Amanda's Blog: Southern Hospitality

Everywhere I go with Toni and Jerry, my Atlanta friends, people know them. Toni is the ultimate 11th house (for those of you who know astrology) networker. I met her in 2001 at UAC, an international astrology conference, that was held in Orlando, Florida. We were checking into the hotel at the same time and by the time we got to the front of the line we were friends. That's pretty much the way it is for everyone who meets Toni.

Toni has a great spirit. She's like an energizer bunny: up early every morning and late to bed. "I'll sleep when I'm dead," she says.

When I arrived, my hosts took me out to a lovely restaurant where Toni, Jerry and I caught up while people interrupted our conversation here and there to shake hands, hug and chat. The following evening, a dinner party was held for people to meet me. One of the women, Bobbie, gave me a spontaneous amazing psychic reading. Sandra and Al are in the process of arranging to establish centers to help abused women and children. Al is a builder and Sandra runs a group for abused women. Helen is an accomplished dentist and endontist who runs her own practice. Each one of these people were delightful. Did I mention: Jerry is a steel executive and Toni is an astrologer. Truly an interesting, eclectic mix.

Today I repacked my car to make room for my friend Carol who is going to join me on the road. Carol is from the Baltimore area. When she heard I was going to drive across country she loved the idea. "Why don't you fly into a city I'm traveling through and travel with me for awhile?" So she flew into Atlanta last Friday to stay with friends who live, it turns out, only 1.7 miles from Toni and Jerry's home. I'm picking up Carol tomorrow morning and we will adventure together. We are not sure yet what our first stop will be.

Here are some photos of these wonderful people. And of course Chanel, Toni and Jerry's dog.