A Visit to Uncle George Bailey's

One of the best things about the clan Boehm is our respect for history and tradition. Leslie and I got a dose of both recently when we met up with Janet, Ned, Paul, and Dad at Uncle George Bailey's house in Augusta. Not only did Uncle George regale us with family stories from the past - he also told them to us over a round of his world-famous martinis. For those of you who have never experienced the tradition of sipping on one of Uncle George's mandatory martinis in Augusta, all I can say is that you're missing out. For one thing, you can't beat the company. For another, you'd be hard pressed to find a more potent concoction this side of the Mississippi. Just ask Uncle Bill: he'll tell you that krispy kremes just don't taste as sweet unless you've had a couple of Uncle George's martinis!

It had been about five years since I'd been to Augusta for a visit, and of course things weren't quite the same without Aunt Ellen around. But otherwise, the house was largely as I remembered it - from the wooded front yard to the the shag carpet in the den. Here we all are in the kitchen, about to sit down for a feast of lamb chops and miniature twice-baked potatoes (thanks Claire!).

Aunt Ellen, of course, was never far from anyone's mind, especially from Uncle George's. When I asked if it would be alright to make a video so that the rest of the family could see and hear from him, this is what he had to say:



We capped the night off with some of Janet's cheesecake and a round of Laphraig, Uncle George's finest single malt scotch. Wowzers. Stuff was so strong it almost cinged the hairs on Dad's newly grown beard. Needless to say, it was a truly enjoyable evening. Counting the unborn babe, there were four generations sitting around that dinner table.

Leslie and I live only an hour from Uncle George, and we're already talking about the next time we can get back. It's about a four hour drive from Chattanooga... We'd love it if some of you wanted to meet up with us there. If nothing else, think of Uncle George - and call him if possible - on his ninetieth birthday, February 22nd!

Here's to you Uncle George!