The Rest of the Trip

Really now.  This is of course ridiculous, this long break, but I have lots of excuses.  Want to hear them?  Of course you don't but here it goes:  too much to do, a mess of a bathroom renovation, a mother-in-law in distress, a show to do.  Ranking is problematic, but then again, really?

But let's do the pedestrian thing and just go through the trip.  Surely, you understand. Fuller explanations of the other reasons will follow in a later post.

I left Atlanta temporarily and drove to Nancy's place in the north Georgia mountains.  It's always a treat - lovely scenery, interesting side trips to interesting shops, and food with friends. Very, very short, but sweet.

Then back to Atlanta to hitch a ride to Florida with G+B where I was handed off to Michelle + Joey.  (I kinda felt like the kid going from one parent to the other - but all sides here were very friendly!)  Besides going to an FSU game, seeing both my kids at the same time in one place, having a great tailgate party, AND watching the Seminoles win (yeah!!), the greatest highlight was a running hug from Dylan.  Is there something greater than having little kids run to give you a hug?

The stadium is not what I knew when Fred Biletnikoff was slathering his fingers with glue so he could hang onto the ball. But that was then.

Here is now - Ginny and Barry in front of the Unconquered Seminole statue in front of the stadium.

 And me standing in front of Dr. Campbell and Dr. Sliger, two great presidents of the University.

There were lots of highlights and pictures at the game, but I like this one of Dylan and her dad. It was sunny and really warm.  Really.  My German-induced sunlessness was challenged.

Then off to Michelle + Joey.  NEW PERGOLA!  Wow!  This looks so good and what a great place to hang out and relax on a weekend. Can't wait to show this to Werner, except of course he will never get anything done except hanging out. 

People were otherwise camera shy and there is therefore no other photographic evidence of my visit there.  So, imagine Hannah thinner and taller with longer legs.  Imagine Hunter more muscular and trying to learn to drive a car.  Imagine Michelle + Joey in good shape.  Hold that thought.

Then to Orlando and the family with the little kids.  Boy, is that a blast from the past!  Let's go for a walk, MeeMaw!  Let's have a picnic, MeeMaw!  Let's read a story, MeeMaw!  Let's paint a tee shirt!  OK - Let's do it all!!

And then, Let's have a birthday MeeMaw!  Well, OK.  And since we all like doughnuts and I simply can't get them here in my Germany, that was a great Birthday Doughnut. With candles.  And somewhere really close to the doughnuts there was an angel food cake that was calling my name.  So we got that, too.
  

And that was that.  A long visit and a short visit all at the same time.  But you will all understand.