First date since we moved to Georgia

Kennesaw wood

It has been 5 months since we have been out in public sans children, so Friday night we happily left the kids with Emily (whose little brother is in Songbird's class at Monday school), and drove two miles up the road to quiet downtown Kennesaw. We found a place to park, and walked the streets, taking note of the shops and businesses scattered along Main Street. I was surprised by a thrift store I've never noticed before, so we went inside, looking for treasures. We happened upon two 1967, beautifully bound George MacDonald fantasies, The Light Princess and The Golden Key, both of which we do not own and have never read to the children. They are illustrated by Maurice Sendak, in great condition, and cost $1 each.

Happy with our find, we tucked the books away snug in the car, and continued by foot through the town. We came upon a park which we have visited with the children on another occasion, but being alone we decided to venture inland, discovering several small grassy fields, and a few wooded trails. The most remarkable things about the park were the enormous oak trees sheltered within. I am sure they have seen such changing terrain in their lifetime. We even saw a big whitish bird swoop down in front of us, but we were both so surprised we didn't get a good enough look to determine owl or hawk. Either way, it was no doubt a magical bird, perching and swooping amidst old, magical oak trees, in the interior of a magical wood. In fact, I am not entirely sure that if I were to return with the kids the fields and paths would exist at all.

As it was growing darker, we turned back to the town and headed to one of a few local restaurants, the Trackside Grill. Together we had corn muffins, coffee, salad, catfish, meat, and remembered and dreamed until the clock struck 6:30. Then it was back home to tuck the little ones away for the night... 

The next day Hubry read both books to the kids - and they could not get enough.