Bluegrass Mama

We are here in Music City for a couple of days. Naturally, we came for the music. HS’s girlfriend is giving a recital, so we decided to make the trip. Should be interesting, as we will be meeting her family for the first time. Perhaps it’s a good thing that I’ve never seen the movie “Meet the Parents.”

Meanwhile, we’ve fit in a few side trips. We dragged BD through Mammoth Cave yesterday. My calf muscles are still protesting against the 200-step climb we made (both up and down). Once we reached Nashville, it was her turn to drag us through a Very Large Shopping Mall. The cave trip was 2 miles; our walk at the mall seemed easily as long. We also had dinner at our favorite Mexican place, but I’m sure all that walking burned off the calories.

This morning we went to the Parthenon (yeah, we didn’t know there was a full-sized reproduction in Tennessee, either, till we sent HS off to college here a few years ago). We’d seen the outside many times, but actually paid the entrance fee and went inside to the art museum today. BD was less than thrilled with the paintings, which Mr. B and I lingered over, but we were all impressed with the statue of Athena.

I put BD in the picture for perspective, but if that doesn’t cut it, the “little” figure of Nike that Athena is holding in her right hand is 6′4″ tall. The total statue is just shy of 43 feet high. Even Nike is far taller than anyone in the Bluegrass family.

After a short stop at a used bookstore we love, Mr. B dropped me off for a Very Special Lunch. I finally got to meet one of my favorite bloggers, Busy Mom. I was a little late, as we got ourselves turned around on the way. Walking in, I was wondering if a handshake or a hug was more appropriate. We’d never met, but after reading her blog for years, I figured that I knew her. Question resolved when she immediately welcomed me with a hug. (It wasn’t till later, after we’d had the obligatory laugh about hidden axes, that it occurred to me that a quick hug is a good way to frisk a newly met Internet friend.) We had a lovely time. We never ran out of topics, which could have something to do with the fact that we each have a 13 year old daughter. I am usually a very fast eater, but noticed that I was the slow one today, which usually means I’m talking too much. My apologies, Busy Mom! (BTW, we tried to make it a BM trifecta, but BlondeMom had a prior commitment at her daughter’s school).

Now I need to start preparing myself for our big night out at the recital and a reception afterwards. I may be more nervous than the recitalist (is that a word?). But hey, I met one of my blogging idols today. I can certainly handle a pair of parents. Right?