2023 Nov 27-Dec 2, The Club Diamond Bus, Myrtle Beach ShowTrip Myrtle Beach South Carolina (6 Days)

Day 1:

We traveled with a group of about 37 in a tour bus from Florence, Al, to Myrtle Beach, SC.

We left on Monday, Nov 27, at 8:30 AM.  

At about 10:18AM, we stopped in at Walmart in Gardendale to pick up 4 more passengers and picked up a few items there.

Fried Shrimp with Pinto Beans, Tarter Sauce, and hush puppies 

Our next stop was Cracker Barrel in Leeds, AL, for lunch around 11:22AM.

We went through Atlanta, GA, traffic around 4 PM. 

Our next stop was Pilot in Braselton, SC. around 5:53PM

Arrived at Holiday Inn Express room 126 in Greenville, SC, where we spent the night.

Day 2:

We all ate breakfast at the hotel and began our final journey to Myrtle Beach.'

We stopped at Love's Lugoff, SC, around 11:08AM for a restroom break and to fill up with fuel.  

We stopped at McDonald's for lunch in Bishopville, SC, at 12:31PM.  

Checked into the hotel with a few minutes to spare before getting ready for dinner. Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, room 323.

Crab Leggs, Corn on the Cob, Baked potato, Shrimp and tartar sauce 

Dinner tonight is at the Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant, which arrived a little after 4:37 PM.

Christmas Show at Alabama Theatre

Finished the night with a Christmas show at the Alabama Theatre. 7-9PM

Day 3:

Breakfast at the hotel.

We loaded onto the bus around 9AM, heading to Conway, SC, to LW Paul Living History Museum. 

After about an hour and a half, we headed to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

We walked along the boardwalk that was next to the Atlantic Ocean.

We ate lunch at The Bowery, where Alabama, the band got their start. 

News Paper article about The Band Alabama 

Alabama Band/Wild Country 
Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen, & John Vartanian 

The band area was closed, but hubby asked the waitress if I could go inside to take pictures. The waitress took us inside, and I took a few pictures. They were busy, so I did not stay very long. 

We shared a Cheesecake ice cream waffle cone. After several hours of shopping, we headed back to the bus. 

We rode to Walmart to pick up a few items, then back to the hotel for a couple of hours. 

We ate dinner at Simple Southern Smokehouse. 

Blues Brothers, Dolly Pardon, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin.

We finished the night with a Christmas Show at the Legends Theatre, where we saw the Blues Brothers, Dolly Pardon, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin.

Back to the hotel to rest.

Day 4:

Breakfast at the hotel. 

At 9AM, we rode to the Asher Theatre to see A Man of a Thousand Voices by James Stephens III.

After his performance, we shopped at Barefoot Beach Boardwalk. We ate lunch at Lulu's and bought some hot sauce and spices. 

We also bought nail polish and 4 rings at De Sol. 

The bus took us back to the hotel to rest.

At 4:40, we rode to Bennetts Calabash Seafood for dinner. 

Caroling Opry

After dinner, we went to see Carolina Opry and were back at the hotel at about 9:30PM.

Packed our bags, we are leaving tomorrow after our shopping. 

Day 5: 

Watched the sun come up, then walked down to breakfast.

9 AM, we rode to Broadway at the Beach to watch The Jersey Boy sing songs of the 1960s by the Four Seasons and Christmas songs. 

We went shopping at Broadway at the Beach. 

At lunch at Wahlburgers. 

Around 2PM, we were headed to our next stop, Holiday Inn Express Grovetown, Ga. 

Arrived around 8:30 PM

Day 6: 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

On the road around 8:30 AM 

Stopped at Western Sizzlin Oxford, Al, for lunch.

Stopped at Gardendale, Al, to drop off passengers and take a restroom break.

Arrived home around 5PM.

We had a great week with a lot of Christmas Shows, shopping, and eating at Myrtle Beach, SC.

Shows
At the Broadway Theatre, We heard Hot Jersey Nights Myrtle Beach Christmas Show (Frankie Valli and Four Seasons)

At the Alabama Theatre, we saw The South's Greatest Christmas Show.

At Legends Theatre, we saw Legends in Concert (Dolly Pardon, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Retha Franklin & Blues Brothers)

At the Asher Theatre, we saw the man of 1,000 voices. James Stephens III

At the Carolina Opry Theatre, we heard
vocalist Delvin Choice of NBC’s The Voice, national recording artist Brad Long, hip-hop cloggers All That! of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, powerhouse vocalists Christie Templeton, Tangena Church and Chas Croft Sorrells, fiddling champion Trent Wideman and bluegrass virtuoso Gary Brown.

Restaurants
We ate at the Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant in Myrtle Beach
Simply Southern Smokehouse Myrtle Beach 

Bennett's Calabash Seafood Myrtle Beach 
Corn on the cob, cream potatoes, shrimp, and fried green tomatoes

Bennett's Calabash Seafood Myrtle Beach
Lulu's Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach 

Wahlburgers Myrtle Beach 

Wahlburgers Myrtle Beach
Western Sizzlin Leeds, Al

Shopping
We shopped at The Boardwalk, Barefoot Landing, and Myrtle Beach BoardWalk 

1/2 Hamburger and fries at Lulu's Barefoot Landing 

Lulu's
De Sole
The General Store
It's Sweet
Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream

We stayed in a Resort facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Great to be home.

2021 Nov 14-20, Carnival VALOR 5 Day Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico

2021 Nov 14, Sunday Day 1:

Monday, Traveled to Slidell, Louisiana. We stopped in North Port at Mapco and filled up with gas for $29.49. We ate lunch at Cracker Barrel in Meridian, MS I ordered pinto beans, fried okra, and grilled chicken. $6.53 We also had cornbread, biscuits, jelly, and water. Bought gas at 2.99 a gallon at Mapco in Northport, Al. for $29.49 and bought gas at Texaco Carrier, MS for $3.09 a gallon. We stayed at Hampton Inn in Slidedell at 4:40 PM. We watched TV and went to bed early. We skipped supper full of lunch. 

We stayed one night at Hampton Inn 56460 Frank Pichon Rd, Slidell, La. 

Carnival Valor Cruise Ship Stateroom   Deck   Muster Station  

2021 Nov 15, Monday Day 2:

Took a shower, ate Reese's cup, and finished my Sprite. We ate breakfast at the hotel. I ordered scrambled eggs, sausage, muffins, and cranberry juice to drink. We checked out, loaded the car, and headed into New Orleans. We ran into work traffic on 1-10 going into New Orleans. We parked on 4A in the parking deck, walked to the elevators, and went to the ground level to wait in line to be processed along with everyone else. A woman called out Have your boarding passes ready for inspection (not folded) We walked through several lines. We handed the inspector our passports, boarding passes, COVID cards, and the results of our Covid test that showed we were negative from the results of the Covid test. After several more lines, we were finally seated, waiting to board the ship at 10:40 AM. Our rooms would not be ready until after 1:30 p.m. After boarding the ship, we walked to Guys Burgers, where we both ordered a hamburger and fries. I got lemonade to drink. The dressing for the hamburger was on a buffet, I got onions and fried mushrooms. When we finished, we walked around the ship carrying several bags. (Camera bag with Nikon D7200, medicine bag, my purse, and overnight bag) Wanda had her backpack and her purse. Around 1:30pm, we walked to our cabin, unloaded everything, and rested. We went back upstairs to watch the ship leave the dock, and that’s when the party began. (4-5PM )We watched the sunset as the ship rolled down the mighty Mississippi, and it was dark by the time we reached the ocean. We went back to our cabin and changed into nicer clothes to dine in the Lincoln Room for dinner. I started with a shrimp cocktail, followed by a Caesar Salad, the entree was Sweet & Sour Shrimp, followed by Strawberry cake. (5-6PM) At dinner, we sat next to a couple from Tennessee near Cookeville, they had left their 13-year-old daughter at home with her grandparents because she refused to get the Covid shot. After dinner, we went to our cabin 9268, which had a balcony, and went to bed early. 

Leaving New Orleans on Carnival Valor 

Sunset leaving New Orleans on the Mighty Mississippi River 

 Nov 16, Tuesday, Sea Day Day 3:

Took a shower, and we went upstairs so Wanda could get her some coffee, and I got some cranberry juice. We watched the sunrise around 6 a.m. and then went to the Washington room for Brunch. I ordered a Parfait and had lots of nuts, Blueberries, strawberries, and yogurt. While we were at brunch, they cleaned our cabin and left a towel art lying on the bed. I ate a small taco for lunch. Today is a sea day, so we sat outside and watched schools of flying fish. Today was very windy, and the water was very turbulent. It was hard to walk, and at times, everyone looked like they were drunk. We had dinner in the Lincoln Room, and no one sat next to us tonight. I ordered prime ribs with gravy and potatoes, my appetizer was cocktail shrimp, and for dessert, I ordered custard pie. 

 

Sunset Gulf of Mexico (Sea Day)

Nov 17, Wednesday, Mr. Sancho's Cozumel Mexico Day 4:

Watched the sun come up and then went to breakfast. For breakfast, I ate cantaloupe, French toast with syrup, eggs Benedict (which I didn't like), and chocolate milk. Today, we docked in Cozumel. We took a taxi to Mr. Sancho’s, which cost us 17 dollars both ways. It is a fifteen-minute ride south of Cozumel. At Mr. Sancho’s, it cost us 55 dollars for all-you-can-eat and drink. We sampled a Margarita, & daiquiris while sitting under a bamboo roof.  There was a rain shower while we were there, but we didn’t get wet. We watched people swimming, snorkeling, and other activities, but we decided to just enjoy the view under the umbrella. We saw several birds scavenging for food. We were brought fried jumbo coconut shrimp with orange sauce, guacamole, salsa, and chips. We also sampled a Pina Colada, Miami Vice, Banana Mama, and Mr. Sancho’s special. Our waiter was Aldo, a charming young man who said he was married with a young son. He said that we were queens for the day. He introduced us to his co-worker he said the son of another mother both were very gracious and helpful. We took the taxi back to the shopping area in Cozumel. I bought a pair of pineapple teal shorts and a Burgundy top and spent $34.50. We went back through security and loaded onto the ship around 2:30PM. We watched the ship leave port at 4:30PM. We ate dinner in the Lincoln Room. I ordered Caesar salad, steak with gravy, potatoes, & broccoli. My appetizer was a shrimp cocktail,  and the dessert was chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Tomorrow, we will dock in Progresso. 

Day trip to Cozumel 

Our waiter, Aldo, at Mr. Sancho's Beach

Nov 18, Thursday, Progresso Mexico Day 5:

Ate breakfast and saw towel art everywhere around the pool area. We docked at Progresso and embarked around 9AM with my boarding pass around my neck and my iPad in my hand. We loaded into a van, and there were 14 of us. We rode about an hour to Celestron, where we used the restrooms and loaded into three boats. There were 4 in two boats and six in one boat. Wanda said I hope we don’t turn over because I cannot swim, and our guide, Misael, said the water is only two feet deep. We saw pink flamingos at a distance. Flamingos eat small shrimp that live in shallow waters. They also eat algae & crustaceans that contain pigments called carotenoids. These pigments are found in the shrimp and blue-green algae that they eat. Next, we rode a short distance and saw Blue Herons, osprey, American Anhinga, and pygmy kingfisher. We rode through a tunnel of Mangroves where we saw several termite mounds in the mangrove Yucatán peninsula biodiversity. We stopped at a boardwalk where we saw a pygmy kingfisher. We rode back to where we had parked the van, exited the boat, used the restroom, and looked at the trinkets that were for sale. We loaded into the van and rode to the beach area where our meals were being prepared. At the restaurant, we ate chips & guacamole dip, smoked fish, veggies, and a margarita. We stayed on the beach for about 30 minutes. 

Loaded back into the van for an hour-long ride back to the ship. Our guide played the movie "The Big Year," a nature movie about two bird enthusiasts trying to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition.

We loaded onto the ship and watched the ship leave port at sunset. We dressed for dinner, cocktail shrimp, Cajun shrimp, bread, and dessert We went to a show for about 60 minutes. 

Island of Progreso 

                                                                  

Some of the birds that we saw at Progreso 

 Nov 19, Friday, Sea Day Day 6:

Sea Day, we are on our return trip to New Orleans. We ate brunch in the Washington room, I ordered bread and sausage with cheese grits. We went upstairs and got in line to purchase an item that benefits St. Jude, where I bought a build-a-bear. We watched the Carnival Valor Family & Mardi Gras giveaway with Matt, the cruise director. That night in the Lincoln room, I ordered fried shrimp, salad, ribs, green beans, potatoes with gravy, and a dessert. Watched a Dean Martin special on TV, then went to sleep. 

Friday's Sunrise 

Nov 20, Saturday, Travel Home Day 7:

 Packed the night before, making sure we had everything. We went to eat breakfast, a couple of pastries, with two chocolate milk. Grabbed our bags and met the Silver & Platinum sailors in the Lincoln Dining room. Loaded into the elevators and walked to our car on level 4A. Began our journey home. Filled up with gas at Love's in Sandersville, MS, for $28.31, We ordered a sausage and cheese muffin at McDonald's. For lunch, we stopped at Arby’s for a beef & cheddar sandwich with Curley fries and a Coke. We were at Wanda’s by 4:30pm, but hubby had not gotten home from work, so we sat around and talked until hubby picked me up.

Hampton Inn 56460 Frank Pichon Rd, Slidell, La

Carnival Valor Cruise Ship Stateroom   Deck   Muster Station 

2019 Jan 16-18, 🚙Trip to Gulf Shores , Fairhope, Orange Beach & Foley, Alabama ( 3days)

Jan 16, 2019, Wednesday,

Hubby and I traveled to Gulf Shores, stopping at Jack’s Restaurant(1360 Hwy 43 West bypass Russellville) for breakfast. 

We both ordered a sausage and biscuits with strawberry jelly at 8:56AM and spent $7.06.

We ate lunch at KFC Thomasville at @1:17 p.m.

Hubby ordered a fillip box meal, and I ordered a three-piece wings meal with biscuits (that I saved for the birds), we spent $13.46.

We stopped for gas at Marathon at Rams Food Mart 19039 43 hwy  Northport and spent $22.08

Arrived Gulf Shores just before sunset  4:45-5:14PM

We rode to the beach before checking in at the hotel to see the sunset. 

The moon came up before the sun went down and looked like a ball in the red sky.

Gulf Shores Sunset 

After the sun went down, we rode to Staybridge Suites 3947 Gulf Shores, Pky Gulf Shores, and Al 36542. 

We booked for two nights, which cost $170,84 for room 114. 

Their computers were down, and the night manager said we could join everyone in the dining room for grill night.

In the food bar were grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, Cole slaw, baked beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. 

I fixed a plate with hamburger potato salad, chips, and a glass of wine.

Dinner: hamburger potato salad, chips, and a glass of wine.

There were fountain drinks, tea, and a variety of wines and beers.

We checked into room 114, ground level, and hubby took a long tub bath.

I stretched out on the bed and turned on the Television. My eyes were giving me a fit, so I put eye drops in them. My eyes felt like something was in them, they hurt all night.

I must have gotten sand in them it was very windy when we went to the beach the night before.

Jan 17, Thursday, 

Hubby and I dressed and went to breakfast. I ate oatmeal with nuts, & cranberries and drank orange juice.

After breakfast, hubby and I rode along hwy 98 scenic highway to Fairhope.

We stopped at Valence & Fairhope Municipal Parks, located along the Coastal Highway.

We saw a statue of Maria Johnson, ducks & geese swimming, boats along the pier, blooming flowers, and lots of old trees.

Fairhope’s Municipal Pier, Fairhope’s Pepper Nelson Volunteer Fireman’s Hall, flower gardens, and yellow and white buttercups blooming.

Fairhope’s Pepper Nelson Volunteer Firetruck at Fairhope Museum 

We toured Fairhope’s History Museum outside, we saw the People’s Railroad train car, roses in bloom, and a statue of Craig Turner Shelton, the first public state artist in Alabama’s history. 

Fairhope’s Museum of History is located at 24 N. Section St, Fairhope, Alabama 36532

Inside, we saw permanent exhibits such as Fairhope’s founders, the single tax theory, the town jail built in 1868, the old fire department, a fire truck, a fire hydrant, fire hats, & coats.

Fairhope's historic jail inside the museum 

We saw a miniature replica of Middle Bay Lighthouse, John Bowen, Maria Howard, Della Nichols, Shuah S. Mann, Clarence Mershon, and James Bellanger, the people of Fairhope.

We saw old push-mowers hanging from the ceiling.

We picked up some pamphlets from the Welcome Center next door.

We ate lunch at Greers in Fairhope.

We ordered three chicken fingers, corn fritters, green beans, and cornbread.

Our next stop was Daphne at the Little Bethel Baptist Church, built in 1867. We took a few pictures of the church and a Historic marker nearby.

Our next stop was at the US Sports Academy Walk of Fame Daphne, where we sat in the metal of runners, baseball players, football players, basketball players, Swimmers, Weight lifters, Gymnasts, bikers, and golfers.

 US Sports Academy Walk of Fame Daphne  Baseball Player Statue 

We stopped at Daphne’s Gator Walk, where we saw a nice wooden boardwalk lined with a marker that said: 

Where are you in the Watershed?

Exploration of Ecosystem

Slowing the flow of Storm Water

The Big Picture of the Ecosystem

It is all about the Alligator 

What is this building for?

Along the Eastern Shore Trail

We did not see any gators along the trail, but we did see a few shorebirds.

After that long, hot walk, we needed something to cool us down, so we stopped at Jubilee Square at Krazy Frozen Treats for a waffle bowl of creamy-flavored yogurt around noon.

We chose cheesecake, cookies, and cream.

Krazy Frozen Treats  scoop of Cookies & Cream and Cheesecake

We stopped at the Foley Train Depot to watch men run the miniature trains. (They only run at certain times during the week)

Included in the collection were a Ringling Bros & Barnum Big Top Circus, a mini train carrying circus items, a ferries wheel (that worked), cloys with balloons, a lion cage, Roadside USA, a man shot out of a canon, a tattooed lady Lulu the farebeater cost fifty cents and elephants.

Ringling Bros & Barnum Big Top Circus

The miniature town consisted of Aqua Blue Drive-in diner that served fries and hamburgers, shakes, and soft drinks.

Advertisement on the windows that said Speeds Car Wash, green & white car sat next to Car Town (new, used, l& ease) Dealership. 

A tow truck sat in front, and next to the railroad tracks (Consoled gas and power), 76 Union Gas Station, two-story homes, dogs, people walking, riding scooters, mail carries, a lineman working on the power lines, 

There were bridges, factories, train stations, firehouses, and trains traveling in all directions on the many tracks.

We watched the trains until they closed.

We ate dinner at 5:00PM at Bubba’s Seafood House in Orange Beach.

Hubby and I split one CaptainsCaptainsCaptainsCaptains’ combo platter that consisted of Crab legs, grilled shrimp, chargrilled Mahi, Mahi served with corn on the cob, new potatoes, and garlic butter. 

We stopped at Rouses Market, where we bought a Coke, Strawberry cream coffee cake, & three large cannolis.

Sitting in a Large Blue Chair outside Bubba’s Seafood House Orange Beach

Jan 19, Friday

The next morning, we met Hannah at the Ruby Red Slipper Orange Beach before he headed home.

I ordered a stack of cinnamon toast.

Hubby ordered sausage, eggs, potatoes, link sausage, and pancakes.

Hannah ordered bacon, eggs, gravy, pancakes & coffee.

We finished breakfast around 8:30AM  and began our long ride home. $44.52

We filled up with gas at Love's $29.78 in Loxley, Al 

We stopped at CVS to get some eyewash my eyes were red, running, and burning.

I washed both eyes out with the eyewash and slept most of the way home.

Stack of cinnamon toast

We stopped at Firehouse Subs in Athens, and we bought a large and medium steak sandwich with a mushroom on wheat bread. $18.42

We stopped at Aldie in Athens to pick up  a few groceries spent @20.77

We had a great trip, ate breakfast with my granddaughter, and saw many sites.

Got sand in my eyes, which burned every time I closed them. 

2018 May 29-Jun 2, 🚙The sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Loaded my new Nissan Murano with my suitcase and camera and drove to my sisters to meet them for our trip. While waiting for them to finish getting ready, I went outside and took some pictures. There were birdhouses in different shapes and sizes filled with bird feed atop tall poles, along with wind chimes and deer antlers.

Standing next to a mailbox, I saw a bicycle covered with vines of purple flowers, its basket was filled with lots of pink flowers.

Sitting next to a gate and next to a pink rose bush  with some faded and crumbling blooms,

sat on a wooden bench that read School Bus

On top of the fence post, See Rock City, on both sides, red rose bushes stood a birdhouse.

A flower bed with several greenery plants, stepping pads, a wooden bench, a wagon wheel, a pot, and water flowing from a small pump down a wooden plank into a bucket. 

All this was enclosed, and the ground was covered in mulch, a birdhouse, and a fence on the backside. There was a brick path leading up to the home next to the path stood another flower bed, a tall pole with a birdhouse, a wooden sign that read HOME, and atop was a big black dinner bell. All around the home were flowerbeds dotted with greenery and orange/yellow tubed blooms. In the distance stood an outhouse with a washtub hanging on the side. A cabin with wooden steps on two sides, two wagon wheels, a dipper, cowbells, a bucket, and other paraphernalia hanging from the porch. A black mailbox, number 146, standing next to the steps, waiting for delivery. Jumping, playing, and hiding among the tall flowers was their bulldog puppy.

Red Roses

We have had lots of rain during April and May, and today was no exception.

It started to rain and rained most of the day. The rain lessened the further south we went. 

We enjoyed lunch at Dairy Queen in Northport near Tuscaloosa. We stopped at Chick-fil-A in Foley for dinner. It was getting late when we arrived at Island Winds East. Unloaded the car and headed to the beach. My niece and her friend had never seen the Ocean/Gulf and were very excited. The water was still very turbulent from the storm that had come through a few days before. 

There was a full moon overlooking the Gulf the night we arrived. 

Full Moon 

Bird, Clouds, and Turbulent Water 

Wednesday, May 30

Around six AM, I walked to the sand-covered beach, there were a few people out and about, some watching the sunrise, some looking for shells, and some walking and wading in the water. 

It looked like a fire breaking through the clouds as the sun began to shine. It was going to be another hot day.

Everyone enjoyed playing in the gulf. It was too hot for me, so I got into the swimming pool and later went back to the room.

Around seven, I walked down to the concrete boardwalk to watch the sunset. There were several tarps above concert benches with palm trees around each area. Footprints covered the sand, and silence filled the air along the beach.

As I neared the Hangout, I could hear a band playing. 

Sunrise

Thursday, May 31

With my camera, I walked to the quiet beach around 7 AM.

There, I saw a few white & pink clouds floating above the Gulf as the sun began to rise. 

A few birds were feeding, and a few people setting up for the day, but still very quiet. Going to be another hot day.

Around noon, we went to the theme park OWA in Foley.

The ground at the park was covered in Concrete, making for an even hotter day.

We rode several rides but had the most fun in the kiddy area. 

Enjoyed a banana split Ice Cream at Hershey Ice Cream Parlor.

At Wahlburgers, everyone ordered hamburgers and fries, and I ordered chicken fingers.

Katie enjoyed the splash pad, where buckets of water splashed over her head. 

OWA Park 

Friday, June 1

Up and down to the beach at 6AM to watch the sunrise. A few clouds covered the sky, the waves not quite so turbulent, and not as many birds. The storm had brought high waves, and in those waves were schools of fish.

The sun was up, and it was getting hot as my sister and I walked down to the Hangout, stopping to take a picture in the BIG BLUE chair. 

Gulf Shores Hangout 

Everyone enjoyed another day at the beach, not me I went sightseeing.

I drove to Elberta to see dinosaurs and arrived around 10AM. Stopped at a Marathon Gas Station in Elberta to fill it with gas and to purchase a Coke and cookies.

Dinosaur Park 

I drove to Fort Morgan and toured the Museum where I saw Mobile Point Lighthouse Order Fresnel Lens (1873-1966), a 32-pound Carronade, a picture of Admiral David Farragut, Civil War Artillery at Fort Morgan, & Last Campaign Federal Operations at Mobile March thru April 1865. 

There were war signs posted along the walls, “I want you for US Army, Join the Army Air Service, Help Them Keep your war sayings PLEDGE, Tell that to the Marines Men wanted for the Army and etc.” Army returns to Fort Morgan 1989, A gallant officer and gentleman Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Stewart. The Big Gun Corps at Fort Morgan had several uniforms and guns. I walked around inside the Fort and drove around the outside of the fort. It was just too hot to stay for very long. 

I drove to Foley, where I toured the Train Depot and the L & N. Red Caboose stationed outside the Museum. 

Inside the museum, I saw a statue sitting on a long bench, a bell, a set of faded blue luggage, and a stove with a metal kettle sitting on top. I saw an empty trunk, a closed trunk, and a Piano with a songbook opened to the song DEAD MARCH IN SAUL on page 87. 

Song Book at Train Depot 

I saw a wheel barrel with a sack of Hollywood-washed potatoes, two old-style telephones, the sign “No Longer a 'ONE CROP” Country, a couple of washtubs, a Mother’s Best Flower sign, a ringer Washing machine, an Ice Box and a Potato Grader.

 I walked across the street, where I toured the Holmes Medical Hospital Museum.

There I saw wheelchairs, hospital rooms, a doctor's office, examining rooms, medical equipment, bedpans of every shape and size, medical books, an Ex-ray Room, medicine bottles, scales, a skeleton, a sink, a washtub, an Incubator for infants and so much more. 

I walked up the street to the Art Museum, and flowers were in bloom everywhere. Painted on the Foley Coffee Shop was a man standing next to a red truck, a train engine # 1701, with smoke coming out of an airplane flying overhead. 

Mural 

I walked to the overpass, took the elevator up, crossed the road to Heritage Park, stopped at the Visitor Center, and drove back to Condo.

We ate dinner at Desoto’s Seafood Cafe; the place was packed.

Saturday, June 2,

Up early once again to white clouds with the sun trying to break through. The beach was quiet, and the sand was covered in footprints, It was going to be another hot day.

I drove over to the Wetlands and walked across the wooden bridge. There were two young from Texas fishing. I took a few pictures as I walked along the bridge. 

Wetland Bridge/Boardwalk 

Rode back to the Condo, packed, and drove home. 

2006 June's Adventures Lora's Journal

Sunday, June 18, 2006

We arrived in Florida early. The Welcome Center was beautiful. I love the 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 4 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. I 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.

Meadow suited up for Therapy.

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 in the spider. Marcus and I boxed with 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.

Kids enjoying the waves at Melbourne Beach 

Meadow's second day of therapy

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Madison felt better this morning. 

 We took Meadow to 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 did not think he was ever going to stop! We rode the bumper boats again, 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.

Day three of therapy

Thursday, June 22, 2006

 Today at Suit Therapy, Meadow was cranky. She woke up early this morning. Zach is the other child getting therapy from the other PT. She is from Holland. Zach 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 through 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 for 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 crewmembers gave the kids coloring books. The host gave Meadow a ribbon like Maddie & Buckoes. They told me they were going to mail us a picture and they were all going to sign it. We had a good time!

Day at Therapy

Madison and Marcus at Dixie Stampede

The picture with the Dixie Stampede Group

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 Theaters was the man that played Howdy Duty and Bozo the Clown. We met them both. The show was 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

Aladdin with Lora and Meadow 

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 Hugh's mouth and walked through the walls of the digestive system. We went through 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.

Lora, Meadow, Marcus, and Madison at RMH

Science Center Going through the Digestive System 

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.

Marcus holding an alligator at Gator Land.