Sunday, May 1
We began this day by attending church at Ebeneezer Baptist Church here in Toccoa. Then, since we were fancy free with no volunteer duties, we decided to go to the conference center and take some selfies. Now, we know lots of people despise selfies, but it's pretty much the only way we can have photos of us together...
We finished out the day by packing and getting Big V ready to be abandoned for a week.
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Monday, May 2
With a good-bye pic of Lake Louise, Jim and I began a new adventure.
Our first stop on this journey was in Chapin, South Carolina, where we visited with friends Carrie and Norm. We used to see them in VA; but this is our first time visiting in their new home.
Next, a stop at the Marina on Lake Murray, where Norm and Carrie treated us to a fabulous meal.
After one last group photo shot, Carrie presented us with a delicious dessert to share tonight when we arrive in North Myrtle Beach, and Jim and I headed on to Lexington, SC, where we met Linda at Fuddrucker's. She was leaving her car for Jack to pick up later, since she would be riding with us to their condo which just happens to be on the beach. As one can tell, that beautiful beach was basically our first stop!
And, no visit to NMB is complete without seafood at Goodfellas...
We went back to the condo for dessert...Thank you, Carrie!
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Tuesday, May 3
Since Linda planned to do some bathroom painting and we planned to do some cooking, we began this day shopping. (and gawking at the view from the condo's two decks)
While Linda began her painting and Jim did his cooking, I couldn't resist a walk on the beach even though it was raining. Notice the huge jelly fish in the bottom middle picture! Later in the afternoon, Jim came with me. He had no idea he was that close to the surf and I just happened to be ready to capture his reaction! And, then, once he was acclimated to the water, he gave me his great presidential candidate pose...bottom right. He's really perfected that pose!
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Wednesday, May 4
Linda's husband, Jack, joined us late afternoon yesterday so today he and Linda went out to do some shopping while Jim and I explored our surroundings. We found a funky little pub/diner to enjoy lunch and still soak up the beach flavors around us.
Once we met up with Linda and Jack again, we decided a short nap was in order as we had beach and nighttime plans!
Linda helped me look for shells while Jack and Jim did a long walk along the beach. I did take time to honor my new grandniece Riley who was born today in Houston to my niece Kimberly and her husband.
It's not often that we take to the streets of any town after dark; but since North Myrtle Beach is the home of the shag, we had to go to Fat Harold's after dinner so we could witness this popular Southern dance.
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Thursday, May 5
Breakfast at the Golden Griddle Pancake House, a trip to Calabash, SC, and Linda's bathroom redo was completed. What a packed day!
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Friday, May 6
How quickly time has passed! This was our last full day here at North Myrtle Beach with Linda and Jack. Since they had some errands to run, we fit in hours of sightseeing and exploring with them as well.
Returning to the condo meant more beach time, some cooking, and Jim serenading the neighbors with his medley of Holy Ground and Taps which brought this day to an end.
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Saturday, May 7
All good things must come to an end as we bid the McGuires a fond farewell.
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Sunday, May 8
Once again, we're back safely at Toccoa in Big V. After church, we decided that it was too pretty to stay inside, so we grabbed Jim's trumpet gear and headed for the grounds around the Conference Center. Since it was Mother's Day, no guests were in attendance and we pretty much had free rein.
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Monday, May 9- Wednesday, May 11
Since there were no guests during this time, Jim and I just spent 3 days doing absolutely nothing newsworthy; but we still managed to play with the camera!
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Thursday, May 12
One of our friends, Phil, is a member of the Sons of Jubal, a Georgia Baptist Convention Men's Choir. Since they were performing with the women's choir in St. John, GA, which is just a hop, skip and a jump from Toccoa, Phil invited us to attend as his guests.
We decided that we'd just leave Toccoa and spend the night in Duluth, GA. And, because of social media we were blessed when we heard from friends in the area. First, we were able to spend time with Alecia, who is expecting her baby quite soon. Alecia worked at the GBCC until she married and moved to the Duluth.
Jim heard from a former student, Chris, who also lived in the area, so after seeing Alecia and before catching up with Phil and seeing the concert, we went to visit with her.
Chris was a senior and a twirler at Stanley, North Carolina, High School when Jim began his teaching career there in 1970. They hadn't seen each other since Chris graduated in 1971, but reconnected through Facebook.
Chris was a senior and a twirler at Stanley, North Carolina, High School when Jim began his teaching career there in 1970. They hadn't seen each other since Chris graduated in 1971, but reconnected through Facebook.
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Friday, May 13
Thanks to our friend Pat in Blairsville, GA, we were able to reconnect with friends Jere and Gwen who had moved from there to Ackworth. It still amazes us how years and miles may separate us from friends, but once we're together again it's as though we never parted.
Since fellow volunteer John had neck surgery yesterday and we were in Ackworth, we texted/called Lynn and asked if they were up to a short visit before we pointed the Equinox toward Toccoa once again.
And, to complete our wonderful whirlwind couple of days, we followed this truck! Can't go wrong! We are blessed, indeed!
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From our Georgia home at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Toccoa,
Jim/Dad/Gramps and Barbara/Mom/Grams/Gramsy
