Music City, USA Part 2

That is Nashville, TN. We recently attended my annual Navy ship’s reunion in that great musical city. Each year we former “Indy” (USS Independence CVA-62) sailors meet at a large city in our country. Almost to the man, we crew members voted to have next year’s reunion at Savanna, Georgia. We drove to Nashville as it isn’t that far. Georgia means airplane! The reunion lasted 4 days and was held at “The Inn at Opryland” which was very nice. Before we dropped anchor at the hotel, Lorna and I visited my dad and step-mother’s grave at a local mausoleum. They lived many years in Nashville. It had been a while since we’d been there and it has really grown. If you like live country music that is the place to visit.

We visited the “Country Music Hall of Fame Museum” which was very nice. We also took a cruise on the “General Jackson Showboat” and that was beautiful plus live country music, too! I used to fish on the Cumberland River, but can’t say I recognized much. The river was really low. On our way to Nashville I noticed the Tennessee and Ohio rivers were being dredged. One evening we went to the “Grand Ole Opry.” Years ago we went to the “old” one, but the new one is huge. There were 10 different performances. Some old time stars and some upcomers. All really good!

It was great seeing some of my old shipmates from New York, Alabama, Missouri, Indiana and Michigan. Time marches on and health issues creep up, but I hope we can all meet again in Savanna next year. Ha! Thank goodness for canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Sometimes it was a real challenge. Ugh!! I found out that I am eligible for two medals. One for the Cuban crisis and I can’t remember the other one.

On the last day, we “dressed up” for the evening, sat at a reserved table for a nice meal, dancing (can’t do that), door prizes, etc. The wives had a nice time chatting while we “swabbies” recalled sailing the 7 seas. I’m one of the old timers as I was on her from 1962-64. The “Indy” (aircraft carrier) was commissioned in 1959 and ended her life, 39 years later in 1998. She recycled her steel and using the Navy slang, “She became razor blades.” May her soul rest in piece!

Politics

Just my opinion, but I like the Republican candidate, Nikki Haley, for President.

Humor

If we evolved from apes, why are there still apes? Is there a Preparation A through G? Should not Tarzan have a beard? As I stand in front of the refrigerator door I ask myself, “Did I have lunch, or am I going to?” Why did the coach go to the bank? To get his quarter back. If people stood shoulder to shoulder around the Equator, 2/3 of them would drown. What is the difference between a hippo and a zippo? A hippo is really heavy and a zippo is just a little lighter. Why does a joke told in an elevator good? Because it works on many levels. I tried eating a clock, but it was very time-consuming. A friend of mine fell down a well. He didn’t see that well.

Congratulations

Goes to our daughter’s friend, Olivia, for her great performance on the TV show, “The Voice.” She will someday get to the top of her venue whether it be singing, acting or both. Some years ago we attended her and our oldest grandson, Logan, in plays. Olivia’s mom has directed many plays in the Chicagoland area. They live in Lockport, IL.