Fairhope, AL
I’m sitting in a co-workers home office from the Mobile branch. I ended up coming over to Fairhope, AL last night. Fairhope is a small town across the bay from Mobile. If you’re looking o the map, look at the top of the Gulf of Mexico and you’ll see the bay. As I got into town last night at about 7, I was taken back a few years. I made the turn and drove down a four lane slit highway with the greenest grass I’d seen in a long time lining the middle and each side of the highway. There were trees all up and down the side of the road as well. After being in South Florida for so long (and yes, I’ve finally left Florida!) it was great to see green and trees again. Alabama is beautiful. The license late says something about how Stars fall on Alabama or something. It’s true.
I originally called Robin to get together for dinner or lunch. I was in Tallahassee when I called. He said to come for dinner and spend the night. I agreed. He then said I was going to go with his family to the Gulf Shore today. I got to Robin’s house and was greeted by 7-year-old Zack and 10-year-old Stephanie. His wife Becky then welcomed me. Their 14-year-old son, Robin, was in the back playing his guitar. Their 16-year-old daughter, Lindsay, was at an overnight. They made me feel right at home. He and I opened a beer and caught up. We work together, but only see each other twice a year. We have always gotten along. When I first started working, we had a meeting in New Orleans. I spent more time talking with Robin and Becky than anyone else. It was good to see them. I was excited about being part of a family for a while. The kids were very cool. The manners they had were great. “Yes sir, Mr. Andrew.” “Yes ma’am.” “Yessir dad.” I don’t always have the highest opinion of our youth, but these kids were cool. Becky and Robin prepared a big meal of chicken on the grill, baked beans, and a new found favorite: broccoli cornbread. It’s like a quiche, but better. I can’t describe it well enough for you to get the taste, but it is incredible. We had it again today.
We ate and had a couple of beers. Then we sat on the back deck and had a cigar. Very good. Romeo and Julieta. Tasty. Except for this morning.
Young Robin graciously gave up his bed and I crashed hard. We woke up today to make the 40-minute drive to Robin’s parents place on the Gulf Shore. Awesome. They are on the beach, on the 7th floor, facing the Gulf. The view was amazing and the breeze soothing. His parents were glad to meet me and quizzed me about my background. We then hit the beach. The white sand and hot sun felt right. I sat in a chair for a second and then hit the water. It’s kind of weird. For all of the water I’ve babbled about for the last weeks, this is the first time I’ve really been in it and stayed in it. It felt great. The salt water cleans the pores. They had a boogie board and I hit that pretty hard. The waves weren’t the best, but they were good enough for me to kick myself for not hitting the water more. I’d been near the water, but now that I’m out of FL, it will be rare.
I’m still here and will spend the night again. I’m off to New Orleans tomorrow. Appetizers are being served so I have to run. Great stuff and great hospitality.