be that special time every 13 years when the Cicadas come out, and boy do they make a racket! 

A Day in Franklin

As I mentioned in our last post, we're camped in the driveway of our friends Roxie and Charles Marston.  They have lived in Franklin, Tennessee for 40 plus years.  They both retired from teaching positions in the area and have many ties to the community.  So when they suggested a Marston-guided tour, we jumped at the chance.  The weather has been a bit damp and chilly, but at least it wasn't actually raining on Sunday when we decided to take the afternoon for our tour.

Franklin was the scene of a major battle in the Civil War - ooops, I mean the 'War of Northern Aggression.'  The Battle of Franklin was fought on November 30, 1864 and is referred to as the five bloodiest hours of the American Civil War.  The Carnton Plantation includes the cemetery we visited. (you can read the sign if you click the picture and go to the larger version - then use your Back button to return here)

    As with so many Civil War sites we see as we travel - I am stunned by the sheer number of deaths, and the unthinkable suffering that occurred during that war.  I often wonder if it truly was the only option.  I'm sure glad that I wasn't around then.

On to more of the tour!  Downtown Franklin is delightful, and Roxie tells us that it is bustling most every evening.  Always something going on.  It's very picturesque.

The historic Theatre has recently re-opened.

Our tour guides ... Roxie and Charles Marston in downtown Franklin

They also took us to the Factory at Franklin, an old stove factory that was abandoned and converted into a trendy shopping center.  It's even dog-friendly - we may have to go back with Odie!  We had fun with the over-sized chair at the Factory!

The last stop was Tinkerbell playground.  This was a community project back in 1993.  Roxie and Charles relayed stories of exhaustion as well as exhilaration working as the 'Tool Coordinators' for the project.  You could almost hear their hearts singing as we visited and saw so many kids and families enjoying this park, even on a dreary day!

Roxie and Charles at Tinkerbell Park - which they helped build.

Thanks Roxie and Charles!  We can see why you like it here so much.

Further your computer education

**Subscribe to the Free Geeks on Tour Newsletter**