Ohio to Knoxville

It was a difficult thing to leave such dear friends in Clermont/Brown counties but we hadn't scheduled a longer visit into our plans so leave we must.  At Pete's recommendation we took 52 East and traveled down the Ohio River and after crossing it we veered south on 68 to Lexington.  We passed through horse country and were treated to beautiful views too numerous to post here although we offer you this small sample:

Once we reached Knoxville we were once again treated to some wonderful food in a most unexpected place which, had we not had the recommendation of friends, we would never have stopped here and tried it because quite frankly from the outside it looks like a dump. (Diners, Drive-Ins, Dives and Dumps)

This doesn't even show the collard greens, fried okra, sweet potatoes or peach cobbler

Once again we were fortunate to hop onto the bus of an extremely helpful driver (also named Richard, guess if the name had been something like Melvin or Horatio we would have found it too strange for mere coincidence) who gave us a 101 of Knoxville and we were thus able glean some of the best from downtown in one lovely, sunny morning. Thanks Richard the Second!

The boys finally get the crepes they have been craving

                                        

And Mihai and I get our espresso and latte

Downtown Knoxville was very charming with a variety of restaurants over which we could drool as well as interesting graffiti, street musicians (which never fails to add a certain charm) and a nice mix of the student/local business/mother's shopping/elderly/tourist population.

                                                     

An unexpected surprise.  We spoke with the owner of this establishment at length while the boys sampled his gelato. He and his wife opened this place because they were bored after retirement.  He asked us to contact him after we try gelato in Italy and let him know how it compares.  We consider it an assignment worthy of our time, energy and taste buds.

Reunion (Ohio)

After the many sights, restaurants and general busy-ness of Chicago, it was time to slow things down and head southeast to my old stomping ground in Clermont County, Ohio.  The weather was cold and overcast which lent itself perfectly for hanging out with friends around the wood stove and eating and talking until 2:30 am.  As it turns out, 3 days of that sort of activity doesn't make for very interesting copy or photos.  We managed to get a few shots but they don't do justice to the warmth and joy we felt on this much-anticipated portion of our journey.

    After 17 years I was driving these roads again which I know don't look like much (it's the end of winter after all) but just seeing the road signs brought back such a rush of memories and emotions.  I couldn't wait to arrive and see friends I had not seen in nearly two decades.  A long stretch of time to be sure but they were still beloved to me.  

Bernard.

The Lung/Ionescu kids discuss economics and politics.                                                          

                               

                                          
                              Dinner at the Huebners (thanks for the hospitality Skip and Ruth)

Trying to catch up on 17 years is easier said than done.  Too bad Debbie left before we thought to do the group photo but I'm happy to say none of us has aged one bit.

Thank you Alma, Pete, Dakota and Anton, for your hospitality!  I wish there was more time and more photos of everyone we saw but sometimes you gotta just put the camera down and relish the moments with much loved friends.