2024 Apr 27, Car & Tractor Show, Tee-Ball Game, Art Museum and Sisters

My husband and I rode to Killen Park for the Killen Log 877 Classic Car Show, which featured a mix of bikes, jeeps, classic cars, and new cars.

Cahaba Shrine Hillbillies truck at the Car show 

We parked alongside the park. Many cars and people were present, including those attending the farmers' market, soccer games, Vendors, and Car and Tractor Shows.

It has been several months since I last visited the park. Many new buildings are being constructed, and disc golf courses are now installed.

There was also a tractor show featuring several old and new John Deere tractors, as well as those from other manufacturers.

1929 John Deere Tractor 

We strolled through the farmers' market, stopping to buy stone-ground cornmeal and fresh strawberries. 

Ripe home-grown strawberries

We stopped at home so Hubby could grill steaks, and I fixed creamed potatoes and corn on the cob for lunch. 

After lunch, we rode to Lexington Park to watch our great-grandson, Atlas, play Tee-ball. 

After the tee-ball game, we rode to TVAM, where a display and crafts were set up for bird lovers. We talked through the Tennessee Valley Art Museum (which was free today). 

On display was the art of the print: 500 years of printmaking.

What the Night Tells the Day by Douglas Baulos.

We rode back home, where I took a short nap. My daughter called while I was preparing dinner at my sister's house.

I ended the day by going to my sister's to play cards (spades and various UNO games). I liked the reverse UNO game.

Sisters Vicki, Becky, and Teresia, along with great-niece Emmalee and her friend, played these games.

Teresia had cooked a lovely meal of Black-eyed peas, cornbread, a broccoli casserole with chicken, brats with kraut, sweet potatoes, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies. 

My sister loaded me down with leftovers for Hubby.

She also gave me a bouquet of peonies from her garden.

Pink Peony 

I got home after 10 last night.

2024 Jan 13-21 Seven-Day Cruise on NCL Breakaway to Caribbean Islands from New Orleans

Day 1: Travel to Slidell, LA, Jan 13, Saturday

We stopped for breakfast at Chick-fil-A in Columbus, MS, at 6:50 A.M.

We filled up with gas at Murphy's, which cost $34.09. Bought two packages of Reese's cups for $6.00.

We stopped at Shady Acres Village, Seminary, MS, for lunch, where we ordered ribs, black-eyed peas, creamed potatoes, banana pudding, and Diet Cokes. 

We traveled to Slidell, LA, checked into the Hampton Inn by Hilton, #R214, for one night. Cost $149.09.

Photos :

8379-8383 Shady Acres Seminary, MS at 1:25 P.M.

8384 Hampton Inn Slidell, LA at 4:07 P.M.

Ribs, black-eyed peas, creamed potatoes

Shady Acres Village Seminary, MS

DAY 1: Travel to New Orleans, Board Ship, Sunday, Jan 14:

We ate breakfast at the hotel. I ate eggs, bacon, and waffles with cranberry juice at 7 A.M.

The next day, we traveled to New Orleans and boarded the Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship from January 14 to 21. So we missed all the bad weather.

Photos:

8385 Breakfast at Hampton Inn @ 7:11 A.M.

8387-8392 at 10:57 Traveling to New Orleans

8393-8394 @ 1:13 P.M. Eating lunch (Ceaser Salad, Chocolate Cake dessert)

8395-97 @ 1:43 P.M. Aboard Ship Breakaway

8398 @ 5:21 Eating Dinner

Day 2: Sea Day: Monday, Jan 15:

The first day was a sea day, during which we enjoyed exploring the ship, watching shows, and dining. 

Photos

8399-8300 @6:52 A.M. Breakfast (Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, French Toast)

8402-8403 Sunrise @7:12 A.M.

8404-8408 @ 11:56 A.M. Lunch (Dessert, Salad, Fish Dip, hamburger, fries)

8411-8415 Sunset @5:02 P.M. 6402-6404)

8416-8422 @7:15 P.M. Dinner (Cob Salad with Avocado, flounder, pasta, apple pie, Strawberry moose)

Day 3: Cozumel: Tuesday, Jan 16: Excursion, Chankanaab National Park
In Cozumel, we visited the Chankanaab National Park. 

Cozumel 

Photos:

8424-8425 Breakfast 6:00 A.M. (Omelet, Fried potatoes, French toast)

8426-8440 @8:57-11:48 A.M. Cozumel Chankanaab National Park

6409-6443 Chankanaab National Park @9:20-10:02 A.M.

6444-6461 @ 11:12 A.M. SEA Lion Show Cozumel

8441-8456 @12:23 P.M. Port Cozumel

8453-8454 @ 1:43 P.M. lunch (Dessert)(Custard, chocolate cake)

8457- @ 5:36 P.M. Dinner (Ribs, Spring Rolls, Fish) (Hubby ordered steak, fries, banana & vanilla ice cream with brownie)

Day 4: Rotan Bay Island, Honduras, Wednesday, Jan 17, Excursion: Bumbalimba Animal Sanctuary.

In the Rotan Bay Islands, Honduras, we went on an excursion to the Gumbalimba Preserve Animal Sanctuary, where we interacted with white-faced monkeys and Macaw birds. 

Red McCaws 

White Face Monkeys Rotan 

Photo:

8465 @ 8:17 Breakfast (French Toast, eggs, sausage, roll)

8466-8476 Port of Rotan @7:43 A.M.

8477- 8481 @ 12:01 P.M. Red Macaws @ Gumbalimba

6466-6497 Gumbalimba Preserve @12:49 P.M.

6502-6526 @1:27 P.M. Gumbalimba Insectarium

6527-6549 @ 1:40 P.M. Cave at Gumbalimba

8482-8483 Lunch @3:16 (Reuben, fries, Chocolate moose)

Day 5: Harvest Caye, Belize, Thursday, Jan 18: Excursion Monkey River Eco Boat Tour.

 The Monkey River Eco Boat Tour was in Harvest Caye, Belize. We rode a boat through the jungle. 

We walked through the jungle, where we saw spiders, termite mounds, boa snakes, and several white-faced monkeys. We also saw a couple of iguanas. Harvest Caye had some beautiful beaches. 

Wooden Iguana 
Behind the Iguana is the Wildlife Experience, where we saw a butterfly house, a boa, and the Macaws. 

Wildlife Experience 

Photos:

8484 Breakfast (pancakes & Sausage) @O'Sheehan's

8485-8494@5:46 A.M. Sunrise

8495-8496 @7:23 A.M. Posing for photo

8497-8542@8:06 A.M. Port Harvest Caye, Belize

8506-8532@9:57 A.M. Boat Ride & Walking through Jungle

6550-6608@10:13 A.M. Monkey River Tour

6609-6663@1:25 P.M. Wildlife Experience

8543-8548 @5:32 P.M. Sunset

Day 6:Costa Maya: Friday, Jan 19: Excursion Mayan Reality Tour

Our last stop was Costa Maya, my favorite stop. We took the Mayan Reality Tour, which included a visit to some Maya ruins. We continued our journey on the bus to a Maya family home, where they cooked chicken in a pot over the ground. We were served chicken tacos with sauce and had a tequila tasting. After the tour, we rode the bus back to Costa Maya, where we watched the dolphins swim. 

Flamingos 

Dolphins playing basketball 

I did the Amorino Gelato Al Naturale bird tour. I climbed up several steps to the birdcages spaced out along several swing bridges. You can watch the dolphins swim and see the beaches and swimming pools there. A perfect view of the island. 

Photo:

8571-8587 @6:04 A.M. Port Costa Maya

8550-8570 @6:37 A.M. Maya Ruins

6664-6778 @7:42 A.M. Port Costa Maya

8564-8592 @8:14 A.M. Lunch with Maya Family

8650-851 @1:11 P.M. Lunch (Hamburger, Fries, ice Cream, and carrot cake)

8591-8643@11:39 A.M. Amorino Gelato Nature Bird Sanctuary

6730-6817 @12:37 P.M. Amorino Gelato Nature Bird Sanctuary

6781- 6809@1:00P.M. Brown Pelicans

6666-6808 Dolphins @12:04 P.M.

8672-8673 Dinner @8:18 P.M. (Flounder & Eclairs, coconut shrimp)

Day 7: Sea Day: Saturday, Jan 20:

Our last day was a sea day. We watched people play Pictionary, Deal or No Deal, and several trivia games. The closer we got to New Orleans, the stronger the wind and the cooler it was.

Roads in Russellville, AL

Photos:

Breakfast French Toast with sausage links

8674 @6:38 A.M. Sea and Clouds

8675-8678@12:35 P.M. Lunch (fish Taco, parfait, Cake, Hush Puppies)

8680-8681 @9:23 P.M. (shrimp, dessert)

Day 8: Travel Home: Sunday, Jan 21:

We docked and disembarked the ship on Sunday, marking the beginning of our trip home. 

The further north we went, the colder it got. We began to see snow and ice along the roadways, beginning in and around Russellville. The roads were clear enough for us to call home. We were glad we missed all the bad weather, but we were even happier to be home.

Photos:

8682-8683 @8:20 A.M. New Orleans Port

8684-8707 @4:20 P.M. Snow & Ice Russellville, Al Traveling home

2024 Jan 7, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Decatur, Alabama

 What a beautiful day for traveling. We rode to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, where we saw many Sandhill Cranes and various ducks at the Visitor's overlook buildings.

The newly remodeled Museum was opened. We saw Sandhills and whooping Cranes, Belted kingfishers, Snakes, Alligators, Geese, ducks, hawks, butterflies, otters, northern flickers, and many other animals.

Several empty display cases are waiting to be filled. We saw several friendly people. They were happy to be outside after this last cold spell. 

Sandhill & Whooping Cranes at the Museum 

Belted Kingfisher at the Museum

We stopped at Logan's Roadhouse for lunch. Hubby ordered a salad, steak, and baked potato. I ordered a chicken salad with Roadhouse dressing.

Steak and baked potato at Logans Roadhouse 

On our way home, we saw a Bald Eagle on a Paul Bunyan Power Line near the demolished Paper Mill in Town Creek. 

The eagle made a squawking sound when it saw me. It was letting me know to leave. 

We saw several terns perched on the light poles as we crossed Wheeler Dam. 

Our last stop was Wheeler Dam, where we saw a few White Pelicans, terns, and many cormorants.

2023 July 21-23, Trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN (3 Days)

Day 1: Friday, July 21: 

Today, we left Helen, Georgia, early morning, about 6 A.M. We took the back roads, and by 6:51, we were in Clayton, North Carolina. 

By 8:12 A.M., we were in Cherokee, North Carolina.

 We stopped here to take pictures of the bear statues before heading across the mountain. Along with several others, we stopped to see a herd of elk grazing. 

Herd Elk 

Bears of Cherokee, NC 

We crossed the mountain several times to take pictures of the smoky clouds on it. Then, we stopped for breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Pigeon Forge. 

We went shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall. We purchased two bras and two pairs of panties at Victoria's Secret and one bra at Pink. We also stopped at several other stores, including Disney, Nike, and Under Armor. 

The Christmas Place 

We feed the Ducks, Geese, and Pigeons at the Old Mill along the Little Pigeon River. 

We rode to the Old Mill Farm House, where I bought my son several different herb packages, a bag of stone-ground yellow cornmeal, and olive oil.

Near the Old Mill, we saw several geese, ducks, and pigeons along the Little Pigeon River. 

We ate Tat aco Bell for lunch.

We checked into Apple Valley Inn a little after 4 P.M., unloaded the car, and filled the fridge with snacks. 

Spent the rest of the day watching TV and resting. 

Day 2:  Saturday, July 22: 

We ate breakfast at McDonald's, and I ordered muffins and sausage. 

We rode to Pigeon Forge's Visitor Center and bought all-day tickets to ride the trolley. 

We bought fuel at Murphy's and bought a few groceries at Walmart (bagels, cream cheese, drinks, fruit)

Took our food back to the hotel. 

We rode to Parrot Mountain when they opened at 10 A.M. 

Parrot Mountain 

Had my picture taken with five birds, two on my arms, two on my shoulders, and one on my head.

We visited the parrot nursery, where we could actually pick up the birds. 

We also went into the feeding area with Nectar and several small nectaries down and drank every drop of the Nectar from my hand.

Around Nectar A.M., we rode the Trolley from  Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. 

We took the trolley from the Visitor Center in Gatlinburg to downtown. 

We were the last two to board the fully loaded trolley, which was standing room only.

A nice young man gave me his seat, and Hubby had to ride, standing up.

Because of the traffic, it took over an hour to travel a short distance. When we were almost there, everyone except a couple got off. 

When we arrived at the center near the aquarium, everyone had to get off the trolley and wait for another trolley to take us downtown. 

The traffic was terrible, and we had already waited over 30 minutes for the next trolley.

Where we were going was several blocks away, so we decided to walk. 

 We took the scenic route along the Pigeon River, which was not crowded and had a cool breeze. 

Seafood Platter at Bubba Gumps 

We were headed to Bubba Gump's for a late lunch. 

We ordered a seafood platter of shrimp, fish, hush puppies, and fries. 

When we finished, we walked down the crowded sidewalks, and it began to rain, so we looked for shelter. 

It didn't rain for long, so we walked further down the sidewalk. 

We returned to the Trolley Stop and waited for the trolley to take us to the Gatlinburg Visitor Center. 

The crowd had thinned out, so the trolley was not crowded on the way back. 

At the cross, an accident involving four vehicles occurred. Our turn was blocked by police vehicles.

We had to take a detour, which took us a couple of miles away. 

We took the next trolley to Pigeon Forge, which also had to take a detour. 

This ended up being an all-day event. 

It was late when we arrived back at our hotel. 

Day 3: Sunday, July 23, 

We ate bagels with cream cheese for breakfast. 

Packed our bags, loaded the car, and headed for home. 

We stopped at a couple of rest areas. 

We had snacks with us, so we did not stop to eat until we got home. 

2023 April 15, Cullman Walking Tour, Killen Adventure Park and Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

Our tour guide was Ben Johnson South(a descendant of Creek Indians). We began our tour inside the Cullman Museum. The museum is a replica of the home of John Cullmann, who founded a colony of German immigrants. It has a narrow front porch with gingerbread trim and twin towers.

Cullman Museum 

Statue of John Cullmann

The museum features Native American Artifacts, Indian statues, and arrowheads that span thousands of years. 

Pioneer life, early settlers before John Cullmann. Dutch doll, some rockers, a butter churn, and kitchen articles. 

Civil War: A House Divided, Music and Pictures, Our Home Town: Growing Up in Cullman, and History of Johann Gottfried Cullmann.

We walked outside to see the statue of Johann Gottfried Cullmann and learn about his history.

We walked up the street, and our guide discussed several notable buildings. 

Inside the  Sacred Heart Church of Jesus, Roman Catholic Church.

Our treat was going through and learning the history of the Sacred Heart Church of Jesus, the Roman Catholic Church.

https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/a5b1d7e217aa227d5b2b8a84920780cf637960e2/HomePageItems/SacredHeartHistory/New%20SHC%20History.pdf 

The link to read the history of this great church is provided above.

We ended the walk at the Cullman's Farmer's Market
to buy some fresh strawberries, but they had sold out.

It was getting near lunchtime, so we rode to OH! Bryan's for lunch.

Sirloin steak, sweet potato, and toast 

After lunch, we rode to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. I walked to both view areas and along the swamp boardwalk. 

I saw lots of small birds.

I saw several turtles, three chipmunks, a squirrel, Canada geese, White Egret, and a snake swimming in the water.

Saw lots of wildflowers blooming.

There were no whooping or Sandhill Cranes to be found, and I saw only four other people there. The backyard birds were chirping loudly. On my Merlin app, I heard 27 different bird sounds. It was a nice, quiet walk at the Refuge.

ChimpmunksWheeler Wildlife Refuge

We stopped at Killen Adventure Park, where Hubby and I ordered a waffle cone.

I ordered Rocky Road ice cream, and he ordered Cheesecake ice cream.

We fed the animals (ducks, turtles, fish, and peacocks) while eating our ice cream.

Many people played Miniature Golf, had birthday parties, and fed the animals.

It was a beautiful day to be outside.

Killen Adventure Park 

2022 Oct 9-14, Carnival Ecstasy Final Voyage 5 Days Western Caribbean Cruise Cozumel, Progresso from Mobile, Al

Day 1, Sunday, October 9, 2022 

Hubby took me to my friend's house, loaded our luggage into her car, and began our journey to Mobile.

We stopped at Circle K in Mount Vernon for fuel and restroom breaks.

We stopped at Jack's in Jackson for breakfast of biscuits and gravy. 

We stopped in Demopolis to take pictures of the historic markers and buildings. 

We arrived at the Renaissance Hotel in Mobile around 1:40, checked in, and took our overnight bags to our room 1910.

Our room faced the bay, so we could see the Carnival Ecstasy as she entered port.

History Museum of Mobile 

We walked to the History Museum, located on the corner of Church and South Royal Street, and purchased tickets for both the museum and Colonial Fort Conde, which is situated atop the Mobile Bay Tunnel. We then walked through Mardi Gras Park, stopping to take pictures of the markers and statues.

Mardi Gras Park 

We ate supper at Loda Bier Garden around 5:18 P.M. We ordered a hamburger with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onion, and a soft bun with fries at the intersection of Dauphin and Joachim Street.

Loda Bier Garden

The restaurant was crowded, and people were waiting to be seated. On our way back to the hotel, we saw several Oyster Shell sculptures depicting famous Alabama Cultures. Mobile is called the "Big Oyster."

As it was getting dark, we returned to the hotel.

Day 2, Monday, October 10, 2022 

We walked down the street to Chick-fil-A for breakfast. I ordered a free cookie and Lemonade. 

We walked to Cooper's Riverside Park, where several homeless people were sleeping. We also saw our Cruise ship in the bay.

Carnival Ecstasy Cruise Ship docked in Mobile Bay.

Earlier this morning, we had watched the Cruise ship come into the bay.

We returned to the hotel to take the shuttle(about 10 people, including luggage) with several other people to the terminal.

We lined up to be processed with our passports, tickets, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

Mobile hosted a farewell party for the crew and captain, featuring girls dressed in Antebellum gowns and live music. Many took pictures with the Cruise Ambassador, John Head, and ship captain Michele Coppola. 

Cruise Ambassador John Head and Ship's Captain Michele Coppola. 

Around 11:00, we were boarding the ship along with many others.

State Room E155 Deck E Muster Station F.

Our first stop was Five Guys, where we ordered a Mushroom burger with fixings and fries. 

We walked around the ship until it was time for our room to be ready. Then, we walked back to the upper deck to watch the boat leave Mobile Bay. It was a beautiful sunset, watching the birds follow the ship, stirring the water as they fed on the fish.

The sun had gone down, and we were headed out to the Gulf, so we returned to our room to dress for dinner.

Dinner at Mobile Bay as we are leaving 

We had dinner at DinnerWinstar Dining Room, where I ordered Grilled Salmon, a Caesar Salad with veggies, and a Shrimp Cocktail. 

Day 3, Tuesday, October 11, Sea Day

Ate a cinnamon roll with nuts and chocolate milk for breakfast.

We had brunch in the Winstar Dining Room. 

Skillet Cake (i.e., ricotta, guava, preserves, marshmallows, and maple butter) with bacon. 

Late lunch of a taco and a slice of German chocolate cake. 

I went to a show (Crimson String Trio)and relaxed on the deck. I also bought Excursion Passion Island and finished reading Matthew. 

Dressed for dinner at iDinnerWinstar Dining Room, where I ordered shrimp cocktail, Garlic Shrimp, veggies, and dessert.

 Day 4, Wednesday, October 12, Cozumel, Excursion to Passion Island 

Breakfast of yogurt with nuts, raisins, and pastry, chocolate milk, and apple juice. 

We waited at Cozumel for the Catamaran to take us to Passion Island.

Took pictures in front of Statues, Jester, Zonkey, Alligator, boat,  Fat Tuesday, and Purta May Cozumel.

Cozumel & Cruise Ship 

Ticket 

Foli MS Carnival Ecstasy all-inclusive Passion Island Catamaran 

operated by Peninsula De LA Passion Folio 56900

Cabin 155 Departs End of the Pier Sign

at 10 A.M. Excursion # 3041391001 

Carnival Adventure

It was about an hour's ride to Passion Island, where we enjoyed three Margaritas, avocado dip, chips, tocos, veggies, and slices of watermelon.

On the island, I saw a couple of Trash Pandas and several long-tailed Grackles.

After a couple of hours, everyone loaded back into the Catamaran.

We began our journey back to Cozumel, passing through customs and then returning to the ship.

The ship left port around 4:00 P.M.

I was dressed for dinner in the DinnerWinstar Dining room, where I ordered a shrimp Cocktail, grilled Flounder, veggies, and a banana split.

Day 5, Thursday, October 13, 2022

Beautiful sunrise at 7 A.M.

Breakfast Yogurt with raisins and nuts, with pastries, and chocolate milk

The ship docked around 8:30 A.M., and we took the bus into Progresso.

Walked through the shopping area to the beach, stopping for a full-body massage.

We saw several birds, a statue, and several murals. 

We had to use the restroom, so we stopped at a convenience store. They said we could use what we bought, so I bought a pair of sunglasses. 

We walked through the flea market, where I bought a bag for $10.00.

We took the bus back to the dock, taking pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Yucatan, Flamingos, Azul Temple, a boat, a cheetah, and a burrito.

Went to Guys for lunch with hamburgers and fries.

The ship was supposed to leave around 4 P.M., but several people were late, so we left Progresso around 5 P.M.

Progresso Yucatan 

We dressed for dinner in the iDinnerWinstar Dining room, where I ordered Ribs, fries, beans, and apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

Day 6, Friday, October 14, Sea Day

We had a beautiful, cloudy Sunrise. 

Brunch in the Winstar Dining Room at Skilled Cake, featuring linked sausage.

Relaxed on the Lido deck, met several ladies from Georgia, Destin, and Fair Hope, AL, and one from lower California.

At 4 P.M., we attended the Platinum farewell Party, where we enjoyed free mixed drinks.

Recognized a father and son who traveled the most days on Carnival cruise ships.

We listened to Crimson String Trio before going to the Winstar dining room.

Crimson String Trio 

I ordered grilled salmon, veggies, and Carnival Baboloo 50th Anniversary Cake. (a white frosting with three layers of cake. The cake frosting has chewy chunks throughout.)

Carnival Baboloo 50th Anniversary Cake. (a white frosting with three layers of cake. The cake frosting has chewy chunks throughout.)

Day 7, Saturday, October 15, Travel Home

At 8:00 A.M., we stopped at Jack in Jackson for breakfast, which included sausage and gravy, as well as a strawberry pie. We filled up with gas at Texaco and bought Almond Joy and Diet Sprite. 

Carnival Ecstasy Stateroom E155 Deck E Muster Station F 

Hotel Renaissance Mobile Riverfront Plaza Hotel 64 South Water St Mobile, AL 36602