DAY 64 SEPT 9 LE DEJEUNER AND A SECRET SERVICE EVENING UNDER THE SEA AT THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM

BONJOUR! LUNCH AT THE FRENCH BISTRO

Come on Boca you can get in the back seat...Say what??  Ok Mr. Smarty Pants, why don't you get in the back seat?  And an enjoyable lunch with our friends, Chris and Doc, who live in Atlanta ensued.  At one time Chris and I were roommates...but that story is for another day.  Thanks for  coming "downtown" to see us!

SECRET SERVICE  FUN AT GEORGIA AQUARIUM

The evening included  a visit and unforgettable dinner at the Georgia Aquarium- the world's largest- with more than 8.5 million gallons of marine and fresh water housing more than 120,000 fish and other sea creatures - 500 different species.  Many of the fish were imported from Taiwan by UPS- UPS?  Yup via an MD-11 airplane.  Funded mostly by Mr. Home Depot (Bernie Marcus) and his wife, they gave $250 million to bring those whale sharks, manta rays and Beluga's to Atlanta.  Bernie and the Mrs. visited 56 aquariums in 13 countries to figure out what was needed and hit up their buddies in Atlanta to kick in the $40 million more to get the doors open in 2005.  Way to go Atlanta business community- the museum opened debt free.  We don't need no stinkin stimulus money!

The Aquarium displays include 6 different galleries corresponding to different environments: the Cold Water Quest, Georgia Explorer, Ocean Voyage, River Scout, Tropical Diver and also an extensive program for kids- INCLUDING SLEEPOVERS!  Sleepover?  How cool is that Bub!  Do you think we could get invited to a sleepover.  PJ's, a bar and dark rooms- what more could Boca ask for?

The evening started at the AT and T Dolphin Tales show.  The underwater viewing tank and theatrical musical show highlighted the strong emotional bond between dolphins and humans.  The 30 min. show depicted the timeless tale of good and evil.  Very cute and entertaining.  And Boca could so relate to that good and evil theme.  Ahem.

Hey Honey, come check out the cute little fishies... those cute little fishies are Piranha's Boca.  Oh never mind.  I want to swim with the Gentle Giants- whale sharks.  Yes you can so Boca must return for that fun swim...but what about exposing those Gentle Giants  to my exotic germs?  Yes Boca, they have lost a couple to this very issue.  Boca will make sure she takes a koodie shot before she dives in.  Can you see Boca hosting a sleepover for the girls here?  Get that birthday cake ready Wolfgang.

Then on to cocktails and a dinner reception in the middle of the jumbo tanks housing the huge sharks.  Boca's fave was the Beluga tank- never quite understanding how those big creatures got their eggs into those tiny little jars.....  Mike P holds court with a husband/wife SS Agent Team. Bubs would never have done that Team idea, as Boca has been known to get her Serbian temper up now and then and the thought of her having a gun and working with the Bub was NEVER A POSSIBILITY.   What a spectacular place to hold an event (weddings too!).  Wolfgang Puck Catering prepared scrumptious fare.  Talk about live entertainment surrounding the room!



 Thank you Mr. Marcus and Bill McCain for hosting this oh so special SS Reunion evening.  Well done and most appreciated.  Love, Pleep

Boca loved the Billie and Bernie Marcus bench and quote-
"HISTORY IS WRITTEN BY THOSE WHO MAKE THE WAKE".
You've got that right Billie and Bernie!

DAY 63 SEPT 8 HOTLANTA AND THE SECRET SERVICE REUNION

 RETIRED US SECRET SERVICE SPECIAL AGENT ANNUAL REUNION

Well of course it has initials...AFAUSSS...and they call it a "conference" but I call it a lot of merriment and madness.  Looking forward to four days of reconnecting and toasting.  And Bubs, why does most everyone else look old but us???  Hey, Boca I hate to break it to you but "they" is us.  I continue to be a legend in my own mind I guess.  We checked in The Omni last night and explained to the young man at the desk how particular Boca is regarding her room and view.  Bubs took a deep breath and said, "she ain't kidding kid."  And so the very smart and lovely young man who checked us in, Chris, put Boca in a fabulous room on the top floor with a very nice view of the Olympic Centennial Park.




However, when Boca  hooked up her lap top in the room a pop up occurred that said she would be charged  $9.95 a day.  Oh No No NO.  They don't mean Boca has to pay extra for her wi-fi.  So while Bubs begged me not to call my new friend Chris, of course I had to.  And my new fine young friend said "Oh Ms Boca, you are so right.  I agree-YOU should not have to pay extra for the Internet.    I'll take care of it right now."   I always enjoyed southern hospitality.  Shout out to Chris- good job y'all.


The Atlanta Conference Team has lined up a great schedule including a CNN TOUR-right across the Omni lobby.  The world's first all news around the clock TV network got its start in Atlanta by "The Mouth of The South"- Ted Turner.  Always on the lookout for the next frontier Mr. Turner launched CNN in 1980 and forever changed the news world. From it's initial subscription of 1.7 million to it's current viewership of more than 1 Billion  in 212 countries, it has become quite the story.  Did somebody say Nancy Grace?  These past few years, Bubba affectionately refers to CNN as the Communist News Network.  I think it had something to do with that $1Billion gift to the UN.    Oh Bubs, broaden those horizons.  As you know he is a confirmed FOX man.  And one of my favorite Ted Turner quotes- "If I had ANY humility I would be perfect."  We did have lunch at Ted's Montana Grill-mmmmmm Boca does love a tasty Bison Burger.  Hey Captain Courageous, when do we get a Ted's in Boca???

WORLD OF COCA-COLA
The other Atlanta legend is Coca- Cola.  And another tour was arranged by the SS Atlanta Team.  So the Collins and our pals the Pritchard's mosey over to the "new" Coke Museum.   Of course these 2 former Cops (Bubs and Mike) can't resist talking to the local Cop about Copping these days.  As they say, once a cop always a cop.  Yes that's the oh so fab Aquarium behind the guys.....more about that later.  We head over there tomorrow evening for dinner.

Laura and Boca are all smiles having fun in this oh so cool museum.  The new and improved Coca-Cola Museum (remember the old one in front of the Underground?) opened in 2009 to tell the Coke story in a new and high tech fashion. This carbonated soft drink is sold in more than 200 countries- we know it as Coke.  It was invented by a local Atlanta man in 1886 and bought and trade marked in 1944 by Casa Griggs Candler- whose  brilliant marketing techniques took it to the world.  The company produces concentrate which is then sold to licensed Coca-Cola bottlers throughout the world.

Brilliant marketing and name recognition to the max.  Bubs enjoys all the Coke memorabilia.  The movies were so hip- be sure and go to the Happiness Factory Theater and see the 4-D Movie.  You heard ol'Boca- 4 D.  I told Bubs he should sit through the movie twice so a little of that happiness stuff would rub off on him.  Say what?  Ok, let's get over to the tasting room filled with a lot of the "pop" ok we're in the south, Coke they sell all around the world.  Over 500 flavors!

Remember  NEW COKE in 1985- bust.  And  CLASSIC COKE- bust again.  Hey Bubs, why doesn't your favorite store, Costco, sell Coke?  Something about a dispute in 2009 Boca.  How about some of those Coke health effects?  Hey, whats a little aggressive marketing to kids, exploitive labor practices, some environmental destruction, union busting, some pesticides in the mix, high fructose corn syrup, mercury and caffeine...between us?  As they say THINGS GO BETTER WITH COKE!







Ah come on Boca, as Laura reminded me of Jack
and Coke.  Good point.   NUFF SAID.





Oh and one smooch from Ms Coke for Bubs.

Dang, and I thought we could slip right by the gift shop.  Ok Boca, what in the hey are you going to do with this jumbo Coke bottle?  We need it because????







Hey where's Mike???  Back in the museum trying to figure out the next "Coke" to invest in....this homegrown Atlanta boy doesn't want to miss that next opportunity.


A must see on your next visit to Atlanta...
www.worldofcoca-cola.com






SECRET SERVICE WELCOME RECEPTION

The Secret Service-formerly a part of the Treasury- now a part of Homeland Security, welcome reception in the Atrium at the CNN/Omni.  The retired agents get together to share old war stories and catch up with each other.  The Secret Service has two distinct areas of operation:  1.  Treasury roles (counterfeiting of U.S. currency and fraud).  2. Protective roles-national leaders and foreign heads of state.  When Bubba joined in 1972 there were about 600 special agents- today there are about 4,400 in 136 Field Offices world wide (19 overseas).  Don't forget about the uniformed division who assists in protection duties.  The Uniformed was established in 1922 as the  White House Police Force (1330 strong now).  It's been 17 years since Bub retired his ear piece, sunglasses and many suits.  Ok, enough of the speeches let's head up to the hospitality room and have a few laughs.

DAY 62 SEPT 7 JACK DANIELS DISTILLERY -LYNCHBURG, TENNESSEE

Thank you Brian and Jan for a great visit to Chill Hill.  And good luck on that charity bike ride- TO JACK AND BACK.  Jack is referring to the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee.  Brian will be riding 150 miles over 2 days to raise money for MS.  Brian is not only a serious cycler but also a talented textiler and has spent his career in the world of textiles and teaching.  It's such a pleasure to be around this laid back easy going "country boy"- the one with the long silver ponytail!  He has several man caves at Chill Hill and of course one for his bicycles.  Wow- who knew this biking thing could deserve it's own garage and tools.  Enjoy it all Brian.  Please feel free to check out the run and this great organization that helps folks fight the MS battle and looking for the cure!
www.nationalmssociety.org

Yeah, Boca, that sounds like a good idea.  Yes Bubs, it's always good to give back...No I meant stopping off at the Jack Daniels Distillery.   Well, alrighty then.  Pleep was so happy to see the stock market pick up...as he watches that graph 24/7!  Amen.  Now let's head into the Distillery.  The oldest distillery in the U.S. is where it all happens.  It's where Mr. Jack first crafted the recipe for Old No. 7- where the pure iron free spring cave water flows.  And where every drop of Jack Daniels Tennessee Sippin Whiskey is still made. Yes in a dry county.  The only liquor you can buy is commemorative bottles in the gift shop.  Go figure.  No tasting room Pleep.  Sorry my little pal.

Here is the place Mr. Jack started.  And a little short man he was- 5'2.  He founded the distillery in 1875.  This sour mash whiskey is known for it's square bottle and black label.  And reportedly, the best selling whiskey in the world- and all made by only 400 people!  Not much high tech here.  Charcoal and barrels are part of the secret recipe.

Mellowing?  Yes Bubs run in there and stay a long time!  The tour was very interesting- that is if ya love Bourbon.  I was only yelled at 7 times to stop taking pictures inside  the buildings....I guess they thought I was an Irish spy trying to steal their secret!








Old Mr. Jack died in 1911 from blood poisoning from an infection from kicking his safe- stubbed the old toe.  He was known to forget the combination to the safe and would kick the door in frustration.  Oh Mr. Jack, ol Bubs can relate to that safe stuff.  Mr. Jack didn't have any children but had a nephew whom he taught the biz too.   They kept the distillery in the family until 1956 when they sold it to the Brown-Foreman Corporation.





 And today they have the Jack Daniels Hall of Fame...plaques for who the biggest users are, I mean customers.  Bubba was very proud to see his boys get some credit- GO 101ST AIRBORNE!  And from the looks of the wall our military boys really enjoy that Jack.  As my nephew, Jason the Navy man, always orders Jack and Coke- quite the iconic bourbon drink for this generation.











And of course a stop off at the gift shop...Hello Y'all.  We've heard about you Mr. Pleep.  Rumor has it you are quite the Jack Daniels connoisseur.  And may I interest you in some commemorative bottles...





Pleep kept patrolling for those Jack Daniels hotties...sorry Pleep they are on the road.  And they were so looking forward to a hug from the Pleep.

So he made do with his commemorative bottles....our little Pleepmeister is a regular Jack in the Box.  Pleep wholeheartedly recommends the a visit to the Jack Daniels Distillery.  And next time make sure those "JACKIE'S" are there!


check out the web site for a tour right now...very cool
www.jackdanielsdistillery.com

DAY 61 SEPT 6 LEIPERS FORK AND COUNTRY CORN

LEIPERS FORK
Not a utensil but Jan and Brian's country village.  The name came from one of the men who founded Nashville.  We start the rainy day at Country Boys with some southern style chow.  Bubs is disappointed that we missed the first annual Fried Food Festival- fried catfish, rooster fries, green tomatoes and FRIED GIRL SCOUT COOKIES, TWINKIES and SNICKERS!  Yes Yes Bubbs you can come back next year for the second annual- followed by the Hillbilly Woodstock.

Leipers is a regular Mayberry, USA.  Complete with a Barney Fife police car permanently parked in town.  This cute village offers the quaintness of the past and the convenience of the present with friendly merchants, great country cooking and down home entertainment.  The town is actually quite artsy so we walked between the rain drops poking around the shops.  Hey Jan, what is that?  A duster.  A duster?  Yes, very popular with the country music stars and their stage wardrobe. Weren't they worn by Cowboys?  Yes, Boca but Country Stars historically have fashioned themselves after Cowboys....and Boca thought the only thing a country music singer needed was a an accent. So back to Chill Hill to "chill" and ready for the evening in Nashville.


HARRY POTTER, THE CLOSET WIZARD

Being the curious girl I said I have to see your closet and figure out how you do all that traveling and always look so fab...come on in Boca.  Opening the door to a new sense of order and organization.  Carumba!!  Talk about going into the closet....

 This 24 x 16 foot closet is the epitome of organization.  This world traveler uses her World Map Counter for suit case packing.  And of course she has a staging area for organizing for those world wide travels.  Bubs, that pole in the garage won't cut it anymore!

Including a tag on each outfit noting the date and where she wore it!  Girl you are taking it to another level.  Purses, belts and a special shelf for the many many scarves...must be that British influence of scarf wearing.   Jan, would you do anything differently?  Yes Boca, I should have had a scale built in the suitcase packing counter to keep track of that pesky suitcase weight.  Ahem, good point Jan.   So Boca Babes, my pal Jan has upped our game for OCD.  Thank you Jan for sharing that oh so fab closet.  You have inspired Bubs to put all of his underwear in one drawer and not all over the bedroom.  And I thank you for that!


THROW DOWN THEM BISCUITS MOMMA!- THE DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW

So over to The Station Inn, a historic Nashville venue, playing every Tuesday night.  What a hilarious parody-lampooning the country music tradition of iconic duos and their subsequent battle of the sexes .  Over the past 3 years Doyle and Debbie have developed a cult - Jan and Brian have been several times and I can see why- I laughed until I cried.  This  low-brow inspiration turned out to be hilarious fun.  The song list included:  Whine Whine Twang Twang, Stock Car Love, Fat Women in Trailers, When You're Screwin Other Women-Think of Me, I Ain't No Homo- But Man You sure Look Good To Me and on and on.  The two talented performers had us in stitches and me drinking beer from a bottle....that one more Bud Wiser thing.  The place was packed in spite of hard seats and a limited fair of beer, coolers and popcorn...oh and don't forget the nachos.  Great selection Jan and Brian.  We are still laughing.  And you Chicago people- the traveling show is appearing in October at the Royal George Theater- order those tickets now and prepare to laugh!

DAY 60 SEPT 5 NASHVILLE CATS at CHILL HILL

NASHVILLE, best known today as the capital of country music.  It's musical history dates back to 1927 when radio broadcasting changed from Grand Opera to the more popular Barn Dance show-here comes the GRAND OLE OPRY-hee haw. The "mother church" of country music.  Don't forget it is also the state capital.  Our pals we affectionately refer to as the Nashville Cats- Jan and Brian- live here- well actually NEAR Franklin, well actually Leiper Forks.  Both spots have become more or less Suburbs of Nashville.  A countrified version of suburb and oh so beautiful.  Jan, recently retiring from 28 years at Ernst and Young (the last 20 in London) had an opportunity to live absolutely anywhere in the world and after CPA stealth analysis and many spread sheets chose Nashville.  And now we know why!

They built their dream home so perfectly named "CHILL HILL".





Hey Bubs, why don't we have CASA DUH BUBBA in the bottom of our pool?  And how about that work out room up in the trees.  Both keep themselves in great shape.  Brian is an avid biker and member of the local bike club- riding these beautiful country rodes over 100 miles every week.  For fun?  And yes a full scale basketball court in the basement in case all that riding, elliptical and bouncing on that ball is not enough....

Boca's balcony and yes there is Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's home   (country music folks) right down the hill.  I channeled Patsy Cline's-CRAZY- to see if I could get an invite for a sing along over there.  But no mas.  I guess they couldn't take the competition.   And see that white marble sculpture- that's a replica of Jan and Brian dancing at their 25th Anniversary- held at, where else, Cinderella's Castle- Disney World!  How's that for a 25th venue- kids at heart!   Bubs didn't think there was enough marble in a slab to do one of us.....

Their office-Command central.  They have a partners desk- can you see Bubba and Boca sitting in the same room let alone sharing a desk.  Ha.  Since Jan's retirement she has been busy traveling and doing Board of Director work mainly over seas.  We chatted about how there are so few woman on corporate boards-STILL.  She explained the differences between American Corp Boards and rest of the world Corp Boards.  Interesting.  As I mentioned- ANY Board would be lucky to have this braniac of business on their board.  And one more time, why so few woman on all of these corporate boards?  It was fun to catch up on recent travels and the agenda for future travels.  I can see why they need CHILL HILL.