Showing posts with label Madison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madison. Show all posts

Sunday, December 24, 2023

2023 Dec 20, Christmas Tree Trails, and Christmas Card Lane Madison & Decatur, AL

Today was another busy day. We rode to RSA to take 7 hot Dimino pizzas to Hubby's old co-worker for Christmas lunch.
After lunch, we rode to Madison there I walked among & took pictures of the Polar Express Christmas Trees.

Polar Express Christmas Tree in Madison
A Christmas Story  

Next, we rode up one side and down the other to take pictures of Madison's Christmas Card Trail. 

Merry Christmas Welcome to Alabama 

We stopped at Ollies in Madison to pick up a few items.
Then we rode to Decature stopping at Their Enchanted Forest Trail. (It looked as if a hurricane had blown through.) 

The Enchanted Forest Christmas Tree 

We stopped at ALDI USA in Decatur to pick up a few more items for our Christmas Meal.
We saw 3 redtail hawks on power lines on the way home. 
Our last stop was at Wheeler Dam where we saw several White Pelicans, lots of cormorants, and a few gulls.

Sunday, January 1, 2023

2022 April 23, Madison Walking Tour lead by Gerald Clark


 We started the tour at the Roundhouse near the railroad tracks. Before Mr. Clark began his speech a train roared passed. 

A War Memorial displayed in Madison's Park 

We walked across the railroad tracks and began our tour of Historic downtown Madison.

A little history about Madison:

The town began about 1856 when tracks were laid by Memphis and Charleston Railroad. In 1858 Judge Clemons planned the town's lots fronting the railroad.

One of the first businesses was a Grist Mill Mill operated by J.J. Akers, S.D. Doolittle opened a Blacksmith Shop, and other merchants included Walter and Thomas Hopkins and James Bib. 

Humphrey and Hughes Drug Co.
The Rexall Store 

Historic Madison homes and stores that we saw:

The History of Madison

Madison Station Hertzler Vaughn 1905 

Madison Station Apperson Brown ca 1900

Madison Station Cain Steadman ca 1880

Madison Station Farley Thorton Goodson 1911 

Madison Station Clay Sensenberger 1853

Madison Station Shelton Balch 1928

Madison Station Pride Drake 1910 

Madison Station Thomas Vaughn ca 1910 


Madison Station Burton Balch Willis 1885

Madison Station Farley Sturdivant 1910 


Madison Station Gillespie McDermott 1897

Madison Station Riddle W. Hughes Sampieri 1920

Madison Station Riddle C.P. Hughes 1910

Madison Station Sullivan Wellborn 1889

The Methodist Church 

War Memorials 

Colonel Cecil Hamilton Bolton LT US ARMY

Leo K Thorsness COL US AIR FORCE

Paul L. Bolden SSG US ARMY 

CITY OF MADISON WALL OF HEROES

Madison Roundhouse

Storefront 16 Main (Yellow House)

Humphrey Bros. was Built by D.S. Brandon 

Robert P. Cain Mercantile 

Humphrey-Hughes Drug Co Store 

The Rexall Store 

Established 1869 City of Madison

J.H. Cain General Merchandise 

We learned about Buttermilk Alley Buttermilk Alley is a narrow lane running between Front and Arnett streets. Circa 1900, the alley gave a safe haven for sweethearts to take a walk at dusk and hold hands. Mrs. Katie, an African-American woman who worked for Dr. Kyser on Front Street, sat on her porch and kept a watchful eye on the youth’s safety. 

Longtime residents also credit Buttermilk Alley’s name to food handouts from Front Street residents to hungry hobos riding on the train. 

Buttermilk Aly


Madison is a historic small town rich in history and now growing in leaps and bounds. 


Monday, December 5, 2022

2022 Dec 4, Tinsel Trails, Christmas Card Lane Ditto Landing & Toyota Field Christmas Lights Huntsville, AL

 Sunday we stopped in Decatur to walk thru the Enchanted Forest in Founders Park which is a tinsel stroll supporting Leukemia and Lymphoma.

We stopped in Madison for their Polar Express Christmas on Main Street where their Christmas trees were displayed. 

We stopped at RSA to take coworkers' Christmas Present Presents.

We rode to South Huntsville to Christmas on the River at Ditto Landing. There we strolled along the Tennessee River Greenway looking at 4 x 8 plywood custom-designed Christmas cards. 

Grinchmas

It's Not what's under the Christmas Tree that matters. 
It's who's around it. 

We stopped at every card to get a picture and before we returned it began to sprinkle. 

We rode to Huntsville's Big Spring Park to walk through the Big Spring Park Tinsel Trail. 

Big Spring Park Tinsel Trail.

We were afraid of getting wet but the rain had stopped.

Next, we rode to Toyota Field to see The North Pole Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland.

Which are a mile and half maze of bright dancing and twinkling lights. We tuned our radio to 95.5 to listen to Christmas music.

The North Pole Rocket City Christmas Light Show 

After the drive, we stopped at Toyota  Field and walked through Winter Wonder Land stopping for pictures with Santa, Trash Panda, and Frosty. 

Picture with Frosty 

We had not eaten since breakfast and were not sure what we wanted. We were tired and didn't want to go into a restaurant and wait so we decided to stop at Krystal. Believe it or not, their food was good or we were very hungry. 

A picture with Trash Panda 

I ordered a double cheese Krystal and strawberry Milkshake. 

It was late when we arrived home and we both were tired from the long day. Put my cameras away for another day to download and went to bed.




Thursday, December 20, 2018

2018 Dec 18, Christmas Trees, Cards, Cranes and Ducks Atherns, Decatur, & Madison, Alabama

Today, Hubby and I visited the North Pole Christmas Tree Stroll at Big Spring Park Athens.
North Pole Stroll Athens, Alabama 
Mallards, White Ducks, and goldfish greeted me as I approached the pond at Big Springs.
I enjoyed two(Grinch) buttermilk pancakes with a hint of green topped with sweet cream cheese icing and red candy hearts. Crowned with creamy green whipped topping & 2 link sausages at IHOP in Madison.
Hubby ordered fried Fish, shrimp, fries, toast, and a stack of 3 buttermilk pancakes.


Grinch Pancakes 
fish, shrimp, fries, toast 

Hubby drove us through the larger-than-life Christmas Card Lane that is showcased in front of some of the historic homes in Madison along Front and Chruch Streets.
Thank You for Visiting Christmas Card Lane
Magical Christmas Tree Trail Madison, Alabama Different sponsors of Madison decorate a tree and the trees are located on both sides of the Main Street Cafe.

We rode to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur via I-65 workers working on the bridge over the Tennessee River traffic backup. 
View of Decatur from the bridge where the traffic was backed up 

We walked down to the overlook to see the Cranes and ducks. Not as many sandhills and Whooping cranes as last year.  
We saw thousands of Sandhill Cranes but only one White Whooping Crane
The Whooping Crane at 5 feet tall, is the tallest bird in North America and one of the most endangered. They are named for their whooping unison calls. 

Our last stop was Founders Park in front of Old Historic Bank to tour the Enchanted Forest Christmas Tree Stroll. 
Enchanted Forest Christmas Tree Stroll in Founders Park, Decatur 
By the time we finished, it was beginning to get dark but the solar-powered lights had not come on. 
By the time we arrived home, it was dark. Hubby stopped at McDonald's for a hamburger, fries, apple pie, and Ice Cream. I ate a piece of the fish he had left over from lunch. 
Uploaded some of my pictures after I arrived home.
Sunset 

Monday, December 25, 2017

🚗 2006 June 18-25, Trip to Florida Lora's Version

Sunday, June 18, 2006
We arrived in Florida early. The Welcome Center was beautiful. I love Palm Trees and other tropical plants. We were all very sleepy. We checked into RMH at 7:45AM. 
(They had three beanie babies on the bed for them.)
We ended up at Arnold Palmer Hospital because Meadow continued to vomit and did not feel well. Marcus also Goa an ant bite plus his left foot swelled on top and got are and puffy. The doctor decided not to admit Meadow. He told me if she did not get better to bring her back. She had Ketones four in her urine. She also had a very low CO2(8?). Marcus got a dose of Clindamycin & an RX.
We also gave him Benadryl. That concluded our first day in FL. Pokie had to check out the hospital facilities to make sure they were suitable.

Clindamycin is used to treat bacterial infections. This medicine may be given to patients who have had an allergic reaction to penicillin. Clindamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Monday, June 19, 2006
On our first day at Ability & their Meadow met Roberta her PT. She is very good with Meadow. Meadow fussed a lot when placed in a position she did not like. She looked so cute in the little suit! We got some pictures. We went to Steak & Shake for lunch. It was our first day at Dr. Bradstreet’s office for HBOT. I got in the chamber with Meadow. She got in the soft tank. They gave her Baby Einstein DVDs to watch. She fell fast asleep. However, I thought my head was going to explode. My ears started stopping up and pressure shot like a sharp pin down behind my ears and my neck. I got on the walkie-talkie and said, “How long is this pain gonna last?” She told me to hold my nose and blow. The pressure was not relieved. Then I got hot and felt like I was having a panic attack. She told me to face toward the end where the air was blowing and once it was fully pressurized the pain should stop. When it was fully pressurized I felt better. Laid my head and took the best nap I have had in a long time. In the afternoon we went back to the RMH and had supper. We ate vita, salad & brownies. The kids played in the playroom and we went to sleep.
We went to Melbourne Beach after therapy. The kids loved the ocean. They played in the waves and sand. Madison found some seashells. Meadow liked the water too. The kids got more beanie babies.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Madison woke up vomiting. She slept all morning. We went to therapy. Meadow was much better today and more tolerant of the therapy. She likes to jump on the spider. Marcus and I boxed Hulk gloves. Madison lay on the floor on Elmo's mat and slept. Mom got in the HBOT Chamber with Meadow. I slept on the couch in the playroom with Madison. I little boy jumped up on top of me while I was sleeping and I thought it was Bucko! We went to RMH after all therapy because Madison was sick. The Belles & Beaus of Chiropractic Club of Orlando had a Hawaiian lei feast with chicken curry rice, salad, fruit delight, and a veggie tray. Delaney took Marcus for a ride in her wheelchair at the RMH.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Madison felt better this morning. We too Meadow for their suit therapy. Marcus played on the game cube. We went to lunch at Olive Garden. We then went to HBOT. I got in the chamber with Meadow and took a nap. I still felt the pressure. I was not as anxious this time because I knew what to expect. We went to Andretti Thrill Park and rode on the go-karts. This man took us on a train ride. I didn’t think he was ever going to stop! We rode the bumper boats again and Marcus rode with a teenage girl and Madison rode with a teenage boy! We had fun. Marcus played a game where he shot a rifle and a butt popped up with blue jeans on but you could see his crack! It was hot outside. The kids are making friends at RMH. 

Thursday, June 22, 2006
Today at Suit therapy Meadow was cranky. She woke up early this morning. Zac is the other child getting therapy from the other PT. She is from Holland. Zac is autistic. He is seven years old. After therapy, we went to an authentic Italian Restaurant. We ordered a pizza with spinach, mushrooms, and Pepperonis. Granny went into the chamber with Meadow today and  Madison talked to Granny on the walkie-talkie. 
After HBOT we went to Dixie Stampede. We got there early and went to the horse stables. There was a white horse with spots and a big albino horse. Then we went inside. The lobby had a huge painting with a big buffalo and horses on it. Then we went to the carriage room. Mrs. Dixie played it again Sam performed. There was a magic show, too. In the main arena, we had a huge dinner. Madison and Marcus got a call (Meadow was announced up) to the arena on the Northside to chase chickens. Bucko was the first one to make it. They both got ribbons and medallions. After the show, the cast called us down for a VIP meeting for pictures. The girls all wanted to hold Meadow. We went into the center arena and took pictures. One of the crew members gave the kids coloring books. The host gave Meadow a ribbon-like Maddie & Bucko. They told me they were going to mail us a picture and they were all going to sign it. We had a really good time!

Friday, June 23, 2006
Meadow was worn out after her first week of therapy. We went to Winter Park and watched a live Marionette performance of “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” The owner of the Marionette Theater was the man that played Howdy Duty and Bozo the Clown. We met them both. The show was really good and we sat right up front. 


Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater 
A non-profit organization 
presents 
ALADDIN and the Wonderful Lamp 
book and lyrics by David Eaton 
June 3, through Aug 26, 2006
525 S. Semoran Blvd. Winter Park Florida 
www.Pinocchios.net

Saturday, June 24, 2006
We went to the Orlando Science Museum and spent the entire day. It had six floors. The first floor had a nature center with alligators and turtles. It also had Kids Town  (hands-on) We watched three Cinedome IMAX movies, Wild Safari, Greece, and Star Quest. We went inside a huge mouth and walked through the walls of the digestive system. We went to the Dinosaur Center. There was a center with monster heads, electricity, and a space center. Then we went to the top where there was a planetarium. It was a fun day.
Sunday, June 25, 2006

We went to Gatorland. There were alligators and crocodiles all around. Big, small, and babies. Madison and Bucky held an alligator and a python snake. They had their picture made while holding them. We watched Gator Wrestling, Later Jumparoo, and Close Encounters. We rode the train through the swamp area. There were all kinds of species of large birds nesting and alligators nesting. It started pouring down rain. 

Monday, April 6, 2015

2015 ~ Saturday & Sunday April 4 & 5,Easter Weekend with grandkids

My grandkids came over Friday night one slept on the sofa, two slept on the floor on an air mattress and my daughter slept on the Futon.
Saturday morning around 4 AM we went outside to watch the lunar eclipse and the moon blood moon.

Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015
Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015
Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015
Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015
I cooked pancakes, everyone dressed, we loaded into the van and my daughter drove us to Birmingham.
The traffic was terrible, it was bumper, to bumper for miles on I-65 so it took us longer than normal.
We stopped at Sneaky Pete's in English Village Lane just a few blocks from the Birmingham zoo then onto the zoo.
Sneaky Petes Hot Dog
2716 Culver RdMountain BrkAL 35223
(205) 879-8723

I ordered:

 Smoked Sausage
Mustard, Sautéed Onions & Green Peppers & Sneaky Pete’s Famous Sauce, 

Lora ordered:

Junk Yard Dog
Some of everything on it!
Mustard, Onions, Kraut, Beef, Chili,
Pickle Relish, Slaw, Cheddar Cheese Sauce & Sneaky Pete’s Famous Sauce

Madison ordered:

Grilled Cheese

Meadow ordered

Chicken Fingers

Marcus ordered two:

Sneaky Pete Chili-Cheese Dog
Mustard, Chili, Onions, and Cheddar Cheese Sauce 
http://sneakypeteshotdogs.com/menu.php

It was a beautiful day, a bit nippy.
Animals and birds that we saw at the Birmingham Zoo.
2630 Cahaba RdMountain BrookAL 35223
(205) 879-0409
located in Lane Park
African Lioness
The African lion is one of the four roaring cats. Their roar, which can be heard more than 5 miles away, is used to communicate with other lions and to help mark territory, not to scare prey. The thick manes on adult males serve as protection for the cats when fighting over pride or when defending territory. They spend an average of 15 to 22 hours a day resting and sleeping.
African Elephant
In the wild, African elephants have a life expectancy of 25-41 years but have been known to live up to 60 years of age. An African elephant family group can average 8-10 individuals. In general, older, experienced females, called matriarchs, lead elephant families.
Reticulated Giraffe
Unlike many hoofed animals, giraffes can see in color. They have a very keen vision and hearing. They have 7 neck vertebrae and oversized lungs compensate for the volume of dead air in the trachea. 
Kori Bustard
Bustards have no crop, but their powerful gizzard, long “blind gut” (cecum), and their habit of taking up quantities of grit assist the digestion of the food they consume. Bustards have lost both the hind toe and the preen gland that most other birds possess.
Malayan tiger
In the wild, Malayan tigers dedicate a lot of their time to hunting and can eat over 60 pounds of meat in one sitting.
North American Black Bear
American Flamingo
The beak of the flamingo curves downward. The shape of the beak along with a comb-like organ on its tongue, the lamellae, allows the flamingo to filter food out of the water. Their long legs allow them to wade in the water much deeper than other birds and their webbed feet offer good support when standing on mud or other soft ground. The practice of flamingos standing on one leg with the other leg curled and tucked under their body conserves the bird’s body heat and keeps the foot warm.
Lora rented a double stroller for Meadow
Marcus, Madison, Meadow, and Lora at the Zoo
Marcus the face of the Giraffe 
Meadow, Marcus, and Lora rode the Carousel 
Madison feeding the giraffe
We ate dinner at the Cheese Cake Factory and were home before 8 p.m.
236 Summit BlvdBirminghamAL 35243
(205) 262-1800
Where Lora and Madison shared a Greek Salad
I ordered a Greek Salad
Marcus orders a four-cheese pasta- Penne Pasta, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses, marinara sauce, and fresh basil, served with chicken.

Lora also ordered Avocado egg rolls -Avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro fried in a crisp wrapper served with a tamarind cashew dipping sauce. 
And Crab-cakes served with mustard and tartar sauce.

We ordered three different  slices of cheesecake which we shared
 Madison ordered:
Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel
Original cheesecake, baked apples, caramel, and brown sugar cinnamon walnut streusel.
Marcus ordered: 
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake which is a layer of red velvet cake and the original cheese care is covered with their special cheesecake factory cream cheese frosting.
 The Mango, Key Lime Cheese Cake is topped with a vanilla coconut macaroon crust.







Oct 10-18, 2024 NCL Gem Canada and East Coast Cruise and Excursions

  I had a wonderful time on my NCL Cruise. We stayed at the Westin in Montreal for one night. Then, we took a 3 1/2-hour ride from Montreal ...