2023 August 27-31, Trip to Hollister, Point Lookout, Ridgedale, Branson, MO., Searcy, Arkansas, Dyersburg, TN (5 Days)

Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave Ridgedale Mo

 Sunday, August 27, Day 1: 

Today, we left the house around 6:30, arrived at the Robertsons, loaded their luggage into our car, and began our journey to Branson.

Our first stop was for breakfast at Jack in Tuscumbia, Al.

I ordered gravy with sausage biscuits and a soda. 

After we finished breakfast, we began our journey west on Highway 72 toward Iuka, MS.

We traveled through several small towns, entering the interstate in Memphis. 

We crossed the Mississippi River into West Memphis, Arkansas, stopping at the Welcome Center.

Our next stop was to meet friends at Western Sizzlin Searcy, Arkansas.

There, we enjoyed a lovely lunch while enjoying the company of old friends and making new friends.

After lunch, we headed north toward Missouri, stopping at South Mountain Scenic Overlook, where you can see Bryan Mountain Elevation 1760, McCutcheon Gap Snowball, Bear Creek, Searcy County Airport, Point Peter Elevation 2040, Round Mts., Buffalo National River, Boat Mountain Elevation 2221 Marshall, St Joe and Harrison, Arkansas. 

It's a great place to stop and take pictures. 

We arrived at Paradise Point Resort in Hollister, MO, checked into room 9404, and took the elevator up to our room. We had three bedrooms, a kitchen, three bathrooms, a living room, and a pool room with a view of the White River. 

We unpacked and headed outside, where we walked alongside the swimming pool, hot tub, and floating pool. 

We were all too full to eat dinner, so we just snacked.

Arkansas Welcome Center 

Standing near the Swimming Pool 

Monday, August 28, Day 2: 

We ate breakfast at the Hungry Hunter Restaurant, where they serve you very large portions of food. 

The pancakes would cover a very large plate. The bread from which they made French toast was homemade and served with two very large slices of bread. 

Eggs, Ham, and hash rounds were also served. Great place for a hungry man. I could not eat all of my French toast. 

In Ridgeland, Missouri, we took a golf cart that holds four down into the canyon, which is a 2 1/2 miles-long tour of caves and waterfalls. There were several places where we would park the golf cart and look around. 

Inside the cave was a snack bar where you could get snacks and a drink. 

After we finished the tour, we took the shuttle to the Top of the Rock, where we toured the  Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, which was filled with artifacts back to the Woolly Mammoth. 

After the museum tour, we were told to come back around 7:30-8PM for the sunset, playing of bagpipes and cannon firing. 

We rode to the historic part of Branson, stopping at B’s Ice Cream Parlor for a strawberry cheesecake waffle Cone. We rode to Bass Pro Shop and then took a short trolley ride around the historic part of Branson.  

We walked along the River Landing, where we saw several new restaurants, fountains, and pipes that shot out fire. 

We ate lunch at World Famous White River Fish House, where I ordered 3 shrimp tacos. I could not eat all of them, so I just ate the shrimp.
We shopped at Elks but didn’t buy anything. 

We rode back to Top of the Rock to see the sunset, tour the old church, and watch the canon being fired.

We came back to the condo, showered, and went to bed. 

Sunset at the top of the Rock Ridgedale, MO 

French Toast 

Tuesday, August 29, Day 3: 

We ate a cinnamon roll for breakfast. 

We rode to College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO.,  where we toured the War Memorial at the Keeter Center. 

We ate lunch at Dobyn’s Dining Room at the Keeter Center. I ordered steak soup with rolled and butter. 

We toured the East End Mill, where I bought a handcrafted basket. 

Next, we toured the Ralph Foster Museum, which housed three levels of artifacts. 

Which included musical talents from Missouri, musical instruments, Quilts, dishes, dolls, circus, cars, and animals (taxidermy) such as Polar bears, Grizzly Bears, Lions, tigers, buffalo, elk, deer, etc. 

It included butterflies and birds of every kind and just so much information in this one building. 

At 7:30, we boarded the Branson Belle for a dinner cruise and show.

The show was great it started a little slow but finished with a bang.

It was another long day, so off to bed we go.

Keefer Center at College of the Ozarks
Point Lookout, Mo  

This little fellow will greet you with a loud growl!

Wednesday, August 30, Day 4

I ate a bowl of instant oatmeal for breakfast, and off we went.

Today, we are going to Silver Dollar City Branson, MO., for a fun-filled day of shows.

We will also enjoy a train ride into the woods only to be stopped by train robbers.

Then we will enjoy a hamburger and onion rings at the Lumber Camp Restaurant.

Today was the hottest day yet, and after all that walking, we were ready to leave the park. 

Train Robbers 

On our way back to the condo, we stopped at Little Hacienda in Branson, MO, where I enjoyed a Margarita on the rocks. I also ordered Churro with Ice Cream. 

Hubby ordered a burrito supreme. 

We were all very full when we left the restaurant.

I took a shower and went straight to bed, and did not wake up until 2AM. Everyone was asleep, so I took out my journal and wrote for about an hour and a half, then went back to bed.

Thursday, August 31, Day 5

The last day of the month and our last day in Branson, MO.

Packed our bags, loaded the car, and were on our way around 6:30-7AM.

We stopped to fill up with gas in Black Rock, Arkansas. 

We didn’t stop for lunch until we reached Dyersburg, Tennessee

We stopped at The Bus Stop Restaurant, where I enjoyed a half turkey sandwich with pasta, which was very good. We sat outside, for it was a very nice, excellent day.

We dropped our friends off and stopped at the car wash to wash off all the bugs that we had accumulated on the highway.

We were home by 5PM.

We had a great trip, but glad to be home in my own bed.

Our next trip is a cruise unless we decide to take a day trip or maybe an overnight trip to the beach. 

2018 Shoals Front Porch Storytelling Festival

I spent the last three days attending different functions of the Storytelling Festival.
May 17,18,19, 2018

Thursday, I attended the free concert at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame by Kate Campbell. 

Kate played guitar, sang, and told stories. (3:00-4:30PM)

One of the stories/songs was about Tomatoes and Jesus Coming Soon. 

The special guest was Spooner Oldham. Kate has made many recordings with Spooner. 

Later that day at Florence Library,  I enjoyed listening to Josh Goforth tell stories about his tobacco-chewing PawPaw. 

Josh played a banjo, fiddle, and guitar. He can play as many as ten instruments. Very talented young man. (5-6PM)

Josh Goforth playing the banjo 

Friday, I was joined by three friends at the storytelling festival held at the Shoals Theater from 9-5PM. 

Movie Projector at Shoals Theater displayed in the lobby

We enjoyed lunch at Legends, which is located across the street from the theater.
We listened to Bil Lepp tell funny stories. 

Josh Goforth sings, tells stories, and plays the banjo, guitar, and Fiddle. 

Tim Lowry's long program, he was dressed as a southern gentleman of South Carolina. 

After lunch, we listened to Donald Davis, Dolores Hydock, Bill Lepp, and Josh Goforth. 

There was a dinner break, and we all went home. 

Saturday, I was joined by one friend, and we listened to Tim Lowry tell a story about attending an AME church in a Confederate Soldier Uniform. 

We listened to Donald Davis, Kate Campbell, & Josh Goforth.

Delores Hydock's long program was about a woman who worked for Loveman's Department Store "In her own fashion." 

Bobby Horton played guitar while Dolores told the story of Ninette Griffith & Loveman's Department store. 

My friend and I enjoyed a meal at City Hardware. I ordered a red, white, and blue salad with chicken. 

Red, White, and Blue Chicken Salad 

At 5PM, the storytelling telling stopped for a dinner break.
My friend and I both went home. I would love to have stayed until 9PM for the rest of the show, but I was just too tired.

I was in between Dolores Hydock and Tim Lowery at intermission. 

Dauphin Island Environment Marine

Energy from the Sands of Time

The platform that you can see east of Dauphin Island is operated by ExxonMobil, one of many oil companies operating in Alabama waters. These platforms are extracting natural gas (methane), a clean-burning petroleum product. The platform itself lies in 11 feet of water, with dripping operations to depths of over 20,000 feet. Once natural gas is found and brought to the surface, it is transferred via an underwater pipeline to processing plants on the mainland. 

These photographs demonstrate the porous quality of sandstone, which is millions of years old. Ten percent of the sandstone volume is natural gas, compressed within these. 

Pores to a pressure between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds per square inch. 

The natural gas field found within Mobile Bay and the Alabama Water is the largest field discovered in the continental United States. Concerned citizens, scientists, and state regulators worked with the oil companies to implement an environmentally safe, clean operation with a zero-discharge policy. This policy prohibits the discharge of drilling fluids, petroleum products, and treated sewage from the platform into state waters. Instead, these materials are offloaded and taken to the mainland for proper disposal. 

Mr. Sand and his friends Part II

The grains collect and grow into dunes. Even as they grow, they move as the wind blows them. 

Shifting and growing, the dunes stabilize once dune grasses, like sea oats, start sprouting on them. The plant's roots help anchor them, encouraging further dune growth. And the more due growth, the more plant growth —- a friendly relationship.

These stabilized dunes attract even more plants, like wax myrtle, yucca, and, eventually, the majestic live oak. 

These rooting plants add moisture and shelter and promote even more plant colonization. 

More and more animals are attracted to plant growth, from plant-eating insects to insect-eating beach mice to owls. Hawks and raccoons.

Thriving with plant life, a dune will continue to grow. 

But the bigger it gets, the more exposed it becomes to aeolian (wind) and marine (water) forces, like erosion. 

Mr. Sand and his friends, Park III

During the autumn and winter storms, the sand will be blown offshore. Someday, they’ll be carried back onshore to build new dunes. 

So, as the seasons change, do the dunes. In the spring, with gentle wind and waves, sand heaps onshore, forming new dunes. In the summer, sea oats and plants help them grow. In the stormy winter, the dunes erode (wear down).

Susceptible to strong onshore winds, Mr. Sand and his friends have a tendency to move inland, covering everything in their path. 

We need to help Mr. Sand and his friends by not walking or driving on the dunes. Many places have boardwalks built over the dunes and plants to protect them. 

Along with boardwalks, sand fences are another way of protecting dunes, serving as obstructions so the grains can collect and form new dunes. Planting grasses like sea oats can also help in exposed areas and along pathways. 

These conservation practices can only help if we cooperate. Mr. Sand and his friends, along with the forces of nature, form dunes and beaches for you to enjoy. 

Let’s take care of them in the future. 

Mr. Sand and his friends Part I

Come let Mr. Sand guide you through the life of a dune. Learn how to protect the sand dunes, Mr. Sand, and his friends who live with him. 

Once upon a time, about 250 million years ago, bedrock was formed. The hot molten rock formed granite and emerged as the Appalachian Mountains. As the granite and other rocks eroded from the mountains, they formed grains of sand. This sand washed down to the Gulf of Mexico and was deposited onto beaches and dunes, which are now underwater. 

Waves and currents washed Mr. Sand away from these old deposits. Mr. Sand and his friends moved up onto the beaches we see now. 

The more Mr. Sand and his friends wash along the beach, the more they wear down. They become rounder and more uniform in size and texture. 

Away from the mainland, underwater mountains of sand grow grain by grain, becoming “offshore bars.” Some can grow so much they emerge above sea level and become “barrier islands.” 

Dry grains of sand are susceptible to wind, drifting until the wind speed drops.

Once Mr. Sand and his friends land, they collect on the “lee,” or sheltered side of obstacles along their flight path.

Marine Debris: A Silent Killer

Marine debris Timeline

What is marine debris?

.Marine debris is the name given to trash that liters our coasts and oceans.

It includes all the objects found in the marine and coastal environments that do not naturally occur there. Marine debris is not only a hazard to ships, divers, and beach-goers, but it also creates a serious threat to our precious marine life. 

.Marine debris consists of articles that have been made by people and deliberately discarded or accidentally lost. In most cases, it is the result of careless handling or disposal of items of solid waste, including containers of liquid waste. However, it can also be materials lost at sea in bad weather, like fishing gear and cargo.

.Marine debris consists mostly of snowy degradable waste items made of persistent materials such as plastic, polystyrene, metals, and glass from a large number of different sources.

(thrown or lost into the sea): brought indirectly to the sea with rivers, sewage, stormwater, or winds: left by people on beaches and shores. 

Where is marine debris found:

. Marine debris is found everywhere around the world, in marine and coastal environments.

.Marine debris can be blown around and is found floating on the water's surface. Almost 90% of floating marine debris is plastic. 

. Marine debris is found mixed in the water column, from the surface to the bottom of the ocean.

.Marine debris is found on the seabed. It could be that as much as 70% of all marine debris sinks to the bottom of the seabed, both in shallow coastal areas and deeper parts of the ocean. 

.Marine debris is found lying on beaches and shores. 

How does marine debris harm wildlife?

. Entanglement 

Common items like fishing lines, strapping bands, and six-pack rings can hamper the movement of marine animals. Once entangled, animals have trouble eating, breathing, or swimming, all of which can have fatal results. Plastics take hundreds of years to break down and may continue to trap and kill animals year after year. Smaller marine creatures get stuck inside plastic and glass containers to die a slow death. 

Ingestion

Birds, fish, and mammals often mistake plastic for food. Some birds even feed it to their young. With plastic filling their stomachs, animals have a false feeling of being full and may die of starvation. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods. Due to its durability, buoyancy, and ability to absorb and concentrate toxins present in the ocean, plastic is especially harmful to marine life. 

Other threats to wildlife 

The smothering of the seabed, accumulation, and dispersion of toxic substances, environmental changes due to invasive species, and habitat disturbances due to mechanical cleaning of marine debris. 

How does marine debris harm people?

.Contamination of the beaches and harbors creates health hazards to people

.Marine debris also endangers the safety and livelihood of fishermen and recreational boaters. Nets and monofilament fishing lines can obstruct propellers, and plastic sheeting and bags can block cooling intakes. 

Where am I?

Dauphin Island is at the junction of Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and the Gulf of Mexico. Dauphin Island is the easternmost in a series of changing barrier islands, which form the southern boundary of Mississippi Sound. 

Mobile Bay is 53 kilometers (35 mi) long, 16 kilometers (10 mi) wide, and averages 3 meters  (10ft) deep. The bay is a drowned river valley, which at one time was deeper and extended farther north. About 6,000 years ago, the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta formed as Mobile Bay became wider and shallower. Mobile Bay has the seventh-largest river discharge in North America (219 to 13,977 cubic meters per second or 5 to 322 billion gallons per day) and is the third-largest in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Most of the ocean waters that enter the Gulf of Mexico come through the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba. 

These waters form circling currents that move across the continental shelf and mix with the freshwater from the land. The water exits the Gulf of Mexico through the Straits of Florida between Florida and Cuba. 

Life in a Salt Marsh

A real partnership 

The important grasslike plants of Coastal Alabama salt marshes are Black Needle rush and Smooth Cordgrass. They provide oxygen to organisms that live below the salt marsh surface and refuge for many animals. 

Decomposing plant matter in an environment without oxygen produces the “rotten egg” odor familiar to marshes. However, Cordgrass and Needlerush root systems are very spongy and porous, allowing oxygen into the waterlogged soil. This allows the survival of organisms below the surface of the marsh. 

Fiddler Crab (Uca  spp) 

Fiddler Crabs and other small mud crabs burrow into the marsh surface, feeding on the plant matter. Their aquatic larval stages contribute significantly to the food chain.

Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)

Smooth Cordgrass forms a border along the edge of the open water, below the average high tide line. Cordgrass has flattened leaves and a light green color. 

Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus)

The Black Needlerush comprises the largest vegetated zone of Alabama’s salt marshes and is found near and above the average high tide line. 

Needlerush leaves are round with pointed tips. 

Marsh Periwinkle (Littorina irrorata)

The Marsh Periwinkle is a small snail inhabiting shallow bays, ponds, and tidal marshes. It is often seen climbing and Spartina stalks to feed on algae and avoid predators. 

Ribbed Mussel (Geukensia demissa)

The Ribbed Mussel attaches to mature plants at the mud surface and hardens the marsh. This helps resist erosion. These mussels filter a gallon of seawater an hour for food, fertilize the marsh with their waste, and are food for crabs, birds, and mammals. 

2017 Christmas Letter

Christmas Letter 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Hope this letter finds your family doing okay.

I just wanted to let you know about the things that happened in 2017.

My sister lost her husband (age 68) in April to a heart attack.

He awoke from sleep, called out to my sister, and said I have a heart attack, and before she could get help, he was gone. He had been having some health issues and had seen a doctor.

He was a retired engineer for the railroad and a farmer. 

Vicki raised vegetables and sold them at the farmer's market. He was very active in farming, raised mules, and was very active in his community. 

On December 16, 2016, Dad was admitted to the Hospital. Dec 21, 2016, I took Dad to Rehab.

Dad stayed in Rehab from Dec. 21, 2016, to 11 February. Dad turned 90 this year and could no longer live alone, so he went to live with my sister. While Dad was in Rehab, a minister came by and talked to him. Dad said that man changed my life, I was saved and has been going to church with me and my sister. 

This year has flown by, and Christmas is only a few days away.

I have finished my Christmas Shopping.

I had a total knee replacement in my right knee at the end of September.

I was in the hospital for two and a half days, six days in rehab, and four weeks of physical therapy.

I still have problems walking long distances. My knee has healed nicely on the outside but will take months to heal on the inside. 

Before surgery, I had to wear a leg brace on my right knee just to walk. 

In January, we went to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge to see a flock of Sandhill Cranes before they began migrating north.

At the end of January, we toured the Guntersville Museum and rode around Guntersville Lake. We also stopped @ Buckets Pocket State Park to enjoy the sweeping view of the rugged, untouched landscape from atop a large rock. 

We celebrated Valentine’s Day @ Famous Dave’s Restaurant in Franklin, TN. We also visited the famous Bedford Falls Train Display @ Hundred Oaks in Nashville. 

We spent President’s Day in Montevallo @ the American Village, which is a series of buildings where one can journey into America’s past for her independence and self-government.

We also walked through the Festival of Tulips, stopping to pick a basket of tulips to take home. 

On March 4, I attended Cooking on the Mountain @ the Burritt Museum in Huntsville.

March 27-29: Hubby and I stay @ the Inn on the River Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN. 

We enjoyed visiting Patriots Veterans Park, the Islands, Bush Bean Museum, the Old Mill, Applewood Farms Restaurant, Cherokees Veteran’s Park Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and Traveling across the Smokey Mountains.

On April 1, I enjoyed the Beaty Street Walking Tour in Athens, Al. 

On April 8, Hubby and I enjoyed the Houston Walking Tour Athens, Al (home of one of Alabama’s governors)

On April 14, I attended a Passover Seder Meal @ the Methodist Church in Killen.

On April 15, I enjoyed a Church Walking tour in Decatur, Al

On April 17, Hubby and I took our great-granddaughter to Cullman.

We bought fresh strawberries @ the farmer's market, and we toured the train depot and the Clarkson Covered Bridge.

On April 23, I enjoyed the Athens Cemetery Stroll, where the cemetery comes alive with characters from the past. 

On April 29, I enjoyed the walking tour of Historic Bank Street in Decatur, Al. 

May-June We enjoyed music in Wilson Park. 

On May 6, I enjoyed a day @ the Strawberry Festival in Moulton, Al 

On May 10, Hubby and I enjoyed Music in Wilson Park 

On May 15, Hubby and I enjoyed a day trip to the Huntsville Train Depot, Ditto Landing, and Rosie’s Cantina

On May 17, Hubby and I enjoyed music in Wilson Park with the Cadillacs 

May 19-20, I attended the Storytelling Festival @ the Shoals Theater. 

On May 27, I attended the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Decatur.

On May 30, Hubby and I toured the Pink Palace Museum and Bass Pro Shops (we rode the elevator to the top to see a gorgeous view of the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis).

On June 10, I attended a Family Reunion with my dad, sister, and granddaughter. 

We stopped to tour Tom Hendrix's “Rock Wall.” Tom spent thirty years building a walk dedicated to his great, great grandmother, an American Indian who walked from Oklahoma back to her home in Alabama. Trail of Tears. The wall is located near the Natchez Trace between Alabama and Tennessee.

On June 13, Hubby and I toured the Corvette Museum and the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, KY.  On our way home, we stopped in Nashville @ the grave site of the singer George Jones.

On June 17, Hubby and I attended the Moon Pie and RC Festival in Bell Buckle, TN.

July 4, Hubby and I enjoyed spending the day @ Monte Sano Park 

On July 11, Hubby and I toured the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, Museum of Transportation, Pennyroyal Museum, and Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Ky

On July 18, Hubby and I enjoyed a day @ Discovery America Park in Union City, TN.

On July 27, My great-granddaughter and I spent the day @ the newly remodeled Children’s Museum in Florence.

On August 1, Hubby and I toured the James K. Polk ancestral home in Columbia, TN.

On August 11, Hubby and I attended the Killen Founders Day Parade and music in Killen Park. 

On August 18, I rode south on Natchez Trace, taking pictures of new markers celebrating Alabama’s 200-year centennial.

On August 22, Hubby and I enjoyed the Wild Bird Sanctuary @ Davey Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg, TN.

On August 29, My sister-in-law and I enjoyed watching the tagging of hummingbirds. We toured the Oakville Indian Mounds and Jessie Owens Museum in Danville. 

On September 4, Hubby and I attended the Sweet Tater Festival and Car Show. 

On September 8, I attended Oka Kapassa @ Spring Park with my daughter and grandchildren.

On September 9, I attended the Baby Shower of my great-niece.

September 14, I toured Helen Keller’s Ivy Green (birth home)

On September 18, I took my great-granddaughter to Walmart to try on Halloween heads

September 20-29, Knee Surgery and Recovery 

Spent most of October doing Physical Therapy 

On October 31, Hubby and I traveled north on Natchez Trace, stopping @ Lewis Meriwether Museum/Park, Laurel Hills Park. We ate lunch at Famous Dave’s Franklin Tn. 

On November 4, I took my granddaughter and great-granddaughter to Wild Bird Sanctuary @ Davey Crockett Park. 

November 14, Hubby and I spent the day shopping @ Opry Mills and walking through the Charlie Brown Ice display in Nashville. 

November 17, Hubby and I attended Little Women Broadway Musical @UNA

November 23, Thanksgiving Dinner with family @ Mikes 

On November 28, Hubby and I went to the Tuscumbia Christmas Parade

November 29, Hubby and I went to Babes in Toyland @ Roxy Theater in Russellville

On December 1, Hubby and I went to Light a Candle for Prayer @ Pope’s Tavern, Christmas Tree Lighting in Wilson Park, and Strolled the street of First Friday in Florence. I went to a book signing by Tom McDonald on Promises to Keep.

On December 2, I attended Sacred Way Horse Sanctuary @ the Visitor Center. 

December 3, After church, I went to see the trees-of-Christmas at the Tuscumbia Art Museum. From 2-4 p.m., I attended a Baby Shower for my granddaughter's friend.

On December 6, Hubby and I rode to Huntsville to walk the Tinsel Christmas Trail to Bridge Street and rode through the Huntsville Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights. 

On December 7, Hubby and I attended the Muscle Shoals Parade. 

December 9, I attended the Dickens of Christmas Yall Come in Tuscumbia and Poetry reading and music @ St John’s Episcopal Church. 

On December 10, I walked through the Christmas Tree Trail in Athens and Madison.

In Madison, I rode through, taking pictures of the Christmas Cards Display. At 6:30PM, Hubby and I went to the Maple Hill Baptist Church, where they had a replica of Bethlehem that we walked through with a group of other people. 

December 17, We celebrated my sister's 66th birthday at Cracker Barrel, including my four sisters, dad, and two great nieces. 

December 19, Today, we are planning a trip to Opryland Hotel in Nashville.     

December 23, Christmas with family (Saturday night @6pm)my sister is bringing Dad it will be lots of fun.  

We tried to get in as much as possible during the year, but this year, we had to scale back because of my knee. 

Hopefully, the coming year will bring better health. 

Have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year