It was about 10 when we got to Amelia's and had some breakfast--banana muffins, Greek yogurt, and tea. Yum! Then we all piled in the car and headed to downtown Durham, where we could park for free since it was Saturday. Amelia bought some veggies and I got a hot chocolate with homemade marshmallow--too chocolatey for me, but she liked it. It reminded me of Mexican chocolate--really thick. Mostly, I got it because it was warm and I was cold. I looked at the prices on some of baked goods. I really need to look into that.

We drove around near Amelia's friend Hannah's house, looking at some of the cute houses. Some like where I grew up, some like Five Points in Athens. We even stopped at one that was about $160,000, which Amelia and Kevin might be able to afford in a year or two if all goes well. I love peering in the windows, admiring the wood floors, and imagining what it would be like to decorate. I even took a real estate course once, but didn't take the test for my license. I would have had to drive a ways and pay money.

 We had a lovely brunch at 1:30--the earliest that they could seat us at Rue Cler. Sort of faux French. They have beignets; we bought a 1/2 dozen to start with. They aren't quite like the ones at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. I can't remember exactly, but I think the Louisiana ones are heavier and greasier. These are more like donuts. I had eggs, sausage and potatoes. It was delicious. I traded a sausage for Kevin's salad.

We walked around some in the area and then drove to the American Tobacco park and walked around some more. Cold and deserted but fun. We went in and bought some used books at the honor sale--you put the money in a box and take what you want. You can't have too many books!

We drove back to their house and watched most of the Georgia-Florida game. I did some knitting, glanced at one of my new books. At 7:30, we went to dinner at Watts Grocery. We sat at the bar because there were no tables. I liked our server a lot--he had dreadlocks on top of his head and was cute and fun. He even listened to Ray's bartender jokes. The drinks were amazingly good. I had sangria--with Myers Rum in it! Fortunately, it was on the small side. We had to wait a while, but enjoyed our food very much. Amelia's butternut squash tart was pretty great. Ray had chicken-fried ribs. I would think it would kill you to look at them...desserts were astonishing. Amelia had a toffee pudding; Ray and I split Lady Baltimore cake. Kevin had a chocolate martini, which tasted pretty good, I have to say.

We were back at their place by 10 and didn't stick around, so we were asleep by 10:30 or so last night, for a change. Of course, I woke up at 5:30. After dreaming about showing houses to an Indian woman with three children. with thick brightly colored shag carpet.