Category Archives: It is NOT about Real Estate :0)

Nashville New Homes: Light up the grill. It’s Memorial Day weekend!

Monday is Memorial Day, a day for many that includes a celebration of hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, chicken, and bsaically anything that can be cooked on a grill.   It is also the holiday weekend that signals that summer has arrived!

But it is a lot more than that also.  Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those that have died serving our country, was originally called “Decoration Day.”  It was first observed on May 30, 1868 when the graves of fallen Union and Confederate soldiers were decorated with flowers at Arlington National Cemetery.  It was not until after World War I that the day became “Memorial Day” to honor the fallen soldiers of any war.  In 1971, Congress passed the bill proclaiming the last Monday in May as the official recognized “Memorial Day.”

Here is a link to the history of this all-important day:

http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

There are a number of ideas that come to mind on what to do this weekend.  Here are just a few:

http://nashville.about.com/od/nashvilleseasonalevents/a/memorialdaycele.htm

And there’s more!  Why not visit Blackjack Cove Marina, where you can enjoy a BBQ plate from 11:00-2:00ish Saturday & Sunday overlooking Old Hickory Lake.  www.blackjackcove.com  If you cannot make it during that time, the Black Pearl is open all weekend and you will not want to miss it’s awesome Sunday Brunch, a great atmosphere accompanied by steel drums.

Although our model homes at Ole South will be closed in observation of Memorial Day, we are open on both Saturday and Sunday, and anytime by appointment.  Drop by for a cold drink and cookie and find out for yourself that….

So get out there, fire up the grills and ice cream churns, slice some watermelon, and enjoy this weekend.  But please, take a few minutes for remembrance and tribute of those who died protecting these very things we enjoy.  And if you get a chance, thank a living soldier or veteran too!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Another Day on the Cumberland River – Part I

Friday afternoon, 8 of us departed Blackjack Cove Marina on Old Hickory Lake for a 46 mile journey down the Cumberland River to Commodore Yacht Club, where an annual brunch was taking place on Saturday.  Since this Sunday was to be the “end of the world,” we weren’t going to take any chances on missing a last river trip.

Gates of Old Hickory Lock

The weather was gorgeous as we approached Old Hickory Lock.  The lock works much like the tank on your toliet.   Flush to go down, fill it to go back up. There are floating “mooring bits” to tie onto in side the lock.

Tied up in the lockExiting the lock

 Within minutes, we were flushed down to the river below.  We exited Old Hickory Lock at 4:10 pm.

There are many interesting sites, and a lot of history along this river.  There are also many pieces of residential real estate along the river that most people don’t even know exist.  It was great to see that many homes damaged in the May 2010 flood have been rebuilt.  But there are also those that have not. 

There will be visual reminders of this catastrophe for years to come but now is a great time to buy riverfront property for a completely different and relaxing lifestyle.   And even though there is the chance of flooding, the investment potential is great.  They simply aren’t making any more riverfront property!

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All of the above scenes were taken on the 25 mile stretch of river between Old Hickory Lock and Nashville’s Riverfront Park, where we arrived at 5:50 pm to spend the night.

There was considerably more barge traffic on the river than usual.  Lots of sand, and even more coal!  It is amazing that each barge can hold the equivalent of 53 tractor-trailer loads of material.  

One of Ingram’s boats that I am partial to is the “Martha Denton,” which was named after a dear friend of our family that I have known since birth.  Yep, a long damn time. 

Ingram Barge Company's Martha Denton

Before she passed away last year, Martha joined us for a day on the boat and we learned the history of each individual the Ingram boats are named after.  It is ironic that some of the boats actually seem to take on the “personality” of their namesake!   Seeing the Martha Denton brings a smile every time we pass.  A very fitting tribute to a great lady.

Downtown Nashville is simply beautiful.  The river flows through its center much like blood flows through the heart of the body.  I hope one day Nashville can have a Riverfront to be proud of, much like Knoxville and Chattanooga.  Clarksville has greatly improved their riverfront and docking facilities too.  Why can’t we?

Docked at Riverfront Park

 The administration of Mayor Karl Dean is directing much-needed emphasis to the East Bank and it is great to see the progress.  I think his administration just might “get it” when it comes to a viable Riverfront.

Richard Fulton was the first mayor to acknowledge that we even have a Riverfront, and the docking facility we currently have was built on his watch. 

Nothing much has happened since then, except for the addition of courtesy docking for LP Field and Mayor Bill Purcell removing docking privilidges during holidays and special occasions under the disguise of Homeland Security concerns.  

Perhaps the real reason was that he didn’t have a boat and wanted to get even with everyone that did.  Regardless, it was a stupid policy that remains in effect to this day.

In reality, it is time for all of the docking facilities to be located on the East Bank.  Spend the night on a boat at Riverfront Park, or try and navigate a string of barges under the Shelby Pedestrian Bridge and you too will agree. 

Friday evening, it was our intention to hit the nightspots of downtown in a big way.  We never made it.  Too much good food and good friends to leave! 

In the next blog post, we’ll look at other scenes between downtown and Commodore Yacht Club, a 19 mile stretch of river.

Nashville New Homes: Let’s keep welcoming home the 101st!

No one could be any prouder of this country’s accomplishments in the “War Against Terror” than the members of the 101st Airborne, stationed at Fort Campbell.   Their commitment and vigilance thousands of miles away are the very actions that have preserved our freedoms to this day. 

Since January, members of the 101st have been welcomed home from tours of duty each week.  In airports, grocery stores, and shopping malls they are graciously thanked for their service.  If you haven’t had a chance to thank a soldier for their service lately, please do so.  Our troops, active-duty and retired, deserve our thanks.

The events of the past few days gave the troops returning to Fort Campbell this week added satisfaction and pride in their mission.  Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al-Quieda had been killed.  It was also the 101st’s own 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (The Night Stalkers) that executed the plan to deliver the Navy SEALS Assault Team to Bin Laden’s compound.   Mission Accomplished!

Yesterday, May 6th, President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden arrived at Fort Campbell.  The President met privately with the assault team and then publicly addressed the members of the 101st.  Click here to see the transcript of his address:

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110507/NEWS08/105070317/President-Barack-Obama-s-speech-Fort-Campbell?odyssey=mod%7Cdefcon%7Cimg%7CFRONTPAGE

A Presidential visit to a military installation, such as Fort Campbell, is a very special event, regardless of anyone’s political preference.  I was surprised to learn that President Barack Obama is the sixth US President to visit Fort Campbell.  This is the second time President Obama has met with members of the 101st, the first time in Afghanistan.

Here is the history of Presidential Visits to the post, from the website www.welcometoclarksville.com:

The post received particular attention from George W. Bush, who visted three times while president and made a Fort Campbell appearance one of the final events of his years as commander-in-chief.

 2008: Bush spoke to an audience of about 7,500 soldiers at Hangar 9 on Nov. 25, 2008, before having lunch with 11 soldiers from 101st Airborne Division at Son’s Cafe.

During his speech, in reflecting on his years in office, Bush said, “Above all, I’m going to miss spending time with men and women who have volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and women who wear the uniform.”

2004: Bush made his second visit to Fort Campbell March 18, 2004, following a difficult but victorious 101st Airborne deployment in Iraq.

 Bush addressed more than 12,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division, along with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and 5th Special Forces Group troops.

 He was introduced by then-commanding general of Fort Campbell Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus. Bush had lunch with a group of soldiers and went to the post’s Pratt Museum to meet with the families of 46 soldiers who were killed during the global war on terrorism.

 2001: Bush first visited Fort Campbell for a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22, 2001, two months after the 9/11 terror attacks. More than 10,000 soldiers at the Division Parade Field greeted the president with chants of “USA” and cries of “Hooah” and “Air Assault.”

 Bush told the soldiers that terrorism will be snuffed out and the Screaming Eagles should be ready if they’re deployed to fight the “evil ones.”

 Several 5th Special Forces Group soldiers were already in Afghanistan, helping to root out the Taliban regime. Two months later, in January 2002, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne deployed to Afghanistan.

2000: President Bill Clinton arrived briefly at Fort Campbell aboard Air Force One, shook hands with well-wishers, and was flown via Marine One helicopter to an Owensboro, Ky., appearance.

 1992: President George H.W. Bush landed at Fort Campbell in 1992 for a speech at Austin Peay State University. The former president also stopped at the post later that year on his way to a campaign rally in Paducah, Ky.

1985: President Ronald Reagan came to Fort Campbell for the Gander memorial after more than 200 soldiers died in a plane crash over Newfoundland.

 1984: Reagan made a stop at Fort Campbell on his way to Bowling Green, Ky., to inspect Mammoth Cave National Park.

 1966: President Lyndon Johnson came to Fort Campbell to inspect weapons captured from North Vietnamese soldiers.

 Compiled from Leaf-Chronicle archives.

Yesterday, Friday May 6th was “Military Spouse Appreciation Day.”  Even though the official day has passed, it is never too late to show appreciation to the spouses and family of our brave service men and women.

Now is also an unprecedented time for military families to purchase a new home.  Normally I would not throw a “home sales message” into a post of this context, but I also feel we have an obligation to inform, espeically when the information can change a financial future.

We all know that Veterans can purchase a new home without a down-payment using a VA Loan.  The State of Tennessee has made that loan eligibility even more attractive with its “Homeownership for the Brave” program for active duty and retired military, and those that have served in the armed forces. 

The interest rate savings are tremendous and I will be sharing more information and savings examples in a future posting.  In the meantime, if you would like more information on this exciting program, please call me at 615.593.6340.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: As floodwaters rise, “Memphis in May” rises too!

Normally, the content of this blog focuses on New Homes and other topics relevant to Nashville and the surrounding area.  But after all, Tennessee is one big happy state and some amazing things are happening just 200 miles west.

In May of 2010, Nashville was suffering from the catastrophic flooding of the Cumberland River.   This year, Nashville was lucky.   Now, in May of 2011, the rain clouds turned to Memphis and the Mighty Mississippi.

 

And it couldn’t have picked a worse time.  Every year, Memphis opens its doors to the world for its month-long “Memphis in May” celebration.  During this celebration, events such as the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest take place.

Here is information about this year’s “Memphis In May” event.  The information was published before the flooding.

http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=58240

And now, the floodwaters decided to attend as well. 

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The show will still go on thanks to advance preparation, quick thinking, and just plain old determination.    I really love the “reactive” ad graphics for the event.  Check it out!

Here is an update on all of the event’s festivities:

http://www.memphisinmay.org/Default.aspx?p=74023&naid=6848

Meanwhile, flood waters continue to threaten the area.  Read here for more area information:

http://madmikesamerica.com/2011/05/mississippi-flooding-threatens-millions/

“Memphis in May” festivities will go on.  Meanwhile, the festivities in Tunica won’t for a while… unless water-taxi services are put in place.  Take a look:

With the casino cages quiet, those visiting Memphis will now probably have more money to spend on BBQ!

Meanwhile in Nashville, the weekend promises beautiful weather to shop for your new home.  Take a minute to visit any of our model homes in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Smyrna, and Clarksville.  You’ll be amazed by the values you will see.  You’ll also enjoy the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies we’ve baked just for you!

If you can’t find the time to visit in person, start with our website!  www.OleSouth.com

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

We’re in America. Let us pray.

Today has been designated as the National Day of Prayer, and in my opinion, could not have come at a more appropriate time.  please visit this site to learn more on the history of this reverent day:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Prayer

This designation almost did not happen this year.  Read more about this here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700132638/National-Day-of-Prayer.html

There are events and ceremonies being held all over the country.  Here is a link outlining those in Nashville:

http://www.factn.org/nationaldayofprayer.htm

We live in a very delicate time.  Our country’s resolve has been tested, and once again prevailed.  Our nation’s leaders, our troops, and our citizens all need support through prayer that goodness overall shall continue to prevail.  Many sacrifices have been made, and many continued sacrifices will be required.  We cannot afford to “let our guard down now.”

Today, please take a moment from your busy day.  Offer a prayer for our country and its leaders.  Offer a prayer for the brave men and women that serve in our armed forces.  And most importantly, offer a prayer to comfort those families that have lost loved ones who died protecting the freedoms we all continue to enjoy.

And lastly, let us pray that these freedoms continue in this great Nation.

Amen.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: April showers better bring May flowers!

After the cold winter, we just could not wait for Spring to arrive.  It has.  And it has brought some pretty ugly weather conditions with it.  Although many in Middle Tennessee suffered damage from the most recent wave of storms, we really did dodge a bullet… what happened in Tuscaloosa could have happened here.  Check out this amazing footage of the storm developing:

If you would like to donate to relief efforts in this devastated area, the Red Cross (www.RedCross.org) is always there to help.  Also, the Alabama Governor’s Office is accepting donations through its Emergency Relief program.   Click here for details:

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/04/alabama_governor_gives_number.html

At the same time tornados ravaged Alabama, many residents in nearby Clarksville were evacuating their homes due to rising flood waters.  Clarksville has also been no stranger to severe weather.

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/

Franklin County, Tennessee also suffered extensive damage, with the entire county powerless after the storm.  Rutherford County, Tennessee  has also seen its share of severe weather this year.

http://www.wgnsradio.com/severe-weather-leaves-its-mark-on-rutherford-county/26480/

Whenever a storm siren is heard, events from the past flashback as if they were yesterday.  Everyone remembers the tornado that struck Murfreesboro in April 2009:

Although it has been 13 years since the famous April tornado in Nashville, I remember it as if it just happened.   At that time, I was organist at the Tulip Street United Methodist Church in Historic Edgefield.   As the storm subsided, I heard the church had been hit and went by to see the damage.  The sheet music I had left on the 100+ yr. old organ was still on the rack, opened to the page I left it.   The organ was untouched, but just a few feet away, an entire wall of the sanctuary had vanished.  Here is a link to that story:

http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=792&printthis=1

I really would like to say my playing “Amazing Grace” on the bells was divine intervention.  Actually, “Amazing Grace” was the only selection I could play in the dark!  Regardless, it was humbling to know that such a simple act had brought calmness to many.  Maybe it was “divine intervention.”

All around us are people needing a helping hand and even the smallest efforts can make the biggest differences.   You can never realize the impact of a gift, whether time, money, or items, until it is given.

That said, April is almost behind us.  The sky is clear, and beautiful weather is on the immediate horizon.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed that May brings those promised flowers and not what May brought Nashville in 2010!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Obligation or Opportunity?

What’s the difference?   If an obligation is something that you have to do,  an opportunity is something that you should want to do.  

Recently, our friends at THDA gave me a book to read by Mark Sanborn, “You Don’t Need a Title To Be A Leader.”   The book is all about how anyone, anywhere can make a positive difference in daily life.  The book is loaded with clear, simple and meaningful ideas.   In other words, it is worth reading!

 

One of the most meaningful chapters to me was “Obligation or Opportunity?”   Let’s face it, we all have obligations in our daily lives.   We want obligations to be completed as quick as possible, with little regard of the outcome.   An opportunity presents hope and when acted upon can lead to something much greater.

 What can happen if we “transform” each obligation into an opportunity?  Why not give it a try?  After all, we’re going to do whatever it is anyway!

What if:

Instead of “I have to show a house…”   we  thought “I have an opportunity to show a home to someone that needs one…(creating an even greater opportunity to feed my family…)”

Instead of “I have to attend a meeting…”     try  “I am attending a meeting where I have the opportunity to take away something that I can build on and use”

Next time you are very busy and the phone rings, dont think “*&^%@!”     Why not, “this call just might be my next opportunity to gain a client.”

Instead of “I have to make an appearance at an event….”  think  “I have an opportunity to meet new friends and acquiantances.”

Instead of “I have to work in the yard..”  think  “I have the opportunity to make my neighborhood more appealing”

 

And this Sunday, instead of “I have to go to church with Mom….” why not think “I have an opportunity to show Mom, and her friends, that I care…”

The possibilities are endless!   And today, I have the opportunity to present the very best new home values in Middle Tennessee!   See them in person or online at www.OleSouth.com.

Is your life full of OBLIGATION  OR OPPORTUNITY?  

It is your choice.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Breaking News: Government still open. But, where are they?

Oh goodie!  At the final hour, a budget deal was hammered out.  Our government continues to function.  Whether or not this is a good thing depends on who you ask! 

The talking heaads of both political parties have their grips firmly on the microphones.    Sound bites abound.   Tears being shed.   Our security threatened.   Our military threatened to serve without a scheduled paycheck. 

Just what was accomplished?   Who won and who lost?  Or did the country win out over the long haul?  Time will reveal the answer.

The World's Largest Theater

My question is, “Where are they?”   Where are the statesmen (and stateswomen too) that put the common good of the country over the good of their particular party?  Where are the communicators that can make simple sense of the most complicated of issues?

Today, JJ Love of Re/Max Elite in Nashville forwarded an email about Thomas Jefferson to me.  I would like to share it with you also, and ask that you pass it on as well.    Lets try and find some of these character traits in those we vote for in upcoming elections.

 Jefferson was a very remarkable man who started learning very early
in life and never stopped.

    �         At 5, began studying under his cousin’s tutor.

    �         At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.

    �         At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.

    �         At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.

    �         At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.

    �         At 23, started his own law practice.

    �         At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

    �         At 31, wrote the widely circulated “Summary View of the Rights
of British America ” and retired from his law practice.

    �         At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

    �         At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence .

    �         At 33, took three years to revise Virginia ’s legal code and
wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.

    �         At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding
Patrick Henry.

    �         At 40, served in Congress for two years.

    �         At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated
commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John
Adams.

    �         At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George
Washington.

    �         At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of
the American Philosophical Society.

    �         At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active
head of Republican Party.

    �         At 57, was elected the third president of the United States .

    �         At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation’s
size.

    �         At 61, was elected to a second term as President.

    �         At 65, retired to Monticello .

    �         At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.

    �         At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of
Virginia and served as its first president.

    �         At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the
Declaration of Independence along with John Adams

    Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed
attempts at government.  He understood actual history, the nature of God,
his laws and the nature of man.  That happens to be way more than what most
understand today.   Jefferson really knew his stuff.  A voice from the past
to lead us in the future:

    John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the
brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: “This is
perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in
the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”

    When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we
shall become as corrupt as Europe .
    Thomas Jefferson

    The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are
willing to work and give to those who would not.
    Thomas Jefferson

    It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes.  A
principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
    Thomas Jefferson

    I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of
taking care of them.
    Thomas Jefferson

    My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from
too much government.
    Thomas Jefferson

    No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
    Thomas Jefferson

    The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear
arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in
government.
    Thomas Jefferson

    The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood
of patriots and tyrants.
    Thomas Jefferson

    To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas
which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
    Thomas Jefferson

    Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
    “I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties
than standing armies.  If the American people ever allow private banks to
control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation,
the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive
the people of all property – until their children wake-up homeless on the
continent their fathers conquered.”

Here is a link to more about this fascinating American statesman:

http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/tjefferson.html

Where is a Thomas Jefferson when you need one?  Perhaps this would be a good time for some DNA and cloning research funding.   If we could clone Thomas Jefferson, we just might have a chance!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: No Foolin! Get creative and have some fun.

 Well, It is April Fool’s Day.  The day to tell a construction Project Manager that the wrong brick was put on a home under construction.  Or the wrong cabinetry was just installed.  You can also push the envelope and inform them they are building the wrong house on a certain lot.   However, today is not the day to say “a loan fell through!”

Today could also be an interesting day for a Real Estate Agent.  This would be a hilarious joke to play but, unfortunately for this agent, it wasn’t April fools… and this really happened:

Years ago, my cousin was married to a news anchor in Lynchburg, Virginia.  On the morning of April 1st, he stated on the news that the telephone company would be blowing dust and debris out of local phone lines and for everyone to place their phones in plastic bags for the day…to keep the dust and dirt out of your home.   That evening, they went to my aunt’s house for dinner and saw each of her phones inside plastic bags.  We still laugh about that to this day.

April Fools jokes are nothing new.  Here is a serious-like documentary on British TV that aired on April 1, 1957:

Want to have some fun with food?  Check this out

How about some fun at the office?

More funny April Fool Pranks:

Got a roommate?

Afraid of spiders?

Those that want to insert technology into April Fools will not want to miss watching this:

 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcscw9_easy-pranks-for-april-fools_school

I hope you enjoyed some of these clips.  I have got to run and show a house to a potential buyer that just called…. hopefully its not a prank!  In the meantime, please feel free to share some of yours!

Happy April Fools Day!

“Give me back my bullet.” Part 2

While within the confines of the Homeland Security office, David Hartley called me from Lido deck to see what the problem was.  I quickly told him “they found a bullet in Beth’s bag….gotta go.”   As I hung up , all I could hear was his laughter coming from the phone.   “Whats so funny about a bullet?” 

If you haven’t read Part 1 of this ordeal, here is the link:   https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2011/03/25/give-me-back-my-bullet-part-1/

OK, we’re back on board and found the group up on the bridge deck, just in time for a sail-away picture.

 

Then the questions and comments started flowing.  “Why is a silver bullet a security concern?  How embarrasing!”   

I am almost “over-the-hill” and sometimes slow to catch on.   Then,  it hit me.  They thought the fuss was all about one of those battery-operated bullet things that are made for women to play with.  Poor Beth.  This will be a cruise joke for ages to come.

On Monday morning, we arrive at the port of Progreso, Mexico.   If you want to see what real life is like in Mexico, you must ride the bus into downtown Progreso and check things out.  This was our sixth time to visit Progreso, so we decided to make a quick run through the “tourist village” at the pier and then enjoy the day relaxing onboard Triumph.

The “tourist village” has grown considerably since our last visit.  I found a neat sling shot in one of the stores that I plan to use at the lake this summer to shoot rubber balls and stuff at friends.  Beth bought a Mexican pottery thing.  There is a neat little bar on the beach with an excellent view of the pier, and they have gotten real creative with their marketing:

From the looks of the bras and panties they have gotten, they probably had to give away more drinks to whoever was there to watch.

The view looking outside of the bar was a bit better!

After a few cold ones, we headed back to the ship, jumped on board, and went through the security scanners.  They pulled Beth aside …. “Maam…pleese open yoor bag… look like weapon.”  (You should have seen the look on her face.) 

She opened her bag and there was my sling shot!   “Pleese go there to security.”   She was not about to… and made me go instead!  I guess that is fair.  It was my sling-shot.   Now, it looks like we both are now on “the list.”  LOL  

The harbor pilot “gig” has always intrigued me.  Someone from the port has to be on the ship when it is in a particular country’s port area.  When you are clear, they jump off on the Pilot Boat.  This happens in every port, arriving and departing.   I know there is a good reason, and I’ve heard them all…but it still sounds like a scam to me.  What a neat job!

The next day we were in Cozumel, where there are a zillion things to do.  Margaritaville appears to be the new hot spot, although Carlos & Charlies still takes the cake for being wild.  Panchos Backyard is a must if you are hungry, and if you are not, stop there for a drink anyway!    Enjoy a few scenes from the rest of the day.

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The highlight of cruising is getting to know people from all over the world.  This cruise was no exception.  Our head-waiter, Nolan Villamor from Phillipines, along with Alejandro his assistant, made each evening meal very special.

Another highlight of dinner is the entertainment.  After the meal, all of the dining staff dances and sings for the crowd.  Some may think this is “hokey” but we have always enjoy it.  Perhaps we are “hokey” too!

 The morning of debarkation, they had a lounge set up to return everyone’s “contraband.”  I was comforted to see I was not the only one that bought a sling shot!  On the way out of the cruise terminal, I almost stopped by the Homeland Security office just to see if they would “give me back my bullet!”  My better judgement prevailed…this time.

Our next cruise will be aboard Carnival Elation – its last cruise from Mobile, Alabama, October 15 – October 22, to Belize, Roatan, and Cozumel.  We’ve already got a great group going and more are planning to go.  You should join us too.  Just leave your bullet at home!

 

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee