On Tuesday, Randy called me at school. He rarely calls so I immediately asked what was wrong. He just thought we might be able to get away this weekend for our anniversary. He said maybe Vicksburg, MS or Breaux Bridge, LA. I said great, to let me know if he could. He called back on Wednesday morning and said that it didn’t look like he’d be able to go after all, too much going on at work. He called again on Thursday saying it was on again. Where’d I want to go?
We’ve been to Vicksburg several times for our Anniversary and it has kind of become our anniversary place. As of 10:00 Thursday night, we were going to Vicksburg. Book Anchuca, our Bed and Breakfast. Friday morning, when he kissed me goodbye for work, he said, “I think I’d like to go to Franklin, TN.” So off we go around 2;00 p.m. without a place to stay, the few Bed and Breakfasts in Franklin booked. The owner at one B&B recommended Franklin Cool Springs Marriott, so 30 minutes out, I called and made a reservation.
Friday night, we had steaks at Jonathan’s. Randy loved the asparagus and we both loved the fried artichoke.
On Saturday, we bolted out of bed at 8:00, surprised that we both slept soundly that long. We got free breakfasts at Lorraine’s, Marriott’s restaurant and a promotion they were running for weekend guests.
My chandelier.
My anniversary present from Randy.
Then we set out for the Historic Downtown Franklin. First, we stopped at the shops at The Factory, a very nice specialty stores and booth type mall.
To the left, as you enter, is one of the nicest antiques mall that I’ve ever visited and I’ve been to quite a few. I could have stayed several hours just in this one building.
I found some etched glass and gold trimmed dessert plates that Randy bought me as an anniversary present. Absolutely adore them.
I was shocked to find a chandelier like the one that I had purchased at auction a couple of months back. The price was $1175.00. Let me tell you about my best auction purchase ever. Mom and I went to B & B Antiques Auction in Winfield. I love this auction and have bought many things in my home there, rugs, furniture, china, depression glass, etc. I really didn’t have anything particular that I wanted to bid on that day other some flo blue plates.
We had gone over to the hunting club to eat lunch. Dad cooked fish and wanted us to come by, so we were late getting to the auction. When I sat down at B&Bs, I immediately said “ Look,” pointing directly over my head at a chandelier. “I’d love to have that in my foyer. ” Mom said, “You can’t afford that.”
I bought a couple of stained glass windows. The auction was winding down. Everything was going cheaper than usual and Mr. Webster was ill, even more so that normally. I went to pay behind a short line. I walked over to the side and he said, “Let me sell this light here. I wasn’t going to sell any lights today, but someone asked for this one.” I turned around and Brandon was pointing a yard stick at ‘my light.’ I couldn’t believe it. He said, “A thousand, “in his auction voice and then, “$500. Does no one want it?” Someone said, “$100.” Then, “ $125.” I couldn‘t believe it . I said “$150.00.” No one else said anything. He said, “Sold. I hope you know the deal you got. The tag on it says $1150.00.” I was shocked and elated.
Now back to Franklin. There was my light hanging in this shop. I called Randy over to show him.
I bought a few little items. We had lunch at a unique Mellow Mushroom, even for Mellow Mushroom. Then we went up and down the streets of Franklin, into the cutest stores. I bought the girls some earrings.
Then we went to tour the Civil War plantation, Carnton. I called Georgia to ask her about the novel she had read about Carnton. It is, The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks. I purchased it at the gift shop and can’t wait to find the time to read it.
Carrie's grave.
We both enjoyed the tour and visiting the cemetery. Over 9,000 solders were wounded, killed, or missing at the Battle of Franklin, 7000 confederates. Many were never identified;1481 buried in the cemetery on the grounds.
We wanted a Japanese Steakhouse for dinner so decided on Shogun. We could have made a better choice had we been some place more familiar, but it was good.
Sunday morning, we had another huge breakfast and went to Franklin Church of Christ. It never fails that when we start to talk with people that we find someone who knows someone we know. The first lady who greeted us knew the Hamners in Fayette. Then the family sitting behind us knew Pam and Ginger, maiden name Higgins. The lady’s maiden name was Evaline Ward. She had gone to school at Bluff and graduated from Fayette County High School. Her mom lives in Bluff and attends Mount Olive Church of Christ.. She knew the Deavours name and couldn’t wait to talk with her mom to ask her about our family. How fun to meet new people through connections! We had lunch at Pucketts, an obviously popular place by the wait and the number of people having lunch inside and out. We both liked the casual atmosphere and highly recommend it if you visit Franklin.
On the way home, we made a side trip to Nolensville’s Amish Market. I wanted to get several loaves of bread. Even though the scenic route was nice, I probably would not recommend taking this side trip.
We had a great weekend. It was nice to get away and spend some time together. Randy, thanks for asking. It was such a nice surprise! We’ll definitely be going back to Franklin, TN.. (Missed the family. Diet tomorrow. )
Incidentally, the Winnie the Pooh saying at the beginning of this entry, hangs in my bathroom, where Randy and I can see it every day.
Wow! 32 years. What a blessed life!!
