Queen City Sojourn

At the crossroads of Tryon and Trade Streets.

 Just after Halloween I made a quick trip down to the Tarheel State for a library benefit.  I was not sure what to expect.  I knew there would be surprises, but I should not have been surprised by how warm, wonderful, and fun the ladies of the Union County Libraries are.  It was a whirlwind and an absolute blast.

First, I got to spend a little time around Charlotte, a beautiful city of both old and new (the Queen City, named after English King George III's spouse, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz).

Newcomb-Berryhill House, built 1884, a beautifully preserved Victorian. 

The Old Settlers' Cemetery in the shadow of an office tower.

The 1911 Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church at the heart of the historic African American community in Charlotte.

Shotgun shacks preserved to show how life was lived.

 Then I headed down to Monroe, the seat of Union County.

The 1884 courthouse and 1910 Confederate memorial. 

Belk's Department Store got its start in Monroe.

The historic downtown.

And then I made it to the fundraiser for the Friends of the Union County Libraries.  I was thrilled to help support the libraries--and thrilled that they had asked me to come down.  We had a great time.  I laughed myself hoarse.

With Ravonne and Anne, the co-chairs of the event.  Ravonne was my escort and drove her truck "like she stole it."

Augusta Branson (a.k.a. Denise), the heroine of The Rebel Wife, made an appearance!!  I was floored and delighted!  Doesn't she look like she's grieving??

The loudest and funniest table at the event--Renee, Diane, Tanna and her husband, and Ravonne.

Here's Augusta/Denise being sewn into her dress by the seamstress/Renee.

 I hope to return to Union County.  It was such a blast.  These women made me feel very special.  Many, many thanks to them.

And then I got to see The Rebel Wife at the Charlotte Airport!

Something to think about-from the Olneyville Post Office.

Beautiful autumn sun on the Armory here in Providence.

Poor Clovis had dental surgery.  His foot is bandaged where they hooked up the IV.