Insta-sham – Steve Pollock

Steve on Instagram

airbeagle

Author; ex news reporter, school comms. director/teacher; 30 years writing exp.; Eng. BA-Cameron U.; Ed. MA-U. of Michigan; Donelson, TN.

Instagram post 2157689003645466340_177977374

A gorgeous Friday afternoon, sitting on the porch for first time in months without being baked to a crisp. Students had today off. Just wish the departure pattern wasn’t out of KBNA’s 2R ... can get a bit noisy. Otherwise, perfect!

Instagram post 2107883068433830896_177977374

On Thursday, Sascha, Queen of Our Hearts, came home and joined Bosco (and Bayley, Fred, Feargal and Tessa) for her well-deserved final rest. I had been a tough cookie all week, putting 18 first graders through their paces for their first week of “big kid” school while they waited for their permanent teacher to be cleared for hire (she joined us just under the wire at 2:45 p.m. Friday afternoon and takes over Monday morning). Thursday afternoon the vet called to say she was ready, so I stopped by after school to bring her home. Just being handed the beautiful box and paw print crumbled my teacher facade and it was hard to drive home. Six in 12 years … it never gets any easier; each leaves a hole. The love from the others helps the hurt. Fergus, Goose, Charlie and of course, His Majesty the Roux have dispensed the love all week.

Special thanks to Dr. Wyatt Cleveland and the wonderful staff at Lebanon Road Animal Hospital ( @lebanonrdanimalhosp ) for helping her cross so easily and peacefully, and the caring folks at Pet Angel, who handled her (and all the others except Bayley) with dignity, respect and love.

But a very special thanks to all of you Belly Rubbers for allowing us to share the last four years of Bosco and Sascha, Goose and Charlie, and the Roux, and for all the wonderful comments and support each time we’ve come to the Bridge crossing. Special people, all of you. “… whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” Mt. 25:40. What you do every day is seen and appreciated. Thank you!

Instagram post 2101226653308741485_177977374

It is with the greatest sadness and sorrow we have to announce that our beloved Sascha, Queen of Our Hearts, peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge just before 6 p.m. this evening. We were blessed with the joy and love of having Her Highness in our lives for almost four years.

She had declined very slowly for a long time but was very stable; but suddenly last night the bottom fell out. She lost control of her legs for the last time and we helplessly had to make the final decision. It happened in less than 24 hours and it was frustrating and gut-punching to watch. Wasn't how I planned to spend the day.

I've said this repeatedly: Rescuing senior dogs is immensely rewarding, but times like this are built in to the experience. We wouldn't change anything about having Bosco and Sascha and Tessa in our lives, even if the endings were not what we desired. So adopt, adopt, adopt! There's nothing greater than the love and trust they bring to your life.

Thank you to everyone at Belly Rubs for making it possible for Bosco and Sascha to come into our lives in October 2015. You do the work of angels for these angels.

Farewell Queen Sascha! You gave so much, asked so little and are loved beyond measure.

Instagram post 2087458538666218461_177977374

Sir Charles the Love Bug was In Command of the Expedition to Get Nails Trimmed a week ago. He, Prince Goose and Sir Fergus were Very Good Doggos and @lrahvet Lebanon Road Animal Hospital were wonderful as usual. The expedition was quiet, calm and successful mainly because His Imperial Highness The Roux and Queen Sascha elected to stay at the manse to ward off squirrels, since their nails had already been done.

Instagram post 2087452940688111016_177977374

The Crepe Myrtle (lagerstroemia) bushes I planted around our mailbox last year are going gangbusters thanks to all this rain. The neighbourhood has lots of these and it's beautiful ... but mowing this jungle is challenging and exhausting necause it grows faster than I can mow. Wettest (and prettiest) July I've ever experienced.

Instagram post 2072277477829220611_177977374

Here’s the closest we could come, but the “Four Brothers from Other Mothers” got together, ¼ of us virtually. Tim, Jay, and I, plus Stan on Facetime from New York City on the laptop. Fun, fun weekend! Thanks also to Carol for taking all the pics!!

Instagram post 2071531787922534026_177977374

This awesome awesome gust front just hit Music City while we were walking back to Carol's from Jack's Burgers. Very similar to the front that brought done Braniff 250 in 1966. Wish I had this picture back in 2013 for the book. (Sorry to ride my favorite hobby horse.)

Instagram post 2066322913921676839_177977374

His Imperial Majesty the Roux finds it Necessary and Proper to register His Extreme Displeasure at having His Royal Dignity and Personal Space insulted and assaulted to wit: By being subjected to being bathed by the churls in an Most Undignified Way; to being forced to endure a Pedicure of Extreme Rudeness; and to having the Imperial Ears poked, prodded and LOOKED AT!!!! By an Doctor of Impudence and Whom was Brazenly Forward! The churls shall be sleeping on the lawn tonight! Without Royal Blankets! <HAAARRRRRRUUUUUMMMMMPPPPPHHHHH! > (Sascha has clean ears for once! The Roux has a left ear that has some infection. He's also mad. As in very angry. They both had baths and nail trims and are ready to sleep it off. Baths for princes Goose, Fergus and Charles the Large and In Charge are tomorrow. We have guests coming next week! All so exciting!) The staff at @lebanonrdanimalhosp (lrahvet on Instagram) and Dr. Wyatt Cleveland are always amazing. The hounds say thanks!

Instagram post 2051230797679938274_177977374

Wow! That was quite a nine weeks. School is out and some parents got me a very nice thank you gift card; it was greatly appreciated. And, at the final teachers’ lunch, when the principal said goodbye to those who were leaving, she also gave me one of the school’s special rocks (there’s a story there) and thanked me for “stepping into a sudden difficult situation and handling it with grace.” Me? Graceful? Ha. But it was all greatly appreciated. It was nine weeks total and I learned much, had fun, actually used my master’s degree for a change and my body didn’t betray me unlike previous, infamous times. It is one of the best school environments I’ve experienced in 15 years and the staff is phenomenol and hugely helpful, generous and caring. Thank you, Standford Montessori! You’re way awesome! Happy you made me a Stanford Bear!

Instagram post 2045957357603407125_177977374

The kids of our little Laughing Giggle Academy today: I look like the fat principal Captain Underpants in "Captain Underpants the Movie," just with gray hair. Can we make it three and a half more days until summer break? I'm stubborn...I live with bassets, I've been through worse. Well, except I can't hear the basset's insults. 😆

Instagram post 2039416433605016787_177977374

Wha ... ?? Do I look destitute? They made a box and are putting in change. I SWEAR I didn’t ask for handouts. But given Mayor Briley’s budget, maybe I should take the money and run ... perhaps they watch the news? Or ... ? They make me smack my gob every single day. (The other side of the box has money they’re donating to the teacher on maternity leave for whom I’m subbing. She’s got pennies, but I have pennies AND a whole quarter.) Awesome. 😃

Instagram post 2034269891549168495_177977374

Do you think that maybe this class likes me? Man, this school, a public/Montessori blend, is awesome. Best experience, best staff, most comfortable I’ve been in a classroom since Burns Park in 2005-6. I’m doing a five-week maternity leave long term assignment and these are particularly great kids in grades 1, 2, and 3. And .... well ... next year could look pretty different for us. <shhhhhh no jinxing it> Been in awe and humbled by all the good will shown by everyone here. Hawkeye on M*A*S*H once had a line, “Oooh. All my blood just rushed into my ego.” Well, that’s what this has been like. Also quoting a TV line, “I’m not worthy” Just exceptionally fortunate and appreciative. This is what I signed on for 15 years ago, but the body wasn’t into it. Now ... things are a bit different. This is all infinitely better than 2018 (and 2007 and 1993 and ...), so let’s see what else happens in life!

Instagram post 2024913163057544939_177977374

Kids are just the best, aren't they? Well, five minutes after she gave me this, I went and answered a question for a different kid. When he was done, he said, "You may go!" If he hadnt been an ELL and seven years old, we might have had a problem. 😆

Kids. They build you up and then they just rip you right back down!! Yeesh!! 😜

Instagram post 2014660756373305182_177977374

I studiously avoided PE class for 12 years when I was a kid. (Ask Tim Cronian about "Slaughter Ball" and you'll know why I avoided it. )

Yet here I am.. Teaching PE. Yeesh. What was I thinking?! Five classes today, five opportunities to act like the Duncan High coaches: Stand around twirling a whistle, telling kids to work harder in fiendish glee. Revenge! Served 40 years cold, but I'll take it!

Instagram post 2014123079391610512_177977374

Hey KBNA ( @Fly_Nashville )!! Would y'all PLEASE tell Maverick not to buzz the house at Mach 5, turnin'and burnin' so loud everything made of glass in here rattles and clatters like we're in a California earthquake and all the dogs leap into the air and we all have heart attacks?! GEEZ people, this ain't Miramar and we ain't under attack!!! We're used to normal traffic into 22L, but this was way yonder too ridiculous! [They've been low and loud before, but this felt like the second before a plane crash, with screaming engines and everything. No, the F/A18 is not in this pic. He was on the ground and taking a shower and having lunch before I could even reach for my phone. Have to admit, it was kinda amusing to see hounds leap into the air like cats ... But, no, no, no! Naughty pilot! Bad Maverick! You did not have permission to buzz the tower!]

Instagram post 2013731349659948133_177977374

(For all my UMichigan/ELMAC buddies): Why, hello there good ol' Fountas and Pinnell! Long time no see! Good to teach you again. Like riding a bicycle...ten years go by, but you can get right back on and lead those reading groups with nary a hiccup! (Spent eight days teaching a quasi-Montessori school class of 17 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. Was extremely exhausting, challenging and loads of fun with great kids and a wonderful staff. I'm pooped.) [The school is fabulous ... The mess that is the central office and board is epic...soap opera fodder. Teachers make the difference and deserve better. I'll take any one of the teachers I met last week over hundreds of central office/Metro board/council types anyday. Hey Music City! Pay less attention to moronic egos, developers, the NFL, and Amazon and invest in what actually holds this city together: educators and staff in the schools.]

Instagram post 2013654942435027336_177977374

Queen Sascha is reasonably fine. She has what we thought might be mammary tumors, but it looks like ulceratioms (still occasionally bleeding but not like last month when we had to rush her to the ER. One suture is still in there.) Her incontinence is worse, but we're working on it; more seeping than just losing control. Bleeding from ulcers is also more of a seeping variety and is better than it was last week (fun fact: hydrogen peroxide and baking soda make great science fair volcanoes and also gets blood out of carpets really, really well!! ). Vet is covering ulcerations with Medderm film.

So, in spite of age, thyroid tumor, incontinence, arthritis, chronic ear problems and the ulcerations, she's feeling her oats as always. Better news than expected.

She eats like a horse and is maintaining her weight and bossing all of us around. She's also getting dry shampoo to keep her fresher.

Her Highness does have one slightly embarrassing problem, however: the unfortunate... breaking.. of.. er... the wind. She's louder than the boys in the class I just spent eight days teaching. Quite the accomplishment.

Ah, life with hounds!

Instagram post 2013469090039959342_177977374

Goose is looking up at Sascha, concerned. So are we. More later.

Instagram post 2013466779263518014_177977374

Princes Goose and Charles are having their nail trims and Charlie is getting a checkup and vaccinations, Queen Sascha is a different story though. More on that later. His Majesty the Roux and Ferga are at home, mad as all get out.

Instagram post 1990291067535045220_177977374

Brothers Goose and Charlie are having loads of fun. The furniture isn’t, but they are. Charlie is heavier and brown and Goose is slightly smaller and black, but you can tell they’re siblings...in so many ways.

Instagram post 1990289902533553223_177977374

“I’M SO HAPPY YOU’RE HOME!!!!” Prince Charles had a very successful first day of, like the other hounds, being Deprived of our Constant Gratification and Treat Dispensary churlishness. I spent the day from 7:30 to 3:30 with first graders, so the hounds were alone for eight straight hours.

We weren’t sure how Charlie would be, but when I had the chance, I watched them on the security cameras. There was whining, then pacing, then playing inside and out, then sleeping. (We have doggy doors, so they go out at will.) Situation normal, in other words.

Goose and Roux, er, “exchanged pleasantries” and “saluted each other” when I got home, but that’s the norm now. They’re like India and Pakistan.

To Charlie, however, every waking moment is a carnival of joy. All in all, a successful integration to Hound House!

Instagram post 1988245988054086166_177977374

A Tale of Two Brothers: One is completely obsessed with lights (laser pointer, reflection, you name it) and hugs and the other motivated by socks (or pillows, sheets, you name it) and kisses. I guess Goose is Daddy Coonhound and Charlie is Mama Basset? (Apologies as usual for low-quality videos; these guys are hard to record!)

Instagram post 1988229178499899397_177977374

His Imperial Majesty The Roux and Her Nibs Queen Sascha express their Royal Displeasure at the unseemly display of frivolity in Their Presence by Prince Charlie, who has yet to learn that fun is Low, Vulgar, and Injurious to the Royal Dignity.

Lordy, you'd think Roux would prefer this to be a funeral parlor sometimes. Charlie fortunately gives about two figs for propriety and has had a sock tug-of-war with his brother, come flying down the hallway, jumping into my lap (to my infinite surprise, to put it mildly), and had a wild time meeting Townes from next door.

Poor Roux. As his alter ego, Major Charles Emerson Winchester the Third from on M*A*S*H, would say, "Shocking! Just, just shocking!"

Instagram post 1987473701252059658_177977374

"If my bruvver can get up here, so can I!" Prince Charlie is settling nicely at the Royal Manse.

Goose has been giving what-for to ... Roux, not Charlie. They've had some kind of beef for awhile, but last night was the loudest expressions of that beef: probably the long, unexpected car ride, who knows. Charlie thinks they're nuts, but is otherwise unaffected.

He can't figure out Sascha yet, but he's working on it. Fergus operates in his own world, so he and Charlie are like the Earth and Moon: in near space, each doing their own thing.

Charlie is all about importing food and exporting kisses, so it's all good with him. We may need a psychiatrist or conflict resolution specialist for Goose and His Nibs, but Charles is cool with a graham cracker to crunch and a face to lick. The first 24 hours is done and we seem to be good.

Instagram post 1986761634505164410_177977374

Behold the first meeting of Prince Goose and his brother Prince Charles Phillip Arthur George, er, no that’s the one in England; Bonnie Prince Charlie of Scotland, oh we’ll figure out something. Charlie gave lots of kisses. Prince Goose was growly a couple of times but the meeting went very well. His Imperial Majesty was even very well behaved! <gasp> On way home and lots more pics coming!!!! Welcome to Hound House Charlie!!!!

Instagram post 1986714148315052809_177977374

We’re loaded and on the road. The Prince is expressing his sentiment at going somewhere late on a Sunday and His Majesty is POUTING bigtime and using Goose as a pouty chin rest. Adventure Night begins!

Instagram post 1986674948358218695_177977374

Prince Goose, like Narcissus, is staring at the loveliness of his reflection (in this case, his shadow). See, he just had a nice bath and ear clean. So did all the Royal Court. His Imperial Majesty The Roux included. (You don’t really have to ask about His reaction, do you?) The Court is preparing for a Very, Very Special Surprise this evening, and the Prince (and maybe His Majesty) are going for a ride. What for? Shhhhhh. That’s the Surprise. They’re going to be Very, Very Surprised. The Prince’s reaction especially should be interesting. [Just, you know, send thoughts and prayers this way. Thanks! More as it develops ...]

Instagram post 1978561720348560724_177977374

Ten years and I guess I haven't lost my touch! I’m a great sub, Happy Valentine’s Day! (And you wonder why I love second grade?) I’m an exhausted great sub, but it’s going well. Lots of flashbacks to Burns Park in Ann Arbor at this Green Hills area school!

Instagram post 1977722594367699800_177977374 $For the first time in ten years, I stepped back into the classroom this morning. Exhausted by 8:30 a,.m., but everyone here is very friendly and supportive. Fourth grade first half of the day, third grade this afternoon, second grade tomorrow, Doing my best to remember everything Dr. Cathy Reischl and all my buddies at UMich ELMAC 8B taught me. I'm as rusty as the Tin Man of Oz, but stuff like "Braid curriculum, assessment and instruction," Fontas and Pennell and Lucy Calkins all coming back, especially Dean Dr. Deborah Ball and Dr. Tim Boerst, because this morning is... fractions!!$

Instagram post 1940446223568535632_177977374

His Majesty The Roux stares at stale fries on the stove. But Her Majesty Queen Sascha stares the other direction: at Unca Frankie’s back, giving him “Get up and get my dinner, churl!” and then “Get up and get my dessert, churl!” laser death stares. She accompanies this with much vocal displeasure until he chop-chops to her satisfaction. Meanwhile, His Majesty lies in his depression-drama pose and emits a “Harrumph!” every now and then. Life with Bassets as their “Chop-Chop Churls!”

Instagram post 1939058307747502188_177977374

Christmas ‘74. His F105 Wild Weasel was hit by a wild shot from a SAM battery near Haiphong. He was dragged away from the wreckage by angry farmers and sent to Hanoi. His shoes were taken and he had only his dirty, ragged flight suit to keep warm in the bamboo cage ... Yet here GI Joe Air Force edition is 44 years later, a sole survivor of my imaginative childhood (those dark years of Vietnam and Nixon), found again while I was digging through boxes and cleaning up the storage room. He’s been to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Michigan, Tennessee and California (three times!), yet survived it all.

Here’s to Christmas presents past that sparked imagination and play and fun and memories that stay with you. Time to celebrate your inner child, folks! Turn off the phone and TV and play with dolls or Lego or Yahtzee or snow or whatever gives flight to your fancy. Stress is high; tune out and play in. (Just an adult side note: GI Joe was NOT a doll (heaven forbid we had any gender fluidity or confusion back in the day!), but I did play with actual dolls: I notoriously buried my sisters’ Barbies in the backyard (was playing pirate and they and my sister’s camera were the buried treasure), took them swimming in the bathroom sink, put Ken in all manner of compromising positions <ahem>, and took off the heads of Barbie, Stacy and Midge to see what was inside (Oh Mattel! The horror of how their hair plugs looked!). Me disassembling things to see what was inside is a lifelong thing. But like I said. Enjoy your Christmas wonder and imagination and curiosity, wherever it leads you.

Happy Holidays!

Instagram post 1939033908466073980_177977374

Y’all please say hello to Townes!! He’s about ten weeks or so old and was found scared to death wandering by the side of a Kentucky interstate by a touring band. They brought him aboard their bus to Nashville where he was adopted by our neighbors Lars and Laura. So sometimes when they need to be away for a few hours, we get to go have puppy time with Townes!! (He’s appropriately named after the musician Townes van Zandt.) First, rescue-foster-adopt, rescue-foster-adopt, rescue-foster-adopt!!!!! Next, if any of you music fans know/listen to/love Kane Brown, take in his shows over the coming months-Townes’ daddy #iamlarsthorson is playing a mean fiddle in Kane’s band. (They’ll be in Norman, Ok, in January.) Finally, yes, His Imperial Majesty The Roux, Queen Sascha and all the Royal Court are HIGHLY aware of the existence of the new puppy presence on the border. His Majesty is also HIGHLY Displeased that His Churls have been spotted in Rebellious and Treasonous Cavorting with Sir Townes and Much Attention and Restitution has been demanded and exacted by the Miffed Court.

And remember: Rescue a needy animal, regardless of Christmas or Easter or Beethoven’s birthday. It will be the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do.

Instagram post 1937445140193667882_177977374

His Imperial Majesty The Roux wishes it known that the period of mourning for His late, lamented, much-mourned Countess of His Heart Miss Tessa is continued for ... as long as He wishes it. Although it’s rather too small for His Royal Highness, The Roux insists upon sleeping in her bed; the churls may not remove it upon Pain of Death. He has carried an unrequited torch for her since 2012 and refuses to put it down. (Sad, huh? You should hear His sighs. Also, He wouldn’t let me photograph His face. Inappropriate, He said. Actually, it’s because he’s going rather gray in the fur around His face (!!!!!). Shhhhhh. Don’t tell Him.)

Instagram post 1937438609645542877_177977374

Every night after six, Unca Frankie comes home and there’s frivolity and noise and then Goose falls asleep in Unca Frankie’s lap for just about the only moment during the day when he’s not being a pill.

Instagram post 1931742594238101572_177977374

His Royal Highness The Roux has been staring at the leftover french fries on the stove for a half-hour, commanding them to fly off the stove and into the Royal Tummy. They are in Open Revolt and His Majesty is, as He frequently is, Not Amused. It ain’t all beer and skittles at the Royal Manse.

Instagram post 1927990326225387713_177977374

Life in Nashville: Bumper sticker that says (said), “Welcome to Nashville, now y’all go home.” Looks like your welcome has worn out: they’ve pasted a white strip over the “Welcome to Nashville” part. Yeah, thanks for all the bachelorette party money, now y’all git.

Instagram post 1902672239989267561_177977374

These two red slashes on my neck? Oh those. Ran into a vampire down in the Vanderbilt Library stacks this afternoon. He rejected me ... too bitter. (Sorry. Couldn’t resist. Hallowe’en and all that.) The actual truth is far grislier: I had the second of two nerve block injections, this time on the right. They stuck those large-bore needles in there and dug around. Then I went to another doctor who stuck another needle in my lower shoulder and gave me a hepatitis immunization, ‘cause we have an outbreak around here and I’m old and all that, ya know? Shoulder now feels both numb and on fire at the same time.

Old-ness. Ppppsssahhhh. Y’all can have it.

Instagram post 1896821848525374330_177977374

Faith, Hppe and Charity Day was long and tiring, but we had a great and informative day. Just two meetings left. Next week: We spend the day at the Hermitage Police Station for Law Enforcement Day. Getting locked up should be fun!

Instagram post 1896818790559117313_177977374

A wide shot of the Temple Chirch can’t actually capture the width of this large church. There are 50 of us in this shot and its hard to see us. Two services are offered on Sundays, starting at 7:30 a.m. (!) They are gracious and welcoming and we enjoyed it. Particularly impressed by their outreach programs to diverse groups from the homeless, school kids, Haiti and Belize to food pantries and transportation and clothing, they do it all.

Instagram post 1896814264267422572_177977374

The Temple Church of North Nashville welcomed us with open arms, goody bags and food and drink. We enjoyed hearing from some of the leaders of this 42-year-old church which now has 4,500 members. The outreach programs they do are diverse and massive. Here’s one of the stained glass windows of the interior, featuring Abraham, with the bottom row of Booker T. Washington, Marian Anderson and The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Instagram post 1896687472378568289_177977374

Shalom. Peace be upon us all. Final stop up next: A Baptist church. We old M3’ers of Leadership Donelson are very tired, but it’s been a highly informative day.

Instagram post 1896684732172605953_177977374

Thanks to the Islamic Center of Nashville for feeding 50 of us the noon meal free. It is appreciated. I really like the Chicken Shawarma from Fattoush Cafe of Nashville. Really good food, plus excellent information provided by Rashed Fakhruddin, director of community partnerships. Helpful in explaining many things.

Instagram post 1896636459030317013_177977374

Torah behind glass (so not a great picture) which is a survivor of Reichs Kristallnacht, Nov. 9-10, 1938. A reminder of the consequences of demonizing minority groups.

Instagram post 1896634208735771264_177977374

Small chapel at the Temple
Congregation Ohabai Sholom.

Instagram post 1896632778276892238_177977374

The Call of the Shofar at the Temple
Congregation Ohabai Sholom by Ben Shahn (1959).

Instagram post 1896630839451387776_177977374

Torah at the the Temple
Congregation Ohabai Sholom in West Nashville/Belle Meade.

Instagram post 1896629646432015443_177977374

Spending Faith Hope and Charity Day of Leadership Donelson at Donelson Church of Christ, the Catholic Center, the Temple
Congregation Ohabai Sholom, and the Islamic Center and a Baptist church. The Jewish temple is gorgeous, art and architecture both are awesome. Everyone gracious and welcoming. Lunch at the Islamic Center is next.

Instagram post 1891864137325907509_177977374

SSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! If His Imperial Majesty The Roux wakes up and discovers Prince Goose is using His Dibs’ padded nether regions as a pillow, Heads. Will. ROLL!!!!!!

Instagram post 1891442381536844863_177977374

First on agenda: WeGo Public Transit/RTA and Walk/Bike Nashville on the state of public transit in Music City.
Also, lived here for 10 years, had never ridden Music City Star, got to ride it into downtown with Frank on his normal commute.

Instagram post 1891434497142921382_177977374

Instagram post 1891433979917959359_177977374

Cold and gray on the Cumberland today as Leadership Donelson/Hermitage starts our transportation focus day. It will end with airport operations at KBNA!! <childish squeal of anticipatory delight>

Instagram post 1887889906502307707_177977374

Spent Tuesday in the Nineteenth Century with my wonderful mates from the 20th anniversary class of the Leadership Donelson-Hermitage M3 class. (M3 stands for Modern, Mature, Motivated. We’re the <ahem> older version of the Leadership program. I may be Modern, but I’ve never really been Mature or Motivated. But they accepted me anyway.) We spent the day learning all the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes workings of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Lived here ten years and had never been, even though the name “Hermitage” is on pretty much everything around here.

We met the Chief of Museum Operations (recently arrived from Independence, MO, where she worked at the Harry Truman house); the curator; the director of education and interpretation; a Fisk University history professor; and the interpretive manager. Difficult questions were asked (mostly by me, ‘cause I’m still a nosy, onoxious reporter at heart) and difficult answers were given. Then lunch and a behind the scenes tour. A very enlightening day.

Instagram post 1884456703171090701_177977374

Prince Goose has amazing eyes too, only he’s looking intently for flies or lights or red dots. Not like Roux, who’s aiming to turneth thou to stone.

Instagram post 1884444777515011765_177977374

His Majesty giveth the churl the Royal Stink Eye. No reason, just on Sound Moral Principles, Instructive for Obedience and Responsiveness. Churls need constant upbraiding to keep them in line with knowing who’s the Boss.

Instagram post 1876639284448895199_177977374

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Screen

Latest Movies Watched:

7-Sep-19 | The Big Clock (1948). TCM | John Farrow (d) Ray Milland (a).
25-Aug-19 | The Yellow Rolls Royce (1964). TCM | Anthony Asquith (d) Shirley MacLaine (a).
25-Aug-19 | Sweet Charity (1968). TCM | Bob Fosse (d) Shirley MacLaine (a).
24-Aug-19 | Strait Jacket (1964). MeTV | William Castle (d) Joan Crawford (a).
13-Aug-19 | A Cry in the Night (1956). TCM | Frank Tuttle (d) Edmond O’Brien (a).
10-Aug-19 | The Ritz (1976). TCM | Richard Lester (d) Jack Weston (a).
28-Jul-19 | An American Tragedy (1931). TCM | Josef von Sternberg (d) Phillips Holmes (a).
27-Jul-19 | Thieves’ Highway (1959). TCM | Jules Dassin (d) Richard Conte (a).
14-Jul-19 | Desk Set (1957). | TCM | Walter Lang (d) Katharine Hepburn (a).
14-Jul-19 |Hot Millions (1968). TCM. | Eric Till (d) Peter Ustinov (a).
7-Jul-19 | Die Brucke (1959). DVD. | Bernhard Wicke (d) Michael Hinz (a).
2-Jul-19 | Ich war Neunzehn (1968). DVD. | Konrad Wolf (d) Jaecki Schwarz (a).
19-May-19 | Steel Magnolias (1989). Cinema. | Herbert Ross (d) Julia Roberts (a).
5-Apr-19 | Conquest (1937). TCM. | Clarence Brown (d) Greta Garbo (a).
27-Jan-19 | The Wizard of Oz (1939). Big Screen Classics, Opry Mills. | Victor Fleming (d) Judy Garland (a).

Categorize

View

Springtime at the Tower of London. | 15-Apr-00.

Photo of Notre Dame de Paris, France. | 8-Apr-00.

Springtime at Notre Dame de Paris, France. | 8-Apr-00.

Marquee of the Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor. | 2006.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market marquee. | 2008.

Fall Colors along I-24, southern Tennessee near Monteagle. | 2009.

Photo of the Quadriga atop the Brandenburger Tor, Berlin, Germany. | 17-Apr-00.

Quadriga atop Brandenburger Tor, Berlin, Germany. | 17-Apr-00.

Photo of the Pride Flag waving over the Castro District. San Francisco | 2003.

Pride Flag waves over the Castro District. San Francisco | 2003.

“Arbeit Macht Frei” gate at Auschwitz I, the main camp. | 18-April-00.

Photo of a Gondola Loading Area and the Hotel Cavalletto Doge e Orsolo. Venice. 21-Apr-00.

Gondola Loading Area below the Hotel Cavalletto Doge e Orseolo. Venice. 21-Apr-00.

Reichstag Building, Berlin, Germany. | 16-Apr-00.

Marietta, GA, rail line, site of the 1864 Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. | 2009.

Photo of i-75 north out of Atlanta. | 2009.

I-75 north out of Atlanta at night. | 2009.

Steve and Frank atop Independence Pass, Colorado. | Nov-01.

State Theater, Ann Arbor, MI. | 2006.

Unloading Platform at Auschwitz II/Birkenau. Oswiecim, Poland. 18-Apr-00.

Steve in front of Big Ben, London. | 14-Apr-00.

Guys of the Month

July 19: He’s igniting all kinds of fireworks … in the pants of other guys coast to coast! He’s Mr. July, firecracker hot, having fun, and in need of a suntan.

June 19: In celebration of all things Stonewall (50 years on) and Judy Garland, here’s some eye candy that has nothing to do with rainbows or Over the Rainbows and high heel fights and who threw that first brick? Here’s adorable, very gay, very lucious Mr. June! | ECotM—June 2019

May 19: This is our hot dish for May 2019: Fuzzy boy with everything in all the right places.

April 19: Sleeping Beauty, about to be awakened to the glory of spring. | ECotM—March 2019.

March 19: He’s staring up at the giant orb in the sky. He hasn’t seen the sun around here in ages, so he’s surprised. I’m about to surprise him myself. Woof. | ECotM—March 2019.