Philosophical Musings Along I-81

We take a slight digression from ‘blog time” to address our afternoon in “real time.”

This afternoon was one of “those afternoons.” The events occurring over a few hours reminded me of the “fortunately-unfortunately” game (thegamegal.com/2011/12/03/fortunately-unfortunately).

We left Asheville, NC, and were driving along I-81; it was slightly overcast. We were about 10 miles from our destination, Max Meadows, Virginia. The drive had thus far been uneventful and storm free.

Unfortunately, as a semi pulled along side, a dull “Boom” was followed by flying pieces of rubber appearing in the rearview mirror.
Fortunately, neither of us lost control of our vehicles.

Unfortunately, one of us had a destroyed tire.
Fortunately, it was not us.

Unfortunately, it was the semi.
Fortunately, there were no other problems and we arrived safely at the RV Park

Unfortunately, when we pulled into our site, we noticed that one tire on the RV was on its way to flattening.
Fortunately, we were in a safe place and had roadside assistance coverage.

Unfortunately, the person we talked to could not locate a dealer with the tire we needed.
Fortunately, we have almost four days to find a replacement.

Unfortunately, tomorrow is Friday, July 4th followed by the holiday weekend.
Fortunately, we could have it replaced “first thing Monday.”

Unfortunately, on Monday, we have a 330-mile drive to Gettysburg planned so that we can keep an appointment on Tuesday morning.
Fortunately, we are in the RV Park with our truck in good working condition and not stuck on I-81 with a flat (or stuck in a truck stop after a tow there).

Unfortunately, a thunderstorm arose accompanied by high winds, and we lost power.
Fortunately, we’re dry.

**********************
Returning to blog time, I thought that the photos from Nashville’s Centennial Park fit the reflective thought process in real time.

Built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, a spectacular celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Tennessee’s admission to the Union as its 16th state, this full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens serves as a monument to what is considered the pinnacle of classical architecture.

The large series of sculptures along the west pediment measure 10 by 110 by 4 feet. The sculptures depict a contest between Athena and Poseidon.

They are contesting for the honor being the patron god of Athens. Other Greek gods and chariot drivers are present. The sculpture was restored along with the rest of the Parthenon in 2002.

Nashville is known as “Music City, USA” (a phrase adopted by its Chamber of Commerce in 1978) because of its association with the music industry, but the reason for also calling itself “The Athens of the South” is less clear.

I associate Greece with philosophy and education, and according to Susan Ford Wiltshire, co-author of the book, Classical Nashville: Athens of the South: “The most important reason Nashville is called the ‘Athens of the South’ lies squarely in the city’s early commitment to education, which is a Greek ideal” (interestingamerica.com/2013-01-19_Nashville-Parthenon_by_Grigonis).

Even though Lexington, Kentucky; Bardstown, Kentucky; and Jacksonville, Illinois were at one time called "The Athens of the West (or South)," Nashville with a number of colleges today may have been deserving of that identifier at one time.