Thursday 8/06/09 (Atlanta) – Mix of sun and clouds. Warm temps to upper 80’s or low 90’s H and 70’s L.
Roessler had a light breakfast with us at the house this morning then hustled off to Alpharetta before Fetmatta arrived to watch the kids. Did calls with Alorad, Primedia and an internal ICS call during the day. The day went fast with a brief trip out at lunch to Taco Bell, Leslie’s, and the bank. In the evening, Ashley gave the OK for Chris and I to head out with Morgan for drinks at a Mexican joint in Buckhead – although she was a little bitter about it. Returned to the house by 11pm and sacked out.
Friday 8/07/09 (Atlanta/Blue Ridge) – Mostly sunny, hot and humid in Atlanta, cooler in the mountains with temps to 90’s H, 60’s L.
Woke early again today around 5:30am and decided to work for a few hours since I couldn’t sleep. By 7:30am, I had my day set-up and some emails answered. Fed the kids and chatted with Roessler who was headed to the airport for a flight to Columbus, OH. Ashley packed up all the kid’s stuff and had it ready by noon so that I could load the car. Had a noon call with National Satellite and wrapped up work around 1pm. Then spent another hour putting gear and kids into the Pilot, so we didn’t leave Atlanta until 2pm.
Drove north to meet Charlie and Katie Brady at a rental cabin just west of Blue Ridge, GA. They checked in on Tuesday but invited us to finish out the weekend with them. We didn’t arrive at the cabin until 4pm after a stop at FoodLion for groceries. Spoke with the Dr. Grimes while Ashley shopped and got their take on my still lingering mystery illness. The legs were pretty tired today, but it didn’t stop me from partaking in a few beverages at the cabin.
Charlie and I cooked steaks and chicken while the ladies fed the kids. We had a solid and very filling dinner tonight and the kids were so wiped out that they went to sleep in less than 20 minutes on the futon in the basement. We had a room nearby which made for a great set-up. Spent the rest of the night on the deck with Charlie and the ladies. Hung out until about 1am tonight with many stars in the sky and a great view to the north.
Saturday 8/08/09 (Blue Ridge) – Mix of sun and clouds and warm to 80’s H, 60’s L.
Had pancakes at the cabin this morning, then decided on a family hike to Brasstown Bald with the Brady’s. It took us over an hour to get there, but it was well worth the trip. The hike to the summit was paved, steep, but short and the older kids actually enjoyed it. Maddie and Duncan rode the entire way in strollers, but Will and Hazel hiked and did great on the paved path. The views from the summit, museum, and movie theater were all a big hit, and it was a great afternoon. My muscles held up well for the 1.2 mile hike despite a mysterious illness which has me running at about 70%.
On the drive back to the cabin, we found a restaurant in Blairsville for a late 2pm lunch. It was B&B in style but very nice and we had the place to ourselves with a private room and excellent service. The kids got juice and ice cream with their meal and were quite content. Headed back to the cabin by 4pm with a brief stop at the Ingles in Blue Ridge for groceries and beer. Had some Sweetwater 420’s, watched Madagascar with the kids, then played foosball with Charlie. We had a late dinner tonight and ate around 9:30pm after the kids were in the futon watching TV. Despite my best efforts, I never made it to the hot tub this weekend – although Ashley and the kids enjoyed it on numerous occasions throughout the day. Sacked out around midnight after enjoying some solo tunes on the back deck.
Sunday 8/09/09 (Blue Ridge/Atlanta) – Mostly sunny, hot, humid to 90’s H, 70’s L in Georgia.
Woke early again this morning as the steroids are still messing with my sleep schedule. Watched some cartoons with the kids who were stirring on the futon, then had breakfast and packed up for the drive to Lake Lanier. Left Charlie and Katie’s rental cabin by 9:30am and drove 1 ½ hours over to Gainesville to meet Lee and Ira. They had access to their Dads boat today and we spent the next six hours on the water with his uncle and their friends who anchored with us in a cove. The kids had a blast swimming in the lake and I joined them briefly – but stayed under cover due to the dose of Doxycycline that I’m on for the mystery illness.
Wrapped up the afternoon by 5pm then went to Stooges for dinner with Ira and crew. Will fell asleep on the ride home, but Maddie was wired after a two hour nap on the boat. Spent the evening unloading the car, then cleaned up the kids and sacked out early at 9pm. I was sore and totally wiped out by that point.
Monday 8/10/09 (Atlanta) – Mostly sunny, hot, humid to 90’s H, 70’s L in Georgia.
Woke early at 5:30am, set up the day, then cut grass between 9-10am. Had calls regarding Cliffside, Comscape, and Provitel during the day. Also did an internal RSM and deployment call. The day went fast as usual. Went out at lunch briefly to get supplies at Office Depot, then again at 4pm to get the CRV washed/waxed. Put it up for sale on Autotrader and Craigs List late this evening and was up until 1am. Then Packed for Utah and had a pasta/chicken dinner with kids.
