My 2016 Mid-West Trip Part 15

12 Oct

A Slice of Life

 Bill Lites

Day 15 (Saturday)

 

It was a beautiful fall morning as I left Montgomery and headed south on I-65 for Mobile, Alabama.  My first stop was to visit the Foley Railroad Station Museum located just north of Oyster Bay in Foley, Alabama. This was a small museum with early Railroad memorabilia and a nicely restored collection of rolling stock.

 

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In a separate building they had a large model railroad layout that fascinated adults and children alike. A High Point for many of the children was the small scale train that the museum provided for rides around the museum property. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a young child that didn’t like to ride in a small scale train like that.

 

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Next I headed across Mobile Bay on I-10 to visit the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. This Memorial Park is made up of the battleship USS Alabama (BB-60), the submarine USS Drum (SS-228), a replica of the Civil War submarine H. L. Hunley, various types of Army, Navy & Air Force airplanes/vehicles, as well as an indoor aircraft pavilion. It’s a very nicely laid out attraction, but the outside display aircraft and vehicles need some help with protection from the elements. The aircraft in the aircraft pavilion are beautifully restored and very nicely displayed.

 

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Next I checked out the Fort Conde (4/5th scale reproduction) located in downtown Mobile. According to Wikipedia, Mobile and its Fort Conde (originally called Mobille & Fort Louis de la Mobille) were founded by the French in 1702, and actually located some 27 miles north of its present location. Then after heavy damage by the flooding Mobile River in 1711, the town and fort were relocated to their present location.

 

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Over the years (1702-1813) the region around Mobile was occupied by the French, British, Spanish, and finally the United States. There was a lot of construction going on around the fort, which made it difficult to access. I finally found a parking lot close enough that I could take a picture of the fort, but opted not to go inside today.

 

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Down the street and around the corner was the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. There was a large group of Young mothers with their 2-4 year old children in hand, entering the center as I pulled up in front. I surmised, from the looks of things, that this was an “education day” for these kids and decided I did not want to share the experience with all that noise.

 

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Not far from the science center I visited the Mobile Carnival Museum. This was a new experience for me. Not being a fan of the Mardi Gras, I did not think this would be a very interesting museum. As it turned out, this was probably the high point of my day. I never knew that the annual Carnival Celebration (Mardi Gras) is celebrated pretty much worldwide, and I had never heard of it being a big deal anywhere in the United States, except for New Orleans. Do I lead a sheltered life or what?

 

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The Mardi Gras costumes, and history of the celebration, as explained to me by the museum tour guide, was astounding. The other fact that was hard for me to get my head around was that Mobile was the first city in the United States to celebrate Mardi Gras (1703). And all this time, to me, New Orleans (founded in 1718) was getting the credit for that. The tour guide also informed me that Mobile puts on about 35 Carnival type parades each year that draws an average of 1.5 million visitors. All this activity keeps an entire community industry busy, year around, designing and fabricating all the necessary costumes and floats. For an in-depth picture of the history of the Mobile Mardi Gras, I would suggest the book “Mardi Gras in Mobile “ by L. Craig Roberts, who just happened to be my tour guide today.

 

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Next I visited the Continental Classic Cars collection located in west Mobile, only to discover that it was a private collection. However the owner, Dennis, was in his office and was gracious enough to show me his collection of automobiles. They consisted mostly of beautifully restored 1950s-1970s muscle cars, and a few classic hot rods.

 

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When I told him I was disappointed not to be able to find more automobile museums in the Mobile area, he suggested I check out the Henderson Collection, which was not too far down the road. He said that Jim Henderson had a collection of over 100 beautifully restored cars, and that if I could catch him at his Mobile Lumber Company office, he might agree to give me a tour of his private collection. The lumber company office was closed and Greta and I tried diligently to find Mr. Henderson’s building, that houses his collection, but to no avail.

 

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So, I called it a day and headed for tonight’s motel for some rest. On the way to the motel I spotted a Taco Bell and stopped to feast on a Mexican Pizza and a Beefy Chedder Crunchwrap Slider. The Slider was OK but, the Mexican Pizza with lots of Verde sauce to spice things up was much better, in my opinion.

 

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—–To Be Continued—–

 

 

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Respect

11 Oct

A life to Live

Melody Hendrix

Karma –  When people insult you, don’t take offense, don’t take it personally, but do listen to their words. They are telling you how they see the world, and they are telling you the exact negative qualities that they posses. “The Law of Mirrors” states that one can only see what’s in them, regardless if it is what is actually present in reality or not. Release the need to defend or try to explain to them that your’re not being whatever-nasty-insult-they’ve-thrown-at-you, but evaluate instead all of these insults, and realize that this is who they are. Then, decide if a person with those qualities is one who you’d like in your life or not.  Doe Zantamata
Watch your thoughts; They become words.
Watch your words; They become actions.
Watch your actions; They become habits.
Watch your habits; They become character;
Watch your character; It becomes your destiny.
Lao Tzu
You Teach people how to TREAT YOU
By what you Allow, what you Stop, 
And what you Reinforce.
Tony Gaskins
tigers-1932-jpg-2

 

 

I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
Melody

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Gopher Tortoise

10 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

gopher-tortooise

Oh, armored one with your:

Pointed beak,

Big Fat Tongue,

Long sharp claws,

Lumbering gait,

Tunnel master,

I just want to talk to you.

Don’t disappear

Into your shell.

Into your burrow.

Please come out

I won’t harm you,

Or the secret life you live.

Slow and so free.

 

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Surprise!!~Part 2

9 Oct

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy  Wills

 

I recently wrote about a surprise that my family played on me – a delightful surprise, I might add (please see my post of September 18, 2016 – Surprise!!).

 

judy-family

 

There are some in my family that LOVE to do that kind of surprise on other family members. Our son-in-law, Brian, is one of the best.

I remember once, when we were living in Virginia, and Karen and Brian were living in Harrisonburg, VA (and attending James Madison University) (before children), and they surprised us by showing up in our morning church service. As was my custom, after we (the choir) entered the choir loft, I would peruse the congregation, to see who all was there. I’m sure my jaw dropped to the floor, when I looked at that section of pews and there they sat! They both ducked their heads, grinning.

And then there was the time that Karen and Brian with their two children, were going on a cruise with Brian’s parents, leaving from Seattle, Washington. When I informed them that Fred and I would be up there at that time, visiting with Fred’s parents and sister, Brian asked if we would like to surprise Fred’s family with their visit. That one didn’t work out as we had hoped, unfortunately. They had hoped to just show up in the church service that morning. However, with the time frame they had to get to the cruise terminal, we just didn’t have the time for a surprise visit and unplanned lunch. They all did come to church, but we had planned with the restaurant for the meal, and it was ready for us to sit down and eat when we arrived. And then they were off. It would have been a lovely surprise, if it had worked out. Fred’s parents were delighted.

 

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I think the best surprise that I ever managed to pull off, was Fred’s 70th birthday party. Several months before his birthday, I had asked both of our daughters if they and their families would be able to come – as a surprise for their dad. So the plans were made. As it turned out, our oldest grandson, and Tom, our Janet’s husband, were unable to make the trip. Everyone else made it. Our grandtwins were only three years old, and Janet managed with them on the airplane by herself. My brother and his family live just one hour away, and we had invited them all to come – with Fred’s knowledge.

The day arrived, and we all had arranged to meet at a shopping center, where I would pick up the food we were having. It was February, and the weather was beautiful. Brian and his family picked up the salad from Olive Garden, while I picked up the main dishes from Romano’s Macaroni Grill. When we all arrived home, I went in the front door and hollered for Fred to come and help. And then his girls and their families walked in! Again, it was a lovely surprise!

Most of the group
My brother, Bill, and his son-in-law, Ron
Connor and Hannah with ALL the toys!
Cousins

A good time was had by all. Janet had the twins make this “picture” for Fred, and we display it in our family room. The color has faded through the years – the left side was blue paper and right side was pink paper, representing Connor and Hannah. But it’s still a fun thing to look at, and remember.

 

I love Family

I love family!

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Your security depends on what you choose from the menu.

8 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Menu of life

I sat at a large table among friends at a restaurant famous for its delicious Bar-B-Q. The smell would make anyone’s mouth water. We laughed, made comments and oohed and aahed at the menu items.

And since I don’t eat red meat, I tasted delicious moments with dear friends instead.

I looked in the direction of the waiter standing beside me. “I’ll order a side salad and cole slaw…and a baked potato with nothing on it.”

“Sure,” he said, “And your meat? Ribs, steak, chicken, pork?”

“No I’m fine with my salad,”

“You mean…” he said with disbelief in his tone, “You don’t want to order any meat?”

I shook my head and grinned as I always do when folks ask me that question in that you-must-be-crazy tone.

The same happens even in airplanes. A passenger seated beside me and I chatted for a long time. I told him a bit of my story and we discussed faiths.

“I don’t believe in religions,” he said. “I think we’re here on this earth to serve a purpose for the next life and that’s it.”

“Interesting,” I said.

“For example,” he said, “since you like to help people and you can’t see, you probably will come back as a guide dog in your next life.”

Gulp.

And when I stated that Christ Jesus, the one who died for my sins, is the Lord of my life, the ruler of my days and my guarantee for life eternal in heaven, he gave the are-you-crazy tone similar to the waiter

That’s okay because in John 14, the Bible makes it all clear. We don’t come back as dogs or other creatures, we remain in heaven for eternity because…

  • In heaven is where Jesus prepared a mansion for us.
  • He extends that invitation to all.
  • Jesus healed the sick to display His power.
  • He transformed souls to leave room for freedom.
  • He’s the only truth so we would see clearly.
  • Jesus died on the cross to kill our sin.
  • He rose from the dead, so we would, too.
  • He wrote Scripture to guide our path.
  • And finally He loves unconditionally, passionately, eternally so when the world lets us down, we can count on Him.

While you analyze the menu of religions, philosophies, beliefs and notions what do you choose to feed your soul?

Source: Your security depends on what you choose from the menu. | Janet Perez Eckles

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Celebrate Who You Are

7 Oct

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

Fresh journal page by DiVoran Lites

Fresh journal page by DiVoran Lites

 

 

There is more to life
than what we can see.
Who we really are
is our true identity.

 

Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by talents of others.
God created you to be unique!
He gave you special gifts of your own –
You are far more talented than you think.

 

We are all actors on the stage of life.
Study the script, my friend.
Notice that even the brevity of parts
doesn’t determine the end!

 

Do your best to honor the Lord –
Serve honestly and be fervent.
In the end you’ll hear the Master’s words,
“Welcome to the joy of the Lord,
good and faithful servant.”

 

Quote by Reverend Oliver G. Green
“Use what talents you have –
the woods would have little music
if no birds sang their song
except those who sang best.”

 

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Getting my Ducks in a Row

6 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

UPDATE 10/8/2016

Waiting for Hurricane Matthew to arrive was making the whole family edgy. We spent Thursday morning picking up a couple of items  like extra snacks and a tote in which to store photo albums. Aside from rain, the weather did not deteriorate until around 10 pm.  By then I was worn out and decided to try to sleep as the worst winds were expected after 3 am. Friday morning came and the storm was still growing strong but thankfully, we still had electricity and air-conditioning it. I will write more on this in my Thursday blog

I’m writing this on Wednesday night instead of my usual last minute on Thursday post. It seems preparing for a hurricane spurred me to be more organized and “get my ducks in a row.”

 

I have found the retirement life,with flexible plans and few deadlines, feeds my procrastination gene. However, this week I discovered a remedy and its name is Hurricane Matthew! We have been steadily watching the path of the large storm and feeling safe since it was predicted to move east and away from Florida. On Monday it became apparent that Matthew might not agree with the projected track and Rebekah and I decided to top off our hurricane supplies. To be honest, I was feeling a bit smug that we were being proactive and not waiting until the last minute. That night we discussed the pros and cons of boarding up windows as they are relatively protected by a porch and the side walls of other townhouses.

We decided to board two windows that might be vulnerable and headed out to the home improvement store early the next morning. When we arrived at the store it  was busy but  without the craziness one sees when a storm is imminent. We planned to look first for Plylox, clips to hold the plywood in place over the windows, then grab a piece of plywood and hopefully have it cut to make it easier to carry home.

Plylox clips

Plylox clip

On our way to locate the clips, we passed the area where a large saw is set up to custom cut wood. To our dismay, a sign stating the saw was out of order was taped to it. Oh well, we should be able to find a way to get the wood home on top of our car. We hung a right and went to the far end of the aisle where a large container for the Plylox clips stood…empty. To be honest, we were irritated that the home improvement store was so unprepared.

Do you see the humor in that? We were upset that they were unprepared. Our daughter has owned this home for eight years and this is the first time any of us gave thought to purchasing supplies to board up for a hurricane.  I guess the best plans can have a flaw. Our flaw could be a major one, but I have a peace about our safety even though Hurricane Matthew has tracked further west and may make landfall in our county early Friday morning.

hurrican-im-here

Since the hurricane will be passing over us during daylight hours, I hope to get some photos and will post them here as an update when power is restored. Prayers for the safety of everyone in the path of this storm are appreciated.

Luke 8:22-25 The Message

22-24 One day he and his disciples got in a boat. “Let’s cross the lake,” he said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing, and he fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in, and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

Getting to his feet, he told the wind, “Silence!” and the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became smooth as glass.

25 Then he said to his disciples, “Why can’t you trust me?”

They were in absolute awe, staggered and stammering, “Who is this, anyway? He calls out to the winds and sea, and they do what he tells them!”

 

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My 2016 Mid-West Trip~Part 14

5 Oct

A Slice of LIfe

 Bill Lites

 

Day 14 (Friday)

 

Leaving the Birmingham area this morning I headed south on I-65 for Calera, Alabama to visit the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. I got there before they opened and it was obvious that it was a very small museum that could only house local railroad memorabilia. There were a couple of steam engines on display and some Pullman cars. Other than that, most of the rolling stock on the museum grounds was old and unkempt.

 

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Next on the list down the road was to check out the Airpark at the Maxwell Air Force Base, located just northwest of Montgomery, Alabama. The Internet had implied the Airpark was open to the public, but at the base visitor’s center I was informed it was not.

 

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So, I headed south again, around Montgomery, some 50 miles on U.S. 231 to visit the Pioneer Museum of Alabama located in Troy, Alabama. This was a nicely restored early Alabama farming community representation, consisting of several log structures. The memorabilia area inside the museum building had some very interesting early 19th century exhibits. The many outside community buildings included a log cabin, barn, grist mill, chicken house, church, and a general store.

 

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On the way back from Troy, I stopped by the Hyundai Manufacturing Facility, just south of Montgomery, to see if I could get a space on one of their guided tours. They said the tours were by reservation only, and they did not have any cancellations for the tours today. So I moved on toward Montgomery.

 

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I drove into downtown Montgomery to check out the Capital of Alabama. The capital building is a magnificent structure, as were several other government buildings, surrounding the central area around the capital building.

 

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Next I took another 40 mile side trip, west on U.S. 80 out of Montgomery, to Selma, Alabama to visit the Old Depot Museum. This famous route of the civil rights movement is dedicated to those who were at the forefront of that struggle.  Each of the four-day overnight stop locations, associated with that famous civil rights march, has dedicated historical markers on each side of the highway. The Old Depot Museum in Selma turned out to be located in an old restored railroad station. The museum itself was mainly a collection of very interesting memorabilia related to the history of the civil rights movement, and some early history of the city of Selma, Alabama.

 

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My trip to Troy and Selma doubled the number of miles I had expected to travel today, so by the time I got back to Montgomery I was getting hungry. After I located the motel and got checked in, I warmed up my leftover Longhorn Baby Back Ribs and sweet potatoe. I missed the garden salad, but the ribs and potatoe still made for a marvelous meal again tonight. Now it was time to relax and see if I could find anything good to watch on TV. No luck! So, I gave up and set to work recording today’s activities and prepared tomorrow’s list of museums.

 

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—–To Be Continued—–

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Animal Rights

4 Oct

A Life to Live

Melody  Hendrix

There are many great minds on earth and not all are human.  Anthony Douglas
The idea that some lives matter less, is the root of all that is wrong with the world.  
Paul Farmer
Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.  Mahatma Gandhi
The greatness of a nation and it’s moral progress can be judged by the way it’s animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi
In the end our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy. John Sawhill

 

silver-back-guerilla-2

 

 

 

I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
Melody

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Sugar Ants

3 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

sugar-ants

 

As small as a 14 point period, they:
Forage in a line or a circle
Around any food particles
On the floor or inside a
Compost container, love:
Dried cat food on the floor,
Zip-bagged honey jars.

 

Please try to remember that:
Ants are enemies.
Remove from hot coffee with,
The corners of several tissues.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth
On every new trail,
And caulk all holes and cracks.
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