2021 April 3, Florence Cemetery Walking Tour, UNA, McFarland Park, Wilson Dam, & Ava Florence, Alabama

Harry Wallace will lead the tour at 705 East College Street. The tour of the Florence Cemetery, established in 18181, features many unique headstones and famous gravesites among the rolling hills and towering trees. 

The cemetery contains the graves of many early settlers, two governors, prominent leaders and their families, and numerous unknown Confederate soldiers.

Harry Wallace, our guide

Blooming Cherry Trees 

McFarland Par 

After the walking tour, I stopped at Wilson Park to see the blooming cherry trees. 

Next, I went to UNA to see the newly remodeled fountain. People were taking pictures for Graduation. Leo the lion was basking in the sun and roared several times. Usually, he just lies quietly, but today, he must have been hungry.

LEO the Lion at UNA

Fountain at UNA 

Ava riding her car 

I rode to McFarland Park and stopped for a few pictures. The River was down compared to what it had been, but it still peaked at the banks. One side of the park was closed because of flooding. There were a lot of people at the park; people were parked everywhere, even on the banks of the road. 

I stopped at River Heritage Park and walked to see the floodgates at Wilson Dam. The Tennessee River was raging through. 

On my way home, I stopped to check on my son Mike. He had surgery on his back. He was outside with his brother Andy. Ava came outside and was riding her car. I saw a Yellow Monarch Butterfly landing on the yellow dandelions. 

I had an exciting day.

2019 Mar 16, 🚎Miracle Ride: Helen Keller in Living History Tuscumbia, Alabama

It was in the 40s this morning, cloudy and windy, so I grabbed my oversized coat and winter boots and joined a group of locals and out-of-towners. 

Everyone met at Coldwater Books and began boarding the trolley at 9:30 A.M. 

The trolley was taking a group on a "Miracle Ride: Helen Keller in Living History. 

Our guide shared a fascinating story about Helen Keller and her great-niece, Keller Johnson Thompson.

On the steps of Ivy Green, Mrs. Thompson told amazing stories of her great-aunt as we waited for a large group to finish their tour.

We toured the home and its many collections, including Helen's statues and the key that locked Annie Sullivan inside a closet. 

Helen Keller, a girl who learned to communicate (WATER)

Older Helen Keller 

Outside the Keller Museum, we could see Cherry Trees were in full bloom and the gardens aglow with spring colors.

Cherry Trees @ Ivy Green in full bloom 

Tuscumbia's Bicentennial Commission, Trolley Tour, and "Miracle Ride: Helen Keller in Living History" were awesome.

After the tour, I enjoyed soup, a lunch sandwich, and a slice of mile-high cheesecake. 

Mile high cheesecake 
Cream cheese, pure vanilla, butter baked on a pecan & graham cracker crust! to die for!

An eating bowl full of Crawfish bisque 
1/2 turkey with smoked cheddar, melted chees, and a tall glass of iced tea

I had a wonderful day, although it was a bit cold. However, I finished the day off with a hot bowl of Crawfish bisque.