Friday morning I was at the lockshop.
At 8:55 AM.
It actually took right at an hour to pack and load my tools.
I never did try my key in the door....
I had taken 2 shirts back to him that I never wore.
I gave him the receipt book that I carried for calls that I ran and gave back my key to the van.
Overall, it was surprisingly civil---
Apparently, he had reflected upon my advice....
When I left, I hugged his wife and thanked her for all of the Thanksgiving Dinners I had been invited to.
I then hugged my Friend and told him, Thank You for being my Friend."
I also said, "If you need my help on that bank job or any other job that you know is my specialty,
before I leave the area, let me know.."
I had also mentioned my projected future in North Carolina.
He said, "Scott, you'll always be my boy, but we can't work together no more it seems."
Hopefully his patience level and ability to not always be right, especially when wrong,
will develop with age, as it did with me.
(Have I ever mentioned that Garry is African American? Not that it really matters. Except to explain direct quote grammar.)
-----------------------------------------
At 8:30 AM this morning, my Landlord and I jumped in his truck and headed to Asheville!
The mountains grew in size every mile north.
The mountains reach to the sky!
I'm already liking what I'm seeing and feeling.
We get to Asheville ahead of schedule to meet his Friend and Wife, Rob and Amber, for a noon lunch.
So we drive around a bit to get a feel of the layout and we cruise the University.
Of course, being Saturday, the University was basically closed, administratively.
It is quite a sprawling Campus with many Academic buildings and some Residence buildings.
I like the feel.
We then met Rob and Amber at "EVG."
East Village Grille: Asheville's best wings!
Right across the street from the VA!
I had my note pad and pen, furiously taking notes as questions were answered.
In fact, everyone was done eating and I had barely eaten; requesting a "To Go" box.
We then piled into their mini van for a short tour of possible neighborhoods to live.
Rob has lived there since he was a kid and Amber just received her BA in Psychology.
We went to the "Visitor's Center," per my request, and I picked up every pamphlet that might interest me.
I walked out with a grocery bag full!
https://www.exploreasheville.com/iconic-asheville/about-asheville/visitor-information/
I also requested to show me where the library was and to stop and get a local newspaper at a "Dollar General" store and the local version of the "Shopper" type publication called, "IWANNA."
I've always found these to be a good measure of what's wanted, what's for sale or rent and for how much for the particular area....
This area eclectic?
Well, yeah....Yes it is.....
The next few days will not be spent idly; I am approaching this juncture in my life with all of the study,
research, intensity and determination as if it was the most important course I have ever taken in my life.
Because it is.....
I WILL get an "A!"
One final note:
I got a package of wings, ingredients for my hot sauce, (Thanks, Bill!)
The new TV is hooked up,
And I'll get right on that "Studying" on Monday.
I promise!
After the "SUPERBOWL!"
TIME TO RISE UP, FALCONS!
Hope All are Well!
My Best Wishes Always,
Scott
