An Urban Outing - Atlanta

Living in a small semi-rural town with the pastures but a half-mile away makes for a calmer more serene way of life. Yet, for one having lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and several other large cities there can be a longing for the stimulation and excitement of the big city. They tend to be grand places bursting forth with life. So it was I headed west.

One day this week was given to a journey to Atlanta to see a matinee comedy production called “Menopause: The Musical.” This proved to be clearly a ‘chick’ production as there were about six men in the audience of four hundred. Yet, I found it rather entertaining. I have a secret enjoyment of chick flicks and a not so secret enjoyment of women in general so it was rather easy to participate in this outing. The play was extremely funny and well-done and rather high energy. The lead actress (a statuesque blonde) came on our bus following the play and made pictures with some of our group. She then planted a fine set of lipstick imprints on my forehead. Others on the bus suggested I might not want to wash my face for the next month. I tended to agree. I had garnered quite a trophy on my journey to the big city.

About forty-five were on the bus and I had the happy circumstance of sitting with a good friend coming and going from South Carolina and during lunch. She is a rather well grounded person and I found her very honest and helpful in her conversations about dealing with her big life challenges. It was the first time we have really had extended one-on-one conversation. Our conversations in the past were always in the context of volunteer work with a lot of people in our midst. We had four hours to talk.

The group enjoyed a fine meal at the Madison Grill. The service was prompt and attentive. A busload of forty-five did not faze the wait staff. I had a fine salmon Caesar salad and several pieces of truly decadent chocolate sin. The other women at my table insisted they could not eat their delights. I made sure there was no plate waste.

The climate was idyllic and nearly expansive. The breezes and sun and newly budding trees were signals that spring is very close now. We go to daylight savings next week and the evenings will suddenly be light and fresh. The dark cold evenings of winter will be nearly forgotten.