Erie, Pa to Atlanta, Ga

Travel day. Woke up in Erie, Pa and hit the highway for the Akron/Canton airport. Dad was nice enough to give me a ride to the airport. We had a nice chat on the way. Although I do spend a lot of time with the rents it is nice to get some quiet talking time in with the old man. The flight was quick and pleasant. I was heading to Atlanta to hang out with my old college friend and roommate, Owen and Amy, his wife, along with the newest member of the family, nearly four month old, Emily.

When I arrived in Atlanta I made my way to the MARTA, Atlanta’s mass transit rail system. It was easy to find and use. An added bonus is the fact that MARTA drops me off less than a mile from Owen’s house. I knew there was change in the air when Owen picked me up at the station and his backseat contained a baby seat. I guess we are all growing up.

Once we got to the house I got to meet Emily. She is cute as a button. An added bonus was the fact the Owen’s Mom was there. Not only was it good to see here but it allowed Owen and Amy to go out for the night without a specific time restraint. Every time I get to Nashville I try to stop at her house for a visit. They have put me up for the night to numerous times to count. I even stayed there with my Mom for a few weeks when I was recovering from bad wreck over a decade ago, (Has it been that long?)

Emily, chllin' with Dad.

Nan and Emily sporting their shades

We had an awesome night. The first stop was at Charles and Angie’s house, college friends, to have dinner and watch the Belmont Horse race. Big Brown had a chance to win the Triple Crown, but greatly disappointed and finished in dead last. He had been hurt recently so it was not a total shock. After watching the horse race we went to see the Atlanta Braves take on the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. Although the hometown Braves lost, it was a fun game. We had great seats and Chipper Jones, who is solidly hitting over .400 hit a home run to the delight of the home fans.

Turner Field

After the game we went to a downtown bar in the Glenn Hotel. The hotel has a rooftop bar that had a spectacular view of downtown Atlanta. Angie had read about a few weeks ago and she and Charles highly recommended the spot. We had a great time telling old stories and filling each other up on new ones. These folks in Atlanta are some of my favorite people. The all are just so genuine.

The rooftop bar atGlen Hotel.

The gang hangs out on the roof.

After we dropped of Charles and Angie the rest of us went to our favorite (mine and Owen’s, not so much Amy’s) late night dining establishment, Krystals. The K Burgers worked their magic and sleep ensued, A great time with great people.

Sweet, Sweet, Krystals..., mmmmh!