June 28-July 2, 2026 Spending time with AVA

 Day 1: 

We met Ava at Sky Zone for Hazel's fifth Birthday Party at 4 P.M. The kids enjoyed jumping and playing on all the equipment.

Next, they were served pizza, Cokes, and water, which some devoured quickly while others just nibbled.

Next, they sang Happy Birthday to Hazel Cate. After Hazel blew out all 5 of her candles, the cake was cut and served. There were cupcakes for those who did not want a slice of the strawberry cake. There were dipping dots for everyone. 

Next, Hazel opened all her presents while the kids crowded around to watch. 

After the party, we took Ava home with us.

Day 2:  

I went back to the dentist at 11 A.M., but it was the wrong day. So we rode into town to run errands.

We ate lunch at Captain D's. Ava ordered chicken and fries. I ordered fish and fries, and Hubby ordered salmon, which Ava ate some of.

Day 3: 

I was up early before it got too hot to plant some bulbs. I had to prepare the ground first. 

Ava was still in bed. 

We ate lunch at Cracker Barrel. Ava ordered Chicken fingers and fries. I ordered pinto beans, fried apples, and cornbread. Hubby ordered fried pork chops with creamed potatoes and broccoli. I paid the bill with my Christmas Gift cards for Cracker Barrel.

We went to Sam's Club for ice cream, but their machine was broken, so Ave ordered a Cherry Slushy and a salty pretzel.

We went to the Blue Door, a thrift store, where AVA picked out a couple of pairs of earrings, a pair of shorts, and a T-shirt.

On the way home, we stopped at Foodland. Hubby wanted some banana popcycles. We stopped to talk to Ronnie (Ava calls him Johnnie).

Day 4: 

Today, we rode to the Cooks Museum in Decatur. Ava and I walked through the museum (we have been there several times). The honey bees were back. We saw bats hanging in the cave. I climbed up into the treehouse. We watched the fish swim, and Ava took my photo in front of the jellyfish.

We rode to OH'Bryan's in Hartsell for lunch. I ordered a catfish plate with one piece of fried catfish, a baked sweet potato, coleslaw, onion, and hushpuppies. I could not eat the cole slaw because my mouth was still sore from having 3 teeth pulled.

Hubby ordered one trip to the salad bar, steak, and baked potato.

Ava wanted McDonald's, she ordered a hamburger, Chicken nuggets, fries, and Coke. She ate some of Hubby's steak and two of my hushpuppies.

Day 5: 

I went outside early and heard and saw a red-tailed hawk fly into a nearby tree. 

I went inside to get my camera, but saw him fly away before I could take a photo.

I went back inside to get the keys to the gator and my camera. I was going to ride around to see if I could find the hawk and listen for other birds.

I got on our John Deere Gator, and a red wasp landed on my inner leg and popped me a good one. I went inside to put some medication on the sting.

I went back outside, taking the wasp spray with me. I thought I would get that wasp if it was still flying nearby.

I didn't see it, so I cranked up the gator and out came several red wasps.

I got stung again on the top of my hand.

I sprayed and killed several wasps.

They must have built that nest late yesterday because I rode the gator yesterday.

Everyone, be careful before getting on anything outside, those red wasps could be hiding just waiting to sting you.

Ava wanted to go to the Splash Pad at Heritage Park, so I packed a cooler full of ice and Cokes.

I packed a bag with towels and sunscreen. We both put on our swimsuits.

When we arrived at the splash pad, no one was there, and the water was off. A couple of women were sitting on the sidewalk. They had been on the walking trail.

We asked why the splash pad was closed, and one said it was because of the drought.

So, we rode to Walmart to pick up a few items.

We ate lunch at Arby's. Ava ordered chicken fingers and cheese sticks; I ordered beef and cheese sandwiches; and Hubby ordered a roast beef sandwich, curly fries, and two peach pie rollups.

We rode to McFarland Park so Ava could play on the playground equipment. I walked to the restroom and back. I saw a Great Blue Heron, several Canada Geese, and several waterfowl. Hubby sat in the air-conditioned car, watching AVA. We did not stay long; it was just too hot.

Every day, Ava watched SpongeBob and played in the playroom we set up just for kids.

Nevada came to pick her up around 4 P.M.

She loves to come to our house, but she was ready to go home.

I think she wanted to spend the night with her friend Cloey.

2026 June 25-27 Kentucky Trip with Backroads Tours LLC

 Day 1: Thursday, June 25:

We loaded the car after feeding the cats and began on our adventure. We traveled to Gabe's in Madison, arriving a little after eight.

We made a couple of pit stops along the way, one at the Shell Station and one at McDonald's.

Two more couples were waiting for the bus in Madison. (Dawn and Rick) Everyone loaded on the bus by 8:30 AM, and we were on our way to Kentucky. Our driver was Barbara Dudley on Eagle Christian Bus Tours, Rome, GA #3006, and our guide was Angie Himburg.

Our first restroom stop was the newly purchased  Travel Stop by Dolly Pardon. Their grand opening was June 24, the day before. Where Dolly Pardon was present to cut the ribbon. 

The travel stop has fuel pumps, EV charging stations, a general store, a truck driver's lounge, and a restaurant.  Hanging from the ceiling is a chandelier featuring guitars. 

Outside is a muralled bus next to a mural, and leading away from the bus is a painting of musical notes. You are greeted with a smile and warmth, which makes you want to stop and rest awhile. 

Our next stop was Farmwood's Dutch Bakery & Deli for lunch, where hubby ordered a steak sandwich and fries, and I ordered potato salad.  Just a few days before the trip, I had three teeth pulled and two implants, so I could only eat soft foods. $25.00

This was another great place to stop with warm hospitality, fast service, and homemade food. 

Their country store was filled with homemade items. We purchased a bottle of lavender lotion. 

We arrived at Tru by Hilton Lexington, Kentucky, room 417, to freshen up before going to Churchill Downs, Lexington, KY for a buffet dinner and to watch the horse races. 

From the Chef's Table, I mostly ate Mac and Cheese and a small brownie, with a Diet Coke. 

A storm blew up, so the last few races were canceled. Everyone walked to the gift shop before heading to the bus in the rain.

It was late when we arrived at the hotel, and a long day of traveling, so we both went straight to bed.

Photos:

7794-7809 Dolly's Travel Stop Centerville, TN @ 9:18 AM

7810-7814 Farmwalds Dutch Deli and Bakery Horse Cave, KY @12:12 PM

7815-7817 Tru by Hilton Lexington, KY @4:34 PM

7818-7824 Churchill Downs Lexington, KY @ 5:00 PM

Day 2: Friday, June 26: 

Breakfast at the hotel: Muffin, yogurt, egg, sausage, and kiwi juice. 

Today, we are going to the Louisville Little Slugger Museum. We were a little early, so everyone went to the gift shop. We purchased two baseball bats for two of our great-grandsons for Christmas.

We had their names engraved on each; both boys did very well playing baseball this year. One of the boys made the all-stars. $127.18

Next, we were taken on a factory tour where we were given the history of how the baseball bats were harvested and made. $20.26.

It was now lunch time so everyone dispersed, going in different directions, looking for a place to eat.

We stopped at The Main Eatery, 643 N Main St., Louisville, KY, a quaint sandwich and soup restaurant, where hubby ordered chili with cheese. I ordered a baked potato with butter and sour cream, and we both ordered a soda. The food was delicious, and the service was great. The restaurant had a friendly and inviting atmosphere where you did not feel rushed, and you could relax and enjoy your meal.

Our next stop was Louisville Art Museum which had a gift shop and two upper levels of art display. The cost was $5.00.

On display was art work by Stan Squirell Threads of Infulence on view from March 20th to July 5th 2026.

The visionary art of Minnie Evans on view April 4th through October 4th,  2026. Minnie's art reflects on living and how our own history affect our own lives.

Our next stop was the Frazier History Museum, which cost $14.00. Inside the museum was the Spirit of Kentucky, The Commonwealth: Divided we fall, Stewart Historic Miniatures collections,  Cool Kentucky6, The Lewis and Clark Experience, Prusit of Happiness, Gounder's Gallery, Louisville to Liberty, the Blackburn's jouney, 120 Cool KY Counties, and the Kentucky Show in the Brown Forman Theatre.

We did not have time to watch the movie, but when we returned from our trolley tour, we watched the movie. The curator said once we paid, we could return after our tour.

Next, take our one-hour trolley tour of Louisville with our guide,e Travis. 

After the trolley tour, we watched the movie at the Frazier Museum, and then we went to Mussels and Burgers for dinner. Hubby ordered a salad, and I ordered their bread pudding. Their motto is: " Who says 'Pub Grub' has to be boring? $24.37.

After dinner, we walked around until about 6:30 PM, when we loaded onto the bus and returned to the hotel. Packed, for we are leaving tomorrow.

Photos:

7825 Breakfast @7:34 AM 

7826-7833 Travel Lexington to Louisville, KY @8:41-9:18 AM 

7834-7896 Louisville Slugger Museum Louisville, KY @9:30-11:10 AM 

7897-7898 Lunch at the Main Eatery, Louisville, KY @11:32 PM

7899-7999 The Frazier Museu, Louisville, KY@12:02-1:41 PM

8001 Trolley Tour @1:47 PM

8002--8005 Dinner at Mussel and Burgers, Louisville, KY@4:39 PM 

8006-8068 Traveling from Louisville to Lexington, KY @ 5:48-7PM

8069-8012 receipts @7:13 PM 

Big Cameras

8736-8755 Traveling from Lexington to Louisville, KY @ 8:27 A.M. 

8756-8786 Louisville Little Slugger Museum and Factory Tour  8:34- 11:07 A.M.

8787-8802 Louisville, Ky    

8804-8806 Art Museum, Louisville, Ky

8807-8814 Louisville, Ky    

8815-8933 Frazier History Museum, Louisville, Ky  

8934-9011 Trolley Tour Louisville, Ky

9012-9021 Churchill Downs, fifteen-minute break and gift shop, Lexington, KY

9022-9062 Traveling from Lexington to Louisville, KY 

9063-9086 Traveling from Louisville to Lexington, KY

Day 3: Saturday, June 27:

Breakfast at the hotel,l I ate a blueberry muffin with cream cheese.

I  was up at 6 AM, took a shower,d finished packing, wrote in my journal, ate breakfast, and was on the bus by 8 AM.

Our first stop was Buc-ee's at 9:19 AM in Smith Grove, KY, for a restroom break and snacks. I was still hungry, so I bought eggs, bacon, cheese biscuits, and some Buc-ee's bites. I only ate a few bites and gave Hubbt half, but he was hungry, so most of it was thrown away. 

Our next stop was in Franklin, TN, to do some shopping and to eat lunch.

We decided to eat at Pucketts, where we ordered a meat and three veggies. We got chicken and dumplings, broccoli, green beans, and sweet potatoes with iced tea. We got an extra plate and shared the food, which was more than enough. After lunch, we walked up the sidewalk to the Williamson Archives and Museum. 

I took several photos and stopped to talk to the curator. We talked for several minutes about the different wars, genealogy, history, and families. 

We had to walk several blocks back to the bus,s so I had to cut our conversation short. I thanked her, and we began our journey back to the bus.

Loaded onto the bus by 1:30 and were on our way to Gabe's in Madison. Eight people got off in Madison; the rest were going to Scottsboro.

We loaded our car and began our journey home. We stopped at Chick-fil-A in Athens for a Dragon Fruit Tea, which was free with their app. 

Our next stop was Isom's fruit stand in Athens,s where we bought a basket of fresh peaches and several banana peppers. $19.00.

Our next stop was Lash's in Elgin for their Low Country Boil, thas consist of Cajin boiled shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn.

We were home by 4:30 PM.

 Unloaded the car, ate dinner, uploaded photos, and worked on the computer until time for bed.

Photos:

8073-Buc ees @9:19 AM

8074-8075 Pucketts @ 11:47 AM $24.09

8076-8164 Williamson Archives and Museum 12:12-1:07 PM

2026 Jun 11-15, Epic Movies Tour Kentucky and Ohio

 Day 1: Thursday, June 11, Corvettes, Racing, and Church Hill Downs 

We left home around 6:30 AM and drove to Gabe's in Madison, AL. We stopped at Hardies in Madison for breakfast. I ordered a chicken biscuit and a Diet Coke. We arrived at Gabe's, loaded onto the bus, and began our journey. Our driver was Steve Kunze on Signature Bus out of Nashville, TN, Bus Number 1013. Our guide throughout the trip was Angie Himburg.

Our first stop was the former Tennessean, now Dolly's in Cornesville, TN, at 9:30 AM.

They were still under construction, putting up new merchandise, displays, and murals of Dolly throughout the store.

Our next stop was the Corvette Museum & Restaurant in Bowling Green, KY. 

We were given the museum's history, then we dispersed, some going to the restaurant and others to the museum.

In the Stingray Grill, we ordered a Stingray Burger with lettuce, tomato, and sweet potato fries and Diet Cokes, which we split. Spent $21.50

After lunch, we toured the museum and stopped at the gift shop. Hubby sat in the lobby while I walked outside to take photos. Had my photo taken in a booth where adrenaline meets tradition in a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 2005-2013. Spent $12.00

Our next stop was Tru by Hilton, room 421, Lexington, KY, to freshen up to go to the horse races @ 5:30 PM.

We have seating at Millionaire Row where we can watch the races and enjoy a buffet-style dinner.

Tickets for the Twilight Thursday at Churchill Downs Racetrack, first race at 5:00PM. Row 1 seats 5 & 6 tickets 757825119019& 482678777643. 

Watched a couple of horse races, then ate dinner. I enjoyed pulled pork, green beans, slaw, roll, and mac and cheese. We left Church Hill Downs around 8:30 PM, headed back to the hotel. 

I was so tired that I fell right to sleep.

7102-7116 Dolly's Cornersville, TN @ 9:30-9:46 AM

7117-7141 @11:58-1:41 PM Corvette Museum Bowling Green, KY

7143-7144 Tru by Hilton Louisville, KY @4:57 PM

Big Camera

8402-8492 Corvette Museum Bowling Green, KY 

8493-8509 Church Hill Downs, Lexington, KY 

Day 2: Friday, June 12: Train Car, Miss Ohio Festival, and the world's largest bubblehead.

Breakfast at the hotel, Tru by Hilton, Lexington, KY

I ate a blueberry muffin, cream cheese, bacon, egg, and apple juice.

At 8:30, we loaded onto the bus and headed to Mansfield, OH.

We traveled through Cincinnati, stopping at a rest stop in Lebanon, OH, for a restroom break around 10:55 AM. 

We traveled through Columbus, stopping at Buckeys Express in Bellville, OH, for lunch.

Buckeyes is a restaurant located in an abandoned B & O passenger railroad car, with a playground area for kids and a very tall bobblehead in the middle. Lots of retired machinery through the yard. They serve a variety of different foods each week. 

Hubby ordered the fish and onion rings.  I ordered the fried shrimp and onion rings with a Diet Coke. 

About the statue:

Jacque now stands outside of a diner that was formerly an abandoned B&O passenger railroad car, restored by Terry ("I like fixing things instead of throwing them out," he said). The statue, which was built to lean at a gravity-defying 69 degrees, is anchored in tons of subterranean concrete. Jacque's hands -- like those of his Marblehead twin -- were destroyed when he was taken down, so Terry replaced them with giant sliced-meat sandwiches, repainted as cheeseburgers, a specialty of the diner.

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/78876#google_vignette 

We arrived at the Hampton Inn by Hilton (room 221)to rest before going to the Miss Ohio Festival in Mansville, OH.  

At the festival, we were greeted by our host and given the history of the festival and the history of the Richland Carrousel and Park in Mansville, OH.

We were free to roam the town, enjoy the festival, ride the carousel, and browse the gift shop.

The first thing everyone loaded onto the Richland Carousel that includes 52 figures of horses, lions, zebras, bears, ostriches, cats, and hippos. 

I picked a horse to ride. 

We walked around the downtown area, which was partly under construction. I saw old churches, murals, statues, and historic markers. 

Bought a pink pony vanilla ice cream with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices. 

We returned to the hotel around 8:30 PM. Another early night to fall asleep

7172 Tickets to Twilight Thursday horse races 7:33 AM

7173 Breakfast 7:42 AM at Hampton Inn by Hilton Ontario, OH 

3752-3771 Cincinnati Traveling Ipad 10:16-10:22 AM

7174-7181 Rest Stop Lebanon, OH 10:55

3772-3774 Travel Columbus, OH 12:17 PM 

7182 Columbus, OH Traveling 12:19 

7183-7215 Buckeye Express Belleville, OH 1:09-3:33 PM

7216-7217 Lexington, OH 3:31 PM

7218 Hotel 5:23 PM 

7219-7269 Mansfield, OH 5:42-7:53 PM

Day 3: Saturday, June 13: Famous Movie locations 

Breakfast at the Hampton by Hilton.

I ate an omelet, sausage, cream cheese, a cookie, and kiwi juice.

We loaded on the bus at 8:30, arrived a little early, and had to wait for the gates to open. 

We were greeted by our guide, Abby, who was very informative about the prison.

The prison was built between 1886 and 1910 by architect Levi T. Scofield with three architectural styles: Victorian Gothic, Queen Ann, and Richardsonian Romanesque.

The Reformatory was intended as a halfway point between the Boys' Industrial School and the Penitentiary, which was intended to house young first-time offenders. The prison closed in 1990.

Several movies have been made here, the most famous being The Shawshank Redemption.

Others included Air Force One, Tango and Cash, Harry and Walter Go to New York, and many others.

We ate lunch at the Scofield Cafe at the prison, hubby and I split a club sandwich with chips and Coke. We ate outside on the porch because all the tables were full. It was a nice day, so hubby stayed on the porch while I walked around outside taking photos.

Inside were a couple of museums, the North Central Ohio Industrial Museum, and the museum that included the props from the Shawshank Redemption Movie. 

We walked through the East and West Cell Blocks. The East Cell Block is the largest free-standing steel cell block in the world, at six tiers high. 

We walked through the Solidary confinement. The prison was full of peeling paint on the walls, rust on the prison bars, and full of asbestos in the floors. The prison rooms had beds with a toilet and sink. The water pressure was not very good and would back up into the room, giving off a horrible smell. 

Now all of that is closed, so no longer a problem. 

Our next stop was the house where the Christmas Story was filmed in Tremont, Cleveland, OH.

We were greeted by our guide, Morgan, who told us the story about how the film was made, and we were free to roam the house. 

The house is home to the Parker Family, restored as when the movie was made. It is interactive, where you can try on the hats, pick up the replica BB Gun, touch the leg lamp, lick the soap, or hide under the sink.

Our next stop was the museum where all the memorabilia was located. She told us more history about the film. Features the props from the movie, including the family car, toys, and the original Official Red Ryder 

Carbine Action, 200-shot range model air rifle BB Gun- one of 6 produced for the movie. 

We walked outside to see the two vehicles parked in the garages that were used in the film. 

We then visited the gift shop where several made purchases. Some bought Christmas presents.

Our next stop was Grump's Cafe, a breakfast-to-dinner diner in Tremont, OH, where we were served breakfast for dinner.

I ordered eggs, bacon, and French toast with Coke. There were art work for sale throughout the cafe. 

https://grumpyscoffeegarage.com 

Returned to the hotel, took a shower, and went to bed after writing in my journal. 

7270- Breakfast @ 7:25 AM Hotel Hampton Inn by Hilton

7271-7419 8:40-12:01 PM Ohio State Reformatory Prison, Mansfield, OH

7420-7469 @3:06-3:44 Christmas Story House Tremont, Cleveland, OH 

7470-7496 3:45-4:12 Christmas Story Museum & Gift Shop, Tremont, Cleveland,  OH

7497-7512 4:40-5:11 Traveling through Cleveland 

7513-7522 @5:11-7:02 Grumpy's Cafe, Cleveland, OH 

big Camera

8510-8585 Shawshank Prison, Mansfield, KY

8506-8597 Christmas Story Tremont, Cleveland, OH 

8598-8654 Traveling Cleveland, OH 

Day 4: Sunday, June 14: Vintage Signs, Nostalgia, and Art Museum

Breakfast at the hotel, I ate eggs, sausage, cream cheese, pastries, and kiwi juice.

We were on the bus by 8:15, beginning our journey home.

Next stop was the Rest Stop in Jeffersonville, O.H 

Stopping next at the Cincinnati Art Museum, located in Eden Park, where we ate lunch and walked through inside, then out.

Inside, we saw Elizabeth Hawes American Fashions,  Ancient Art of the Middle East, East Asian Art, European Paintings and sculptures, Indigenous American art, Photo collection, Prints collection, South Asian  Art, and highlights of fashion arts and textiles collections. 

One of the pieces that stood out to me was the Chihuly Chandelier you see the minute you walk in. It was installed in 2001 and has become a local landmark. It defies gravity and offers a unique perspective on glass.

Outside were several art pieces and lots of beautiful flowers in bloom. 

We loaded onto the bus and rode for about 15 minutes to our next stop.

The American Sign Museum, our tour guide, Art, talked about the owner and his collection. We saw informational signs, promotional signs, identification signs ( channel letters 3d illuminated), and specialty signs. (unique or custom signs tailored for specific needs, such as Neon, and A-framed (sandwich boards).

Our next stop was at a unique restaurant, Nineteen West Main Diner in the heart of LaGrange, KY, the only town in the US where a CSX mainline freight train track runs down the center of Main Street. Up to 20 trains a day. When the train is passing the restaurant, you can watch it on TV. 

Our last stop was Tru by Hilton Lexington, KY, where we got a room for one night. Unloaded all our luggage and went to our room 225 for the night. 

Wrote in my journal and was asleep by 10PM.

Photos:

7523 Breakfast at Hotel Hampton, Ontario, OH 7:27 AM

7524-7535 Restop Jeffersonville, OH at 9:58 AM

7536-7559 Cincinnati Art Museum 11:18-2:15 & lunch 

7560-7571 Traveling in Cincinnati 2:16-2:30 PM

7572-7645 American Sign Museum Valley Park Cincinnati, OH 2:34-4:15 PM

7646-7662 Nineteen West Main Diner LaGrange, KY 5:58-8:10 PM

Big Camera

7536-7559 Cincinnati Art Museum Cincinnati, OH 

7572-7645 American Sign Museum Cincinnati, OH 

Day 5: Monday, June 15: Travel Home, Stonehenge, Cannon Hill 

Breakfast at the hotel Tru by Hilton: eggs, cream cheese, a muffin, and apple juice.

Our first stop was at Stonehenge,  saw a replica of Stonehenge in England and a field dotted with rocks of statues, twisted king, Angels, and other pieces.

Cannon Hill, across the road, was dotted with cannon-like rock formations.

Our next stop was Buc-ee's Smith Grove, Ky, for a restroom break and to buy snacks.

We bought a cup of banana pudding, a cup of cheese, and some beef jurkey.

Lunch was at Brickyard Cafe in Franklin, KY, where we were served a buffet meal. I ate baked chicken, salad, and veggies, potatoes, Lazana, and bread pudding. 

We arrived at the Welcome Center in Elkmont, TN, at 2:12 PM.

We were at Gabe's by 2:30 and home by 3:30 PM. 

Another wonderful journey of adventure and surprises with Backroads Tours LLC.

3784-3834 Stonehenge and Cannon Hill Munsfordville, KY @8:38 AM iPad

3835 Buc ees Smith Grove, KY 9:41 iPad

7664-7668 Travel Munsfordville, Ky @9:15 AM 

7669-7678 Buc ees Smith Grove, KY @9:42-10:21 AM 

7679-7705 Franklin, KY 10:57-12:10 PM Lunch Buffet at Brickyard, Franklin, KY 

7706-7707 Cumberland Heights, TN @12:53 PM 

7708 Welcome Center, Elkmont, TN @2:12 PM

Receipts

Bought a bag of chips in the vending machine for 1.50

Diet Coke at the hotel $4.00

Pink Poney Ice Cream $7

Richland Carousel Park Gift Shop bought postcards and a horse pin for $10.90

Corvette Museum took a photo machine for $12

The Stingray Grill Bowling Green, Ky $21.50

19 West Main pent $26.47

Terrance Cafe Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH $22,63 

The American Sign Museum bought 3 signs for $38.81 

Buc ees, Smith Grove, KY $29.01

Restaurants

The Stingray Grill Bowling Green, KY

Chef's Choice Lexington, KY

Buckeye Express Diner, Belleville, OH

Scofield's Cafe at Prison, Mansfield, OH

Grumpy's Cafe Tremont, Cleveland, OH

Terrance Cafe, Cincinnati, OH

One Nineteen West Main Restaurant, LaGrange, KY 

Brickyard Cafe, Franklin, KY 

Museum

Corvette Museum Bowling Green, KY

Shawshank Redemption Prison, Mansfield, OH 

Christmas Story House, Museum, Gift Shop, Cleveland, OH

Cincinnati Art Museum Cincinnati, OH 

American Sign Museum, Cincinnati, OH 

North Central Ohio Industrial Museum, Mansfield, OH

2026 May 21, Day Trip to McMinnville, Rock Island and Monteagle, TN (with Backroads Tours LLC)

 Day Trip to Falcon Rest, McMinnville, Rock Island State Park, and Mountain Goat Restaurant, Monteagle, TN 

6841-6842 Stop at Loves Hillsboro, TN @9AM

6844-6859 Travel Viola, McMinnville, Rock Island 9:41 A.M.

6860-6923 Rock Island State Park Rock Island, TN @ 10:15–11:40 A.M.

6924-6937 Falcon Rest Mansion Museum & Murder Mystery McMinnville, TN @12:03-2:06 PM

6938-6945 Travel Viola, McMinnville @3:01-3:20 P.M.

6946-6960 Stop at Mountain Goat Restaurant, Monteagel, TN 4:01–4:30 P.M.

We were up at 3:30 A.M. and left the house at 4:30 A.M.

We stopped at Jack’s in Athens for single gravy and biscuits and a Diet Coke. 

My biscuit wasn’t done, so I returned, and they gave me one that was cooked.

But it still gives me gas, and I burped all the way to Tennessee.

Our first stop was the welcome center at Rock Island State Park. The park ranger told us about the park and offered to give us a guided tour. So we loaded back onto the bus and followed the park ranger. 

We stopped at the Beach Area, and everyone got out and walked around. 

Our next stop was the short waterfall and the old abandoned cotton mill. 

The ranger turned on his flashing lights and removed the roped-off area so we could park on the grass. 

Everyone got out to take pictures of the waterfalls and the surrounding area. We thanked the park ranger and began our journey to Falcon Rest, about an hour away, for lunch and a murder mystery show.

We arrived at the visitor center and were greeted by our guide and owner.

We were all led into the mansion and listened to the guide, then each was given a role in the murder mystery while we enjoyed our lunch.

Hubby played George Beech (the town drunk), and I played his wife, Marie Beech.

For lunch, we were served Strawberry Pretzel salad, Baked Chicken, Potatoes, green beans, a roll, and Chocolate cake topped with a cherry and a dab of whipped cream.

After lunch and a show, we were given a guided tour of the mansion. No photos were allowed inside the mansion.

We took a group photo on the mansion’s front porch.

We shopped at the gift shop, thanked our guide, and headed to our next stop.

History of Rock Island 

Rock Island State Park is a state park in Warren and White Counties, Tennessee, in the Southeastern United States. The park is named after the community of Rock Island, Tennessee, which in turn was named for an island on the Caney Fork, upstream from the Collins River confluence and the Great Falls Dam. Rock Island State Park is centered on a peninsula created by the confluence of these two rivers and extends downstream to the headwaters of Center Hill Lake.

We stopped at Mountain Goat Restaurant and gift shop, located in Monteagle, TN., where Hubby and I enjoyed a slice of Chocolate Cheesecake topped with pecans and drizzled with chocolate and caramel, a Diet Coke, and a coconut chocolate bar. 

Took a few photos, then loaded onto the bus and headed to Scottsboro.

We arrived a little before 6 P.M., with a two-hour ride home. 

No stopping until we reached home a little after 8 P.M.

Another wonderful day trip with Backroads Tours LLC

Bus number 3004 on Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA, with Barbara Dudley as our driver. 

Angie, our guide. 

2026 May 15-16, Shoals Frontporch Storytelling Festival

Day 1: Friday, May 14, 

Melissa Foster did the opening, introducing each and every storyteller, beginning with Johnny Fowler. 

Eric Kirkman had a death in the family and had to travel out of town. He was to be our first teller, so Johnny Fowler stepped in to take his place. 8:55-9:25

Donald Davis followed with childhood stories. 9:25-9:55.

Next up was Jennifer Armstrong telling Folk Tales, along with singing and music, 9:55-10:25 

Next is Bil Lepp with his tall tales about traveling. 10:25-10:55

We have a twenty-minute break from 10:55 to 11:15 

My friend and I walk around the block and take a restroom break. The theatre is cold, so we need to warm up.

I bought a Diet Coke and a bag of M &M peanuts in the snack bar. 

Back inside, we listen to Dolores Hydock tell a story about WWI, 11:15-11:50.

We break for lunch from 11:50-1:50PM. 

We decided to walk to Mugshots on Court Street. We both ordered hamburgers. I ordered a Bishop Burger with Mayo, Mustard, Onions, Pickles, Lettuce, and tomatoes with sweet potato fries and a cold glass of iced tea with lemon. 

We return from lunch to listen to Johnny Fowler tell stories and play several musical instruments from 1:50-2:20 PM.

Next up is Tom Gordon, a storyteller from Centerville, TN. Tom tells a story about growing up with different women in his life.  One of the stories he told was about his first love in elementary school. He was playing baseball, and the girl he liked was watching. He hit a home run and ran all the way to home plate. When he looked up at his girlfriend, she was out cold because he had swung his bat after his hit and had hit her with it. 

Another story was about his first kiss, and he had closed his eyes only to kiss her on the nose, causing a bruise on her nose. The last story was his first date, and he was stopped by a police officer for speeding. 

Next up was Bil Lep 2:30 -3:00

Dolores Hydock talked about things she didn't know about the Statue of Liberty. Celebrating 250 years of our great Country. You can read the history of the Statue of Liberty on Wikipedia. 3:20-3:50

Jennifer Armstrong told folktales that incorporated musical instruments. 3:50-4:20 

Donald Davis was our last teller of the day with his funny stories of growing up. 4:20-5:00.

We dismissed for dinner, and hubby picked me up, and we went home.

Day 2: Saturday, May 15:

Once again, Melissa Foster introduced the tellers, beginning with Johnny Foster.

Johnny told stories and incorporated music in his stories with audience participation. 9:00-9:30 

Next up was Donald Davis and the story of the two-car family, 9:30-10:00 

a twenty-minute break for the restroom and to walk around town. 10:00-10:20 

Next was Jennifer Armstrong, who told folktales and incorporated music with audience participation, 10:20-10:50.

Next was Dolores Hydock, 10:50-11:20.

Dwight Henry talked about his dad in WWII and his visit to the house where his dad stayed in France. 11:20-11:50

Bil Lepp finished the morning with his tall tells 11:50-12:00

Break for lunch 12:00-2:00. My friend and I ate lunch at Lost Pizza.

We both ordered a pizza and a drink.

I ordered a Hippi Pizza with cheeses, spinach, roma tomatoes, artichokes, green peppers, yellow onions, and black olives on a garlic buttered crust.

After lunch, we walked across the street to the  Arts Alive Festival located in Wilson Park, spilling over into the Florence Library and in front of the Church of Christ. 

We returned to the Shoals Theater for the final portion of the storytelling. 

Donald Davis began the storytelling at 2:00-2:30 

Next up was Johnny Fowler, 2:30-3:05

Break from 3:05-3:25

After the break, we continued with Jennifer Armstrong 3:25-3:55

Next Dolores Hydock 3:55-4:40 

Bil Lepp finished the day with his tall tales from 4:30-5:00.

Hubby picked me up, and we headed home. 

He stopped at the Chinese restaurant in Killen and bought a plate of food and some soup, egg rolls. 

I am not a fan of this food, so I ate a hot dog. 

The end of Storytelling until May of Next year. 

 

2026 May 9, Day trip to Nashville Ryman Autidium and Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry

 We were up by 5 AM, dressed, and rode to Madison. 

We stopped at Burger King in Madison for 2 cinnamon apple pies, a choice A/G/C, and a Diet Coke. Spent $10.06 

The bus arrived around 8:30 AM. Everyone loaded onto bus 1047, driver Mr. B (Basil) on Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA. Our guides were Kelley Wolfe and Veronica Woodall.

Our first stop was the Tennessean in Cornesville, TN, where I bought a Diet Coke and a bag of Cheetos. Spent $10.

Our next stop was to tour the backstage area of the Grand Ole Opry &  Museum. 

Our guide told us stories about the Grand Ole Opry and entertainers who have graced the great stage. 

We watched a film narrated by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. 

We got to walk on stage where the performance once stood and looked out over the empty seats of the audience. 

We took pictures outside with the famous signs and quitars.

I visited WSM Museum,  a commercial AM radio station that broadcasts country music. The former home of Roy Acuff. 

We loaded onto the bus and rode to downtown Nashville to eat lunch at the Pharmacy located at Broadway Place next door to the Ryman Auditorium and Museum.

Hubby and I split a Pharmacy Burger with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, yellow cheddar, and yellow mustard. Served with tater tots.

After lunch, we walked to the Ryman, stopping to take photos of the statues of entertainers outside. 

At 2:30, we entered the Ryman Auditorium & Museum & watched "Soul of Nashville" in the theatre.

After the movie, we were taken on a guided tour led by Mason, a very knowledgeable guide who kept us entertained the entire time.  Thank you, Mason!

We got to see the Ryman the way entertainers see it when they perform. We got our picture taken standing in front of the microphone.

After touring the Ryman, we began our journey home. We stopped once again at The Tennessean for a restroom break and a cup of Moose Tracks Ice cream. 

We arrived at Gabes in Madison around 6:30 PM and shopped, where I bought a tablecloth and some socks. 

We stopped at Dollar General in Rogersville, where we bought 6-12 packages of canned Diet Cokes for $27.95. at 8:04 PM and arrived home around 8:30 PM.

Photos:

6434-6437 The Tennessean Cornersville, TN @9:15 AM-9:26 AM

6438-6509 Grand Ole Opry Backstage & Museum 10:35-11:56 AM

6510-6514 Nashville Traveling 12:35 PM

6515- Lunch at Pharmacy Burger in the Mall near the Ryman (Assembly Place, Broadway Place, Nashville, TN)

6516-6518 Mall Near the Ryman

6519-6558 touring the Ryman Auditorium Backstage & Museum 1:32-3:40 PM

6559-6578 Leaving Nashville @4PM

6579-6580 The Tennessean Cornersville, TN @5:07-5:28 PM 

Tickets Opry Backstage Tour Grand Ole Opry House Sat 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM 

Account 10750300

order # 5578672 

ticket # 171323159318620

Ryman Guided Tour Ryman Auditorium & Museum Sat May 9, 2026 at 2:45 PM 

ticket #15461850200023

2026 May 2, Golden Girls Experience Kirkwood, Atlanta, GA @ Pullman Park (Day Trip)

 First Stop was McDonald's in Huntsville, where we purchased a sausage with cheese biscuits, two drinks, two burritos, and hash rounds.

The second stop was Bruce's Foodland in Scottsboro for a restroom break, a Diet Coke, and a Diet Mt. Dew.

We arrived at Patches, and the bus was already there. We loaded onto the Eagle bus, Rome, Ga 1041, and began our journey at 9 AM.

Our driver was Wayne, and our group leader was Angie.

Our next stop was for a restroom break at the Racetrack in Adairsville, Ga spent 8.93. (Bought some snacks)

Arrived at Kirkwood in the Pullman Yard, where we dined in a pop-up restaurant, inspired by the  Golden Girls Sitcom.

Hubby and I split "The Lanai: Miami Style." Cuban Sandwich,

which consists of pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard relish, on Cuban bread, served with fries. A cup of water and a slice of cheesecake. 

The drinks we ordered included the Shady Pines Spritz Mocktail, which consisted of Mango, Pineapple, Lime, Gurva, Fruit, and Soda.

Marina Margarita consisted of tequila, lime, rum, and agave.

We left Atlanta around 4 PM, arriving at Buc-ees in Calhoun, Ga around 5:45P.M. (restroom break)

Buc-ees was buzzing with activity, with a long line at the restrooms and checkout. You would have thought it was grand opening day. 

Loaded back onto the bus and finished our journey to Scottsboro.

It was still two hours to home, and we arrived around 9:30PM.

6258 Full moon @5:45 AM

3736-3742 (iPad) Menton, AL @9:37 AM

6260-6264 Summerville, Ga @ 11:01 AM 

6265-6266 Racetrack Adairsville, GA @ 11:55 AM

6267-6274 Downtown Atlanta, Ga @ 1:15 PM

6275-6312 Golden Girls Experience @1:44-3:52 PM

6313 Buc-ees Calhoun, GA @ 5:49 PM