Posted by Claudette (207.140.115.153) on August 16, 1999 at 14:52:56:
Dear Ch Family,
After 11 days on the road, and driving over 3300 miles, I am back home in Missouri, at least for a few days.
I started out on thursday Aug 5th, all by myself in my van. There's something you need to know about me. When I get in a car, I almost always fall asleep immediately. So just knowing that fact, I had to work extra hard to stay awake. I packed some of my CD's to play but only managed to get one that was upbeat and loud, and that was The Pointer Sisters. So I ended up playing that CD for hours and hours. At one point I was so sleepy, I played the song, "I'm so excited" for 4 hours straight. Aren't you glad you weren't in the van with me?
My first stop was in Nashville to see my niece and nephew. Did some shopping and left for Chattanooga to meet A Dame -Susan. There is a stretch of 6% downhill grade before you get there and I guess I rode my brakes too long and they got hot and a light came on. That scared me to death, plus 2 big semi's almost ran me off the road.
By the time I got to Chattanooga I was drained so I found the first motel I could and called Susan. Her 1st words to me were "Where in the hell are you"? Nice welcome huh? Bless her heart she had to come get me which was way on the other side of where she lived. But she did and we went to dinner and did some sightseeing. The first night Susan talked and talked. She is just so sweet. Out time together was way too short. I followed her the next day after our manicures to Atlanta Georgia to see Elaine, Kip and Judy. The drive through Atlanta was so crowded and then got to the motel and there was no room so had to find another one. Later we would find out Susan's water pump went out on her car. Luckily not while we were in all that traffic.
Elaine and Kip met us at the motel. I wasn't sure who the man was but he came over and gave me a big hug and introduced himself. That was Kip. And then Elaine. I felt like I knew her from the first moment. She is just such a special and wonderful person. Only weighs 96 pounds. I offered to give her and Judy some of my weight tho. Ha! Kip is tall, gray-haired and such a nice quiet man. Got to meet Kip's better half at the house, Judy who also weighs 96 1/2 pounds. Geez. What is it with these skinny people? We hit it off right away. Very easy to talk with Judy. Elaine had cooked so much good food and had plenty for everyone on the board. Again, this evening was way too short.
I left the next morning and drove to Jacksonville Florida to meet Todd. We had talked on the phone enough that I felt like I knew him already and Elaine had showed me the pictures from Rochester so knew who to look for. Todd is an interesting person. Very articulate, funny, extremely smart and yes, neat as a pin( We got to see his gorgeous home). I think he loves to debate issues according to Kip and he loves to tell stories. It was a contest to see between Todd and Kenny who could tell more stories. He started having some shadows and seems to be more comfortable offering support than receiving support. We formed a friendship I will always cherish.
On tuesday, my husband flew into Jacksonville after I started getting worse headaches. We went to the beach and shopping in St. Augustine and then back to eat supper two nights with Todd.
Thursday we left for Jupiter Florida and spent the night with Kip and Judy in their neat home Kip built. He said it was in the jungle and he was not kidding.
We ate, laughed, computed, I played the piano some for them and had a great time.Stayed up til 2am. What a nice couple. Wish they lived closer to us. Judy kept telling me how glad she was we came, and the feeling was mutual. They both have a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh. Kenny started out by stepping on their new little kitten. Guess it did the trick tho, as he would climb up on Kenny's lap and play and sleep. Kip and Judy thought we should take him home but didn't think my Dachhound would like that.
On friday morning we started the trip back home. Stopped again in Chattanooga, actually right over the Georgia line at Susan's home. It was 10pm before we got in and we stayed up til 2am again talking and working on her computer. The next morning she got up and fixed us homemade biscuits and gravy and homemade pear preserves. What a great cook. Didn't do much for my diet tho. Susan says we are like sisters, I agree only better. She has a heart of gold, and I respect her immensely.
Made it home sunday night to find my little dog had been here the whole time by herself, with my son coming over to let her out. She wagged her tail and followed me around everywhere. Nice to be appreciated.
This was such a great time and I look forward to going out again real soon.
I have one suggestion for the convention, allow plenty of social, get-together time. It is a rewarding experience to meet these fellow ch people. Susan shared with me her family was concerned about her opening her home to these "people off the internet". I think she would agree we are harmless.
I took pictures of all the people I met. I would love to be able to share these with all of you somehow.
On Sept. 2, Rich and Nancy Lakey are coming to Columbia , Missouri and we are meeting for supper. If any of you out there plan to join us, please email me so we can plan where to meet. I look forward to meeting more of you.
Sorry this is so long just had lots to say.