"Streets are almost empty, shops are closed down
There's not a soul left in the bar to tell my troubles to
Think I'll walk down to the river that runs just south of town
I hate like hell when there ain't nothin' left to do
But stand beneath the river bridge and listen for the train
It's been a long hot summer, not a drop of rain"
Read more: Robert Earl Keen - Not A Drop Of Rain Lyrics | MetroLyrics
I hate hot and humid. If the wind blows it's not so bad. I don't know why the wind never blows. It's the last day before school starts.I don't care what we do as long as it involves water-
Enter Chestatee River Adventures -
$5 a tube for about a 45 minute float, but you could go as many times down as you liked. You did have to hike a half mile trail back to the put in, but whatever.
We put in at about 11 am. The water wasn't very cold. The water wasn't very deep. Georgia hasn't has rain to speak of in a couple months. I'd be floating along and then my butt would bottom out (every pun intended) on the rocks. It was really funny actually. I could see them coming and do a reverse plank-like maneuver of going all stiff as a board and try to float over. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. If the bog down wasn't too bad, I'd grab the tube handle and bounce
Go cowboy, go cowboy, go :-D
I had a great time. Can't wait to go up again. Not crowded at all.We did 2 runs. A third seemed like a good idea (gotta get my money's worth!) I am glad we did not do it. Keep yourself wanting just a little more.
All 5 of us forgot towels. D'oh!
Lunch was at Hickory Prime BBQ
you would never believe it was in a gas station. The ghost pepper dark chocolate is a killer too.
Bradley's Farm has a stand by an abandoned gas station that you have to know it's coming. Muscadine and peach slushies- oh yeah-
Slept the rest of the way and come home to a gentle thunder storm.
More please......
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Art Walk- June 2011
Rita sponsors an artist or two every month. We met Erin and Ercan Kutsal of E2Creations and talked about their handmade jewelry. I'm in a copper phase right now, and leaf motifs make me happy. It was even better that E2 Creation's copper leaves are made from re-purposed copper plumbing from a renovation project. Jewelry is even prettier when there is a story to it.
Despite many many places to stop on the way, the all important coffee stop took precedence. Backtracking is not a problem. A quick turn onto Mill Street, and we were placing our order at Cool Beans Coffee Roasters while admiring the changing art display. The courtyard is a wonderful place to relax before heading to DuPree's Antique Market on Whitlock Ave. where the majority of the artists show their labors of love. The right half of the huge store is dedicated to the artists, the left half to antique dealers. The main area is a continuous display and sales area that includes captivity macro photography of insects and florals, Lew Hagood's abstracts in acrylics, and Toni Hoffman of I Love Glass with one of a kind stained glass works. The ware house room has a changing display of artists. I like it back here- more of the artists are present to talk about their work. Back here is Dominique Chaponot of Douglasville blends her photography with Photoshop effects for a haunting and beautiful effect. Ginger Malone caught my eye. The multilayer, and textured swirls first make me think of quilts blowing in the wind, then of M C Escher. I kept looking for reflected images on the metallic surfaces like in Escher's "Dewdrop" or "Hand with Reflecting Sphere". Ginger said Escher was a favorite of her's too and another influence were the black hole specials her husband watched on tv. There are so many artists in Dupree's, I can't name and describe them all. There is only enough time to talk to 2 or 3. There is more to see.
Jenny King at The Studio showcases her own wares, and she has a
Friends Wall- a rotating display for new artists to get their skills noticed. The streets are lined with artists like Marta Suarez. The image of a cast net fisherman got us talking about the grace and beauty of how these men move with their nets, the sea, and their bodies. It's important to walk the back alleys and side streets to the little shops and studios. Down Old Powder Springs Street, past the Marietta Pizza Company is GemTiques.
Ford Smith creates so many delicate and functional pieces based on the historic and vintage pieces in his cases. Room two of Gemtiques is full of vintage clothing, hats, patterns, and accessories like glasses. Ford has just acquired a full suit of tails circa 1904. The suit of pants, vets, and coat are in wonderful condition. He has another suit coat from the same man- the one he wore to walk his daughter down the aisle. Another recent prize is a 1934 satin wedding gown with long sleeves and a voluminous train. My desire to continue study in textiles and textile restoration peaks when I see pieces like these.
Time is running out, and there is still so much to see. Options Designs merchants clothing, jewelry, and purses as well as custom designs window treatments. We always poke our head in to Linda Kirby at Lady and Son Antiques to see her ever changing sales floor. A quick stop back to Fit For a Queen, and our last stop of Art Walk was to The Brickyard to see Justin Hadley's project called The Road Trip. A huge map of the USA had been chalked out on the floor. Visitors were encouraged to write a road trip story to hang on the wall, then have Justin take of picture of them standing on the state their story took place in.
The artistic spirit is on every street corner. Musicians add their craft. I look forward to going again because I am fully aware I have only experienced a fraction of the art being shown. I know how I feel about any piece or artist may change from visit to visit. I have plans every First Friday from now until October.
(I don't have many pictures to post because the artist's retain copyright to their works. Please follow their links to view)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Memorial Day Drive- Day 2
Mom had given me gift money for my birthday that had been sitting there for almost 2 months until I decided on a present perfect for me. With the boys away for the weekend, I decided my birthday present would be a North Georgia winery tour. Arin and I can take the boys with us for camping, hiking, or rock climbing. They would be very disappointed if we didn't take them. They even go antique store window shopping and to museums with only a teeny bit of complaining- but wineries are right out.
Breakfast burritos again and Rusted Root, The Greatful Dead, and Eddie Vedder loaded up for road music, we took the long way up I-575 North to US 53. Tate is an interesting place to drive through on the way to Dahlonega. Everything is made from the marble quarries there, even the shanties. The elementary school is huge and polished gleaming white. The Tate House is 19,000 square feet of pink marble mansion built in the 1920's. We have passed it often. Soon, I want to dedicate a visit to this historic home and event hall. The drive on 53 is at least 30 minutes longer than GA 400, but those trees and hills and fields of the longer drive are so worth it.
Our first stop in Dahlonega has always been, without fail, to The Crimson Moon Cafe for coffee. The Crimson Moon Cafe has a full event calender of local and home grown musicians to go with the full coffee urns. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the menu runs the full gambit. My favorite snack food there is the humble, fresh, homemade granola bar (well more like ball.) I always get one for my backpack- nuts and cranberries and oats. They are so satisfying, and help you last the whole day trekking waterfalls without being too sweet. With a bit of doing and a lot of trial and error I might be able to figure them out, but I'd rather have the treat at the end of an hour long car ride.
Another fun thing about The Moon is strangely enough, the restroom. Folks are going to write on walls, so you might as well provide the markers to do it. Philosophy, the standard True Love Always, and an occasional "I was here"- just please remember kids use this bathroom too, so be considerate of that when you add to the walls, and ceiling.
A good cup of coffee requires a bit of a walk to really enjoy. The city of Dahlonega was decorated up for Memorial Day with lines of flags that start at the city limits. Each cross bares the rank, name and conflict that a resident had fought and/or died in. It's very moving to see the shear number of these memorials as well as the pride this small city has in showing its continuous respect for these men and women. Well done-
Our walk around on the Square took us to an unbelievable experience I might not have tried in 100 years. Paul Thomas Chocolates hand crafts huge, huge taste sensations. The one we had was above all the rest- chocolate covered bacon. Of the 80 or so drops of glory, this had to be the best. As a rule, I prefer dark chocolate, but the milk chocolate here was so flavorful, I may have to change my rules. In the realm of new and different, they also make dark chocolate covered potato ships and milk chocolate covered barbecue chips. Yes, they ship anywhere-
Next door to Paul Thomas is The Quigley Rare Book and Antique Shop.(website under construction) Time passes in Rip Van Winkle minutes here. We start browsing the shelves, leafing through some amazing pages of hundred year old books, and suddenly it is hours later. You have been warned.
Our last stop before heading on our way is always Woodland's Edge outfitters. The woodsmoke incense smells just like a campfire. In addition to everything a person needs, they have a full line of RuffWare for dogs and Life is Good stock. But the goal of the day is a winery tour-
A quick stop at the Visitors Center earned us a map with all the local ones marked, including the one that was so new, it wasn't on the tourist map.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards offers a brunch buffet, and after our meandering in Dahlonega, we were hungry.
Normally, reservations are required. We opted to take a chance. Our hostess Lindsey had two tables for two still open. Today was a seafood theme- New England clam chowder, tilapia fingers, stir fried veggies, seafood quiche', low country boil, and salmon Wellington with a creamy dill sauce. We had glasses of Demi Sec. It went especially well with the chocolate cheesecake petite fours for dessert. Jordan (aka Skittles) was an attentive server in a busy dining room. It was all very tasty, but I must say at $30 a head, I was surprised that a glass of wine was not included with the buffet. I had bits of mussel shells from the low country boil in my veggies. We decided on a 7.5 out of 10.
With full bellies, we visited Donna and Raymond Castleberry at Cavender Creek. Well, we met Donna and Raymond after greeting and scratching Tinkerbell, a Great Pyrenees who protects the crop from deer and bears. Please note that no other pets are allowed on the property for their protection. For as loving as she is to people guests, she does take her job seriously. Donna and Raymond regaled us and 6 other guests with the history of their vineyard and of the other residents, Rambo the Ram, and Donkey Hotie who is on all their labels.
Newcomers to the wine world, the Castleberrys planted their first vines in 2007. The open intimacy in the tasting room reminded me of Chateau Renaissance in New York. It's a place where the company and conversation can keep you there all day. Raymond is also in the process of reconstructing a 1820's log cabin as a potential guest house. I would gladly stay in the cabin for a visit. I will work for wine. I am looking forward to what the Castleberrys do to expand next. Cavender Creek will be the featured winery at the Sylvan Valley Lodge on June 18 for the winemaker dinner series. Details are on the Sylvan Valley Lodge website. (at the end of the day, this was my favorite winery)
Reluctantly, we reminded ourselves that we still had four more wineries to go. Three Sisters was unfortunately too crowded by an engagement party tour. We opted to travel on and try to drop back in once the bus had traveled on. We never did make it back, but it does leave a place for next time. It is the oldest winery in the Dahlonega area beginning in 1995.
Frogtown Cellars was just as crowded, but we stayed anyway. After about 30 minutes, I was able to elbow enough room at the end of the bar. My server was an excellent bartender, but inadequate for a tasting room. The lack of attention, there was no water, or dump bucket made the wine unenjoyable. There was a high pressure to finish or get out. No conversation. When she poured me a wine I had not selected, the reply was "Oh well". It was not my kind of experience.
Reluctant again from two disappointments, we dragged ourselves out of the car at Blackstock Vineyards and Winery hoping for better. Live jazz on the deck let us know this would make up for the last two hours. The Kip Dockery Jazz Trio vamped away while I sampled David Harris's 20 years of expertise. Arin and I were once again in the small setting that I enjoy. I learned that Mr. Harris named the winery after the landowner he purchased from. Tom Blackstock had been growing grapes here for 30 years before that for Habersham Vineyard in Helen. Don't let the screw tops fool you. The wines had the spectrum that a combined 50 years of study and practice bring. My favorite wine of the day was their Reserve Touriga - a Portuguese grape. Our server was very patient with our close to closing arrival, she was open and informative and never once made me feel rushed, even when the band was packing up.
I am no wine aficionado. I know what pleases my pallet. I think wine aerators would enhance the reds of the area and showcase their more intricate flavors. I am reminded of the Finger Lakes wineries in the late nineties were you knew they have a strong foothold, and all they need is a bit more time to perfect their craft. It won't be long until that happens. The important thing is to support the locals through their maturing. With a least two of them that will be easy for me to do. Never underestimate how much hope and love flavor your wine. I am less interested in what awards you have earned (though you should be proud of them). I want to hear how you got where you are now and why you love it.
When the legs stretch out under the table, and the bouquet blows in from the fields of flowers, no matter how technically imperfect, that is when the wine is good.
The exploration of Georgia wine as complete as the day would allow, Arin and I stopped back in Dahlonega for dinner. We walked the east side of the square this time to find a place new to us called Gustavo's. It's a tiny, little place with only one pizza man hand stretching the dough- Gustavo himself. We ordered a large white with sausage. It was huge. Gigantic. The crust was crisp on the bottom, and chewy on top, the garlic and cheese was creamy and the sausage plentiful. Arin and I could easily afford to feed all 5 of us for a very affordable price here. I'm looking forward to stopping at Gustavo's after our next waterfall and hiking trip.
So ends a very full Memorial Day and late birthday weekend, as well as I took notes of it anyway. I didn't get around to talking about the early WW-II tank in someone's yard, or a million other tiny things...
Breakfast burritos again and Rusted Root, The Greatful Dead, and Eddie Vedder loaded up for road music, we took the long way up I-575 North to US 53. Tate is an interesting place to drive through on the way to Dahlonega. Everything is made from the marble quarries there, even the shanties. The elementary school is huge and polished gleaming white. The Tate House is 19,000 square feet of pink marble mansion built in the 1920's. We have passed it often. Soon, I want to dedicate a visit to this historic home and event hall. The drive on 53 is at least 30 minutes longer than GA 400, but those trees and hills and fields of the longer drive are so worth it.
Our first stop in Dahlonega has always been, without fail, to The Crimson Moon Cafe for coffee. The Crimson Moon Cafe has a full event calender of local and home grown musicians to go with the full coffee urns. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the menu runs the full gambit. My favorite snack food there is the humble, fresh, homemade granola bar (well more like ball.) I always get one for my backpack- nuts and cranberries and oats. They are so satisfying, and help you last the whole day trekking waterfalls without being too sweet. With a bit of doing and a lot of trial and error I might be able to figure them out, but I'd rather have the treat at the end of an hour long car ride.Another fun thing about The Moon is strangely enough, the restroom. Folks are going to write on walls, so you might as well provide the markers to do it. Philosophy, the standard True Love Always, and an occasional "I was here"- just please remember kids use this bathroom too, so be considerate of that when you add to the walls, and ceiling.
A good cup of coffee requires a bit of a walk to really enjoy. The city of Dahlonega was decorated up for Memorial Day with lines of flags that start at the city limits. Each cross bares the rank, name and conflict that a resident had fought and/or died in. It's very moving to see the shear number of these memorials as well as the pride this small city has in showing its continuous respect for these men and women. Well done-
Our walk around on the Square took us to an unbelievable experience I might not have tried in 100 years. Paul Thomas Chocolates hand crafts huge, huge taste sensations. The one we had was above all the rest- chocolate covered bacon. Of the 80 or so drops of glory, this had to be the best. As a rule, I prefer dark chocolate, but the milk chocolate here was so flavorful, I may have to change my rules. In the realm of new and different, they also make dark chocolate covered potato ships and milk chocolate covered barbecue chips. Yes, they ship anywhere-
Next door to Paul Thomas is The Quigley Rare Book and Antique Shop.(website under construction) Time passes in Rip Van Winkle minutes here. We start browsing the shelves, leafing through some amazing pages of hundred year old books, and suddenly it is hours later. You have been warned.
Our last stop before heading on our way is always Woodland's Edge outfitters. The woodsmoke incense smells just like a campfire. In addition to everything a person needs, they have a full line of RuffWare for dogs and Life is Good stock. But the goal of the day is a winery tour-
A quick stop at the Visitors Center earned us a map with all the local ones marked, including the one that was so new, it wasn't on the tourist map.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards offers a brunch buffet, and after our meandering in Dahlonega, we were hungry.
Normally, reservations are required. We opted to take a chance. Our hostess Lindsey had two tables for two still open. Today was a seafood theme- New England clam chowder, tilapia fingers, stir fried veggies, seafood quiche', low country boil, and salmon Wellington with a creamy dill sauce. We had glasses of Demi Sec. It went especially well with the chocolate cheesecake petite fours for dessert. Jordan (aka Skittles) was an attentive server in a busy dining room. It was all very tasty, but I must say at $30 a head, I was surprised that a glass of wine was not included with the buffet. I had bits of mussel shells from the low country boil in my veggies. We decided on a 7.5 out of 10.
With full bellies, we visited Donna and Raymond Castleberry at Cavender Creek. Well, we met Donna and Raymond after greeting and scratching Tinkerbell, a Great Pyrenees who protects the crop from deer and bears. Please note that no other pets are allowed on the property for their protection. For as loving as she is to people guests, she does take her job seriously. Donna and Raymond regaled us and 6 other guests with the history of their vineyard and of the other residents, Rambo the Ram, and Donkey Hotie who is on all their labels.Newcomers to the wine world, the Castleberrys planted their first vines in 2007. The open intimacy in the tasting room reminded me of Chateau Renaissance in New York. It's a place where the company and conversation can keep you there all day. Raymond is also in the process of reconstructing a 1820's log cabin as a potential guest house. I would gladly stay in the cabin for a visit. I will work for wine. I am looking forward to what the Castleberrys do to expand next. Cavender Creek will be the featured winery at the Sylvan Valley Lodge on June 18 for the winemaker dinner series. Details are on the Sylvan Valley Lodge website. (at the end of the day, this was my favorite winery)
Reluctantly, we reminded ourselves that we still had four more wineries to go. Three Sisters was unfortunately too crowded by an engagement party tour. We opted to travel on and try to drop back in once the bus had traveled on. We never did make it back, but it does leave a place for next time. It is the oldest winery in the Dahlonega area beginning in 1995.
Frogtown Cellars was just as crowded, but we stayed anyway. After about 30 minutes, I was able to elbow enough room at the end of the bar. My server was an excellent bartender, but inadequate for a tasting room. The lack of attention, there was no water, or dump bucket made the wine unenjoyable. There was a high pressure to finish or get out. No conversation. When she poured me a wine I had not selected, the reply was "Oh well". It was not my kind of experience.
Reluctant again from two disappointments, we dragged ourselves out of the car at Blackstock Vineyards and Winery hoping for better. Live jazz on the deck let us know this would make up for the last two hours. The Kip Dockery Jazz Trio vamped away while I sampled David Harris's 20 years of expertise. Arin and I were once again in the small setting that I enjoy. I learned that Mr. Harris named the winery after the landowner he purchased from. Tom Blackstock had been growing grapes here for 30 years before that for Habersham Vineyard in Helen. Don't let the screw tops fool you. The wines had the spectrum that a combined 50 years of study and practice bring. My favorite wine of the day was their Reserve Touriga - a Portuguese grape. Our server was very patient with our close to closing arrival, she was open and informative and never once made me feel rushed, even when the band was packing up.I am no wine aficionado. I know what pleases my pallet. I think wine aerators would enhance the reds of the area and showcase their more intricate flavors. I am reminded of the Finger Lakes wineries in the late nineties were you knew they have a strong foothold, and all they need is a bit more time to perfect their craft. It won't be long until that happens. The important thing is to support the locals through their maturing. With a least two of them that will be easy for me to do. Never underestimate how much hope and love flavor your wine. I am less interested in what awards you have earned (though you should be proud of them). I want to hear how you got where you are now and why you love it.
When the legs stretch out under the table, and the bouquet blows in from the fields of flowers, no matter how technically imperfect, that is when the wine is good.
The exploration of Georgia wine as complete as the day would allow, Arin and I stopped back in Dahlonega for dinner. We walked the east side of the square this time to find a place new to us called Gustavo's. It's a tiny, little place with only one pizza man hand stretching the dough- Gustavo himself. We ordered a large white with sausage. It was huge. Gigantic. The crust was crisp on the bottom, and chewy on top, the garlic and cheese was creamy and the sausage plentiful. Arin and I could easily afford to feed all 5 of us for a very affordable price here. I'm looking forward to stopping at Gustavo's after our next waterfall and hiking trip.
So ends a very full Memorial Day and late birthday weekend, as well as I took notes of it anyway. I didn't get around to talking about the early WW-II tank in someone's yard, or a million other tiny things...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day drive- day 1
After breakfast burritos, we set out to see new things. I get it from my Dad- the desire to not be on the interstate. The back roads have more to see and friendlier people.
First stop was The Deercreek Gun Shop to get information on build kits for match lock pistols and rifles for our Elizabethan Trayed Band recreation. These guys have a large Civil War re-enactor clientele, with all the black powder supplies they need. Since that means percussions cap, Pat Rabun advised us to explore The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association website . I found myself admiring the craftsmanship of the filigree work of the trigger plates and the carving of the stocks.
While on Fairground, I spied an estate sale sign. At the end of a dead end, we were greeted by a 3 month old guard dog named Daisy who’s preferred plan of attack was looking up at you and asking “Why are you not petting me?” and you just had to, so you wouldn’t break her little puppy heart. Once we made it past Daisy, we met Clay and Eric McNeil of Certified Asset Removal and Liquidations. The unusually big house and ware house were peppered with furniture, books, and renovation supplies. This was the first of their big shop sale and they hope to make a regular thing of it.
Back on the road north- We pealed off onto Old Highway 41 just after Kennesaw University. Hooters was hosting a “Mud for Blood” event. Georgia Bounty Runners were holding a blood drive while showing off their off road mud running vehicles tricked out to the extreme. Arin’s favorite was red, with a black exterior roll cage, 5 point harnesses in the bucket seats- and pink knitting on the floor boards.
Every week, we pass a shop on South Main Street in Kennesaw. We finally stopped and visited Holly Jones at The Painted Butterfly . Her huge collection of colorful folk art is watched over by Sylvester – a loving Hemmingway Cat. With careful reading of the painted quote plaques in the gallery, you can find a few from Holly herself. One room has wonderful hand knitted Christmas stockings.
Turning right again, we stayed on Old 41 to see where it went. At the intersection of Old 41 and Hwy 293, we saw the sign for The Dixie Highway and we just had to turn. The drive was beautiful curvy green. We didn’t see very many cars until we got to Acworth. I had been to Acworth a couple years ago for an architectural restoration workshop. It was lunchtime, so our first stop was Henry’s Louisiana Grill . The back of the menu told a story about Henry learning to make “the best cornbread in the world” from his Nanny. And yes he did! It’s sweet, thick, cake like consistency, and bits of peppers mixed in. Jesus would have more followers if Henry’s cornbread were the bread of life. We ate crawfish etoufee’ and seafood po’boys with battered fries. I wasn’t that full even after the all you could eat buffet. We needed a walk around. Randy Shaw at Bars and Pubs LLC had custom made the skylight in The Oak Barrel Wine Shop where Cookie Thorpe knows her stuff. She also consigns bottle art by Bonny and James Tillman from the Vino- Eco Candle Company We spent the majority of our time in the Acworth Bookstore and Library in Southern Expressions We sipped coffee browsing the shelves. Arin found a wonderful repro copy of an Ames Sword Company catalog in the Military History section.
Back on the Dixie Highway, we tried to find the Etowah Indian Burial Grounds, but the signage was poor. Instead, we found an 1800’s cemetery that shared a parking lot with an elementary school. The town of Emerson is very pretty. Families adopted the highway in from of their homes. Eventually, the Dixie Highway fed us to Cartersville. Arin caught sight of the City Hall dome through the busier 4 lane. When you want to go downtown, turn on Main Street. The list of shops we stopped in is huge- Psycho Sisters, Blue Sky Outfitters, Pawn and Shop, and so many more I can’t remember. Spring Place Pottery sells local artists’ work including Dry Creek Naturals raw and hand dyed wools from her very own goats. Tina said she will let folks come out to her farm to help and learn.
For the ride home more than 6 hours later, we ended up heading south on Highway 5. through Holly Springs, Woodstock, Canton, and Marietta. It is strange that on a Memorial Day weekend, Marietta was the only town with flags on display for our Honored Dead. Kind of odd-
First stop was The Deercreek Gun Shop to get information on build kits for match lock pistols and rifles for our Elizabethan Trayed Band recreation. These guys have a large Civil War re-enactor clientele, with all the black powder supplies they need. Since that means percussions cap, Pat Rabun advised us to explore The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association website . I found myself admiring the craftsmanship of the filigree work of the trigger plates and the carving of the stocks.
While on Fairground, I spied an estate sale sign. At the end of a dead end, we were greeted by a 3 month old guard dog named Daisy who’s preferred plan of attack was looking up at you and asking “Why are you not petting me?” and you just had to, so you wouldn’t break her little puppy heart. Once we made it past Daisy, we met Clay and Eric McNeil of Certified Asset Removal and Liquidations. The unusually big house and ware house were peppered with furniture, books, and renovation supplies. This was the first of their big shop sale and they hope to make a regular thing of it.
Back on the road north- We pealed off onto Old Highway 41 just after Kennesaw University. Hooters was hosting a “Mud for Blood” event. Georgia Bounty Runners were holding a blood drive while showing off their off road mud running vehicles tricked out to the extreme. Arin’s favorite was red, with a black exterior roll cage, 5 point harnesses in the bucket seats- and pink knitting on the floor boards.
Every week, we pass a shop on South Main Street in Kennesaw. We finally stopped and visited Holly Jones at The Painted Butterfly . Her huge collection of colorful folk art is watched over by Sylvester – a loving Hemmingway Cat. With careful reading of the painted quote plaques in the gallery, you can find a few from Holly herself. One room has wonderful hand knitted Christmas stockings.
Turning right again, we stayed on Old 41 to see where it went. At the intersection of Old 41 and Hwy 293, we saw the sign for The Dixie Highway and we just had to turn. The drive was beautiful curvy green. We didn’t see very many cars until we got to Acworth. I had been to Acworth a couple years ago for an architectural restoration workshop. It was lunchtime, so our first stop was Henry’s Louisiana Grill . The back of the menu told a story about Henry learning to make “the best cornbread in the world” from his Nanny. And yes he did! It’s sweet, thick, cake like consistency, and bits of peppers mixed in. Jesus would have more followers if Henry’s cornbread were the bread of life. We ate crawfish etoufee’ and seafood po’boys with battered fries. I wasn’t that full even after the all you could eat buffet. We needed a walk around. Randy Shaw at Bars and Pubs LLC had custom made the skylight in The Oak Barrel Wine Shop where Cookie Thorpe knows her stuff. She also consigns bottle art by Bonny and James Tillman from the Vino- Eco Candle Company We spent the majority of our time in the Acworth Bookstore and Library in Southern Expressions We sipped coffee browsing the shelves. Arin found a wonderful repro copy of an Ames Sword Company catalog in the Military History section.
Back on the Dixie Highway, we tried to find the Etowah Indian Burial Grounds, but the signage was poor. Instead, we found an 1800’s cemetery that shared a parking lot with an elementary school. The town of Emerson is very pretty. Families adopted the highway in from of their homes. Eventually, the Dixie Highway fed us to Cartersville. Arin caught sight of the City Hall dome through the busier 4 lane. When you want to go downtown, turn on Main Street. The list of shops we stopped in is huge- Psycho Sisters, Blue Sky Outfitters, Pawn and Shop, and so many more I can’t remember. Spring Place Pottery sells local artists’ work including Dry Creek Naturals raw and hand dyed wools from her very own goats. Tina said she will let folks come out to her farm to help and learn.
For the ride home more than 6 hours later, we ended up heading south on Highway 5. through Holly Springs, Woodstock, Canton, and Marietta. It is strange that on a Memorial Day weekend, Marietta was the only town with flags on display for our Honored Dead. Kind of odd-
Up my street now-
I went for an evening bike ride.
The neighborhood is full of kids on their bikes and folks walking this evening.
When I am riding:
Little boys on bikes peddle faster to pass me, and look at me out of the corner of their eyes.
Women look down or away, but react thrilled when I say hello.
Men stop what they are doing to watch me bike past.
Little girls yell HI and wave.
HI Lady!
HI child!
There is a forgotten side street called Airport Drive. It’s a lollipop loop with a one lane escape to the main road. The Y has a treed island in it. Every kid on this street was out playing. They took turns on each others’ bikes. Their laughter was so loud, it was like screaming bloody murder. The parents puttered in the yards. A man was changing his oil. A couple was washing their car. Old dogs lounged tied up to some porches, stretchy cats made half hearted attempts at bugs on others. On those same porches were chattering conversations, in their own or across to others. And the laughter echoed off the train’s noise. Everyone looked out for everybody. Every child was cared for and chided by whomever was closest.
The houses have warped plywood for make shift patches. Tarps replace windows. Driveways are broken up, screens slashed, planters chipped and empty, mailboxes eschew. To listen- just to listen- to this isolated little street, it is the best neighborhood in Georgia.
The neighborhood is full of kids on their bikes and folks walking this evening.
When I am riding:
Little boys on bikes peddle faster to pass me, and look at me out of the corner of their eyes.
Women look down or away, but react thrilled when I say hello.
Men stop what they are doing to watch me bike past.
Little girls yell HI and wave.
HI Lady!
HI child!
There is a forgotten side street called Airport Drive. It’s a lollipop loop with a one lane escape to the main road. The Y has a treed island in it. Every kid on this street was out playing. They took turns on each others’ bikes. Their laughter was so loud, it was like screaming bloody murder. The parents puttered in the yards. A man was changing his oil. A couple was washing their car. Old dogs lounged tied up to some porches, stretchy cats made half hearted attempts at bugs on others. On those same porches were chattering conversations, in their own or across to others. And the laughter echoed off the train’s noise. Everyone looked out for everybody. Every child was cared for and chided by whomever was closest.
The houses have warped plywood for make shift patches. Tarps replace windows. Driveways are broken up, screens slashed, planters chipped and empty, mailboxes eschew. To listen- just to listen- to this isolated little street, it is the best neighborhood in Georgia.
The Street I Grew Up On
Upstate NY is beautiful. I compare everywhere I go with places I've seen there. Glaciers cut and sliced there way through. I never knew until very recently the finding fossils was an uncommon thing. The creek we played in was so full of rocks decorated with leaves and shells.
Everything is all colors at some point during the year. The trees are a warm gray in winter, yellowy and white and pink in spring opening into deep green leaves. The fall leaves are no one color, each leaf detailed and highlighted with several shades of red and orange and yellow, and finally the warm satisfied gray. I always saw the sunlight filtered through the gobos of tress. Springs and waterfalls are everywhere: so commonplace, that we all forget how pretty they are. What an amazing thing to be part of everyday.
I remember the sky - clear country sky so very blue, you could see how deep it is, see it's layers and moods. Clouds cast their shadows, and I pretended they were islands, and if I stepped off the side, I would fall in the sky ocean and fall forever. Maybe that’s why I call kite flying "sky fishing".
Even more so was the sky at night. With no street lights anywhere, the stars cast a light that could be seen. In summer, especially when the moon was new, I could see a white hazy crescent across the sky. The Milky Way. I could see across the galaxy. Is it any wonder I so wanted to travel there, to touch those stars so numerous, nobody would miss it if I took just one? Years later when Dan got back from Alaska, he showed me where to see the Northern Lights in the fall and winter. They were not as bright as what he had seen, but fascinating just the same. Dad always woke us up in the dead of night to see eclipses and meteor showers, stellar phenomenon. And that moon, bright as any flashlight. It would keep me up at night shinning on the snow. I was never afraid of the night there.
The street I grew up on was Scenic Drive. I have ended up on the other end of the country. I still miss upstate New York. Luckily, that doesn't stop me from taking in where I am now.
Everything is all colors at some point during the year. The trees are a warm gray in winter, yellowy and white and pink in spring opening into deep green leaves. The fall leaves are no one color, each leaf detailed and highlighted with several shades of red and orange and yellow, and finally the warm satisfied gray. I always saw the sunlight filtered through the gobos of tress. Springs and waterfalls are everywhere: so commonplace, that we all forget how pretty they are. What an amazing thing to be part of everyday.
I remember the sky - clear country sky so very blue, you could see how deep it is, see it's layers and moods. Clouds cast their shadows, and I pretended they were islands, and if I stepped off the side, I would fall in the sky ocean and fall forever. Maybe that’s why I call kite flying "sky fishing".
Even more so was the sky at night. With no street lights anywhere, the stars cast a light that could be seen. In summer, especially when the moon was new, I could see a white hazy crescent across the sky. The Milky Way. I could see across the galaxy. Is it any wonder I so wanted to travel there, to touch those stars so numerous, nobody would miss it if I took just one? Years later when Dan got back from Alaska, he showed me where to see the Northern Lights in the fall and winter. They were not as bright as what he had seen, but fascinating just the same. Dad always woke us up in the dead of night to see eclipses and meteor showers, stellar phenomenon. And that moon, bright as any flashlight. It would keep me up at night shinning on the snow. I was never afraid of the night there.
The street I grew up on was Scenic Drive. I have ended up on the other end of the country. I still miss upstate New York. Luckily, that doesn't stop me from taking in where I am now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)