The hotel was full and noisy this weekend. The visitors were here for a special event happening Sunday morning. David was performing “A Prisoner of Passion” at 10:00am in the centre of town. Had they come to see him? We had to get to the church early to park as the streets around the church were being closed at 9:30am. As we drove down the tree lined street, handsome Georgian Sheriffs were already manning the traffic lights and directing the gathering crowds.
It was raining so the Sheriffs all wore plastic bags over their Sheriffs hats. Not very macho. I’m glad our British Bobbies aren’t ever seen wearing plastic bags over their helmets. Their US conterparts could learn a thing or two from our coppers about the drainage value of a cone-shaped hat as opposed to one with a water collecting hollow in the top and a large rain gathering brim. It is the first rain they have had in the state for ages so they maybe can be excused.
I guess in Georgia the aim is to have a hat to protect from the heat and sun. In England of course this is rarely a problem. Police head gear that deflects rain water and blows from drunken football thugs is the order of the day in our beloved motherland.
Anyway, I digress. The local, national and even international media were covering this event that had drawn so much attention to Augusta this Sunday. There was a lot of activity outside the church with tables being set up with first aid posts, water bottles, bananas and other intriguing items. Even the major was very involved. Had they all come to see TT perform at church??
Not exactly. Margaret Thatcher was dubbed “The Iron Lady” and “Paul the Apostle” was put in iron chains but these folks were here for “The half Ironman “ . “Which half?” I wondered. This event had attracted more than 3,000 triathletes competing in a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike race and 13.1-mile run. The run took the contestants right by the church several times as they looped around the down town area.
By the time church was finished the leading runners were already puffing by having done their swim and mike race. A lovely lady and her gorgeous children were in church from Florida. Her husband was competing in the Iron Man and after church she got out her lawn chair and sat on the edge of the road outside the church with her children to cheer on the competitors especially her husband. Many of us from the church joined them to wave, cheer and generally encourage the weary courageous athletes.They had come armed with cow bells and flags to cheer on the competitors and especially their dad.
A team of helpers was loading “BB”, aka Big Blue, our van. BB was parked across the street from the church. So they had to dodge in and out of the runners. TT, aka David, my husband even got out the video camera to capture some action, which included me running alongside some of the handsome contestants.
We were so tired after all the excitement that we rested all the afternoon and moved out of our hotel at lunch time today just as one of the Iron men was leaving too. 
Here he is with Maggie his supporting lady and new bike, as yet un-named. He beat his record yesterday to do it all in 5hr something. He has also done the Music City Marathon in Nashville. Our home town and it starts at Vanderbilt Uni. my previous work place. We all had a nice little chat as we were leaving our hotel together.
We are now in the Radison hotel near Raleigh Durham airport on our way back to Virginia for a show tomorrow.
We drove through Charlotte, NC for the 2nd time in 3 days. It was stormy and rainy and they mentioned the “T” word, (as in Tornado) having been spotted. Hey ho you know when you are back in the south when you hear of Funnel cake and Funnel clouds!!
TT is out getting some food at Panera, subway or Food Lion.
We are in such a posh hotel. There is even a remote control that alters the firmness of the mattress. Unfortunately there is no ‘fridge or microwave. I would gladly swap the magic mattress for a microwave to make cups of tea and hot honey and lemon. Yes my cough is back 
Not as bad as before. I’m just seeking sympathy. TT and I have had the sniffles as we have obviously succumbed to a USA cold bug. Atish ooooo.
Love and hugs to all.
Please send cough drops, Kleenex and Vics vapour rub as soon as possible.
RG and TT. xx
Marilyn Payne
