Athens...and I do not mean 'Athens, Greece!'
Athens, Georgia...have YOU visited lately?
We have all heard that in order to get to Heaven OR Hell...one has to pass through Atlanta (ATL) FIRST! Boy, oh Boy...has Atlanta Hartsfield airport changed a lot. I thought it was a small city before. It is a BIG CITY now and you better plan for extra time, especially if you are in need of a shuttle bus to get you to a different destination. Expect a LONG LINE through customs and design your connecting flight time with the benefit of knowing you will be delayed for a good while. There. I have given you advance warning!
Athens is super cool. Breezy, wide open, and my daughter lives in a fabulous area that (in many ways) reminds me of Kapunda, South Australia. You see deer instead of kangaroos, but you can see heaps of them at night and early morning. Quite a few times my daughter has to drive cautiously and she has had to move out of the way or pull over to let a deer or two pass her. We have been walking early each morning (about 5:00am) and I have NEVER, EVER had anyone say to be before a walk, 'Watch out for the coyotes.' Really? I mean, 'Truly?' You better believe I watched out and I do not think I have walked this fast in a very long time. Hmmmmm. I suppose knowing a coyote may be out there lurking in the dark IS motivation to get my 62 year old butt moving.
This historic town of Athens is a great place to raise children. The neighbours actually KNOW one another and talk. My daughter and grand-daughter were invited to her next door neighbour's home for Christmas morning. Does that happen anymore?
The high school has an outstanding, superb rating and as I have mentioned before it has the look of a university instead of a high school. The support system that is provided for each student is astounding and appreciated. Fortunate, thankful, AND remaining grateful that my grand-daughter has access to an amazing public school. Not every family can place their child in private. So far...so good. Time will tell.
For the first time in years (well, to be honest)...DECADES...I attended church last Sunday with my daughter. She persuaded me with a Bloody Mary. I told her the only reason I did not go with her the last time I visited was a non-selfish reason: I was worried the church would burn down. I told her Sunday, 'You watch...you're going to see smoke rising from my seat.' My daughter was not amused. The place was packed. There were at least a thousand guests - auditorium style - we went to the nose bleed section believing we would be the only ones who would want to climb a kazillion steps, but NO...here come the masses with their hands out-stretched to shake ours and these huge, toothy grins. I have not seen that many good looking people in one place on a Sunday in a very long time. Hell, I don't normally leave the house on Sundays. I cook most of the day; start the day with a Blood Mary, sip a bit of nice French Champagne...then end the long day with a nice glass of vino. Yes, I did leave Mr. Horace on Sundays...but it was always for a spin around the local town to see the sights. IF Tinto and I entered a church it was for historical reasons. So, imagine my surprise to SEE all of these couples, families, single people gathering in one spot and most of them...indeed NOT ALL...made it to the church on time. There was this gorgeous, dark-haired young man with beautiful skin standing next to my daughter and my daughter commented that she had never before seen this large of a crowd either, but then stated, 'I am certain it's because of the subject matter.' He roared with laughter!!! Topic for last Sunday: Sex, pornography (the downfall, negatives, and damage it does to young minds (and older ones) and its prevalence in most sectors of society today) along with 'God wants you to enjoy sex with your loving partner.' I am happy that I do a lot of what God wants me to do. Plus, the session began with a live band, electric guitars...loud, hard-core drums, guests wearing any and everything they felt comfortable in, and 2 ENORMOUS screens so everyone could check out the pretty faces with their glowing skin on stage. No doubt, a few of those singers had been following God's wish that very morning.
Folks, church has changed. It was funny. It was provocative. Most guests were young, but the grey heads were there, too, and they were laughing their butts off and whispering in each other's ear. CHURCH HAS CHANGED, I repeat. I figure if I am sill thinking today about some of the words spoken last Sunday that it was time well spent. And, yes...I have been advised we are going this coming Sunday, too. I will dress down. No need to impress God. He is probably thinking, 'Hell, I got her in the door; I won't push her too hard this trip.' (Well, NO, God probably did not say 'Hell'.) He did make the room feel happy and calm...like no one had a care in the world and they were IN the moment. I guess that's how HE works. I am no expert. I know nothing. You know, I could type about this for the next 45 minutes, but...I want to move on to ATHENS, GEORGIA, please.
It would be easy to notice that Athens is a great place to raise kids. I have learned in the late 18th century this town was a trading settlement due to the Oconee River. And, YES, a little trivia: It WAS indeed named in honour of the classical Greek town of Athens. How about that? They did not name it Athens because they liked the sound of it! Athens became prosperous and was filled with people of national stature. It was and is known for its intellectual wealth and antebellum architecture. Athens was spared (physical devastation to the town) during the Civil War as Sherman did not march his men through the area to the sea.
In 1785 the Georgia Assembly granted a charter for the University of Georgia as the FIRST state supported university. 'GO DAWGS' - Mascot: Hairy Dawg - University of Georgia approximate student population is: 37,000. I do wonder if these students are included in Athens' population count. But, no matter what...that is a HEAP of students in one small town. Imagine the impact they make and the people of Athens are fortunate to have students interested in the University of Georgia from all corners of the planet.
IF you get a chance to visit Athens - GO DOWNTOWN. It's small, quaint, lovely, charming, and inviting. There must be a restaurant, cafe, bar/pub in every other building you pass - TONS of FUN.
De Palma's Italian cafe is good. Service takes a while, but they do take their job seriously and food is fresh and well presented. You can try: Mama's Boy or Last Resort Grill for brunch, too.
My FAV so far: Catch 22. I need to write a proper review on Trip Advisor - only fair because I was raving about them. It was a snow day. Really, it was an 'ice' day! Last Wednesday and Thursday the stunning white stuff came toppling down over Athens, schools and most businesses closed. My daughter and I waited until the sun came out. How long could you stay in a home with 3 teenage giggling girls? We made a plan. We had to drive (slowly and carefully) to see which businesses were open...we dropped off the girls the moment we heard excitement from the back seat about the possibility of a hot meal in a fun place...then, Mom and Daughter EXITED the scene and landed at Catch 22 Pub. WHAT A HOOT! Stupid looking on the outside. No doubt, they cannot help that; concrete building in a retail center, but upon entering, 'Instant. Cool'. Great down lights. People having a laugh at the bar. Booths. I love a good, quiet, discerning and comfortable booth; then, there is the MENU. Damn. Eclectic, eccentric, interesting and made me smile. Apparently, the owner, Richard Miley, used to be involved (partner/owner???) of a divine spot named 'Chops & Hops'. Oh, Chops & Hops is really bloody good, but that is for another time. When you can take a look at the menu of Catch 22 of Athens, Georgia, DO SO. Their wings are roasted. YAY! They get an A+ for that alone. Something not deep-fried in the deep South? Lordy, that IS good news. Another plus: items are not covered in gooey, melted cheese. What is this with us? Why do Southern born people think everything is better with a layer of any melted cheese? (Later...)
And, HOW is it that is was -6 to feel the air on your face last Wednesday and Thursday, yet last Sunday we wore no coats and the sun was shining and it was 73 degrees? HOW does that happen? It is happening everywhere and more frequently. Sometimes there are 2 seasons in 1 week. I digress.
Back to Catch 22 - One of their selections is: 'The Hawt Mess Loaded Beer Braised Short Rib Taquitos' OR 'Bad Mother Clucker Sandwich'. I am only the messenger. The sides on offer are heavenly and are priced at $5.00 each. Try the Bacon Fried Brussels - YUM and the Wasabi Slaw. I did not know you could put wasabi in coleslaw. I know NOW. These 2 particular sides were enough for two guests, but I did not share the slaw. IF we go again, I am ordering sides only. Ha! Super atmosphere, relaxing, yet it is high end American food and they offer locally brewed beer. The petite, wide-eyed server allowed my daughter to taste a couple of different beers before she made her decision. NOT many establishments practice that either. PLUS, PLUS, PLUS. So, where were the people of Athens on one of the snow days? They were all lingering, laughing, and loving the dishes served at Catch 22. Catch it when you can on your next visit.
Athens is a joy to visit. Our next destination will be Bone Island Grill and it is time to take in a couple of movies, too.
Wish I had pics to post. IF that is my worst worry...I have no worries.
Tinto is off to Budapest - what a special spot on our planet and I will share with you once he lands. Put Budapest on your bucket list, too. We have visited before. The Roaming Stevens' blog has quite a few spots that are well worth BLOGGING ABOUT, but between no internet and typing on a new phone, it may take more time than I anticipated.
Today is the day that dreadful news was reported...yet another...high school shooting in Kentucky. Two 15 year old students killed by a 15 year old male band student; 2 more remain in critical condition and even more injured. I do not even sense the outrage any longer. ????? WHEN, OH WHEN will the madness end? My heart and my thoughts are with those families today hurting, suffering beyond imagination.
Please be safe and kind while Roaming.
Blanco of The Roaming Stevens
We have all heard that in order to get to Heaven OR Hell...one has to pass through Atlanta (ATL) FIRST! Boy, oh Boy...has Atlanta Hartsfield airport changed a lot. I thought it was a small city before. It is a BIG CITY now and you better plan for extra time, especially if you are in need of a shuttle bus to get you to a different destination. Expect a LONG LINE through customs and design your connecting flight time with the benefit of knowing you will be delayed for a good while. There. I have given you advance warning!
Athens is super cool. Breezy, wide open, and my daughter lives in a fabulous area that (in many ways) reminds me of Kapunda, South Australia. You see deer instead of kangaroos, but you can see heaps of them at night and early morning. Quite a few times my daughter has to drive cautiously and she has had to move out of the way or pull over to let a deer or two pass her. We have been walking early each morning (about 5:00am) and I have NEVER, EVER had anyone say to be before a walk, 'Watch out for the coyotes.' Really? I mean, 'Truly?' You better believe I watched out and I do not think I have walked this fast in a very long time. Hmmmmm. I suppose knowing a coyote may be out there lurking in the dark IS motivation to get my 62 year old butt moving.
This historic town of Athens is a great place to raise children. The neighbours actually KNOW one another and talk. My daughter and grand-daughter were invited to her next door neighbour's home for Christmas morning. Does that happen anymore?
The high school has an outstanding, superb rating and as I have mentioned before it has the look of a university instead of a high school. The support system that is provided for each student is astounding and appreciated. Fortunate, thankful, AND remaining grateful that my grand-daughter has access to an amazing public school. Not every family can place their child in private. So far...so good. Time will tell.
For the first time in years (well, to be honest)...DECADES...I attended church last Sunday with my daughter. She persuaded me with a Bloody Mary. I told her the only reason I did not go with her the last time I visited was a non-selfish reason: I was worried the church would burn down. I told her Sunday, 'You watch...you're going to see smoke rising from my seat.' My daughter was not amused. The place was packed. There were at least a thousand guests - auditorium style - we went to the nose bleed section believing we would be the only ones who would want to climb a kazillion steps, but NO...here come the masses with their hands out-stretched to shake ours and these huge, toothy grins. I have not seen that many good looking people in one place on a Sunday in a very long time. Hell, I don't normally leave the house on Sundays. I cook most of the day; start the day with a Blood Mary, sip a bit of nice French Champagne...then end the long day with a nice glass of vino. Yes, I did leave Mr. Horace on Sundays...but it was always for a spin around the local town to see the sights. IF Tinto and I entered a church it was for historical reasons. So, imagine my surprise to SEE all of these couples, families, single people gathering in one spot and most of them...indeed NOT ALL...made it to the church on time. There was this gorgeous, dark-haired young man with beautiful skin standing next to my daughter and my daughter commented that she had never before seen this large of a crowd either, but then stated, 'I am certain it's because of the subject matter.' He roared with laughter!!! Topic for last Sunday: Sex, pornography (the downfall, negatives, and damage it does to young minds (and older ones) and its prevalence in most sectors of society today) along with 'God wants you to enjoy sex with your loving partner.' I am happy that I do a lot of what God wants me to do. Plus, the session began with a live band, electric guitars...loud, hard-core drums, guests wearing any and everything they felt comfortable in, and 2 ENORMOUS screens so everyone could check out the pretty faces with their glowing skin on stage. No doubt, a few of those singers had been following God's wish that very morning.
Folks, church has changed. It was funny. It was provocative. Most guests were young, but the grey heads were there, too, and they were laughing their butts off and whispering in each other's ear. CHURCH HAS CHANGED, I repeat. I figure if I am sill thinking today about some of the words spoken last Sunday that it was time well spent. And, yes...I have been advised we are going this coming Sunday, too. I will dress down. No need to impress God. He is probably thinking, 'Hell, I got her in the door; I won't push her too hard this trip.' (Well, NO, God probably did not say 'Hell'.) He did make the room feel happy and calm...like no one had a care in the world and they were IN the moment. I guess that's how HE works. I am no expert. I know nothing. You know, I could type about this for the next 45 minutes, but...I want to move on to ATHENS, GEORGIA, please.
It would be easy to notice that Athens is a great place to raise kids. I have learned in the late 18th century this town was a trading settlement due to the Oconee River. And, YES, a little trivia: It WAS indeed named in honour of the classical Greek town of Athens. How about that? They did not name it Athens because they liked the sound of it! Athens became prosperous and was filled with people of national stature. It was and is known for its intellectual wealth and antebellum architecture. Athens was spared (physical devastation to the town) during the Civil War as Sherman did not march his men through the area to the sea.
In 1785 the Georgia Assembly granted a charter for the University of Georgia as the FIRST state supported university. 'GO DAWGS' - Mascot: Hairy Dawg - University of Georgia approximate student population is: 37,000. I do wonder if these students are included in Athens' population count. But, no matter what...that is a HEAP of students in one small town. Imagine the impact they make and the people of Athens are fortunate to have students interested in the University of Georgia from all corners of the planet.
IF you get a chance to visit Athens - GO DOWNTOWN. It's small, quaint, lovely, charming, and inviting. There must be a restaurant, cafe, bar/pub in every other building you pass - TONS of FUN.
De Palma's Italian cafe is good. Service takes a while, but they do take their job seriously and food is fresh and well presented. You can try: Mama's Boy or Last Resort Grill for brunch, too.
My FAV so far: Catch 22. I need to write a proper review on Trip Advisor - only fair because I was raving about them. It was a snow day. Really, it was an 'ice' day! Last Wednesday and Thursday the stunning white stuff came toppling down over Athens, schools and most businesses closed. My daughter and I waited until the sun came out. How long could you stay in a home with 3 teenage giggling girls? We made a plan. We had to drive (slowly and carefully) to see which businesses were open...we dropped off the girls the moment we heard excitement from the back seat about the possibility of a hot meal in a fun place...then, Mom and Daughter EXITED the scene and landed at Catch 22 Pub. WHAT A HOOT! Stupid looking on the outside. No doubt, they cannot help that; concrete building in a retail center, but upon entering, 'Instant. Cool'. Great down lights. People having a laugh at the bar. Booths. I love a good, quiet, discerning and comfortable booth; then, there is the MENU. Damn. Eclectic, eccentric, interesting and made me smile. Apparently, the owner, Richard Miley, used to be involved (partner/owner???) of a divine spot named 'Chops & Hops'. Oh, Chops & Hops is really bloody good, but that is for another time. When you can take a look at the menu of Catch 22 of Athens, Georgia, DO SO. Their wings are roasted. YAY! They get an A+ for that alone. Something not deep-fried in the deep South? Lordy, that IS good news. Another plus: items are not covered in gooey, melted cheese. What is this with us? Why do Southern born people think everything is better with a layer of any melted cheese? (Later...)
And, HOW is it that is was -6 to feel the air on your face last Wednesday and Thursday, yet last Sunday we wore no coats and the sun was shining and it was 73 degrees? HOW does that happen? It is happening everywhere and more frequently. Sometimes there are 2 seasons in 1 week. I digress.
Back to Catch 22 - One of their selections is: 'The Hawt Mess Loaded Beer Braised Short Rib Taquitos' OR 'Bad Mother Clucker Sandwich'. I am only the messenger. The sides on offer are heavenly and are priced at $5.00 each. Try the Bacon Fried Brussels - YUM and the Wasabi Slaw. I did not know you could put wasabi in coleslaw. I know NOW. These 2 particular sides were enough for two guests, but I did not share the slaw. IF we go again, I am ordering sides only. Ha! Super atmosphere, relaxing, yet it is high end American food and they offer locally brewed beer. The petite, wide-eyed server allowed my daughter to taste a couple of different beers before she made her decision. NOT many establishments practice that either. PLUS, PLUS, PLUS. So, where were the people of Athens on one of the snow days? They were all lingering, laughing, and loving the dishes served at Catch 22. Catch it when you can on your next visit.
Athens is a joy to visit. Our next destination will be Bone Island Grill and it is time to take in a couple of movies, too.
Wish I had pics to post. IF that is my worst worry...I have no worries.
Tinto is off to Budapest - what a special spot on our planet and I will share with you once he lands. Put Budapest on your bucket list, too. We have visited before. The Roaming Stevens' blog has quite a few spots that are well worth BLOGGING ABOUT, but between no internet and typing on a new phone, it may take more time than I anticipated.
Today is the day that dreadful news was reported...yet another...high school shooting in Kentucky. Two 15 year old students killed by a 15 year old male band student; 2 more remain in critical condition and even more injured. I do not even sense the outrage any longer. ????? WHEN, OH WHEN will the madness end? My heart and my thoughts are with those families today hurting, suffering beyond imagination.
Please be safe and kind while Roaming.
Blanco of The Roaming Stevens
How long will you be in Athens?! If you're still there mid-February I'd love to come up one Saturday to visit! XO XO
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