Blog Slackers

OK, OK, it's been a month since we last updated the blog. Can you say 'slackers'?! But, hey ... it's been a busy four weeks! What have we been so wrapped up with? Take a read and find out ...

Our trip to North Cackalacky (Jul. 28-Aug. 5)
We had an INCREDIBLE week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a special place for both of us. Jenn and her family have been making the annual summer trek down to this incredible barrier island region since the early 1990s and Jeff made his first trip to OBX with Jenn in September 2000 (our first trip together as a couple). The house that we rented (with Joanne and Len, Jonathan and Audrey, Roger and Pam Dallek, and Katie and Kayla Moore) was a 1/2 block from the beach and had an awesome in-ground pool in the back yard. To say that the weather was perfect is definitely an understatement. We had a blast being beach and pool bums, but also kept busy with some golf, kayaking, hiking at Jockey's Ridge, eating at some incredible seafood spots and house hunting. No, we're not looking to leave Nashville -- we love it here. But we helped Joanne and Len find their dream OBX home that they'll likely retire to in the coming years. It's located between the ocean and the sound behind Jockey's Ridge (the largest natural sand dunes on the east coast) and will feature an in-ground pool. Can't wait till it's ready in a few months!
Photos: Our week in OBX New house

First pitch at the Nashville Sounds game (Aug. 14)
Jenn took to the mound at Greer Stadium prior to the Nashville Sounds (AAA for the Milwaukee Brewers)/New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA for the New York Mets) game and threw out the first pitch. As part of a NowPlayingNashville.com promo with the Sounds, Jenn was handed the ball and threw a strike (OK, she bounced the ball just in front of home plate but she was throwing from the mound in heels!). Not too shabby for this one-time Big 10 scholar athlete at Penn State! :)

A visit from the Schoenfelds (Aug. 17-20)
Joanne and Len made it down to Music City for a quick weekend visit and we had a great time. We hit the usual breakfast spots (Pancake Pantry and Loveless Cafe) and also hit Boundry and the Melting Pot for dinner. We also introduced them to Arrington Vineyards and the honky tonks of Lower Broadway (including one of our faves, Clay Canfield, at The Stage).

NowPlayingNashville.com Launch Party (Aug. 22)
Jenn and her co-workers at The Community Foundation really busted their butts getting the website in tip-top shape in time for their NowPlayingNashville.com launch party at City Hall in the Gulch area of Nashville. The event was a huge success, with over 350 people in attendance, including many city and company leaders, who also happen to be strategic partners of the site. Jenn is really enjoying her gig and the way that it has immersed her into the Nashville and Middle Tennessee scene.

Capitol Records Pub Crawl on Demonbreun (Aug. 23)
One of the reasons we moved to Nashville was to take advantage of some of the best music/entertainment events in the world. The Capitol Records Pub Crawl on Demonbreun was one of those events that we loved being a part of. In a creative way to showcase some of its artists, Capitol closed down Demonbreun Street for a big block party. Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and multi-platinum artist Dierks Bentley performed in popular hotspots and on a stage set up at one end of the street (with an incredible skyline backdrop). We had a blast and the music was awesome!

The Listening Room - Franklin, TN (Aug. 25)
After a fabulous dinner at Saffire at The Factory in Franklin, TN, we hit Main Street and enjoyed some live music at The Listening Room with Renee and Damion. Performing was our Team Rio (our Country Music 1/2 Marathon team) friend Tonya Lynette Stout, a super-talented singer/songwriter, as well as tunesmiths Lisa Hentrich (has written tunes for Lonestar's Richie McDonald, Chris Cagle and many others) and Jane Bach (with hits recorded by Rebe McEntire, Jo Dee Messina and Collin Raye). The artists performed "in the round," a circular set-up where each performer takes turns singing and strumming ... a very cool way to hear the stories behind the songs.

A few July/August birthday shout-outs ... Jonathan, Len, Mark, Uncle Mike, Jen F., Jeremy F., the Soutars (Keith, Ann and Abbey), Jen G., Nicole G., Rob D., Ben B. (happy 30th!), Christina G., Janice C.

Whew ... what a month! Until next time ...