A determined group of classmates — Nancy and Tony Butterworth, Carolyn Kiradjieff, Frieda O’Hanlon, Mary Frances Knox, Ann and Gerry Saul, Frieda’s friend, Caroline Shipley, and Brian and I — met in Atlanta in early April to begin an Elderhostel tour from there to Asheville. In Atlanta we observed how CNN operates (see photo above), learned about Atlanta’s history during the Civil War and Jim Crow era, were moved by Martin Luther King Jr’s memorial and exhibits at the National Center for Human and Civil Rights, and were in awe at the programs the Carter Center has initiated under Jimmy Carter’s leadership.

In Asheville we visited the rooming house where Thomas Wolfe grew up (I’m encouraged to read my freshman-year copy of “Look Homeward Angel”) and then the largest residence in the United States, the Biltmore house, gardens, and winery. We learned a lot and enjoyed being together.

L to R:Our guide, Mary Frances Knox, Brian Larson, Tony Butterworth, Caroline Shipley, Nug, Ann Saul, Nancy Butterworth, Carolyn Kiradjieff, Gerry Saul.