Social Graces: everyday is a great day in the valley

Gracious and growing Georgia was my destination this past weekend – Ft. Valley to be exact. Home to those Georgia jewels that I indulge in every summer at the annual Peach Festival. My dear friend Meghan and her family calls this middle Georgia dot on the map home and over the last six years I too have called it home on the long weekends we would hop in our car and drive to the Valley. However, this trip I made solo. No one to sing on key with to Celine and no one to make the long drive back to Tallahassee with because Meghan has moved back to the land of pecan groves and peach orchards. As much as I miss her living a few miles down the road from me, it makes me treasure even more the times that we do get to spend with each other, for instance, this weekend.

We decided to stay with her mom and dad who spoil us oh so much! As always, we eat way too many sweet treats, spend way too much money shopping (put us together and we are a dangerous pair!), and I somehow always manage to fall asleep in the big red chair in the living room on Sunday afternoon. I love my visits to the Valley and I enjoy every minute of the weekend’s fun events…they never cease to surprise me. Meghan’s mother, Ms. Kathy always has something in store for us and it usually involves us waking up at day break on Saturday morning, and this weekend was no different. When I pulled up late Friday night I was reminded of the garage sale they were putting on bright and early the next morning. And let me tell you, bright and early came very soon at 7:30am and only 15 degrees outside! Despite the freezing cold and limited feeling in my cold fingers and toes it was a success. That afternoon we went to the Mistletoe Market and to some chic boutiques up the road in Macon. I also got to see Meghan’s new home - an adorable historic abode near downtown! For dinner, her parents met us and some friends at her neighborhood pizza joint. By ten that night I was worn out and snuggled tightly into bed after a long day on the go. Sunday brought church, lunch, a snack of homemade pecan pie, and our goodbyes. The good news is that Meghan will be coming to Tallahassee in two weeks for Holly’s first baby shower! And I know I’ve mentioned it before…but my excitement is beyond words for the holiday season and all the special friends and family that come along with my most favorite time of the year. cheers!