After traveling 24 hours I finally reached Louisville, KY, on Saturday night. Vi and Jane were waiting for me at the airport, and Jane had gotten me beautiful flowers (from her front yard). I had expected to be beat, but sleeping through a storm (or rather snoozing) from Houston to Louisville, was enough for a second wind. Jane had some things to do, but she'd come over soon, so I drove with Vi to her beautiful house. I met her two incredibly sweet dogs Savannah and Wrigley (whom I dubbed "Chewie").
I started Saturday morning before the crack of dawn. And when I checked in at the airport I was told there was an 1-hour delay. Great. I could've gotten one more hour of sleep... We caught up on the delay in the air and reached Houston on time. Nick texted me to know he made it to the airport, and he and G were waiting at a lower level. I had an hour an a half to kill... Nick and G drove me to a nearby Waffle House where they got a meal, and I settled for a diet Coke; I was probably getting dinner during my flight. Nick admitted I was the first person from the Strangers in Paradise forum he met in real life. Hee!
You know they say time flies when you're having fun? That's exactly what happened - and the connecting flight left without me. Nick and G dropped me off at the right terminal, and I made it to the gate, but the lady didn't let me go through anymore: she had another person take my place, so the plane was full. Great. I was put on stand by for the next flight (6:55) which was the last one for the day. Wow. Remember never to travel during Memorial Day weekend! I decided to stay put, and cross my fingers for Lady Luck to be at my side: I didn't like the prospect of possibly having to look for a place to crash and all... I called Jane, and Nick to inform them. Nick felt really bad, and immediately asked if he needed to come and pick me up. Long story short: of the list of people who were on stand by for the 6:55 flight, I was the only one present.
On Sunday Pam and Vi drove me around Dixie Highway. I found it interesting to see how many bikers ride around without protective gear. Don't get me wrong: I totally understand the feel of the wind in your hair, but anything can happen in a split second and there won't be any of that anymore - if you survive. The rest of the afternoon was spent in their pool. I got a terrible farmer's tan (no sunburn) after only a couple of hours of splashing around. We later went over to Jane's house to check on the kittens. Oh my. They were too cute! If I weren't allergic to them... But let's not go there. We continued our way to the ball game. The game was good, and we stayed for the post game fireworks. It was funny to see Vi yawn from the corner of my eye, and a moment later she tells me that if I'm bored (nope!) to let them know and we go home. There were signs during the game it was going to rain, and at one point lightning had a headstart (fireworks came early!) but you know how they say it ain't over till the fat lady sings? Well, the fat lady finished singing and all hell broke loose! (Bwahahahaaa.) It started pouring, and a thunderstorm added special effects to the fireworks. Hey Trevor? This is different from the fog over the Giants stadium, eh?
On Monday, Jane came over, and showed me around Bardstown and Frankfort Avenue. It was a nice walk, and hadn't it been so hot I'm sure we managed to walk several blocks more, right into the downtown area. Jane took me to a little independent store called ear X-tacy for all things music - and funny knickknacks. Later, we got hot dogs at a place called Conez and Coneyz: my Tijuana Dog (no bacon, on whole wheat) was excellent! (Jane, I will try a vegan dog next time!) At one time we took our time cooling off at a little coffee house that also sells tasty looking chocolates:
After all that walking in the sun we cooled off in Vi and Pam's pool, while Pam grilled up burgers and dogs. The food was good! Oh - happy Memorial Day.
The next morning we had breakfast containing of yesterday's left overs (I told you it was good) before taking off to two distilleries (Jim Beam and Heaven Hill) and Mammoth Cave National Park. It was odd tasting bourbon before noon, but hey, it's 5PM somewhere! At Mammoth Cave I picked the "New entrance" tour. Katherine and Jane came along, while Vi took it easy. (We later learned she wasn't feeling well, because the symptoms were indicative to Shingles.) Jane and I got ourselves an adventure tool - to which Katherine initially scoffed at. But, boy, did we have fun!
The tool encompasses LED light, dial compass, safety whistle, safety/signal mirror, magnifying glass, tiny storage area (enough for a few pills) and thermometer (in both Fahrenheit and Celsius). We had dinner at a Cuban restaurant (Havana Rumba) where their cocktails are a couple of dollars off on Mondays. I had a mojito and settled for "Pinchos vegetariano": grilled vegetables on skewers (really good).
With all the driving one particular sign - just off I-65 - stands out: USED COWS. Surely, they're not referring to retired prostitute cattle? ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment