road trip

Three days off, three states! Time to reacquaint myself with good friends and the roads of the South.

After a few hours trying to get out of Atlanta, my familiarity turned to contempt. I forget just how big The Big A really is. But it was worth it to get to Charlotte for the party of the year: a 1-year celebration for my newest friend, who arrived in the world while I was overseas.

What a darling little boy! It was a treat to spend time with him and his parents, who always show such me such great hospitality. It's very fun to see the next generation – although it does make me feel a bit old.

The next day I was off to South Carolina to see The Guy with the Dogs, who is nearly in transit with his entire menagerie. He's relocating to the Upstate and has sold his expanse of land. It's a very nice and relaxing place, and I had a chance to see donkeys, dogs and chickens. I even got to pet a rooster. It was kind of like a fun field trip.

I started the trip home on side roads and soon recalled what an unusual place South Carolina is. I soon got back on the interstate, just in the interest of time. I listened to NPR shows and talked to people on the phone, which made the miles go much more quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed my little jaunt (and got 40+ miles to the gallon, thank you very much) but it's also nice to be home.