2018 March 17, & 2016, 2015 My thoughts

March 17, 2018. Today, I went to the Florence Lauderdale Visitor Center, where I saw a little Bird (Killdeer). As I started walking past her, the little Killdeer's feathers flared out. I took my cell phone and took a couple of pictures. I noticed 4 eggs were lying on the ground near her. She had made a nest in the grass near the sidewalk at the visitor's center. That was why there was an orange cone sitting there. I hope she guards them well.

Killdeer 

March 17, 2016: Today was a beautiful day, and the sunset was fantastic. I did a little work outside this afternoon. I sat looking out my window, watching all the varieties of birds eat from the four feeders. My husband said to look, and we saw a long-eared rabbit sitting in front of the tractor, eating grass. I looked out the window on the other side of our RV and saw a groundhog waddling down the field, looking for his dinner of fresh clover. Well, I lay on the sofa watching Wheel of Fortune (we watch it every night), and when it ended, I went to work on my computer. Every evening, I check to see what color the sunset is, and tonight it was awesome. I will post some pictures later. While taking photos of the sunset, I turned around, looked behind me, and saw a herd of deer (doe). I counted at least eight. They just stood there while I snapped their picture. I was careful not to make any sudden moves. I have not seen any deer for some time. This warm weather has brought out all the animals, and climate change has caused us to have such an incredible sunset.

Rabbit 

March 17, 2015, was such a beautiful day; the sun was shining, and there was no rain, snow, or sleet. I enjoyed it very much; we didn't go anywhere, just worked a little in the yard. The older that I get, the less I want to do any manual labor, for it makes me hurt all over; that is old Arthritis working in my bones.

2021 Mar 9, Day trip Oak Mountain State Park Pelham, Alabama

Today, we rode to Pelham via hwy 43 through Russellville, ending on I-22 going into Birmingham. We filled up with gas at Love's Gas in Jasper and took a restroom break. We traveled through Birmingham on I-65 to Pelham. We stopped at the Interpretive Center and then the Treetop Nature Trail, where we saw a Eurasian Eagle-Owl and Shelby the Bald Eagle. Most of the Interpretative Center was closed for renovations. We also saw several hawks and owls in another area.

Bald Eagle 

owl 

As we were coming back inside the center, we met a Park Ranger with a red-tailed hawk that was blind in one eye. We spoke with her for several minutes and watched as she fed the hawk. She said that the food comes to them frozen, so they just thaw it out for them. She was returning the hawk to its cage. We thanked her for taking the time to show us and tell us about the habits of the red-tailed hawk.

Red-tail Hawk 

We began our journey back home, having not eaten dinner, and both agreed that we would like to stop at O'Bryan's in Hartselle. I ordered a petite Sirloin steak with a sweet potato. Hubby ordered a Delmonico Steak, baked potato, and salad bar. After we ate, we took pictures of the Blues Brothers statue and other memorabilia at the steakhouse.

Oh' Brayn's Hartselle

We stopped at Kroger's in Hartselle and headed for home. We traveled from Hartselle to Decatur, taking Hwy 20 Alt 72 to Wheeler Dam. The sun was setting as we approached home.

Sunset

We had a great day; both of us were worn out from all the traveling.

2021 Feb 8, Day Trip to Huntsville, Alabama

Hubby and I rode to Huntsville today for my entomologist appointment. You know the drill by now. Stay in your car and call the office to let them know you are there. They will call you back when you can come inside. Once inside the building, you will have your temperature taken and be given a sticker to place on your shirt or blouse indicating that you are cleared to enter. Once inside, I checked in; after a short wait, I was called back to the waiting room. The pressure in both eyes was checked, and both readings were 15. The optic nerves in both eyes were also checked, and no changes were noted. I had taken my big camera with me; I wanted to get a few pictures of the waterfowl and colorful fish that swam at Big Spring Park, so that was our next stop. On our way to Huntsville, the thermometer in the car read 35 and showed snow, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. The sun was shining, with little wind and a slight chill in the air. I took my coa,t but never had to put it on.

Canadian Geese 

We then rode to Braham Spring Park, where we saw Canadian Geese, Mallard Ducks, and a few starlings, all eating and swimming. I said, "It's such a beautiful day." Let's go to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur. We entered I-565, and not far past the airport, the traffic was bumper-to-bumper because they were working on the road and merging into one lane. We then turned onto I-65 only to find they were working on the interstate, merging it into one lane. We finally made it to our turn-off, and Hubby said, 'What do you think about getting lunch at Libby's in Priceville?' I said that sounded good, for I love old fried catfish. I was not disappointed; I ordered one piece of fillet with coleslaw, hush puppies, onion, baked potato, and iced tea. I could not eat it. I also got a to-go box.

Catfish plate @Libby's in Priceville, Alabama

We then rode to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge to see what was left of the Sandhill Cranes, and to my disappointment, there were just a few. The visitor center and the observation building were both closed. There was a wooden wall with holes cut out to view the fields, but no birds were visible. We stopped at Jack's in Decatur for a Diet Coke and two strawberry Cheesecake pies. Our last stop was the Wheeler Dam to see the waterfowl. Saw a few White Pelicans, so we didn't stop. When we got home, I went outside and filled both bird feeders, and I saw more birds there than at any of the places we had stopped. We have Cardinals, Wrens, Finch, Tufted Titmouse, Mourning Doves, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Downy Woodpeckers, just to name a few of our backyard birds.

2021 Feb 2, Day trip to Guntersville, Alabama & Ground Hog Day

Hubby and I rode to Guntersville via Hartselle. We were in Muscle Shoals, so we took 72 to 157 through Moulton, then turned onto 36 to head to Hartselle. We saw Oh! Bryans is my Hubby's favorite place to eat. We had planned to eat at Libby's in Priceville, but since we had taken a different route and would not go past Libby's, we decided to stop in Hartselle. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. We prefer to take the back roads when traveling, as you never know what treasures you may discover. I loved the way that they had decorated Oh! Bryans. At the front, where you check out, was the front of an old car (a '57 Chevy), and not far away was the back end of two other vehicles used as waiting benches. If you ever are in Hartselle, you need to check out OH! Bryans.

 O'Bryan's Hartselle 

Eating steak, sweet potato, and toast

Salad Bar food

I ordered the sirloin steak with sweet potato and a glass of water with lemon. Hubby ordered a Delmonico steak and baked potato with salad. After lunch, we rode to Guntersville State Park, where we saw several deer. Stopped at the pier in Guntersville, where we saw hundreds of Double-crested Cormorants and Sea Gulls. We stopped at Ollie's in Madison and bought a couple of scissors. We stopped at Russell Stover's in Athens, where Hubby and I both ordered a small waffle cone with ice cream. (Rockie Road). Then on to Aldi for a few groceries, then home. The sun came out, but the temperature hung around 42 degrees all day. After a long, cold outing, I was ready to warm up, so I climbed into my warm bed and fell asleep.

flock of birds

Deer

2021 Jan 14, Day trip to Gadsden and Covered Bridges of Alabama

Today, the Hubby and I traveled US 72 to I-65 to 67 east to Priceville, stopping at Morgan County Memorial Park, where they had a Hurley helicopter, a T-34 Mentor Plane on loan from Pensacola, FL, and an M60A1 Tank. There were several tall war memorials representing soldiers who had given their lives for our country.

 Morgan County Memorial Park, Priceville, Alabama 

We stopped at Jack's in Blountsville for lunch. Ordered a kid's chicken-finger meal and a blueberry cream cheese pie. Saw a carved statue in the trees outside Jack's.

Swann Covered Bridge

We traveled to the Swann Covered Bridge, built in 1933, located on Swann Bridge Road in Cleveland, which spans the Locust Fork River.

 Easley Bridge

Our next stop was the Easley-covered bridge built in 1927. It was located at Easley Bridge Road in Oneonta. We met a couple, the man was in the car, and the woman was taking pictures. I asked them if they had been to the Swann Covered Bridge, and they said they hadn't been there today. We rode to Horton Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1934, which crossed over the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River.

Noccalula falls

Horton Covered Bridge 

We filled up with gas at Love's in Sneed. Then we rode another thirty minutes to Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, where we met a man on a motorcycle. I asked him if he knew where the covered bridges were at the park. He said you're asking the wrong person. I'm from New York, and I'm enjoying the warm weather, but I've been told it gets cold here in north Alabama. He told them to enjoy their day and rode off. We walked around taking pictures of the roaring falls. The water was too rough for any waterfowl to be present. We started for home, the sun was going down and staring us right in the face, which didn't last long. Before we knew it, it was dark. We came home through Decatur, and the traffic was Heavy. It had been a beautiful day for traveling.

Traveling home

2020 Nov 28-Dec 1, Trip to Smoky Mountains with Sherry and Bobby (4 days)

November 28-December 1: Trip to Sevierville, TN, with Sherry and Bobby. On Nov 28, November 28, Hubby and I ate breakfast at Jack's in Elgin. I ordered a sausage and biscuit, and Hubby ordered a big breakfast. We ordered Bobby a sausage and biscuit to go. We met them at the Hensley barbecue in Town Creek. We stopped at Jack's in Decatur for a restroom break; I bought three strawberry cheesecake pies for the three of us. We stopped at a couple of rest areas for restroom breaks. We filled up with gas at the new Wiggles in Sevierville, and we all ordered a sub sandwich from Wiggles. It had been a beautiful day for traveling. We checked into condo number 2514 at the Wyndham Condos.

Wyndham condos

Nov. 29, Sunday, Cloudy. Today, we went to Shoe Carnival and Lee's. We ate lunch at Huck Fins; they don't have a lunch special on Sundays, and you have to pay the full price of $15.88 a plate. We all ordered a three-piece fried catfish meal with fixings of white beans, hushpuppies, pickles, onions, and coleslaw. We each got a takeaway box enough for supper. We stopped at Walmart, where I bought a small red Radio Flyer wagon for Haynes's upcoming birthday; I also bought a bag of peppermint bark.

Firehouse Subs in Sevierville

Nov 30, Monday.   Today, we went to Hammers in Sevierville. I bought some warm gloves, and Hubby got a shirt. We stopped at Firehouse Subs in Sevierville, located on Middle Creek Road, for lunch. I ordered a six-inch meatball sub, chips, and a Coke. My cousin ordered a sub, but they messed up her order. She complained, so they gave her a free sub and a brownie. We spent the afternoon watching Hallmark Christmas movies. That night, it snowed. On Tuesday, December 1, I went outside, and there was snow on the ground, but it was cold. However, the roads were clear. We were on our way home by 9 A.M. after checking out. We stopped at McDonald's in Lauden, Tennessee, for breakfast. I ordered a sausage muffin and a Coke.

Smoky Mountains

When we arrived in Town Creek, Hubby was waiting for me at Hensley Barbecue. After a bittersweet goodbye with my relatives, we began our journey. Hubby and I stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel in Athens.

Cracker Barrel Madison, Alabama 

For lunch, I ordered chicken and dumplings with Lima beans and cornbread. At Cracker Barrel, I purchased three summer tops that were on sale. I knew we wouldn't be going to many places, and the weather wasn't agreeable for outdoor activities, so I left my big camera at home. We spent the majority of our vacation watching Hallmark Movies, shopping, eating out, and reminiscing.

2020 Nov 11-14, Trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (4 days) Dollywood Express Train Ride

Wednesday, November 11, Hubby and I stopped at Cracker Barrel in Spring Hill for breakfast. We stopped several times for restroom breaks on our way to Pigeon Forge. We checked into Park Grove Inn in Pigeon Forge. What a view we could see the ferry wheel on the Island from our room.

Ferries Wheel 

Hubby took a shower, lay down, and took a nap. His stomach was giving him a fit, and he said I think I have a fever. After his nap, we rode to Applewood Farm House Restaurant for dinner.

Apple Barn 

For an appetizer, they brought apple fritters along with apple sauce and jute. I ordered a bowl of vegetable soup with cornbread. Hubby did not order anything but did eat some of my soup. That night, Hubby ran a fever and had diarrhea all night.

The Incredible Christmas Store

Nov 12, Thursday:  The Incredible Christmas Store was just three blocks from our hotel, so I walked there while Hubby slept. I walked across the Little Pigeon River, stopping to take pictures along the way. I bought a chocolate pretzel at the Christmas Candy Shop. When I returned, Hubby was up, so we rode to the Old Mill, where I purchased some stone-ground cornmeal and some apple fritter mix. We visited the Disney Store, where I bought Christmas toys for the great-grandkids. We ate lunch at Firehouse Subs and stopped in front of the Dixie Stampede for a picture of the tall Christmas tree. We spent the rest of the day at Dollywood from 2 to 9 P.M. We rented a cart for my husband; he said he felt too weak to walk. We upgraded our tickets for the next year to $194.20. Our adventures began in the Wildwood Park area, specifically designed for children.

Santa @ Dollywood 

We meet Santa behind glass after we write him a letter and drop it into his mailbox. We watched a couple of shows outside, but all the inside shows were closed. We rode the Dollywood Express Train Ride up the mountain, and there were plastic shields between each seat. We had to get tickets for the last train ride because the virus seats were limited. We stopped at the ice cream shop for some Rockies Road ice cream in a chocolate waffle cone. We returned the cart and walked back to our car.

Eating catfish at Huck Finn

On Friday, Nov 13, I ate French toast for breakfast at the hotel. We rode to the Bass Pro Shop in Kodak and then to Katom Restaurant Supplies, where I bought two bottle openers and a thermometer. We stopped at Huck Finn's for lunch, where I ordered a two-piece catfish dinner with fixings. (Fixings include a bowl of white beans, onion, pickles, coleslaw, and hushpuppies) We took the bypass in Gatlinburg and drove over the Smoky Mountains. We rode through Cherokee, out to I-40, and back to Sevierville.

Hotel Pigeon Forge, TN

On Saturday, November 15, we began our travel home, stopping to fill up with gas at Flying J. I ate a bagel for breakfast before we left the hotel. We stopped at Five Guys in Spring Hill for a late lunch or early supper. There, we both ordered a fully-dressed hamburger and crispy fries. They have the best hamburgers in town. Our last stop was at Kroger's in Lawrenceburg to pick up a few groceries. After that long ride home, we were both exhausted.