Holiday Tour: Nashville

Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN
Christmas Day, 2009

All of these holiday posts are so, so out of order. But, this is one of favorite moments!

Part of the "Our First Christmas" Holiday Tour

Holiday Tour: Christmas Eve

After a day of wrapping at home with Kristen...
After Christmas Eve dinner at Aubrey's...
After service at Grace Lutheran...
After Sweets & Spirits with friends...
Before we exchanged gifts with each other and Harding...
A new holiday tradition - Christmas Eve Service at Second Presbyterian Church.

Emmanuel!

Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit

Holiday Tour: Matt & Joanna

In the midst of celebrating the season and our families, we're celebrating Matt and Joanna's marriage in Memphis!

Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit

Holiday Tour: Abingdon, IL

Abingdon, Illinois. Home of high school sweetheart Marlene and Jerry Landon.

No, it's not Knox County, Tennessee...it's Knox County, IL. Brad and I join my parents and brothers in a holiday visit to my Grandma Ce. Here's to making the hometown newspaper and to sharing wedding plans with Aunt Debbie for Whitney's big day.

Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit (thanks for Aunt Donna for her work with the Abingdon Historical Society)

Holiday Tour: Obion, TN

Obion County Tennessee (View from Main Street in Union City, 1954 and Today)

This is home of Brad's family, his grandparent's farm, and my new favorite place!
Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit

Day 84: Christmas Eve Eve

In the midst of getting engaged, Christmas has seemed so different. The idea of "waiting" has never been more real. As a result, Advent has taken on a whole new meaning. It's been great and really impactful. But, this blog entry is not going to be all about the deal significance. This blog entry is about the fun little moments of Christmas Eve Eve...living in Knoxville.
4:00 pm, Left work early and went to a certain store that will remain nameless (in case my mother is reading) to shop with my dad for my mom. So, so fun. I've always be able and willing to help with some shopping. But it's even more fun to do it in person.
6:30 pm, catch up with KK. Talk about life and all the drama of the last week. Then, exchange gifts. She got me a necklace with my future monogram on it!
7:30 pm, Christmas time with David and Ashley. Brad got David a Bama hat and David got him an organge sweater (aka almost UT orange). Ashley's gift was also from Alabama - the Junior League of Birmingham's cookbook. Meanwhile, she got me a lovely book also about entertaining - aka weddings!
11:00pm - Toddy's Back Door Tavern's Eve Eve Party. It's legendary. It was packed. All I can say is...I definately live here now! Oh, and if you are wondering why you didn't get a save the date - we only sent out 100 and most of them went to family or out of town. Seriously Joe.

Disclaimer: I typed this post straight into the blog. I bet it has even more typos than usual. Here's to life unedited.

83: S&W Grand

Brad and I ate here the night we got engaged. Tuesday, I took my mom there for lunch. It's on the short list for our wedding reception - the ceiling changes color in the ball room, it has a great view of Gay Street, and the pig and biscuit is outstanding. It reopened this fall after 28 years. It's so downtown Knoxville. So part of the passion of the city, the history of the people, and the rebirth of Gay Street.

Here's a little about it from Knoxville New Sentential Article on the reopening...

"Meet your friends here" was the sign in the lobby that for decades greeted patrons of the former S&W Cafeteria on Gay Street.

Meant to convey an atmosphere of fun and friendliness, a replica of the sign hangs once again as new owners have attempted to restore the local landmark that sat empty for 28 years to its former glory.

The S&W Grand, owned by siblings Brian and Stephanie Balest, who own Northshore Brasserie in West Knoxville, and Shane Robertson, the Brasserie's executive chef, is expected to open its doors this week, drawing some folks downtown for the first time in years.

"It will really be a great thing for people to be able to be there again," said developer John Craig of 500 Block LLC, a local firm heading up the $4.5 million restoration project that includes the S&W and two adjacent buildings. "As a preservationist, it's as good as it gets because it really gets to the heart of why preservation matters and that is you are preserving people's pasts."

The former S&W, with its fresh flowers in the front window and live organ music, was a favorite meeting and eating place for decades.

Young women would come in with their hats and gloves and eat before shopping or taking in a movie.

Businessmen would come in for lunch while more than a dozen civic and social clubs held regular meetings there.

"Anything that happened in Knoxville happened at the S&W," said Pilot Corp. founder Jim Haslam, who recalled going to the S&W at least once a week for lunch and once a week for dinner. "I've probably eaten 1,500 meals here. This was a great place and I think it will be a great addition to downtown."

PS - Love this photocredit too

The day’s in between….snowfall, tea, and 2010

Well, we didn’t get any in Spartanburg, but inbetween all these wall posts, snow was derailing my plans to be in Spartanburg for work and fun. Once I finally got there, there were results from a great Rice Bowls campaign at Grace Management and lots of brainstorming for work in 2010. On the personal side there was the annual girls’ Christmas tea at the Tillers, a sweet gift with my future monogram, some wedding daydreaming, and lots of Bridesmaid and Junior Bridesmaid asking!!
After days of trying and being detoured by the Asheville/Johnson City Snow…it was worth it!

"Friends are God's Way of Taking Care of Us."
So glad you girls will be part of our wedding. Here's to braclets, ornaments, and "verses".

Day 80: Long’s Drugstore

It’s a legend. Knoxville artists have immortalized it. It’s the place for West High School kids to see and be seen before school. Freshmen football players at the University of Tennessee day dream about having their picture on the wall above the cash register. And it takes decades to become thought of as a “regular”.
It’s a Knoxville icon…but I had never been.
But now, in the midst of holiday errands, open houses, and mailing our “Save the Dates”. Brad and I made my first trip to Long’s Drugstore.
Coincidentally, when I was writing notes that morning, I got out my “Knoxville” note cards. I used the Long’s Drugstore notecard that very day! I am very sad I can't share the vintage image from that card with you. It's a rootbeer float with the store's logo on it. Oh well...

Day 79: Dori’s Bachelorette Party

A great cabin, up a steep hill + Japanese Hibachi dinner with the girls
+ Airbrushed T-shirts + Lots and Lots of Pink + Bridemaids, Bridesmaids, Bridemaids and a Guestbook girl….Hmmm…it most have been a Bachelorette party.
Dori’s getting married!!

Day 77: Knoxville's Historic Homes...and the Rule of Engagement

We're getting married in July. It will be hot. My father's principle request is nothing that is stressful if it rains. All that is to say, an outdoor wedding is probably not really in our plans. But, one thing I have learned in the week and a half since we got engaged (See Day# 65) is this: people are going to give you their wedding advice and ideas. It does not matter if you want them. And often times, they are just more interested in reliving their happy moments of their wedding...or their daughters...or their sisters...or their coworker's son's frat brother. So, it's a great opportunity to do 2 things:

1. Let someone enjoy a happy memory.
It my chance to bring joy to their day. Just let them talk.

2. Learn about your city. Rediscover Rocky Top!

For example, I had no idea how many historic homes Knoxville had. I doubt Brad and I will married or have our reception at any of these sites, but here are some really cool places to learn about, right in our backyard. I want to visit them all!

James White Fort
"James White, The Founder of Knoxville, came here in the early 1780's from North Carolina. He had fought in the Revolutionary War and was given a land grant of 1,000 acres for his service. He built his 2-story log house on the present site of Knoxville in 1786..."
Quote credit

Ramsey House
"Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey. The structure is significant for original interior and exterior architectural features and its period decorative art collection.
The Ramsey Family was one of the first families to settle the Knoxville area. They played vital roles in developing civic, educational and cultural institutions. Colonel Francis A. Ramsey was one of the founding trustees of Blount College, now the University of Tennessee..."
Quote Credit

And More!
There is also Crescent Bend (were Alisss and Josh got married!), the Mabry Hazen House (which still contain original furniture from the 19th century), and Marble Spring (the home of Governor John Sevier).

Honestly, I feel like I am back in Tennessee History class!
Photo Credit

Day 76: Adella's

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17
It's Tuesday. That means I am excited. Tonight I am heading to "the farm." Adella will open her house. Some fun, honest women will come in. We'll eat some great salad. We'll laugh. Then, we'll open the Bible. We'll read the Truth. She'll ask, "What do you do with that?"
It's not about looking good or having the right answers. It's not about making Jesus what we want Him to be. It's about being real, coming as you are, and asking real questions.
In so many ways, this group of women is reminding me of how God is always growing us, sharpening us, "preserving" us - sometimes is really new ways, sometimes in really familiar ways.
Get ready, the ground is gonna shake.

75: Best Bagels in Town

...yep, they sure are. And I officially into a routine and finally think I am a "regular" at my new favorite bagel shop.

Anna, Alex, Stac, Emily, Amanda, Leah, Allison...please visit.

Day 74: Altruda's

My fiance sure can pick some good Italian. I have always loved Altruda's. Knoxville's best Italian and one of West Knoxville's best places period. Spaghetti with mushrooms topped off with ricotta cheese. Perfect dinner. Perfect day.

Day 73: Dori and Alissa

"We'll, I guess we've been friends since 1983..."
What a great way to start a sentence. That was the way it went down on Saturday. It was Dori's bridal shower, given by Alissa and I and our mothers. The six of us had just a perfect time. Lots of church friends. Lots of reliving Alissa's September wedding to Josh. Lots of sharing the details of my engagement to Brad. Lots of excitement about Kelsey's January due date. But most of all, lots of celebrating Dori, her mom, their wonderful family and friendship, and Dori's upcoming marriage to Wes.
January 2...here we come!

PS - There were also matching aprons and nativity scenes. Pictures to follow.

Day 68-72: Spreading the news and 20 questions

"We're engaged!"
When you tell people you are engaged, they hug you. Then, they start asking you questions. So, here's the questions and answers to more than "20 questions" that people are asking right now.

1. What’s the date? July 10, 2010
2. Where are ya’ll getting married? Knoxville, TN
3. Where are you going to have it? We’re enjoying our engagement. No planning until after Christmas!
4. Are you going to have a big wedding? Please see #3.
5. Where you surprised? Shocked!
6. What are you colors going to be? Please see #3.
7. When did you tell your parents? They were waiting for us at a post-proposal party
8. Did anyone else know? I think the majority of west Knoxville knew. I on the other hand, had no idea.
9. Who is your caterer? Please see #3
10. What kind of dress do you want? Please see #3
11. It’s not a diamond? No, I didn’t want a diamond. It’s a sapphire.
12. Didn’t Princess Diana have a sapphire engagement ring? As a matter of fact, yes, she did.
13. Where are ya’ll going to register? Please see #3
14. Is Harding (the dog) going to be in the wedding? Please see #3
15. Oh man, seven months! I bet you are already stressed? No. See #3
16. Have you seen ­­________ (insert wedding website, blog, magazine)? Please see #3
17. What kind of wedding do you want? Please see #3…wait, no, I’ll answer that one. We are going to have a fabulous wedding!
18. Are you excited? Have you met me? Of course I am excited!!
19. Is your mom excited? Judging from the multiple engagement magazines she pulled out last weekend, I’d say she is pretty excited.
20. Is Brad excited? Yes. I think he’s enjoying a victory lap after pulling off the best, multi-site, complex-timing, wow-factor-achieved proposal ever.
21. I am so excited you are getting married!
Thanks, and how are you?
Well, Can you keep a secret?
Yes…
We’re pregnant!!
This is my favorite one. But it’s a secret, can’t tell you who it is.

Proposal (Part VI): Timing

You asked for it. Now you've got it. Our engagement story. In installments. Unedited. Uncensored. Filled with typos not doubt.
Disclaimer: Some audiences might find this "cheesy."

Over the last nine months, I have fallen so in love. So in love with Brad. And so in love with the Lord’s incredible timing. I have always prayed for someone who would ease me when I worry, love me when I don’t love myself, and keep up with my energy. Most of all, I prayed for someone who was centered on Christ. I never wanted to get married unless that man and that marriage promised to teach me more about the Lord than ever before. Honestly, there have been so many times when I just didn’t think that was possible. Would there ever be some I respected so much? Would there ever been someone I trusted like that?
One night, last April I think, Brad and I had a long, weird awkward conversation. Since before even meeting Brad, I had been praying to move to Knoxville. We had been dating a few months and I came into town for the weekend. I was overwhelmed with falling in love and thoughts or moving and all the ideas we had about the future. I felt like I was loosing control. I know that the things I said made no sense to him. They made no sense to me! I have “guarded my heart” for so long that I didn’t know how to enjoy being in love. I have so enjoyed being single, making my own way, and being a leader. All of this was great for that season of life. But, now things were changing. And the idea of being vulnerable and in love and trusting someone else so much…well, it basically freaked me out. That night, it came up in a random cry fest. (I know, you are shocked. Me? Cry?)
As I left Brad’s house that night and headed back to my parents, I heard my text messages go off. I knew it was Brad. But I just didn’t know if I could answer. I wanted to be alone. I wanted to think. I didn’t want him to try to convince me or ask me questions. But then, I looked down at my phone. He didn’t try to do any of those things. He just told me that he loved me. He sent me a couple scripture references about trusting the Lord and not worrying if we don’t have it all figured out.
It was the perfect picture of Christ’s love for me. Even when I let so, so many things in the way, he pursued me. He was patient with me. I didn’t have to have it figured out, I just had to let myself love him.
That is when I knew I would marry Brad.

The Proposal (Part V): The Ring

You asked for it. Now you've got it. Our engagement story. In installments. Unedited. Uncensored. Filled with typos not doubt.

You asked, so I’ll tell you. My ring:
It’s a deep blue sapphire in a 6 prong, white gold, Tiffany setting.
In other words: It’s blue. It’s bold. It let’s lots of light in.
Honestly never thought I would really truly care about my engagement ring. But I love this ring. I love that it is different. I love that Brad found an amazing alternative when I said I didn’t want a diamond. I love that when I am in line at Jason’s Deli, people stop me to ask me about it and tell me how pretty it is.

Next Up: Timing

The Proposal (Part IV): Outtakes

You asked for it. Now you've got it. Our engagement story. In installments. Unedited. Uncensored. Filled with typos not doubt.

Fun little thoughts throughout our engagement weekend that didn’t fit into the story…
· Brad grabbed his smallest Bible. He stuck it in his pocket, and I didn’t see it until he was ready to read to me from Corinthians. Many of us know this as the “Love Chapter.” Well, Brad had grabbed the King James Version. He realized this in the restroom at dinner. It says “charity” instead of “love”. He turned it into a nice little Greek lesson in the mid-proposal.
· During the Christmas parade, Brad and I decided that next year, we want to pass out free hot chocolate at Community South’s downtown branch.
· The Monday before the proposal at the Rockettes (see Day #61), my mom* said something that made me think Brad was talking to my dad* or had already done so. Of course, the fact that I discerned this only increased my confidence that there was no way in the world that Brad would surprise me. Boy, was I ever wrong!
· Brad had made several secret trips to Nashville to see the stone and get the ring. Once he got back to Knoxville, Ashley*, of course, was the first person to see my ring.
· Looking back on dinner...Brad insisted we wait to order our entrees, that we just “enjoy the appetizer.” He also took a couple text messages during dinner. Then, the most uncharacteristic of all behaviors – “Banker Brad” gave the waitress his debit card without even seeing the check. In retrospect, it seems this man was trying to stay on a very particular schedule.
· Friday morning, my brother (also named Brad*) text Brad and said, “Nervous?” They had quite a funny conversation about me.
· Brad told me to be warm, because we where going to be standing outside for the parade. And it was a cold, cold night. So, I wore lots of clothing and long underwear. It was great advice for being on the roof. Later, yep, there I was at Crown & Goose, in my favorite jeans and a cute jacket…with long underwear on underneath. I’ll never forget that!
· Brad said we had a “reservation” and would be going skating in 15 minutes. He said, “Well, they have a lot of groups this time of year.” This was all to cover up a phone call from the taxi driver. It totally worked.
· Here’s to LJ for helping to plan the post-proposal party. She even went all over town to find pink flowers just for me!
· I saw that LJ (my great friend from my first days in Spartanburg who is now at home in Knoxville) was now “friends” with Dori (who I grew up with and have known since she was born at Grace Lutheran) on Facebook. I “liked” this Facebook posting. I typically never notice things like that. But I was so confused by that connection it caught my eye. Now I know why. Thanks to Facebook for all the help connecting people for the post-proposal party.
· My parent’s gift to us? Our first gift as an engaged couple – Christmas stockings!
· On wedding is exactly 7 months for the day I am posting this. July 10, 2010.for the day I am posting this. July 10, 2010.

*Denotes person who knew about the engagement ahead of time. You will notice that it’s a rather large percentage of the population of Knox County. I had no idea.

Next Up: The Ring

Day 66-67: The Proposal (Part III) The Icing on the Cake

You asked for it. Now you've got it. Our engagement story. In installments. Unedited. Uncensored. Filled with typos not doubt.

Saturday morning, I was up and at ‘em. I was ready to call friends when my alarm went off at 8am. Then, I looked outside - It Snowed!!
It was truly the icing on my cake.
I started calling friends and had a ball. I met Brad and we headed over to my grandparents*. My youngest brother, Sam*, had spent the night there since my parents where downtown. We talked. We shared the story. We teased Sam about dancing with me at the wedding. We got marriage and wedding advice from my grandparents.
Then, we took Sam to Christmas program practice and got to see more family – Cindy*, Maddie*, and Rachel*. The day was full of daydreaming, friend calling, and family seeing. Then, that evening, we got to meet Brad’s mom*, who lives in Nashville for dinner in Sevierville. With her help, we started narrowing in on a date. We had talked about next Christmas, but that seemed too far away. Maybe the summer?
I didn’t think the weekend could get any better. Then, it did.
On Sunday morning, as we lit the advent wreath in front of the church together, Ethan announced our engagement. How exciting to share of becoming a family with our new church family (see Day #).
Sunday afternoon, the daydreaming continued. I keep saying, “we’re not going to plan anything, we’re not going to plan anything yet!” But my mom just keeps pulling out these Bridal magazines and Brad keeps calling around for catering menus. So, the date is set…

July 10, 2010.

Next up: The Outtakes.

*Denotes person who knew about the engagement ahead of time. You will notice that it’s a rather large percentage of the population of Knox County. I had no idea

The Proposal (Part II): Up on the rooftop...

You asked for it. Now you've got it. Our engagement story. In installments. Unedited. Uncensored. Filled with typos not doubt.

We went to the Christmas Parade. It was wonderful.
We went to dinner at the newly reopened, historic S&W Grand.
I gushed about the lights of Gay Street and Crouch Park, decked out for the holiday.
We headed over the Market Square for ice skating.
While waiting to skate, Brad told me he had just gotten a key to the building at 4 Market Square. He’s involved with the Knoxville Fellows (a program housed in that building), so again I was didn’t suspected.
As soon as we got on the roof, I saw roses, a bottle of wine, 2 glasses, and all the trimmings. I looked out over Market Square, as Brad opened the bottle. I was so amazed at how pretty everything was. The holiday lights and the shops and the Christmas music from the ice skating. It really was so picturesque that it seemed unreal.
Brad read to me from 1 Corinthians 13. I cried.
Then for a spilt second, he made me think we were about to leave. What? Where we leaving? Was this all to fake me out. Was this prankster going to present several “would be” engagement moments to keep me on my toes. What was happening? I was so, so confused. But only for a second.
“No, let’s stay up here,” he said.
He started to play with my left hand. And then my ring finger. I was looking over the edge of the building when he turned me around and said, “well, I think I am supposed to ask you something.”
As he said this, he got down on one knee. He put a lovely sapphire ring on my finger.
Honestly, I hardly remember what he said or what I said….
I was just so happy.
So surprised.
So in love.
After a few moment of being mesmerized, Brad was leading me downstairs and saying something about another surprise?
We were greeted by a delightful “British” cab driver*, who welcomed us to an old-fashion English taxi cab. I thought we were just driving around to enjoy the moment. I was certainly enjoying the moment. I even asked her if she would drive in our wedding?!
Then, we pulled up to the curb in the Old City. I didn’t even realize what was happening, as we walked into Crown & Goose. The first thing I saw was my mom and some balloons. Such a wonderful crowd was there – my parents*, my brother*, Dori* and Alisa* and Josh*, Casey* and LJ*, David* and Ashley*, Jay* and Rebecca*. Wow! There were flowers. There were gifts.
It was amazing.
Amazing.
Shocking.
Wonderful.
More than I could have ever imagined.
Speachless.
More people stopped by. There was lots of story telling. Fun bonding among our favorite people. I called my YL girls to tell them, “Today I…got engaged.”
Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.
Everywhere I turned, I was learning about someone else who knew Brad was proposing.*
I’ve never really been one to daydream about my engagement. But I did want to be surprised. I didn’t think that was possible. I also thought it would be wonderful and romantic to be alone. But at the same time, there are so many wonderful people I would love to share the moment with. Truly, Friday night I got it all. It was more than I could have ever asked or imagined.

“This day must be the very best day of my life.”

Next up: The icing on the cake.

Day 65B: The Proposal (Part I)

You asked for it. Now you've got it. Our engagement story. In installments. Unedited. Uncensored. Filled with typos not doubt.

To set the scene...
Yes, I knew I wanted to marry Brad. But having just moved to Knoxville, I was thrilled simply to just be dating him in town. I kept saying – I know we’re going to get engaged. I know we’re going to get married. Whenever it happens, I just want to enjoy the season we are in. (Here’s to Emily, for modeling this advice BID.)
But…I’ll admit waiting was starting to get hard….
I had suspected Brad might propose this weekend. Maybe Saturday. I even mentioned it in jest to my roommate, Kristen*. However, as he and our friends LJ*, Casey*, Jay*, Rebecca*, and others all made weekend plans, it became clear in my mind, Brad had no plans for “popping the question.”
So, last Friday afternoon, I went home to change clothes – Brad told me to be warm. We were headed to the Christmas Parade and dinner, then ice skating. All downtown. I wrote in my journal – “Lord, I give you this weekend. I confess that I do wish we were getting engaged. But instead Lord, change my heart. Thanks for the fun things we do have hanging out with friends. Lord, I pray, pray for it to happen before new years. Please Lord, let us get engaged this year.”
Less than 4 hours after writing those words, we were engaged.

Next Up: Up on the rooftop…

Day 65: Brooke

One thing that is really a blessing to my life in Knoxville is still in Spartanburg – Brooke! Brooke works with me at Rice Bowls and wow, she’s awesome. She’s creative, smart, fun, and great with people. Basically, she pumps people up all day and gets them really involved in the orphan crisis. There is something about talking to Brooke that honestly makes you believe that you can do anything! We are getting a busier than ever with Rice Bowls (see this post) and that means Brooke is busier than ever. But as always, Brooke rises to every challenge with excellence.
Happy Birthday Brooke! You are phenomenal!

Photo Credit

Day 64: OCI

I like this place.
I like mixed bings (aka fried cheese).
I like that every inch of the wall is covered in UT memorabilia.
I like seeing people I know.
Old College Inn->

Photo Credit

Day 63: Altar'd State

Right in Turkey Creek, I have found a new favorite store/hang out/"third space". Altar'd State is a coffee bar meets meeting space meets gift shop meets bookstore meets great place to buy clothes. I picked up 2 Christmas gifts there - one for a certain someone who regularly reads this blog - and I am headed back for more. I was right at home to see Votivo candles - which they are getting straight from the one and only Virgina! I am also very, very excited to see that they've got Suki jeans by Silver. And you'll be able to get Tom's shoes! Love the place. Love the people. Love the heart behind all of it.
Become a Fan on Facebook->

Photo Credit

Rice Bowls, World AIDS Day, and a big November

What a statement to make today, December 1, World AIDS Day:
It's official - with 227 churches, schools, and community groups signing up, November 2009 is the biggest month Rice Bowls since our 2007 re-launch. We have more groups than ever before coming together to impact World Hunger, the orphan crisis, and the effects of HIV/AIDS on communities. So far this year, over 94,000+ people have joined in a Rice Bowls campaign. Keep 'em coming ya'll - we're making an impact!

Photo Credit

Day 62: Maria

At the intersection of Alaska and New Zealand, I found Maria! She was in the eastern US for a split second and I got to enjoy lunch with her and Chelsea (see Day #6). This extra ordinary women are both peace core alumni and world travelers. And like our friendly friend Valerie (who currently resides in South Africa), we all graduates of Farragut High School and Converse College. Sweet memories, sweet time to catch up, and great chili (see Day #7). So thankful to be at this intersection...and as I type this blog post, Valerie gchats me. Awe, good times, great oldies.