Recently, Robert, and I were in Atlanta for their annual Pride Festival. One morning we ventured over to the always-magnificent Atlanta Botanical Garden.
In addition to over 10,000 pumpkins (!) on display (I’ll block about that a little later), there was a new exhibit, “Enchanted Trees” woven through the garden’s incredible natural landscape.
Here’s one:
Amazing Beauty!
Marveling this morn.
Participating in the Savannah Photo Club’s Third Sunday Photo Walk yesterday, I came across this very mature, dead-looking rambling rose bush.
But as I got closer, i saw a defiant splash of red beckoning me through the branches.
A brilliant late-October duo.
“Old does not mean dead,” they said in unison.
Today’s No Kings Day here in Savannah loudly and colorfully protested Trump’s increasingly dangerous authoritarian moves.
Robert and I joined five thousand other patriotic Americans to say in unison that we have had enough of Trump’s Hitler-esque “leadership.”
My favorite chant at the protest:
“Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like.”
“This Is What Democracy Looks Like!”
It Really Isn’t.
What a peaceful, beautiful, loving, patriotic gathering of folks wanting the best for our nation.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
And that’s my Saturday Evening Post,.
A blog category about finding “interesting decor” in various bathrooms I’ve come across.
So yesterday, Robert and I drove over to Bluffton, South Carolina to attend my daughter Amy’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for expansion of her Savannah- based medical company, Coastal Care Partners.
Afterwards, we had lunch at our VERY favorite fried chicken restaurant on the planet, Cahill’s Market and Chicken Kitchen. (I love its name.)
Cahill’s is a working farm.
At my age, I always pay careful attention to the whereabouts of the nearest restroom.
Restroom? Do you really rest in a restroom?
And here are a few other synonyms for restroom …
Bog?! Jakes?!
Anyway, before leaving Cahill’s and driving back to Savannah, of course I had to visit the, the … garderobe.
And look what I Halloween-y found!
I left the, the … watercloset, relieved and in a bit more of the upcoming holiday spirit.
My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.
1. Fall and chrysanthemums!
2. The ability to smile, even just a little bit, even when we may not feel like smiling.
3. This lone October blossom on a leafless Lily Magnolia tree (aka as Tulip Magnolia or Tulip Tree) that Robert and I saw and marveled at yesterday.
Sometimes you just gotta go it alone.
4. Daughter Amy expanding her Savannah-based medical company across the Savannah River and over into nearby (and beautiful) Bluffton, South Carolina.
HR and I drove over for the ribbon cutting yesterday morn.
Robert and I made it at the very end into the little local news coverage …
The paparazzi will simply not leave me alone.
https://share.google/oQybdqM9iBeJARSbc
5. Robert and some hay.
May you sit in front of a joyful weekend ahead.
Robert and I drove up to Atlanta last weekend for the city’s 2025 Pride Festival and Parade. This year‘s theme was …
So Robert and I joined 999,998 friends on the sidewalks of Midtown Atlanta (two blocks from our neat little Airbnb) to watch seemingly endless bands, floats and various parade entries saunter down Atlanta’s famed Peachtree Street.
If you know, anything about Pride celebrations, you may be wondering why Atlanta Pride is held in October rather than the traditional month of June. It’s a Southern thing: the weather is simply far too hot in June.
There were quite a few political candidates running for various offices marching in the parade. But interestingly enough, all Democrats, not a single Republican bothered to show up and support gay rights.
The parade and the day exploded with joyous fun, camaraderie and much inclusive love.
(Walking through Publix the other day.)
My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.
1. The beauty and importance of FIRE.
2. Reaching 1400 days of meditation (not all in a row!) using the 10% Happier app.
Wouldn’t you think I’d have it a little more together by now?!
3. My toes! Wiggle yours real quick and give them a little “Thanks”.
4. A cute little fellow I saw the other morning just outside our front door.
Look harder!
5. Heading up to Atlanta this morning for Atlanta Pride 2025 over the weekend.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Resistance,” honors what festival organizers say is the layered history of the LGBTQ+ movement, “acknowledging the foundational acts of defiance and courage that have paved the way for current advancements.” wabe.org
“From Stonewall to the present day, we have continually stood firm in the face of adversity, demanding our rights and celebrating our identities,” said Chris McCain, executive director of Atlanta Pride, in a June press release. “This theme is a call to remember our past, acknowledge our ongoing struggles, and empower every individual to contribute to a future where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive, free from fear and prejudice.” wabe.org
What is something you’re very proud about?
NealEnJoy 