Virginia is for Lovers, and I'm Moving to Roanoke!

If you have not experienced Southern Hospitality, might we suggest that you stop by the Trompeter family home on Saddle Ridge Road in Roanoke, Virginia. We were met at the Dixie Caverns Campground by Jason who introduced us to his Aunt Connie, owner of the campgrounds, souvenir and antique shops, and cave tour. In addition to hugging and kissing us upon meeting us, she refused to accept payment for our camping there that night, and later refused payment for bumper stickers and postcards as well. We set up the van and hopped in the car to head to Jason's parents house back in town. 

The Honorable Philip Trompeter and his wife Serena met us at the door again with the hugs and kisses. I'm a big hugger myself, so I love this style of greeting, it just makes you feel good.  Almost immediately we were offered hors d'oeuvres   and beer as well as a tour of their newly remodeled home. After the tour, we sat down for a fabulous gourmet meal the Judge had whipped up in our honor. We reminisced about old times when we had met Jason while working for Gray Line of Alaska over a decade ago.

After we were stuffed to the brim, Kai and I headed back to the dog and the Truckster at Dixie Caverns Campground while lucky Brandon and Lindsay stayed at the lovely Casa de Tromp. The next morning we all met at local favorite, The Roanoker, for biscuits and gravy. It's difficult to go anywhere in Roanoke, VA with the Judge as you're stopped every 4 minutes by folks, "Hi Judge, how are you Judge?" After the 17th person stopped us to say hello, I asked the Judge, "Former defendants in your courtroom, Judge?" "All of them!" he replied and laughed his infectious laugh. 

The Judge led us on the grand tour of his home town and showed us where his family's old bakery was near downtown Roanoke. Afterward we regrouped back at the caverns, we collected our clean and neatly folded laundry that Jason's mom had graciously done for us back at the house that morning. I felt like a true Trompeter as I collected my laundry and was kissed goodbye by Jason's parents. We learned that his mom used to do his laundry even while he was at college trying to pick up nice Jewish girls. As I reconsidered returning to school for a 2nd degree, Kai loaded up the van with the free schwag from Aunt Connie. The trip was a great success as the Trompeters not only got to hang out with us, but they also found out that they were going to be grandparents!!! Next stop was Charlotte to spread the news to Pam's parents and hit the dirty souf.