I forgot to say , Sandra and I took a drive back to the Winchburgh cemetery, to see her sister Linda’s grave. Linda was a beautiful soul who had kept in close contact with my mother. Her headstone was beautiful and included a photo of her in the marble. I commented to Sandra that she must know a lot of the “residents” of the cemetery, Winchburgh being a small village and her being brought up there. She said aye, I know them all. We both decided it was “ nice” that they were all here together. The graveyard is probably the prettiest place in Winchburgh now.
Cherrio.
Muriel
Thursday, April 26, 2018
A Braw Day!
I didn’t get going till 9:30 today as I had to research my transport first. I had to come back to the flat twice, I forgot my iPad and the second return was for my umbrella as I hadn’t noticed it was raining till I got outside. I had meticulously planned my route and the #’s of busses I could take and again I got down the street to the Haymarket station and everything I researched was wrong! Wrong bus #, wrong bus company, wrong £fare, and wrong schedule. Across the track I see a bus company office so in I go, everyone is very helpful.....left the bus office and my umbrella on their counter, I’m back waiting for the bus when I realize the rain is on again, back I go, the fellow from the bus office is running toward me waving my brolly! I run to meet him and race back as another bus is coming. It seems like it may be one I want but I ask this time if it is going to Winchburgh as I’ve discovered none go to Broxburn (Billy did tell me this) Finally I’m on my way now recalculating as I’m due to be at the Gyle Park by 12:30. To meet cousin Sandra.
I get to Winchburgh and get of the bus in front of my old school, which is looking derelict, boarded up and labelled a dangerous space! I snap a few pictures and walk towards Haigs Bakery where my school friend Jane and sister Myra Haig lived above the bakery. I remember going to play with Jane after school, sliding down the banister from upstairs, landing in a puff of flour, to get a treat behind the counter. Jane wasn’t a well child, I didn’t know exactly why, but she missed a lot of school. Shortly after we immigrated to Canada she passed away from kidney disease, — the days before dialysis. My cousin Known as baker Andrew was a baker there and had a young Billy Glendinning as his apprentice (years later Billy married my sister, and still bakes sausage rolls and the best shortbread!)
Further on I recall the drapery shop, the chemist, all the shops are different now, the fields of cows right behind the high street are gone , their fields now a housing development. The last remaining familiar place, The Tally Ho Hotel , where my aunties and my Granny used to play cards once a week, bingo and no doubt a drink and a dance or two. I turn at the corner and walk down Niddry Road towards my Granny’s Council house. More pictures, the rows are in terrible shape., it was much nicer when she lived there. The Catholic Church over the high brick wall is under extensive repair. I remember when a wedding was on there our curtains would be drawn so we could peek at the proceedings. Heaven help that we should watch anything catholic! That’s the way it was.
I continue to walk down the road and ask a girl walking toward me if she knows when the Broxburn bus is due? She says, should be one any minute after consulting her watch! Things could be looking up for my schedule I thought .....many minutes later I realize I can’t wait . I cross the canal bridge to Bells Mill Terrace, where we lived at #29. I took a couple of photos, very bad repair. I cross the next canal bridge and there is a sign pointing to the cemetery, in I go to find my granny’s grave. My mums mum and dad and an unborn child are buried here together. It’s a beautiful well kept cemetery surrounded by a stone wall, Green cared for grass ,well tended and many elaborate headstones. I’m looking for two small plaques with simple inscriptions, that is what I remembered from a long ago visit. I walked around without success, as I was nearly ready to leave I saw my auntie Chris and Uncle Bills headstone.....obviously visited on a regular basis. I was pleased I had spotted it. Then just as I was about to go out the gate something made me turn for one last look over the whole garden.....an old upright headstone, well weathered had my granny’s name, Agnes Long! And issac, and son! Not what I remembered , then I realized my mother must have put it there after granny died in September 1975. She had just been to Canada 3 weeks previously to meet her newest great grandchild, Travis who was born in January that year. Now I really don’t have time to walk up Niddry Brae to Broxburn today, so I quickly go back to the high street for the bus to Gyle. Luck iscwith mecas the wait is short. I arrive at my destination with time to get a coffee and wait for Sandra. We meet like it was last Week! We head to Queensferry for lunch in her wee car. We sit and talk over lunch for about 3 hours....a lot of years to catch up on. Then we go to her house in Kirkliston, look at each other’s photos...mostly old ones. She had photos of our grandparents on our dads side, I had never met them or even seen photos. Soon it was time to pick her grandson Monty up from school. She is raising him, he is a delightful engaging 10 year old. Home again for more visiting then we took Monty out for Mac Donald’s, after that it was close to 8 and she dropped me at the bus for my trip back to Edinburgh. What a good day! Exactly how I thought it would be!
Tomorrow will be another good day!
I get to Winchburgh and get of the bus in front of my old school, which is looking derelict, boarded up and labelled a dangerous space! I snap a few pictures and walk towards Haigs Bakery where my school friend Jane and sister Myra Haig lived above the bakery. I remember going to play with Jane after school, sliding down the banister from upstairs, landing in a puff of flour, to get a treat behind the counter. Jane wasn’t a well child, I didn’t know exactly why, but she missed a lot of school. Shortly after we immigrated to Canada she passed away from kidney disease, — the days before dialysis. My cousin Known as baker Andrew was a baker there and had a young Billy Glendinning as his apprentice (years later Billy married my sister, and still bakes sausage rolls and the best shortbread!)
Further on I recall the drapery shop, the chemist, all the shops are different now, the fields of cows right behind the high street are gone , their fields now a housing development. The last remaining familiar place, The Tally Ho Hotel , where my aunties and my Granny used to play cards once a week, bingo and no doubt a drink and a dance or two. I turn at the corner and walk down Niddry Road towards my Granny’s Council house. More pictures, the rows are in terrible shape., it was much nicer when she lived there. The Catholic Church over the high brick wall is under extensive repair. I remember when a wedding was on there our curtains would be drawn so we could peek at the proceedings. Heaven help that we should watch anything catholic! That’s the way it was.
I continue to walk down the road and ask a girl walking toward me if she knows when the Broxburn bus is due? She says, should be one any minute after consulting her watch! Things could be looking up for my schedule I thought .....many minutes later I realize I can’t wait . I cross the canal bridge to Bells Mill Terrace, where we lived at #29. I took a couple of photos, very bad repair. I cross the next canal bridge and there is a sign pointing to the cemetery, in I go to find my granny’s grave. My mums mum and dad and an unborn child are buried here together. It’s a beautiful well kept cemetery surrounded by a stone wall, Green cared for grass ,well tended and many elaborate headstones. I’m looking for two small plaques with simple inscriptions, that is what I remembered from a long ago visit. I walked around without success, as I was nearly ready to leave I saw my auntie Chris and Uncle Bills headstone.....obviously visited on a regular basis. I was pleased I had spotted it. Then just as I was about to go out the gate something made me turn for one last look over the whole garden.....an old upright headstone, well weathered had my granny’s name, Agnes Long! And issac, and son! Not what I remembered , then I realized my mother must have put it there after granny died in September 1975. She had just been to Canada 3 weeks previously to meet her newest great grandchild, Travis who was born in January that year. Now I really don’t have time to walk up Niddry Brae to Broxburn today, so I quickly go back to the high street for the bus to Gyle. Luck iscwith mecas the wait is short. I arrive at my destination with time to get a coffee and wait for Sandra. We meet like it was last Week! We head to Queensferry for lunch in her wee car. We sit and talk over lunch for about 3 hours....a lot of years to catch up on. Then we go to her house in Kirkliston, look at each other’s photos...mostly old ones. She had photos of our grandparents on our dads side, I had never met them or even seen photos. Soon it was time to pick her grandson Monty up from school. She is raising him, he is a delightful engaging 10 year old. Home again for more visiting then we took Monty out for Mac Donald’s, after that it was close to 8 and she dropped me at the bus for my trip back to Edinburgh. What a good day! Exactly how I thought it would be!
Tomorrow will be another good day!
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Day Two, feels like I’ve always been here.
My morning started well, apple juice, tea and cereal at a leisurely pace. I research opening time for the National museum and left the flat at 9:45. It was windy and cool as I made the short walk to Haymarket Station. More helpful people at the tram/bus stop when I purchased my daily ticket. The old gent I sat beside on the tram asked if I was from America.....and seemed quite guiniuely delighted when I said Canadian. . So I found a way to insert into our conversation how nice most Americans are and that they get a bad wrap. Anyway I got off and promptly headed in the wrong direction. By the time I realized I was not where I meant to be I was within a stones throw from Calton Hill which was another “to do" so I carried on! Huffing and puffing I climbed the stairs and went inside Nelson’s Monument , for £5 you could view the history exhibit and climb to the top of the monument, which is designed like an upside down ship spyglass. The stairs were not too narrow and the view at the top was breathless in a literal and figurative sense. From a lofty height I saw Arthur’s seat, the Firth of Forth bridges, city, sea, and the Scottish national gallery! I took some photos , made one circular pass around and that was enough. The wind was even fiercer up high. Back a street level I made my way toward the Scottish national gallery. ......sidetracked by a vodaphone store,.......guess what.....Rogers did not deactivate my ph! ๐กwhat a waste of time.
I popped into a few shops, nothing I had to have. In the gallery I was hoping to see the impressionists and some work of my ancestor John Pettie. Although the gallery has 22 of his paintings none were displayed and they were at the Portrait Gallery., another site. On the impressionist rooms some were being refurbished and were roped off but I did see a lovely Degas and some Raeburns and aa, john Constable . By now it was noon and the Scottish Cafe on site looked nice, with a view straight down princess street gardens, daffodils abloom. I ordered tea and a scone. Since I didn’t have anyone to chat to I eavesdropped a little on the two ladies next to me. A downside of a solo vacation is not having someone to talk to when you want. I do talk to people at bus stops and in the shops, and my host when he is home.
I took a bus back to the flat and got in just before the rain. I phoned cousin Sandra to make arrangements for tomorrow and left a message. She called while I was getting ready for the cousins dinner.
My biggest problem when I’m getting around on the buses and trams is knowing which side of the road to stand on, I think I know but am usually on the wrong side! I always confer with the driver or a passenger when I get on just to make sure! I arrived in Corstorphine, which is a part of Edinburgh, at the restaurant 10 minutes early. Cousin Gordon was just ahead of me, we went to our reservation to wait for the rest. They all arrived at once, Allan, Brian, 2 Craigs and Helen, Moira, and one other whose name has just left me. First I have to say, Craig is the double of Sians dad....I couldn’t get over the resemblance, even down to the same eyeglasses and speech patterns. The genes in our family are strong! The men reminded me so much of dad. Lots of stories were being shared and photos. Moira had brought an old album and I had made a seperate file on my iPad to share. They can’t get over how similar myself and Sandra are! We enjoyed a meal and as much as I protested and wanted to buy they insisted not! They were most interested in my plans and I said I would be back in Edinburgh for 2days before I left for home......Helen and Craig insisted I stay with them. I had been planning to ask my airbnb host if I could come back for the 2 days but I will enjoy being with them again, and may meet some others. Gordon gave me a copy of the book his friend wrote, about the bike ride he did in Gordon’s honour.
We left the restaurant and dad’s three nephews drove me home. Allan said he thought Fleur and Andrews son Gordon lived just a street over from where I am. Small world if so!
I hope to go to see Dean Village tomorrow morning then take the bus to meet Sandra at 12:30. .
It was very satisfying to be with family . ๐
Cherrio once more xo
I popped into a few shops, nothing I had to have. In the gallery I was hoping to see the impressionists and some work of my ancestor John Pettie. Although the gallery has 22 of his paintings none were displayed and they were at the Portrait Gallery., another site. On the impressionist rooms some were being refurbished and were roped off but I did see a lovely Degas and some Raeburns and aa, john Constable . By now it was noon and the Scottish Cafe on site looked nice, with a view straight down princess street gardens, daffodils abloom. I ordered tea and a scone. Since I didn’t have anyone to chat to I eavesdropped a little on the two ladies next to me. A downside of a solo vacation is not having someone to talk to when you want. I do talk to people at bus stops and in the shops, and my host when he is home.
I took a bus back to the flat and got in just before the rain. I phoned cousin Sandra to make arrangements for tomorrow and left a message. She called while I was getting ready for the cousins dinner.
My biggest problem when I’m getting around on the buses and trams is knowing which side of the road to stand on, I think I know but am usually on the wrong side! I always confer with the driver or a passenger when I get on just to make sure! I arrived in Corstorphine, which is a part of Edinburgh, at the restaurant 10 minutes early. Cousin Gordon was just ahead of me, we went to our reservation to wait for the rest. They all arrived at once, Allan, Brian, 2 Craigs and Helen, Moira, and one other whose name has just left me. First I have to say, Craig is the double of Sians dad....I couldn’t get over the resemblance, even down to the same eyeglasses and speech patterns. The genes in our family are strong! The men reminded me so much of dad. Lots of stories were being shared and photos. Moira had brought an old album and I had made a seperate file on my iPad to share. They can’t get over how similar myself and Sandra are! We enjoyed a meal and as much as I protested and wanted to buy they insisted not! They were most interested in my plans and I said I would be back in Edinburgh for 2days before I left for home......Helen and Craig insisted I stay with them. I had been planning to ask my airbnb host if I could come back for the 2 days but I will enjoy being with them again, and may meet some others. Gordon gave me a copy of the book his friend wrote, about the bike ride he did in Gordon’s honour.
We left the restaurant and dad’s three nephews drove me home. Allan said he thought Fleur and Andrews son Gordon lived just a street over from where I am. Small world if so!
I hope to go to see Dean Village tomorrow morning then take the bus to meet Sandra at 12:30. .
It was very satisfying to be with family . ๐
Cherrio once more xo
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Solo Scottish Trip April/May 2018
Today I left Vancouver and flew to Edinburgh. ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ✈️
The flight was good, no bumps and I had an aisle seat in a row of four shared with only one other passenger. The flight attendant asked me if I always got asked if I looked like a British actress!? I said no....which one? She said on the tip of her tongue and she’d get back to me! I guess I’ll never know because she never came back!
I landed in London and after a lot of walking to my next flight I was off on the short flight to Edinburgh.
Even though I was again in an aisle seat I got a glimpse of the red Firth of Forth rail bridge and the new rail bridge, as we came in for landing. I was really here! I had meticulously planned how I would get to my Airbnb from the airport but as meticulous plans go they sometimes fall apart. I couldn’t find where to get the bus following my directions it just wasn’t there. The tram was though, and I’m not shy to ask directions so soon I was on the tram (£6 from airport) and got off at Haymarket station. I went into the station as I couldn’t see the road I was looking for. By this time the info booth was closed so I asked at a coffee kiosk right beside it. The bloke got a funny look on his face and then said well....how do you spell that? Dalry is pronounced Dal-rye and I was saying Dal-ree. I was soon on my way, a 10minute walk to my Airbnb. I remembered I was to ring the trade bell but not the rest of the instructions (can’t tell you what they where as Then they’d have to change the instructions and they really are good) . I wondered how long I’d have to wait? I walked around the building , and a fellow sitting in his car looked at a lost soul dragging a suitcase and got out to help me. He offered to phone Ollie ( my host) and I got the rest of the instructions which I suddenly remembered.....jet lag is my excuse. All was well and I was soon in my lodging. I have the whole flat to myself, it is really nice, comfy and has everything, full kitchen, beautiful new bathroom in my favourite colour....white! Complete with heated towel rack. I find they are pretty standard in British homes. I unpacked a little and sat on the bed looking out to a balcony with flowers.....no sooner had I sat down than the squirrel parade started! Seemed like at least 5 were racing back and forth across the railing, and then one caught another and a bit of mating went on. I posted a photo on Instagram, I haven’t mastered photos on my blog yet!
I rested up till Ollie, my host arrived home from work then with another look at maps I ventured out to walk to Princess Street. It seemed like a long way but I did make it, took a few pictures of the castle in early evening light, and the beautiful old graveyard by the church. Ollie was telling me the Royal Infirmary Hospital (where I was born many moons ago) has been turned into luxury flats! The hospital was beside the aforementioned graveyard.....close proximity for medical students back in the day to rob the graves for cadavers!
I went into a book store that was prominently showcasing The author Muriel Stark, the 100th anniversary of her life. She wrote 22 novels, I was only aware of one that Art Topham gave me as a gift years ago. I’m going to research the stories and pick one to buy.
I hadn’t had dinner yet, stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and decided to get take out from Sainsburys.
All the restaurants looked very full and it would be dark before I would get home. I got some soup, lovely cheese, a bun, a small bottle of wine and of course some chocolates.....oh and bandaids! Yes I have a blister, that’s what I get for buying new shoes for a holiday. The rain was starting to spit as I got close to the flat.
Tomorrow I will do some exploring, a small hike and meet about 10 of my cousins for dinner.
Ta ta and Cherrio the noo! Lassies and lads,
Mur xx
The flight was good, no bumps and I had an aisle seat in a row of four shared with only one other passenger. The flight attendant asked me if I always got asked if I looked like a British actress!? I said no....which one? She said on the tip of her tongue and she’d get back to me! I guess I’ll never know because she never came back!
I landed in London and after a lot of walking to my next flight I was off on the short flight to Edinburgh.
Even though I was again in an aisle seat I got a glimpse of the red Firth of Forth rail bridge and the new rail bridge, as we came in for landing. I was really here! I had meticulously planned how I would get to my Airbnb from the airport but as meticulous plans go they sometimes fall apart. I couldn’t find where to get the bus following my directions it just wasn’t there. The tram was though, and I’m not shy to ask directions so soon I was on the tram (£6 from airport) and got off at Haymarket station. I went into the station as I couldn’t see the road I was looking for. By this time the info booth was closed so I asked at a coffee kiosk right beside it. The bloke got a funny look on his face and then said well....how do you spell that? Dalry is pronounced Dal-rye and I was saying Dal-ree. I was soon on my way, a 10minute walk to my Airbnb. I remembered I was to ring the trade bell but not the rest of the instructions (can’t tell you what they where as Then they’d have to change the instructions and they really are good) . I wondered how long I’d have to wait? I walked around the building , and a fellow sitting in his car looked at a lost soul dragging a suitcase and got out to help me. He offered to phone Ollie ( my host) and I got the rest of the instructions which I suddenly remembered.....jet lag is my excuse. All was well and I was soon in my lodging. I have the whole flat to myself, it is really nice, comfy and has everything, full kitchen, beautiful new bathroom in my favourite colour....white! Complete with heated towel rack. I find they are pretty standard in British homes. I unpacked a little and sat on the bed looking out to a balcony with flowers.....no sooner had I sat down than the squirrel parade started! Seemed like at least 5 were racing back and forth across the railing, and then one caught another and a bit of mating went on. I posted a photo on Instagram, I haven’t mastered photos on my blog yet!
I rested up till Ollie, my host arrived home from work then with another look at maps I ventured out to walk to Princess Street. It seemed like a long way but I did make it, took a few pictures of the castle in early evening light, and the beautiful old graveyard by the church. Ollie was telling me the Royal Infirmary Hospital (where I was born many moons ago) has been turned into luxury flats! The hospital was beside the aforementioned graveyard.....close proximity for medical students back in the day to rob the graves for cadavers!
I went into a book store that was prominently showcasing The author Muriel Stark, the 100th anniversary of her life. She wrote 22 novels, I was only aware of one that Art Topham gave me as a gift years ago. I’m going to research the stories and pick one to buy.
I hadn’t had dinner yet, stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and decided to get take out from Sainsburys.
All the restaurants looked very full and it would be dark before I would get home. I got some soup, lovely cheese, a bun, a small bottle of wine and of course some chocolates.....oh and bandaids! Yes I have a blister, that’s what I get for buying new shoes for a holiday. The rain was starting to spit as I got close to the flat.
Tomorrow I will do some exploring, a small hike and meet about 10 of my cousins for dinner.
Ta ta and Cherrio the noo! Lassies and lads,
Mur xx
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Long Day on the Road Nov.2/17
We left Oklahoma City with Starbucks in hand. The freeway was fast and I was busy observing signs of interest, for instance this is the home of Garth Brooks. We crossed through Chisholm Trail where huge cattle drives on their way from Texas to Kansas, today they move them by truck or train.
Further on down the road things got a little more exciting......we could see a police car, siren going and lights flashing coming up behind us. No worries, we knew we weren’t speeding. Soon we were pulling over and they pulled up behind us. We know to wait in the car till they approach, one officer came to each side of us. We knew too to follow proper procedure, sunglasses off, hands visible on steering wheel for driver. When asked to present his licences Jeff asked for permission to get his jacket from the back seat.....which was granted. The officer on my side asked if we knew why we were stopped. Apparently the “state”on our rear licence plate was not visible and must be visible to,officers from a distance of 50feet. They then queried us about where we were from and what we were doing.....blah blah we told them we were on a big road trip.....and they let us go. As Jeff says, they see two old people and odds are low that we’re up to no good!
On our way again, it’s cotton fields and windmill farms, don’t mess with Texas signs. Yes, we crossed into Amarillo Texas, everything is horsey, cowboy and big. The road is long and straight......and leads into New Mexico, through Alberquerque, we decided to push on a little further and ended up for the night in a place called Gallup. Our hotel upgraded us to a suite, gave us a recommendation for dinner and off we went to Badlands Grill. It was probably the best meal we have had on the entire trip, steak for us both.....Jeff’s a 16oz for the princely sum of $37. and mine a respectable 6oz for $32.
Washed down with Dos Cervasas.
Tomorrow we head for Carefree Arizona where we will enjoy being relatively stationary for the rest of November.
Further on down the road things got a little more exciting......we could see a police car, siren going and lights flashing coming up behind us. No worries, we knew we weren’t speeding. Soon we were pulling over and they pulled up behind us. We know to wait in the car till they approach, one officer came to each side of us. We knew too to follow proper procedure, sunglasses off, hands visible on steering wheel for driver. When asked to present his licences Jeff asked for permission to get his jacket from the back seat.....which was granted. The officer on my side asked if we knew why we were stopped. Apparently the “state”on our rear licence plate was not visible and must be visible to,officers from a distance of 50feet. They then queried us about where we were from and what we were doing.....blah blah we told them we were on a big road trip.....and they let us go. As Jeff says, they see two old people and odds are low that we’re up to no good!
On our way again, it’s cotton fields and windmill farms, don’t mess with Texas signs. Yes, we crossed into Amarillo Texas, everything is horsey, cowboy and big. The road is long and straight......and leads into New Mexico, through Alberquerque, we decided to push on a little further and ended up for the night in a place called Gallup. Our hotel upgraded us to a suite, gave us a recommendation for dinner and off we went to Badlands Grill. It was probably the best meal we have had on the entire trip, steak for us both.....Jeff’s a 16oz for the princely sum of $37. and mine a respectable 6oz for $32.
Washed down with Dos Cervasas.
Tomorrow we head for Carefree Arizona where we will enjoy being relatively stationary for the rest of November.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
November 1st moving on
This morning we got an early start at just after 8, found a stand alone coffee shop in Fayetteville, as there was not Starbucks. We set our gps first to Memphis, it was to be a long drive. Highway 40 as opposed to the mainly secondary roads we had been on for most of our trip.
We saw cotton fields, some already stripped, some still white balls of cotton on the fields. We took a bridge over the Mississippi River into Arkansas then into the state of Oklahoma. Trucks, trucks and more trucks, reminding us of how all those goods get moved around the country. The ugly side of road trips, semis in the fast lane and gas station bathrooms!
We had purchased some cold meat, cheese and crackers so had lunch on the road, with just stops for gas. At one such stop I came out of the bathroom and wondered, where was Jeff? Then I noticed him cleaning the windows of a car at another gas pump, the woman in the car had seen him cleaning our windows and said she would pay him $2 if he would clean hers too! He of course said I’ll clean your windows but you don’t have to pay me......as I came over she proceeded to tell me she was gassing up for a trip tomorrow, where she was going and staying...blah blah blah!
On the road again....we settled for the night in Midwest Oklahoma where there is a large air base. We have been staying in so many best westerns we have again qualified for a free night. A little workout in the gym and a light meal at Chili’s restaurant with a pretty good margarita!
We saw cotton fields, some already stripped, some still white balls of cotton on the fields. We took a bridge over the Mississippi River into Arkansas then into the state of Oklahoma. Trucks, trucks and more trucks, reminding us of how all those goods get moved around the country. The ugly side of road trips, semis in the fast lane and gas station bathrooms!
We had purchased some cold meat, cheese and crackers so had lunch on the road, with just stops for gas. At one such stop I came out of the bathroom and wondered, where was Jeff? Then I noticed him cleaning the windows of a car at another gas pump, the woman in the car had seen him cleaning our windows and said she would pay him $2 if he would clean hers too! He of course said I’ll clean your windows but you don’t have to pay me......as I came over she proceeded to tell me she was gassing up for a trip tomorrow, where she was going and staying...blah blah blah!
On the road again....we settled for the night in Midwest Oklahoma where there is a large air base. We have been staying in so many best westerns we have again qualified for a free night. A little workout in the gym and a light meal at Chili’s restaurant with a pretty good margarita!
Oct 31/17 Halloween in Lynchburg Tennessee
We left Kingsport , found a Starbucks a ways down the road, it is about 4 1/2hours to Lynchburg Tennessee. The countryside is very pleasant, large properties in the towns we pass through, very well kept. Graveyards are present in all the churchyards, well tended with lots of floral arrangements, mostly plastic. This is moonshine country, Chattanooga, Tallahassee, Tulahola. We see signs to the Davy Crockett homestead.
We arrive in Lynchburg and it is about lunchtime. We go into Lynchburg Fixin’s, as we enter the girl calls out Y’all set where u’all like, the tables are Formica topped, chairs are chrome, totally fifties diner style, not fancy, its always been like this, it is not a reproduction!
Lynchburg exists because of Jack Daniels Whiskey.
We see a sign for Jack Daniels tours .....”there are road trips, and then there are pilgrimages” another proclaimed “Jack Daniels, every drop, made right here, welcome to the source”
Before we took the tour we visited the Jack Daniels House.....this house is only for Squires or for purchasers of a full barrel of Jack Daniels. Jeff is a Squire, nominated by his friend Preston Westmoreland. We took a few photos and then went to the visitor area to sign up for a walking tour. Jeff as a Squire was “welcomed home” and exempted from the tour Fee.
A little history......
Jack Daniels was the 10th born child in his family, his mother died in childbirth, his father remarried and Jack and his stepmother did not see eye to eye. Jack left home age 6 to live with the Green family, where he learns to distill at age 7. Members of the Green family are still employed in the business today. Jack registered his distillery at age 16, it was the first ever registered in America.
Jack died at the young age of 61, he kicked his safe early one morning when he had forgotten the combination, resulting in a broken toe, left unattended it became gangrenous and although he had subsequent amputations it eventually killed him months later. The business went to his nephew Lem who worked with him, but was shut down in prohibition for 30 years. Lem’s sons who inherited the business sold it in 1953 for $20 million to the Browns who still own it today.
A couple of other interesting facts .......all the JD in the world is made right here in Lynchburg, a dry country where you cannot purchase a drink or consume one. The whiskey is fermented 4-7 years and aged in Oak barrels which are only used one time then sold all over the world.
Lastly, the 620 employees in Lynchburg each receive a bottle of Old no.7 on the first Friday of every month.....they call it Good Friday !
A very interesting tour which we highly recommend. We moved on down the road to Fayetteville for the night. Finished our day with dinner at Tammy’s Outback.....a bizarre bar where Halloween costumes were in vogue....everyone seemed to know everyone else......good people watching!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)