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John's Journal

Day Twelve

Day Fourteen

Day Thirteen

Mileage- not a one

The weather today was gorgeous! I have just had amazing luck. It was sunny, with some big clouds and actually hot. This would have been perfect weather for the Jazz Fest, but, oh well. It ended up being great weather to drive around in a convertible.

I spent the morning trying to send yesterday's e-mail. I later figured out that perhaps it was the length of the message. I tried everything, though! What a pain. I also got my cell phone working again, after having to use a new number for New Orleans. And, as if I hadn't spent enough time on the phone, I had to call to get directions for my next stop, check in with my friends who will be coming down to meet me tomorrow (Thursday).

There is an old tale my friends tell of me waiting for them to show up for another time in the woods about 8 years ago. They were HOURS late and I just sat there waiting for them. They were bringing all the food, too. All I had was some whiskey and my tent and sleeping bag. I don' think I even had a flashlight. I was REAL happy to see them. Something tells me that this could be a re-enactment.

Anyway, I was picked up by my friend Gary "it only hurts when I get up or sit down" Lieberman to have a late lunch and drive around the finer parts of Atlanta. I thought it was rather comical the way I, the guy who doesn't live here and got lost on his way here, was giving directions to Gary, the guy who lives here but doesn't know this part of town. He made it, though. He decided to take me to the Atlanta version, on a much smaller scale, of Haight/Ashbury (you know, the hippie area of San Francisco).

Along the way in the car, he got a page from someone at Accom (he is an Axial freelance trainer/demo dude, just like I am becoming). So, he gives Jeff a call back and tells him that I am upset he didn't call me first. Oh by the way, he says, you'll never guess who is sitting next to me. We all laugh at the irony. Ha, ha. The thing is, I can't tell Gary that I really am pissed and do need to get all the work I can to pay for this trip when I get back. (Just kidding)

We go to this great place (snagged parking right in front!) In an area known as Little 5 Points called the Bridgetown Grill (managed by employee #1, the lovely MaryAnn). The deck out back was perfectly in the shade, the beer cold (something like Hatooey was the name) and the Jerk Chicken was great!

We walk around a bit and come to a wonderful place called The Junkman's Daughter. This place has some great stuff. It also has some bad stuff, but some cool things like black lights, a huge bust of someone sort of looking like Elvis (I thought of this for the back of the bike, but decide it might scare people), Pez dispensers, incense, eyeballs (not real, those ones that roll around and are always looking at you), and tons more. It reminded me of a Spenser's Gifts (if you had those in the mid-late 70's) with some clothes thrown in. Great place!

Then stopped by his house in this idyllic neighborhood that reminded me of growing up (doesn't everything, John!). Great bungalows abound, just like Windcombe and Broad Ripple, for you Indy folks. We checked out the www site, again and I saw his slightly neglected '02. (that's a 1976 BMW 2002 for those who aren't in the know).

I didn't have much time, as I had a dinner date with my Aunt, so he took me back. He did take some nifty pictures, which he already sent to Patrick. Should be fun to see.

Dinner with my Aunt Jane was very nice, just the two of us. Some merlot, sea bass, asparagus, potatoes and even a brownie with ice cream (try that at Zuni). We talked a lot about family, past and present and California, since she used to live in Oakland. I had fun!

Then back to checkout the Weather Channel to see what to wear tomorrow. I should have gotten them as a sponsor for this trip. I also ended talking to my 2nd cousin, Tom for a while. That was good, I enjoyed getting to know him a bit. It's kind strange how these guys, all of my cousins' kids, all are all adults, now. The are great people with many similarities to me now and as I was at their age. But still, I can tell that it is different now. Different pressures, different options, etc...

Anyway, it is late once again and I will be back on the road for a short trip. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay here in Atlanta. Great to spend time with more relatives, eat two great home-cooked meals and just hang out some (and get a couple of loads of laundry in!). I am also looking forward to this part of the trip as I will have some time alone to read and check out the park tomorrow before my friends get there.

Day Twelve

Day Fourteen