The Road Long Traveled

Vacation continues for me and the wife and we have now left the son & daughter-in-law's in the Greensboro suburbs for a trip west and south, landing today in Cullman, Alabama.  Why Cullman?  Well, we have a family wedding tomorrow in the big city of Arab, Alabama; about 35 minutes away.  In Cullman I am right down the street from the Ave Maria Grotto and not too far from both Hanceville and Irondale; home of EWTN.  I hope to manage both Mass and Benediction at the Shrine.

Our vacation in Greensboro was awesome, mostly because we only see James & Sara once or twice a year; literally days in a span of 12 months.  Sara, 7 months pregnant, and glowing by the way, is carrying my 1st grandchild, a boy, whose name is yet to be determined.  We enjoyed seeing her carrying our precious 1st grandchild.

James and Sara brought us to a movie, a minor league baseball games, which was lots of fun, and we also went out to eat.  On Wednesday, a busy work day for both of them, Wendy and I took a 3 hour each way road to the Biltmore Estates in scenic, mountainous Asheville, North Carolina.

All in all, what a nice visit.  How interesting that while N.C. is baking today in 102 degree heat, on Tuesday a front pushed through and we had 50's for a low and 79 for a high.  The baseball game was so comfortable.  Alas, we all are under the dome of hot air now.

But then comes today and the realization that the road trip from Greensboro to Cullman is a 9 hour plus drive.  We usually plan better but it happens.  At least the drive back through Asheville and then into the Smokies, driving through both Knoxville and Chatanooga, was gorgeous.  Just too long!

After the 9 plus hour drive, the last 90 minutes of which was spent on small Alabama roads, we are here!!  And off to the rehersal dinner we go shortly, then the wedding and then two days of touring all things Catholic.

This was the perfect break after making that huge decision last week to leave Capital One Bank after 18 years.  I am starting the new job on the 9th of July so I don't want to focus there yet; afterall, I have another 9 days to vacay!!!

Thanks Be to God for these blessed opportunities to relax and recreate!