In my continuing efforts to downsize and de-clutter, I came across some books in my bookcase by a favorite author, Kris Radish. Since it's been a couple years since I have read any of her books I looked on her website and she has a new non-fiction book out, "Gravel on the Side of the Road." The title sounds interesting and got me thinking on this topic. Take a trip with me and my mind as we explore gravel on the side of the road.
Most people have walked down a two-lane country road at some point in their lives. The road is paved with blacktop with the stripes and slashes down the middle giving us directions on where to safely pass another car. The shoulder of the road is gravel. Why? Why not pave all the way to the ditches? I can think of two reasons, one is the expense of additional blacktop and two, the gravel serves as a warning to the drivers.
Driving on gravel can make a god-awful sound and make your car shake due to the rough texture of the gravel. If you fall asleep at the wheel, either physically or mentally (day-dreaming), that gravel will certainly wake you up in a hurry. Then you can straighten out your driving. We know this is a good reason for gravel because roads that are paved through the shoulder of the road have a rumble-strip which awakens us when we have gone to far astray on the road. A rumble-strip serves the same purpose as gravel shoulders.
Now, think about walking on that two-lane country road. If you were taught properly, you walk on the side of the road facing traffic, so you can see the vehicles coming towards you. Most of us walk on the paved portion of the road whenever possible, because it's easier on our feet and body. It's quieter too, which allows to enjoy the scenery and perhaps day-dream a little too. Here comes a car, we step off the paved road and start walking on the gravel. Whoa! What a difference! It's rough and uneven, we feel unsteady. As we walk on the gravel, the sound coming from our shoes contacting the gravel is loud. There is no time to day-dream as we maneuver the uneven gravel. We may even have to stop and wait for the oncoming car to pass us so that we can step back on the paved road once we see no other on-coming cars. We feel fortunate to get back to the smooth surface and quietness of our steps.
Some people walk with traffic and they must listen for cars coming upon them from the back. Again, a person can easily become complacent and start day-dreaming while walking. Then the beep of a car's horn makes us jump out of the way and onto the gravel. Once we are on the gravel, we are no different than the person on the other side of the road traveling the same direction. It's rough and uneven, we have a hard time hearing if another car is coming, so we must turn around and look where we have come from to see if it's safe to step back on the paved road.
Sometimes the traffic on the road and "traffic" in our world leaves us no other choice than walking on the gravel. Sometimes, this walk on the gravel can be a long time. We become easily tired from walking on the uneven road shoulder and our feet hurt, feeling every piece of gravel through the soles of our shoes. We become irritable and frustrated. This is no walk-in-the-park or walk-on-the-pavement!
As we travel through our world, we may have long miles (stretches of time) that we are on the pavement, nice and easy. Or we may have long miles on the shoulder, tired and hurting. Who or what determines how many miles we walk on either the pavement or the gravel? Is it the number of cars whirling through our world and using the pavement? Is it our choice to walk rather than drive one of the cars. Is it our choice to take the busy road rather than the road less-traveled?
I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to my questions. Nor is there a right or wrong way to travel. But I do believe that we must be aware that people that we meet and know may be traveling the gravel shoulder and they need our support, our shoulders to keep them upright and moving forward. Are we willing to remember what it was like in our past, walking on the gravel on the side of road? Are we willing to show empathy? Our we willing to offer roadside assistance?
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Friday, September 12, 2014
National Park....my butt on couch....day!
Today, I got ambitious and decided I had better start some de-cluttering activities again. Last year upon retirement, I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets. Regretfully, you can't see the progress as it's all behind drawers and doors. But, I know it's done.
So, all though my bathroom cabinets need to be de-cluttered and cleaned, I opted to do an area more visible....my bookcase! Of course, in so doing this, a person must review each book to decide if it's a "keeper" or not. That involves setting one's butt on the couch and doing this task. I did get through about a dozen books when I found a "gem."
The book is "America's National Parks" and it was printed in 1957! I think I found this last Christmas when I was at my mother's place and brought it back with me. Most of the photos are black and white with an occasional colored photo. Who would even think of taking a photo of our colorful parks in black and white today? Just kidding, some do!
I decided to check out how many Parks I have been to and immediately found that NOT all the parks are in this book. That means that a lot of national parks have been added in the past 57 years. The book lists 28 parks in US and Virgin Islands, now there are 59 National Parks. I have been to 20 of the 28 listed in this book and of the eight I have not been to half are in the Northwest US. We will explore them next year. Surprisingly or not surprisingly, the closest National Park to where I was born and raised (Isle Royale), I have not been there. Not surprisingly, two of the eight unvisited parks are CAVES, not my favorite thing to do.
One of the parks listed (Platt) did not sound familiar, so I looked it up and found it was in essence abolished in 1976 and absorbed into Chickasaw National Recreational Area in Oklahoma.
There are several national parks not listed in the book that we will be visiting next month on our next trip. But for sure I am going to put the national parks from this book that I have not been to on my Bucket List.
OK, time to get off my butt and get back to reviewing more books to give away or keep.
So, all though my bathroom cabinets need to be de-cluttered and cleaned, I opted to do an area more visible....my bookcase! Of course, in so doing this, a person must review each book to decide if it's a "keeper" or not. That involves setting one's butt on the couch and doing this task. I did get through about a dozen books when I found a "gem."
The book is "America's National Parks" and it was printed in 1957! I think I found this last Christmas when I was at my mother's place and brought it back with me. Most of the photos are black and white with an occasional colored photo. Who would even think of taking a photo of our colorful parks in black and white today? Just kidding, some do!
I decided to check out how many Parks I have been to and immediately found that NOT all the parks are in this book. That means that a lot of national parks have been added in the past 57 years. The book lists 28 parks in US and Virgin Islands, now there are 59 National Parks. I have been to 20 of the 28 listed in this book and of the eight I have not been to half are in the Northwest US. We will explore them next year. Surprisingly or not surprisingly, the closest National Park to where I was born and raised (Isle Royale), I have not been there. Not surprisingly, two of the eight unvisited parks are CAVES, not my favorite thing to do.
One of the parks listed (Platt) did not sound familiar, so I looked it up and found it was in essence abolished in 1976 and absorbed into Chickasaw National Recreational Area in Oklahoma.
There are several national parks not listed in the book that we will be visiting next month on our next trip. But for sure I am going to put the national parks from this book that I have not been to on my Bucket List.
OK, time to get off my butt and get back to reviewing more books to give away or keep.
Friday, September 5, 2014
One?!?
Oh my! I am back at it....reviewing photos from our trips. What a chore! What an honor! What a whole-bunch-of-photos I have!
I know that any professional photographer will probably tell me to "take lots of photos......different lighting, different angles, etc." However, upon reviewing three or more of the same scene with miniscule variations, I am beginning to wonder if I'm going crazy! Look below and see what I mean!
Years ago, a photographer in Northern Minnesota did a-photo-a-day for a year and published them. It was fascinating to read his thoughts on the one photo he took each day. Some days, he would wait until dusk to take a photo, possibly passing up other great photo-ops. That's exactly the mind set that photographers get into....if I don't take this photo several times...I may be passing up on a "best" photo.
Oh, what to do? Do I change my habits and take in the scene with my eyes and walk around for a bit before I take one or two photos? Do I continue to take many photos of the same scene in case the lighting or clouds change?
I think that right now, I am choosing to write this in my blog instead of getting back to refining and deleting many photos from my trips! Some days, I will do anything to procrastinate a task.
I know that any professional photographer will probably tell me to "take lots of photos......different lighting, different angles, etc." However, upon reviewing three or more of the same scene with miniscule variations, I am beginning to wonder if I'm going crazy! Look below and see what I mean!
How do I determine which of these is the "best" picture to keep? It's so overwhelming at times, that I just shut-down and ignore the task.
During my travels this summer, I saw a photography exhibit showing the "People of the Great Plains." I was very intrigued by the photos and eagerly bought the hard cover book that shows this exhibit plus the journals of the photographer. Early on in the book he lists some quotes from various people he met and photographed.
Brother Placid, Benedictine Monk, Richardton, North Dakota: "Why do you take so many pictures? It makes stress. Just take one and you do not have to choose. Make life easier."Amen, brother!
Years ago, a photographer in Northern Minnesota did a-photo-a-day for a year and published them. It was fascinating to read his thoughts on the one photo he took each day. Some days, he would wait until dusk to take a photo, possibly passing up other great photo-ops. That's exactly the mind set that photographers get into....if I don't take this photo several times...I may be passing up on a "best" photo.
Oh, what to do? Do I change my habits and take in the scene with my eyes and walk around for a bit before I take one or two photos? Do I continue to take many photos of the same scene in case the lighting or clouds change?
I think that right now, I am choosing to write this in my blog instead of getting back to refining and deleting many photos from my trips! Some days, I will do anything to procrastinate a task.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Roads go both ways!
A month from today, hubby and I leave on another road trip. This trip is to New Mexico for the Balloon Fiesta and then doing a photo trip to capture the rocks of Arizona and Utah. Coming back through southwestern Colorado, northern New Mexico and northern Texas. We plan to be gone three weeks and it's all planned and hotels reserved.
We will get to see hubby's sister and family while in New Mexico, so he is so fortunate to see all his siblings this year. So thankful for our time with each of them.
Family is important! Regretfully, I have not kept the lines of communication very open with my family. We sometimes read about each other's doings on Facebook, but other than that...!
The roads of communication do go both ways, but if I am going to "complain" about it, I must be responsible to get on the road and move my way towards them. Really, just like planning a road trip to another state, I just need to plan a time or day to call them, just to talk. Just do it!
We will get to see hubby's sister and family while in New Mexico, so he is so fortunate to see all his siblings this year. So thankful for our time with each of them.
Family is important! Regretfully, I have not kept the lines of communication very open with my family. We sometimes read about each other's doings on Facebook, but other than that...!
The roads of communication do go both ways, but if I am going to "complain" about it, I must be responsible to get on the road and move my way towards them. Really, just like planning a road trip to another state, I just need to plan a time or day to call them, just to talk. Just do it!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Labor Day
Labor Day =
Holiday
The end of summer
The beginning of school year
A workday off = A three-days weekend
Two-thirds of the year is gone
Wikipedia, my encyclopedia of choice, says
What I meant was that Labor Day is all of the above down here, but NOT the end of summer! We will have another two months of summer. You don't feel or see the same urgency to celebrate and camp and/or grill out ONE more time, as you do Up North. People in parts of the north are already putting their cabins, travel trailers and gardens to "bed" for the winter. They are taking their last boat ride this weekend. Labor Day is a mixture of fun and saying good-bye to the summer and the lifestyle it stimulates.
I rather miss that lifestyle, that change of seasons. The holidays are celebrated as the ends and beginnings of season to another. Easter signifies the beginning of Spring, Memorial Day the beginning of Summer, Labor Day the beginning of Fall, and Thanksgiving the beginning of Winter. The holidays meant more than a day off work. That is, if you're lucky to have the day off work. I'm not sure I'm willing to move back to COLD country to just have those changes of seasons. :)
It has been a transition for me going from being a laborer to being retired. It's been ten months now and I still dream about work. But it's less often and now the dreams seem to be my ex bosses wanting me to come back to work, and I am kicking and screaming...."I don't want to do that again! I have done that for over thirty years, I want to do something different." They say our dreams speak to us and can be guide. I guess that means no more medical business work for me.
I am getting restless to do something else. I realize that I probably don't have enough hobbies to keep me occupied as a retiree. Sure, I have enjoyed planning our trips and going on those trips. But, I can't travel all the time....or can I?
I better quit writing as now I am rambling...just like my title indicates. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, here's hoping you have a great Labor Day!
Holiday
The end of summer
The beginning of school year
A workday off = A three-days weekend
Two-thirds of the year is gone
Wikipedia, my encyclopedia of choice, says
"Labor Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country."Recently I sent an email to my siblings and I mentioned, "No real plans for Labor Day weekend. Just another weekend down here." One of my siblings replied back and in jest said, "Of course, you get every Monday off now!" I had not really thought of it that way before, but certainly thankful.
What I meant was that Labor Day is all of the above down here, but NOT the end of summer! We will have another two months of summer. You don't feel or see the same urgency to celebrate and camp and/or grill out ONE more time, as you do Up North. People in parts of the north are already putting their cabins, travel trailers and gardens to "bed" for the winter. They are taking their last boat ride this weekend. Labor Day is a mixture of fun and saying good-bye to the summer and the lifestyle it stimulates.
I rather miss that lifestyle, that change of seasons. The holidays are celebrated as the ends and beginnings of season to another. Easter signifies the beginning of Spring, Memorial Day the beginning of Summer, Labor Day the beginning of Fall, and Thanksgiving the beginning of Winter. The holidays meant more than a day off work. That is, if you're lucky to have the day off work. I'm not sure I'm willing to move back to COLD country to just have those changes of seasons. :)
It has been a transition for me going from being a laborer to being retired. It's been ten months now and I still dream about work. But it's less often and now the dreams seem to be my ex bosses wanting me to come back to work, and I am kicking and screaming...."I don't want to do that again! I have done that for over thirty years, I want to do something different." They say our dreams speak to us and can be guide. I guess that means no more medical business work for me.
I am getting restless to do something else. I realize that I probably don't have enough hobbies to keep me occupied as a retiree. Sure, I have enjoyed planning our trips and going on those trips. But, I can't travel all the time....or can I?
I better quit writing as now I am rambling...just like my title indicates. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, here's hoping you have a great Labor Day!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Beach Time
Upon moving to south Texas eight years ago, we promised ourselves we would go to the beach at South Padre Island at least once a month. For the first few years here, we were quite compliant with that promise. Now it seems we get there now and then.
Here's hubby surveying the waves.
We plopped our folding chairs right at the edge of the water and zoned out for a couple of hours. Can't help but zone out when this is your view.
We had some tickets we bought several years ago for the Dolphin Eco Tour on a boat, so we did that for two hours this afternoon. What a gorgeous day it was, here's an island view from the Laguna Madre side.
The Eco tour part of the trip dredged up this creature.
We did see some dolphins in the distance
And to top it off we found a Nude Beach.....
Beer, that is! Ha-Ha, made you look didn't I?
Here's hubby surveying the waves.
We plopped our folding chairs right at the edge of the water and zoned out for a couple of hours. Can't help but zone out when this is your view.
We had some tickets we bought several years ago for the Dolphin Eco Tour on a boat, so we did that for two hours this afternoon. What a gorgeous day it was, here's an island view from the Laguna Madre side.
The Eco tour part of the trip dredged up this creature.
We did see some dolphins in the distance
And to top it off we found a Nude Beach.....
Beer, that is! Ha-Ha, made you look didn't I?
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Soul Mates
A soulmate (or soul mate) is a person with whom one has a feeling of deep or natural affinity.[1] This may involve similarity, love,romance, friendship, intimacy, sexuality, sexual activity, spirituality, or compatibility and trust.[2]
We often hear these words when people are in search of a partner in life. "I want to find my soul mate." I don't remember if that is what I said years ago. I wanted a "husband!"
Anyway, 29 years ago I did find my soul mate, Paul Delaney. Of course we didn't know it at that time, but I guess we were destined to be together. Recently, we were apart for a month while I did some traveling and helping my mom. He sent me a card and I want to share part of a poem on the card written by Suzanne Heins.
Of course, I cried when I got the card. Yes, he's my soul mate, my best friend, my lover, my strongest supporter (of my photography), and my caddy.... he's the one that holds my camera bag.
This is one of few photos of the two of us that he does not have my camera bag on his shoulder and this photo is one of my favorites from our trip.
Paul has been my caddy in more ways than one. He has carried me emotionally and spiritually when I have needed it. He has always been there for me. God bless you, Paul Lawrence Delaney and thanks for twenty-six years of marriage. I love you, hubby!
We often hear these words when people are in search of a partner in life. "I want to find my soul mate." I don't remember if that is what I said years ago. I wanted a "husband!"
Anyway, 29 years ago I did find my soul mate, Paul Delaney. Of course we didn't know it at that time, but I guess we were destined to be together. Recently, we were apart for a month while I did some traveling and helping my mom. He sent me a card and I want to share part of a poem on the card written by Suzanne Heins.
You and I are connected in a way that goes beyond romance, beyond friendship, beyond what we've ever had before.
It has defied time, distance, and changes in ourselves and in our lives.
And it has defied every explanation except one - purely and simply, we're soul mates.
Of course, I cried when I got the card. Yes, he's my soul mate, my best friend, my lover, my strongest supporter (of my photography), and my caddy.... he's the one that holds my camera bag.
This is one of few photos of the two of us that he does not have my camera bag on his shoulder and this photo is one of my favorites from our trip.
Paul has been my caddy in more ways than one. He has carried me emotionally and spiritually when I have needed it. He has always been there for me. God bless you, Paul Lawrence Delaney and thanks for twenty-six years of marriage. I love you, hubby!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Sometimes, A Smile Covers Sadness
I was saddened to read about the suicide death of Robin Williams. According to news reports, he had been battling depression.
We have probably all known people that make jokes and can make others smile and laugh. But they are sad or depressed and can't make themselves smile. Or their smile is put-on to cover-up their depression. To the outside world, they seem to be the most happy and happy-go-lucky people we have ever met. Looks, and actions, can be deceiving. It's so sad.
This is not to say that every jokester or comedian is depressed or sad inside. But we never really know, do we? I would not have suspected Robin Williams was suffering from depression.
I have to think about the words we use in conjunction with depression.... battling and suffering. I have been depressed and I know that depression is not something I wanted. I have battled and suffered, until I reached out for help. But, it's embarrassing...even with all the "open-mindedness" our society claims we have about the illness. Every day there are numerous TV ads for depression medications. They show a person looking sad and "depressed." You don't see the depressed person making jokes and making others laugh in these ads. That would be an oxymoron situation. However, it happens. There are people in our world that are depressed and act completely opposite to our perceptions of a depressed person.
I am thankful for all the times Robin Williams has made me laugh and smile. He was a true artist, he seemed so genuine. It's unfortunate that his gimmicks and mannerisms that made us laugh may have been a cover-up for his true feelings of depression. I guess that's why they call his profession....acting. Rest in Peace, Robin.
We have probably all known people that make jokes and can make others smile and laugh. But they are sad or depressed and can't make themselves smile. Or their smile is put-on to cover-up their depression. To the outside world, they seem to be the most happy and happy-go-lucky people we have ever met. Looks, and actions, can be deceiving. It's so sad.
This is not to say that every jokester or comedian is depressed or sad inside. But we never really know, do we? I would not have suspected Robin Williams was suffering from depression.
I have to think about the words we use in conjunction with depression.... battling and suffering. I have been depressed and I know that depression is not something I wanted. I have battled and suffered, until I reached out for help. But, it's embarrassing...even with all the "open-mindedness" our society claims we have about the illness. Every day there are numerous TV ads for depression medications. They show a person looking sad and "depressed." You don't see the depressed person making jokes and making others laugh in these ads. That would be an oxymoron situation. However, it happens. There are people in our world that are depressed and act completely opposite to our perceptions of a depressed person.
I am thankful for all the times Robin Williams has made me laugh and smile. He was a true artist, he seemed so genuine. It's unfortunate that his gimmicks and mannerisms that made us laugh may have been a cover-up for his true feelings of depression. I guess that's why they call his profession....acting. Rest in Peace, Robin.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
One Week of Rest
A week ago tonight we got home from our trip. To answer some of your questions....
Yes, it was great being back in my own bed.
Yes, it was great having our flexible, hand-held shower head with decent water-pressure.
Yes, I took a lot of photos, almost 6000.
Yes, it took me all week to review them all.
Yes, Hubby and I are still talking to one another after spending five weeks together, day and night.
Yes, I am glad NOT to be living out of a suitcase.
Yes, I was exhausted!
On Monday, I did the laundry and finished unpacking the car load of stuff that was bought, picked up at museums, needed for two months away from home. Tuesday morning, I woke up at 10:15 am and couldn't believe how tired I felt after twelve hours sleep. I felt like a Mac truck had run me over. I wondered if I was getting hubby's cold, but I didn't. The rest of the week, I had no energy whatsoever. I was glad to be retired and not have to struggle through work the way I felt.
I have been on vacation for two months, why should I be so tired? Upon thinking about it, I didn't have a single day (in those 70 days I was gone) to do nothing or have nowhere to travel. I was busy or traveling every day! There was no weekend to rest up. Truthfully, I am rather surprised that I felt this drained, but I am willing to just let it be and rest. I am already feeling better and ready for the week ahead. It helped that last night I saw several of our neighbors and it felt so good to see them and feel welcomed back. Today, the same thing in church.
Yes, this is home and I'm glad to be here having lots of memories of all the experiences I had this summer. Life is good!
Yes, it was great being back in my own bed.
Yes, it was great having our flexible, hand-held shower head with decent water-pressure.
Yes, I took a lot of photos, almost 6000.
Yes, it took me all week to review them all.
Yes, Hubby and I are still talking to one another after spending five weeks together, day and night.
Yes, I am glad NOT to be living out of a suitcase.
Yes, I was exhausted!
On Monday, I did the laundry and finished unpacking the car load of stuff that was bought, picked up at museums, needed for two months away from home. Tuesday morning, I woke up at 10:15 am and couldn't believe how tired I felt after twelve hours sleep. I felt like a Mac truck had run me over. I wondered if I was getting hubby's cold, but I didn't. The rest of the week, I had no energy whatsoever. I was glad to be retired and not have to struggle through work the way I felt.
I have been on vacation for two months, why should I be so tired? Upon thinking about it, I didn't have a single day (in those 70 days I was gone) to do nothing or have nowhere to travel. I was busy or traveling every day! There was no weekend to rest up. Truthfully, I am rather surprised that I felt this drained, but I am willing to just let it be and rest. I am already feeling better and ready for the week ahead. It helped that last night I saw several of our neighbors and it felt so good to see them and feel welcomed back. Today, the same thing in church.
Yes, this is home and I'm glad to be here having lots of memories of all the experiences I had this summer. Life is good!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
13, 24, 70, 11,823
11, 823 miles in 70 days and 24 states equal 13 items done and seen from my Bucket List.....
PLUS thousands of photos and memories.
What a trip! Back home now, safe and sound! I can't even begin to remember all the "most favorite" right now. I'm looking forward to reviewing my photos and my own blog to remember all that I/we did. Thanks for sharing the ride with me...it's been fun!
I hope to continue some writing on this blog, so check in now and then and see what's happening in my life. You never know where Rambling Rayna will take you on her next adventures!
PLUS thousands of photos and memories.
What a trip! Back home now, safe and sound! I can't even begin to remember all the "most favorite" right now. I'm looking forward to reviewing my photos and my own blog to remember all that I/we did. Thanks for sharing the ride with me...it's been fun!
I hope to continue some writing on this blog, so check in now and then and see what's happening in my life. You never know where Rambling Rayna will take you on her next adventures!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Texas!
I must be getting eager to get home as last night I had Border Salad and tonight I had Rio Grande Nachos. Yummy!
Tonight, the restaurant we ate at had 2 cake balls (locally made by XXX) served with a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream. The two cake balls are my favorite.... Tres Leche and Carrot cake. So we ordered the cakes to go....since I was so full....and got the ice cream for hubby to enjoy.
I expected "cake balls" to be smaller than a cupcake, but larger than this! Hmmm! I am thinking of two bites (max) for each cake. lol
Today we traveled to Lake Conroe, Texas (north of Houston). Based on TripAdvisor suggestions, we went to Wolf Sanctuary. What an interesting, educational experience. They have several "wolfdogs" there and once a vet or someone else has designated them "wolfdog," it's very difficult to get them adopted out. One of our guide's major responsibilities is to get Federal, state,and county ordinances to recognize the dogs for what they are....as several are 100% dogs, but mis-labeled as wolfdogs. Fascinating to hear the differences between dogs and wolfdogs and wolves.
Here's a photo of a dog...
Here's a photo of wolfdog (mid content wolfdog).
Also, just in case you want more info, here's a page out of the book we bought.
Tomorrow, it's time to get home! Hubby says he misses our hand-held shower head. I miss having a free day with no travels or things to do or see. Back to being lazy me!
Tonight, the restaurant we ate at had 2 cake balls (locally made by XXX) served with a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream. The two cake balls are my favorite.... Tres Leche and Carrot cake. So we ordered the cakes to go....since I was so full....and got the ice cream for hubby to enjoy.
I expected "cake balls" to be smaller than a cupcake, but larger than this! Hmmm! I am thinking of two bites (max) for each cake. lol
Today we traveled to Lake Conroe, Texas (north of Houston). Based on TripAdvisor suggestions, we went to Wolf Sanctuary. What an interesting, educational experience. They have several "wolfdogs" there and once a vet or someone else has designated them "wolfdog," it's very difficult to get them adopted out. One of our guide's major responsibilities is to get Federal, state,and county ordinances to recognize the dogs for what they are....as several are 100% dogs, but mis-labeled as wolfdogs. Fascinating to hear the differences between dogs and wolfdogs and wolves.
Here's a photo of a dog...
Here's a photo of wolfdog (mid content wolfdog).
"She enjoys posing for pictures and basking in attention."
Tomorrow, it's time to get home! Hubby says he misses our hand-held shower head. I miss having a free day with no travels or things to do or see. Back to being lazy me!
Friday, August 1, 2014
Hot Springs
We got a rude awakening this morning when barely out of bed, a text message that asked us if we just charged $57 at a gas station in Virginia. Nooo! Quickly we got that resolved and will have new account by Monday. Sure am glad these credit card companies are on the ball! Also, glad this is happening at the end of our trip as that credit card has lots of charges on it that convert to Southwest Airline points and I need a free trip to .....
Heading home, but taking it easy. Drove through Arkansas today & staying at Texarkana, Arkansas. Stopped at Hot Springs, AR, the boyhood home of Bill Clinton. The Hot Springs National Park is very unique, in that a row of bathhouses have been designated a National Park for years (18th park designated as such). Hot springs have been used for years and it became a very popular spot for people to come for healing. The visitor center had a tour of an old bathhouse.
All the bathhouses were very sophisticated and ornate.
Here's some photos of the inside of a bathhouse.
They even had Tiffany glass works in windows and skylight.
After our tours, we went to an observation tower on the hill overlooking Hot Springs.
It was very overcast, but got a shot or two of the Arkansas hills.
Tomorrow, it's back to TEXAS!
Heading home, but taking it easy. Drove through Arkansas today & staying at Texarkana, Arkansas. Stopped at Hot Springs, AR, the boyhood home of Bill Clinton. The Hot Springs National Park is very unique, in that a row of bathhouses have been designated a National Park for years (18th park designated as such). Hot springs have been used for years and it became a very popular spot for people to come for healing. The visitor center had a tour of an old bathhouse.
All the bathhouses were very sophisticated and ornate.
Here's some photos of the inside of a bathhouse.
They even had Tiffany glass works in windows and skylight.
After our tours, we went to an observation tower on the hill overlooking Hot Springs.
It was very overcast, but got a shot or two of the Arkansas hills.
Tomorrow, it's back to TEXAS!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Murray & Memphis
You know how the Internet will have these leader stories about "Ten best cities/beaches/states...etc"? Well, a couple of years back I saw this article and it was Rand McNally's survey of "most friendly" and it had Murray, Kentucky listed. I always have to look up on the map where these cities are located. I saw that Murray was near Land Between the Lakes. Having driven through the area many times (as I mentioned in yesterday's blog), I had the urge to explore more. So our hotel was in Murray last night. The front desk clerks, restaurant staff, donut shop staff were all friendly! It was a nice town, but I don't want to move there. If you know my wanderlust, you know that IS what I searching for....the next place to live!
From Murray, we drove to Memphis, Tennessee and found three barns within 100 yards of each other. Bingo! :)
What do you think of Memphis? Elvis & Graceland, Peabody Hotel ducks, Martin Luther King's death place, Beale Street, Mississippi River....it's got a lot! I had only been in Memphis before as my flight flew here and flew out. I remember flying in seeing all the places with pools in the backyard.
Today, we are downtown right across the street from the mighty Mississippi.
Hubby did some research and found that on the site of ML King's death at the Lorraine Motel was a National Civil Rights Museum. Sounded interesting and it was! We have seen a lot of museums in our lives and on this trip and this one was amazing. Please make sure to add this to your "things to do" list.
The Lorraine Motel and replica caddies. Wreath is hung on balcony right where ML King was shot and killed.
Inside the videos, displays were great. Here is real bus from that era and a statue of Rosa Parks sitting where she "wasn't supposed to be sitting (in the white section of the bus).
Even better was the bus driver's expression and then they had an audio of him telling her...."You have to move, you can't sit there. You're going to get arrested!"
Due to "no flash" I took another photo close-up of his face.
The Civil Rights activists were not just in the South. St. Paul, Minnesota was the site of a protest in the Woolworth store where two blacks sat at the fountain counter reserved for whites only. They picked St. Paul to pressure Woolworth into changing their policies and practices. Here's another display of the counter with life-size statues.
Here's a example of propaganda put out to encourage blacks to travel with a particular company - "Vacation & Recreation Without Humiliation."
Remember reading about the 1963 March on Washington, where ML King made his famous "I have a dream..." speech? While we were reading this display.....
.....hubby says, "My dad was at that march." Really? I don't recall hearing that story before. Hubby's father was a staunch Democrat and a strong supporter of the Democratic Party on Long Island, New York.
Here they have a full-size tanker truck signifying the sanitation strike in Memphis which brought ML King to town in April, 1968. On the tank, they are showing a video...so many different ways the museum got you to look and listen.
The museum was not just dedicated to ML King, but soooo many people that fought for civil rights for all people. It was jam packed with information. You turn the corner and come upon another display and another....but this really freaked me out.
This is the balcony that ML King walked out onto his death. There is glass so you can't walk out. If you look to the right of the sliding doors frame in right of photo....the second story of that building has two large windows and a smaller window. That smaller window is where James Earl Ray placed his gun to kill ML King. In that building is more of this museum and they have the bath room still the same and blocked off from access.
Great museum!
Then it was on to Graceland....the other King of Memphis. I had no desire to tour the place, but I wanted to get a picture. "Someone" has planted all types of trees in the front yard, so all I could get was this fleeting image of the house...not even sure if it's THE place.
Checked into our hotel and went to the Mud Island River Park and Museum across the street. This museum told a lot of history of the river and the riverboats, etc. Here's the riverboat captain's "office."
Outside they have the Mississippi River running through five acres of the park showing all the twists and turns during its course from the Lake in Minnesota to Gulf of Mexico delta.
Right now, hubby is resting-his-eyes...guess in preparation for exploring Beale Street tonight with their blues clubs and restaurants.
Did we see the Peabody ducks make their walk? No. Hubby vetoed it and since I vetoed Mammouth Cave yesterday.... we're OK!
From Murray, we drove to Memphis, Tennessee and found three barns within 100 yards of each other. Bingo! :)
What do you think of Memphis? Elvis & Graceland, Peabody Hotel ducks, Martin Luther King's death place, Beale Street, Mississippi River....it's got a lot! I had only been in Memphis before as my flight flew here and flew out. I remember flying in seeing all the places with pools in the backyard.
Today, we are downtown right across the street from the mighty Mississippi.
Hubby did some research and found that on the site of ML King's death at the Lorraine Motel was a National Civil Rights Museum. Sounded interesting and it was! We have seen a lot of museums in our lives and on this trip and this one was amazing. Please make sure to add this to your "things to do" list.
The Lorraine Motel and replica caddies. Wreath is hung on balcony right where ML King was shot and killed.
Inside the videos, displays were great. Here is real bus from that era and a statue of Rosa Parks sitting where she "wasn't supposed to be sitting (in the white section of the bus).
Even better was the bus driver's expression and then they had an audio of him telling her...."You have to move, you can't sit there. You're going to get arrested!"
Due to "no flash" I took another photo close-up of his face.
The Civil Rights activists were not just in the South. St. Paul, Minnesota was the site of a protest in the Woolworth store where two blacks sat at the fountain counter reserved for whites only. They picked St. Paul to pressure Woolworth into changing their policies and practices. Here's another display of the counter with life-size statues.
Here's a example of propaganda put out to encourage blacks to travel with a particular company - "Vacation & Recreation Without Humiliation."
Remember reading about the 1963 March on Washington, where ML King made his famous "I have a dream..." speech? While we were reading this display.....
.....hubby says, "My dad was at that march." Really? I don't recall hearing that story before. Hubby's father was a staunch Democrat and a strong supporter of the Democratic Party on Long Island, New York.
Here they have a full-size tanker truck signifying the sanitation strike in Memphis which brought ML King to town in April, 1968. On the tank, they are showing a video...so many different ways the museum got you to look and listen.
The museum was not just dedicated to ML King, but soooo many people that fought for civil rights for all people. It was jam packed with information. You turn the corner and come upon another display and another....but this really freaked me out.
This is the balcony that ML King walked out onto his death. There is glass so you can't walk out. If you look to the right of the sliding doors frame in right of photo....the second story of that building has two large windows and a smaller window. That smaller window is where James Earl Ray placed his gun to kill ML King. In that building is more of this museum and they have the bath room still the same and blocked off from access.
Great museum!
Then it was on to Graceland....the other King of Memphis. I had no desire to tour the place, but I wanted to get a picture. "Someone" has planted all types of trees in the front yard, so all I could get was this fleeting image of the house...not even sure if it's THE place.
Checked into our hotel and went to the Mud Island River Park and Museum across the street. This museum told a lot of history of the river and the riverboats, etc. Here's the riverboat captain's "office."
Outside they have the Mississippi River running through five acres of the park showing all the twists and turns during its course from the Lake in Minnesota to Gulf of Mexico delta.
Right now, hubby is resting-his-eyes...guess in preparation for exploring Beale Street tonight with their blues clubs and restaurants.
Did we see the Peabody ducks make their walk? No. Hubby vetoed it and since I vetoed Mammouth Cave yesterday.... we're OK!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
LBL - Land Between the Lakes
Traveled to western Kentucky today to explore Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The lakes are Lake Barkley made by a dam on the Cumberland River and Kentucky Lake made by a dam on the Tennessee River.
When we lived in Georgia and traveled Up North to see my family, we would pass this area on the freeway. Of course never enough time to stop and see more, until today. There are not as many spots to view the lakes as I expected or hoped, but it was a nice drive through the countryside. One area has been fenced off and is "home" to bison and elk. Of course, after paying, we notice the sign that says the animals are wild and not to get within 200 feet of them or subject to a fine. Also, the animals are best seen in early morning and at dusk/dinner time. Well, too bad! We were going through there about 2 pm.
We drove about a mile or so and saw nothing (read - Rayna is getting frustrated) until three wild turkeys made their appearance. Here's one that was on my side of the car.
Just a few feet further, a little elk came out on the road. This photo was taken through windshield.
I got one other shot through the windshield that it ran into the grasses to its mama.
I got it nursing with mama elk.
We did see bisons, but there were quite a distance away and I think my photo will show brown blobs.
Around the corner there was another young and mamma elk laying in the grass. On the other side were these two bulls hiding in the grass.
I know this next is not the best photo, but it reminded me of a kid playing Hide and Seek and thinking no one can see them! :)
When we lived in Georgia and traveled Up North to see my family, we would pass this area on the freeway. Of course never enough time to stop and see more, until today. There are not as many spots to view the lakes as I expected or hoped, but it was a nice drive through the countryside. One area has been fenced off and is "home" to bison and elk. Of course, after paying, we notice the sign that says the animals are wild and not to get within 200 feet of them or subject to a fine. Also, the animals are best seen in early morning and at dusk/dinner time. Well, too bad! We were going through there about 2 pm.
We drove about a mile or so and saw nothing (read - Rayna is getting frustrated) until three wild turkeys made their appearance. Here's one that was on my side of the car.
Just a few feet further, a little elk came out on the road. This photo was taken through windshield.
I got one other shot through the windshield that it ran into the grasses to its mama.
I got it nursing with mama elk.
We did see bisons, but there were quite a distance away and I think my photo will show brown blobs.
Around the corner there was another young and mamma elk laying in the grass. On the other side were these two bulls hiding in the grass.
I know this next is not the best photo, but it reminded me of a kid playing Hide and Seek and thinking no one can see them! :)
Since we had already paid our fee and there were few other cars, we took the drive around the preserve again. This time the bulls were moving around.
Here's my final photo for today of another young one on the side of the road.
Well, my "homework" is done for the day. Going to get dinner. More tomorrow!
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