Sunday morning brings us a day to relax and hang before my 4:00 p.m. to Portland. What was I thinking that 9:30 p.m. would be a good time to land in Portland? I was thinking that I would have more time to visit. It is at least a two-pot of coffee day.
Sunny makes the day brighter. What a great name for a dog! Frisbee-throwing and soaking up the Sun makes for a great start to the day. It makes me think about getting a dog so that I can throw the frisbee to her. I think I need a bigger house.
Bacon smells great this morning! It comes second to coffee though. We are almost done our second pot of coffee. I think that sitting outside in the sun and having great conversation is fun! Soak up the Sun! Several discussions around plans for the backyard to Jackie Mitchell striking out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig during an exhibition game with the Chattanooga Lookouts.
There is so much to do here that we had to leave some things to do for my next adventure to Tennessee. Such as??? Food Works brunch (i.e.Slate's brunch), The Boat House restaurant, a River Gorge explorer trip on a catamaran and Ruby Falls for the massive underground waterfall, lantern tours, haunted cavern, Zip line and Foto at the falls for camera enthusiasts!
Well, it is time to sign off for now. My flight is in less than four hours! Enjoy your day!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
From Duck Boats to Michigan Final Four - Go Blue!
Here it is on a Saturday morning. Another beautiful day greets us as we rise to take on the day whatever it brings. We just know it will be fun no matter what because we are together. Do you have people that you do not see for awhile and then when you get back together and it feels like time has not passed? Well, that is what we have here. Love it!
One of the fun things to do here is to throw the frisbee for Sonny. You just never know where I am going to throw it. Yesterday? One of my throws landed on the workshop roof. I had to find the broom to get it off. Oh my. Anyway, all was well. The frisbee was retrieved and the fun continued. Today? No mishaps. However, Sonny was tired before I was done.
Things to know about Chattanooga's industry - Volkswagen, Pepsi bottling plant, Coke bottling plant, Little Debbie's and Mars. They have a little bit of everything. Also, Outdoor Magazine voted Chattanooga as the #2 place after Portland, Oregon.
Anyway, after many cups of coffee and eggs and lots of bacon, all three of us hit the road to downtown Chattanooga. It is going to be a warm day so no jeans and no socks just skirt and warm weather clothes. Oh and a jacket in case it is chilly on the Duck boat ride.
At 1:00 p.m..We started our DUKW boat tour with our fantastic guide. The DUKW boot was built in 1944 After hearing alll the safety measures, we were on the road to the water! The terminology was used for military vehicles in WWII! - the D designated 1942, the U meant "utility (amphibious), the K indicated all-wheel drive and the W indicated two powered rear vehicles. It was made for D-Day and could only go 6 mph in water. Along the way,we saw many sights. One of the sights was the Chief John Ross drawbridge that was built in 1917 and is operated at least 4 times per year and uses only a 10 horsepower motor to make the drawbridge work and also the island that is a wildlife habitat and also the seven fountains and the paintings of the tribes. Photos to come later!
Around 2:30 p.m., we ventured to the Big Chill and Grill for nachos and the St. Croix Joy. They only allow people to have 2 of these fine beverages made with grain alcohol. Not exceeding the limit. No way. While sitting outside the Big Chill, we had a conversation with a woman who was trying to park her big SUV in a parking space. Yes, the passenger could not get out of the car so they had a conversation with us and then drove off. Someone else came along in a minivan and was able to park but the passenger actually crawled into the back seat to gt out of the vehicle. It was also amusing to see a person who stopped in the turning land with his flashers on so that he could go next door to get take-out. The waitress said that it was a constant habit including the police who had the same habit on Thursday through Saturday.
Around 5:00 p.m., we drove to the Volkwagen plant where Kelly works so that we could take a photo. I will get a tour of the plant on my next visit. We took photos!
It is now time to get ready for the Michigan game! Pizza has been delivered as well as the jalapeno bread! I have a new Michigan yellow t-shirt! Woo Hoo!
It is time to shut down for the night. I hope that everyone else has had a great day! Go Blue!!!
One of the fun things to do here is to throw the frisbee for Sonny. You just never know where I am going to throw it. Yesterday? One of my throws landed on the workshop roof. I had to find the broom to get it off. Oh my. Anyway, all was well. The frisbee was retrieved and the fun continued. Today? No mishaps. However, Sonny was tired before I was done.
Things to know about Chattanooga's industry - Volkswagen, Pepsi bottling plant, Coke bottling plant, Little Debbie's and Mars. They have a little bit of everything. Also, Outdoor Magazine voted Chattanooga as the #2 place after Portland, Oregon.
Anyway, after many cups of coffee and eggs and lots of bacon, all three of us hit the road to downtown Chattanooga. It is going to be a warm day so no jeans and no socks just skirt and warm weather clothes. Oh and a jacket in case it is chilly on the Duck boat ride.
At 1:00 p.m..We started our DUKW boat tour with our fantastic guide. The DUKW boot was built in 1944 After hearing alll the safety measures, we were on the road to the water! The terminology was used for military vehicles in WWII! - the D designated 1942, the U meant "utility (amphibious), the K indicated all-wheel drive and the W indicated two powered rear vehicles. It was made for D-Day and could only go 6 mph in water. Along the way,we saw many sights. One of the sights was the Chief John Ross drawbridge that was built in 1917 and is operated at least 4 times per year and uses only a 10 horsepower motor to make the drawbridge work and also the island that is a wildlife habitat and also the seven fountains and the paintings of the tribes. Photos to come later!
Around 2:30 p.m., we ventured to the Big Chill and Grill for nachos and the St. Croix Joy. They only allow people to have 2 of these fine beverages made with grain alcohol. Not exceeding the limit. No way. While sitting outside the Big Chill, we had a conversation with a woman who was trying to park her big SUV in a parking space. Yes, the passenger could not get out of the car so they had a conversation with us and then drove off. Someone else came along in a minivan and was able to park but the passenger actually crawled into the back seat to gt out of the vehicle. It was also amusing to see a person who stopped in the turning land with his flashers on so that he could go next door to get take-out. The waitress said that it was a constant habit including the police who had the same habit on Thursday through Saturday.
Around 5:00 p.m., we drove to the Volkwagen plant where Kelly works so that we could take a photo. I will get a tour of the plant on my next visit. We took photos!
It is now time to get ready for the Michigan game! Pizza has been delivered as well as the jalapeno bread! I have a new Michigan yellow t-shirt! Woo Hoo!
It is time to shut down for the night. I hope that everyone else has had a great day! Go Blue!!!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Look out! Mountain! and Ribs to Butts!
Friday arrives but I am not saying TGIF. I just do not want the day to rush by while I am on vacation. Anyway, coffee in hand. My mug for today says "Just Bring Me My Coffee and A Doughnut and Then Slowly Back Away." A chuckle just emerged and a smile came upon my face before I had my first cup. It is a sunny and beautiful day! I am so happy! Happy dance, happy dance!
After an omelet breakfast, Kel, Hugh and I headed to Lookout Mountain/Rock City around noon. Things that we noticed along the way - photo speed enforcement (car on side of the road taking photos and sending speeding tickets).
We drove along into Chattanooga to Lookout Mountain/Rock City River Garden. We crossed the state line into Georgia! Cool. It is great that we had a small car because we got a great parking spot. After paying the entry fee, we wandered all around the rock trails - down into caverns and out onto lookouts around into the gardens and gazing at the spectacular waterfall and scenery.
You had to watch where you walked and make sure that you lowered your head and move sideways through the tight squeezes. They had gnomes everywhere doing all sorts of activities. At the Lookout, how many states can you see from Lover's Leap that has a 100-foot waterfall underneath? Seven - Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Kentucky, Virginia! It is so hard to describe as it is just wonderful and beyond words.
1928 – Frieda Carter spent four years forging a path through the wilderness among the rock formations with only a string to mark her trail. Garnet Carter introduced her unique gardens to the public as Rock City Gardens in 1932. See the history of Rock City Gardens - http://www.seerockcity.com/pages/Our-Story/
We stumbled across a bird show. The first bird that we saw was a vulture that has its purpose and the next one was a stunning bald eagle. I never saw one that close. It was so beautiful. The bald eagle had been injured (lost a wing) because he was hit by a car about 22 years ago and he still resides there. I will have photos later.
Summary from their website: Rock City will amaze you...it's in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill. Rock City is splendid year-round - "Each season there's a new reason to visit!"
Our next stop on this beautiful sunny day was Point Park that is a part of our military history with great vistas as well cannons and monument built in conjunction with New York State (The memorial had been built to commemorate the historic “Battle Above the Clouds” on Lookout Mountain in November 1863, a successful victory for the Union led by Gen. Joe Hooker) and museum at the bottom of a great deal of stairs. There were great photographs back in the civil war. Men were just sitting on the edge of the rocks with no fear. Photos to come later!
After making our way down the winding roads about 3:30 p.m., we headed into downtown Chattanooga for a really late lunch/early dinner. Where did we go? Sugar's Ribs! You want to know about a great place to go? I would recommend this restaurant. No question if what you want is a sampling of Tennessee delights. Here is what we shared called Ribs to Butts = Chips and queso, Butts (jalapenos with cheese and pork with queso), slaw with vinegar, slaw with mayo, potato salad, pulled pork, chicken, pinto beans, beef brisket, grilled onions, grilled okra and topped off with banana pudding!
Our journey ended for the day so we are back home thinking about our adventure into downtown Chattanooga tomorrow!
I hope everyone else had a great day! Sweet dreams!
.
After an omelet breakfast, Kel, Hugh and I headed to Lookout Mountain/Rock City around noon. Things that we noticed along the way - photo speed enforcement (car on side of the road taking photos and sending speeding tickets).
We drove along into Chattanooga to Lookout Mountain/Rock City River Garden. We crossed the state line into Georgia! Cool. It is great that we had a small car because we got a great parking spot. After paying the entry fee, we wandered all around the rock trails - down into caverns and out onto lookouts around into the gardens and gazing at the spectacular waterfall and scenery.
You had to watch where you walked and make sure that you lowered your head and move sideways through the tight squeezes. They had gnomes everywhere doing all sorts of activities. At the Lookout, how many states can you see from Lover's Leap that has a 100-foot waterfall underneath? Seven - Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Kentucky, Virginia! It is so hard to describe as it is just wonderful and beyond words.
1928 – Frieda Carter spent four years forging a path through the wilderness among the rock formations with only a string to mark her trail. Garnet Carter introduced her unique gardens to the public as Rock City Gardens in 1932. See the history of Rock City Gardens - http://www.seerockcity.com/pages/Our-Story/
We stumbled across a bird show. The first bird that we saw was a vulture that has its purpose and the next one was a stunning bald eagle. I never saw one that close. It was so beautiful. The bald eagle had been injured (lost a wing) because he was hit by a car about 22 years ago and he still resides there. I will have photos later.
Summary from their website: Rock City will amaze you...it's in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill. Rock City is splendid year-round - "Each season there's a new reason to visit!"
Our next stop on this beautiful sunny day was Point Park that is a part of our military history with great vistas as well cannons and monument built in conjunction with New York State (The memorial had been built to commemorate the historic “Battle Above the Clouds” on Lookout Mountain in November 1863, a successful victory for the Union led by Gen. Joe Hooker) and museum at the bottom of a great deal of stairs. There were great photographs back in the civil war. Men were just sitting on the edge of the rocks with no fear. Photos to come later!
After making our way down the winding roads about 3:30 p.m., we headed into downtown Chattanooga for a really late lunch/early dinner. Where did we go? Sugar's Ribs! You want to know about a great place to go? I would recommend this restaurant. No question if what you want is a sampling of Tennessee delights. Here is what we shared called Ribs to Butts = Chips and queso, Butts (jalapenos with cheese and pork with queso), slaw with vinegar, slaw with mayo, potato salad, pulled pork, chicken, pinto beans, beef brisket, grilled onions, grilled okra and topped off with banana pudding!
Our journey ended for the day so we are back home thinking about our adventure into downtown Chattanooga tomorrow!
I hope everyone else had a great day! Sweet dreams!
.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Rainy Day in TN but Sunny on the Inside - Smile, you are on vacation!
April 4, 2013
Thursday brings rainy weather that will make us find inside activities or even a road trip. The day started around 7:30 a.m. with the sound of rain. It is really soothing though. It was up to me to make coffee in a real coffee pot. Oh my. Where is the coffee and the filters??? How many scoops to how much water??? The filters were right in front of my face but could I see them? Not at all. Hugh had to show me where they were located. In the cupboard and eye level. Yes, it is like looking in the refrigerator and not seeing. The end result did not look right but it tastes okay. It just must be my brain on "no coffee" mode.
Plans are being made to head to Harrah's casino in Cherokee, North Carolina that is about three hours away. This means that I will be hitting at least two states while I am here. Woo Hoo!
Kel and I piled into her little but not so little VW. Around 10:20 a.m., we made road sodas, i.e. coffee in to-go cups. All set. Ready to go! We headed down East on 312 towards North Carolina.
Interesting things sighted along the way: tornado destruction, evacuation signs for the nuclear power plant, billboards, older homes, newer homes, mansions, run-down homes, trash in the side of the road (for prisoners to pick up), very winding roads, low water levels until the water is released, everything associated with rafting and kayaking/canoeing. We traveled through many national parks and forests - Nantahalla, Great Smoky Mountain, Cherokee!
Around 11 a.m., we were starving. We tried to find the Whistle Stop Care in Ocoee. Thankful for Navigator on my cell phone. Well, it was not open so we turned around and found our way back to the main road. Anyway, the rustic Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner was everything rafting and fishing decor. These places remind me of northern Maine and our rafting industry. Anyway, Kel had a mushroom cheeseburger and sweet potato fries and I had more catfish (but grilled), fried Okra, sweet potato casserole and turnip greens. The interesting part is that the waitress thought that they did not have the sweet potato casserole so I had ordered the fried Okra. I do not recall ever having fried Okra. This is what I told the waitress. She asked if I was from up North. I told her that I was from Maine. She said that her favorite aunt lives in Portland and had sent down lobsters to them. She was thrilled. Anyway, she surprised me with bringing the sweet potato casserole (that was found in the oven) and the fried Okra since I had never had them. Everything was great!
We finally crossed into North Carolina and headed to Harrah's in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. It was raining so hard and the parking was not close at all even though it was a weekday. The parking area is not really close anyway. Thankful that Kel had an umbrella in her car. Anyway, we spent about three hours making money and losing money and making money but was fun. It was around 5:00 p.m. that we left the area to head West back to Chattanooga and around 6:00 p.m. when we found a Subway for dinner. It was perfect to have a short break for food.
Around 6:45 p.m., we crossed the border back into Tennessee. Yay! Woo Hoo! It has been a long day of talking, music and fun. It will definitely be a low key evening when we arrive home. Home, home, Home! 8:00 p.m. was the magic time. Sonny and Hugh greeted us when we got home.
Time for Grey's Anatomy's new show tonight. Oh and our Michigan shirts arrived for the game on Saturday.
Anyway, I hope everyone else had a great day! Smile even when the day brings rain and not the sun. However, it is coming tomorrow!
Thursday brings rainy weather that will make us find inside activities or even a road trip. The day started around 7:30 a.m. with the sound of rain. It is really soothing though. It was up to me to make coffee in a real coffee pot. Oh my. Where is the coffee and the filters??? How many scoops to how much water??? The filters were right in front of my face but could I see them? Not at all. Hugh had to show me where they were located. In the cupboard and eye level. Yes, it is like looking in the refrigerator and not seeing. The end result did not look right but it tastes okay. It just must be my brain on "no coffee" mode.
Plans are being made to head to Harrah's casino in Cherokee, North Carolina that is about three hours away. This means that I will be hitting at least two states while I am here. Woo Hoo!
Kel and I piled into her little but not so little VW. Around 10:20 a.m., we made road sodas, i.e. coffee in to-go cups. All set. Ready to go! We headed down East on 312 towards North Carolina.
Interesting things sighted along the way: tornado destruction, evacuation signs for the nuclear power plant, billboards, older homes, newer homes, mansions, run-down homes, trash in the side of the road (for prisoners to pick up), very winding roads, low water levels until the water is released, everything associated with rafting and kayaking/canoeing. We traveled through many national parks and forests - Nantahalla, Great Smoky Mountain, Cherokee!
Around 11 a.m., we were starving. We tried to find the Whistle Stop Care in Ocoee. Thankful for Navigator on my cell phone. Well, it was not open so we turned around and found our way back to the main road. Anyway, the rustic Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner was everything rafting and fishing decor. These places remind me of northern Maine and our rafting industry. Anyway, Kel had a mushroom cheeseburger and sweet potato fries and I had more catfish (but grilled), fried Okra, sweet potato casserole and turnip greens. The interesting part is that the waitress thought that they did not have the sweet potato casserole so I had ordered the fried Okra. I do not recall ever having fried Okra. This is what I told the waitress. She asked if I was from up North. I told her that I was from Maine. She said that her favorite aunt lives in Portland and had sent down lobsters to them. She was thrilled. Anyway, she surprised me with bringing the sweet potato casserole (that was found in the oven) and the fried Okra since I had never had them. Everything was great!
We finally crossed into North Carolina and headed to Harrah's in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. It was raining so hard and the parking was not close at all even though it was a weekday. The parking area is not really close anyway. Thankful that Kel had an umbrella in her car. Anyway, we spent about three hours making money and losing money and making money but was fun. It was around 5:00 p.m. that we left the area to head West back to Chattanooga and around 6:00 p.m. when we found a Subway for dinner. It was perfect to have a short break for food.
Around 6:45 p.m., we crossed the border back into Tennessee. Yay! Woo Hoo! It has been a long day of talking, music and fun. It will definitely be a low key evening when we arrive home. Home, home, Home! 8:00 p.m. was the magic time. Sonny and Hugh greeted us when we got home.
Time for Grey's Anatomy's new show tonight. Oh and our Michigan shirts arrived for the game on Saturday.
Anyway, I hope everyone else had a great day! Smile even when the day brings rain and not the sun. However, it is coming tomorrow!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
From Chilly Maine to Chillin' Tennessee - April 3, 2013
April 3, 2013
This day arrived with a slow dance and ended with a relaxation meditation. This adventure takes me to the southern state of Tennessee, south of the Mason Dixon line. It is the Kel and Kel show! Kel moved from Michigan to Tennessee just so that I could have a new place to visit and another adventure to undertake. Well, maybe not. It is a new adventure for her too.
Anyway, the day began at 3:15 a.m. to the sound of the alarm on my cell phone and the alarm clock in my room. It was a slow moving morning. Coffee did not even kick my brain in gear! Oh well, I stumbled around making sure that my luggage was packed. I think I should have sat on it but it closed. This means that if I buy anything then I might have to ship it. Alternatively, I could wear layers as a friend had suggested.
Anyway, 4:00 a.m. was the time that I set to hit the road. Backpack and luggage in my car but I had forgot to bring a cup of coffee. Oh my. Anyway, my brain was in stall mode when I decided to not take I-295 and took the I-95 instead. I can drive I-295 in my sleep but I thought that driving I-95 would keep me awake. It was not a good decision on my part. Lack of sleep and lack of sufficient caffeine make for bad choices that you have to deal with during that time. I just zoned out most of the way hoping that I would not miss Exit 46. No problem there. I did not miss it. However, I found that getting to the airport is a little different in the dark in the early morning using an unfamiliar exit. I was hoping that I went the right way. I know that there are road signs but still.
The drive into the jetport always throws me for a loop. I still cannot get used to the renovation of the Jetport as well as the parking garage. It used to be so much easier! A parking space was found easy enough. Oh and yes, I did write down where I parked my car. I remember one year that I forgot to write it down. I remembered the floor and that it was the near the door but when I went back in I was on the wrong side of the garage! Never again!
Self-check-in is a breeze. One bag checked and backpack on shoulder to take on the airplane. I am still wandering around in a daze/fog - lack of caffeine and lack of sufficient sleep and maybe allergies, I think. Yes, I forgot to take an allergy pill. Anyway, shuffle to the security area upstairs and a very long line. I wish I had my luggage to sit on while I waited. No problems getting through all the security. Shoes and such back on led me downstairs to the boarding gates. Time for coffee! Cafe Latte with soymilk from Starbucks was on the agenda. I am always surprised to see someone that I know. I found out through Facebook that someone from my city was at the airport too. And guess what? He was on my flight too! We were not going to the same end destination but just the first leg. Woo Hoo!
We finally boarded the airplane around just after 6:30 a.m. I was seated in 32E that was right next to the window and behind the right wing. My neighbor was headed to Florida to visit family and friends. He had a tough road ahead in Florida and life. He was making the best of the situation. We both chatted and then dozed off and on until we hit Atlanta.
Atlanta is quite the airport. It must be huge! It is an International airport, Thanks to the heads up that I received from a co-worker who told me that she had to take a shuttle/train to get to her next stop. Anyway, it is a hold-on experience from Terminal A to Terminal D. My friend from Hallowell was also on board. With backpack on my shoulder and hand on the pole, it was a fast ride! After I found D39 and the boarding of the current flight, my section was going to be deserted. Another cafe latte was on the Agenda as well as a blueberry muffin from Starbucks. I was starving! Not much to eat in the area. No bars or restaurants to hang out in unless you walk awhile back. Travesty! That is what I say - a travesty!
My seatmate in the waiting area was going to back to the Chattanooga area - about an hour or so from there. Anyway, we chatted about all the different places each of us had been to over the years. He told me about his trips to Europe and to the Grand Canyon. Now I understand the reason that they have small cars. You need to be able to maneuver the roads and garages. Good to know.
The flight from Atlanta to Chattanooga was quick and no seatmate. Small plane and one flight attendant. Quick flight. Nice! Good landing. Vacation started! I am here! Luggage picked up and checked in to see where Hugh was now. He was actually out front of the airport and the only truck in front. So 1:00 p.m. and vacation started officially.
Hugh and I filled me in on the locale surroundings and his new digs. However, before we get to the house in Harrison, we make a pitstop at a local place called the Den. Okay. I am hungry and will eat almost anything. A nice new place with a bar and food. Catfish (fried) sandwich with french fries. Yum! I love sitting at a bar anyway so it was great! No microbrew beer so I had to decide. I am on vacation! Woo Hoo!
Hugh and Kel live in a nice little development in Harrison. I hear that the original town was flooded for the TVA. We drove past the Harrison State Park and has a lovely view from the road. We will go back again some day. Anyway, the property is smaller than the farm but it has a great house with a nice screen room and garage/workroom. However, there are 16 cows on the farm in back of their property.
Kel is getting out of work at 2:30 p.m. I cannot wait to see her! It has been way too long. Anyway, I played with Sonny, their lab. What fun!
Kel came home! Love her!
Here is our night! Kel and I went back to the Den for some more fun. We rode in her new Volkswagon Beetle. It is so cute and a turbo to boot! Love it! I want one! After much conversation and laughter, we were ready to go. However, I had to take a photo of the bud in the ice water pitcher. They also had beer bottles in ice in open coolers. It was so Tennessee! The meditation for the night was more laughter and episodes of Grey's Anatomy.
Anyway, I hope everyone else had a great day! Day One done, almost.
This day arrived with a slow dance and ended with a relaxation meditation. This adventure takes me to the southern state of Tennessee, south of the Mason Dixon line. It is the Kel and Kel show! Kel moved from Michigan to Tennessee just so that I could have a new place to visit and another adventure to undertake. Well, maybe not. It is a new adventure for her too.
Anyway, the day began at 3:15 a.m. to the sound of the alarm on my cell phone and the alarm clock in my room. It was a slow moving morning. Coffee did not even kick my brain in gear! Oh well, I stumbled around making sure that my luggage was packed. I think I should have sat on it but it closed. This means that if I buy anything then I might have to ship it. Alternatively, I could wear layers as a friend had suggested.
Anyway, 4:00 a.m. was the time that I set to hit the road. Backpack and luggage in my car but I had forgot to bring a cup of coffee. Oh my. Anyway, my brain was in stall mode when I decided to not take I-295 and took the I-95 instead. I can drive I-295 in my sleep but I thought that driving I-95 would keep me awake. It was not a good decision on my part. Lack of sleep and lack of sufficient caffeine make for bad choices that you have to deal with during that time. I just zoned out most of the way hoping that I would not miss Exit 46. No problem there. I did not miss it. However, I found that getting to the airport is a little different in the dark in the early morning using an unfamiliar exit. I was hoping that I went the right way. I know that there are road signs but still.
The drive into the jetport always throws me for a loop. I still cannot get used to the renovation of the Jetport as well as the parking garage. It used to be so much easier! A parking space was found easy enough. Oh and yes, I did write down where I parked my car. I remember one year that I forgot to write it down. I remembered the floor and that it was the near the door but when I went back in I was on the wrong side of the garage! Never again!
Self-check-in is a breeze. One bag checked and backpack on shoulder to take on the airplane. I am still wandering around in a daze/fog - lack of caffeine and lack of sufficient sleep and maybe allergies, I think. Yes, I forgot to take an allergy pill. Anyway, shuffle to the security area upstairs and a very long line. I wish I had my luggage to sit on while I waited. No problems getting through all the security. Shoes and such back on led me downstairs to the boarding gates. Time for coffee! Cafe Latte with soymilk from Starbucks was on the agenda. I am always surprised to see someone that I know. I found out through Facebook that someone from my city was at the airport too. And guess what? He was on my flight too! We were not going to the same end destination but just the first leg. Woo Hoo!
We finally boarded the airplane around just after 6:30 a.m. I was seated in 32E that was right next to the window and behind the right wing. My neighbor was headed to Florida to visit family and friends. He had a tough road ahead in Florida and life. He was making the best of the situation. We both chatted and then dozed off and on until we hit Atlanta.
Atlanta is quite the airport. It must be huge! It is an International airport, Thanks to the heads up that I received from a co-worker who told me that she had to take a shuttle/train to get to her next stop. Anyway, it is a hold-on experience from Terminal A to Terminal D. My friend from Hallowell was also on board. With backpack on my shoulder and hand on the pole, it was a fast ride! After I found D39 and the boarding of the current flight, my section was going to be deserted. Another cafe latte was on the Agenda as well as a blueberry muffin from Starbucks. I was starving! Not much to eat in the area. No bars or restaurants to hang out in unless you walk awhile back. Travesty! That is what I say - a travesty!
My seatmate in the waiting area was going to back to the Chattanooga area - about an hour or so from there. Anyway, we chatted about all the different places each of us had been to over the years. He told me about his trips to Europe and to the Grand Canyon. Now I understand the reason that they have small cars. You need to be able to maneuver the roads and garages. Good to know.
The flight from Atlanta to Chattanooga was quick and no seatmate. Small plane and one flight attendant. Quick flight. Nice! Good landing. Vacation started! I am here! Luggage picked up and checked in to see where Hugh was now. He was actually out front of the airport and the only truck in front. So 1:00 p.m. and vacation started officially.
Hugh and I filled me in on the locale surroundings and his new digs. However, before we get to the house in Harrison, we make a pitstop at a local place called the Den. Okay. I am hungry and will eat almost anything. A nice new place with a bar and food. Catfish (fried) sandwich with french fries. Yum! I love sitting at a bar anyway so it was great! No microbrew beer so I had to decide. I am on vacation! Woo Hoo!
Hugh and Kel live in a nice little development in Harrison. I hear that the original town was flooded for the TVA. We drove past the Harrison State Park and has a lovely view from the road. We will go back again some day. Anyway, the property is smaller than the farm but it has a great house with a nice screen room and garage/workroom. However, there are 16 cows on the farm in back of their property.
Kel is getting out of work at 2:30 p.m. I cannot wait to see her! It has been way too long. Anyway, I played with Sonny, their lab. What fun!
Kel came home! Love her!
Here is our night! Kel and I went back to the Den for some more fun. We rode in her new Volkswagon Beetle. It is so cute and a turbo to boot! Love it! I want one! After much conversation and laughter, we were ready to go. However, I had to take a photo of the bud in the ice water pitcher. They also had beer bottles in ice in open coolers. It was so Tennessee! The meditation for the night was more laughter and episodes of Grey's Anatomy.
Anyway, I hope everyone else had a great day! Day One done, almost.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
