Oh, What A Night

I have chosen to preempt my normal Sunday Links post to tell you an exciting tale. It's story of fun, fireworks and torrential downpours.

As I mentioned yesterday, the boys and I decided to brave Nashville's Fourth of July crowds in our quest to enjoy the perfect fireworks display. After partaking of a delicious meal with some friends, we made our way towards downtown. Our good friend, A., was along for the ride.

Our plan was to view the fireworks from the east side of the Cumberland River, across from Riverfront Park. Within minutes we had located a parking space and a premium spot to set up our chairs before the show began.

Around eight o'clock, a few drops of rain began to fall. Scanning the sky to the west, we could tell that bad weather was heading our way. The hubby voiced that he wished the show would start early in light of the pending rain.

As if on cue, the first fireworks exploded into the air. The boy, along with the crowds gathered along the river, began to cheer. The Nashville skyline made the perfect backdrop for the colorful show. Minutes passed, and we began to notice that the skyscrapers that were once within view began to disappear behind a wall of water.

It was at that moment that the sky opened up. A literal flood of rain was released from the heavens. Shouting over the noise of the rain and fireworks, the hubby proclaimed, "We are not going to leave... no matter what!"

The incredible display of fireworks continued, despite the unceasing torrent. The four of us just stood there, enormous smiles plastered across our faces, as the rain poured down. It will, no doubt, go down as one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Never have I seen the boy so filled with joy. Never have I heard him cheer with such abandon. Never have I been so wet. It was as if I were standing at the base of Niagara Falls.

After the last burst of color had faded from the night sky, we made our way to the car and headed towards home. The boy, who was chilled to the bone, took a hot shower before climbing into bed. As I walked out of his room, the boy shouted, "That was totally wicked!"

I had to agree. It was totally wicked.

A Little Fireworks Fun

We made the executive decision to light the majority of our fireworks a day early here at the Ha house. The reason? The boys and I will be out late enjoying the Nashville's massive fireworks extravaganza. And what a show it will be.


The fireworks display in Nashville is consistently ranked as one of the "must see" pyrotechnics displays in the country. Shocking isn't it? This year's show promises to be the biggest one yet.


As in years past, the Nashville Symphony will be on hand to play an amazing selection of music while the fireworks light up the night sky. There is just something about watching fireworks while the listening to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. It gives me goosebumps.


The hubby and the boy ventured out this afternoon to purchase their arsenal of pyrotechnics. They came home with a large assortment of bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, smoke bombs, jumping jacks, fountains, and sparklers. I love living outside the city limits.


My boy, who is a pyromaniac at heart, was beside himself with excitement. We had to insist that he refrain from asking us how much longer it would be until we lit our stash. Once it was sufficiently dark, the fun began.


Lucky for me, our mini show created enough smoke that walked away with only three new mosquito bites. Unfortunately for me, I am incapable of resisting the urge to scratch my itching skin during the night. That means I should have three attractive scabs by morning.


I'm off to slather some cortisone cream on my bites before I head to bed. I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July!

My View Last Night

There is nothing like snuggling close to your Dad while simultaneously surfing the web.

My New Favorite Coffee

As I've mentioned previously, I am a coffee junkie. What could be better than starting the day with a big mug of piping hot coffee with cream. I'm getting a happy feeling just thinking about it.

When it comes to purchasing coffee for my own home consumption, I have always had two preferences: Bongo Java (my local favorite) and Peet's. That all changed last week.

The hubby, who recently turned 40, received a giant bag of Miscela d'Oro Gusto Classico Espresso Beans as a gift from my sister. The aroma that poured out upon opening that bag was amazing. We could hardly wait to taste our first cup.

After one sip, I knew that I had found my new favorite coffee. Miscela d'Oro's flavor is bold and aromatic yet incredibly smooth. It is not bitter or sharp like so many other dark roast or espresso beans that I have tried in the past. And the crema... you should see the crema on top. It is, in my estimation, the perfect coffee.

Miscela d'Oro, located in Messina, Italy, has been a family owned and operated business for three generations. While the company has grown considerably over the past 60 years, they still hold fast to their core philosophy of quality, elegance and simplicity. The result is an espresso that is authentically Italian.

My sister was kind enough to send me a link to the online retailer that she used. Rest assured, I wasted no time in placing an order of my own. You can never have too much of a good thing.

In case you were wondering, I don't have a problem. I can quit drinking coffee any time that I want to. Really. I can.

Hot, Hot Chicken

The hubby and I have lived in Nashvegas for almost fifteen years. During that time, we have tried to be intentional about exploring all that the area has to offer.

In addition to all of the landmarks that we have visited, we have enjoyed meals at the majority of Nashville's famed restaurants. What could be better than eating biscuits and preserves at the Loveless Cafe, a cheeseburger on French bread at Rotier's, or breakfast at the Pancake Pantry? I could go on.

Even after all of our scrumptious adventures, there was still one place that had managed to stay off our radar... Prince's Hot Chicken Shack.

Prince's legendary reputation comes from their hot-as-fire fried chicken. Patrons can choose one of five heat levels: plain, mild, medium, hot and extra hot. Let me tell you, this chicken is not for the faint of heart.

Check out this short film that explains how Prince's got it's start. It contains interviews with the owner and some of the regular patrons.



The hubby had his first taste of Prince's Hot Chicken a few weeks ago. He loves spicy food and decided that medium heat would be a good place to start. Boy was he ever wrong.

According to the hubby, Prince's makes the best fried chicken that he has ever eaten. The meat is incredibly juicy and the breading is crisp and flavorful. That said, the chicken is also the spiciest food that has ever crossed his lips.

Let's just say that after enjoying his meal, the hubby's colon has never been cleaner. But like they say in the video, "Once you get off the toilet, you want more."

On Saturday, the hubby decided that it was time for the boy and I to experience Prince's Hot Chicken for ourselves. We called some friends and made our way to the north Nashville establishment.

After the hubby's last visit, he decided to downgrade the heat level and ordered mild chicken. I followed suit. We also asked for an order of plain chicken for the boy.

It only took one bit of my chicken for me to realize that I was in over my head. The fire that ignited in my mouth was like nothing I had ever experienced before. My eyes started watering and beads of sweat started to form on my brow. I ended up having to peel off all the breading and eat just the meat, which was still plenty hot.

On my next visit to Prince's, I am going to stick with their plain chicken. It packs a mild punch, but is one that won't knock me out.

The Great Biking Adventure

The boy has been begging to go on a "super-long bike ride." To be honest, I have been putting it off because it has been so darn hot.

With the temperatures here in Tennessee hovering in the mid to upper 90's, it is like living at the threshold of hell. Except that hell probably doesn't have this much humidity... or as many creepy bugs.

Today it became apparent that I could no longer ignore the boy's pleas. With approximately 400 gallons of water packed on my back, the boy and I set out on the 4.5 mile ride (each way) from our house to Downtown Franklin.

Our route wound along a few shady paths that followed the course of the Harpeth River. It was perfect for keeping us off the main roads and away from the sun's relentless rays. The boy and I stopped periodically along the way to rehydrate and rest our legs.

The boy was a real trooper. I could tell that he was completely exhausted as we climbed up the final half-mile long hill headed towards our house. I am fairly certain that had the hubby been home, he would have begged me to send out and S.O.S. Instead of quitting or complaining, my boy pedaled on.

When we finally returned home, we were both hot, tired and incredibly sweaty. Ring your clothes out kind-of sweaty. The boy and I were both in desperate need of a cool shower and change of clothing.

Now that I no longer feel like I am going to burst into flames, I only have one regret. My hiney is a little on the sore side, and I desperately wish that I had worn my spandex bike shorts. Better yet, I may just go buy one of these, since painted-on clothing really isn't my thing.

The boy is currently plopped on the sofa watching a little TV. His eyes have taken on a slightly glazed-over look. My guess is that he will be in bed by 7:30.

I have a feeling that I won't last much longer. My old bones are tired.