Friday 31st December
We have decided that it is time to head toward home and so we sadly say goodby to the good people at the Residence Inn and Memphis heading east. But first making a stop for Kay at a yarn shop. Then we head for Hwy 72 and Chattanooga Tn. For lunch we stop at a wonderful fun place called “Rocking Chair Rest”, filled with wonderful antiques, as we enter we are greeted by a life-size doll dressed as Grand-Paw sitting in an old rocking chair. We ear a lite lunch and are back on the road. After a rather long day of driving we arrive at the Comfort Inn in Chattanooga and settle in. We did buy a bottle of Sparkling Wine to celebrate New Years Eve but the crowd on Beale Street was enough for us, so after eating supper we settle under the covers watching Dick Clark’s New Years Eve Celebration and toast to the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.
I am optimistic for the New Year, but with the new powers in office, I am afraid things will only get worse for the little people of America. Happy New Year.
Saturday 1st January 2011
We are driving in a strong driving rain storm heading for Atlanta this morning after partaking in a little breakfast. We heard on the news last night of the terrible flooding in Hinesville, Al where we drove thru the afternoon before.
On every long trip it is the little memories that make everything worthwhile. Like driving down Hwy 80 from Montgomery to Selma that was part of the history of the Civil Rights movement. Seeing country that is very different rom what you know, rolling hills, hardwood, forest floors littered with bulging rocks everywhere. Going long distances before seeing a service plaza.
Walking into the Memphis Music Store and dancing with the owner to some good blues music. Watching a father and mother teaching their young daughter to play baseball and about hitting; encouraging the young girl to keep her eye on the ball and hit it to me. Watching the joy on the little girl’s face light up as she does and I catch the ball and dance around giving her a ‘high five’; watching the smiles of her parents and getting a big nod of thank you.
Discovering that the house where Elvis was born was about the same size as the house that WC Handy lived with his wife and 3 children. Learning that WC Handy was blind, I didn’t know that.
It was good to get away for a few days and discover that the places you visited wove into a theme of Civil Rights history, that that was something that evolved and wasn’t what you had set out to do, but just happened. It was good to get home, play with our dogs and sleep in our own beds again. Until next time, The Two Auntees, or should that be Two Grandmothers.
Good night America.
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing your journey with everybody. I really hope that the good times made up for the hassles round family.
And, no. You two ladies look far too young to be grandmothers, so stick with "aunties." :-)
Thanks for the compliment, MP. We have recently been upgraded to grandmothers for a dear friends three children. It is wonderful.
I think the new year will be good in spite of the family hassles. Sarah has reconnected with her daughter and I connected with her over the past year. She is a delightful, talented, compassionate, funny young woman. We have really enjoyed spending time with her. Through her we have kind of connected with Sarah's ex. She has been friendly and would engage in conversation when we have happened to meet. Also, she sent some advice to deal with the family situation. Looking at the big picture, I think it will be a good year.
Kay (the youngest Auntee :D)
That really is wonderful. I wish I had your patient perseverance.
What a lovely account of your journey. I was especially moved by your reference to Hwy 80 from Montgomery to Selma, which I've never ridden, but I'd like to one day.
I've never been to Memphis, either, except to the airport to change planes, and I'd like to visit one day.
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