A Very Happy Weekend in Atlanta
We have just returned from a long weekend in Atlanta where we attended the wedding of our dear friends’ Jack and Genie Wilmer’s son Harry. He just happens to be John’s godson so what a thrill to have not only attended his christening many years ago (1985) but to be able to be there when he married the love of his life. The visit to Atlanta not only gave us a chance to celebrate the bride and groom but to also catch up with long-time friends of 38 years over the three day period. As it turned out, most of the festivities were within a two or three mile drive from their house so we were very central to everything that was going on. Believe it or not it was also a chance to get a break from the heat and humidity of our part of the south. The temperatures were in the 70’s and it was considerably less humid. John was most grateful as he was wearing a tuxedo that just happens to have a very heavy wool jacket. One thing we noticed about Atlanta is that there are multiple streets with the same name and there are hotels with the same name and almost the same address just a few miles apart. One of the country clubs also has the same name as another club just one is in downtown. For an out of towner it can be very confusing. However, we were lucky enough to have cabs to take us around, and in one case a limo driver who said he could be an Uber if we needed him to be, as long as he could get some cookies from the hotel before he drove us home.
Walking By the Sea and in the City
Prior to leaving for Atlanta, Wyke and I headed out to the beach once again. It was hot and we needed to cool off in the surf. I love walking on the beach in my bare feet. Sloshing around in the water is just heaven. When I was in school a couple of years ago, we were introduced to the benefits of grounding or earthing. The take away for me was to get out and walk barefoot when you can. Connect to the earth by walking on the beach or on the grass around your home. Most of the time I am barefoot when I am in my house. John constantly complains that I should have shoes on so I don’t stub a toe but I don’t listen. It is very calming and centering and can turn a day that is off into a good day. I’m still new to walking on the beach but I certainly am learning to love it.
The flip side was getting to walk in the city over the weekend. It is not my preferred method of walking but I did find some decent hills and with some encouraging music I was able to block out the sound of cars and horns and walk at a very good pace. I love doing that, especially in a new place, because you really get a sense of where you are and it doesn’t take long to make it familiar. Once I had done my first walk I had a much better idea of where I was. Then I recognized the name of streets and actually felt quite proud of myself when I was able to tell the Uber driver which streets we would pass before we would turn on the street where our friends live. Nothing compares to my hill walks in Canada but that isn’t going to stop me from getting out there. I’ll be walking in the city again this week as I am headed to Montreal to visit my mother. Since she lives on the mountain in Montreal I will get a good work out on the hills near her. I learned to drive a standard shift car on those hills and they are a challenge.
Enjoying the Gifts of Food
There were so many wonderful opportunities to share great food with friends on our trip to Atlanta, I do not know how to single one meal out above the others. We have Italian and a delightful outdoor restaurant on Thursday night, we had a superb meal 26 floors up from the main street on Friday, we had a delicious dinner at the Atlanta History Museum but the one that I will remember for quite some time is the lunch I had with my friend Nancy at the Swan Coach House at noon on Saturday. The best chicken salad ever. Only a little mayonnaise and the chicken was chopped so finely you barely had to chew it. The best part was their specialty called frozen fruit salad. Well, frankly, it was better than ice cream. I just had to take a picture of it because it was so unusual. Now if I could only find a recipe I would make it at home. Treat yourself if you are ever in Atlanta and looking for something special for lunch with a good friend.
Our Artist Friend
Twelve years ago our good friend and artist, Ann Mitchell, did a painting of our house for John’s 60th birthday. It is a delightful rendition of our cottage and what it means to our family. Ann is now publishing a book complete with stories and photos of her numerous such paintings done over the years. We are delighted that Ann chose our painting to be included in her book. Her book launch is at our local library in North Hatley on the 28th of October.
Have a wonderful week everyone. A recipe will find its way next week. No time this week.
