I was trying to wait till I got my password, but it hasn’t shown up, so I’m having Momma Lloyd post this for me. I had a wonderful time last weekend in Bell Buckle with Momma Lloyd. It was great to see Russ again and have a chance to get to know Tori and her family. They are jewels and I can certainly see why Momma Lloyd, and everyone who knows them, loves them so much. Tori your house is so charming and comfortable! I can easily see why you all love it so much. When I was going often to the town back in the early 2000s, I had visions of living there, too! Thank you, for making me feel so welcomed and giving us a cool place to come and rest on Saturday. It certainly was hot, with very few places to sit, out of the sun. You and Russ were so regal during your appearances as King and Queen. I can’t wait for everyone to see the great video David did of your carnation!

Susie Q, I only got lost twice, very briefly, in Shelbyville, going to the hotel. The streets were not marked very well, and they rotate the town every 12 hours! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!! The firemen who gave us directions even asked if we knew what city we were in…what do you think they were trying to say?!?

Alyson, it was very nice to meet you! I remember your user name, but I don’t think I ever knew your real name!

Hopefully my password will come soon, and I can post more freely. Thanks, Momma Lloyd for bailing me out…again!

Beth

And Linda, the food at the Bell Buckle Cafe is absolutely delicious. Not only did I eat there, but they catered the concert on Saturday night and their chocolate brownie is to die for. At the cafe I had chicken pot-pie, turnip greens, cole slaw and fried corn (which is what I’ve always called cream corn) I didn’t have desert, except for tasting Beth’s oatmeal cake…and it was really yummy, too. At the concert there was a variety of things but I had bar-b-que, baked beans, and cole slaw…plus that mouth-watering brownie.

Russ didn’t sing nearly enough…but then it’s the same complaint you and I always have. Ben Spears was there so Russ had him sing a Gaither duet with him…and that was fun for them and for us.

In neighboring pastures there were those beautiful Tennessee Walking Horses. Bell Buckle really is a lovely place to call “home.”

Linda, I wish you could have been there. Queen Tori lives in a large, beautiful Victorian home on a corner. You might even describe it as kinda, sorta, overlooking the town of Bell Buckle. But it’s not on a hill, so perhaps I should just describe it as a house you won’t miss if you go to Bell Buckle. It’s just kinda….well, eloquent.

Inside the home, there seemed to me to be more an air of victorian decor than country. Most noticeable of all, was the strong feeling of warmth and love. Each member of the family’s personality sparkled throughout. I just loved it…and I can tell you that the Taff family have come Home.

It was obvious that the town people had already fallen in love with the Taff family….and it spread over onto those of us who were visiting. It’s a place that I would guess might be a bit like Mayberry…only in this day and time.

Tori’s sister, Carolyn, is almost a carbon copy of the Queen. So, you can’t help but love her right away. Carolyn’s husband, David, has a delightful sense of humor…and, by the way, he peeps in here every now and then, for goodness sake (hello David). Tori’s brother, Matt, is (as Tori says) quite good looking (oh dear, not that you aren’t, too, David) and he and his wife, Carol are ever so kind and comfortable. Makes me wish I could be smack dab in the middle of a family reunion.

Beth and I had such a wonderful time. I think that newly crowned King and Queen were a little confused because they treated us like we were the royalty.

May our precious God bless the reigning King and Queen of Bell Buckle. I sure do love them and their pretty little princesses.

Now I must go find an empty space in my home where I can post my most recent photo of my Russ and me….as well as the rest of his and my family.

And what a treat to have Barb grace your new home on such a wonderful occasion as your coronation! She is one of the funniest people I’ve ever known—–she can always make me laugh out loud! And she’s one of the sweetest and kindest. She loves the Taff family too! What could top off a day of parades and coronations better than sitting and chatting with MommaLloyd? Nothing I know of!

Thanks for the report and pics!