what ya have, what ya have, what ya have!

After the coke a cola museum we made a stop over at The Varsity, it's the largest drive in dinner in the world holding up to 600 cars and 800 people at a time. They have a long check counter where all the workers there scream "what ya have, what ya have, what ya have" 3 times before you order. And while the place was cool to see in person the food doesn't make me want to come back for more, then again I am not a really a hotdog fan, which is what they are famous for.

Always, coke a cola!

If there is one thing that I love, it's coke! As much as I try to stay away from drinking it I can't help it. But I figured since I don't smoke or really drink alcohol or any other wild drug out there then I can let myself enjoy the refreshing taste of a coke. And since I love it so much it only made sense to check out the museum of coke while staying here in Atlanta.

Small town

Saturday, did not go as we had planned. That is not necessary a bad thing though, we had planned on seeing some wild animals but the weather had another idea for us. So, with rain in the forecast me and my mother decided maybe a little shopping in a small town is just what we needed.

About an hour after driving on some of the prettiest back roads (where I saw donkeys) we came up to the lovely little town of Hogansville. It was no bigger then a block but both sides of the streets were filled with charming little stores. Full of antiques and unique treasures. Where I scored two of the best items I ever bought, a cook book full of recipes from the greatest hotels and restaurants around the world from the 1960's. Which I got for $4 might I add and the other I can't share... yet. It is a birthday gift for Guitar Hero but I promise once you see it, you will know what I am talking about on scoring awesome finds!

The people in Hogansville were as lovely as their stores. I have never met so many friendly people. All wanting to talk and share stories of their town that they take some much pride in. One of my favorite places, was the Hogansville Cafe & Diner (pictured below) it is owned by a couple from Greece. Everyone in town told us is was THE PLACE to eat if we were staying for lunch, and they were right. I was not daring enough to try the Greek food (wishing I had) but it was filled with locals all shouting across tables to each other and praising aloud how amazing their food was over and over (remind you these people eat here everyday they said almost). But what stole my heart the most with this little dinner was the Greek couple. They were loud and funny and had the thickest accents I have ever heard! It is worth going back again and again.

Weekend.

We are in a toss up between a wild animal safari or a lush garden setting with hiking, tomorrow. But I do have to say it's not a bad life when those are the decisions you are trying to make. Other then that, we have been taking the day easy, laying around eating, reading, and snoozing. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and looking forward to reporting what we chose to do.

The Tea Room.

While staying in GA, my mom thought it would be fun if us girls went to the tea room for some lunch and sweets. We enjoyed yummy sandwiches, cake, and tea. They also had a great little antique shop inside too.

In the kitchen with my dad.

The one meal I wanted to learn to cook more then any other in our house, was my dad's chinese. It took me all the way up to my last few years living with my parents to get the courage to try it (I was (am) a picky eater) but once I tried it, I found it to be delicious and I wanted to eat it at least once a week. It's the one meal I pride myself in making for guest and since my dad is the one that taught me how to make it, it was only fitting that we cook chinese together.

Cooking with my dad is an event. He truly loves the art of cooking, and prepping a meal. From colors in the food to the taste at the end. I have learned a lot from my dad and Im thrilled to learn even more with this visit. Be prepared for more food post, is what I guess I am saying.

Dog walk that turned into a party!

Needless to say, but I'm pretty sure Encore loves it here! He has never had so many dogs to play with. Everyday there is a different dog to meet. But he really hit it off with Huck (the white dog) and Boomer (multi color, great dane). It is so fun to watch my dog make friends and see him interact with other dogs. I'm a proud mama over here!!!

Pretty skies

I can't get over how pretty the skies have been here the past few nights. Everywhere I turn the clouds are glowing different colors as the sun goes down. It's so peaceful at my parents house, we are surrounded by trees and open skies almost everywhere we look (even if they do live in a neighborhood) I hope one day to own a beautiful house and land where I can come out and just feel like the sky is all mine to look at. It truly is a divine feeling.

A look into the weekend...

1. Encore and Ivy learning to play together

2. Pretty sunset skies

3. Famous GA red dirt

4. Dad and me cooking chinese for the family

5. At the farmers market

This weekend as been full of activity! so far... we have enjoyed movie marathons, cooking family meals together, checking out the hugest farmers market I have ever seen, playing with the dogs, enjoying pretty skies, eating and eating and eating, shopping, reading in cozy corners, shark week, getting up early to spend time in local coffee shops, getting my hair done, and most of all just laughing and enjoying every moment we are sharing together. After 3 years of living away from my family, I am learning not to take for granted the moments we are getting together at this time. I am truly blessed for this chance.