Not knowing when I’d have the chance again, I fumbled through the all-too-quiet rented condo for Archie’s leash. After a few bumbles and bonks, and with Dave helping me like a shuffling zombie, I found it, and we were off. What first was meant to be a walk around the block to let him pee led to an hour-and-a-half walk downtown, where I ogled over the Country Music Hall of Fame and main street.
The stirrings of a dusking Nashville create the mortar in the community, from the dolly-pushing Bud Light and Crystal Springs water vendors to the pressure washing, weed whacking, and street sweepers. These things, the repairers of brickwork and Constitution paper salesmen are the backbone.
Archie is a draw in and of himself. A man coolly leaning against an aged car, owning his cigarette, said, “What a good-looking dog.” Stopping, I said, “He’s come a far way.” “How far y’all walk?” I clarified what I’d meant and shared, “He’s traveled from Washington state; we’re moving to Georgia.”
The man, a 25-year resident of Nashville, heard my yearning for coffee, pointed me uphill to the Frothy Monkey, and texted me this tip: “Wednesday, start with dinner and a show at Gannon’s. Check-in on show times on their website. 170 4th Avenue North is a Great main meal option for starting your weekend marathon. Gannon in the kitchen does not disappoint; his food is excellent, and he is very passionate. Love the lamb chops. There’s a chance Anthony Mozzarella Mazella will be bartending, and let me tell you, this guy’s middle name is Hospitality. A stroll down to Printer’s Alley to Skull’s Rainbow Room to dive in “
And that’s it. It cut off.
Is this something he does often? For friends coming to town? Once the text was sent, he flicked his cigarette on the ground and headed quickly back into the bar like a thief in a jewelry shop.
A block from the Frothy Monkey, a man holding a newspaper pointed to a pile of fresh horse ‘do ‘do in the middle of the street then pointed to Archie. Seeing my smile and nod, he slapped his leg and pointed to me smiling, showing he knew and liked I was in on his joke. I waved at him, then headed in for coffee.
With an iced triple shot of caramel americano with cream in hand and the leash in the other, I crossed the street and headed straight for the man. His grin kept grinning as I approached, and I said, “You look like trouble.” He shook his head at my words, “People have been telling me I’m trouble my whole life; I still don’t know what they’re talking about.” After several more jests, I noted that I knew he hoped to make a sale, but I didn’t have paper money. Then he pointed to a barcode, “Lookie here, I can take Venmo.”
Two dollars lighter, I stepped away with a Constitution paper under my arm, a coffee in hand, and Archie in the other.
May I say what a tremendous traveler Archie is. He is the politest and least needy pottier ever. I know of two number twos he’s taken in the past six days, and both times, he found a spot with grass taller than he is. I’ve loved having a companion to walk around town, in the hotel rooms, and for stops at rest areas. His calm demeanor and low maintenance make him an easy, wonderful road dog.
Tonight, we sleep across the street from our new house. A sneak peek earlier at the unfinished flooring, sinks, toilets, A.C., and appliances made me aware that it’d be at least two weeks, if not more, before we could move in. As we settle in for the night at a family member’s pool house, I feel slightly somber that the cross-country trip has ended. But I am also grateful to begin this new adventure.
Thanks for trekking along with me. See you here tomorrow. Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 