GEORGIA ON MY MIND!

Thursday, January 29, 2026
Canton, Georgia-the home of cousins Melissa and Mike
40F, sunny

It was a long 8 hour drive from St. Augustine to Canton, Georgia, north of Atlanta. Somehow we can make a 6 hour drive into an 8 hour drive without much thought. Rest stops, Buc-ee’s, I have no idea what we do that makes that happen.  We passed by pecan shops straight from the tree farm to my dismay. I wanted to stop. We shared a BBQ pork sandwich from Buc-ee’s, and did not hydrate enough, as usual.  Housing and business development, pastures, cows, horses, goats, all along the way.

Light traffic compared to Charlotte/about 3 p.m.

Going south was busier/I-75

Atlanta!

We found Mike and Melissa’s lovely home quite easily. They downsized from a 4800 sq. ft. home nearby, to this 2400 sq. ft. one level home two years ago.  The house overlooks a lake.  They were originally from Michigan, just north of Toledo. Melissa’s dad was my first cousin on my father’s side.  We share the love of travel, and they travel more than we do.   They love history, art, cruising, and land tours, just as we do.

 

First on the agenda was dinner, so they took us to one of their favorites, Dive Southern Coastal Kitchen that had fabulous food.  My first choice was fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.  The best fried chicken I have eaten in eons. TK ate a little lighter—a fried chicken sandwich.  We were starving.    https://divesoutherncoastalkitchen.com/

TK, Janie, Mike, Melissa

at Dive Southern Coastal Kitchen

Canton, Georgia

After dinner, Mike drove us by their first home in Georgia, and it looked a lot like the Whispering Woods area in Erie. Back at their home, they showed us all of their art from places they have visited, and a video of their trip to Italy in 2025.  They said they do not leave their home when there are snow and ice. Obviously they know how to drive in such weather, but Georgia natives do not.

 

TK’s Takes:  Getting around Atlanta at 3:30ish wasn’t bad at all. He never wants to venture downtown though.

 Aside: Happy First Birthday to Great Nephew Archie!!!!