Heading Home

Here's a mental health tip for you: every now and then hit the road, get out of town. It really helps and heals to leave your everyday surroundings and expose yourself to new sights, sounds, smells, and tastes and mingle with new people from other areas of the country and world.

Though it rained all weekend in southwest Virginia, we made the most of it. We briefly visited Smith Mountain Lake, but it poured. On our way back to Roanoke, we stopped for lunch at the Mayberry Diner - a diner in the middle of a field...featuring a drive-in theater. 




The ambiance was fun - 1950s America. The food was great. I had waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, eggs, bacon, and of course...coffee.

After we ate, I had my fortune read. (This is a first for me!) Apparently, what I lack in success, creativity, and luck, I make up for with friends, health, and...romance!

Next, at the request of my youngest daughter, we visited the Mill Mountain Zoo. The zoo sits atop Mill Mountain, adjacent to the Star, overlooking Roanoke. It is a small zoo, but a nice place to spend an hour or so...even in the rain.  

I couldn't resist...

After the zoo, we drove around town; and I really liked some of the neighborhoods!

This morning, we dined at Thelma's Chicken & Waffles for brunch. By the way, if you are ever in Roanoke, Virginia, you must stop here! The chicken is so juicy and fried in a batter that is out of this world! And the waffles are fab!!!

After Thelma's, we headed home...

...via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yes, in spite of the absurdity in Washington, DC right now, one can still drive on this gorgeous National Park highway.

On the ride home, the clouds parted and the sun finally came out. It was a gorgeous end to a fun and relaxing holiday weekend!

Hope you all had a nice weekend too - and hope you have a fabulous week ahead!