They are in their mid-eighties and don't drive much anymore except around town to the grocery and the doctor.Everyone converged on the kids (they're in their 20's/30's and just had a baby but I still refer to them as the kids, or the children) house mid-afternoon Saturday. We had a wonderful time passing Emrick around and talking about him and trying to make him smile and laugh.
It was especially touching to see the great-grandparents holding him and talking to him in that special language we all use with babies. Got some great photos. The younger ones were fascinated when it came time for changing diapers. My grandson did not disappoint. He produced a nice healthy dirty diaper complete with scent and substance. How proud can a grandpa be? I will not embarras my grandson further by posting pictures of that particular event although I think I got a really good shot.We finally decided (it takes a lot to get 12 people to decide where to eat) to head into downtown Greenville for dinner. If you've never been to Main Street in Greenville, SC you must go. Something for everyone. I think you could eat lunch and dinner down there for MONTHS and never eat at the same restaurant twice. We chose Pomegranates On Main. (http://www.pomegranateonmain.com/)
One of our favorite restaurants. A friend of mine owns it and they always do a wonderful job taking care of their patrons. Besides, the food is fabulous. They serve traditional Persian food from his homeland. In modern terms, Iranian. Lot's of kabobs. Marinated beef tenderloin, lamb and seafood with lots of mint and feta cheese (and hummus if you like that sort of thing) give the menu great variety. I had the roasted Salmon. Great choice. My niece and nephew had the lamb marinated with mint. Also wonderful. Most all of the dishes are served with a complimenting rice (mine had dill and lima beans) and a roasted tomato. Ground sumac berries (not to be confused with poison sumac found in North America, this sumac bush grows wild in the Mediteranian and is NOT poisonous) are on the tables and is used for flavoring the rice, or anything else you wish to add it to. It has a very lemony, tart taste and compliments the more bland rice. My friend has been in the US for over 30 years and loves this country as if he were born here. I think he probably appreciates the freedoms we take for granted a lot more than natural born citizens because of where he came from. He certainly has a great restaurant and they know how to take care of a hungry crowd. Many of us also enjoyed their signature Pomegranate Martinis and finished the meal off with homemade Pomegranate Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and homemade lemon poundcake. The owner's wife makes the cakes and they are FANTASTIC!After dinner we took the younger kids (and some of us older ones too) by a little candy store a few doors down where we purchased memories. Remember Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mary Janes, Kits, Candy Cigarettes, edible candy necklaces? They had lots of memories for sale. By the pound or by the box. Complete with all the calories. Then a walk down to Reedy Creek Park to see the bridge and the falls and take in the wonderful weather. What a perfect night to enjoy your family - all together. I'm pretty sure God was smiling down on us. Home to rest little Emrick. It's been a busy day.
Sunday morning after a continental breakfast at the hotel we were back to say hello and goodbye to Emrick and his mom and dad. The Florence contingent left around 11:30 but Susan and I stayed on for a while longer and treated the little family to a Mexican lunch at one of favorite local spots.
After a couple of small chores (I repaired a problem door latch and helped wash Bristol, the "granddog", as his mommy is otherwise engaged with the new human baby) we were able to pry ourselves away from that cute little face with promises that pictures would be posted on blogs and Facebook pages DAILY!OK, I'll settle for a new picture once a week, but no less. Don't make Poppy drive over there just to get a picture because you know I will.
While we were visiting with the family and our new grandson some friends were staying at our place in Sparta. They called on Sunday evening just to let us know how much they were enjoying the peace and quiet and watching the wildlife. They love to bike and had spent the day riding part of the New River Trail near Galax. They said they had just left The Bluffs Restaurant having enjoyed the heavenly fried chicken and were taking in a leisurely drive down the BRP before heading back down to Bear Bottom. Needless to say we were jealous, but that's ok; we'll be there this weekend. Can't wait. BB here we come. Get the fried chicken ready!
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