2008 09 06 Sun Studio, Memphis, TN

What a cool place.

The historic Sun Recording Studio is where Elvis recorded his first record and was discovered . . . . well - where he created Rock 'n Roll!

It is unbelievable the structure is still in existance as it stood empty for over 25 years - at times a muffler shop storage building, then a barber shop and finally a scuba/dive shop. Thankfully all the tenants were unsuccessful and the building was never changed or altered. Every ceiling tile, window, and floor remains untouched. If walls could talk! However the stories are very much alive. There are amazing photos and the original recording equipment. The talent that was born there - Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkin, Roy Orbison - it is really unimaginable.

It was thrilling to hold the very microphone Elvis first sang into and to stand on the exact spot where he recorded his amazing songs. If you're ever in Memphis stop by Sun for a trip down Memory Lane. We did and we sure enjoyed the visit.

2008 09 06 Beale Street, Memphis, TN

Today we enjoyed a bit of sunshine after several days of cloudy skies and rain from Hurricane Gustov. It was nice to walk down Beale Street and hear the music flowing from the clubs. The aroma of great BBQ, music and loads of people milling about - what a way to spend a Saturday.

We toured Sun Studios and the Gibson guitar factory. We enjoyed lunch at Gus' Fried Chicken and it lived up to it's billing - it was fantastic! We continued to wander downtown around Beale Street to savor the music and fresh air before we head to Mammouth Cave tomorrow.

2008 09 01 Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

You should not go to Memphis without visiting Graceland - the home of the King!

Yes it's a tourist mecca, but it's an amazing place. I really felt the importance and the overwhelming presence of family in this place. Especially as we passed the bedroom of Elvis' parents, through the kitchen, the racketball room, and the Jungle Room - but never as much as when we passed the gravesites. As soon as I entered the area tears formed in my eyes - and I couldn't explain it. I immediately began to think about how much he loved his parents, his grandmother, Priscilla and Lisa Marie - his friends and business associates too. He was always TCB - taking care of business. I wonder if that's where ZZTop took their inspiration from? hmmmmm......

Elvis was an incredible talent, so many fantastic, memorable recordings - music we still enjoy listening to today.

We love you Elvis.

2008 08 24 through 29 - Red Bay, Alabama

We headed to the Tiffin Factory in Red Bay, Alabama on the 24th to take care of a few bus maintainence items. We checked into the Allegro Campground on Sunday and got put on the list for Express Service. Monday came and went without a word, so we weren't sure when they'd get to us. By Tuesday afternoon we were in a bay with a couple of Techs. They made great time, but didn't quite finish.

Since we were in no hurry to get away, Nancy started working on having a few after-market items she'd been wanting installed - a sliding drawer in the cabinets under and over the sink and to have the wardrobe refitted with a shelf. Chris worked magic and in no time the task was finished. Wow! What a difference a few small changes can make.

We then decided to add sunscreens to our bus - so we waited around Red Bay a couple of additional days for Mr. D to finish the installation. The screens were well worth the wait - they really make the bus cooler. Once again, we scratch our heads at why we didn't have them installed when we first got the bus.

In a couple of days Service was finished with the repairs.Our stay at the factory went well so we're moving on to Memphis to explore Elvis Presley's home and to work our way through some BBQ! Wish us well.

2008 08 23 On Stage at The Ryman Auditorium

We enjoyed a couple of days R 'n R in Nashville - especially the tour of the Ryman Auditorium - the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. We took a backstage tour and saw lots of incredible photos of the stars, the back exit where the stars would cut and run to Tootsie's between sets, before they had to be dragged back to continue their performances. Really neat to hear the stories of all that went on in that place. It was great fun to stand on stage where so many of the greats got their start. So glad we took the tour - if you're in Nashville, take the time - you'll be pleased.

2008 8/22 Nashville

Hi Folks,

We are finally on the road again after a challenging summer in the Mid-West.

We decided to head South to enjoy Nashville and take in some of the shows they offer. We're looking forward to the Grand Ole Opry and the Quilt exhibition that is in town. More to come!

Peyton's Big #7

Peyton turned 7 this week and today we celebrated this big event at Chuck E Cheese in Cincinnati. The Birthday Boy was joined by his brother, Justin and his friends, Wyatt and Hunter.