Friday was my last day in Atlanta. It had been a couple of days since I'd seen Ed and I was anxious to spend a few hours with him before my departure on Saturday. My goodness, he would have loved The Clermont Lounge! Despite a tireless and unflinching devotion to family, he remains after all these years, a bit of a horn dog. Ed would have kept our crew in stitches! He was dearly missed! So, in the afternoon I took a drive to his house and we simply lounged around and enjoyed his beautiful daughters. I spoke of Nashville, the next stop on my trip. He seemed intrigued about one particular item on the itinerary (sorry readers... you'll have to read the tasty details in a future post). I almost got him to come to come with me! Aww crap! That would have been great! In the late afternoon the two old friends bid each other goodbye and I was off to squeeze in a visit with my friend Lauren.
I knew Lauren and her husband Mike from our days at Court TV. They're terrific people. They have two wonderful sons, Michael and Jason. Unfortunately Mike would not be a part of my visit as he had a work commitment... rats! I arrived at the stunningly beautiful house to find the boys horsing around in the yard. Lauren quickly emerged and after an exchange of hugs and a cool drink we sat at the kitchen table and to catch up... or at least gave it the ol' college try. The boys were running in and out of the house creating a bit of a distraction. Now, Lauren is an outstanding mother. She shows her children so much love yet will not tolerate improper behavior. She was direct, clear and respectful when reprimanding Michael and Jason for their relatively minor infractions (and perhaps the same goes for Mike... but that notion is purely speculative). Eventually I was outside playing catch with the boys. At one point I even dove, rolled and tumbled for an errant throw. It felt rather manly. After a dozen or so pitches Michael, a bit of an old soul and quite polite, said "You can throw it a little harder if you want." I'd been cautious up to that point. After all it was a baseball and the kid is seven years old. Turns out he can take a pretty good heater. By the time we hit a local restaurant for dinner the boys and I were becoming fast friends. At one point four year old Jason specifically requested I escort him to the bathroom. He did make me wait outside the door as he took care of business himself... very grown up I must say. Back at the table he made a fatal lapse in judgement by showing me where his tickle spot was located. Big mistake! After dinner we drove back to the house and I prepared to leave. I asked Lauren to pose for a photo but she balked. I tried to convince her she was lovelier than ever but I don't think she was buying it. "I look like a mother!" After a bit more prodding she relented. I took the camera from my pocket... the same pocket from the same shorts I was wearing during my baseball pratfall... to discover it broken! Lauren was mortified. "It's all my fault!" "You were playing with my children!" "Can I give you my camera?" "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!!!" I knew I had only myself to blame and did my best to calm her. For me the loss didn't diminish a lovely afternoon.
I left Lauren... still trembling and guilt ridden over the broken camera and headed back to Kira's place. Upon hearing of the mishap she immediately took me to Walmart (just before closing time) where I purchased a new one. Back in the car I talked of my stay in Atlanta and how I had "unfinished business." I had many adventures during this leg of the trip but didn't get to everything on my list. One such item was The Varsity... a massive block long hot dog/burger/ joint. Quick as a flash Kira whisked me there and I gobbled down a signature chili dog. More awesomeness!
Back at her apartment we shared shots of tequila and a few secrets (none of which shall be recalled here). Then it was off to bed to rest up for the drive to Nashville.
Since my camera was broken and Mike wasn't there anyway I lifted these photos of Lauren, Mike, Michael, and Jason from Lauren's Facebook profile. Hope that's okay folks.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
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Somehow pics of E & D & their offspring have been left out . Have they turned Rednecky? Pine needleish? good god no - SOUTHERN? Us need to know.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to Clermont Lounge: Al=PigDog=No,REALLY?
Hey PayOff,
ReplyDeleteFear not! E&D have not been tarnished by their surroundings. They are as cool and Northern as ever! Give 'em a shout... they'd love to hear from ya...
BTW I wear my Clermont colors proudly!!!