Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Farewell Atlanta. Farewell Atlantans.

It’s not really a synonym for “goodbye”, not even a high brow version of “peace out”.  And it doesn’t connote the ominous, fate-filled element of parting ways that it is often observed.  To us, farewell is a more affectionate term associated with one’s leave taking; an exhortation to simply “be well”.  So over the fourth of July weekend this year, we wished the many people and places of Atlanta a fond farewell.

True to form, the weekend was very busy.  We have a year end picnic with Drs. Newman and Biousse with the current and future fellows.  Aimee is pictured below with Daniela (and Noah) and their new Emory apparel. 

Aimee and Daniela in their new gear

We had brunch at Murphy’s one last time with Daniela, Matt, and Noah.  The crab cake benedict was a great way to go out.

Aimee and I with Daniela, Matt, and Noah at Murphy's (Farewell Brunch)  IMG_0203
Dinner with Jordan and Skyler at Iberian Pig.  You can’t beat a place with the best old fashioned I’ve ever had, amazing pork cheek tacos, and a waiter like Mason who challenges us to ask the questions, “is there such a thing as too big a red [wine]?” and “seriously, how do you feel about pork belly?”

Aimee and I with Jordan/Skyler, and our amazing waiter at Iberian Pig
A farewell lunch at D.B.A BBQ with Aimee, Jeff, and the new “SoCal” Patrick.  We couldn’t pass up one last time to have the sweet potato tots, creamed corn, boiled peanuts (first and last in this case), and their “decent” BBQ.  Quoting Aimee, “It’s all about the sides”.

Aimee and Patrick.  Patrick, why?

Aimee and I with Jeff at Farewell Lunch, No. 2 at D.B.A

Spicy Boiled Peanuts.  Yum!

On Sunday, we celebrated Mass with the IHM community for a final time (at least this time around).  Aimee and I provided a post-Communion solo of Lori True’s Magnificat and had the opportunity to speak with several gracious parishioners after mass.  And after that came Felini’s with the choir.  Thanks to all for helping fill a potential void in our lives by being so hospitable at IHM!  We later enjoyed a nice evening with Michael and Jeff, the dogs, and a bottle of Pinot Noir.

Aimee and I after our last mass at IHM   IMG_0212

Packing up… a nearly empty apartment (wasn’t exactly a comforting thing for Crowley):Empty Apartment
Below is Aimee in front of the Emory Eye Clinic holding her certificate for completing and excelling through her neuro-ophthalmology fellowship.

Aimee with her Emory certificate in front of the Emory Eye Center

And finally one last picture in front of our apartment building before we hit the road for Chicago.

IMG_0218

The drive north was relaxing, pensive, a little sad, and hopeful.  We stopped in Broad Ripple in Indy for a lovely chance to dine al fresca with Crowley in tow before finishing the last leg of the journey home.  So farewell Atlanta, and farewell Atlantans. 

To the friends who have made Atlanta a true home for us this past year, be well.

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