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I had a wonderful Halloween night out with the kids last night... Jonathan, Amanda, Matt, Christina, and I went out to eat at Zaxby's for our Tuesday night family dinner followed by a trip to the base where we went through the haunted house. It was great and even a little scary. Amanda (under protest) led us through, followed by Jonathan... I came next where I held on to the back of Jonathan's shirt and Christina was behind me holding my hand as well as Matt's hand who brought up the rear. There was even one scary creature that popped out and actually scared Jonathan. Can you imagine? :-) I could tell by the tone of his laugh changing... he'll never admit to it though ;-)
5 NOVEMBER 2000
Last night Jeff and his wife, Kelly, and I took Amy out to dinner for her 30th birthday. Even paid $5 extra and got them (the workers) to come out clapping, put a sombrero on her head and a pie in her face. It was sooooo funny!! She took it real well too which made it even funnier. We gave her some gifts too that were pretty funny too… like anti-age wrinkling cream and hair color for the gray hair she’s prone to get now that she is 30 ;-) Also, got her some cooking utensils and a Better Crocker “Junior” cookbook that gives very precise directions to help with her culinary skills (she's always saying she can't cook). It was a GREAT evening to say the least ;-)
10 NOVEMBER 2000
This past week has been pretty darn good since the stressers of being Acting First Sergeant are over. Just doing my normal job has been a real treat even though it's been busy trying to get ready for the inspection next week. I'm not too worried especially since I, myself, don't have the total responsibility riding on my shoulders... that's one good thing about not being boss anymore ;-)
Yesterday I went to my doctor's appt and found out that "No news WAS good news" as the pathology report came back showing that there was no cancer in my uterus. What a relief!! I really don't know how I would have reacted had there been some revealed, but I guess I don't have to worry about that anymore. Thank the good Lord!!
Tomorrow I have a date with my mother... We're going to go see "Remember the Titans" and then go to happy hour and get happy :-) It should be fun as we haven't seen each for over a month. I'll be nice and relaxed too which makes for a perfect time. My mother and I just don't get along if I'm not. We've come a long way on figuring that out.
On a more personal level... I'm doing real well on coping without John in my life. Yes, I have my moments of sadness over losing what I had hoped would be a "happily ever after" relationship, but for the most part I'm very content to be by myself. In fact, tonight I'm enjoying the peace and solitude of my home as the kids are out for the evening. I have music playing, candles lit, an open beer, and I'm doing what I most enjoy... playing on my computer :-)
14 NOVEMBER 2000
The inspection is over... and we all did GREAT!! No write ups at all.
18 NOVMEBER 2000
Nothing noteworthy this week besides the great inspection... and the big boss let everyone go home early yesterday which meant I was able to get my errands ran and my weekly treat picked up... honey BBQ wings from KFC. I just love those things! Anyway, I got home and popped open a beer, called my mother, did my domestic chores, played on the computer, then as I was preparing my salad and corn to go with my wings, the doorbell rang. It was Christina. So I put my dinner on hold, opened another beer, and had a very long, very deep talk with her. That poor child is trying so hard to heal her wounds and in my opinion doing a pretty good job of it. I just wish I could do more to help her take away the pain and anguish she feels. She's definitely had a rough time of it... her mother abandoning her is the worst. Try as I do, I'll never be what she really needs although I believe without me, she'd be in a worse way. She said something that really made me feel good... she said that she truly looks forward to our Tuesday night family dinner. She's even started bringing her boyfriend, Matt, over to share in the festivities. This past Tuesday was his first night (besides the night we went to Zaxby's) and it was pretty neat that when it came to who was going to give the blessing, it was a friendly family discussion that led to him having to give it since it was his first night. Amanda made sure of that since she too had to give it on her first night. The beautiful thing was, he did it without complaining AND he gave the most sincere, heartfelt one I've heard in a long time. Yes, my family night is treasured by all :=)
Tomorrow is the day I leave on my mountain getaway trip. I am so looking forward to it even though it is going to be down right COLD up there. My concern is that it just might be too cold for my father; but, if it is then I'll let him know that he can opt to stay behind when I go out on my exploration trips and hikes. They have an indoor pool and fitness center there so at least he can utilize those for his daily exercise. What a daughter I am to think of such things, huh?
I'll keep a daily journal while I'm gone and share it upon my return. Until then...
19 NOVEMBER 2000
What a traveling experience! It not only rained 75% of the way, my poor old car kept screaming "Engine Temp"! We had to travel at or below 55 mph which I'm not accustomed to at all. Thank the good Lord we left early enough as it took hours to get to the airport. We dropped my nervous mother off to catch her flight and then Dad and I kept on going to our ultimate destination-Blairsville. Oh my what a beautiful scenic drive to get there. I fell in love at first sight. Just magnificent. The colorful trees, the winding road, and the snow on the ground all blended together to create a winter wonderland… and then we arrived in town. If I had to choose one word to describe Blairsville, it would be "fascinating."
We found the Holiday Inn Express with no problem and it exceeded my expectations…indoor pool to boot! We chose to eat dinner our first night at the nearby KFC. It had a buffet which is my dad's favorite so we foundered on chicken and the fixin's before retiring for the evening in our room.
20 NOVEMBER 2000
The day started with our continental breakfast here in the motel. I decided it was best to write during breakfast so here I sit on the morning of the 21st writing about yesterday's events. The weather channel says the wind chill is 21 degrees and from the view outside it is indeed windy but clear blue skies. Anyway, after breakfast we bundled up and set off for an almost 3 mile exploration trip of Blairsville. It was rather foggy and somewhat cold but we grinned and bared it. The town is built around the Town Square (as it's called). A very old historic courthouse at its center. We cruised the streets and ducked into the local library to warm up and read the local newspapers. It was last weeks news as the papers are only put out once a week. Once warm again, we headed to the Chamber of Commerce where we picked up gobs of brochures and pamphlets and found out which restaurants were going to be open for Thanksgiving. On our way back to the motel we decided that since the weather was going to be the warmest that day that we should head to Vogel State Park and do at least one of the hiking trails that we had planned. We had a quick bite of salad in our room and headed down to the park that was 11 miles away. There was still snow on the ground but for some silly reason we thought the trails would be clear. HA!! They were slippery, mushy, and wet. And worse yet, we had tennis shoes on. My damn hiking boots were still in the motel room-STUPID!! We hiked the 4-mile Bear Hair Trail with an additional one-mile hike to a very awe-inspiring overlook of the lake and mountains . The 1000 foot climb was advertised as moderate to strenuous and that it was…however with the slippery leaves under the melting snow, it was also TREACHOUROUS. We weren't the only fools out in the wilderness that day. We followed someone else's footprints for the longest time until we figured out that we weren't on the trail anymore… I think Dad would have kept following them but I got paranoid and convinced him that we needed to turn back and find the trail again. We still wonder where they would have led… but I guess we will never know. We found the trail again and trudged along. There was one point where the trail dropped straight down a ravine and we stood there at the top for the longest time trying to decide how and the heck we were going to make it down without breaking our necks. We opted to go off the trail to get away from the slippery mud. It was a very slow process… we had to choose each step with care. Our hiking sticks were invaluable as well as the tree limbs and trunks we used to keep from sliding. Dad went first and following his snow-imprinted footsteps helped tremendously. I knew before stepping whether he slid or not and took extra care. We finally made it down the steep incline only to find another obstacle to suffer through-the crossing of the creek. There were three logs close together that were our ticket to the other side, however, they were covered with wet snow and there were no hand holds, except for a fallen tree about halfway across. Dad being the protective father that he is went first again. After slowly getting across, he stopped and offered the end of his hiking stick as a preventive measure in case I slipped and fell into the cold rushing stream. That was the first of two more crossings we would have to make and we were only at the half waypoint. We knew that because I had purchased a pedometer beforehand to help gauge how far we hiked and/or walked during this lovely vacation. Anyway, we had another treacherous descent to make but this time I did slip and fell on my butt, but luckily, I only slid a few feet before stopping myself with an embedded trail root. By this time, my feet are wet and cold, my butt was wet and my gloves were soaked. I kept thinking to myself that I would never again attempt a wilderness hike without ensuring I had a survival kit, extra socks, and my damn hiking boots. Yet it was the most thrilling hiking adventure I'd ever been on and I'm glad I had the experience and I'm equally glad that I experienced it with my father.
For dinner we were too weary to travel far so we went to the closest place which was the Huddle House and even that short trip was too much because we had to walk to it which included the steep driveway of the motel. I'm very sore this morning to say the least.
21 NOVEMBER 2000 - 2 P.M.
We're at the local garage getting the car fixed. I knew it would happen sooner or later, but I was hoping for later. The mechanic thinks it's the thermostat so he's busy replacing it. If it's not then maybe it needs flushed. If it's not that then I'll junk it :-} I have the other car in case although the battery needs replaced. What worries me is the trip next week to Florida. Enough of my troubles though… let me describe our day.
After breakfast, we started on our scenic drive east to Hiawassee then south to Helen. Helen was certainly all I had hoped it to be with its quaint Bavarian style architecture, shops, and surrounding scenic beauty. What caught my eye was the Hiawassee River running right smack through the middle of town with restaurants situated right next to it that have outside table overlooking the water. Mom would love it so of course I videotaped it. It was too cold to do much sightseeing so we warmed up with a bowl of Wendy's chili before departing on our continued journey through the scenic North Georgia Mountains. We drove the Russell Scenic Highway, GA Hwy 348, up to the 3480-foot high Hog Pen Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses over the highway. Pretty cool actually as I admire anyone whom has traveled the whole length. Anyway, the stupid car was yelling "engine temp" again so we pulled over and rested there until the engine cooled off enough to add more water. Dad even packed snow around the cap to help it cool down. Yep, there was still a lot of snow this high up. We finally made it down the mountain and headed straight for the garage to get the car fixed. What a day huh?
22 NOVEMBER 2000
I am sooooo sore from Monday's hike. My calves are the worst with pain in my right leg's shin and of all places my upper abs are sore too. Probably from having to crouch down so low to the trail so as to not slip and fall. Dad's not sore at all, so I guess you can tell who's in better shape. Pitiful for me, huh? Great for him. You sure wouldn't think he was almost 74 years old ;-)
Theoretically, the car should be fixed, but we won't know until we go on another drive or head to Atlanta, whichever comes first. I pray it is because I have to travel to Florida on Sunday.
The rest of the day was spent in our room reading and snoozing until it was time for dinner. It was KFC buffet night. Yep, we went there again because for one, it is Dad's favorite and two, it was close and economical.
Today it is colder. Only 16 degrees this morning so another hike is probably out of the question even though it would do my sore calves some good. My Dad as well as myself just don't agree with the cold weather which makes me question my desire to live in the mountains. Maybe I'll be a typical snowbird and have two places to call home? Who knows! As Daddy would say ;-) My best course of action right now is to save money and quit adding to my credit cards.
After breakfast, we took off in search of Dad's wine and some antifreeze which turned into a trip to another county because they don't sell liquor here in Union County. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, but in our case, it just made it interesting.
We made another trip to the library today and this time I checked my email. I still think it's remarkable that you can go just about anywhere and get online.
Lunch was at Burger King where we saw an article in the local newspaper about a place that sells RV lots. Sounded so interesting that we hopped into the car and drove straight there to see it for ourselves. We both liked the place and especially liked the concept. It very well could be what I need to shoot for for a retirement home. Check out my dreams page sometime where I plan to reveal all my options and dreams.
23 NOVEMBER 2000
Happy Thanksgiving!!
It actually feels like it too minus the hustle and bustle of preparing a big dinner with family and friends mingling around. I guess it's the weather. It's overcast and cold, but not too cold…crisp. The leafless tress and the brown colored grass just add to the effect.
For the most part it's been a lazy day yet we made time for a brisk walk on the walkways of the golf course that is behind the hotel. My legs are still sore so we were only able to do five of the 18 holes.
Thanksgiving dinner was pretty good. I had all my favorites and Dad had his…and we both left full and satisfied. After we got back to the room we turned the football game on and took that expected nap that all Americans take on Thanksgiving afternoon ;-)
Now I sit here wondering what shall we do tomorrow. Another hike, a new restaurant, a visit to the library? The pain from the first hike leaves me holding back from another hike although I think I'd feel cheated if I didn't attempt it. After all, I think I've finally realized I can't hike alone because of the "what-ifs" of what could or might happen. Yes, I was terrified at times on the Bear Hair Trail yet I felt safe with my Dad and treasured the exhilaration of realizing that and of the hike itself. I've also realized that I will always have my log home dream, but I'm not prepared to do that on my own. I think my fears would outweigh the enjoyment and that I'd feel safer in a RV park. It saddens me to think that way, but I need to be realistic.
24 NOVEMBER 2000
It's raining this morning so that took care of my decision of what to do this morning. It's funny how things seem to take care of themselves. I just need to pray that tomorrow's drive home isn't the ordeal I'm afraid it will be. I'll have to remember that if it does become too stressful that we can always stop at a motel. Conceivably, I'll still be able to make it to Florida on time.
Six nights is too long to stay any one place…four nights would have been just fine. I'm pretty bored at the moment. I've seen the places I wanted to see, I did the hike of a lifetime, I finished the novel I was reading, and there's nothing on TV nor movie theaters to go to. The library sounds like a good escape…but it was closed so will sit here and write a line or two to pass the time away until it's time for bed.
25 NOVEMBER 2000
The trip home was uneventful except for our side trip to Atlanta's Underground Mall… It was okay, but I think I was expecting more. Great place to shop though when it's cold and rainy outside. We also visited another mall while waiting for Mom's flight to arrive and this mall was one of those experiences that will stay with us. Dad didn't notice it until I mentioned it to him, but once I did, he saw it too. We were the only caucasians in the whole mall expect for 2 or 3 store clerks. I'm not prejeduce by any means so that's not why that memory will stay with me... it was more like a feeling of empathy of what it must feel like for another race to walk into somewhere that's predominantly caucasian. Things in life that really make you think...
Mom arrived safely on her flight and we drove the 4 hours home... I myself got home around one in the morning. Tomorrow I will have to repack and head to Florida for a week of school. I'm tired so will go to bed now.
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