SAFELY BACK IN MEMPHIS Y'ALL!!

 After a very long hiatus, I thought I'd pop in and give a little update on life.  2020....what a year!!  But rewind to 2019....and that pesky little move we made to Dallas, Georgia.  Yours Truly tried her best to like it there.  Honestly!  We did have a lovely home in a very nice neighborhood and I did meet a few really nice folks along the way but ....I just could not get past that traffic!!   as Everywhere, every day, every hour....it was giving this girl Road Rage!!!  I told Miss Georga "Bye Felicia" as I left the neighborhood and once more when I crossed that state line!!

So back to Memphis Waste Connections sent us in February 2020.  Right before this nasty old pandemic sent us all into shut down mode!!!  We did have about 2 weeks that we were able to have a little catch up fun and some great food before going into hibernation.  

So....February we moved....March the GA house sold and I had to fly back to meet the movers and get everything into storage.  We were searching high and low for a new home in Memphis.  We were fortunate enough to find a beauty about 2 miles from our old neighborhood.  We moved in April 25 and have been busy on it since!!  I guess it was a blessing to be on shut down as it gave me lots of time to unpack, organize, etc.  

It hasn't taken long for us to get this house in order - including painting, renovating the kitchen and of course it had to have a beautiful front door!!  West has been busy turning the backyard into an oasis!

I lost my job also in April -- so I was at home eating bonbons until I started a new job in September.  I'm not going to lie...the break was very nice!  Let's recap...April 2019 sold house in Memphis, packed  up house to storage, moved to Georgia, found a house in Georgia, unpacked everything into new house.  February 2020 moved back to Memphis, March 2020 traveled back to Georgia to pack up our belongings  and prepare for house closing.  April 2020, located a new home in Memphis, closed, met movers, unpacked....WHEW!!!  2 houses sold, 2 house bought in a year.  Yeah, I needed a little break!!

On that note, I think it's a safe place to insert...AND THE REST IS HISTORY!!!  Lot of cooking, reading, playing Yahtzee, Cards, and watching TV.  

As always, I wish you all well and remind you....be extra kind to everyone and tell the ones you love how much you love them!  Until next time, I remain....

Yours Truly in Memphis

From Memphis to Dallas......Georgia that is!!

Yours Truly has up and moved y'all!!  It's been about about 6 months now since West and Yours Truly up and left Memphis and landed in Dallas, Georgia.  This quaint little town is about 30 miles north-west of Atlanta.  Why did I leave my beloved Memphis, you ask?  Well, West received an amazing job opportunity with his company, Waste Connections, and it was just something we couldn't say no to.  So, with heavy heavy heart, we got packed up and headed South!! 

Did I mention I had to leave my wonderful job at FedEx?  It's true.  And let me tell you.....THAT was hard!!  But I am very fortunate in having landed a great job with XPO Logistics in Marietta, Georgia.  It's about a 17 mile commute each day each way...but it could always be worse, right?  I'm not even going to go into the traffic issues here....not enough words to describe that mess!!

We've found a beautiful home in Dallas and are slowly trying to get out and learn our new neck of the woods.  We were really fortunate in meeting a delightful lady by the name of Jaye Lutz who is our realtor and has become a good friend too! So far we've discovered a nice little sports bar in the 'hood, The Box and a nice wine bar, UnWined and Tap.  It's been so busy we haven't gotten out too much lately but I'm sure that will change!

We've had a few visitors from Memphis -- Joy & Steve Gilmore, Jay Long and Chip Grimm!  I'm so thankful they all made the trek to see us....it sure brightened a few weekends!  The Lovely Laura Aslakson is heading in this weekend so I'm sure that will be fun!!  

Not much else to report at this time....but....remember -- be nice to one another and do something nice for someone!!  Until then, I remain...

Yours Truly in Georgia

Your's Truly .....5 years later!

As I woke up to a new month today....I realized it was my 5 year anniversary since moving to Memphis!!  Some days....it still seems like yesterday.  Some days....it feels like an eternity!

So much has changed in the last 5 years.  My job, new friends, new home.....and I'm grateful for it all!  I still miss my Sherman Girls on a very frequent, regular basis.  Knowing I cannot hop in the car and head off to where every is gathering & laughing still hits me in "the feels".

We continue to explore, listen to great music and meet new people on a pretty regular basis.  This summer has been a little limited in activity since Mr. West took his tumble down the stairs in early May.  He's doing much better and will be ready to cha-cha in no time!

We are very excited that our daughter, Ari, is moving to Memphis this weekend!  We are hoping she'll learn to love it as much as we do...and get out and meet some new peeps! She's very artistic so I'm hoping she'll take this opportunity to explore & develop her talents!

I continue to be grateful for my wonderful job.  I started with FedEx Freight as a Managing  Director's Administrative Assistant and have moved up and now work as 1 of 2 Executive Assistant's to the CEO of FedEx Freight. Great opportunities!

I haven't blogged in quite some time but just wanted to spend a few minutes this morning reflecting.  I admit I honestly did not want to move to Memphis 5 years ago....was very resistant to the idea.  But, once I made up my mind I have had no regrets!

I end you with an open invitation to come see us any time!!  We've had several "regulars" over the last 5 years and always welcome a familiar face!  Until then, keep being nice to each other and tell the ones you love how much you love them!!

I remain,

Your's Truly in Memphis

Yours Truly is amazed today to realize that it has been 2 years since I left my beloved Texas and moved to the other side of the Mississippi River.....that's right.....MEMPHIS!!!  

It was a heartbreaking day when I loaded up my zoom zoom and pointed it East.  I was leaving behind so many things that were near and dear to me....my Mom, children, sisters, and friends.  I was headed to a place where I had NO friends at all.  What was I going to do??  Fortunately Rick's family was there to welcome me....but....I have to admit....I was really hoping I was doing the right thing with this move.

So, after bidding farewell to family & friends....and the house that had been our home for 13 years and my hometown of Sherman...I put on my big girl panties, loaded up Niles the Wonder Cat and got the adventure started!!

Those of you that know me, will recall that West had moved to Memphis several months earlier when he started a new job.  And, that Memphis is his hometown...and that he has lots of friends....and history.  Little bit intimidating to say the least.  

Let me back up a moment and remind you that about 2 weeks prior to this fateful day, I had the opportunity to interview via Skype...yes, Skype for a position at FedEx Freight.  I'm happy to report that interview went well and I'm still working for a great man, Dale Chrystie, who has since been promoted to Vice President.  We've become a great team and good friends!!

Once I rolled into town on that Wednesday 2 years ago....I unloaded the car and let the games begin!  I had a week to settle in, and try and learn my way at least to my office and back home!  Fortunately, it was about 5 minutes from the house so that helped!  I would go out and explore a little further each day...with the help of that soothing voice on my Garmin.  

A week later, and I was up early and ready to begin my adventures as a FedEx Freight employee.  I cannot tell you enough what a great place I landed in!!  I have made so many good friends here and work with some really fabulous people!!  But, the best thing that happened on August 8, 2012, was making my rounds through the office and being introduced to the different team members.  As I stood talking to one lady, and joking about needing to find someone to have margarita's with....I hear from around a corner "I'm over here....come on over!!!".  And lo and behold...THAT'S how I met the fabulous Clare Myers!!!

Let me just say that Clare Myers was a Godsend!!!  She took me under her wings and welcomed me as if she had known me forever!!!  We soon became fast friends....and through her I've met so many other wonderful people!!!  I don't know if she truly realizes how much she means to me and just how grateful, and happy I am to have become her friend!!

It was soon after I moved here that I began to write this little blog.  It was a great way to get to know the city and find new adventures!  I hope you have enjoyed reading about my little escapades as much as I have enjoyed HAVING these little escapades and subsequently writing about them!  And with that being said...I remind you all to tell the ones you Love how much you Love them...be nice to everyone!  And I remain,

Yours Truly

September Saturday Night Steppin' Out in Memphis

Yours Truly and West are adoring this delightful weather in Memphis!  We had a nice little adventure last night and it goes a little something like this!

It had been such a lovely, windows open kinda day that a walk downtown was in the cards.  We started out

the door and didn't have to wait too long for a trolley.  We road it uptown and hopped off at Madison Avenue and proceeded East to The Brass Door, which touts itself as being Memphis' Authentic Irish Pub.  They have an amazing chef and delightful menu. We decided to just have an appetizer and chose the warm chicken dip.  This is a delight concoction of cream cheese, chipolte peppers, green chilies, sour cream and chicken and was served with freshly fried tortilla chips!

After a beverage and said dip, we headed to our next destination, Bar Dog, always one of our favorite

haunts!!  We had been there for just a few minutes when West jumps up because he has spotted his boss, John, heading out the door!  What a great surprise because he and his lovely wife Cheryl were also with their awesomely nice neighbors Maryann and Russ.  They came back inside, sat down and had a few drinks but all we kept talking about was Glory Days....Oh, wait - that was Bruce Springsteen.  But -- they did come back inside and had a drink with us!  They were heading to the Flying Saucer so we joined their little entourage and off we went.

While we headed out, one of our friends and favorite bartenders at Double J's, Suzy, was outside and introductions were made. She was going to heading to the Blind Bear Speakeasy, which is a place West and I have been wanting to try out.  So, we made a detour and headed inside.  John particularly liked the looks of  the Blind Bear because they had "fancy lights"!  They were charging a $5 cover to get in and we decided we didn't want to do that right then.  And, off to the Flying Saucer we headed.

We reached the FS and the place was jumping!!  We stayed long enough to have a couple of beverages.  Since John & company had been downtown for a while, they were getting ready to wrap up and head to Collierville for the night so good-bye's were said, hugs & kisses all around.  Now, in the meantime, I had received a text from Suzy who sent us the "password" to gain entry to the Blind Bear without a cover.  Since I've never had the pleasure of whispering the coveted password anywhere, of course West and I had to go back!  Sure enough...at the door.....'Ella sent us" and BAM....in we went!

This was a pretty hip place so we secured a beverage and found a place to land on the softest sofa ever!!  West had his current favorite cocktail, Jack and  Coke and was delighted that it (a) was served in a true highball glass and (b) was served with true square highball ice!!!  Seriously, it was like an early Christmas for him!

We decided it was time to head back South and maybe find a place to have a little bit more dinner.  We didn't NOT have trolley luck so we set off on foot.  As we pondered our destination - Ernestine & Hazel's came into sight, which means the wonderful aroma of the Soul Burgers reached us first.  And if you assume we popped inside for one of these glorious treasures...you're absolutely right.  Soul Burger, bag o' chips and a Bud Light....perfect night cap!

As the evening came to a close and we walked the final block to the Casa Del West En El Rio....it was then that West discovered the hole in his shorts pocket and that we no longer had THE SKINNY KEY.  The skinny key, for those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting the Casa in Memphis, is our GOING OUT KEY....1 key ring, 1 key.  And....now....it was gone.  A few phone calls were made to locate a locksmith and while Yours Truly waited for him to arrive, West went to plan B which involved a visit to Double J's and a quick trip with a few of the chefs to the parking lot at the Casa, a crow bar, a slim Jim, and extra keys were located.  Thank goodness there was a house key on that precious key chain!  I felt really bad because the lock smith was coming from Olive Branch, MS and when I called him he  as about 5 minutes away but he took the news well and I can only assume turned around and headed back to bed!

So this concludes our little Saturday September 21 adventure.  I love a good spontaneous evening of strolling, eating, drinking, and laughing!  Until next time, remember to be nice to everyone...tell the ones you love how much you love them!

Love,  Yours Truly

Catchin' Up In Memphis

Yours Truly was just reminiscing on her first year in Memphis.  I cannot believe I've been here for 1 year!  Actually, 1 year and 44 days but you get the picture.  What a year of adventure it's been!

Since my last blog of March 16 when we celebrated St. Patrick's day, let me recap some of the adventures I've had the pleasure of enjoying!
April found me enjoying my first concert at The Orpheum Theatre.  I had the pleasure of listening to Boz Skaggs with the Lovely Clare Pillow-Myers.  She has become truly dear to me and a wonderful friend indeed.  I often tell her and anyone who will listen that I'm not sure if my experience in Memphis would have been what is has been had I not met her on my very first day of work.  It's almost like she was just there...waiting for Yours Truly to move to Memphis so she could befriend me!

Also in April, I had the pleasure of volunteering to work at the FedEx Family House Gala at The Peabody.  This was a very dressy event and I was in the company of some lovely ladies and friends from work.  Edna Gaia, Carmen Cayode-Johynson, The Lovely Clare, and Carol Gardner.  We had a great time and it was an awesome event!  I hope to be selected to work again next year!

May brought us the Memphis In May activities!  This is a month long event...chock full of music, food, art, and FUN!!!  I had the pleasure of getting to see 2 of my fave-o-rite fellow Bearcats, John Pritchett and long long long time friend Laura Ann Aslakson.  They came for the BBQ weekend and man-oh-man did we have fun!!!  Rick and John spent some "guy time" while the ladies set out our own.  But let me say...the laughter started pretty much they pulled into the parking lot at the Casa Del West En El Rio in the rented bright red Mustang that Laura was driving!!

I also had the pleasure of making a trip home to Shertown in May.  The primary reason?  Why, to surprise my sweet Momma on her birthday, which fell on Memorial Dray, and of course to see my Texas Girls!!!  The first stop on the way was to the Nuss Retreat & Spa in Winnsboro.  I got to spend the entire day with Lori Nuss and the evening with Lori & Russ.  We decided that evening that Lori surely needed to head to Shertown with me!  So, bright and early that Saturday morning, away we went!   I got to spend the day seeing SO MANY of my wonderful friends!  It did this girls heart good!!

The birthday for my Mom and surprising her to boot went off without a hitch!!!  I got to spend a lovely day with my Mom, sweet daughter Ari, sisters, brother-in-laws and various nieces and nephews! 





May came to a close and we welcomed Summer to Bluff City!!  Several fun things went on and one of them was a fun evening spent at the Memphis Botanical Gardens listening to Mr. Tony Bennett! 

Also in June, Clare and I were pleasantly surprised to learn that our photo had made the.....no, not the cover of the Rolling Stone but the Memphis equivalent  - RSVP magazine, which is THE "socialite" magazine about town!  This has been a long time mission for Clare, I learned, and she was pretty much a lot more excited about it than Yours Truly, but hey....I have to admit I was a little excited!!

 

July arrived and it was unusually mild for the month.  West and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on July 10.  We were fortunate enough to make a much needed trip to Ft. Myers, Florida and visit the beautiful Sanibel & Captiva Islands!!!  We relaxed, ate some wonderful food, heard some good music, West deep sea fished, and Yours Truly floated in the glorious sun, drank sangria from dawn to dusk and read about 6 books!! 

August in Memphis....and it finally began to heat up!  I was blessed with a wonderful visit from 2 of my very dear friends, Dana Dowell Speed and Lori Nuss!  We had a WONDERFUL visit!  They became regulars at Double J's, we wondered all up and down Main Street.  They arrived on Trolley Art Tour night so they go to experience that! It was a most delightful visit!!

August also found Yours Truly enjoying a most glorious Saturday afternoon drinking Mimosa's with the beautiful Lucinda Nuesch Sanders on her rooftop.  She's been a treasure as well and I enjoy the time we get to spend together! August also brought me a wonderful treat....a visit from my #1 son Dax and Chris Jackson!  We had a great time!!  It was so good to spend some quality 1-on-1 time with my favorite boy in the whole world!  We walked and explored, talked and had a few cold beverages, and talked some more!!!  It was a wonderful weekend!!!

Another monumental event occurred on August 22.....Yours Truly got the metal removed from her mouth and revealed her new smile after 15 months!!!!  Yes, this was a HAPPY DAY for YT!!!  I have to admit I've found it hard to stop smiling ever since!!!  I also dealt with the old lady hair that had been growing for quite some time...and it was bringing me DOWN...so it got colored, cut & styled!!!  Yours Truly is back and feeling mighty sassy these days!!!

And now.....that brings us to the glorious month of September!  One of my 2 favorite months of the year, the other being October.  I've always loved the weather...the blue of the sky, I guess the hint of fall in the air.  We started out with some wonderful visitors....the lovely Jonna  Blair Brown and her equally wonderful husband, Bruce Brown.  They came and

spent Labor Day Weekend and we had a really great visit!!!  

I also co-hosted a 50th birthday party to my dear, sweet friend Clare and her twin Julie!  It was going to be a pool party but since someone left the gates of hell open, we decided to do it in her apartment!!  That apartment was full of smiles, laughter, great food and lots of good times that evening for sure!!!

September brought us the Delta Fair and in keeping with tradition, Uncle Rick and Aunt Lisa took the niece and nephew, Eleanor and Townes, to the fair.  Now, keep in mind that Uncle Rick picked THE HOTTEST day of the summer thus far for this little adventure but we were troopers!!!



We also attended Zoo Rendezvous this month.  This is an annual fund raiser for the Memphis Zoo, which is one of the best zoos in the country.  It was just another night to dress up a little, spend time with friends, meet some new people, eat, drink and be merry!!!  We met up with the beautiful Val Mercado and a fella she was with and walked around most of the evening with them!  Again, those gates to hell were stuck open and it was so hot....not a breeze to be found....but we survived! I personally believe that between the Delta Fair and Zoo Rendezvous...I sweated out every bad thing I might have eaten or had to drink for about 2 weeks!!

So that pretty much catches me up for the year!  There has been a ton of things that didn't make this episode but just believe that there have not been many dull moments!!! 

As always, remember to be nice to one another, and tell the people you love how much you love them! Until next time, Love, Yours Truly.

Yours Truly was reminiscing today....going through some old blog posts back from when it all began.  It's hard for me to believe that I've been in Memphis 10 months already.  As I read my very first blog, it mentioned I was writing it so I'd have something to do since I didn't have any friends....yet!  I am so happy and thankful to report that situation has been REMEDIED!!! 

Enter Clare Myers.  I met her my very first day working at FedEx Freight and she has become my #1 girl

here in Memphis!!!  Her loving personality, beautiful smile, friendly manner and lovely southern drawl all make her so captivating and FUN!!!  She has graciously shared many of her friends and introduce Yours Truly to some very nice people!  Val, Susan, Heather, Amber....just to name a few.  It didn't take Clare and I long to become "partners in crime"!!  She has recently earned a great promotion and moved to another office building.  To say I miss her greatly is an understatement!  Yes, we still talk & text & chat & email almost daily...but I miss seeing her smiling face! 

I've met some other wonderful people along the way as well.  West and I have become "regulars" at our favorite neighborhood haunt, Double J's Smokehouse And Saloon.  It's had many a mention here in this blog.  The folks all know us by name and a few even text to let us know we're missed when we happen to miss trivia night!  And, I cannot fail to mention the sweet Lucinda!  She's moved downtown since I met her and is just a few blocks up the street.  It's nice having her so close by.  She is a good patio buddy and loves to sit out and have a beverage after work as much as I do!

And, I cannot forget the FABULOUS Patty!!!  Patty Harper and Faultline.  Just a great local band!  I met Patty and the band when they were performing at Wet Willie's on Beale Street.  You might recall that she is the great one that handed me her tambourine the first time I saw them and let me become their Honorary Tamboruine player whenever I go to listen!!  Just a beautiful lady, sweet soul and kindred heart!  Fun to be around anytime!!