The Sassy Countess Historic Estates and Grand Lifestyles

I'm A TN Real Estate Agent

2017-04-12T16:04:00.000-05:00

As Of April 6, 2017!

I have signed with

Historic & Distinctive Homes

1120 Dickerson Pike #C, Nashville, TN 37207

615. 228-3723 EXT 402

If you are thinking about buying or selling a historic property in Tennessee, give me a call. You know that I will work very hard for you!

Transfer Of Property Through Twigs

2017-02-07T19:23:00.000-06:00

Bundle Of Rights

http://slideplayer.com/slide/6432896/

Okay, So...

I'm taking real estate classes to get a real estate license. In our book, Modern Real Estate Practice, 19th ed., by Fillmore W. Galaty, Wellington J. Allaway, and Robert C. Kyle (La Crosse, WI: DF Institute, Inc., d/b/a/ Dearborn Real Estate Education, 2016), on page 18 there is an illustration of twigs withe the words, "Possession, Control, Enjoyment, Exclusion, Disposition" listed next to. It is called the "Bundle of Legal Rights." On the previous page, the authors state,

"The concept of a bundle of rights comes from old English law. In the Middle Ages, a seller transferred property by giving the purchaser a handful or earth or a bundle of bound sticks from a tree on the property. After accepting the bundle, the purchaser became the owner of the tree from which the sticks came and the land to which the tree was attached."

I will have to do some digging to find out if this is actually true because I thought that English land in the Middle Ages was still under control of the Crown and any and all property had to have title through the approval of the King or his people. I have never heard of this before and there is no citations given. Anyone know any primary sources for this?

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 5 of 5

2016-03-11T15:43:00.003-06:00

A Walking Tour

Finishing East Main

and Going Around Town

See Part 1 Here
Part 2 Here Part 3 Here Part 4 Here

These images are all copywriten and subject to all rules, regulations, and laws.

You may not use unless previously approved!

The owner of the house said that he did not know what was in this area. I think that it was a stained glass panel. Sidney thinks it may have been a clock.

Dean and Sidney at the original well in the center of the Square

Additional Labels: City of Murfreesboro, Historic Downtown, Town Historian, House History, House Historian, Old Buildings, Battle of Murfreesboro, APTA, Civil War, Antebellum Store, Antebellum Town, Art Deco, Postbellum Town, Reconstruction Town, Architecture, Landmark, American Box House, Four Square House, Colonial Revival, American Bracketed House, James Garfield, Morgan's Wedding, Tennessee Baptist Convention, Roman Revival, First Baptist Church, Church of Christ, James Daniel Richardson, Tennessee History, Middle Tennessee History, Murfreesboro History, Salt Box House, Saltbox House, Wraparound Porch, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, American Stick House, Italianate, Italianate Villa, Victorian Gingerbread, Gingerbread Architecture, Architectural Detail, Romanesque, Mansard Roof, Hip Roof, Second Empire, 2nd Empire, Fish Scale Roof, Oriental Architectural Detail

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 4 of 5

2016-03-10T11:29:00.002-06:00

A Walking Tour

Continuing Down and Coming Back

On East Main Street

See Part 1 Here
Part 2 Here Part 3 Here

These images are all copywriten and subject to all rules, regulations, and laws.

You may not use unless previously approved!

"Eyebrow skylights"

Sidney Loved this tree

Finish up the tour with Part 5 Here

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 3 of 5

2016-03-07T07:58:00.000-06:00

A Walking Tour

Continuing Down East Main

See Part 1 Here
Part 2 Here
These images are all copywriten and subject to all rules, regulations, and laws.

You may not use unless previously approved!

It's spring, and little flowers are popping up everywhere!

A fairy home

Continue to Part 4 Here

Additional Labels: City of Murfreesboro, Historic Downtown, Town Historian, House History, House Historian, Old Buildings, Battle of Murfreesboro, APTA, Civil War, Antebellum Store, Antebellum Town, Art Deco, Postbellum Town, Reconstruction Town, Architecture, Landmark, American Box House, Four Square House, Colonial Revival, American Bracketed House, James Garfield, Morgan's Wedding, Tennessee Baptist Convention, Roman Revival, First Baptist Church, Church of Christ, James Daniel Richardson, Tennessee History, Middle Tennessee History, Murfreesboro History, Salt Box House, Saltbox House, Wraparound Porch, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, American Stick House, Italianate, Italianate Villa, Victorian Gingerbread, Gingerbread Architecture, Architectural Detail

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 2 of 5

2016-03-06T22:50:00.000-06:00

A Walking Tour

Down East Main Street

See Part 1 Here

These images are all copywriten and subject to all rules, regulations, and laws.

You may not use unless previously approved!

Go to Part 3 Here

Additional Labels: City of Murfreesboro, Historic Downtown, Town Historian, House History, House Historian, Old Buildings, Battle of Murfreesboro, APTA, Civil War, Antebellum Store, Antebellum Town, Art Deco, Postbellum Town, Reconstruction Town, Architecture, Landmark, American Box House, Four Square House, Colonial Revival, American Bracketed House, James Garfield, Morgan's Wedding, Tennessee Baptist Convention, Roman Revival, First Baptist Church, Church of Christ, James Daniel Richardson, Tennessee History, Middle Tennessee History, Murfreesboro History, Salt Box House, Saltbox House, Wraparound Porch, Greek Revival

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 1 of 5

2016-03-05T15:06:00.000-06:00

A Walking Tour

The Old Courthouse and Town Square

These images are all copywriten and subject to all rules, regulations, and laws.

You may not use unless previously approved!

Dean, Sidney, and I took ourselves on the walking tour of downtown, Historic Murfreesboro put together by the Community Center and MTSU. Here is part one of what we saw...

Sorry, only got part of this because of the extreme glare.

Trying to take a picture, hold my bag, purse, folder, flyer, etc. Got the palm in the pic, but you can still see

This location was the old Woolworth's store location

See Part 2 Here

Additional Labels: City of Murfreesboro, Historic Downtown, Town Historian, House History, House Historian, Old Buildings, City Hall, Antebellum Court House, Battle of Murfreesboro, Civil War, Antebellum Store, Antebellum Town, Woolworth's, F. W. Woolworth Company, Woolworth's History, Woolworth Store, Woolworths, Tin Ceiling, Art Deco County Judicial Building, Postbellum Town, Reconstruction Town, Architecture, Landmark,

Tennessee Crossroads - Green Frog Village

2016-03-04T10:11:00.003-06:00

A Southern Historical Village

Tennessee Crossroads

OK. So,

Yes, I have heard all about Tennessee Crossroads - Or, so I thought!

I thought it was a local show that went around to different places and put them on the air - a sort of I don't have anything real to say, so I'll make my own show.

BOY, WAS I WRONG.

I didn't know there was any type of house history on this show. Just like a lot of shows that I am finding lately, this one is great.

Yes, I haven't had time throughout the past couple of years to watch television. I really don't now, either. But, I have just been making a point of trying to put them on my blog as I go along. Even so, I find that I don't have a lot of allotted time for writing, either.

(Blah, blah, yackety, schmackety.)

I only caught the tail end of this episode, and looked on the "Demand" area, but there were no episodes. :'(

So, I just made a point of really watching this episode (and, having the next ones DVRed). I absolutely fell in love with Green Frog Village and thought I would share a tidbit.

(You'll notice the date-time stamp. So sorry! I had just gotten in from taking photos from my Estates Management business and forgot that I did not undo the stamp.)

It is on NPT (Nashville Public Television) Thursday night, 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

"If you're patient... your dreaming comes to pass." John Freeman

OH! You can watch the entire portion online!)

Watch TN Crossroads, Green Frog Village Episode!)

Showing that the town is located in Alamo, TN

OH! I am so excited! I didn't know that their episodes were online. When I get a chance - I'm gunna binge! You should too!!! I also have to find a way to get here!

Four and a half Tiaras!!!

(A Tiara and a Diadem)

I don't have a "Half Tiara/Diadem picture. I'll have to make one when I have time. Very much deserved!)

Additional Labels: House History, Tennessee Town, Show Review, House Historian, Town Historian, Log Cabin, Log Town

Historic Wedding Dresses At Oaklands

2016-02-27T15:57:00.000-06:00

Love and Romance

I held the camera over the dress and snapped, not knowing what the camera would see...

For the past five years, Oaklands Mansion House Museum, in Murfreesboro, TN has been putting on this glorious exhibit. Yes, I took as many photos as humanly possible, but you really need to go and experience it in person!

Oaklands Mansion Wedding Dresses Through The Decades

All the below photographs are taken by me and are subject to copy-write

The following are close-ups of these beautiful gowns

Victorian Wedding, Edwardian Wedding, Flapper Wedding, 1940s Wedding, Bride, Victorian Bride, Edwardian Bride, Flapper Bride,

Additional Labels: Victorian Wedding, Edwardian Wedding, Flapper Wedding, 1940s Wedding, Bride, Victorian Bride, Edwardian Bride, Flapper Bride, Military History, Military Wedding,

Untying the Knot Season 2 Episode 6

2016-02-27T11:10:00.000-06:00

Tullio and Tanya's House

Bravo's Untying the Knot Logo

So, I thought that I would introduce a modern house history into the mix. This is really more of interior products history, but you can see how things progress from this is what we are doing/buying to this is what we did/bought... and why.

Untying the Knot is a show on Bravo that brings the specialist attorney, Vikki Ziegler into people's homes, personal history, and divorce mediation. Ziegler sends in her trusted appraisers, the Millea Bros to go into people's homes and research the items that the divorcing couple is arguing over.

In this episode, there are some interesting pieces with history.

* "Liquid Citrine" painting by Christopher Martin, "an artist out of Dallas." According to the Millea Bros, it is a reverse painting, which is an older technique seen usually in antiques and not in contemporary art.

*Isamu Noguchi Table. - Manufactured in 1947 by Herman Miller and should have 7/8" glass top with either walnut, cherry, or birch wood.

*LC1 or Le Corbusier "LC1" chairs - Originally designed in 1928 and manufacture license originally to Casina. It would have chrome plated steal frame, cowhide seat, and tension springs.

*Eilene Gray Table.

Watch the full episode on Bravo HERE To find out if the items are real or fake and how much they are worth.

A fun new style of keeping family history. Well, maybe not fun for those who the episode is about, but certainly fun for us voyers.

Four tiaras

Additional labels: American Houses, Modern Houses, Historic Chairs, house, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management,

Ancient Discoveries Ancient Mega Forts

2016-02-25T18:29:00.000-06:00

Ancient Discoveries - Season 3, Episode 10

12/04/09

Ancient Discoveries on History Channel

Here is another show that I found on accident. I had it on the History Channel for, what I thought was something else, and this came on. Well, it is really a castle history piece so I could not just not watch it.

Also, I just found that you can watch the entire episode online on the History Channel HERE

"Histories most formidable defenses are examined including England's great castles; underground defenses in Cappadocia, Turkey; and the ancient Mayan "killer bee" method. Also: A study of a replica of a section of the ancient Roman fort of Alesia; and the firing of a cannon used to break through the defenses of Constantinople." ~ Lead in for show on Comcast.

* "Castles were acts of aggression, not defense."
* "Castles are tools of conquest."
* "Also for living in with space for" workers and tradesmen and women.
* "Cannot have a castle without a spring - a source of water that cannot be poisoned."
~ Mike Loades, Historical Weapons Expert (within the show)

I must say that the best part of this episode was at the beginning when they described the Roman building techniques. They did this step by step with reenactors and drawings. The rest of the show was ok and there was information that I did not know before, but they almost seem like after thoughts, something like (Oh, we still have 30 minutes, what else can we put in there.) My son, Dean, really loved the bombards and my daughter, Sidney loved the "killer-bee" method used by the Mayans as attacker deterrents.

I want to split my rating on this show. I give the Roman fort section five tiaras and the remainder of the show three, which gives the balance at four.

Additional labels: Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, Castle History, Castle Development, How to build a castle, Fort History, Fortification History, The History Channel, Cannon History, Military History

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 7

2016-02-23T14:16:00.000-06:00

Branson, MO

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

This episode is almost the second part to Season 4, Episode 2. Here again the Dogs find themselves in Branson, MO to continue to take apart a children's theme park. I would put this together with another episode, but I ended this round with this episode. I have other posts after this and before another round of Salvage Dawgs. In the meantime, why not watch it and we can share our thoughts?

This episode's craft project was turning doors into a pergola/garden arbor. (BTW, "craft project" may sound like making paper airplanes, but these folks make phenomenal stuff.)

It was an absolutely brilliant idea that turned into something amazing. I think every historic home should have something like this in their back yard or garden... or both! I think that the people at Black Dog Salvage would make one just for you if this one has sold. Why not ask? LOVE THIS IDEA!

Just this idea gets five tiaras!

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, House History, House Histories, arbor,

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 6

2016-02-22T18:15:00.000-06:00

National Elks Retirement Home

Bedford, VA

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

I was so excited that I just couldn't frame the camera at the right angle.

WHAT?! I never knew that the Elks had a retirement home. Wow, what a place. I want to be an Elk just so that I can stay here. Oh, wait, this is no longer an option. (Insert sad face here.)

Built in the early 1900s. It is a five story building that was built in a "U" formation.

What a place. This is an episode that you cannot miss! You will be taken around the grounds as well as inside.

Five tiaras.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, House History, Historic Properties, Elks Lodge Retirement Home, Elks History

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 5

2016-02-21T13:51:00.000-06:00

Liberty, NC

A True House History Episode

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

The winds of change... 1846 Clapp Farm also known as the "Fontainbleau Ranch" was featured. A windmill was removed. The current owner said that it was named because her father had visited there in World War 2. You should watch the episode to see how they removed this huge windmill, and maybe a couple others...

A spool from a textile factory and a piece of oak from a homestead stable, side of an old barn was used for the piece this episode. They said that "everything we do has got one to four different stories to it, this one's no different. All is salvage inspired."

Black Dog Salvage's salvage inspired floor lamp.

Four tiaras.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, House History, Farm History, World War 2, Homestead

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 4

2016-02-20T20:40:00.000-06:00

Lumberton, NC

County Jail House

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Maybe the kind of "house history" most people wouldn't think about initially.

Sinks in the jail sell would be great for tiny houses

a sink-toilet combination they termed "soilet" would also be great for tiny houses. Oh, wait... Mike just said what I was thinking! Cool

I learned in this episode that slate can be sanded. I guess I never thought of that. And, honestly, I didn't know that slate was used in old places.

The craft project was turning an old bowling ally floor into a standing bar with railroad switches and rebar foot rests.

Four tiaras.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, House History, Historic Buildings

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episodes 2 And 3

2016-02-05T09:47:00.000-06:00

Grouping Two Episodes Together

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Season 4- Episode 2 Branson, MO
Turned doors into a hostess bar
Not really my personal type of episode (no house history here), but you may enjoy it. I did absolutely adore this hostess bar that was made from old doors.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season 4- Episode 3 Jackson, TN
"Things deserve a second chance." ~Grayson
The craft project was turning a paneled door into tiered shelves.

Description of shelf they made...

Very, very, very cool completed shelf.

In this episode, there is an explanation of how fire doors work.
AND, Examples of why you should wear safety gear and always have a first aid kit handy.
1.) Eyeglasses
2.) Gloves

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, Custom hostess bar, Shelves out of a door

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 1

2016-02-04T11:16:00.000-06:00

My Favorite Episode So Far!

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Difficult to see here, but it is the cast iron from the front of an old store in Vicksburg, MS.

First, let me apologize for the delay. I had three contracts come in at the same time, my daughter was sick, and I had two papers due. I actually have had seven of these (for Salvage Dawgs) written on my log book, but haven't had time to type them into the blog yet.

See! Here are my notes!

I come in today to add the rest of my notes in and I find a kind note from Black Dog Salvage on the first post. You can see it here. http://thesassycountess.blogspot.com/2016/01/salvage-dawgs-season-3-episode-11.html?showComment=1454604647327#c101271434929736070

Why did I love this episode? I really learned a lot:

*Cast iron is brittle

*"It was put up in parts and it has to come down in parts." ~Mike

*Cyprus wood has resistance properties. The upper floor joists were out in the elements for 6 years(? I think this is what he said.)

*Don't remove a bolt that's been there 160 years - You just don't." You'll need to watch the episode to find out how they removed the cast iron.

Other items:

Fog horn off a life boat

Their craft project item was a table they made for the home of a country music duo, "Thompson Square."

Again, another example of something that I was afraid of coming out gorgeous!

Detail of the table. To find out more, make sure you watch this episode.

I would give this episode five and half tiaras if I had them. So, obviously, I think you should really watch this episode.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management

Salvage Dawgs Season 3 Episode 13

2016-01-23T14:06:00.000-06:00

Brief Review of

St. Andrews Catholic Church

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Shelves From Doors

So, I only took one photograph from this episode, but I encourage you to watch it.

The above photo is the top portion of a shelving unit the daughter of one of the men made. I believe it is absolutely phenomenal. What a brilliant idea! She took two doors with insets and put in distressed metal, put on a top and had her brother make the metal scroll-work there. This is just a side note to the show, but I think there should have been a show just on this. WOW.

The episode is about the St. Andrews Catholic Church spires. They assisted by removing the copper sheeting and crosses at the very top.

I found this extremely interesting because I have never seen anything like it before. The sheeting was very thin and was placed over wooden frames. Very cool info.

I thought I was going to be upset when one said, "Clowns are bad."

However, within one second the other replied, "Don't take that personally, clowns."

If you don't know, I was a professional clown for over ten years doing parties, but mostly performing at large corporate events and carnivals. So, I get very upset when someone makes a blanket statement. But, I forgive them because of the almost-apology. ;)

I give this episode four tiaras.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management

Salvage Dawgs Season 3 Episode 12

2016-01-22T22:02:00.002-06:00

Very, Very, Very Brief Review of

Spec, Virginia

"Used to be called Spec Station

Where the train used to stop."

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Cow Scale

This episode the boys had very funny conversation at the beginning of the show. Not really a house history episode, but definitely interesting.

The above picture was of a cow scale they brought in on consignment, but the main show had the crew cleaning out an old cannery. the cannery was the original train depot, I believe. Not my favorite episode, but the beginning was great.

Two are inside as two others return. One says of the returning, "Don't look like they worked very hard, they're awfully clean."
The reply was, "Just because I put on a clean shirt doesn't mean I wasn't working."

Carousel from the Cannery

Other items in the show include:

Steam Cleaner

Turn Stiles

Red Light

Metal Cooler

I give this episode three tiaras.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management

Salvage Dawgs Season 3 Episode 11

2016-01-21T08:51:00.001-06:00

Restore

Repurpose

Resell

Salvage Dawgs Banner from FYI Network

"Everyday historic buildings across America are being torn down and what's inside can be lost or destroyed forever... But not if Mike and Robert get there first. From an old farmhouse to an abandoned mill, together they restore, repurpose, or resell whatever salvage they can find. They're saving pieces of history - and America - one salvage job at a time.

They Are...The Salvage Dawgs"

So, the wording is great, but the voice sounds like the guy that does all the voice-overs for the horror movies. The company is Blackdog Salvage, the show is Salvage Dawgs.

I found this show at the tail-end of one of the episodes on the DIY network and so I decided to record any future episodes because it looked like something that I would enjoy. Well, I am still learning this new DVR and found out that I recorded 16 episodes because of a show marathon.

I've done show and movie reviews in the past, so I thought I would do the same thing for the Salvage Dawgs. If you notice, the last word is spelled - and definitely pronounced in the show - like the old cartoon Deputy Dawg. (Do you remember that cartoon? I used to love it!)

The episodes are a half hour a piece and seem to feature one product that they create out of one or more old things. The two main guys are complete characters and found myself laughing throughout the show. I especially found Mike funny. However, the "side kicks" are just as fun to watch. They tear down places or just do junk-outs or "picking" (sort of like the picker guys on HGT).

What I'll be doing is just giving a brief synopsis of the episodes with a photo or two that I took from my TV. I honestly recommend this show. You can get some great ideas on repurposing things and even some history on the location (not much), and one or two episodes that give you background on some historic products, building and even more tear-down techniques.

I am starting with Season 3 Episode 11 because this is the first episode on the DVR, but even more because it is the first episode that I saw!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Season 3/Episode 11

Great quote from the personel

"Treat it with some respect."

The majority of my photos are the portico. While I absolutely enjoyed the clean-out portion. You should watch the episode to see it!

The episode was about a clean-out on an old farmhouse in South Boston, VA. The farmhouse had beautiful blue walls and was going to be torn down because the owner was paying taxes on the house and didn't want to.

The old farmhouse they did the clean-out on. Yes, that is my doggies' bed there.

The project was turning a Greek-Revival portico into an outside kitchen. When they said that they would turn this portico into an outside kitchen 1.) I didn't understand initially, yet I was still 2. Horrified!

Removing the portico

Wow, was I wrong about a horrible decision. Just look at this! I would love to have it, wouldn't you?

Oh, and yes, you can see the ad for my favorite show, Rehab Addict on the bottom right of the screen.

Finished and fantastic!

I give it five tiaras.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management

Middle Tennessee January Snow 2016

2016-01-20T23:11:00.000-06:00

January 20, 2016

I thought that I would share the snow scene from my backyard.

It is easier to see in the video...

Christmas 2015

2015-12-28T00:09:00.003-06:00

At Our New Home

Our dinner table, with only the spring glass dishes locatable so far.

We still have a lot of stuff to do

Including unpacking and putting stuff up,

but that did not stop us from our tradition.

Okay, maybe it did slow us down.

(Plus, I had the flue, so I was short on courses.)


Salad plus strawberries with my special home-made dressing

This year, the theme was strawberry and white wine.


Dean happy to get started. He was so hungry!

Tomato-Basil Soup with White Wine (Don't worry, the alcohol was cooked off)

Lobster Ravioli with Handmade Cream, Butter, and White Wine Sauce.

So you can see the inside. It really was delicious!

Red and White Pan Potato, Baked Sweet Potato, and Cornish Hen baked in butter, spices, strawberries, and white wine.

Yes, the portions were small, smaller for me than the rest, too. However, with this many courses, I promise everyone was full by the end of the meal!

Sidney and My Brother enjoying the course. Honestly, it was my favorite!

Baked Green Beans and butter with Pan-cooked Beef Tips in Homemade Mushroom and White Wine Gravy

My Mom's and Dean's Favorite Course. (That's blueberry/grape sparkling juice, btw.)

My world-famous Chocolate Mousse. This year it is Chocolate-Strawberry with Handmade Strawberry Whipped Cream

View From Above

This year's fruit - Strawberries! With Handmade Strawberry Whipped Cream. Did I mention that Sidney mad the topping?

View from above!

Next to what us adults received as a pairing... Spumanti! (Yes, the wine glasses are somewhere besides available.)

Strawberry and Vanilla Swirl Ice Cream Ended the night.

Can you guess what Sidney's favorite course was?

A very full and satisfied Dean.

Gorgeous Sidney by the tree.


And, we thank you for your time! (and desert)

Obviously, there was no pictures of me this year. Everyone ran and undressed this year as soon as they were finished eating. So, no pics of me. But, I assure you I was there. I did the cooking, too.

This was a sparsely attended year - Rob and his new wife are in Tacoma, Renee is in Chicago, and no visitors (except my brother, Dave).

My mom was amenable to making it even smaller, but Dean and Sid would not allow it! Okay, I wouldn't either. We had a great time. I hope your Christmas was just as wonderful.

Merry Christmas to everyone! Oh, and a Happy New Year - 2016 as well!!!

Murfreesboro Heritage Center

2015-12-15T14:28:00.000-06:00

Rutherford County Center For Historic Preservation

This photo from their website

Part of Middle Tennessee State University

I took a trip downtown and I found the center on accident! I knew absolutely nothing about this place. I did not even know it existed. Unfortunately, the hours are from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm So, I cannot take my kids that are in school. But, it is definitely a place to go visit.

Here are some photos that I took there.

Better Homes, Better Farms

Hermes God Of Real Estate, Home, And Merchants

2015-12-10T22:11:00.002-06:00

Reblogging of Two Posts

God of Real Estate and Homes and God of Merchants

Both blogs to follow on this page!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Hermes God Of Homes And Real Estate?

Hermes and the Herm

Pinterest Board

You may notice Hermes and a Herm on the Countess Services Webpage. I thought I would share with you why those photographs are there. You can see how Hermes relates to franchises here.

The photograph above is of a Herm. Originally, the Ancient Greeks set them up at their property borders. The older versions have just his head on top of a tall rectangle with a penis and scrotum in the front. Obviously, phallic symbols represented fertility. Therefore, the god must have been placed in the corners to not only mark or separate an area, but to request that he inseminate the fields and animals to propagate a bountiful harvest and herd. We could go so far as to say that a property post is now a modern day Herm.

Hermes is also considered the god of animal husbandry and farms. In a story by Homer, Hermes told Apollo that when he (Hermes) would go and "graze down with wild-roving cattle the pastures on hill and horse-feeding plain: so shall the cows covered by the bulls calve abundantly both males and females . . .’ When Hermes had said this, he held out the lyre: and [Apollo] took it, and readily put his shining [cattle] whip in Hermes' hand, and ordained him keeper of herds."(1.)

He is also god of hospitality and homes. Ok, I would even go so far as to say he was patron to hospitality in a home. Hermes and Hestia (goddess of the hearth), both, were patron gods of banquets. Hermes had others, even mortals served dinner and wine before he received his. (When he did get his portion, however, the stories say that he dug right in!) Small shrines to Hermes were set up in the entryway of homes as reminders of sanctity and to guard against thievery. Here again, a Herm, albeit smaller than the ones outside, marked the border of someone's home.

As "Bringer of Dreams" he talks to slumberers. This is most probably due to his most illustrious roll as "Messenger of the gods." After all, that's when the gods send their messages. Therefore, he was a god to those sleeping, and now he is god of the bedroom as well. (As a phallic god, he could be god of the bed, too - just saying.)

Interestingly, Hermes is also god of a home's guard dogs. Apparently, he controls their barking, sleep, alerting ability, etc. I would say that maybe he would now be god of security systems since most people do not have the "guard dog" of old. And, since he is a protector of homes, this would definitely make sense.

And so, I give you a Herm to mark and

protect your home!

Sources:
1.) Homeric Hymn 4 to Hermes 490 ff (trans. Evelyn-White), (Greek epic C7th to 4th B.C.) http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HermesGod.html (accessed December 9, 2015)

Additional labels: real estate, housing, land, brokers, Realtors, Real Estate Agents, investments, property, House, American, High end retail, High end resale, luxury resell, luxury consignment, Belle Meade, Belleview, Brentwood, Davidson County, Estate, Franklin, Household, Lifestyle, Management, Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Rutherford County, Williamson County, Countess Estates Management Services, Countess Services

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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Hermes The God Of Merchants

Hermes / Mercury

Greek and Roman

Patron God of Merchants

(Among many other things)

Hermes and I seem to have a lot in common.

He loves merchants and so do I

He is oratorically eloquent, and so am I

He loves literature and poetry; ditto

He is skilfully sharp and shrewd; again, ditto

He prefers land travel, yep, me too. I also specialize in brokering real estate and RE services franchises

He is the god of weights and measures; I am always measuring my weight. Oh, wait, I mean I weigh and measure before I leap

He is a conductor and messenger from the gods; I conduct you to your best franchise and am the conduit between the franchisor and franchisee prospect

He is the god of shepherds; I steer the best candidate to the best franchise, and vice-versa

Hermes is god of athletics and I represent sports companies and franchises

Hermes is considered the god of thieves, but the stories that show this are really more about ingenuity and merry trickery; For ten years I owned and ran a clown, magician, and children's entertainment company. I also enjoy watching clowns and magicians

He is a god of fertility and good fortune; I have four kids who all have many friends and so my house is, and has always been full of laughter and kids of all ages. Furthermore, I help you prosper through guiding you to the best franchise candidate, or the best franchise or business opportunity

I almost named the company Hermes, but decided to keep the "Countess" name because so many people know me from my historic mansion, palace, castle, etc. blog and FaceBook page. Go here for The Sassy Countess Blog.

In any event, Hermes is going to always be on this blog and also the Countess Services webpage. Even when the divisions of CS split, Hermes will be there to remind you that you are in good hands with me, Taylor Speer-Sims and Countess Services.

Countess Franchise & Business Opportunities Brokerage Services

New business cards coming soon. Until then, all information is correct. You can still reach me through taylorspeersims@yahoo.com or through the webmail at franchise@countessservices.com

Countess Franchise & Business Opportunities Brokerage Services

Additional labels: Buy a Business, Purchase a Business, Businesses under $200, Franchises under $200, Franchises for Kids, Franchises For Children, Franchises in Children's Entertainment, Companies for Children, Sports Business For Sale, Work In Sports, Work With Children, Work In Luxury Industries, Luxury Franchises, Franchises in Luxury, Luxury Companies, Franchises in Education, Children Education Franchise, Medical Franchise, Medical Company For Sale, Health and Wellness Company For Sale, Health and Wellness Franchise, Buy a Biz, Real Estate Companies For Sale, Property Management Companies For Sale, Property Management Franchise, Cleaning and Janitorial Companies, Cleaning and Janitorial Franchise, Construction Company For Sale, Construction Franchise, Painting Company for Sale, Painting Franchise, Moving and Hauling Company for Sale, Moving and Hauling Franchise, Concierge, Handyman, Hauling, Storage, Senior, Vacation, Vacation Rental, Lawn Care, Landscape, Lighting, Bug, Insect, Pool, Estate, Real Estate, Assisted Living, Housing, Financial, Tax, Countess Franchise and Business Opportunities Brokerage Services, Countess Services

Oaklands At Christmas

2015-12-08T11:36:00.002-06:00

In Murfreesboro, TN

Here I am at this beautiful Italianate Mansion for the Candlelight Tour December 5, 2015.

If you want to visit, here is the webpage Oaklands Historic House mansion

All photographs taken by Taylor Speer-Sims, The Sassy Countess and are copywritten with usage by written prior-permission. I am really good at giving permission with the idea that photos are given full credit. However, with the consistent deluge of unauthorized copying, I'm afraid I will have to enforce.


Me in time-period costume provided by Oaklands. You all know how much I LOVE plaid!

Garland at the front door

I was told this is a "head-hunter portrait" Three grandchildren of Dr. Maney

Dapper Steven Thomas

Inside the "Davis Bedroom."

Gorgeous Sarah

Quilts inside the cedar chest. I was super surprised because my Mawmaw made me one exactly like the one on the right! "Turkey Tracks"

The upstairs front hall and Christmas tree where I was.

The three Keeble children: Sally, Mary, and Walter in the "headhunter portrait."

Selfie of me and beauteous Lindsey Whitley

The Sassy Countess Historic Estates and Grand Lifestyles

I'm A TN Real Estate Agent

As Of April 6, 2017!

I have signed with

Historic & Distinctive Homes

Transfer Of Property Through Twigs

Bundle Of Rights

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 5 of 5

A Walking Tour

Finishing East Main

and Going Around Town

See Part 1 Here Part 2 Here Part 3 Here Part 4 Here

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 4 of 5

A Walking Tour

Continuing Down and Coming Back

On East Main Street

See Part 1 Here Part 2 Here Part 3 Here

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 3 of 5

A Walking Tour

Continuing Down East Main

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 2 of 5

A Walking Tour

Down East Main Street

Exploring Historic Murfreesboro - Part 1 of 5

A Walking Tour

The Old Courthouse and Town Square

Tennessee Crossroads - Green Frog Village

A Southern Historical Village

Historic Wedding Dresses At Oaklands

Love and Romance

Untying the Knot Season 2 Episode 6

Tullio and Tanya's House

So, I thought that I would introduce a modern house history into the mix. This is really more of interior products history, but you can see how things progress from this is what we are doing/buying to this is what we did/bought... and why.

Additional labels: American Houses, Modern Houses, Historic Chairs, house, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management,

Ancient Discoveries Ancient Mega Forts

Ancient Discoveries - Season 3, Episode 10

12/04/09

Additional labels: Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, Castle History, Castle Development, How to build a castle, Fort History, Fortification History, The History Channel, Cannon History, Military History

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 7

Branson, MO

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

This episode's craft project was turning doors into a pergola/garden arbor. (BTW, "craft project" may sound like making paper airplanes, but these folks make phenomenal stuff.)

It was an absolutely brilliant idea that turned into something amazing. I think every historic home should have something like this in their back yard or garden... or both! I think that the people at Black Dog Salvage would make one just for you if this one has sold. Why not ask? LOVE THIS IDEA!

Just this idea gets five tiaras!

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, House History, House Histories, arbor,

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 6

National Elks Retirement Home

Bedford, VA

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 5

Liberty, NC

A True House History Episode

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, House History, Farm History, World War 2, Homestead

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 4

Lumberton, NC

County Jail House

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

Maybe the kind of "house history" most people wouldn't think about initially.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, House History, Historic Buildings

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episodes 2 And 3

Grouping Two Episodes Together

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management, Custom hostess bar, Shelves out of a door

Salvage Dawgs Season 4 Episode 1

My Favorite Episode So Far!

Salvage Dawgs on DIY Network

First, let me apologize for the delay. I had three contracts come in at the same time, my daughter was sick, and I had two papers due. I actually have had seven of these (for Salvage Dawgs) written on my log book, but haven't had time to type them into the blog yet.

I come in today to add the rest of my notes in and I find a kind note from Black Dog Salvage on the first post. You can see it here. http://thesassycountess.blogspot.com/2016/01/salvage-dawgs-season-3-episode-11.html?showComment=1454604647327#c101271434929736070

Why did I love this episode? I really learned a lot:

*Cast iron is brittle

*"It was put up in parts and it has to come down in parts." ~Mike

*Cyprus wood has resistance properties. The upper floor joists were out in the elements for 6 years(? I think this is what he said.)

*Don't remove a bolt that's been there 160 years - You just don't." You'll need to watch the episode to find out how they removed the cast iron.

Other items:

Fog horn off a life boat

Their craft project item was a table they made for the home of a country music duo, "Thompson Square."

I would give this episode five and half tiaras if I had them. So, obviously, I think you should really watch this episode.

Additional labels: American Houses, Old Houses, Historic Houses, house, Salvage, Clean Out, Junk Out, Rehabilitate, Sassy Countess, The Sassy Countess, Countess Estates, Real Estate, Real Estate Management, Estate Management

Salvage Dawgs Season 3 Episode 13

Brief Review of

See Part 1 Here
Part 2 Here Part 3 Here Part 4 Here

See Part 1 Here
Part 2 Here Part 3 Here