Family Reunion
Today was Day 2 of the Hassell/Tarkington Family Reunion in Hickman County, TN. Mom and I drove down here from NJ on Thursday - we got a late start and were forced to stop early outside Roanoke, VA because of nasty rainstorm that dumped 3.25 inches of rain on us. One truck that we came across in the rain had a sign on the back that said "Do Not Hump". I took a picture and I will post it here or on myspace. We also saw a tractor trailer cab towing another cab - the one being towed was backward, so that it must have scared a few people coming up behind it looking like it was coming towards them. Mom drove from 11:30am till about 7pm that day. Because the rain was so bad and we were making a pitstop for gas and a bathroom, we saw a Dollar General and stopped. I got Ramen noodles on sale (i didn't know there was such a thing) for 6 for a dollar.
Yesterday, we got up bright and early (a killer 7 am) and set off for our destination. We got on the road (read: interstate) by around 9:30ish. It would have been earlier but we needed breakfast and we had to hunt a bit for it. We found delicious food at a local Bojangles. To all my northern friends, it's a fast food restaurant with two things we don't have: southern and quality food. I drove from when we left motel in Virginia until we got to our hotel in Hickman County, which was around 6pm central time. It was weird crossing time zones by car - I think that's the first time I've done that. Anyway, I drove more than 9 hours straight - which is another record for me. It gives me a bit more confidence that I'll be able to do it next year cross-country. We hit no less 3 traffic jams on the way down. Unfortunately, the last one was less than 10 exits from our destination, over a half an hour long, and the result of a Tennessee State Trooper being hit and killed by another vehicle while he had stopped a trucker. After we got in, we went to one of the local cousin's house for a meet and greet type thing that went from about 7:30pm until around 10:30 or 11. Coming back, we made a wrong turn and had to get back on the interstate. Down here, there's at least 5 miles between exits so it took us a while to get to the next one, turn around, and get our asses back.
Today, Saturday, we went over to Tarkington's General Store, which is way out in the middle of nowhere. And it is literally a general store selling everything from clothes (cowboy boots, jeans, hunting vests, shirts, pants, etc) to regular household staples (food and non-food). I have no freaking clue how they stay in business because where they are is the why they invented the word boondocks. There aren't paved roads for miles. But we had a good time. We bullshitted with the family and said the Hassell Pledge in Hassell's creek with RC Cola and Moonpies. Unfortunately, I have to watch what I say cuz they're all Southern Republicans and I'm outnumbered as a Northern Democrat, at a minimum, 50 to 1. I met the family, got pictures, etc. etc.
Ryan, if you read this before I get back, I've been trying to call you but only get the answering machine. I tried to catch you online too, but when you were online, I got your away message, then you signed off. I've got a hotel with internet access, so if I'm online, I'm here!!!