USA Trip Fall 2023

We began with Atlanta this time. VERY important, since last visit we had to cancel Atlanta due to a nasty bit of food poisoning. And maybe Atlanta is the best way to begin -- we don't need a car there since Atlanta traffic scares us to death and our sisters offer rides. They are used to the craziness. Plus, we can fly to FLA cheaper - and easier - than renting a car and driving!! Really. There is a hefty premium to pay when you rent one place and leave the car in another. 

(An off-topic side note.  I used to LOVE driving through Columbus, GA from Atlanta to Panama City, where there was an amazing needlework shop. Yow.  Spent some bucks there. But it's closed, so it's a lot less interesting these days, that drive...)

But first, Atlanta. 

It didn't start well.  Our total flight was cancelled (what???!!) so we had to reschedule and it wasn't the best - after five phone calls and a lot of time, we got Bremen to Frankfurt to Chicago to Atlanta.  Chicago? I had promised myself to never do that again, but we had no choice.  Did we make our connection? Of course not; it was O'Hare. So we arrived Atlanta at 10PM instead of 2:30, and then the train to Chamblee and then the pick up from Ginny and Barry, so midnight or so getting to a place to rest. What a day for us all! Kudos to Gin and Bar for their patience.

Ahh, but we got there.  Leisurely mornings. Everyone likes their morning puzzles and reads.

Next day, we visited Matthew's Cafeteria since I had specifically asked for fried chicken, and they do fried chicken. What we didn't know is they also do live music, old-time country. That was a real treat.

There were easy visits with other family, gentle walks, lots of talk, a visit to Costco (of course).

We'd been in touch with Anja Tigges, one of the Gator crew from Werner's time at UF and she came to the house for a visit - a double treat for her because Ginny was her Principal for a couple of years! They had a fun time catching up and then we just sat and did the same. 

I made a Butterkuchen in her honor, but it was a disappointment.  Looked great but way too dry.

Steve came by one day in his Halloween decorated Jeep! Halloween is an even bigger deal than it was before - so many decorated houses and cars!

We had a visit with Rachel, Omar, and Aubrey but forgot to grab pictures when we visited with Dave, Dana and boys - and when Liz and Keith joined us for an early dinner one day ---what was I thinking?!

But I did remember to take some photos when Julia drove us downtown to the MLK Jr. Center and National Park. Such an interesting visit! The "introduction" area had lots of pictures, memorabilia and historical recreations, BUT the competing audio from the different exhibits was so loud, it was hard to stay there very long.

The simple wagon that carried his casket through the streets of Atlanta.

There was time for lunch before visiting Ebenezer Church and MLK's childhood home, so Julia had looked up the best-reviewed soul-food place in the area.  Unfortunately, we didn't realize they still weren't serving inside and it was a bit chilly to eat outside, so we ordered and ate in the car.  THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN. Good collards, potatoes and gravy.  We also were entertained by an irate customer who we kept our distance from! But staff were oh so nice!!

It's strange sometimes seeing a place in person you've seen a thousand times in pictures, and so it was with the Ebenezer Baptist Church.  

We weren't allowed to take pics inside the MLK home, but it was so recognizable, a 50s home.

Then it was over so fast! Ginny and Barry dropped us at the MARTA station, we checked in without problem and then on the plane to Panama City!! (It's a quick trip - leave ATL at 1:30 and arrive in ECP at 1:30  LOL). Michelle picked us up and Florida fun began. What's up?  Food, of course.  They took us to Olle's, two or three little towns away, a German restaurant. But Michelle warned us: Don't start talking German to them - they're from Estonia! Nevertheless, a good German menu. And good company, too.

The house was already decorated for Halloween, inside and out! Scary stuff!!

And Saturday, Game Day, a home game at FSU so that means tail-gating. M&J have it down to a science and the truck can handle it all. But it won't close the cover itself. About 30 minutes into the trip, Joey suddenly came out with a mild expletive,  made a quick maneuver to the shoulder and and went back to cover all the goodies in the truck bed.  Nothing lost!

Crissy and Dylan had competitions to attend, but Lee and Hayden came up. Hayden is always good for a hug!

Another exciting game, another win for the Seminoles keeping their unbeaten record for the year.

We were late getting back to PC, did the minimal necessary unpacking and headed to bed. Next day, all the put away and quietly going about the usual after party cleanup. Michelle went for a nap and Joey started the wash and we just kinda hung around till Werner and I decided to take a walk. BUT, there's water all over the floor in the hallway and in the laundry - yow!

The shop vac made quick work of the water, but what a mess (though the floor is really really clean now  LOL). Turned out OK - next day the repair guy came, he knew exactly what had gone wrong and fixed it. Great! (A good repair service is worth its weight in gold. Just sayin'.)

Of course, the beach is a must-do. Michelle, can we borrow the car?  Take the Jeep!! You're going to the beach!!

So we took the Jeep. Yes, it is fun. With a capital F.

Alas and alack, it was our only day at the beach, but there's so much on the calendar.  For instance, another visit to the Board and Brush in Panama City. Always fun! Michelle and I were there with Ariane. 

I really think my choice was the easiest - the other girls had more of a challenge, but it all turned out great.

More adventures!  There was a launching of a cutter for the US Coast Guard and all the big wigs were there - one day of designating Panama City as a Coast Guard City and the next launching the ship - grand event with all the local dignitaries and a lot of the national dignitaries, too.  Very impressive, it was.

And, ya know, there are the grands!  Hannah and I went shopping for fabrics for some spiffy scrub caps, we visited Hunter and his workshop to order (more) little boards for gifts, and just had a good time hanging with H+H+H.  

Hannah styled Harrison's hair!

Birthday! I had a Birthday.  78.  This is a number I do not recognize and hesitate to admit to, but so it is. The family treated us to a sumptuous dinner

I finished some sewing there: the Christmas pillow, ornaments for the "kids," and scrub hats for Hannah that were a bit more fun than hospital green.

And before you know it, poof, the time is gone and we are off to Orlando.

Weather. It was great in PC and it continued while we were in central FL. Warm, not too humid, sunny, mostly dry.  Lovely.

We met up again in DeLand with Larry and Bonnie, old high school classmates of mine. Some years ago I tended to think that "reunions" were unnecessary visits to an unreachable past, but I've found it is not only pleasant but - reaffirming? - to keep in touch with folks from so long ago. We had a nice lunch, walked up to the Stetson campus and then had an amazing custard ice cream. 

More meet ups!! Beth Boozer, a friend from medical school days, has a condo in Cocoa and loves the museum in Winter Park that has such an amazing collection of Tiffany glass works.  So we met there and had a leisurely walk through the collection - the largest anywhere. Yes, we'll do that again, too.

Afterwards, Werner and I had a light lunch and a walk through the upscale shopping area in Winter Park.  Really, it's nice.

And then it was Friday, High School Football Friday. What a hoot!! Marching bands, teenagers in pads who don't even look like they know what they are up to sometimes, the cheerleaders, the majorettes, the flag team! Lots of noise and lots of fun!!

Then we went back to Winter Park to take the three lake tour on a pontoon boat. That was cool.  Just an hour, but you get to see some interesting houses, get a little history lesson, learn a bit about the ecology of the area, and just enjoy the breeze and the sunshine.  Ah, Florida.

Then, pack it all up and  check out till the next time.  It was such a nice visit (except for the part where Barry fell and broke his leg and had to go the hospital and have surgery, but that's another story) and I am tempted to make another visit in 6 months or so, but we'll see. The trip back was without problem this time, but it is hard, 10 hours or so in a teeny space with dismissable food and no way to relax.  But, who knows??? Maybe you'll see us again sooner than you expect!