This past weekend marked the third weekend in a row that we had obligations beyond our house. Several weekends ago we went to OKC to support my grandson in his first 5K. Then we were in Amarillo for a baseball game, dance recital (different events for different grandkids, just to be clear, my grandson had the baseball game, my granddaughter had the dance recital) Then this past weekend we were in Cleveland, TN for the wedding of some of our oldest friend's (tenure, not chronological) eldest daughter's wedding.
As it turned out, we were some of the few non-family members. It was lovely. 1888 house and grounds, reception in an old barn, ceremony under the huge magnolia trees, Japanese lanterns lit and drifting into the night sky. It was lovely.
The weekend was a time of travel and shopping. We landed in Knoxville, TN, got our little Nissan Vespa, loaded our suitcase and headed out. My bride was navigating with her I-pad, while I was trying to see the sights, get a feel for direction of travel, and visit.
We decided to take the 90 mile trip down back roads, instead of interstate. We lunched in Loudon, TN at Mark's Downtown Cafe. Apparently the place for all the locals. Sweet tea (only option) and sandwiches were good, the waitress was congenial. Then a little antique shopping across the street.
Then on the Tennessee Valley Winery. The view was spectacular across the Appalachians, the wine was average. We bought a bottle of sweet white for sipping at the hotel. With the recommendation from the lady at the winery we hit the Sweetwater Valley Farm for cheese and crackers. Huge dairy operation, but also set up for group events. The day was clear and sunny and we were having a great time criss-crossing I-75 looking at whatever the landscape and the journey provided.
Eventually we headed to the hotel.
Saturday we decided to hit a big antique mall which my bride went through very carefully. It was housed in an old textile, knitting mill. It is with great appreciation that the old building had been renovated and re purposed in this way. It was on the North Shore in Chattanooga, TN. We wandered around the area and had lunch at FoodWorks. This place was a gem. If you ever go there, try the Shrimp and Grits.
As I mentioned, that night we attended the wedding, it was a great to attend, watch, and not stress over any part of it. I have done my turn on that deal and I have great empathy for the parents of the bride.
Sunday morning we got up and went to the hotel where our friends had headquartered and had a very nice visit, catching up. These were the folks we found our way through early marriage with. They were broke and we were broke. We shared all we could, food and entertainment. Sorrows over loss, frustration over building our families. We have kept up through the years and have only gotten eccentric in mild ways.
It was good to get home, but we had a nice journey, a moment. I think it is good to revisit some of the special people from other eras in our lives. To remember the struggles and the bonds that are formed. These are good people. I'm glad we went.
Godspeed to the Hunters and the Hunter's kids. A new chapter for you guys.
Don
1 comment:
You and Beverly are good people, too! That's why we became friends long ago. Who else would eat Taco Salad EVERY week with us. Still miss those calls on Saturday morning after you had already bought doughnuts----What are you doing? Want to come over?----You were only 45 minutes away! We were so happy that you could join us for the wedding and share some laughs---just like old times. We love you.
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