(I started this post in May. It’s now October. What?!
Well, M. K. is visiting for several weeks, which is a long haul for us. One thing is for sure: We have to go somewhere. That man cannot be still, thank God! I’m thinking, Hmmm, Millicent and Carlton Garland are back from Thailand. Maybe a quick jaunt to Chattanooga? What?!
Chattanooga
Yes, yes, and yes, we climbed into the Grey Ghost, my Santa Fe, and drove to Chattanooga. What a treat! We rolled with Roland Martin all the way there. As soon as we hit their door, Millicent and Carlton were waiting to take us to lunch; while comparing notes about Thailand, we lunched with the Greeks at Acropolis Grill. Afterward, Millicent and I shopped a bit. (Y’all, my feet are so big and challenged that we could hardly find shoes that felt good.).
Later, we had drinks at my favorite Chattanooga hotel. But this post reminds us that the icing on the cake is spending time with friends, and whether we travel or not, it’s nice to catch up with busy lives, including health and wellness.
Columbia to Charleston to Charlotte
I flipped the switch this time and visited Mr. K. in Columbia, SC. I was fortunate enough to catch up with my dear sister-friend Cedar Lawrence. Her husband, Rodell, had recently transitioned, and we drove to Augusta, GA, to hug her. That night, we returned to Columbia and celebrated my Birthday. We dined at a restaurant resembling a sixties throwback, M r. Friendly’s a Southern Cafe. The food was fabulous, from my wine to our dessert, and I understood why Mr. K. wanted me to experience it.
During my visit, we returned to Mr. Friendly’s to experience what he called “the best burger ever.” But I got news for him. He took me to Lexington, and we ended. up at a Wayback Burger. This little chain restaurant got my vote, hands down, for the best burger. Mind you, I seldom eat red meat, but every time we travel, I want at least one burger during our trip. I doubled my guilty pleasure in Columbia. What?! We readied for the trip to Charleston,
Timeshare/Vacation Ownership/whatever you call it Presentation?
We had a four-day, three-night stay at a delightful Hampton Inn for $199, with a refund of $125 after a 2-hour presentation. Plus, a gift card! Yes, we were Moochers! What?!
A Moocher is a person who attends a presentation with no intention of buying anything. A Moocher attends for the gift. How am I familiar with the term? I used to sell Timesharing in St. Maarten and encountered many a-Moocher. The thing is, I also sold many people who attended my presentation for the gift. So, it’s worth it for resorts to offer these deals.
Of course, I vowed never to attend a presentation, but I could not resist Disney World or Charleston. Mr. K. has been to a zillion. (He used to live in Orlando, Timeshare heaven).
DM me if you want my hookup. What?!
Charleston
Our first day was spent at the morning presentation with a nice guy who knew all he could do was enjoy our company. He asked Mr. K. if he wanted to buy me a vacation program, and Mr. K. had the nerve to say “No.” What?! The presentation was close to the Charleston Market. So we spent some time there and ended up with delicious cookies and Cajun spices to carry home. We ordered Peruvian food from our hotel and dined in our room before passing out. (It’s so nice to find food from different cultures).
You should know by now that museums are our thing. Mr. K. and I parked downtown and walked to visit the Charleston Market and the Gibbes Museum of Art. Fortunately, we were just in time for an art presentation. We perused the museum, found our car, and tiredly fell into our hotel room.
The next day, we ate at a Black-owned restaurant, Hannibal’s Kitchen. The food was delicious. I ordered the crab and rice, soft-shelled crabs, and Wiliam ordered the Red Snapper. We loved the ambiance and were happy to hear it was family-owned and operated in two locations.
While there, we learned from two tourists about the International African American Museum, which we couldn’t wait to visit. The physical museum was exquisite, and the exhibits explored Charleston’s rich yet daunting history regarding the slave industry. Charleston carries the banner for having the largest slave port. The museum also captured international Black history through art and interactive exhibits; the museum even had resources to help discover your ancestry.
We closed the door on Charleston with a visit to the second Hannibal restaurant. And back to Columbia, we went.
While there, we visited his friend-like family, Rufus Thompson, who is bedridden but has a great sense of humor and zest for life. I was so happy to finally meet him and his sister, Linda. On the last day of my Columbia visit, Mr. K. took me to Mai Thai, a tiny restaurant in West Columbia. So far, Mai Thai has been my best Thai eating experience in the States. They shaped the rice into a heart!! Mr. K. laughed at me; I was humming as I was eating. What?!
Back to Charlotte and Home
We drove to Charlotte for my flight home. We saw Mr. K.’s oncologist, who raved about how excellent Mr. K. is doing with his healing journey. (He has prostate cancer. See his Facebook page ). A few minutes away, his sister, Glenda, was visiting Gilda, Mr. K.’s ex-wife. Her house was lovely, and we had a pleasant time with them. Our last visit was with my high school friend (one of my little sisters), Lugenia Radford. She recently moved to Charlotte, but we talked about Chicago and St. Thomas Apostle during our entire visit.
Joy Juice
I feel blessed to have a guy who reflects the joy I need for this season of my life. We both don’t take life for granted. We know how important it is to give each other flowers and to smell the roses! The Carolina trips provided both.
Joy is a choice. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that the Holy Spirit bears in us (Galatians 5:22-23).
Buddhist teachers compare mudita to an inner spring of infinite joy that is available to everyone at all times, regardless of circumstances.
Happiness is not perfected unless it’s shared. African Proverb
“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine
© 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.
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Author of Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by connecting with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
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Spicy... 
Fabulous adventure
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Mary, yes. My adventure in Paris was wonderful. thanks for your comment, and I hope I see you this year!
Love, V.
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