Road Trip – Second Stop Nashville!

Posted on October 26, 2014 by queenbookworm

We drove 250 miles northwest from Atlanta to Nashville, Tennessee to visit our brother & his family in Thompsons Station.

Our first adventure took us to Leipers Fork where country celebrities are often sighted pickin’ and grinin’ at Puckett’s Grocery or with their families at the weekly outdoor movies.

Along the charming main street of Leipers Fork

Behind the old jail where weekly movies are shown outdoors

Leipers Fork

We were talking about the Natchez Trace at breakfast the next day so decided to go exploring along the Parkway and end up at the legendary Loveless Cafe for lunch. They make 7,000 biscuits a day. I think our table ate half of them with the blackberry jam.

First taste of a fried green tomato

My adorable family at Loveless Cafe

So, the following day we went to explore downtown Franklin, TN. I am a Civil War buff and was anxious to visit the historical sites from the Battle of Franklin, a major disaster for the Confederate Army. We didn’t have time during this visit, but I’ll be back.

On this visit to Franklin we started with breakfast at Meridee’s, a local institution, and took a walking tour of Franklin. The 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin will be commemorated this year.

Meridee’s Restaurant – a Franklin, TN icon

Downtown Franklin

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin – go to Franklin150.com

This area of Tennessee is steeped in Civil War history and southern traditions and charm. Franklin also has many haunted establishments associated with the war between the states. Can’t wait to return and spend more time exploring – next time.

Categories: Travel, Uncategorized | Tags: Battle of Franklin, Franklin TN, Leipers Fork, Loveless Cafe, Meridee's Restaurant, Natchez Trace, Puckett's Grocery, Thompsons Station | 2 Comments

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

Road Trip – First Stop Atlanta!

Posted on October 18, 2014 by queenbookworm

Left southwest Florida and drove north on I-75 to the junction with I-4 where I met my sister. Her husband transferred her luggage to my car and we continued north on I-75 traveling through some beautiful country around Ocala. I pointed out the Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park in northern Florida where I’ve camped several times … one of my favorite sites to date. We hit 5:00 traffic in Atlanta of course but made it to my daughter’s home for a great dinner and a comfortable bed.

As Yogi Bera said, “deja vu all over again” – I made the same 550 mile trip a week ago.

Tomorrow, the pumpkin patch.

Categories: Family, Travel | Tags: Atlanta, road trip, Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park | 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

Just Do It!

Posted on October 9, 2014 by queenbookworm

I wanted to drive 550 miles to Atlanta to visit my daughter who just lost one of her best friends. I haven’t seen my 4-year old grandson in 3 months and, quite frankly, I’m feeling a bit lonely. But, according to friends & family:

You’re going on a road trip through Atlanta next week
You’re going to wear yourself out and get sick
You just went camping for 3 days in Key West
Think of the cost of gas
You’re going on a 1,500 mile road trip next week – that’s going to cost a bundle
What will you do with your cats?
What about your quilt customers, are you caught up with their orders?
You’re going to drive 550 miles up there and 550 miles back for just 3 days?

So, yesterday it took me exactly 8 hours to drive from my house to my daughter’s because I can.

Categories: Family | Tags: car trip | 1 Comment

You’re Never Alone if You Have a Smart Phone

Posted on October 7, 2014 by queenbookworm

If you are going to travel solo, I suggest you run, don’t walk, to the nearest store to get a smart phone if you don’t already have one. This one small device is all you need to:

Communicate with family & friends your whereabouts & your plans via phone, text, email
Use as a GPS
Find the nearest WalMart, Starbucks or Subway
Call for help
Locate the next rest stop
Take photos & videos of your adventures and send them to family & friends to make them jealous via text or email
Post your adventures to Facebook, your blog, etc.
Locate the nearest gas station
Determine the weather where you are & where you’re headed
Surf the Internet to research highlights along your route, identify snakes/spiders/poison plants (just kidding or maybe not)
Find the correct time
Call for road service
Set an alarm to wake you up (why???)
Check your calendar for appointments
Map out your route
Listen to music
Play games
Follow the news (why??)
Follow other bloggers
Take notes
Calculate stuff
Use as a flashlight
Google, Facebook, Twitter
Orient yourself when you’re on a trail using the built-in compass

If you think this handy, dandy little device is too expensive or too frivolous, you’re wrong! When traveling/camping alone I use my phone as my GPS to locate state & national parks, to make camping reservations, to check the weather and road conditions, to stay connected to my family so they know where I am and where I’m going and so I know that everyone is OK at home, as a phone of course, to listen to music, to make notes for future blogs, as a camera (takes better photos than my cameras), to check my bank balance & even pay bills if necessary, and when I wake up in the middle of the night I play Solitaire. If you activate the locator on your phone you can be found if you get lost as long as you have your phone with you.

I also have applications on my phone for siren/alarms (hope I never need it), my bank, exercise journal, motivational radio, flashlight, Cracker Barrel (sometimes I boondock in their parking lot – did you know you can do that?), dutch oven meals, travel deals, national parks, games and much more. Everything I need fits right in my hand.

So do some comparison shopping (I love my iPhone) and then find a 10 year old to show you how to use it.

Categories: Camping, Family | Tags: boondocking, camping, communication, phone applications, smart phone, solo travel, solo travel for women, travel safety | 1 Comment

Thanks for the Mammaries

Posted on October 5, 2014 by queenbookworm

I’ve been to fun, elegant and even black tie fund raisers but I’ve never been to one like The Seventh Annual Barstool Open held in Punta Gorda, FL yesterday to benefit “Dollars for Mammograms“. I believe I heard every imaginable name for breasts: hooters, ta tas, boobs, girlies, tits … and the names of the teams were hysterical. There were the “Hello Titties”, the “Doobies for Boobies”, the “Breast Friends”, and my team the “Ha Ha’s for Ta Ta’s”.

No, we did not take my grand-daughter to any of the nine bars that sponsored the event. Teams contributed $100 for each foursome and went to every bar for a drink and a turn on their putting green. All the money raised goes to provide mammograms and follow-up care for women who are uninsured or under-insured in Charlotte County, FL.

The bars were all within walking/staggering distance of each other but there was a trolley for those who chose not to or couldn’t walk. Each bar designed their own putting green & the hilarity increased from bar to bar and from drink to drink. The team costumes were as outrageous as their names and the camaraderie grew as teams kept running into each other and vied for better (or worse) scores … there were prizes for both. The bars had signature drinks for the event as well as special appetizers and meals.

The last event was hosted by Hurricane Charley’s on the Peace River to announce the winners of the various prizes. We were lucky enough to get a table on the tiki deck overlooking the water just as the breeze picked up and the live music began. More than 500 people participated in the event and raised over $25,000. What a fun way for a community to raise money for a worthy cause … the early detection or prevention of breast cancer.

As the sun set over the Peace River we congratulated each other and tottered home to give our ta ta’s a rest.

Categories: Life | Tags: Barstool Open, breast cancer, breasts, Charlotte County, Dollars for Mammograms, fund raisers, mammogram, prevention of breast cancer, Punta Gorda | 1 Comment

“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…”