a long nap for sunday....

As this weekend comes to a close, so will I. Plans have been fit into the schedule to include a nice nap for Sunday, as Saturday will be filled with a big birthday party bash for Poppa.... hubby's Dad. He turns 80 in a few days, and the family cannot get away with the customary cake and candles. 80 is a big number.... and only your imagination can wonder what this man has seen during that time.

He was born in the city of Atlanta, and saw it grow over the years. At the time of the premier of Gone With The Wind, in 1939, Poppa had pretty much a front row seat to the gala the city threw for the stars of the movie. Poppa was also around to witness the Winecoff Hotel fire in 1946, that took 119 lives. It was the worst hotel fire of it's time. He actually witnessed people leaping to their death, as the hotel was not up to fire code standards, and did not display any fire escapes for people to flee on. When you witness something like that, I'm sure it stays with you for a lifetime.

Poppa worked as a bread man all his life, and it wasn't unknown for him to bring home bags of bear claws, ho-ho's, cinnamon rolls, loaves of bread, and other delectable goodies for the family to enjoy. In the late 1970's, Poppa transferred to Ft. Payne, Alabama, and took an administrative position with Earth Grains Bakery. Since they had a nice plant, and he was once again surrounded by country, it appealed to him. By this time, hubby had already graduated from High School, and decided to stay in Atlanta instead. He loved Atlanta... it was his home, and always has been, and didn't see the need to move up there. Besides, hubby is to "citified" for that much country living.

Poppa finally retired from the field some years back. It was time for him to do some traveling, and he took full advantage of the US map to explore areas he and my Mother-in-law weren't able to do when they had young children (five to be exact). Trips to Alaska, New England, the Grand Canyon, and many parts unknown were always showing up in our mailbox in the form of a postcard... and I was glad to see they were smart about their money, and not saving it for anyone to fight over long after they were gone. Spend, Go, See!, I would tell them.... you deserve this! You've worked hard all these years, now is the time for you to enjoy. And they did. Of course, I would miss the bags of goodies he used to bring to us, but he still had some clout with the bakery, and was able to land a bag or two whenever we took trips up to Alabama to visit them. The plant is now closed, and the bags have ceased.... much to the happiness of my hips, although not my sweet-tooth.

When we took our little excursion to the Smokies back at the end of August, we took Poppa, my Mother-in-law, and brother and sister-in-law out to dinner in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After dinner, we walked around to scout the shops (and there are many of them.... they don't call it Myrtle Beach of the mountains for nothing). I walked with Poppa while everyone else paired off. I noticed that he walked a bit slower, more hunched over, but with a will that was a strong as any young man. He kept assuring us that he was keeping up... and no, he wasn't tired at all... but the first chance we came upon a bench, he made good use of it. His wit is still there, as is his knowledge of cars and knives. He can tell a good story, and keep up the the rest of the family when it comes to jibs and jabs at each other in fun. He is a good man, faithful husband, and proud Grandfather to eight grandchildren who adore him. He deserves more than a cake and candles for his 80th year..... he deserves a party worthy of Atlanta's finest caterer.

And Sunday..... well after I successfully get those houseplants off the porch, cleaned and spiffed up for indoors (minus all those pesky spiders that like to hide out in the leaves), I plan to put my already tired feet up and read the paper.... or watch movies.... or nap.... or whatever. My busy season has already started, I'll need every bit of feet-up time I can get.

Have a great weekend everybody... and remember to set your clocks BACK an hour Saturday night.