We’re back! And in one piece…kinda, sorta. To tell the full story of our excursions I will break the blog up into segments. I’ll begin with our agenda and work from there.
We prepared for our 10 day journey by mapping out where approximately and approximately when we would be in each destination. This is what made the trip a blast. We were really not on any set schedule to do anything atr any given time. Just had to be there on that day or close to it. Greenville/Spartanburg,SC…Columbia,SC….Rogersville,TN….Gatlinburg,TN…Cherokee, NC….Highlands,NC….and Greenville/Spartanburg,SC. In that order.
Lani had been visiting us for a few days so… Bill, Lani and I flew into Greenville/Spartanburg SC and rented a vehicle, Jeep Cherokee, to drive to Lani and TJ’s in Columbia, SC. Renting a 2015 form of transportation takes some thought when you are old! The dashboard looked like a airplane cockpit and the screen was the size of a 14 inch TV. Well, almost! Trying to program all the stuff took at least two bottles of wine. We stayed with Lani and TJ in their apartment. They took us out to several great restaurants. The Rooftop Bar and Grill which was awesome. While sitting at the bar, I looked up and some guys feet were dangling right over my head like he was going to jump. Turned out to be a dummy dressed up in a baseball uniform. Lani and I almost had another pee in britches moment. Had every kind of beer or ale you’d want and over looked downtown Columbia. We also got to dine at Pearlz. A oyster/seafood place across from the Capital. Met a wonderful young lady named Courtney who served us and made our stay very enjoyable. In fact she e-mailed me the day before we got home to tell us she really enjoyed meeting us and can’t wait to read the books.
Downtown Columbia is a hoot. There is an University of South Carolina gamecock on every corner. A true cock of the walk. I believe his name is “Cocky”…go figure. On my “bucket list” is to meet the coach of the Gamecocks…Steve Spurrier. I told Courtney that while at Pearlz. She told us he eats there and she would pass on my request. I can’t think of anything more awesome. I love his determination, his love of the game of football and inspiration for his kids that he coaches. I actually did several things on my bucket list. Made this ole gal very happy.
Living life is one thing… Living and truly enjoying it is quite another. This was the first leg of our journey and the second was heading to Rogersville to see Bill’s brother. A beautiful drive to Tennessee through the mountains. We stopped to take some incredible pictures along the way. I drove and Bill ..well Bill was riding shotgun. Mostly in snoring mode. Spent the night with Bill’s brother Harp and Robin. What a beautiful home. So warm and cozy. And of course I can’t forget their dog, Baxter! Cutest beagle ever. Robin took me on a tour of historic Rogersville and by a church where Davy Crockett’s grandparents were buried. I wish we had more time to explore. So many things preserved in our history and Civil War in that area. Thank you two for a great time. Next week’s blog will be our visit to Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
Hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit. And Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish friends. It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. Looking back and remembering those who we wish were here with us. Time to look through old pictures and movies and know that we will be with them one day. One of my favorite memories was sitting on the couch looking out the window toward the stars with my brother to see if we could spot Santa before we headed for bed on Christmas Eve. While mom and dad enjoyed their nog-nog! I think they had the better end of the deal. Getting blasted and telling us some fat dude in a red suit was coming to visit. No wonder we all need help! Merry Christmas!!!! May Christ bless you and your family on His birthday.
Hugs,
Ride,Baby,Ride! and Keep Those Pistols Loaded!
Leilani
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