bob's your uncle!

When Margie signed on for this trip, her one request was for us to spend two nights in New Orleans. Mostly because I'd never been to NOLA (but also- I suspect- because she loves this place). I have to admit, I was hesitant. I knew I wanted to get to the west coast as quickly as possible, so I could take my time on the Pacific Coastal Highway. I've never been west of Colorado/Wyoming, and I want to explore... did you know there is a RAIN FOREST in the state of Washington!

Live music on Frenchmen St

I digress, I am so effing glad we took our time here. New Orleans has a great energy vibe. Jazz, bluegrass, and all forms of music flood the streets at most hours of both day and night. Last night after I posted, we headed down to Frenchman Street. Our hotel concierge suggested it as a place to find good live music. Eric, the pedicab driver, suggested we order a Sazerac at The Spotted Cat and check out the music there. The music was great and we made new friends visiting from Australia. A Sazerac(generally accepted as the oldest known American Cocktail from Pre-Civil War, NOLA) typically consists of cognac or rye, absinthe, Peychaud's Bitters, and sugar. It will knock you on your ass. It was delicious, I'm just warning you, drink with caution and lots of water. 

Working on Bourbon 
St... yes, working... 
and drinking of course ;)

I understand that most Bourbon street bars are open til 4am, while some don't close. I remember hearing that NOLA smelled bad, but Bourbon Street is the only place that was rank that I visited. I didn't spend much time on Bourbon Street, I guess because it seemed like the kind of party I could find on any night in downtown Athens, but with more hookers. 

Speaking of hookers, late last night, well, this morning (near abouts 3am- headed back to the hotel). I was recruited by a pimp. Apparently, my tshirt, red jeans, and heels suggested I was looking for work (now that I think about it- it was most likely that I was lively at such a late hour).  He was made a good argument for the oldest profession of the world, but I couldn't be convinced.  He certainly didn't convince me he made sure "his people" got home safe, but he did try to introduce me to one of his employees... There’s a first time for everything.

Needless to say, we slept in this morning. From what I understand, not much happens in NOLA before lunch anyways ;) When we finally climbed out of bed and struck out on foot for the French Market area to get a Muffaletta. Its a sandwich with a medley of deli-meats on a roll of muffaletta, swiss and provelone, and this olive...CRACK. I don't know all the ingredients (olives, onions, capers, peppers, spices, garlic and I don't know what else). Just a good sandwich. Its a lot of food too, so take someone to share it with. We picked ours up from General Grocery, reported creator of the Muffaletta 60 years ago. Though I heard Napoleon House has the best muffalato sandwich in NOLA, the General Grocery Muffaletta was delicious! 

Margie and I sat in a mini park near the Grocery with a group of people who said they "weren't homeless, but home free!" We recorded Sara singing one of her original songs, and she was actually pretty good! I'll try to find a way to share her song, it was quite beautiful, and actually suits this trip of mine :) They were friendly and helpful and we hung out until an officer came by to tell us to clear the area.

Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

I checked out Cafe Du Monde (in the French Market) for these famous beignets that everyone was talking about. (The beignets did not disappoint!) I also did a little shopping at the vendors in the market. There is a lot of great art, some of it is local. I suggest you start at the far end of the market and stroll to the entrance, ending at Cafe Du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee. There were street vendors playing music, people singing. I picked up a children's book by a local author for one of my nieces/nephews. Some cajun seasoning for my folks... I found a mascot for my trip- a LEGO Wonder Woman. Now to find a way to adhere her to Welly.

  

Lego Wonder Woman!

We took a carriage ride with Robert and Cadillac from Mid-City Carriages and Tours around the French Quarter. Born and raised NOLA resident, Robert was a wealth of local knowledge. Restaurants he recommended: Gumbo Shop For really good, local food at a reasonable price) and Napoleon House (for Muffalettas). Fun things to do: take a class or shop at New Orleans School of Cooking. Visit Preservation Hall, a historical site which was instrumental in the development of Jazz

Cadillac, our trusty steed, 
already asleep, 30 seconds 
after parking the carriage

Stroll down Royal Street, a fun street to window shop. Hit Maskarade for fun, custom masks.

working while on the 
carriage tour

A little French Quarter and NOLA history:

France claimed Louisiana territory in 1682. After the Seven Years War, the territory was split, part was given to Spain, and the other to Napoleon. Napoleon turned around and sold the territory to us (ha-gettit? oh nevermind) for $15 million US because he was waging an expensive war. That's about 4 cents an acre. Sounds like a good deal to me :)

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

 In 1788 a fire burned 856 of the 1000 or so buildings that made up NOLA, a few years later another fire burned ~200 more buildings. Most of the French architecture burned and the city was rebuilt by the Spanish. You can see the Spanish's influence all over the French Quarter, with the tall windows and doors... One of the buildings with French architecture that survived the fire is Lafitte`s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street. (It's now a bar.)

Jackson Square, the cathedral and
one of the twin Pontalba buildings

the Baroness' other building

Jackson Square, a park in the French Quarter is bordered by the Market, St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continually operated cathedral in the States, and the twin Pontalba apartment buildings. The twin brick buildings were built by Micaela Almonester, Baroness de Pontalba.  She seems like a very shrewd businesswomen, supposedly, these were the first apartment  Margie made the comment that this is a town that has been heavily influenced by women. It certainly seems true. Marie Laveau, (the Voodoo Priestess), another famous NOLA native. She was known for her love potions, and her grave is one of the most visited in the nation.

Zach and his mother :)
 (another cool NOLA female-
she started their shop!)

 Before dinner we headed out to visit the guys out at Transportation Revolution. They are the Ducati (and Vespa/Triumph) dealers here in New Orleans. They have some really cool stuff. If you look in the picture to the right--> behind me there is a bike who's tank was decorated with a Sharpie. It made me want to go get markers and start coloring on my bike. But since I cannot produce anything nearly as cool as that thing, I will just keep collecting stickers :) 

 I got some great advice on roads to ride in the southwestern United States while I was there too! Im looking forward to coming back. Between my experience here in NOLA and Max's invitation, I may come back soon for my first track day. 

 Okay, I could keep writing about this place for hours more, but I need to get to bed. We push off early in the morning for Killian, Texas, so I need some sleep. 

Westbound!
~Amanda Terranova
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"You can't always get what you want"

 I've finally gotten some sleep and feel human again. It's been a busy weekend. I'm starting to look forward to the alone time in my helmet. The bike wash on Saturday was a success :) You can check out the pics below!

 There was a punk rock show at Caledonia Lounge this weekend. One of my friends is a huge fan so I was lucky to get introduced to a fun style of music. And I added a few new local bands to my favorites list. Check out Burns Like Fire and Ganges Phalanges the next time you see them on a play bill.

 I got a gentle reminder this weekend the veterans The Wounded Warrior Project are helping could be (and are) my friends and loved ones. Even though I was raised by two military police officers- I find myself disgustingly ignorant of the challenges facing Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. The veterans of my generation. These guys and gals are my firemen, security gaurds, nurses, tutors, bartenders, fellow students, neighbors, and homeboys :)

 I was also reminded our OIF/OEF Veterans are just like me and nothing like me. They have similar dilemmas as I (Like how does my motorcycle collect so many effing bugs? Did I really forget to pay my cell phone bill? And my aging dog is making me anxious about leaving him for this trip...). But veterans are very different from me in the sacrifices they've made and their life experiences. Most vets have spent months or years away from their loved ones on boats and planes. But mostly alternatively baking and freezing in the desert. Sometimes living in tents with an inescapable threat of death or serious bodily injury every day. So take care of the veterans in your life because they took care of you (in ways we won't ever know or understand).

I spoke to a young, veterans wife this weekend that told me about WWP provided her husband with job training and hooked him up with businesses that were hiring. She told me that they recently took him fishing. She explained exactly how valuable that trip was in reducing his stress level, helping him be a better father, husband, and employee. I'm proud to be raising money for WWP. 

 Your next opportunity to come out and have a good time for a worthy cause is May 16th (from 6pm until 11pm....or midnight... or lets see how the night goes ;) We are organizing a bon voyage celebration at Allison Creek Farm. It will be an intimate setting with lots of laughter and cheers, taking advantage of their pavilion and bar area. A friend of my family is gonna cook up some ribs (I'm thinking about begging Trae up at Kumquat Mae to conjure up some delicious food with her magic.)  But I think we are going to keep it to finger style foods and a wet bar downstairs. You can find the address below but please contact me to get on the list. Anyone is welcome to attend. There will of course be music :) I've started working on a play list for this party.

 Also regarding music, I need a few suggestions for music to listen to on my trip, I'd like to know what y`all listen to while you travel. Maybe I'll do a post about it somewhere along the way.

Bike Wash and Cookout Thanks to:
 Everyone who attended, brought bikes, appetites, and smiles :)
 Arienne, Amy, Rachel donated their time and energy to help me wash bikes (also one Vespa and a Porsche) and collect donations. Thank you, my friends, for being willing to get dirty, and doing the tiring work.
 Bob Suter and DJ Clarke as grillers.
 NPRDucati for the pavement, water, hours invested, promotions, and most importantly expertise, I'm sure I'm forgetting somethi
 Kumquat Mae for the delicious cookies :)
 Cori Carter and Justin Morris for taking pics. 
 My father, my sister, and Duarte for the background support. 

 This endeavor has been another reminder of my amazing support system, not just my family but my invaluable friends. I hope I bring half as much value to your lives as you bring to mine. And thank you for putting up with my energy :) 

~Amanda Terranova
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sugarlips and bikerchicks

 One of the Good Ol' Georgia boys I know just called me "sugarlips," I got a kick out of that :) So, the day is fast approaching when I leave! I took my last final on the 6th, and I started packing this morning (I'll do a separate post on the complete pack list). I need to do some housecleaning and hit the grocery store (/liquor store to stock up for my friends staying at my house). I have a thousand emails to send, you should see my to-do list :( 

My dog checking out the
pile in my living room ready
to pack into saddle bags :)

 I picked up a wrist splint from Care Medical on Prince Ave for $36. My throttle wrist has been giving me some trouble (sometimes the outside of the joint burns SOOO badly). So Ive been trying to rehab it and build its strength before my trip. I switched up my workout routine to include fingertip wall pushups, and planks with fists (instead of on the flats of my hands). I have Ashley Maxwell, a friend and colleague, to thank for the rehab advice- she knows her shit, its really helping!  I also have a Cramp Buster on the way. It is a $9 device that fits around the throttle and lets you maintain speed but releases your grip. I will let you know how well it works. 

 Cramp Buster

 In case you haven't heard- This Saturday (May 10th) a few girlfriends and I are having a Bike Wash from 10am to 2pm at NPRDucati. Come by and let us wash the highway off your bike. Proceeds will benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. We will be firing up the grill for some burgers and hotdogs! So bring a beer or two and hang out for the afternoon :) Also please, please spread the word! I could use your help inviting people. 

 Preparations for the kickoff party at Allison Creek Farm are under way. Keep your schedule clear for the evening of May 16th and I will send out the rest of the information soon! My sister and I are also working on a party at Durhamtown when Margie and I get back so expect those details soon as well :) I am heading to Stagecoach in Buckhead to see a few friends tonight and pick up more donations. So far between pledges and donations we have raised about $5000!!! 

 I've dreamed off and on through the years of getting a license to fly a plane. So when I met a pilot last weekend I enjoyed the opportunity to learn a little bit about the lifestyle. Our conversation left me with the realization that I had no idea what its like to be a pilot. While I am certain that I would enjoy the well-known benefits of a captains uniform (the layovers, chasing sunsets and oh how I love discovering new restaurants- hey I know myself ;) Turns out pilots work A LOT, not to mention the time investment to even get licensed. And its more sunrises than sunsets (which are equally amazing--I just usually sleep through them). I don't think it pays very well, at least in the beginning. Yes, he had some heart thumping stories similar to the ones I find on my motorcycle, but in the end, I think a high altitude life would be too lonely for me. I have deep roots here in Athens. And I like seeing both family and friends often :) Perhaps if I ever find myself with a lot of extra time (and money) it would be a fun adventure. 

 Last night a friend and I checked out Athens Word of Mouth. I really didn't know what to expect, except person after person reading their poems. And I'm happy to report I was impressed with the quality of work our Athens poets produced. The verses were inspiring and captivating. The audience was appriciative of the courage it takes to get on stage and bare your soul. If you like this kind of thing and want to check it out the group meets the first Wednesday of every month at The Globe. You can even sign up to share something you've written.  

 I don't write poetry (I'm still struggling with the idea that I've become a writer), but I want to share my favorite poem from my favorite poet. "To The Not Impossible Him" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. IMO, Millay is one of the most fascinating women of the 20th century. One of the first openly bisexual woman, she lived in NYC during the Roaring Twenties, you've probably heard her "First Fig" (My candle burns at both ends; / It will not last the night; / But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— / It gives a lovely light!).

"To The Not Impossible Him"

HOW shall I know, unless I go
  To Cairo and Cathay,
Whether or not this blessed spot
  Is blest in every way?
Now it may be, the flower for me
  Is this beneath my nose;
How shall I tell, unless I smell
  The Carthaginian rose?
The fabric of my faithful love
  No power shall dim or ravel
Whilst I stay here,–but oh, my dear
  If I should ever travel!

---->  Here's a hint, reread it- because it's not about travelling at all, it is about men.      

Until next time, 
~Amanda Terranova

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Bike Wash for WWP

Bring your bike for a wash this Saturday (May 10th) to NPR Ducati! Me and a few of my girlfriends are going to be scrubbing bikes and collecting donations from 10a-2p. There will be food near lunchtime :) Most likely burgers and such! Come hang out, eat, and ride a clean bike home (but bring your checkbook ;).

Facebook event page can be found HERE.

I borrowed this pic from ducati.org. Thanks guys!

Funds raised benefitting my Motochicks for The Wounded Warrior Project fundraiser, which you can learn about by clicking this link. 

Please spread the word! And contact me if you have any questions or suggestions! 

~Amanda Terranova 

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Facebook: FromTheRefuge
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Youtube: Amanda Terranova

"the cycle of our souls"

ERMAHGERD!
FRSH PRVD RD!

 A road between The Refuge and my office is getting a fresh layer of asphalt and I am SOOO EXCITED about it. Yesterday I had to wait for 10 minutes for a pilot car to follow through the road construction. I bounced enthusiastically in place on my bike while I passed the time, not even caring about the wait. Daydreaming about the smooth, flat road they were creating :) and how I will soon be meandering down it. 

The much anticipated new brewery downtown is finally open to the public.  Creature Comforts is giving tours and selling samples starting this Saturday at 5:30p (to 730p). They have two other events planned for the same day- the 4th Annual Good Food and Good Beer Block Party (1p-4p). And Slingshot is hosting a Twilight after-party (10p-2a). Both events are in the brewery. Go have a beer, and let me know what you think. I heard on the radio show Athens New Matters they spent $2mil upgrading the building and it shows! 

 Twilight Criterium is this weekend! The road cycling race is a world class event, attracting cyclists from far, far away to try to claim the title. Surprisingly, no one from Athens has ever taken the men's title, but according to the Athens Banner Herald, a few Athenians could possibly win the title this year. The 706 Project is a team based in Athens has David Cueli that looks promising. Also look for Jordan Heimer, Ty Magner, or Frank Travieso, all local favorites. This is one of the few (if not only) opportunity to drink on the streets of Athens, and it is ALWAYS a party. 

 The Dirty Guv'nahs are coming back to town for a sold-out show on Saturday! I highly suggest you take the opportunity to go to this show at The Theatre if you can find tickets (I've had luck in the past just showing up at the door with cash, there is usually at least one person trying to get rid of a ticket). I danced like a fool at their last show and had a grand time. I even bought a tshirt ;)


 The Packway Handle Band, a local bluegrass favorite is playing tonight (Friday) at 40-Watt. Tickets are only $10! I'm gonna try to convince my date that he wants to go. I'm sure it won't be too difficult :) Packway Handle has been playing in Athens since 2001. You don't get to be an Athens staple unless you have real talent. Thankfully, the community here supports our local artists. That's why Athens has been turning out talented musicians for decades.  

 Oh, also, Shawn Mullins is playing at The Melting Point tomorrow. He makes GREAT Americana/singer songwriter music, you may remember him from "Lullaby", which was nominated for a Grammy. His new stuff is AWESOME. 

Have fun, but don't have too much fun ;)
~Amanda Terranova





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It All Began With A...

 Someone FINALLY fixed the inane requirement to reduce your speed on the Loop between the Hwy 78 exit at the mall and North Ave. As of March 17th, the speed limit on the entire span of Loop 10 is now 65 mph.

Heading out of Athens on Chase street, right before you go under the loop, there is a little Mexican restaurant on the right before you go under the bridge. Tlaloc El Mexicano. And, oh my gawd, it was easily the best Mexican food I've had in Athens. When you go make sure you order the pupusas, little pouches of cheese and jalapenos (you can also get them stuffed with pork). They are slap-yo-mama good (love you Mom ;). The service was phenomenal. The owner sat at my table, pointed out his favorites on the menu and helped me find something that perfectly suited my taste buds. A word of caution, it was A LOT of food. When I saw the plate, I planned on eating it over the course of two meals... but instead I ate the whole of it. The exquisite agony of overeating. El Mexicano is now on my list of regular haunts :) It seems like a great place for ladies night next week with my girlfriends-- vegetarian options AND margaritas?!?! YES :)

In case you are wondering Tlaloc is an Aztec rain god ("He who makes things sprout").

 Last night a date took me to UGA's Observatory for their open house. Unfortunately, those who decide things said it was too overcast (admittedly, it was...) to use telescope to gaze at all the fascinating things in the night sky. So instead they had a lecture on basics of astronomy and dark matter. I actually found it very intriguing. I walked away with a new curiosity regarding the way that maths and sciences are inter-connected. In chemistry right now I'm studying the elements and how they interact. The elements I am learning about are made by the stars (well the ones here on Earth WERE made by stars) and somewhere along the edge of the universe elements are being made right now. Gold, Oxygen,... Krypton. Astronomers have been studying the sky for thousands of years; they know some really interesting things. So anyways, I am looking forward to the open houses this coming fall. I want to see Jupiter with my own eyes :) And now I've added a telescope to the list of things I'll buy when I win the lottery. Btw, I am not able to ride away gracefully on my motorcycle when I know someone is watching (last night). I hope I don't fall over when Margie and I kick off for California. Maybe I will at least leave people with a laugh in their heart.

 Two of my favorite local bands have album release parties tonight (Friday): Cicada Rhythm (Caledonia Lounge) and Muuy Bien (The World Famous). You should check them out if you are looking for some fun. Kelly's Authentic Jamaican Food has an event this Saturday (all day). Fester Hagood and others will be turning out some feel good music. I love Fester's work and Kelly's Jamaican Food, so I'm planning on stopping by after work... and before I head to NPRDucati. Apparently the tail light on my motorcycle only works sporadically... which is kinda dangerous when you only have one. Oh, and Twilight Criterium is next weekend, so prepared accordingly!

Me and a few of my loved ones :)

 Lastly, happy Easter everyone! I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones and try not to overindulge on chocolate and jelly beans... or other edibles... Easter is on April 20th this year ;)

~Amanda Terranova

More info:
Athens Banner Herald's article on new speed limit
Tlaloc El Mexicano address:
1225 N. Chase St,  Athens, Georgia 30601
UGA's Observatory- located on top of the physics building on UGA's main campus
220 Cedar St, Athens GA

Blues Skies

 The wisteria is blooming and it smells soooo sweet :) The sweet smells of spring needs to be on your list of reasons to ride your motorcycle to work and leave your car at home. We shouldn't be locked up tightly in cramped travelling boxes when the world smells so sweet and the air is warm and moist on our skin. When I'm riding, and I cannot pick up cell phone calls, alone in my helmet, my only thoughts center around staying safely on my bike... I noticed how truly rich and wonderful the world is. So many things that I worry about are really just not worth my time and they just melt away, and I am free to notice the climbing purple flowers.

 Ladies (and gents too if wineries are your thing), there is a winery about 30 minutes north of Athens! I recently took a friend to Boutier Winery for a birthday celebration; and we had a grand time. The winery is owned and run by a couple, Mary and Victor. Mary has a charming Irish accent; and she provides excellent conversation while she shares her husband's wines with you. You can taste 10 wines for $10 or 6 wines for $6.  I REALLY REALLY liked their Cythiana. A dark, dry red that has a little bit of the peppery spice that I love in my reds, with a marvelous aftertaste.  I also recommend trying their Peach o Peno. Its a Georgia Peach wine that has been cut with jalapeno. The smell burns your nose hairs, but the flavor is worth a taste, unique and unforgettable, not nearly as hot as the smell suggests. Please just remember to bring a designated driver or book a night at the Bed and Breakfast that is on premises.

 While updating my Upcoming Events Calendar yesterday I stumbled across something I wanted to share with my "outdoorsy" readers: The Georgia Trail Summit kicked off yesterday at The Georgia Museum of Art. There are keynote speakers today (Friday), followed by a conference discussing various trail topics like maintenance and promotion. The website says that the committees will also discuss the benefits and types of trails available to those of us who live in Georgia. On Saturday there are "mobile workshops" including hikes "Athens Music History" and "Cook's Trail, according to Cook." There are guided bike rides, paddling adventures, and a horseback ride at Sandy Creek Park. They hilariously say "bring your own horse."

 Other goings-on in Athens this weekend:

       - Ben Taylor, the son of folk rock artists James Taylor and Carly Simon, plays tonight at Melting Point. I love his music, but I'm helping my brother celebrate his birthday tonight. (ily Zach!) Doors open at 8pm, show 18+, Tickets $18/door.
       - Saturday is G-Day. The football game is at 1pm, there are lots of other UGA games. Admission is FREE (I'm pretty sure), but there will be a canned food drive going on benefiting the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
      - Saturday night is a Boybutante Ball at 40-Watt, the theme is "Drag to the Future." These shows are always a riot, and the funds raised go to members in our community with AIDS.

As always, feel free to contact me with upcoming events or new venues I should try :)
~Amanda Terranova

PS Check out "Klimbin" by Don Ross for a bubbly pick me up. I feel like this is the melody of my life these days :)


Useful Info:
Boutier Winery address: 4506 Hudson River Church Rd, Danielsville, GA 30633

Night and Day

 At the NPRDucati party on Saturday I met a man with whom I shared a friend. We were talking about the way we danced at shows with her. We involuntarily started dancing like her, and we danced wildly for a few moments... until a lovely awkward moment when a passerby caught us rocking to imaginary music. I love shit like that :)  Athens has so many people with whom I share a kindred spirit. I am excited to find others between here and the far coast.

 Last night I sound myself in downtown after the dinner rush and before the zombies arrive to party. It had rained all day and downtown was fresh and clean.  I could even smell the fresh air from the trees on Clayton. I will be sad to see them go. I needed to grab some food before heading back to campus to study. My go-to for healthy food on the go, Barbaritos was closed. Pita pit was closed... Downtown was mostly deserted, so I really couldnt blame them for closing early.  I had settled on eating another protein bar when I happened by NONA and saw a young man (dressed like he just got off work from said restaurant) smoking a cigarette and otherwise looking handsome. Knowing that cooks generally know how to eat, I asked him for direction to his healthy food choice. Patrick pointed me to Speakeasy one doorway down on Broad.

 Speakeasy is great for a date night or a small gathering of close friends. However, it gets really loud, so I prefer other restaurants for 4 or more people. The food encourages sharing, with mostly tapa style food. You would think that this wouldnt be enough food, but I've never left Speakeasy hungry. Try the coconut shrimp and the fried asparagus.... and the fondue. Oh the fondue, definitly the chocolate fondue. Last night I got the veggie plate to go. The collards and blackeyed peas were delicious. They even threw in some really good cornbread for me :)

 Tomorrow night (Wednesday at 7pm) is Rabbitbox, storytelling for adults. If you havent given it a chance, you should try it this month. I heard last month they had over 200 people show up to listen. This month's show is at Sandy Creek Nature Center. The theme of this one, "Out On A Limb" hints at some interesting stories already. I will see you there.

Lastly, this weekend Canopy Studio has a show. They teach "flying aireal dance trapeze" students :)  I'm really looking forward to it!

Talk to you soon
~Amanda Terranova

Useful info:
Address for Rabbitbox location this month: Sandy Creek
400 Bob Holeman Rd, Athens, GA 30607

Springtime in Athens

Pastures of Rose Creek 

  There is so much going on in Athens this Saturday--- luckily, the weather is supposed to be an idyllic 75 degrees and sunny :) Okay, so..... The farmer's markets are back!!!! Nowadays farmer's markets aren't just for veggies.  You can find local cheesemakers, soaps, baked goods, flowers... You can buy locally produced meat, I could go on and on. With so many options, farmer's markets are a  fantastic way to support your neighbors and your community. I personally like to pick up a loaf of bread from Cast Iron Bakery. Their bread is dense, and travels well in my motorcycle bag. So when I leave The Refuge in the morning, I wrap up a little cheese to eat with it (so I don't have to choose between starving and spending money on fried fast food). Also, my friend Will Powers usually has delicious grass fed beef (that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND) from his farm, Pastures of Rose Creek, at the Oconee market.  Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park opens 8a-noon this Saturday (and next Wednesday at City Hall from 4p-7p). Oconee's Farmer's Market starts April 5th as well, with Saturday and Tuesday markets in downtown Watkinsville. There are several other local markets... in Washington, Bishop (the tiny town just south of Athens), I'm sure there are others, please let me know about them.

 Also spring related, Plantapalooza is this Saturday. Plantapalooza three location plant sale. They are located at the Trial Gardens at UGA, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and UGA's Horticulture club. According to the website you can collect discount stamps at each location to be used at local nurseries (for up to 15% off total). "What makes this event so special is the variety of traditional and unique plans that you would have difficulty finding anywhere else - plus access to horticulture professors, garden curators and master gardeners to answer questions and help with your selections." (quote from the Bot Garden site).  AND if you're really a garden nerd, the 17th annual Old-Timey Heirloom Seed Swap, in Crawford, GA, is Saturday, 1p-6p, at 10 Legacy Rd. I am putting it on my calendar for next year because I already have plans for this Saturday....

This Saturday afternoon I will be at NPRDucati's Monster 1200 unveil party (1p to 5p). I saw the new beauty at the shop yesterday (when I stopped by to fix my license plate- read about that mildly amusing debacle here). So come by, enjoy a beer (or other refreshment ;), and talk shop with me while ogling (oogling?) and drooling over the sexiness that is Ducati's new Monster. I am very excited to take it on a test drive. I will fill you in on my opinion after I get to ride her. 

Finally, holy pollen count Batman! I drove through a yellow haze on my way to work this morning. It's been a while since I've seen anything like that. Onto slightly less irritating things (pun intended), I've started honking and making obnoxious gestures at people I catch texting and driving. Its easiest on four lane highways, and hopefully no one will go road-rage on me. Mostly, people just put their phone down and try to not look embarrassed. I understand it is difficult not to text and drive (to be fair, I must admit guilt here as well). But I ask you to try-pretty please with a cherry on top- to put your phone down and watch the road. Because if you hit me on my bike (because you don't see me) the chances are fairly good that you will kill me.

 There's a lot of other things going on in Athens this weekend. As in tonight there is a benefit for MyAthens at The GA Theatre, followed by a show featuring The Whiskey Gentry, Radiolucent, and The Defibulators.

 You can view a Google Calendar I use to keep track of the events I want to attend, organized here: Upcoming Events Calendar.  As always, feel free to contact me with ideas for places for me to visit, suggestions... or help me by drawing my attention to typos ;)

~Amanda Terranova

Other useful info:
Seed Swap article 
Bishop Park Address: 705 Sunset Dr, Athens, GA 30606
NPRDucati Address:  4071 Mars Hill Rd, Bogart, GA 30622