A Ray of Sunshine (Part Two, After Amy)

Monday was the first real day of Amy and Amelia both being with us.  Amy had requested fried chicken so that is what we fixed for lunch on Monday.  We had fried chicken, fresh corn, fresh peas, and fresh okra.  Amelia prepared her specialty, corn muffins, and we had peanut butter pie for dessert.  We ate a lot and then rested some and ate a little more.  We needed nourishment because we were going on the Pirate Cruise at Panama City Beach.

The Pirate Cruise exceeded all our expectations.  The crew assumed all responsibility for entertaining the children on board leaving the adults to enjoy the boat ride at sunset.  There were water pistol fights, sword fights, contests, dancing, face painting, dolphin sightings and sunken treasure.  This was well organized and so much fun that Amelia asked could we go again the next day.  The souvenirs and refreshments from the concession stand were reasonably priced and we were well pleased with the value we got for our money.

After two hours at sea we were all hungry so we stopped by Five Guys for a late supper.  Even Amelia was hungry and stated about her grilled cheese, "This is delicious!"  I will point out that Amy thought almost until time to go that this was a dinner cruise.  (I think this proves that she doesn't always listen when I'm telling her things.)

The next day we met some of our favorite relatives at Apalachee Restaurant in Bristol for lunch.  Aunt Winifred, Nieces Leigh and Lily, Lily's friend, and Winifred's mother, Ms. Catherine joined us for some fried chicken and fried fatback plus some good conversation.  (If you don't know what fatback is, then you must not be from the south.  Just know that fried fatback will not be on the diet for anyone watching their cholesterol.)  Following lunch, Amy and Amelia spent the afternoon visiting other relatives who live locally.

Winifred and her mother have a beautiful relationship.  Ms. Catherine is in her ninety's and Winifred is her primary caregiver.  Beyond that, Winifred enjoys being with her mother and asked if she could join us for lunch.  I think that is great that they are best of friends as well as mother and daughter.  We were delighted to see her again.  Amelia took to her right away giving her lots of hugs before we left.

Wednesday we had another girls' day and went out for Mexican food and a movie.  We went to see Tomorrowland which was not that great even if it did have George Clooney and Hugh Laurie in it.  If fact it was so blah that I think we all forgot about it by the time we left the theater.  We picked up ribs for supper on the way home.

Paw-Paw made his girl hot chocolate every morning she was with us.  When Amy offered to fix it for her, she refused saying that she wanted Paw-Paw to make it.  When Amy got up the mornings she was here, Amelia told her, "Will you ask Paw-Paw to make me some hot chocolate?  And will you ask him to bring it to me in bed?"  (And he did!)

Thursday as Amy and Amelia packed and readied themselves for the trip home, I fixed pancakes and bacon for Amelia one last time.  And as they drove away, the following song was playing in my head:

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away

Wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away

And I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know,
Hey, I oughtta leave young thing alone
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away.