A lot has happened since my last post just a few short weeks ago so this update may seem a little disjointed.  First, the annual Southern Living Big Apple Barbecue was this month.  This is where some of the best barbecue masters in the country bring their “gifts” to NYC.  I love it because most of them come from TN, NC, AL, TX, SC and other places that instantly transport me home.  A little Southern invasion of the North.

It’s like a little slice of paradise in the middle of Madison Square Park.  Not only are the cooks from the South, but the event draws a ton of Southerners that live in the City and brings us together for one special weekend.  Needless to say, it’s a great weekend.

Even more exciting, I had the opportunity to take 4 friends from the City home with me to TN.  Now these 4 friends are real New Yorker’s, born and bred.  I not only took them to TN but introduced them to the way we have fun in the South.  With the help of Kent Holmes (worlds greatest river guide) and Brad Self I introduced them to all the fun a day on the Upper and Lower portions of the Ocoee River can muster.  This after a night spent out in the woods (not quite roughing it but close).  They escaped with only minor damage (smashed knuckle, concussion, major bruises and a few cuts and scrapes). To their credit, they adjusted well and actually had a blast.  All the river people in Polk County welcomed them with open arms (along with a little bit of mischievousness…).  They learned to love the South and appreciate the pace and the people.  The last night, Laura made a great barbecue dinner and we had a nice evening sitting around the fire on my back porch.  After this little adventure, I still think it would be harder for someone from NY to adjust to Cleveland than vice versa.  It truly was a special weekend that will become an annual event.

Even more exciting than that, Conor came back with me and will be staying in NY for the summer working as an intern here.  I can’t tell you how special it is to have family here after a year and a half.  He’s been here two weeks now and is adjusting well.  He and I are having a blast.  I asked him to to give me his thoughts about his first few days living and working in the City.  Here’s what he said in bullet form:

• A lot different from what he thought it would be
• Culture shock
• Enjoys the City
• Misses home, especially all his friends
• Getting comfortable slowly, can move around the City at ease now
• Likes being here, but could never live here
• Enjoys the City

The first weekend he was here, we went out to Governor’s Island, right off the Southern tip of Manhattan for the Porch Stomp bluegrass festival.  That made us both miss home.  There are large houses on the Island that used to house military commanders.  The island was once an army base (1783 – 1966) but has been converted in to a huge park.  Bluegrass and folk bands were playing on the porches of the houses.  The music was great but I just enjoyed spending the day with him.

Getting to show him around and introduce him to the City I’ve come to love has been a huge lift for my spirit.  My daughter Erin and two of her friends are coming this week to stay with us and enjoy the July 4 celebrations in the City.  It will be amazing having two of my kids here for a week.  There’s nothing like family!

Speaking of family, I’ve saved the best news for the end.  I am headed home next week for a few days (special birthday for my Dad) and I’m bringing Laura back with me.  Finally the drought is over.  We’ll be together again full-time in NY.  It’s been way too long and in a few days, I’ll have the love of my life by my side every day.  I may never let her go!  We’ll get to come back to TN in August to move Cassie in to her dorm at MTSU (I can’t believe she’s going to be in college) so our empty nest will be in NYC.  I can’t wait to see Laura, Cassie, Jessica and Chris and my mom and dad next week and Erin this week.  It’s going to be a great summer!