Highway Wayne

From Clanton to Miller's Ferry to hang out with Dad and Diane. They live in Thomasville, but have a place on the Alabama river in Miller's Ferry, Alabama that I hate I haven't made it to, yet.

On the way to Miller's Ferry, I stopped at Dad's office in Selma. Just as I suspected, Dad was sitting around shooting the shit with anyone that would listen. We left there and stopped by Mac's to get some something to put on the grill, and to my surprise they had a good selection of beer to choose from. I wasn't expecting that for Selma. So I grabbed some Peroni. Since it is Italian beer and I guess I should start getting used to it.

When we got to the camp Diane was already there waiting with Margaret, the dog. Their place is really awesome and I can't wait for Beth to go back with me. That night we grilled out and watched the NCAA tournament.

Saturday morning I cut the grass while Dad handled the weed eating. I can't remember the last time that I cut grass and I think this was the first time that I ever used a riding lawn mower. After the grass was cut, we headed out to go fishing over at Jim Watson's ponds. I have been to Jim's place before fishing with Dad as a kid, but these were different ponds that Jim owns. We started out bass fishing and caught several before Dad caught a brim. We decided to try to catch more brim and have a fish fry. After catching a couple more brim and bass, we headed back for the fish fry. We called Aunt Carolyn on the way back and she, Tracy and Ken came over to eat with us. It was great to be able to see them even if it was just for a short time. It has become harder and harder to get back to Alabama to see all of my family and I felt very proud that they stopped what they were doing to come visit with me while I was in town. We had the fish fry and then watched more of the NCAA tournament. I asked them all to come visit us in Italy, to which they just simply laughed. Aunt Carolyn said "Well, I guess ya'll know what you are doing?". Well, of course we don't, but we will figure it out.

Sunday morning Dad and I got up and went back fishing real quick before I had to leave and head back to Atlanta. We did not have as much luck as the day before, but I did catch about a 4-5 lbs bass. Unfortunately, I did not have my phone with me to take a picture and the only witness I have is Dad, which no one will believe anyway.

On my 5 hour ride back to Atlanta I reflected on my trip through Alabama and how much it meant to me to be able to catch up with a few loved ones who were so inspirational in helping me become the man I am today. Although we may not talk as often as we should or see each other as much as we would like, I hope that they all know how much I love them and that I think about them often.

- WN