90 years young

We celebrated the birthday of a very special man this past weekend. Richard's great-uncle turned 90 on Saturday, and Richard and I joined his family in Nashville for a fun party weekend. Uncle Bill was a '44 Tiger- part of the Clemson cadet class that had their education interrupted by World War II. Uncle Bill spent some time in Europe during the War, then returned to Clemson to finish his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He lost several classmates in the War, and I think their legacy is just one of the many things that makes Clemson so special.

Uncle Bill married Richard's grandfather's sister, Phalba, 60+ years ago. They both grew up in Spartanburg, but they've lived in Brentwood, Tennessee most of their adult lives. It was evident at his birthday party just how many friends they've made through their church and community involvements. Uncle Bill's birthday party was held at the Heritage, the senior community where he and Aunt Phalba now live, and the parlor was full of well-wishers.

Uncle Bill after blowing out his candles

a shot of the party crowd- they were all so sweet and welcoming to us and clearly appreciated being invited to the big event!

loved seeing my favorite sister-in-law

the Webb trio

poor husband was so tired- we flew out early Saturday morning, and he'd been up all Friday night at the hospital

the family- Les, cousin Karen, Uncle Bill, Aunt Phalba, cousin William, Richard's dad and mom, Suzanne, me and Richard

On Saturday night, Richard's cousin William was kind to take us down to Broadway. We went the The Stage, where Country Strong was filmed, and to Paradise Park, where one can get carnival food along with their adult beverage.

waiting to get into the packed Stage

the scene at The Stage was so different than that at evening spots in DC- it was kind of refreshing to see a more casual crowd

We got to join Aunt Phalba and Uncle Bill at their church Sunday morning, for a sweet time of worship. Several of the birthday party-goers were there as well, and we enjoyed seeing and talking to them again. We had lunch with the fam at the Heritage, which is quite an impressive facility. The art studio, dining room, library, etc. would make anyone want to retire there!

with our honorary grandparents

We couldn't leave Nashville without a few more touristy stops, so we spent the afternoon at the Opryland Hotel and had an amazing dinner at the Loveless Cafe. I'd read about it in Southern Living, and it absolutely lived up to the hype! Their biscuits, hashbrown casserole and chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting was to die for!

boat tour at the Opryland

Richard's dinner at the Loveless Cafe- meatloaf, fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese and hashbrown casserole

the Loveless Cafe was originally a motel, and the cafe and shops have carried that theme

Uncle Bill didn't know that anyone from the Webb family was coming, and he told us that us being there ranked among the best surprises in his lifetime. That's quite a compliment from someone who as lived as full of a life as he has!

P.S. Obviously I am having some font issues. The spacing and size change mid-post, despite appearing the same when I am composing and editing. Any ideas how to fix this? I don't use a Blogger template, but this is a new problem. Help!