So, I was planning to go to the marathon and listen to some of the bands that I know will be there. But now they are calling for a lot of rain this entire weekend. So, I’m ditching this marathon and looking for something else to do. Anyone have some good ideas for fun in Nashville? Especially Saturday night?

Elvis was known for having some strange tastes in food. I think his most famous “Elvis Specialty” was probably fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. But he was known for loving this particular cake that I have a picture of. “Elvis Cake” is a white cake with special icing that has crushed pineapple and cream cheese in it, that is topped with chopped pecans. I saw a photo of this and it made me get a craving tonight. I think I have everything on hand here in my pantry. So I’m heading to the kitchen to bake a cake!

It’s beautiful but my camera does not do well at night. I hope it snows while I’m sleeping and that I can get some nice photos in the morning.

Backyard Burgers has a variety of toppings and options, including 4 different kinds of cheese. The standard topping are a slice of fresh tomato, a large leaf of Romain lettuce, a couple slices of red onion, a splash and ketchup and mustard and three slices of dill pickle. I like the Black and Blue burger, which has a slice of thick bacon and a sprinkle of bleu cheese crumbles on it.

One of my friends on Facebook is an author who just published her second book, “Anna’s Visions.” I found the story line to be intriguing, a woman who has visions of the future, especially for her granddaughter.

Since I like a real book in my hands, I am ordering the paperback from Amazon, although people who like to download books to their Kindle or Nook can buy a digital version. The paperback is only $12.99, which is reasonable to me, especially since my purchase will be supporting a friend.

I really don’t like freezing rain/ice at all, I am concerned about trees falling and cutting off power, especially in cold weather. I saw on Channel 5, that NES (Nashville Electric Service) will have their crews on stand-by so that if power is affected that they can get right on it as soon as possible to get power restored.

I have noticed over the years, the thing about winter storms and Nashville, whether it is snow or ice. This whole city shuts down and there is a mad dash on the Kroger and it is almost impossible to find what you need in the store! I do understand why people make the mad dash now, there are so many people here and many have never had to drive in the conditions before, because they have moved from warmer climates. I refuse to leave the house, not because I am afraid of driving on it, but because I am afraid of the other drivers.

I have plenty of candles, flashlights and batteries if the power goes off. I also have a fireplace in the new house to help keep the dogs and I warm today. I hope that everyone takes this seriously and tries to stay off the roads if at all possible. Stay safe everyone!

I have never really been a fan of winter. I have always gotten cold so fast and easily and then it always seems to take forever for me to warm back up. Spring has always been my favorite season, it’s not too hot or too cold. I love all of the flowers in bloom and the air just seems to smell good. I like to be able to take walks around the neighborhood with the dogs and take in the sights. I hope the ground hog doesn’t see his shadow next month!

If it isn’t the horrible spelling and even worse grammar, it is the total lack of propriety by the younger people as well. I have noticed so many people posting and talking about illegal activities and posting pictures. I have also noticed there is so much more profanity than there used to be. Do these people not realize that a lot of companies check your Facebook page when they are considering you for employment? Law enforcement also has access to your social media. That is something to consider the next time someone wants to put up illicit pictures of themselves online.

I wish that there would be more care and respect. I feel like some of the younger folks are just starting to fall so far away from that. I don’t blame media at all, I blame parents. There needs to be more parents taking an interest in their children so that they learn the consequences of their actions.

Don’t get me wrong with my rant, there are some great young people out there. They are out there because they had amazing parents. I want to see more of them, and less of the Jersey Shore type young adults.

I went ahead and packed up my belongings and rented a U-haul truck for a couple days. I had everything packed up and into the truck two days before my lease was up at the apartment. Then I spent the last couple days cleaning everything up and leaving it in better condition than I left it in. I absolutely wanted my deposit back. Once I had everything out, the apartment cleaned and the keys returned, I rented a hotel room and stayed overnight before I was due to move into my house the next day.

There are a few changes I am going to make to the home. I am going to eventually entirely redo the kitchen and bathroom. A new coat of paint needs to go on the walls in every room, and new flooring. I will do the flooring last, because the carpet will last a year or two, and the linoleum in the kitchen and bathroom is ugly but not torn up.

I still have a lot to unpack, but the essentials are out and I am home!

I have spent time looking back at the previous year, at every thing that has gone on. I had a great year. I got to spend time with friends and family, I had plenty of laughs and cries to go with it as well.

Do many of you make New Year’s Resolutions? I used to, but that time has passed, I have trouble with the idea of picking and choosing what needs to be changed and putting so much pressure on yourself. I do think it is a good thing to see something through until the end though.

I hope that everyone of you has come into 2013 safely and in good health and I hope that will be the way 2014 finds you next year!