Georgia on my mind

I almost bought this small oil when I was at the art show in the town
square of Roswell, Georgia. The artist is Eddie's friend, Marshall
Lichtenstein, a retired therapist who is taking art classes. I kept
thinking about this piece and sent Eddie a check and now I have this
hanging in my home to appreciate every day. Good memory too.

beauty and ballparks

Love Connection coffee shop

Home of the Braves

Half assed salute to Bochy last night

Another fine, full day. First to meet the ex-wife Patti for coffee in this
delightful old home where we sat on the back deck. Then to Swopes to
meet the old friends of Roswell and have lunch and then to the yard which
is such a happening place, especially since the Braves are playing so well
and yes, we left before they clinched last night. The fans did that stupid
chop thing and I seethed. Thankfully there were other orange people there
and we nodded and waved and cried into our overpriced ballpark food
and drink. This Sun Trust Park is new with lots and lots of retail and
restaurants and it is fun and a bit too noisy, but the happy fans seem to
love Battery Place. Delighted to leave our lackluster Giants in the 7th inning.

loving the city of Atlanta

Nobel Peace Prize to Jimmy Carter

Eddie in front of Mary Mac's

View of Atlanta from the High

Lovely folk art

from the Harold Finster exhibit 

We started our city day at the Jimmy Carter Center remembering this not so
great president, but good and wonderful man. Now I want to visit other
presidential libraries, not realizing the vast amount of treasures shared
with us. Then lunch at Mary Mac's a famous and fun restaurant. Next
to the High Museum where I could have spent hours. Lots of terrific
folk art in a beautiful building. Dinner last night at Marlow's with three
of Eddie's friends, he is much loved here and we had a lovely time. A
full day for sure. Baseball tonight ~ the Braves might clinch, oh oh.

home again (sort of)

Tallulah Gorge

Bernie's for lunch ~ pretty, no?

Well, my Roswell home. Yesterday we drove down (over?) from Asheville,
stopping along the way. Soon the leaves will change and the highways will
be clogged with tourists, according to Eddie. Tallulah Gorge ~ who knew?
Well, lots of hikers and outdoorsy folk because there are many trails and
a nature center here. Beautiful country, I know I keep saying that, but it is
really something. Then a late lunch in Sautee at Bernie's, a stop at a pottery
museum and finally home about 6:30. Early (for me) bed and a good sleep
and today we go into the big city of Atlanta.

North Carolina = beautiful

Lake Susan in Montreat

Welcome!

View from our table at the Grove Park Inn patio

Famous fireplace at the Grove Park Inn

Yesterday we toured Chef Sarah's Montreat and then had lunch in nearby Black
Mountain ~ a very good day before one of the best dinners EVER at the Grove
Park Inn in Asheville. An outside table, perfect steak and salad. We celebrated
Eddie's birthday in style. This hotel was built in 1913, check out the huge
stones around the gigantic fireplace in the main lobby.  Back to Roswell today
and on to Atlanta tomorrow. The weather is cooling. Fall?

3 mile Biltmore walk

cozy home

great gargoyles abound

elegant stairwell

kitchen with only copper to cook in

Two fabulous tours yesterday and LOTS of walking. I recommend this visit
to everyone. Built in the 1920's, the Vanderbilts lived a life of luxury in the
largest private home in America. My knees are barking today, but it was
worth it. A nice late lunch in the Stable Cafe there and then a trip to
downtown Asheville last night which I loved. I am getting caught up on
my need to be outside for coffee and meals. Almost.

on the road all Sunday

Dahlonega

Wolf Mountain winery and restaurant

The Appalachian Trail

Such beautiful country and since we were in no hurry we stopped often.
Worst latte of my life in Dahlonega, but that's ok. Late dinner at Mo's
or Zo's Kitchen here in Asheville where we are staying at the Biltmore
Residences. We each have our own bedroom AND bathroom and
I'm now sitting in the front room with the patio door open, checking
the sky. Good weather so far! This luxury place is about $200 a night.
Not missing California at this moment. (But my cat, always.) I texted
Chef Sarah yesterday and there were no wineries when she was
growing up in this area ~ now there are quite a few. Learned about
Kadzo or Cadzo plant and I will google it. Tired this morning with
busy tourist day ahead. Eddie brought his guitar and Keurig.

thunder, lightning, insomnia

Atlanta ~ driving from airport

one of the lakes in Roswell

I have my own apartment here at Eddie's in Roswell. Alas, the electricity
was down last night for hours so we moved around slowly with candles
and flashlights. Roswell is bigger than I expected, a bustling little
city, or so it seems. This morning I'm out on the front porch looking
into a forest and waiting for the deer to wander by. The thunder storm
was violent and amazing. There will be more...

P. S. All smooth at SFO and on the Delta flight. Huge, well-organized
Atlanta airport.

talking travel

Yesterday I made airplane reservations for a September trip to visit our
old friend Eddie who lives in Roswell, Georgia. We will go to a Giants
game (!) and take some day trips. Even though we were in Atlanta once
years ago, it is a whole new and different world for me. Eddie has a home
with a separate apartment so I won't have to worry about hotels or
transportation. Politics? Well, that is a whole different set of concerns.
I might have to keep quiet. Oh.