The weekend is here….

When Monday arrives, I have a habit of asking folks what they did over the weekend. It’s not chit-chat, it’s a sincere question. Too often, the response is, “Nothing.”

Nothing? Nothing? We live in town with sports, arts, a winery, fun restaurants and the largest man made lake in the world and the response is, “Nothing"?

My people come from the “you can sleep when you're dead” tradition. Sure, everyone needs downtime, but why not block off at least one day or a couple of afternoons to get out and about? Sometimes, activities cost a few dollars while lots of fun is free. Here’s what I’m doing this weekend. How about you?

Friday night will find me at the Paris Henry County Heritage Center at a viewing party for the “24” Silent Auction Memorabilia. It’s a free gathering with good nibbles and a complimentary glass of wine…maybe two. You don’t have to bid, but there are plenty of cool items from the “24” TV show; look for some real bargains to be had.

Estate auctions make me sad, but I’ve got company coming in this weekend and they’d rather bid than eat. I’ll drop them off on Whitehall Circle in Paris where Doug Taylor will be having an auction.

After they’ve had a chance to make a few purchases, we’ll go have our photos made with President Allison Taylor (aka Cherry Jones) at the “24” Photo Op event at Jack Jones Flowers. Jones is trying to raise $10,000 this weekend. If you haven’t purchased a ticket and are willing to wait, Jones might hang around after the cut off (2:00 pm) to take more photos and raise more money. (Find out more at http://phcarts.com./24_Photo_Op.html#)

As part of the “24” Fundraising weekend, a lot of the downtown shops are having 24% off sales. The summer Crocs™ at Butler and Harber are calling my name, whether they’re on sale or not. There are cool antiques, clothing, art, music, gifts, food, delicious coffee and fabulous dogwoods downtown, so my out-of-town guests better get ready to check it all out. We’ll get a head start by perusing www.VisitDowntownParis.com.

If I left a bid on something at the Heritage Center during the Friday night Viewing Party, I’ll go back down there before 3:00 pm on Saturday. That’s when the bidding closes and I want to see where the bids are.

Saturday night it’s off to the Krider Performing Arts Center for the Town Hall meeting featuring Cherry Jones. She’ll be interviewed by Travis McLeese in the first half and will take questions from the audience during the second half. How often do Henry Countians get to chat with a two-time Tony award winning actress about her work? If they haven’t sold out of tickets at Jack Jones Flowers, they will be available at the door.

Running around all day Saturday is no excuse for skipping church on Sunday. Since my guests will be leaving early, I’ll go to the 8:30 service at First Methodist on South Poplar. That will afford some time to get a little rest before the tour of homes begins at 1:00 pm. I’m looking forward to the tours that David Webb’s history classes will be giving of the Court House, as well as seeing the homes of two Tennessee governors. Interesting afternoon for just $15….plus the money helps the Heritage Center.