Southern Bells

Last week, Allison and I took our first ever flight together. Amazing, really, since we've (a) both travelled a lot in the last couple of years and (b) even ended up in the same places sometimes, just by different routes. Anyway, we survived the experience, although I did nearly miss our connection watching the Champions League final in a PDX bar. There's always something satisfying about being the last guy to cruise on to a plane, with no lines to wait in. It's less satisfying when your girlfriend is already sitting there, grimacing at you, but only a little bit.

We were visiting Georgia, only my second visit after last year, and there was a lot to pack in. Allison's niece, Maggie, was born the second day of our visit, and then we were off to Athens, GA for EP's wedding. The wedding was fun---and very traditionally Southern. EP's grandparents live in an old Sorority house in downtown Athens, and the reception was in a hydrangea-strewn marquee in their backyard. Here are two belles, enjoying it:


Following the reception, which began dangerously early in the day, we headed to a pool party and then downtown. I spent only a small fraction of my previous visit to Athens neither drunk nor hungover, and the same applied this time.

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After the wedding we spent some time in Gainesville, where the parents live, playing on Lake Lanier among other things. Never having `tubed' before, I didn't realize that it wasn't supposed to start with both me and the tube being dragged underwater, and so I gamely held on until we resurfaced. Lesson learned. I also drove a pick-up truck and fired an assault rifle (not at anyone), so all things considered it was quite a trip.

Next week, Allison's parents fly into town for the home leg. I'll keep you updated.

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This track by Songs: Ohia was my favourite song this time two years ago, and I think it deserves a re-run. Plus, I needed a chance to use the word awesome in this post.