Recession, Shmesession!

If the economy is ailing, the effects of it have not reached the Opryland area.

Saturday night we thought it would be fun to mosey around Opry Mills Mall. From the traffic, you would have thought Elvis himself was appearing at the Grand Ole Opry.

We finally made it to the mall, which was packed with what seemed to be rabid holiday shoppers, despite the fact that Christmas was two days past. The next night, being the gluttons for punishment that we are, we ventured to Opryland Hotel to see the lights. Again with the traffic. Again with the crowds. But it was worth the trip.

The hotel, with its holiday decorations, towering Christmas trees, glittering water fountains, boat rides and pointsettia-festooned conservatory is truly magical. There was even a wedding reception taking place in the middle of it all.

Jack Henry was mesmerized, not seeming to mind dodging bazillions of cackling grammar school cheerleaders decked out in cheer garb for their world or national or something competition. And the hover 'round scooters. We just could not escape them. But it was an excellent diversion and the perfect ending to our holiday festivities.

The best part? When we left, there was no parking attendant on hand, so we didn't have to pay the $18-plus-tax for self park.