Tuesday April 14 & Wednesday April 15

Tuesday
It was a cloudy day today and fairly humid. We headed for Raleigh, about an hour and a half away, to have lunch with Andrea Sprinkle and her husband. They have a much longer drive than us. We were meeting at the Cheesecake Factory!

We arrived about five minutes before noon so excellent timing. Andrea and her husband were waiting in the front and came through as we came in the entrance through the Mall. 

It was lovely to meet yet another chatter and we had an enjoyable meal in great company. I had to take some Cherry Cheesecake home with me, so bad for me, but it is my favourite!

We made our farewells and headed home. We had another good run through and arrived home nice and early. I had washing and ironing to do as well as write my blog for Monday. We had not been home that long when the black clouds we had seen decided to let their contents loose on us. It was very heavy rain and went on for some time, I am glad we got home when we did.

Terri and I had our cheesecake for supper, It was as scrumptious as I remember and I had a nice cup of tea to wash it down. I finished uploading pictures into my blog and Terri, bless her, did some of my ironing.

Wednesday
I had a nice long cuddle with Autumn when I woke up before I finally made it to my breakfast. I stripped my bed but pulled the cover up so Autumn could sleep in her favourite place. 

I then finished my ironing and then my packing. When I went back to my room I found Roo on the bed with Autumn!

We were going to leave about 12.30 and have lunch somewhere, nice one! I made my farewells to furries in the back room and then made the rounds of the house cats, taking a few more photos on the way. 

Autumn was sulking under my bed so I did not get to give her a final hug! I do so hate leaving places and it was not long enough but all being well I will return, probably in June next year.

We made good time to Wilson and we headed for Applebees using Google Maps. I am so pleased I got a SIM card in and a data plan, it is good to have the Internet while on the road. Lunch was good, I had the rib basket and they were so very tender and tasty.

On the way to the railway station I found us a Starbucks, just a slight detour, so Terri and I had coffees. 

We found the station and I checked the status of train 79, no surprises it was running late. As we waited it got progressively later, it was to follow another train, 89, that was also late.

I went to check in and discovered I could check my large bag in so I did that, a real pain to cope with three bags! A very long freight train passed through as we were waiting and, finally, 89 arrIved. Not long before it was due to leave a car appeared on the tracks not too far in front of the train. It was on the track where there was no crossing so goodness knows what the idiots thought they were doing!

Meanwhile, train 79 arrived and pulled up not far behind 89, never seen that before. I took a photo and then proceeded to let car drivers, held up as the train was on the crossing, know what had happened so they could find another way to their destination if they could, lol!

Finally, the police and a tow truck arrived, the tracks were checked and 89 departed. 79 pulled up and we prepared to board so it was big hugs to Steve and Terri and then all aboard. I managed to attract their attention so was able to wave to them as we pulled out.

I had a fabulous time with Steve and Terri and all 23 of their four legged friends. They are wonderful and generous hosts and I now know what southern hospitality means. We had a lot of fun and laughter along the way! Steve had taken some time off work so he could take me to different places, I really appreciated this!

They opened their home to me, as so many have, and there are no words to truly express how this makes me feel. I just know that I feel truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life, those that I have met as well as those I have not! I also enjoyed meeting some of Terri's family including her daughter Sarah who, I hope to see more of next time, and all being well, there will definitely be a next time!

As I write this, it is raining and my eyes are also leaking! "Il Divo" probably not the best to listen to in this, bittersweet, mood, lol! The train has been really moving  along as they try to catch up some of the lost time. At least the train has WiFi, so I can save on my data plan, lol!

Train travel has its moments!! Guy sat down, wanting to chat but I had my ear plugs in listening to music and needed my space. Then a guy behind was talking about something at the top of his voice, I had to turn the volume up, lol!

The train finally arrived about 9.20 pm, one hour and ten minutes late. Much of this time was lost at Wilson with the car on the track.

Ann, a friend of Irene's had driven her over and Irene came into the station as I was waiting for my checked baggage. It was so good to see her again! It was a very wet night and quite cool. Once home, we sat and chatted for a while, Sneakers came over to see me so it would appear she remembers me, lol! After unpacking some gear I had a shower and went to bed, I was tired but happy to have arrived safely at my next destination.