I knew that Patti was working and wouldn’t be home until 1:30 or thereabouts so took full advantage of the 11:00 AM checkout at my Spartanburg hotel.  Ever since I left Chesapeake two days prior, my back was hurting me—not just itching but hurting badly. I couldn’t see the burn as none of the hotel rooms had mirrors where I could see my back and I couldn’t feel it with my hands because the burn was mostly beyond my reach.  So, I took a long, cool shower trying to calm down the heat emanating from my back, then sprayed it with the pharmacist-recommended Aloe Burn Relief.  She had actually suggested a lotion, but the burn is exactly where I cannot reach and I’m pretty sure Chloe would be no help.  I got sunburned when we were on the boat from Ocean City to Cape May on Sunday, August 5^th yet it didn’t start hurting a lot until I got to Chesapeake, VA on August 10^th!

Now, I will admit that perhaps having medicated myself with beer, bloody Mary’s, and wine in those intervening days, but then when I was alone in Chesapeake, I didn’t drink much so started feeling the effects.  Pain had hindered my sleep so after the shower, I rested while reading, drank two large cappuccinos, took a long walk with Chloe around the area of my Spartanburg hotel, then checked out at 11:00 and was on my way.

I drove on beautiful winding roads to visit with my favorite daughter of Mary Pat, Patti, and her intelligent and articulate son, Jackson.  Their home lies in the foothills of the Sawnee Mt. Preserve, near Lake Lanier, with towering trees surrounding the property looking down on a meandering creek.  You feel as if you are almost alone in the woods.  See the view from her home below…

Patti had picked Jackson up from school and left Jackson and I at her home while she went to pick up Louise, a Chinese exchange student, presently living with Patti.  Jackson, age nine in fourth grade, and I chatted about his school, teachers, his dogs, and his favorite activities.  At one point I asked him if he had homework and when does he usually do it.  He replied “usually before dinner”.  So, I said, “we’re going out to eat so why don’t you do your homework now?”  His reply was “That’s not your job.” 😊 Smart and funny.

We went out to a very nice Italian restaurant where I had the special – a delectable dish with veal, chicken, and shrimp – all cooked francaise style, over fettucine.  It was so good that I ate every single bit!  The freshly baked rolls were superb with lots of melted butter and bits of roasted garlic.  After dinner, Patti took me on a tour of the verdant, rolling hillside surrounding Cumming including Lake Lanier.

Upon arriving back at their home, we sat on a lovely deck overlooking the creek, enjoyed a nice glass (or two) of pinot grigio and chatted.  What a lovely and serene place to call home.