Thanksgiving was nice and we handled the multi-city travel well. On THursday, we had a late lunch spread at my Sister and Brother-In-Law’s house. Traditional all the way with turkey, dressing and all the yummy fixings! On Friday, the dogs (except Basil who wanted to go see BoBo) went into the kennel and we headed to Douglasville. Saturday was all-day shopping and we headed back to Knoxville late in the day. Unfortunately, Sunday morning I was awakened by a stomach bug picked up at some point during the holiday whirlwind and I was out of action for two days with a 102.2° fever. THAT part was no fun. But I’m back to normal now and ready to carry on carrying on. It was a fun THanksgiving for sure.

I’m catching up on planning this week with a phone call to the caricaturist to confirm plans about everything. I have a couple other accomplices in this process.

I also have our 1-year of dating anniversary planned for Monday the 12th. Oh geez! We plan to go to the Grill at Highlands Row… a swanky small place in downtown Bearden.

Our first date was on December 12th 2010 and even though the weatherman kept telling people to stay at home… there had been weeks of ‘threatening winter storms’… we decided to meet at La Costa. We had a great time until we were alerted by the manager that they had to close because of the storm. “WHAT?!” there was a huge winter storm that hit while we were inside and we both barely made it home safely. It was a first date to remember for sure. And apparently it turned out OK! I’m hoping this time will have a little less snow!

So funny – Since Mandee and I have been casually talking about our future plans, yesterday she found an image on pinterest.com of a little illustration of the bride and groom that people used as a ‘logo’ on invitations, signs, thank you cards, etc. She said she really liked the idea. In the conversation, I also mentioned that I’d love to have a caricature done sometime. PERFECT timing to set in motion the idea that we should get it done when we see someone drawing them…maybe on Market Square! This is fun!

Last weekend we visited a really neat place that is on the list for a reception party. The Old City Entertainment Venue… which is really a pub/club in the bar district of Knoxville. And aside from missing a step on my way back down, it was a successful visit. The place has character, a good location, the rental is complete with staff. They have a DJ (although we would prefer a live band if we can swing it).

We also spoke of designing a signature drink of the night… a McTini maybe?

Ordered this stunning yellow diamond ring yesterday! What will she say???

It’s a 90 year old Art Deco Ring with a Fancy Yellow center stone and white diamond baguettes…and it was only $500. Ha! Our inside joke that I would buy Mandee a ring as long as it was under $500.

1920s Art Deco ring

I want to throw out a recommendation for the jeweler that I used for this purchase. Frank Gesner was incredible to work with. He was accommodating in every way. If you are in the market for vintage or antique jewelry, I strongly encourage you to get in touch with Frank.