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A Day at the Pumpkin Patch – Southern Belle Farm, McDonough, Georgia

Posted on October 22, 2014 by queenbookworm

Ben’s third birthday party was held at the Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Georgia – a working farm that is open to the public. The perfect place for a child’s birthday there are fire pits for hot dogs and s’mores; a hayride, a cow train, pumpkin patch, corn house, trampolines, flower picking patch, pig races, story telling, a giant slide, a cornfield maze, a chicken puppet show, home made lemonade and kettle corn and much more.

Making s’mores

The pumpkin patch

The Maize Maze – don’t go if you remember the movie, “Children of the Corn”!

It was a perfect day in the low 70’s and not a cloud in the sky. What a pleasure to see children with their parents and grandparents outdoors without cell phones and computer games … just old-fashioned fun in a healthy environment. Wear comfortable sneakers or boots for walking through fields and make sure to bring your rescue inhaler with you if you have allergies because there’s plenty of hay, pollen, and fresh manure.

The Cow Train

Live animals – horses, goats, chickens, mules, cows, pigs!

And at the end of the day you get to choose a pumpkin to take home!

Categories: Travel, Uncategorized | Tags: McDonough GA, pumpkin patch, Southern Belle Farm | 1 Comment

Don’t Take Your Library Book to New Orleans

Posted on October 15, 2014 by queenbookworm

I can’t fall asleep without a book and was in the middle of my 4th Walt Longmire mystery borrowed from my local library, so I took it along on my road trip to New Orleans & Biloxi. After all, my roommate was my 87 year old cousin who I thought would go to bed early, so how much company would she be? Not much as it turned out since she was still out partying each night when I collapsed in bed. Our hotel was located in the French Quarter in New Orleans so there was plenty of non-stop action. It was hard enough to keep track of myself much less Sheriff Walt Longmire, as much fun as he is.

The French Quarter appearing just like Truman Capote described

The French Quarter appearing just as Truman Capote described

In two days we:

Went to the Carousel Lounge at the Hotel Monteleone – rotated/revolved and had “Death by Sex” – champagne and absinthe
Took a two-hour tour of the entire city with Cajun Encounter; showed us everything we didn’t have time to see on our own
Started each morning with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary at the lobby bar in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel where we were staying smack dab in the center of the French Quarter – only $5 each!
Walked from Orleans Street to the Cafe Dumonde on Jackson Square to sample the beignets and Cafe Au Lait
Admired the art and artists displaying their work around Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral
Spent a couple of hours at the Famous Door Bar dancing with some beautiful young people to a great live band

St. Louis Cathedral anchors Jackson Square located across from our hotel

The “girls” in front of St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square

. Walked to the French Market and had lunch at The Gazebo Cafe an outdoor cafe with live music (of course) and cold beer

. Missed the Ghost Tour due to rain – but, next time for sure!

. Had one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever experienced at Muriel’s at Jackson Square – a little pricey but impeccable service and unbelievable food. We were treated like royalty and enjoyed every bite/sip/minute

Muriel’s Restaurant Vegetarian Meal

Muriel’s flank steak

Listened to the jazz (everywhere) but especially at the Bourbon O Bar – totally smoke free
Had dinner at Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant
Laughed and joked with a bunch of cute young guys participating in the Red Dress Run. Southern boys are so polite – they invited us to go with them wherever they were going but they’d been drinking all day & had no idea where they were going
New Orleans is a non-stop party. Besides Mardi Gras; Dirty Linen Night, Swinging at the Canteen, Gospel Brunch, Wednesdays at the Point, etc., etc.
Had our farewell brunch at The Court of the Two Sisters. It was an opportunity to sample all the New Orleans flavors we may have missed.

So what if I had to pay $33 to my library to replace “The Serpent’s Tooth” that I lost somewhere in New Orleans. Anyone know whodunit? Sorry, Walt but it was worth it.

I was 2/3 through the Walt Longmire mystery.

Categories: Travel, Uncategorized | Tags: A Serpent's Tooth, beignets, Bourbon O Bar, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, cafe au lait, Cafe Du Monde, Cajun Encounter, Carousel Lounge, Craig Johnson, Emeril Lagasse, French Quarter, Gazebo Cafe, Hotel Monteleone, Jackson Square, Muriel's at Jackson Square, New Orleans, Red Dress Run, road trip, St. Louis Cathedral, Walt Longmire | Leave a comment

Thelma and Louise ²

Posted on October 13, 2014 by queenbookworm

Instead of just Thelma & Louise there were four of us ranging in age from 60 to 87 (more like The Golden Girls). Instead of the green 1966 Thunderbird convertible, we leased a red Jeep Cherokee to drive from south Florida to New Orleans, then to Biloxi. Instead of Brad Pitt and Harvey Keitel, we played with hundreds of young men in red dresses. We didn’t kill anyone and we weren’t chased by the police but we laughed and joked about children, men and sex across three states until we arrived at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the middle of the French Quarter. The hotel was the epitome of southern graciousness and charm.

New Orleans was more than what I imagined – I loved every sight, smell, sound and taste of it. We had Death by Sex (champagne and Absinthe) at the Hotel Monteleone’s famous revolving Carousel Bar. The bar was spinning so fast I thought I’d be thrown off my stool by the centrifugal force or it could’ve been the Absinthe.

We wandered the streets listening to the street musicians and enjoying the myriad galleries and eventually made our way to iconic Bourbon Street where we heard a blues band playing in a little corner bar. We were the only customers but were drinking and laughing and dancing and must have provided the entertainment because quite soon the bar was crowded with beautiful young people. The girls wanted to dance and talk and kept telling us they wanted to be like us (when they were our age). What a hoot! We made so many new best friends – don’t know anyone’s name, but it was fun. The young men were good looking and great dancers. Sorry I can’t provide a link to the bar but it had “window” or “door” in its name and was on a corner of Bourbon Street. Know which one I mean?

Our new best friends at the “window” or “door” bar on Bourbon Street

I saw, drank and ate almost everything on my list and loved it all. I got rained out of the walking ghost tour the first night and I was too tired(?) the second night. I will definitely return to New Orleans. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon – eat your hearts out. You drove off a cliff and can’t come.

There were about 3,000 men in red dresses for the Red Dress Run for charity … more drinking than running going on!

Inside the Two Sisters for the best breakfast buffet I've ever had

Inside the Court of the Two Sisters for the best breakfast buffet imaginable

Categories: Travel, Uncategorized | Tags: Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Carousel Bar, Carousel Revolving Bar, Court of the Two Sisters, Golden Girls, Hotel Monteleone, Monteleone Hotel, New Orleans, Red Dress Run, Thelma and Louise | 2 Comments

Alone vs Lonely

Posted on October 11, 2014 by queenbookworm

I enjoy my solitude. I have no problem entertaining myself. I have plenty of thoughts, ideas and memories to keep me occupied. In an on-line world I often need to unplug, find a quiet space and just read a book – a real book, not my Kindle. I think a lot of campers and solo travelers are loners, not exactly antisocial but people who enjoy the peace and quiet of their own company. Somewhat introverted, I enjoy individual relationships and small groups. Being alone is a choice, a need to withdraw and quiet one’s mind … to enjoy the sights and sounds of the world without intrusions. I’m friendly but not gregarious unless I’ve had more than one Grey Goose martini.

Loneliness is an emotion, a feeling of need, a yearning for validation and love. Being alone too long can lead to loneliness and I believe extended periods of loneliness is unhealthy for the mind, body and soul. Recognizing the difference is important because loneliness requires action.

When I’ve withdrawn from society long enough to regain my equilibrium and begin to feel lonely, I am fortunate that I can re-connect with a loved one or jump in the car to visit a child or grandchild for some rambunctious love. I can meet a friend for warm conversation, a hug, an arm around my shoulder or a pat on my hand. The antidote for loneliness is the willingness and ability to reach out to people for a physical, mental and emotional connection. I know that not everyone has that capacity or has a network of family and friends they can run to. I feel for those people and wish them well.

I would enjoy hearing from others who enjoy their solitude … those who can be alone without being lonely.

Categories: Life, Uncategorized | Tags: alone, antisocial, introvert, loneliness, loner, solitude | 3 Comments

“Death, be not proud …” John Donne

Posted on October 2, 2014 by queenbookworm

Death, be not proud

BY JOHN DONNE

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee

Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;

For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow

Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.

From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,

Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,

And soonest our best men with thee do go,

Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery.

Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,

And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,

And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well

And better than thy stroke; why swell’st thou then?

One short sleep past, we wake eternally

And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

Natalia was one of my daughter’s best friends and although my daughter is no stranger to death, having lost friends to accidents, elderly relatives to various illnesses and even some of her young students (she teaches visually impaired and multiply handicapped children); this was her first up-close and personal encounter with the viciousness of cancer.

Heidi stayed with Natalia and her husband in the hospital every evening after work, spending the night when needed. She called me every morning to vent about the previous day’s declines, fears and horrors. We talked about death and spiritual matters, our experiences and our realities. My daughter and her husband were with Natalia and Franco until yesterday when it ended and will now help Franco continue without his beloved wife.

Over the past few days as I ‘ve gone about my happy life, planning my upcoming travels and enjoying my days doodling around my house and playing with my granddaughter, I have held Natalia and Franco in my heart, but even more so my daughter. I ache for the pain she is experiencing but I am so proud of her faithfulness to her friends, her wonderful supportive husband who stayed by her side through this journey and her belief in my ability to comfort and guide her. We have learned a lot about each other this past week and I am so grateful for the beauty of her mind and heart, her compassion, loyalty and strength of character.

So, death, be not proud … “One short sleep past, we wake eternally and death shall be no more…”

Categories: Family, Life, Uncategorized | Tags: cancer, compassion, death, death be not proud, faithfulness, friendship, John Donne, loyalty | 2 Comments

I Never Thought I’d Scream “EEK!”

Posted on September 24, 2014 by queenbookworm

Working at my desk I heard Tinkerbelle the cat meowing … and meowing & meowing. She was two rooms away batting something on the floor. Since my cataract surgeries earlier this month I am able to see two rooms away but could not quite see what she was pawing. Something dark & skinny wriggling on the floor. A worm? OMG, a snake. A little baby snake but a snake nonetheless. What’s that sound? Me screaming, “EEK” and jumping up & down. OK, OK, OK get the broom. Running around in circles, where’s the flipping broom? Oh yeah, it’s out in the camper. I yelled for Tinkerbelle to watch the snake, don’t let it move & ran for something with a long handle & found a sponge mop. I tried to push the snake out the back sliding door but only managed to flip it onto the sea grass carpet – Tink and I both jumped back & I stopped screaming long enough to consider what to do. Pushing it with the mop on the knobby sea grass would probably smoosh it into the carpet so, shivering, I ran for the vacuum. I flipped it on & held it over the squirming little body which disappeared. Not knowing if the snake would drop out when the suction stopped, still running, I threw the vacuum out the lanai sliding door (thank goodness it didn’t slide into the pool!), pulled the vacuum plug, threw that outside & slammed the door shut. Tinkerbelle was sniffing the carpet and under the couch looking for a nest of vipers I guess. Meanwhile the phone was ringing & I heard my neighbor, Annie, leaving a message, “Jodi, are you OK? I heard you screaming, let me know if you need me.” I grabbed the phone before she hung up & told her about the snake. She asked if I needed her to come over. I was a little embarrassed. She’s 89 years old and pretty feisty but I told her I didn’t need her. I need a mongoose.

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: cat, mongoose, snake | 3 Comments

You Know You’re a Mid-Century Girl If …

Posted on September 21, 2014 by queenbookworm

I’m a mid-century girl and you are too:

If you were born in the 1940s, 50s or 60s
If you wore a girdle and stockings to your first job but later burned your bra, threw out your girdle & started wearing pantyhose and mini-skirts and slacks to work & now wear Spanx if necessary
If you learned to type on a manual typewriter, then used an IBM Selectric then a computer keyboard & now have an iPad or notebook
If you worked where there was a telephone switchboard but now use a smart phone
If you watched I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke & Bonanza on a black & white television & now have flat screen TVs in every room with TIVO, ROKU or You Tube
If you used to get dressed up to go shopping downtown but now do all your shopping at the mall or on-line at Amazon.com or eBay
If you had to save up to make weekly long distance calls home to your parents and now use Skype or Facetime to stay in touch with family & friends
If you took shorthand, bookkeeping and business English in high school and still use all those skills
If you hand wrote letters in cursive to friends & relatives on nice stationary, stamped them and sent them through the mail and now use email and FaceBook to communicate with those same people
If you had a Brownie Instamatic or Polaroid camera that used flash bulbs but now use your smart phone to take photos
If you were forced to take Home Economics in high school but were not allowed to take Shop because you are a girl
If you helped your parents read (and fold) road maps during summer road trips but now use GPS, Priceline, Trip Advisor or a map app on your smart phone
If you used to wash and iron your cotton/linen/silk dresses then went to polyester because it was wrinkle free and now wear 100 % cotton, linen & silk again
If you used to play in blue jeans and Keds and now wear designer jeans, heels & blingy tops for evening wear
If you were forced into one of the accepted professions for women; secretary, teacher, nurse but retired as an Executive Assistant, school principal, senior teacher, politician, doctor, lawyer or para-legal, manager, engineer, astronaut or succeeded in whatever career you eventually chose
If you read the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew and now read mysteries, blogs & the Wall Street Journal
If you went from watching Disney with your family on Sunday nights to visiting Disney World with your grandchildren