Thanksgiving in Georgia

 

For Thanksgiving this year, I visited my son, Brendon in Georgia.  In the past Brendon has returned home to California for Christmas. Unfortunately, he won’t be visiting for Christmas this year.

I love traveling for many reasons, one being the interesting people you encounter. I appreciated the Southern charm/hospitality, and the thick Georgia accents.

Cliff, an elderly fellow shuttle rider on my trip from Atlanta to Augusta, retired Army who worked intermittently for NSA shared the story that he was returning home after a joint trip w/ his son to Austria where they returned to the place where he and his wife were married 65 years ago. His wife passed away in September; he lost her to cancer. We both agreed that we hate cancer! CANCER SUCKS!! I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by the disease in one way or another. I truly hope they find a cure for cancer in my lifetime.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of my son’s friends and their parents while in Georgia. It was heartwarming, and an absolute pleasure to learn that all of his friends are good, kind, big-hearted, fun-loving people.

 

I got reacquainted with Gracie, my son’s Cairn terrier whom I had cared for previously for two years.  It was wonderful to see her, yet bittersweet, because I was unable to take her home with me.

During my visit, one of my most memorable moments was a 2-hour road trip with my son to Athens cruising down a picturesque 2-lane tree flanked highway with expansive farmland while Indie music blared in the background. My son and I share a love of the open road and diverse music interests.  In Athens, I met one of his best friends Chris and his sweet fiancée Catherine. We went out to dinner at an excellent BBQ place in downtown Athens called Saucehouse, and played a bar a game outside thereafter while listening to some live music. Back at their house we played a spirited game of Cornhole, and a very enlightening card game called Cards Against Humanity. Afterwards, we went outside, peered up into the beautiful gray sky/full moon and talked into the wee hours about life, love and the meaning of happiness.

I was lucky enough to be a part of a one-year old’s (Claire) birthday party while in Georgia (Claire is pictured above with my son).  She was so adorable and happy, I wanted to kiss her whole face!!!!  It warmed my heart that my son was so good with her.

Overall, the trip was a good one.  I look forward to a trip out this Spring to attend my son’s graduation.