2006, Tuesday, August, 29, Day Trip Mayfield Ice Cream Plant Tour, Lost Sea Cave and TVA in Fort Lauden, TN

We left home at 7:30 A.M. and traveled about four hours stopping to eat lunch at Logan’s Steakhouse.  

We arrived at Fort Lauden Tennessee where Hubby has an interview with TVA, which should take about an hour.

We left Fort Lauden and rode to Sweetwater & Athens, Tennessee where we tour the Lost Sea Cave and the Mayfield Ice Cream Plant.

  

The Lost Sea is located at 140 Lost Sea Rd., Sweetwater, TN

the Lost Sea Adventure

Going into the Lost Sea Cave we were in a group of six that were led down a corridor by an extremely knowledgeable guide, which took about an hour.

The long corridor 

The cave was gorgeous, and at a constant 58 degrees.

Inside Lost Sea Cave

When we arrived at the bottom of the cave, we all loaded into a glass-bottom boat that took us onto the lake where blind trout fish were jumping out of the water.

They were blind because they lived in total darkness.

The boat returned back to the dock, where everyone disembarked from the boat, and we all started the long journey back up the steep hill to the top of the cave. 

Our last stop of the day was a thirty-minute tour of the Mayfield Dairy Farms to see how milk is processed into Mayfield Ice cream. We were just in time for the last tour of the day.

The Plant is located at 4 Mayfield Lane, Athens, TN   37303 1-800-MAYFIELD

Hubby parked the car at the Mayfield Dairy Plant, we got out of the car and started walking toward the plant and was greeted by a sign that read:

Welcome to Mayfield Home of the “World’s Best Ice Cream”, since 1923.

Then we began to follow a yellow walkway, that was covered with Jersey cow hoof prints.

Welcome to Mayfield 

May Field Dairy

As we approach the building we saw a mural painted on the wall. In, the mural we saw a huge red roof barn that house the jersey cows, a beautiful lush green pasture, an old farmhouse and sitting next to the farmhouse was an old model T milk truck. 

Red Roof Barn for Jersey Cows

On the side of the yellow milk truck was words painted in jersey brown, Mayfield’s Creamery, Pasteurized, Grade A Milk, below was it was written Athens, Tenn., Phone 386 and in white were the words: Dept. of Public Welfare, Bureau of Health, City of Athens Milk, Permit 20/202.

Painted behind the yellow milk truck, were beautiful Jersey cows grazing in the lush green pasture.

Mayfield Creamery Truck

Once inside the building we were given tickets, to tour the plant, but had to wait for a guide.

Our guide greeted us and then led us through the plant where we watched the employees process and package Mayfield ice cream.

We saw many flavors of ice cream novelties, many flavors of Sherbets, & light froze yogurt being processed and packaged.

The packages were beautifully displayed in sizes of 5 quarts, pints and in many shapes and forms.

We thanked the guide and exited the gift shop, where we could purchase the freshly made ice cream. 

On our way out we stopped to say goodbye to a statue of Little Lady, who is Mayfield’s Jersey Cow, who lies in front of the plant. 

We had a great trip, Hubby had an interview with TVA, we ate lunch at Logan’s Steakhouse, visited The Lost Sea, Mayfield’s Dairy Processing plant and was home about 11:00 P.M.

✈️✈️✈️2005 ~ Friday February 18-21 Mall of America in Minnesota

Day 1: Friday, February 18, 2005

A shopping trip to Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota with granddaughter and daughter-in-law.

I drove my Saturn LS to Nashville, Tennessee where we stopped and spent the night at a Red Roof Inn. 

We stopped for dinner at Subway in Loretta, Tennessee, on our way to Nashville.

I ordered a Turkey Sandwich and water to drink. 

Day 2: Saturday, February 19, 2005

The next morning we loaded the LS Saturn and headed to Nashville Airport. 

Our flight was leaving Nashville, TN at 7:45 a.m., arriving in Minneapolis Minnesota at 10:15 A.M. 

On the plane, we were served snacks; I ordered a Diet Coke and a granola bar. 

When we arrived at the Saint Paul International Airport, we went to a kiosk machine 

Where we entered our hotel confirmation number, this was to let the hotel know that we had arrived.

A shuttle van was sent to the airport to pick up passengers who were staying in their hotel. 

We arrived at Country Inn & Suites at Mall of America, the driver unloaded our bags, and we tipped him.

Country Inn & Suites at Mall of America & T.G.I. Friday's

Sitting on the counter was a large cookie jar filled with freshly baked cookies.

I ate four!

The room we were staying in was not ready, so the desk clerk at the hotel said; we could store our luggage in a closet.

We walked next door to eat lunch at T.G.I Fridays. (There was a door connected Fridays to Comfort Inn)

I ordered a half-sandwich, a salad, and water.  

After eating lunch we walked back to the hotel, took our luggage upstairs, and changed clothes.

We took the shuttle van to Mall of America where we shopped all day. 

My daughter-in-law bought my granddaughter several new items of clothing.  

I went to the Franklin Planner store where I bought, for my Franklin Planner, some paper, a hole punch, and some picture sheets.

For supper, we ate at “Bubba Gumps”
Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co in Mall of America

I ordered shrimp with garlic bread.  

We looked around in “Bubba Gump’s” gift shop we did not buy anything.

One of the cool things about Bubba Gumps is on every table you see car tags. The tags say:

“Stop Forrest Stop” or “Run Forrest Run”!

“Stop Forrest Stop” 

“Run Forrest Run”

The stop tag means you want to be waited on. The run tag means I am fine, I do not need to be waited on!

For dessert, we ordered a vanilla ice cream cone from McDonald's.

We took the shuttle van back to the hotel; and thanked the driver with a tip.

We walk upstairs to put on our swimsuits and head for the pool and the hot tub.

Day 3: Sunday, February 20, 2005

I am an early riser, so early the next morning when I awoke, I looked outside it had SNOWED!

I shook my granddaughter and said wake up! 

There was about a foot of new snow that had fallen on the ground. We both put on warm clothes and headed downstairs. 

We walked outside into the new-fallen snow and began making snowballs and throwing them at each other.

I took a few pictures and we walked back inside, where both my granddaughter and I ate breakfast

I ate oats, bananas, and water. 

We took the elevator back upstairs, took a shower, and then walked in the snow to the mall. 

My daily routine is to walk two miles every day. 

The mall is open for walkers, not shoppers this time of the morning.

It was cool walking around without crowds of people shopping. 

The only people that were in the mall were walkers and cleaners. 

The two upper levels were closed off to walkers

My daughter-in-law, slept late that morning.

She met us at the merry-go-round at 10:00 A.M. 

For lunch, we ate at Subway and bought an ice cream cone at McDonald's.

We ordered a pizza, with potato poppers, cokes, and cookies at Tucci Benucch Italian Restaurant Tropical.  

Tucci Benucch Classic Italian Food and Wine

After supper, we walked to the Rain Forest gift shop.
Rainforest Cafe Mall of America

I bought Hubby a pair of glow-in-the-dark shorts and a keychain. 

I bought myself a pair of monkey PJs, also two stuffed animals a Lion, and a leopard.

I also bought a Mall of America tee shirt for myself.

At the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park Mall of America, we bought all-day tickets.

Some of the rides we rode were the ferry’s wheel, the Log Chute, the Sponge Bob simulator, Ripsaw Roller Coaster, and we walked through the haunted house. Later that day I called my son.

Nickelodeon-Universe Mall of America

Day 4: Monday, February 21, 2007 

For breakfast, I ate oats, toast with peanut butter, a pack of M&M, and drank a diet Coke.

I worked out in the weight room, on four of the machines, and rode a bicycle for ten minutes.

I walked back to our room and packed. 

We are going home today.

We took the shuttle van back to St Paul International Airport, checked in, went through security, and headed for our departure gate.

My daughter-in-law and my granddaughter ate breakfast at McDonald's.

I sat at seat 13-B on flight NW1174, our departure time was 10:24 a.m., and our arrival time in Nashville was 12:25 p.m.

I sat next to Chad Anderson on the plane.

We struck up a conversation and he told me that he was going to the 3-M plant in Decatur, Alabama. 

He said, my daughter is getting married in Hawaii and I will join her there. 

He said it takes at least ten days to vacation in Hawaii. 

I told Mr. Anderson about Hubby and my love for history and genealogy.

Our landing was smooth; everyone grabbed his or her luggage.

I told Mr. Anderson goodbye and we all embarked on the plane.

Each person was going in different directions.

I had parked my LS Saturn in the pay garage. We loaded our luggage into my car and headed to Alabama. 

We stopped in Cool Springs at a McDonald's where I ordered a grilled McChicken and water to drink. 

I drove through Columbia, Tennessee at 3:30 p.m.

I took my daughter-in-law and granddaughter home. 

When I got home, I ate a half peanut butter sandwich, half a bag of popcorn, an ice cream sandwich, and two grapes.  

On the plane, I had eaten a bag of pretzels and drank a cup of Diet Pepsi.

Hubby was not home from work yet, so I checked my email. 

That night I was so tired that I slept like a log.

Another adventure, and many other adventures to come!

While in Mall of America, I took a picture of Shakyamuni Buddha Mandala Indian Art. 

A little history of the Image:

Before they begin making the Mandala they hold an opening ceremony with chants, music, and mantra recitation.

Mandala

Part of the sand is given to the public.

Dispersing the blessed sand gives people a remembrance of the occasion and it spreads the blessing. Then it becomes a global healing. 

The monks’ tour, known as the Mystical Arts of Tibet, seeks to raise money for food, education, and medical help for Tibetans.

February 18-21 2005 Trip to Minneapolis Minnesota

Flight NWA 0121577694267 – 4MD7BW 

Leave Nashville International Airport (BNA) at 7:45 A.M, 

Arrive (MSP) Minneapolis St Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota at 10:15 A.M.

Return flight seat 13B on flight NW 1174 

Leave Minneapolis St Paul International Airport (MSP) at 10:24 A.M. 

Arrive at Nashville International Airport (BNA) at 12:25 P.M.

2005 ~ Friday, September 23, School trip to Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo Tupelo, MS

2005~ September 23 Tupelo MS

Friday, September 23, 2005 

I went on a class field trip with my granddaughter from Mars Hill Bible School to The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo in Tupelo, MS.

All the school children had to ride the school bus. 

My daughter and I rode with some of the other parents that drove.

All the school children wore red shirts with the words Panthers Mars Hill Bible School Florence, Alabama printed on the front of them.

We first walked through the petting zoo were we saw rabbits, turkeys, pigmy goats, potbelly pigs, Lucy the miniature cow, goats, miniature ponies, deer, cows, buffalo, (the kids fed some of these animals).

We also saw the colorful, large, long tail Macaw, and we saw the Leadbetter’s Cockatoo or Pink Cockatoo from Australia. 

Some of the animals that cannot be touched are the bandit the black bear, Kiki the African Lion, Ozzie the BAL Python, Oliver the Monkey, and Gypsy the cougar. 

We also saw Joe the camel, big john the buffalo, tallboy and patches the giraffe, Zeke, and Zelda the Zebras. 

We saw the North American Black Bear and a sign in front of his cage that read.

Heigh:t on all fours 3-4ft - standing 4-7 ft. 

Length: 4-6ft

Lifespan: Up to 25 years

Weight: Male 425 lb..-Female, 200 lb.

Mating: late June and early July

Gestation: about 7 months

Diet: fruits, nuts, veggies, bread, meat

Colors: Pure black, Cinnamon, blond.

The Black bear’s name is deceptive: It is a species name only and does not refer to color. Black bears have a highly developed sense of smell. Exceptional hearing average eyesight. Their mood is indicated by the position of their head: Walking with their head below their shoulders is a sign of aggression.

Another sign about Coatimundi:

Weight:17-12 lb.

Length: Head & body 16-26 inches — tail 12-27 inches

Range: Arizona to Argentina

The Coatimundi has short forelegs and long hinges, it walks with a bear-like gait and uses its nose to investigate crevices.

The teachers lead the children to the bleachers where they were seated to watch the Chickasaw Indians perform.

The Chickasaw Indians were dressed in vivid colors, painted faces, and with head-dress of many colorful feathers.

There were three Chickasaw Indians dancing and playing drums and were wearing exquisite Pheasant feathers headdress.

After their performance, the school children were invited to join in the dancing. 

Some of the school children and parents got their pictures made with the colorful dressed Chickasaw Indians.

There were many vendor tents set up where the children could buy souvenirs. My granddaughter bought a flute, a rabbit's foot and he cousin bought a slushy. 

We walked up to the electric fence where we saw the bison and the great white buffalo, “TUKATO,”. There were also giraffes wander in the woods behind the electric fence.

The school children ate lunch after they used the restrooms and washing our hands in the large outdoor sink.

When the school children finished eating lunch they played on the playground.

After the kids ate lunch and saw all the animals they were headed back to the school buses and the parents loaded into personal vehicles. 

We headed home. 

Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo 2272 North Coley Road Tupelo, MS 38803 662-844-870, or info@tupelobuffalopark.com

Rates are Adults $10.00 

Children under twelve was $8.00

Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo

Family rate two parents and up to four children $29.95

1960 ~ Trip to the Brimingham Zoo with my siblings Summer

Teresa was the baby of the family, about six months old with red curly hair that becomes very unruly when she gets too hot. 

While we were walking through the zoo, I remember hearing a woman saying to my mother, what a cute redheaded, baby girl you have.

I remember that being a very hot summer and we were all dressed in our shorts and short sleeve tops. 

My siblings ranged from the age of 10 years to six months. 

The Birmingham zoological park opened in 1955 it had 50 acres with six exhibits. 

“Monkey Island,” was filled with monkeys of all kinds, climbing, on rocks, swinging in trees, and just having fun. 

We spent several hours just watching the monkeys play.

There was an elephant house, a bear moat, a birdhouse, a snake pit, and a sealed pool.  

http://www.birminghamzoo.com

When we left the zoo, we stopped at a country store to buy lunch that was our dining out.

Dad would find a country store that carried stick bologna. 

He would have the store clerk slice just enough bologna for each of us kids to have a sandwich. 

He would also buy bread, potato chips, and sodas for our picnic.

Then we would search for a rest area that had picnic tables that were in the shade and that is where we would eat.

We did not have cell phones, Nintendo DS, or any handheld game to play.

Our games were made-up games.

We would read car tags, to see what state they were from. 

When we were growing up all tags looked the same except for the ID number; each state had its own unique color and motto.

Today many people own specialty car tags and when you see them you have no idea what county, state, or even country they are from.

Billboard watching and repeating the jingles of the advertisement was a fun game.

We did not fuss, fight, or complain while traveling as children do today because if we did our dad would stop the car break a limb off a tree, and whip us.

Teresa age 6

 my baby sister a few years later

Sunrise, Sunset

Sunset Gulf Shores, Alabama

 

 Sun crackles in the blue reserved hill.
One lone leaf glitters eerily of chill.
The sky looks grosgrain from my window sill.

Sunset Marathon, Florida

The vastness of hill country in a leaf
Dances beyond the span of all belief,
The splendor of its memory is brief.

Sunset Glencoe, Alabama

You may not want to hear it when I say
That earth is in the twilight of its day.
The depth of it is drinking us away.

Sunset Mexico Beach, Florida

A cloud is a distant parchment in the sky.
Today's boat is a shadow sailing by.
Minutes will never catch it, though they try.

Apollo Beach Florida

I wish it could be every sunset, Friend,
That fey instant before all colors blend,
Dusk held at the crescendo of its end.

Sunrise in an Airplane near Baltimore MD

The title poem of my book, Ever Sunset, Skylark Publications, India

Sandra Fowler :