Charlotte NC

What a pleasure to visit the Cooleys in Charlotte! They had a luxurious new guest room for us and lots of good food and libations. April showers poured down the first day we were there, but Cousins Bailee, Len and Corby dropped by and brought us much cheer. In the evening we had a reunion with friends from our golf tour of Ireland in 2006.  Jim’s new bar captured the spirit of that trip and the joy of getting friends together again.  We even learned the official toast of North Carolina:

Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine, The summer land where the sun doth shine, Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great, Here’s to “Down Home,” the Old North State!

The next day was perfect for Jim and Steve to play in the Member-Guest tournament at Quail Hollow Club. Allene and I visited neighbor Kate who was hosting Karen and Van and their grandson in her amazing playroom. Daughter Jessica joined us to review last summer’s photos from Scotland and to visit the Mint Museum and other icons in downtown Charlotte. Dinner at the Club that night introduced me to the “Hummer,” a delicious dessert drink of ice cream and liqueurs.  On Saturday we visited Davidson College, then started our journey to Beaufort SC. The guys won second prize in their flight. Here is a gallery of photos to click on.