🚙2018 Nov 11-16, Trip to Smoky Mountains with Sherry & Bobby

Sunday, Nov 11, Sherry picked me up at home around 9AM. We traveled 72 hwy to hwy 101 to Town Creek and turned left onto hwy 20 to Decatur. We stopped at McDonald's near Beltline Highway for a restroom break and hot apple pie. We traveled 565 to 72 through Huntsville to Scottsboro, onto South Pittsburg, where we turned right onto I-24 to I-75 through Chattanooga. I drove from Chattanooga to Sevierville, where we were staying at Wyndham Condo 3017. We stopped several times for restroom breaks and lunch at Subway and Shell Gas in Louden, TN.

Bobby and I split a Tomato Basil wrap with rotisserie chicken, pepper jack cheese, avocado, and fixes we all drank a bottle of water. Sherry ordered a full roast beef wrap.

We arrived at check-in, Sherry went inside, and we went in later. While Sherry talked, we snacked on popcorn and water.

After we unloaded the car and were settled in, we watched some TV and decided to order a 1/2 vegetable and 1/2 sausage and pepperoni pizza from Big Daddy’s. 

I was very tired after the long trip, so I took some night quills and went to bed. I tried to read but was too sleepy.

Monday, Nov 12, We ate breakfast at the guest house of the Wyndham and listened for 2 1/2 hours about timeshares. Bobby and Sherry each received a $150.00 gift card for listening. I did not qualify because I was married, and my hubby was not with me. They were both widows. 

We rode to 3901 Hwy 411 Dandridge, TN, and ate lunch at Bushes Family Cafe Restaurant around 12:37PM. We each ordered the vegetable plate. I ordered okra, green beans, Mac and cheese, and fried apples with iced tea. 

Sherry and Bobby both ordered okra, green beans, Mac & Cheese, fried sweet potato, and water. 

We watched a short film about the Bush Family and factories, and then we toured the museum. 

We had our pictures taken together at the end, and each received a copy free.

, Aunt Bobbie and Cousin Sherry 

Green Beans, Fried Apples, okra, Mac & Cheese, Onion, and Cornbread

We stopped inside the Bush store for some mints and candy.

It rained all day. We rode to Sevierville and stopped at Ollies, where I bought a Christmas Carol book and a bottle of baby lotion. 

We rode to the condo, watched some TV, read some of my books, and ate leftovers for supper. 

On Tuesday, Nov 13, We ate lunch at Old Mill Restaurant, 164 Old Mill Ave Pigeon Forge once again, we all ordered vegetables.

I ordered pinto beans, fried apples, mac & cheese, and okra. 

We each received a bowl of corn chowder and corn fritters. Once again, we had enough leftovers for supper. 

I stopped to take a few pictures of the raging Little Pigeon River. It has rained every day that we have been here. 

Bobby and I walked around inside the Old Mill Store and did not buy anything. 

We walked across the street and looked inside an oriental gift shop with lots of jewelry, wood carvings, and glassware. Sherry bought 5 or 6 bottles of balsamic Olive oil dressings for $25.00. We rode to Old Time Pottery I took several pictures of the Christmas displays. Bobby bought an elf, and Sherry bought a small table and several stackable shelving. We stopped at Kitchen Collections, and I walked to Dollar Tree, 141 E Wears Valley Rd Pigeon Forge, and bought some candy and 3 cans of Diet Coke. 

We rode to the Condo, watched some TV, finished one book, started another, and ate leftovers. 

pinto beans, fried apples, mac & cheese, and okra
Old Mill Restaurant 

Wednesday, Nov 14, We rode to Workshop Tools 105 Knives Works Ln Sevierville, where I bought sunglasses, flashlights, and ink pens, we walked next door to Lodge Store, where I bought 6 10-inch skillets with nickel carved backing. I had them shipped to my home because they were too heavy to carry. 

We rode to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World 3629 Outdoor Sportsman Place Kodak, TN, where I bought a pair of boots. Bobby bought herself 2 henley shirts. 

We ate lunch at Applewood Grill Restaurant, Apple Valley Rd Sevierville. We were all tired of vegetables, so we each ordered a bowl of soup and a grilled sandwich. Sherry ordered chicken noodles, Bobby ordered loaded potato soup, and I ordered vegetable soup.

We were all brought apple fritters, apple butter, and Julep(orange, apple, and Pineapple juice mixed). We once again had enough leftovers for supper. 

Watched some TV, read, and went to bed. 

Pipping a hot bowl of Vegetable Soup in the black kettle with grilled cheese at Applewood Grill Restaurant 

Visit the North Pole at Bass Pro Kodak, TN 

Merry Christmas from the Lodge Store 

Welcome from Old Time Pottery 

Thursday, Nov 15, We rode to Dolly Pardon’s Stampede, 3849 Parkway Pigeon Forge, to take a few pictures of the Christmas display with camels, sleighs, and Christmas trees.  

We walked through the Three Bears General Store, 2861 Parkway Pigeon Forge, and took a few pictures at the entrance. Could not take pictures inside. 

We ate lunch at Firehouse Sub 2627 Parkway Suite Pigeon Forge. I ordered a kid's meatball sub, chips, and a drink. I ordered a 4-inch Philly sub to take home. We stopped at Incredible Christmas Place, 2470 Parkway Pigeon Forge, took several pictures, and had my picture taken with Santa. 

We also stopped at Wranglers and several other stores behind Texas Road House on Collier Drive Pigeon Forge. 

Ate leftovers for supper, watched TV, packed, and read my book.

Come take a sleigh ride at Dolly Parton's Stampede.

Fireman at Firehouse Sub

Come visit Three Bears, General Store 

Friday, Nov 16, Finished Packing, cleaned, loaded the car, checked out, and rode to Great Smoky Mountain Flea Market 220 W Dumplin Valley Rd Kodak, TN around 8AM. 

We Stopped at McDonald's in Fort Louden for breakfast(around 10:36AM)  and to fill up with Shell Gas. I ordered two apple pies and ate both. Sherry and Bobby ordered a sausage and cheese McMuffin. 

We Huntsville) for lunch. I ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and water. 

Sherry and Bobby both ordered a cheeseburger. 

Hubby picked me up at a barbecue restaurant in Town Creek around 3:00PM and was home by 3:30PM.

Last Stop before heading home
Great Smoky Mt Flea Market

We were having a Tidwell Thanksgiving at 6:30PM tonight.

🚗2017 May 30, Tuesday, "A sportsman paradise" & Pink Palace Museum Memphis, TN

Hubby and I rode to Memphis, Tennessee, which took about three hours.
I had a runny nose, and I sneezed the whole trip.
We stopped at Walgreens in Corinth, MS, and bought some Flonase Nasal Spray recommended by the Pharmacist.

Bass Pro Shop 

Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid on Bass Pro Drive in Memphis was our first stop.
Once inside, we saw a sign that said, "Welcome to Paradise"! A sportsman paradise!
Swimming in the water below us, we could see schools of a variety of fish and swamp-covered trees everywhere.
We stopped to see the alligators; they were behind glass walls, and they were staring at us.

Swamp Covered Trees & Elevator

We saw a 27-foot elevator that was lit up with red, green, and blue lights.
We paid ten dollars to ride the elevator to the top while listening to a pre-recording about the store and catching a big fish.
We exited the elevator into a restaurant, where we were greeted by a hostess. She asked us if we wanted to eat at the restaurant or if we just wanted to take the breathtaking view of Memphis.
We said we just wanted to walk out onto the balcony and see the view below.

View from Balcony 

Once outside, we could see downtown Memphis, the roaring Mississippi River, Mud Island, The Memphis & Arkansas Bridge, and the train bridge. There was another balcony with a view of the Mississippi River, houses, apartments, and piers.

View from Balcony 

We visited the Ducks Limited Museum, where we saw a variety of guns, ducks, trophies, etc.
We saw the Big Cedar Lodge, wildlife creations, taxidermy, & aquarium full of fish.
The smell of cinnamon-glazed roasting pecans, cashews, and almonds filled the air.

Our next stop was the Pink Palace Museum.
You can visit the Museum on Tuesdays at 1PM for free.

Hubby and I walked up the grand staircase to the third floor to see the animatronic dinosaurs exhibit.
This was a great area for children to touch models of dinosaurs' claws, bones, and teeth, play with rubbing stamps, and watch a video.

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs

We saw the first Americans, the History of Memphis, log Cabins, slavery, the Civil War, the first automated grocery store (Piggly Wiggly), Yellow Fever, from saddlebags to science, Clyde Parke's Miniature Circus, cotton and Thomas Harwell's mummy casket.

It was after 2PM, and we were hungry, so we rode to Joe's Crab Shack.
Hubby ordered the Crab Legs bucket, and I ordered fish and chips we both ordered water with lemon to drink.

Fish & Chips at Joe's Crab Shack Memphis 

In Memphis, we also rode past several old historic homes, & the Liberty Stadium.
Around 3PM, we started for home, arriving around 6:30PM.

🎄🎄🎄🎄2016 December 12-14, Christmas on the Gulf

Hubby and I traveled over six hours to Theodore Alabama to walk thru the Christmas Lights at Bellingrath Gardens.
We stopped at Durbin's Farm restaurant in Clanton for lunch.
We split a Ham & Cheese Croissant and we split a hot fried peach pie covered in peach ice cream.
We usually stop at Peach Park in Clanton but it was closed.

Hot, fried, peach pie covered in peach ice cream at Peach Park. 

We arrived at 4:09PM purchased our tickets @ Bellingrath Gardens and walked down to the boat dock to watch the sunset. We walked back up the hill into the gardens it was not quite dark enough for the Christmas lights to shine brightly. There was a concession area near the Bellingrath house so we stopped for a box of popcorn and a can of coke while we sat and listened to a local band playing Christmas Carols.
It was now dark enough for the Christmas light to shine and twinkle so we began our walk through the Gardens.

Christmas Trees @ Bellingrath Gardens

The pond before dark 

The pond after dark 

Throughout the garden, we saw Christmas trees, a manger scene, poinsettia, and twinkling lights, around the lake we saw swans, alligators, Santa, toys, and a train.
We had arrived early and had gotten a parking spot near the front but when we left the parking lot was full and it was spilling over into the no-parking areas.
It was still an hour's ride to where we were staying.

Poinsettias @ Bellingrath Gardens

The setting sun and full moon at the boat docks
@ Bellingrath Gardens

We stopped at Zaxby's in Foley for dinner, and we both ordered salads.
By the time we arrived at the hotel, we were both very tired and we both took a hot bath and climbed into bed.
I wish, I could say I slept like a log but I could not because I still had a hacking cough.
I had been dealing with this crud for about a week. I had been taking Muniex and the little Muniex man will not leave me alone.
Rain is in the forecast for later today with lots of fog. The fog settled in on us as we rode back across Mobile Bay.
The next day we took the elevator down to the dining area at 6AM where we ate breakfast. I ate two sausage links, and two french toast and drank two boxes of chocolate milk.
We went back to the room waiting for the fog to lift before we rode to the beach.

Gulf Shores Beach (you can still see the fog)

We stopped at BAM in Gulf Shores to buy "The Night Before Christmas" book. I want my granddaughter, who is graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, to begin a tradition of reading "The Night Before Christmas" when we celebrate our Christmas Family Get-together.

We rode to Heritage Park in Foley. Last year they added the Bell Tower and this year they have added a crossover. (A beautiful walkway with elevators to cross over the highway to the park).
We visited the tiny Santa Village, the Christmas tree lane, the bell tower, the fountain, and the train depot. We watched and listened to a man tell stories about the miniature trains' display, along with a group of children.

CrossWalk @ Foley Park 

There were several school groups throughout the park.

Bell Tower @Foley Park 

miniature train Display (small part)

Miniature Train Display (small part)@ Foley depot

We stopped at Bass Pro Shops in Spanish Fort, & Sam's Club.
In Delphne, we stopped at the Mellow Mushroom.

Mellow Mushroom Statue in Delphne, Al 

A friendly wave from Santa Clause at Bass Pro Shops

We rode to Gulf Shores, walked along the beach, & waited for the sunset. The clouds rolled in so we did not get to see the sunset.

Sunset at Gulf Shores 

It started lighting so we went back to the hotel. It stormed all night.
We ate sausage, eggs, and muffins for breakfast at the hotel.

On our travel home, we stopped at Joe's Crab Shack in Hoover, Alabama for lunch.
We rode to Gadsden stopping at Noccalula Falls, which was almost dried up.
We stopped at the Mary G. Hardin Art Center to see the Christmas Trees created by local schools and the miniature train display.

Finding Nemo Christmas Tree @ Mary G. Hardin Art Center 

Noccalula Falls

We stopped at Chick-fil-A in Athens for dinner and were home by 7:30PM

2003 ~ April 2-6 My English cousin comes to Alabama from Reepham, England

Day 1: Wednesday, April 2, 2003

I took two of my grandchildren with me to pick up my cousin at the Huntsville, Alabama Airport.
His flight arrived at 5:53 P.M.

I tried to give a little history about the Buxton Family to my grandchildren. 

I told them that one of my great-uncles was a midget.

My granddaughter said, “ Granny was your great uncle born small and did he grow small?

My granddaughter was trying to figure out why my great-uncle was a midget.

I took the grandkids to Zaxby’s for supper where they ordered hot wings.

While we were at Zaxby's the kids asked me what my cousin looked like, and I said I had not seen him in five years but I am sure he looked the same.

After we finished eating we went to the airport to pick up my cousin. We met up with him at baggage claims.

My cousin said he was starving so we stopped a SubZone.
My grandson was still hungry so he ordered a Meatball sandwich.

The ride home took a little over an hour and a half.
We stopped at Ronald's and then I took the grandkids home. 
My cousin was impressed by the double-wide trailer where the grandkids lived.
We live in an RV with only one bedroom so we booked my cousin a room at Days Inn in Florence Room number 124.

Day 2: Thursday, April 3, 2003 
I picked up my cousin and we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

I ordered two pieces of sourdough toast and my cousin ordered fried apples and muffins.
My cousin wanted to make a long-distance call to his wife, so we stopped at a pay phone booth at a local gas station.

Off to see the sites that the Shoals has to offer. 

Our first stop was the Renaissance Tower, it was closed for renovations, but the front office was open so we went inside.

The clerk in the office said, “The Renaissance Tower will open again to the public in about one and half years.”

Then she said, I love your accent, where are you from?

Somehow we got on the subject of wine and the clerk said,” They have French Wine at Sam’s Club and it is marked down to $4.00 a bottle.”

She said the reason you can get the wine for this cost is because of the French. They supported the Americans in the war against Arabia. 

The Renaissance Tower

We rode across Wilson Dam

We stopped at my cousin's, she had just pulled into her drive. 
She had left her husband at the hospital in the ICU and had just a few minutes to visit with us.

We rode to Spring Park to see the beautiful manmade cascading waterfall.

Spring Park 

 Ivy Green

Next, we stopped at Ivy Green, the birth home of Helen Keller. 
We paid the admission price and the curator was very knowledgeable about the Keller home.
She told us how Ann Sullivan had dedicated her life to Helen Keller. 

She told us that Helen was the daughter of Mr. Keller and his second Kate. 

She also told us that Helen was born in the small house next to the large house, which was at one time occupied by David and Mary Keller Helen’s grandparents. 

She told us that Helen had spinal Meni at age 18 months, which left her deaf, dumb, and blind.
We thanked her for all the information and started touring the house.
Next, we walked outside to the building where Ann Sullivan took Helen, so she could teach her without interruption.

We walked by the water pump where Helen said her first word, WATER!

I rode passed the house that my grandfather built and lived in until his death. 
My cousin is a relative of my grandmother on my father's side. 
I also rode passed the cemetery where they are buried. 

We stopped at McFarland Park which is along the Tennessee River.

For lunch, I took my cousin to the historic, Classic Parlor Trowbridge on 316 N. Court Street. 

They are known for their different types of ice cream, hot dogs, and quick sandwiches. 

Don’t remember what we ordered but I know it was good.

Our next stop was Pope's Tavern.
We paid the admission and the curator started filling us in on the history.
I think she said was a former professor and a Watson.
She told us some history about the Watson family not sure right now how that related to the Tavern.
She was a very interesting person and she kept us way past closing time.

We rode to my home where my cousin used the computer to send his wife an email.

For dinner, we went to Barnhill's where we met up with other family members.

Amelia and her husband Peanut, my brothers David & Terry, and Terry's wife Caroline.
Harry and his wife Brenda and my son Mike.
We had a very enjoyable meal reunion.
We dropped my cousin off at the hotel and drove home. 

Day 3: Friday, April 4, 2003
My cousin and I ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel.

I ordered scrambled eggs, bacon, and two slices of sourdough bread. 

Our first stop was Wal-Mart.
My cousin had promised to give my aunt, who worked at Wal-Mart, some British coins.

My uncle was also there.

In Wal-Mart we met a woman in the automotive department, she asked my cousin where he was from in England and he said Reepham, then she said, I am from a little town not far from where you live.

She said I married an American Soldier and came to America to live. 

Next, we went to the bus station so my cousin could purchase a bus ticket to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. 

More site seeing: 

Our first stop was the log cabin/Home/Museum, where the Father of the Blues W.C. Handy was born and lived. The cabin was moved to this site. We saw the Handy library, Several photos hanging on the walls. There were a couple of quilts lying on the rockers, a quilt atop the bed, a fireplace, a rug on the floor, Kerosene lanterns, a beautiful piano, and in the kitchen wooden dough bowl, glassware, and many cooking tools, dishes, rub-board, dipper, bucket, washpan, soap, pitcher, and many other items. 

Our next stop was Indian Mount where we walked many steps to the top.

We rode across the O'Neal Bridge named for Governor O'neal who once lived in this area. 
We rode to Tuscumbia to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
We toured the museum and stopped in the gift shop.  
The woman in the gift shop said where are you from? I love your accent. I said my cousin is visiting family and he is from England. 

  WC Handy Museum 

For lunch, we stopped at Rick's in Muscle Shoals.
We ate supper at Newborns in Florence. Once again we met up with family members. 
Amelia's husband doesn't eat fish so he ordered chicken. 

Day 4: Saturday, April 5, 2003 
Amelia cooked supper and everyone brought a dish.
Bobbie, Dad, Teresa, Rick, Harrison, Paula, and Robert

Amelia had prepared chicken, blueberry, and strawberry cheesecake.

My cousin talked about our relatives who lived in England.

Day 5: Sunday, April 6, 2003
My husband took us to the TVA Dam to show us how the dam works.
My husband took us inside of the dam, and we all had to wear hard hats.

He showed us how the flood gates, & turbines work.
He showed us the waterfall.

 Wilson Dam Turbines

We then rode to Opry Mills in Nashville.

We stopped at the Bass Pro Shop and walked through Opry Mill Mall where my cousin bought a music box for his daughter. 

On the way to Nashville, we saw a lot of farm equipment.
My cousin was very impressed with the many different types of tractors he saw. 
He is a cattle farmer in England.

 Bass Pro Shop in Nashville 

Day 6: Monday, April 7, 2003
Sadly we had to say goodbye.
I dropped my cousin off at the bus depot and from there he is going to 

Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
He said he enjoyed his visit to the Shoals and would love to come back.

I am so glad he came for a visit. It is not very often we ever get to meet relatives that live so far away.

🎄🎄🎄🎄2013 ~ December 11-15 Spending time with family during the Christmas holidays

Day 1: Wednesday, December 11, 2013

My husband and I are traveling to Nashville Tennessee to pick up Lora at Nashville International Airport at 2:35 P.M. She is on flight 4013 and she will be leaving MA, at 12:45 P.M.

 Nashville International Airport

We stopped in St Joseph Tn to buy lottery tickets.

In Nashville, we stopped at Opry Mills Shopping Mall and The Bass Pro Shop.  We walked around checking out all their Christmas displays.  

Bass Pros Shop had a Santa Village, where children could sit on Santa’s lap and tell what they wanted for Christmas.

Bass Pros Shop

Bass Pros Shop

Bass Pros Shop

We rode to the Nashville Airport to pick up Lora. Then we rode to Opryland Hotel where we walked through all of their Flower Gardens, which were beautifully decorated for the Holidays. The Cascade Gardens, the Garden Conservatory, and the Delta Island are each decorated with millions of lights, poinsettias, & a 48-foot Christmas tree at Delta Atrium.

Outside were more lights, a manger scene, carriage rides, and a hot roaring fire.

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Lora and I rode the Delta River Flatboat which holds up to twenty-five people for $10.00 a person. It is a guided indoor Scenic tour that takes about fifteen minutes. 

The ride takes you through the beautiful lush indoor gardens that features an 85-foot fountain, three waterfalls, banana and coconut trees, and much, much more.

Out on the Magnolia lawn was the Nativity Display. 

There were Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, sheep, cattle, the shepherds, and the three wise men. 

Then there was the reading of the birth of Jesus. 

 Cracker Barrel on Music Row

We were hungry so we stopped at Cracker Barrel on Music Row to eat supper. 

As we rode through Jelly Stone Park we saw Christmas lights dancing to Christmas songs.

The cost was $25.00 a carload. 

It was late when we arrived home. 

Day 2: Thursday, December 12, 2013

Thursday Lora and I went to town where she bought her kids Christmas presents. 

We ate lunch at Chick-fil-A.

I bought two dozen donuts at Krispy Cream Donuts for our Christmas Party on Friday.

My husband, Lora, Marcus, Jr., Madison, Sierra, Nevada, Montana, and I went to the Florence Christmas Parade on Court Street in downtown Florence. 

We were running late and most of the spots were filled so we walked up N. Court Street where the parade began. 

The kids got three sacks full of candy.

It was a bitter cold and the store behind us was giving away hot chocolate so all the kids went inside to get some hot chocolate.

My husband and I stayed outside watching the parade and I took lots of pictures.

Watching the Christmas Parade

Day 3: Friday, December 13, 2013

Friday, Lora and I went to the Florence Courthouse to meet with Lora’s and Marcus' lawyers and a meditator. 

They agreed that Lora could claim one of the kids on her taxes and that the court would decide the amount of child support she should pay. 

Marcus did not bring his W’2 as requested. 

Friday night we celebrated our family Christmas Party at Mike’s House.

Hannah could not stay late because she had to work at Texas Road House that night, so Lora and I went early to spend some time with Hannah.

Everyone else came later and we had a great meal of Turkey Dressing, Mac and cheese, Cream Potatoes, Green Beans, Cakes, Pies, and donuts. 

After the meal, everyone opened his or her presents and then we all played board games. 

Christmas Party at Mike’s House

Christmas Party at Mike’s House

Christmas Party at Mike’s House

Day 4: Saturday, December 14, 2013

Saturday my husband took a vacation day and we took Lora, Marcus, Jr. Madison, and Montana to Franklin Tennessee to see a Dickens of a Christmas. 

It was a bitter cold day and we were all bundled up in our warmest coats. 

We saw many characters from A Christmas Carol walking in the streets of Franklin. 

We saw Ebenezer Scrooge the three ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future; we saw Bob Cratchit's family, Jacob Marley, and many Christmas Carolers. 

Dickens of a Christmas. 

Dickens of a Christmas. 

There was a petting zoo, sword dancers, fiddlers, and a carriage ride. 

We could smell the food cooking and see all the vendor's booths.

We had enough of the bitter cold and rode to Cool Springs Mall in Franklin. 

Lora took the kids Christmas shopping.

My husband and I bought a cup of pretzels, and a drink and sat down to rest and watch the shoppers.

We stopped at Jack-n-the-Box for supper. 

The kids all played on their electronic devices or watched one of the three channels on the TV in our van. 

Day 5:  Sunday, December 15, 2013

Sunday we took Lora back to Nashville International Airport.

She was on flight 3862, scheduled to leave at 2:20 PM so she had to be there around 1:20 P.M. 

We dropped her off at the Nashville International Airport. We stopped in Cool Springs at Logan's for lunch and rode home.