We had an amazing send-off week with our friends in DC. Between an awesome Monday happy hour and an amazing Departure Party at TomCat's we felt so so very loved and supported. Thank you for that.
Blastoff did in fact occur on Sunday May 22nd (it was so very convenient that the world didn't end on Saturday), not at the crack of dawn, but more like 12 hours later around 6pm. We headed just a few hours South to stay with Jake Walther and family in Fredericksburg.
By the end of day 2 we made it to Athens, GA for a brief stop. We visited with Marty and Megan and made sure to get our fill of the amazing biscuits at Momma's Boy before heading out the next day.
A few short hours later and we made it to Montgomery, AL and the home of Whitfield Foods. Louie Whitfield, syrup magnate and good friend showed us around the place. Alaga Syrup was started in 1906 and the old building is still used for the offices, but not for production. I took a bunch of photos.Unfortunately because of the lighting I couldn't get a shot of the curved room where the train used to pull right into the building and unload sugar cane from Texas.
Parts of the old building have been remodeled, like the boardroom.
Other parts are simply being used for storage and we found a dusty old miniature model of the production line, apparently it was used in the 80s for a court case that Alaga Foods won regarding faulty equipment.
The new building was fascinating as well. The line wasn't running, but Louie still gave us the grand tour and explained all of the machines.
By the end of Wednesday we had made it to Austin, Thursday was spent putting items in storage, preparing for the Hill Country and meeting up with Daniel's sister and family. After a windy and hot drive to the West on Friday, we finally made it to Kerrville Folk Festival.
Immediately we were put to work on the recording crew (we were only two days later than expected). Daniel captured a bunch of the quirky parts of Kerrville, you can check out the photos here.
In fact, that's what I'm working on right now. I made my way back to Austin on Memorial Day evening to get a break from the heat that was giving me a migraine and do some work. I head back Thursday for more music and fun. I'll be interviewing MilkDrive on Monday the 6th and hope to get that on the show for the 11th.
Plan is to be back in DC by the 10th and head to Bluegrass Country's Stars at the State Concert on June 11th. It'll be the first bluegrass concert for WAMU in 11 years! You should come join me, I'll give you a big hug (and a kiss if you have sweet cheeks).
Love you,
Jen
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