Weekend Recap on Monday...

We are back from Georgia a day early (actually two) but it's all good.  The government shut down put a damper on our visit and changed everyone's plans, but we still got to meet the grand-horses, attended a really wonderful retirement party for our son and had a great day visiting with our dear family and old friends.  Lots of pictures follow...

Thursday was our travel day and because we don't use the interstates, we had a very smooth trip. It takes us about 30 minutes longer to go across-country, but Rt.301 is four lanes and 65 mph most of the way.  We only hit I-95 for the last few miles to Brunswick (and well above Jacksonville and that traffic!).

Joe and Darlene have a house full of folks these days.  Darlene's mom (88 years young) lives with them now and has her own private room and bathroom.  Darlene's son, Steve, is also living there now.  His job allows him to work from home, so he moved down to be closer to his grandma, mom and his sister (Rita) who lives near Miami.  They do have an upstairs bonus room with a bed up there, but no bathroom. It would work fine if my knees could handle steps, and with Darlene's bad hip (surgery scheduled for February 20) she can't do steps either right now, so them giving us their room isn't an option either.  Joey and Dar graciously put us up in a nearby hotel (three miles from their house).  We have a free breakfast (if we get up in time) and then spend the day with them until we are ready for bed. It works fine and we aren't underfoot - and no one has to share a bathroom either!

Friday morning we all drove over to meet the grand-horses!  They are stabled in a really beautiful place with a lot of other horses. The facility really is pretty amazing.  We were impressed.

 Kitty (closest above) and BeBe seem to recognize the car because Kitty almost immediately started walking toward the fence when we parked.  BeBe quickly followed when she raised her head and saw Kitty and us.

 This is Kitty. 

 This is Joey giving BeBe treats.

 Darlene with Kitty.

 This is Gracie, who wanted some attention and treats too.

(We don't know who her owners are.)

Joe with BeBe.  

I don't have one picture of me with the horses! How did that happen!?

 Stables. The horses are free to come and go, but get fed in their stalls.

 Joe and Dar walking toward the "clubhouse" (restroom) but this shows where the horses are groomed.

 One of the girls who works there was working with one of the horses.

(Click the photo to enlarge it)

And they have an indoor arena, too.

We also met the owner.  She seemed very nice.

Friday evening was the retirement party for our son, Joey.  He has 29 years as a public servant (so far). We are so proud of him (always), and all of the accolades, certificates and glowing words from co-workers made us almost 'bust our buttons'!  He even had me crying when he thanked his parents and also mentioned my coming into their family when I did. It was a glorious evening for us.  The party was organized by his unit (immediate co-workers and bosses).  The food was great, they gave Joey and Darlene some beautiful gifts and it was sure fun talking with his co-workers and getting to know some of the people he has talked about over the years.

 First of all, two of Joey's best friends from his college years came down (from the Philly area) for the party!  These four men are all Villanova graduates. 

Joe, Joey, Tom, and Pete.

Joe went to Villanova with Tom's dad and it was by chance that it was discovered and Joey and Tom became friends.  Tom is our grandson Tristan's Godfather.  

Joe and I know Tom and his lovely wife and their four kids (who are all grown up now).

It has been years and years since we saw Pete, so was lots of fun for us to catch up with them!

 Joe, me, Joey, Tom, Pete, and Darlene's mom, Cecelia.

 The great cake at the retirement party.

 Not all the food is visible and desserts were on another table. Wow!

 Darlene got a certificate for putting up with Joey's crazy schedule.

 It was a great honor for him to receive his retired credentials mounted so beautifully.

(Sorry - I altered the credentials because they are real.)

 Joe talking with grandson Steve.

Proud parents!!

We had to fill out paperwork ahead of time and get security clearance to be there. We had official badges to wear while on the property.

Saturday, Pete had to leave early (we said goodbye to him the night before), but Tom was staying longer and had never been to Jekyll Island before so we all piled into the car and went to Jekyll. We spent a good bit of time there, with Joey as our tour guide.

 Joey, Darlene, me, and Joe.

 I took a 'selfie' of Darlene, Joe, and me.

 The dunes to protect the island from the Atlantic.

 Darlene saw me taking the picture but Joe was looking at animal tracks in the sand.

It was chilly but the beach was beautiful just the same. Chilly and a bit hazy.

 Sunshine through the tall trees.

 Joe and I let "the kids" go explore this area while we sat in the car. LOL

We decided we were all hungry and ready for lunch so we went from the Island back into Brunswick to our favorite Thai restaurant there, Basil.  We shared some sushi and all enjoyed our entrees.

Darlene, Joey, and Tom.

Back home, we were all glued to the TV for the news about shutting down the government.  Joey is retired from his former agency, but has been hired by another agency and was to report to Washington, DC, on Monday for some training.  He and Tom were going to drive up to DC together, and Tom would catch a train to go on up to his home near Philadelphia.  He also had a plane ticket for Sunday that he didn't cancel until they really knew what would happen.  If the government shut down, Joey didn't need to be in DC on Monday.  With all the craziness, Joe and I decided we would just come home on Sunday instead of Monday.  We just felt like we should get out of the way since they had enough to do without us there.  (Joe was also anxious to get home to see his Eagles in the playoff game.)

As it turned out, Tom used his plane ticket and Joey had to take him to Savannah to catch his flight there.  Savannah is only 80 miles from Brunswick.  Joey is now waiting to see when he will report to his new agency. 

So that was our very special long weekend.  Sorry this got so long, but I wanted to get it all posted to start the week. Thanks for getting this far and for your visit.  I have a lot of catching up to do on your posts!!  Peace & hugs.