Jolene's Maiden Voyage

 So this past May I took my first road trip in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee, affectionately dubbed "Jolene" by my two adventurous, creative and totally amazing grown daughters.  Naming our vehicles is a three generation tradition begun by my mom decades ago.

Not only was it Jolene's first road trip, but was also my first time visiting Myrtle Beach, SC.  It was a solo adventure, (as is most often the case these days), but was a refreshing and fun time.  Jolene served me well as we travelled through six states, stopping in Virginia for a couple of days to take in some sights and (winery) experiences.  

After sleeping in the first morning in Virginia I ventured up the steps and into a local winery, where I found the welcoming lobby and a young host.  I requested a tasting of their offerings and she escorted me to a large room with hand hewn wooden beams and chandeliers that hung over a long U-shaped bar.  There I was greeted by a young, very pretty brown-skinned lady with a warm smile.  Turns out her name is the same as my youngest daughter - even the spelling was the same!  She was friendly and kind, making me feel welcome.

She made her recommendations and I chose a flight of white wines, which she prepared and suggested that I may like to enjoy them on the wineries wrap-around porch.  This was a no brainer for me!  I headed for the porch and sat down at a table facing their luscious gardens.  The winery itself stood on a hill, far from any traffic below.  It was so therapeutic sipping delicious wines under the shade of the huge trees that surrounded the property, taking my time for a change.

From there I retreated to my hotel room and relaxed while planning my excursion for the next day.  For dinner that night I didn't want to venture far and found a nice family style restaurant.  The host there also turned out to be my server, and I lucked out again.  She was polite, attentive and quite young.  I found myself wondering about the lives of the people I had met that day, wondering if they were happy, healthy, and if they were loved.  I hoped so.

I had decided to go to the botanical gardens which was only a 20 minute drive from my hotel.  It's something I try to do whenever I go to a new place.  I've always been enamored of the beauty of flowers and things that grow out of the ground.  I had an uncle who had a stunning yard with manicured beds filled with all kinds and colors of flowers like roses, peonies and Asiatic lilies.  There was also a group of tall hollyhocks in assorted colors that brightened the view out of his kitchen window.  I remember there was a double swing in his yard that my grandmother and I would partake of on warm sunny days.  I digress...

The botanical gardens were massive, much more than I could walk in just one visit. What I did see however was magical.  It wasn't only the botanicals that fascinated me, but the hardscape as well.  There brick arches, wooden trellises, obelisks with deep purple clematis climbing upon them, reaching for the sun and it's brightness - no doubt.  Since I love to build things exploring places like these give me tons of ideas!  Walking along the fine gravel path through the gardens I happened along an adorable sculpture of a squirrel eyeing an acorn on the ground.

After another good nights sleep (as good as it can be away from home) Jolene and I set out for our final destination...my brother's new home.  I hadn't seen him since his move about 10 months before.  It was longest I'd gone without seeing him since he was in the military when I was little.  I had missed him and was looking forward to seeing him and his wife and their new house, and daily walks on the beach of course!

As I got closer and closer to the coast the smell of the air shifted from the grit of the highway to the fresh, saltiness of the ocean; and this girl was more than ready to experience it in every way possible.  

It had been a long, cruel winter back home this year and shoveling snow, and then unburying poor Jolene from under the heavy piles of that white stuff was not how I wanted to start my days...believe me.  Sore, screaming muscles hounded me for much of the season too.  

But this is vacation time!  As I drove down my brother's street, he and my sister-in-law were out in front smiling. This would be my home for the next five days, and I was delighted.  They met me with hugs and then we went inside for the tour.  Jolene stayed parked in their driveway until our departure five days later.  My brother drove me to all the popular places - all close to the beach of course.  He and his wife also took me to the best places to dine, ones that they had already checked out for great food and service.  I ate and I ate and enjoyed every mouthful, and especially the company of my two fellow diners.

I met some of their new friends, fellow inhabitants of this quaint 55 and older community.  They were all just delightful, and heartily invited me to relocate nearby when I retire in a couple of years.  Their warmth, humor and kindness makes it hard to resist.  That, daily morning walks with their dog and evenings out on the porch too.

For now though I'll take the memories home with me...until next time.