US Journal
Saturday, May 18,
2013
WELCOME TO DECATUR!
We had a good feeling about Decatur, a small town east of
Atlanta, even before we went there today. Cati went to college at Agnes Scott
College there, and we visited her often while she was there. Even after Cati
graduated, we had opportunities to visit Decatur. It was the closest town to
Kyle’s Emory University, and our friend Monica looked at Agnes Scott when she
was trying to decide which college to attend. Monica and I had lunch in Decatur
one day and toured around the Agnes Scott campus. We knew a little about
Decatur, and we liked what we knew.
There’s a very strong food scene there, with Farmers’ Markets every
Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Many of the shops are either selling artisan
food or are attached to restaurants that only use organic produce and meats.
Also, it’s small enough to walk everywhere you need to go and very friendly,
with people out walking around every evening and all weekends. The website for
Decatur described it just as I would describe Bra, Italy, where we spent the
last year. That was surely in its favor!
Fortunately, Cati’s dissertation professor Dr. Don Rubin has
lived in Decatur for the last 20 years with his wife Carol, and we invited him
to join us for coffee today. He suggested The Bakery Café…just next door to the
famous Cakes and Ale Restaurant. Peter knew where it was immediately.
Don was happy for us to pick his brain about Decatur. We
learned that there is a strategic plan for the town that is being closely
monitored by the City Council and Mayor. Everyone in the town is encouraged to
give input any time something new is put into that plan. Plus, there are
interesting festivals throughout the year…art, books, and all sorts of food and
entertainment are just a few. By the end of our visit Peter had made up his
mind: we will move to Decatur, where we will feel more at home than we do now
living in a beautiful suburban neighborhood. DONE!
I’m sure you will hear more about that move as our plans
progress. Thank you, Don, for a job well done!!! Here we come, Decatur!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HANS!
In the evening, we met Karen and Hans at Jennifer and Fred’s
house for a quick aperitvo before going to dinner at the wonderful Italian
restaurant Taverna Fiorentina. Hans’ birthday was Thursday, so he had no idea that
Jennifer had a cake waiting for him back at their house and that I had brought
him my famous singing card that screams “WOW! I FEEL GOOD!” when you open the
card! Later, Peter showed his 10-minute slide show and told some of the great
stories about our year in Italy.
We treasure our time with all of you! Thanks for a
bellissimo evening!
Colleen
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