Wednesday, February 24, 2016

2008, April 7, Monday, Having fun in the park with grandkids


I picked up Sierra, Montana, and Nevada at their grandmother Clanton's house.
I had packed a picnic lunch of peanut butter sandwiches, bananas, fruit bowls, and Mountain Dews
We ate lunch at St Florine Park, and when we finished, we walked the trail.

About midway through the trail was a hill of loose dirt
The kids wanted to climb atop the dirt hill, and I said they could.
They said Grannyncameme up, so I did.
We walked around on top of the dirt pile and up and down several times. 

The kids loved this area. 
We walked around the park, and I took pictures. 
I took the kid's picture standing on a bridge next to a statue of an alligator.
Nevada 
Sierra 
Montana
We saw, sitting on a stump, some tin statue-singing frogs, which intrigued the kids. 

Along the walking trail, we saw a face carved into a tree; it had large marble-like eyes.
I took pictures of the kids everywhere in the park. 

When we finished walking, the grandkids played on the playground.
Deibert Park was the next place we went to. 
We walked on the trail, and there were signs everywhere about the animals one might see along the way.
Sculptures in Deibert Park
Sculptures in Deibert Park
The kids and I got very hot, so our next stop was McDonald's for an Oreo McFlurry
Next, we went to Loaves and Fishes, a thrift store in Muscle Shoals.
I let the grandkids pick out five books each and two movies. 
We stopped at train Tressel on the Colbert side of the Tennessee River.
We walked to the end and back by the time we finished, and Montana's long curly hair was glistening with sweat.


Our next stop was River Heritage Park, located next to the Marriott Hotel.
The kids played on the castle and the train playground equipment. 


Stopping for a pose
Having fun at River Heritage Park 
I made pictures of the kids playing, and when we were leaving the park, we stopped at the waterfall in front of the Marriott hotel.  

My granddaughter called and said she needed someone to pick her up at school.

For dinner, I baked a potato, and the grandkids dressed it with cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream.
For dessert, I served strawberry pie.

Strawberry pie is Montana's favorite, and he ate pie until he said Granny, my stomach is about to pop.

Hannah and Sierra went outside to ride scooters.
My grandson, Jake, came over to pick up his sister, Hannah. 
He was hungry, so he ate a potato with all the trimmings.
After Jake and Hannah left, I took the other grandkids to Ron's, where they played with Ron's Star Wars Dolls

We got home, and later that day, the grandkids' mom came to pick them up.  

I spent the day with grandkids climbing a dirt hill, hiking, picnicking, walking trails, playing in the park, reading signs, and making memories. 



2007 April 17-22 Trip to Whigham, with Lora


Day 1: Tuesday, April 17, 2007
We left the home around 8:30 A.M. 
For lunch, we stopped at Burger King. I ordered a Whopper, fries, and a Coke
I gave Madison half of my sandwich. 
The kids played on the playground equipment at Burger King.
Meadow got excited and bumped her head on the table. 
Arriving around 3:50 P.M. at my son's home in Whigham, Georgia.
We ate peanut butter sandwiches for supper. 
Charity took Dakota, Nevada, and Sierra to ball practice at Boat Basin Park
Madison and Marcus went with them. 
Andy had a visitation, and he will not be home until 8:30 P.M. 
Everyone is watching American Idol
Andy is recording it for Charity, and she will watch it when she returns from the ball field. 

Montana slept with me in Sierra's bedroom. 
Lora, Meadow, and Marcus slept in Dakota's room. 
Madison, Sierra, and Nevada slept in the boys' room, and Dakota slept on the sofa.
Sierra and Madison
Montana would not shut up talking.
I called Ron and asked him when he was coming to Whigham, and he said the second week in May. 
Montana said he did not want to talk to Ron unless he brought his camper, so he could go camping. 

Day 2: Wednesday, April 18, 2007
I heard Meadow, and I put her in the bed with me. 
I was talking to Meadow when Andy came into the room.
Meadow can say Andy, and she can say I love granny. 
Later that morning, Lora cooked brownies and a cake. 
Charity made peanut butter icing for the cake.

I pushed Meadow in her stroller, and while we were walking behind the church, I found a bracelet. 

I went with Andy. He was taking the garbage to the dumpster up the road. We stopped to check on the boys, who were fishing at the lake.  
The boys fishing 
Marcus and Dakota had gotten their clothes, including their shoes, wet.


Before we went to the park, we stopped at Wendy's. Lora and I ordered chili, crackers, and a Coke.
Sierra ordered a cheeseburger with catsup only, and Montana and Nevada ordered chicken nuggets. Charity and Andy went to Burger King, and they ordered the other kids' sandwiches.
Then we went to Bainbridge Park to eat. 

It started to rain, and the kids thought it was fun to play in it. 
I took pictures of the ducks and ducklings that were swimming in the pond.


Checking out the engine
Montana under the umbrella
Resting after the long walk
Feeding the animals
In the park, we stop to see one of the three oldest steam engines left in the world. The kids climbed onboard the engine and the caboose connecting to it. 
In the park were Civil War cannons and war memorabilia. 
There were a few animals in the park: one mule, several emules, and many goats. 
They were fenced in alongside the Flint River. Inside the fenced area was a walkway. 

The walkway went down to the Flint River; the walk was ½ walk there and ½ back. Charity watched Meadow, and the rest of us walked down to the Flint River. 
The kids fed the animals. The mule got mad at the other animals and tried to get all the food. 


That night, we all went to the children's church for supper. The congregation had prepared a spaghetti supper that included bread, cookies, carrots, & tea. 
After the meal, Montana, Meadow, and Lora joined in singing children's songs.


Lora struck up a conversation with a woman at church. The woman told Lora she was a nurse.

Sanjaya Malakar was voted off American Idol.

Day 3: Thursday, April 19, 2007 

We arrived at 12:30 P.M. 
Lora was going to meet Gina and her son, Wes, at the mall.

Wes has the same condition as Mead now, and he is going to have his surgery this summer in Chicago, Illinois.

I took pictures of the Old Capitol building when we were stopped at the red light. Something is happening here because there are people everywhere with umbrellas. 
They were protesting against President George Bush

I saw a sign that said, "Bush lies, and people die." 

Lora and I ate lunch at the Mediterranean restaurant. We both ordered grilled chicken with spices, parsley salad with tomatoes, potato wedges with spices, and a fruit salad of apples, oranges, and pineapple. 

Andy, Charity, and the kids all ordered pizza. 🍕🍕🍕

When we finished eating, we went upstairs to the candy shop and bought some candy. 
Charity went into the children's store and bought the kids some clothes. 

Lora, Gina, Wes, and Meadow walked around the mall and talked. 

Andy, Charity, the kids, and I walked around the mall and shopped. 
Charity bought her a handbag at Bath and Body Works, and I bought a small bottle of lotion and a nailbrush. 
We browsed in several stores. 
Lora bought Marcus and Madison some New Balance tennis shoes.
She bought Marcus some pants and a new shirt. 

Andy's kids had ball practice at Boat Basin Park, so they rode back to Whigham, Georgia. 
For supper, Andy grilled pork chops and chicken. 
Lora made potato wedges, and Charity made creamed potatoes and peas. After supper, we watched the movie "Aragon."
We went to bed at 12:00 P.M. 
Montana slept with me, and as usual, he talked for a long time. 
Dakota and I rode bicycles earlier today.

Day 4: Friday, April 20, 2007
It was cool outside when I took Meadow for a walk, so I wrapped her up in a blanket.
We did not stay outside long. 
I put Meadow in the tub with me to give her a bath. 
At 11:00 A.M., we were still trying to decide whether to go somewhere. 
Montana was still asleep at 1:45 P.M. 

I ate strawberries, cake, Cool Whip, and a cheese sandwich with chips. 

One of Lora's friends called, and she was on the telephone for about an hour. 
The kids were playing outside, and Meadow and I were sitting in the truck. 

Lora put Meadow in the truck while she was talking on the telephone. 

I wrote in my journal. 
Swinging in Chewhaw Park 
Playing a musical instrument
Going for a ride
Andy and Charity bought a year pass for the zoo, which covers the whole family for a year and allows them to take four guests. 

They can visit several other zoos in the USA at no or little cost. 

At the Wild animal park, we saw cheetahs (4), Colobus Monkeys, Zebras (2), Ranging Lemurs, Black Bears (2), Brown bears, Bison (2), Elks, Bald Eagles (2), Black Rhinos (1), several alligators, several different kinds of snakes in the reptile building, and barnyard animals, pigs, goats, ponies and other barnyard animals. 
We left the zoo and took the kids to the playground area at Chewhaw Park. 
105 Chewhaw Park Road, Albany, Georgia 31701. 

I ordered pinto beans, turnip greens, cornbread, and iced tea. 

Andy and Charity went to the LifeWay bookstore
That night, we watched Spider-Man II and VeggieTales: The Story of Ester

Day 5: Saturday, April 21, 2007 
I was awakened by Meadow playing at 7:00 A.M., and then Montana came to play with her.
I bathed and fed Meadow. 
I ate cereal and a cheese sandwich for breakfast.

At 2:20 P.M., we all rode to Mexico Beach to spend the day.
We looked for over twenty minutes for Sierra and Madison, who were riding bicycles.
They were several miles away from home, and Andy gave Sierra a paddling. 
Making a sand castle
Playing in the sand
Running from the birds
Look!
We passed through Wewahitchka in Gulf County, Florida, on our way to Mexico Beach. 
We arrived around 5:30 and stayed until 8:30 P.M. We stopped at McDonald's at 10:30 P.M., and we were home by 11:00 P.M. 
I ordered an ice cream, and Lora ordered nothing because she had already ordered a sandwich at Toucan Restaurant on the beach. 
We stopped atWalmart,t and I spent $30.00 on snacks and drinks.
I ate two bagels with cream cheese and drank water. 

Day 6: Sunday, April 22, 2007 
I awoke at 7:30 A.M., took a shower, washed some towels, and folded some clothes. 
Meadow was up, so I fed her some Cheerios and a banana. She drank three cups of watered-down juice. 
Madison and Marcus went to Sunday school with Andy's kids. 
I dressed Meadow for church. 

I took Meadow to the nursery.
Lora packed while we were at church, and I had packed earlier that morning.
We loaded the truck and went to Pizza Hut for lunch.
I ordered a salad, one breadstick, a cinnamon stick, and iced tea. 

We spent $59.00 for lunch at Pizza Hut.
I gave Andy ten dollars, and Lora gave Andy thirty dollars.

We started home at 2:10 P.M., stopping to get gas in Dothan, Alabama

Meadow had a stomachache, which made her cry.
 Lora pulled off the road to give Meadow some gas drops for her tummy. 
That did not help, so she gave her an enema.
She filled her diaper with poo, and afterward, Lora cleaned Meadow up.

When Meadows's tummy finally settled, we got back on the road and headed home.

We had to stop again at Shoney's for Madison and Marcus to Poop. 
Too much pizza!!!
Peach Park 
We stopped at Peach Park in Jamison, Alabama, for some fresh homemade peach ice cream. 
Marcus ordered Blueberry Ice Cream, and Madison ordered Vanilla

We finished eating our ice cream and walked outside to take pictures and let the kids play.

There were two statue horses that the kids sat on, and I took their pictures before we walked up the hill to the park.

Meadow enjoyed the swings.

In the middle of the fountain was a small lighthouse.

There was an RV park for campers.

We were about  ½ to 3 hours away from home.
We arrived at Lora's at 9:00 P.M. 
Hubby picked me, and I was in bed around 10:00 P.M.




✈️✈️✈️2007 May 1, Tuesday, Trip to Shriners Hospital in Lexington KY

Tuesday, May 1, Lexington, KY
We left the Muscle Shoals Airport at 7:45 A.M. in Bobby's airplane for the second time, heading to the Shriners Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.
We are taking Meadow to Shriners via Angle Flights for medical reasons. Meadow had multiple problems.
We arrive at the Kentucky Airport at 9:30 A.M. 

This time I took my camera and took several pictures.
We took pictures of each other wearing the gigantic headphones with a microphone to speak into. 
We had to wear headphones to communicate.
I took pictures of Meadow laughing; she was in a jolly mood.
Meadow sat facing us. Maybe she was laughing because we looked funny with the headphones on.
I took several pictures of the ground below and the clouds above.


Kentucky
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
I took pictures of the raging blue/green Tennessee River as it flowed through the Wilson Dam.
I took pictures of the sand pits and the lush greenery at Fighting Joe's Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Muscle Shoals. We had a fantastic view of the golf course from our plane.
I took pictures of the Renaissance Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Florence, which is home to 360 Grille.
360 is fine dining with a fabulous view of the Tennessee River.
When we flew over Lexington, Kentucky, I took pictures of the horse track and stables that were fit for a king.

Meadow strapped in her car seat, laughing
Meadow was dressed in pink from head to toe
Meadow in the examination room, I was dressed in yellow, just a hint darker than the examination room. 

When we arrived at the airport, Bobby went inside to get a van to take us to the hospital for foMeadow's appointment.


Meadow was weighed, her head and length were measured, and then we were taken to the Penguin examination room.
The examining room was painted a pale yellow with pictures hanging on the wall. A mural window was painted on the wall. Inside the window was a walrus wearing ear muffs, three penguins wearing caps, a red balloon, and an Owl wearing a red scarf.
Meadow saw Doctor Bennett, and he examined Meadow's bones. Lora talked to Mrs. Preston about Botox, and Mrs. Preston said it was a protein made from bacteria.


Lora talked to the doctor about  Meadow getting Botox injections and taking Meadow to Baltimore, Maryland, for therapy.
When all the doctor visits were over, we went to the cafeteria for lunch.
We ate pinto beans, cornbread, broccoli, salmon patties, watermelon, and brownies. 
Wearing headphones with a smile
Getting ready to leave
After our meal, Lora called our pilot, Bobb, and we were in the air by 1:50 P.M.
It was very hot and humid, which caused a bumpy ride home.

Our pilot explained that when the hot air rises, it will cause the plane to bounce.
It had been a beautiful day for traveling. 
My daughter is not too keen on flying, but she said she enjoyed this flight. 
I love to fly; it is safer than driving.

May 1, 200,7, Lexington, KY, Angel Flights
Leave Muscle Shoals Airport (MSL) at 7:45 A.M. 
Arrive at 9:30 A.M., Lexington,n Kentucky Airport (LEX)
Return Flight
Leave 1:30 P.M., Lexington,n Kentucky Airport (LEX)
Arrived at Muscle Shoals Airport (MSL)



2007, May 6-10, A trip to Whigham, Georgia with Ron

Saturday, May 5, 2007 
Two of my granddaughters, Hannah and Madison, came to our house. I cooked hamburgers, then we all swam in the pool. Both my granddaughters spent the night, and we watched Pretty Woman on TV.

Day 1: Sunday, May 6, 2007
My husband took the girls home.
Ron came by and picked me up We went back to his house because he had not printed out the directions to Andy's
We left Ron's house about 9:00 A.M.
We filled up with gas at 43 Express.
We were about 15 miles north of Dothan when we stopped for gas, drinks, peanuts, and beef jerky.
We stopped at Fred's in South Georgia to get Ron a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, Dr. Peppers, popcorn, nuts, raisins, and Mountain Dews.

We arrive at Andy's house at 5:00 P.M. Eastern time. Andy's wife had made chili for supper.

Ron and I went to Winn-Dixie in Bainbridge for some groceries.
We almost had a wreck when a car pulled out in front of us.  

We ate supper about 6:30 P.M. 
Andy's family was at church.

Later that night, when we were watching "Night at the Museum," Nevada sat next to me.

I slept with Sierra, Ron slept in Dakota's room, and Dakota slept on the sofa.
Sierra was reading a book about the "Little Princess."

Day 2: Monday, May 7, 2007
Andy, Charity, and Ronald went to play golf. I stayed with the grandkids.

The boys wanted to play golf, so they got out some old clubs and went behind the church. 
Boys playing golf
Later that day, Montana and Nevada rode four-wheelers, and Sierra, Dakota, and I rode bicycles.
It was hot, and the grandkids were tired, so we went inside, and they built things with their Legos.   

Everyone went to Boat Basin Park for ball games. 
Sierra had a softball gam, and they lost.
Dakota had a baseball game, and his team won.

Nevada had a T-ball gam; everyone wins in T-ball.
The boys' T-ball team was called Syrup Makers, and the girls' T-ball team was called Syrup Maids.

A boy named Cody joined Sierra, Nevada, Ada, and Montana in a pretend game of softball. 
We stopped at KFC to get chicken for supper for everyone.
It had been a long day, and everyone was ready for bed early.  

Earlier today, I ate a bagel with cream cheese, cheese dip with chili, popcorn, and cookies.

Day 3: Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Sierra, Nevada, and I rode bicycles.
On our way to the park, we stopped at the bread store to get day-old bread. 
Then we all went to Bainbridge Park, where we could feed the animals. Everyone walked along the one-mile wooden bridge to the Flint River.

On an empty baseball field, we all joined in playing a baseball game against each other.  
Leaving Bainbridge Park
Andy will be grilling tonight, so he and Ron are going to Jane's meat market to buy steaks, pork chops, hamburger patties, and hot dogs. Then, they are going to Walmart to buy vegetables. 
Home Run!
Catcher
Tonight is Dakota's last baseball game.

Day 4: Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Ron, Andy, and Dakota went to play golf at 10:00 A.M. 

Early that morning, I rode the bicycle.

While the men were off golfing, everyone else rode to Tallahassee, Florida. We all played miniature golf.

I was trying to take pictures and play miniature golf, but the kids played too fast, and I couldn't keep up. 
Playing Putt-Putt Golf 

Next, we rode to the theater in Tallahassee to see the movie "Ghost Rider" with Nicholas Cage.
Montana sat next to me at the movies, but when Nicholas became a man of fire, Montana went and sat in his mom's lap.
Montana got up and went to sit with his mom.
At the movies, everyone ate a hot dog and drank a Coke.
That night, Ron and I watched the movie "Flushed Away" while Andy's family went to church.
When everyone returned from church, we watched American Idol
I went into Sierra's room and wrote in my journal.

Day 5: Thursday, May 10, 2007
I cooked bacon, biscuits, and gravy for breakfast. 
Andy, Ron, and I ate the breakfast that I cooked. 
Dakota made a batch of cookies, and the kids ate them. 
Andy, Montana, Sierra, Nevada, and I went to visit Miss Jane.
Miss Jane had two parrots; one would bow, and the other would bite.
Jane gave Andy a bag of fresh green beans and the kids some candy. 
While Andy, Charity, and Ron were at Wal-Mart, the kids and I rode bikes. 
Montana would get way ahead of me, and Nevada, and I would have to call him back. 

Dakota & Sierra stayed home, Dakota on the computer and Sierra watching TV.
Later that evening, Sierra and Nevada had ball games.

Ron, Dakota, Montana, and I did not go to the ball games. 
Dakota went fishing, Ron cooked an onion blossom, and I watched a movie, "Night with the King."

Day 6: Friday, May 11, 2006
Early the next morning, Ron and I started for home. 
I was driving, and we took an alternate route that led us to downtown Dothan.
We were home by 2:30 P.M. 
A couple of grandkids came over to swim, Hannah and Madison. Hannah's friend Katie also came.

Put on my swimsuit and joined the grandkids for a swim. 

2025 Dec 5-7, Christmas Tour of Homes Trip to Eufaula, Al with Backroads Tours LLC

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