So I happen to get up earlier this morning and got two emails and a facebook post from an surveyor buddy. Said he's in north Atlanta area heading to FL and would stop by for a visit. North Atlanta is pretty big swath but since he said he's heading to FL I figure he's on the I-75 corridor. He left a number so I called a bit ago and come to find out it's none other than Shelby Griggs and he's only about 10 miles away in Cartersville, GA where he parked it for the night. If I'd known that, I would have him just come by and stay here. No need for the roach motels! Last time he visited was when I was still up in the NC mountains and well over 2 hours out of his way to come by - but he did.
He's not in his old survey rig (quite impressive and well equipped) this time. Apparently the rig he's in would be way to big for my residential street. Unless it 18 wheel tractor-trailer rig it's not. But if he's not comfortable bringing here that's OK. I already told him where to park it and I'd just walk over (less than 1/2 mile).
Given the times of the notifications/emails I figured I'd better call right quick so as to not miss a visit. Hell, I woke the man up out of deep sleep. Said he drove about 500 miles coming from St. Louis yesterday and didn't rack-out till about midnight. Wish I'd known he's nearby. I'd put him up for the night, or several, and save that roach motel money for another time. I ain't got much to offer but it's welcome to weary travelers if needed anytime I can be of service. He'll be calling back in a couple hours after getting more woke up.
Maybe I should put my phone number back in my profile so as to make it easier for the next perambulating visitor that should wander by yon doorway to contact me.
Then again, since I don't normally have my phone ringer on does it matter. [thinking to myself] "sure, they can leave a message and/or email."
I hope he stops by none the less. Last out of state visitors I had was Mom and step-dad about 6 years ago. Mom is now dead so I don't reckon she'll be coming by again.
Now how cool is all of that? One of the messages came through this site. Then he got me through facebook.
I hope to have a good meet - again.
E
Shelby is a great guy. I hope you boys have a good visit.
Shame on you!
Instead of jabbering away you should be making up sweet tea, lard'en up the skillet for catfish and hush puppies, and fixin slaw and corn bread.
Dam that sounds good, can I come eat with y'all? 😉
Y'all have a great visit!
> Shelby is a great guy. I hope you boys have a good visit.
Indeed! He is a good guy! Someone that goes 2 hours out of their way just come meet little ole me after I tried to talk him out of it.... hell yeah.
That was something like about 10 years ago when that happened. I hope to see him again soon - couple hours or so.
Have you done anything more with my little program?
E
> Shame on you!
>
> Instead of jabbering away you should be making up sweet tea, lard'en up the skillet for catfish and hush puppies, and fixin slaw and corn bread.
>
> Dam that sounds good, can I come eat with y'all? 😉
>
> Y'all have a great visit!
Shame on me how????
I only got the message(s) this morning around 0600 hours. I can't/won't do catfish (don't like it myself). But, I could set him to a plate of steak & eggs and hashbrowns. No problem. Only have one steak but he's welcome to it.
Oh and by the way I have a pitcher of sweet tea at all times.
Super sweet corn is in the freezer.
"Only have one steak but he's welcome to it."
And that's Southern Hospitality at its finest! 🙂
I have not. I hope to coordinate some more observations this fall/winter.
I spread the word about your program to anybody who might use it.
Thanks!
> "Only have one steak but he's welcome to it."
>
> And that's Southern Hospitality at its finest! 🙂
I thank you for recognizing that. Wish more people felt the same.
Please post photos.
What a great visit. My internet phone f... ed up and last email said he was at the Waffle House - so I headed out super fast.
And... there he was!!! Sorry Brad, no pics. Maybe next time. I did get a tour of his new rig. Holy Crap!!! What a beast.
Anyway, we did meet up. He had a coffee and me with ice tea (Southern of course) and had a burger. After a couple hours of it he was ready for the road.
We talked about all manner of stuff. Many fellow friends were mentioned of course.
I think I seriously under estimated that walking distance. Time for a nap!!
Eric, it's nice you got to visit with Shelby. He's a good guy, salt of the earth. And being a dyed in the wool Oregonian he's independent as a hog on ice.
> Eric, it's nice you got to visit with Shelby. He's a good guy, salt of the earth. And being a dyed in the wool Oregonian he's independent as a hog on ice.
I agree with all that. By golly, someone goes 2 hours out of their way to come meet me in person up in the NC mountains and come 10 years later finds me out here in GA and wants to visit.... plus he's been on the road for several days and buys me lunch.... you betcha!! I'd go work for/with him anytime and anywhere - just because.
Why I didn't get pics of us, well I don't have a cell phone or camera and never thought about asking him to do so.
We did talk a little surveying none the less. Between the Waffle House and where his rig was parked is a county line. Not many know exactly where it is but I happen to. Of course I had to point that out when we walked over the county line. I guess you could say we visited in 2 counties on the same day.
I imagine he's about half-way to JAX, FL by now.
God's speed and safe travels my friend!
Sounds like a great visit.
> Sounds like a great visit.
Indeed. Wish I could have been there for there Effingham meet up.
Good visiting with you again Eric, I holed up in Tifton tonight, last truck wash that I know of before Jacksonville and so will get that done before tackling the last 160 miles or so in the morning. Major screwed up traffic in Atlanta today, but I suspect that is about normal, came on one accident right after it happened, didn't look bad, then there was miles of backup on 75 SB, heard a big rig involved at least, I finally got off at the exit before the accident scense and detoured around on the 675, I think that cost aabout two hours all together.
Florida folks, I am going to be in Jacksonville area M-W, then not sure after that, I may update here later, if you are near JAX and want to meet we could have a mini beer legger...
Roll north up to SC/NC toward the end of the week and will be in Greensboro, NC for something like the 26-27 and then back over to Springfield, IL, won't have much time on that leg, leave NC one afternoon and have to be in IL the next morning, I will have a co-driver on that trip running all night...
SHG
I'll be in Atlanta August 30th for a minor event at the dome. However, I looked up Acworth and see that it's not much closer to it than I am in Birmingham.;-)
