Discovering Savannah

From the time I stepped off the airplane, I noticed my accent had changed.  I seemed to talk slower and my words seem to flow smoothly across my lips as I flirted with those around me.  I was now a Southern Belle.

There is something about the south.  I believe it is the southern charm.  Where one is kind, witty and considerate to everyone  they encounter.  One always feels welcome.

Leaving the airport to drive to my friend's home, I was impressed with the natural beauty of Savannah. As we drove through the historic area, I was in awe of the Georgian mansions and the towering spanish moss-draped oaks.  The historic architecture and charm of Savannah makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the South.  

Let me give you some history of Savannah.  It i one of the oldest city in Georgia and it is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River.  General James Oglethorpe founded the area in 1733.  He had the foresight to create  America's First Planned City.  The city was laid out in a series of grids allowing for wide streets and public squares.  Savannah had 24 original squares with 22 still in existence today. 

One of the rumours of why General Sherman did not burn down Savannah , as he had Atlanta on his infamous March to the  Sea, was the city was too beautiful to burn.  Other rumours were he had a girlfriend there and also it was to important as a seaport.  On December 22, Sherman sent a telegram to President Lincoln.  He presented him with an early Christmas gift, the spared city of Savannah.

What does this southern city offer to someone?  There is an atmosphere of a slow-pace lifestyle.  My friend lives in the historic area, so we had the opportunity to walk through the town squares as well into the historic area.  At every corner there is history or a restaurant with great food.  

Savannah is known for its southern meals, such as "fried green tomatoes".  As well as shrimp and grits, chatham artillery punch.  This potent punch contains rum, whisky, brandy and Champagne.  It also contains lemons and sugar..  Let's not forget the pralines.  These pralines are hand scooped with Georgia Pecan halves, fresh cream, sugar and real butter.  Plan to gain a few pounds while you are touring the city.

If you remember the movie "Forrest Gump", there was the scene where Forrest was sitting on a park bench to tell his story, and where he utters the "box of chocolates" line.  This was filmed in Savannah's Chippewa Square, on the north side of the square facing Bull Street.  

As you tour through the city make sure you go down Jones Street.  It is one of Savannah's prettiest streets.  Gorgeous green trees hang out over the street.  The Mid-19th century style gives the street a unique feel with cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks and the homes that go back in time.

Places to see are Forsyth Park, which is 30 acres and it is famous for its fountain, built in 1858.  There is the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.  A beautiful French Gothic architect. built between 1872 to 1885. There is a church on almost every corner.  There is also the Presbyterian Church, which was founded in 1755.

Other places to see:  Bonaventure Cemetery located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah.  The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907.

Don't forget the Savannah Waterfront.  Walk down the old cobblestone streets as you weave through the historic buildings, shops and award-winning restaurants.  

For a fun afternoon, drive out to Tybee Island.  Only about a thirty minute drive.  The Island is a barrier island and small city.  Known for its wide, sandy beaches with a pier and pavillion.  Tybee was extremely important because of its location at the mouth of the Savannah River.  In 1736, Oglethorpe had a lighthouse and small fort contructed to ensure control of river access.

My husband and I celebrated our 36th Anniversary at Elizabeth on 37th.  Fine dining with a focus on local seafood and seasonal produce.  The restaurant is in a 1900's mansion brimming with rich antiques, Old World trappings and marble fireplaces.

Another fun restaurant was Treylor Park.  It is within the heart of historic downtown Savannah.  The restaurant offers a upscale cocktail bar inside with restaurant style seating and a cozy beer garden out back.

For dessert, you need some ice cream from Leopold's.  It was founded in 1919 by two Greek brother immigrants.  There are more than 20 flavors.  The brothers perfected the secret formula.  You need to taste it yourself.

And then there is Byrd's Cookies, founded in 1924.  Benjamin Tillman "Pop" Byrd, Sr., at the age of 28, began baking his famous small Scotch Oatmeal cookies.  Stop by and get a sample.

We ended the evening at "Smiles Dueling Pianos".  Located steps from River Street.  A boisterous, late-night dueling piano saloon with songs selected by the audience.

There is so much to see and do.

I will end with some facts:

You can take your cocktails to go.  So enjoy the sites with a drink in hand.

The Girl Scouts were founded in Savannah by Juliette Gordon Low in 1915.  

In 1819, the Owen-Thomas House was one of the first to have indoor plumbing in the United States.

Enjoy Savannah!  It is definitely a fun place to visit!

Mackinac Island - Somewhere in Time

 I enjoy discovering new places.  This past weekend, I had the opportunity to rest and relax on the island of Mackinac.  It has a population year round of 589 residents, but during the summer time there are over a million visitors each year.

Some of you may be saying the island sounds familiar.  In 1980 a movie was made here.  "Somewhere in Time" with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.  I do believe this is the movie when I fell in love with the 6 ft. 4 in, blue eye heartthrob.

Mackinac is known for its car free roads, but filled with horse drawn carriages and bicycles.  In 1898, the city government prohibited the "horseless carriages" because the vehicles scared the horses.

The only way to arrive to the island is by ferry or plane.  My husband and I took the ferry from Mackinac City.  The day we arrived it had been raining all day and it was overcast.   At our 4 pm departure, there were only about thirty people on the catamaran.  The ferry will hold up to 345 passengers.  Normally it takes only about twenty minutes to cross Lake Heron to Mackinac, but due to the rain and strong winds, the ride was a bouncy thirty plus minutes to the harbor.  

Approaching, one could see the long front porch of the Grand Hotel.

Arriving at the dock, a young man from the Harbour View Inn was there to retrieve our luggage.  He balanced the luggage on the bike and off he went.  

We were hungry and decided to look for a restaurant before walking to the Inn.  Walking along the sidewalk, one was in awe in seeing only horse buggies and bicyclists.  There was no smell of fumes or horns honking.

There was a nice selection of restuarants.  Our decision for a restaurant was based on how soon we could be seated.  In other words, no waiting.  It was still early, so not as many people were looking for a place to eat.  

Looking through the windows, there was a restaurant which had about three tables opened.  We walked right in and was seated.  Horn's Bar has been there since 1920.  This restaurant is still in the family.  Horn's is known as one of the fun places to go to at night filled with music and entertainment. They are known for their Mexican/southwestern dishes.  I had the cheese enchiladas which were very tasty.

Finishing our meal, we walked to our place of lodging which was next door to St. Anne's Cathedral Church.  Seeing all the different inns with the beautiful, floral landscaping, I couldn't control myself with taking one photo after another.

Approaching the Harbour View Inn, I was in awe of the beauty as I looked up the stairs to the two story mansion with a beautiful front porch and the second story veranda.  This house was built after 1816. The woman who built this house, Madame LaFramboise, Native American(Ojibwe) fur trader of Mackinac Island was defnitely a woman who could take care of herself.  She was widowed at the age of 27 with two small children and no money.  Her late husband was a fur trader and she followed in his footsteps to keep the business going.  

Think of the history of this 85-unit hotel.  Through these doors, there have been fur traders, Native Americans, American army officers and well-known business people.

Next door to Harbour Inn View is St. Anne Church.  The parish began as a mission church in the early 1700's.  After the War of 1812, the parish was saved by the fur trader, Madeline La Fromboise.  She donated the land for the church and worked with visitng priests to restore the church's status as a place of worship.  

Before retiring to our room for the evening, my husband and I enjoyd a stroll down to Mission Point Resort., which is on the sunrise side of the island and is nestled among 18 acres of property with Lake Huron.  It is a family-owned resort and features 241 guest rooms and suites, six restaurants, bike rentals, putt-putt golf, spa & salon and outdoor pool.

The next two days were spent in discovering the historical island.

As one walks through the town, you are always dodging a bicyclists(there are over 1,500 bicycles) and numerous horse buggies.  Enjoy a horse-drawn taxi from one location to the next.  There are approximately 600 horses which call Mackinaw home for the summer from carriage tours to horseback riding. 

A tour through Fort Mackinac takes a person back in time.  During the American Revolutionary War, the British built the fort to control the strategic traits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and control the fur trade on the Great Lakes.  The fort became the scene  of two strategic battles for control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812.  During most of the 19th century, it served as an outpost of the United States Army.  It closed in 1895 and has been a museum since then.  

The island also offers the lovely State Park with the beautiful forests. There are more than 70 miles of trails and paths on the island with beautiful limestone rock formations, breathtaking lake views and spectacular wildflowers. 

 M-185 encircles the island and is the only state highway where cars are banned.  The loop is 8.2 miles.

For a more relaxing afternoon, one can enjoy the world's longest front porch, 600 ft long porch at the Grand Hotel.  Our afternoon was spent sitting in the rocking chairs, sipping wine and enjoying the view of Lake Huron.  The hotel also offers high tea.  If you are not staying at the hotel, there is a $10 entrance fee to explore the lobby and other areas.

The Grand Hotel opened its doors in 1887 as a summer retreat for vacationers who traveled to Michigan by train and then a ferry or steamer to the island.  It is a family business and is owned by the Musser Family.  There are 397 guest rooms with no two guest rooms alike.  In 2010, the Ice Cream Parlor was named Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor.  The Musser's scottish terrier, Sadie, was awarded "Best in Show" at the 2010 Westminster Dog Show.  

The swimming pool at the Hotel was named after Esther Williams(actress/competitive swimmer).  In 1947, she starred in the "This Time for Keeps" and it was filmed at the Grand Hotel.

There are so many restaurants to select from.  As well as enjoying the Horn's Gaslight Bar, we also had the pleasure to dine at a new taqueria, Verdes Taqueria.  The tacos and guacamole were some of the best I ever had.   Before catching the ferry back to Mackinac City, we were able to get a table on the waterfront of the Pink Pony and to enjoy their hamburgers and delicious sald with grilled salmon.  This restaurant has been in business for 100 years.  It began with 2 friends who decided to open a business and call it the "Pink Pony".  The bar got its name from the pink carousel sign that hangs outside.

Mackinac Island is well known for its world-famous handmade fudge.  Skilled candy makers have been making fudge for over 130 years.  The sweet chocolate smell will draw you into the store, as you watch them make the fudge and then pour it onto the marble fudge cooling slabs.

Hotels, B&B's, Resorts... are waiting for your call.  

The laughter of families being together puts joy into one's heart.  The island is magical and it helps you to take the time to unplug from electronics.  Back to basics with playing putt-putt, seeing a movie on the lawn, riding a bicycle for two or just sitting on the porch to rest or read that best-selling novel.

Everyone needs to take the time for the perfect getaway to find something new and to enjoy the beautiful surroundings God has created!  Mackinac Island is a great place to renew yourself!

Windmills of the Mind

The cool wind gently touched my face as I pedaled along the bike trail.  My senses were going wild with listening to the red-winged blackbirds calling to each other and the smells of a sweet fragrance blooming from the various trees.

As my legs were speeding along, my mind was also spinning.  The tune and words on my mind for the past several weeks have been "The Windmill of Your Mind".  This was first released in 1969 and sung by Dusty Springfield.  I am definitely a 60's girl.

"Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel, never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel, like a snowball down a mountain, or a carnival balloon, like a carousel that's turning, running rings around the moon....As the images unwind, like the circles that you find, in the windmills of your mind."

I have so much on my mind.  So many stories I feel I need to tell.  The phrase "everybody has a story" is so true.  Recently in a store I came across a display box with the print "Every cork tells a story".  I have collected so many wine corks throughout the year and have thrown them into a drawer.  Needless to say, I purchased the box and brought it home.  As I emptied the drawer, I thought about the cork and the story behind it.  The person or people that I was with, the restaurant, the city, the stories and tears that were shared.  Every time I look at that box of wine corks, I smile.  

Finding a home for the wine corks, I felt I needed to gather the stories of my friends and share them with others.  By sharing these stories, people will find courage and strength to persevere through life and to dream the impossible dream.

As I write down each friend's name and their stories, I reflected on what I have walked away with.  We have all met and known people who have conquered so many obstacles in their life.  When I think I am having a bad day, I reflect on my friends and acquaintances along my path.

One particular person that made an impression on my was Natasha.  I first heard about Natasha about twenty-five years ago.  I can remember that day as if it was today.  It was a cold, rainy day in February.  Sitting with some friends at a restaurant, one of the ladies had just spoken with her mother-in-law earlier in the day.  Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Maxwell, had started a non-profit organization about ten years ago to assist children with health issues from other countries.  

Just recently, Mrs. Maxwell had assisted a young woman and her young daughter by flying them into Houston from a communist country.  The daughter had some facial deformity and she had been ridiculed all of her life.  The mother wanted something better for her daughter.   A doctor in the area had performed surgery, pro-bono and the family would be in the States for the next six months while the young girl's face healed.

My friend was assisting her mother-in-law with this mother and daughter during this time.  As I listened to this story, I could feel God's spirit touching me and tears began to flow.  I coudn't even imagine what this family had gone through all these years.  This mother had traveled 7,000 miles to another country which she didn't even speak the language or even knew anyone.  All she knew she had to do something for her daughter, no matter the risk.

I knew I needed to meet this mother.  I wanted to hear about the challenges, the struggles, the life they lived.  A communist country, which allowed them to leave.   There was so much more to this story than her daughter having surgery.  It was about a young girl who grew up to be a woman, who defeated all odds, who listened to a voice inside her to find the freedom that she and her family would eventually find.   

Is your mind spinning?  Do you need to tell a story about someone who fought all odds and made a difference?  If you have someone on your mind, take the time to send that person a letter and to let them know they have a made difference.  We all need affirmation!

                                               Photo Taken in Sicily

Independence Day!

 What does the 4th of July mean to you?

To me the 4th of July is a day of thanks!  A day of reflecting on what America has gone through to be the country that it is.  English speaking settlers arrived in North America during the early 17th century, followed by further migrations in the 18th and 19th centuries.

After a few years, the colonists fought the British because they wanted to be free from Britian and they were tired of the unfair taxes.  They just wanted to have their own government.  

As I research my ancestories, I have discovered that on my mother's side, her great-great materinal grandfather was a Revolutionary Patriot.  A patriot was a colonist who rebelled against the British during the American Revolution.  They rejected the ideas of a monarchy and aristocracy and they favored liberty and individual rights.

When I pledge the allegiance or sing "The Star-Spangled Banner", I always have tears in my eyes.  Where I am today didn't come easy.  Other people have fought for the freedom I have.

As I enjoy today, I will say "thank-you" for the soldiers who have risked their lives so I can enjoy a day of being with friends and family, eat hamburgers and hotdogs and ice cream and enjoy the spectacular firework shows in the evening.

God Bless America!

My Tribute to Dylan

My Dearest Dylan,

It is hard to believe you are "18" and you will be graduating from high school this week.  It seems like only yesterday you were born.  You were so eager to enter into this world that you came several weeks early.  Even arriving early, you weighed seven pounds, four ounces and was twenty inches long.

I know you think you are getting older.  You are, but life is only beginning.  

Graduating from High School is only one of many milestones you will reach in life.  Some other milestones you will reach are earning a paycheck; graduating from college; finding your own path in life; surviving disappointment(s); getting married; having children and so many more.

You did reach a milestone two years ago when you dealt with pawpaw's death.  It was hard.  His one goal for you was to see you graduate from high school.  I know he will not be there personally, but I know he will be cheering you on from heaven as you walk across the platform to receive your degree.

I am so proud of you and all that you have already accomplished in the past eighteen years.  You have become a young, heart-warming, caring individual.  You have that quiet side, but I know you are looking around and trying to figure out the situation(s) as well as the individual(s).  In the past year, I have seen you mature and stepped-up to the plate in assisting your great-grandmother with everyday life.

As you graduate, I want you to know the world is out there and waiting for you.  You have so many opportunities.  Take advantage of them.  Don't allow the words "no"; "I can't do it" or "it is impossible".  Everything is possible.  It is your attitude and how you will take life by the horns and solve the problem(s) without any further delay.  You may fall, but you may also soar.  The choice is yours.  Remember Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"

In my almost sixty-nine years of life, I have had the opportunity to do a lot.  It took me eighteen years to graduate from college, but I did it.  I had obstacles along the way, but I never allowed those obstacles to keep me from striving to do my best and to accomplish the task.  

Some Words of Wisdom:

1.  It is "OK" to take a year off between high school and college, if you are unsure of the path you want to take.  You can mature during this time, save some money and learn a lot about yourself.

2.  Don't lose your values.  Don't be easily influenced(which I don't think you are).  Know yourself and your limits.

3.  Stay in touch with family(mee-mee, your mom, your aunts and other close family).  Always remember, we love you and we are there to listen to listen to you during the good times and rough times.

4.  Be kind to others and especially to yourself.  Encourage others.  Everyone wants to hear "you can do it"; "you are special" and it is also OK to cry.

5.  Have fun and make good choices.  Some choices will be good, but others will not be.  When in doubt, don't do it.

6.  If you need help, ask for it from your family and friends.  Everyone wants to help.

7.  Work hard & focus.  If you are working, respect your employer and always do your bet.  It may not be a job you want to do, but others are watching on how you handle situations.

8.  Don't be a push-over or vulnerable to people who will take advantage of your generosity(you are very generous), your money or your time.  Know your limits and when it is time to stand up for yourself and kindly say "no".

9.  Eat healthy & exercise.  As you get older, you will be glad you did!

10.  Remember what fuels your passion--If what you study or where you work doesn't bring you joy and satisfaction, re-consider your course choices.  It is far better to realize you are on the wrong path early in life than hating something all your life.

11.  Follow your dreams.  Embrace all of the opportunities and challenges that will come with working and going to school.  Your family is cheering you on!

I could go on and on and on, but I will stop.  

Dylan, I am so proud of you and the man you have become.  God has great plans for your life.  You may have to stop and be still and listen and get off your phone, but God is talking.  He will guide you!

Thank you for being a part of my life.  You will never know how much you have taught me!

You will always remember "2022"!

Congratulations!

DD

Enjoying Las Vegas!

A week ago, my husband and I traveled to Las Vegas to celebrate his birthday, to meet friends and to see the "Doobie Brothers".  We all had a great time.  Vegas is many things to many people.

When one thinks about Las Vegas, you normally thinking of gambling, drinking and acting crazy.    You know the phrase "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".

Vegas is a lot more than gambling and drinking.  The strip always reminds me of a theme park, but for adults.  There is something about the hotels and their decor.  The hotels are visually appealing with the various themes.  

One of those spectacular hotels is the Bellagio.  Once you visit the Bellagio, you will never forget it. Your eyes are drawn to the front of the hotel with the fountain swaying, enhanced by music and light.  You are looking at more than 1,000 feet of water with the water rising as high as 460 feet into the air.  The music flows with the dancing of the fountain. Those are the best photos at night.  Capturing the water as it escalates in the background brings a chill to you.  There are so many angles for photos.  My favorite is at night with the fountain soaring into the dark sky with the bright lights of the Eiffel Tower in the background. 

As you enter into the hotel, your eyes are drawn to the ceiling.  Fiori di Como is Dale Chihuly's interpretation of Italian flowers in the spring.  There are over two thousand vibrant colors of glass flowers one stands under as you check into the hotel.

The Bellagio is one of many.  You definitely want to check out the hotels as you cruise the Vegas strip.

Some of the spectacular hotels you do not want to miss are:  Caesars Palace; Paris Las Vegas; The Venetian Resort; New York-New York Hotel; The Mirage and so many more.  You could spend the day going from one hotel to the next.

When I think of Vegas, I think back to the 60's and all the different performers.  The Rat Pack(Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop) performed at the Sands for many years.  Wayne Newton performed more than "30,000" shows in Vegas.  And one of my all time favorites was Elvis Presley.  He performed "636" consecutive shows at the International and Las Vegas Hilton.

Now days, Vegas is known for the following performer, Celine Dion  who had residency at Caesars Palace.  She performed there for sixteen years.  Other well-known performers have been Rod Stewart, Elton John, Katy Perry and many more.  Miranda Lambert has announced a 24-show residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in September.  There is always someone performing in Vegas.

During the day, one can enjoy day trips to Hoover Dam, which is only about 45 minutes from Vegas.  This dam is one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world.  You can stop here on your way to the Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.  This incredible canyon is a four hour drive or a 45-minute flight from Las Vegas.

In January, my husband and I enjoyed a four day trip to Las Vegas to get away from the cold and snow in Colorado.  On this trip, we drove two and a half hours to explore Death Valley.  January is the perfect time to visit.  Death Valley is known for extremes.  It is North America's driest and hottest spot with fewer than two inches of rainfall annually and a record high of 134 degrees fahrenheit.  Also, it has the lowest elevation on the continent at 282 feet below sea level. 

If you are wanting to stay in the area, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a great exhibit.  It is home to 2,000 animals, including saw fish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, jellyfish and sharks.  There are more than "100" sharks, including "30" in the 1.3 million gallon main tank, one of the largest in the US.

As you can see, there is a lot to do in Las Vegas with the hotels, museums, restaurants, shows, tours and so much more.

If you are needing a nice get away, Las Vegas is the place to go.

Will I Live to 100?

The last few weeks I have been reading articles about Betty White.  She was a remarkable woman who missed living to the age of "100" by seventeen days.   

From everything I have read, she lived a remarkable life and lived it to the fullest.  Some of her famous quotes:

* "Realize how good life is while it's happening, because before you know it, it will be gone."

* "Accentuate the positive, not the negative."

* "Don't lie about your age."

* "First of all, keep busy and don't focus everything on you."

* "A sense of humor."

* "Don't lose your zest of life. Age doesn't define you."

I know I am not getting any younger and I am definitely aging.  When I look in the mirror, I notice my face and how that has changed.  I have a few more lines, wrinkles and spots.  My skin is beginning to sag. There are few gray hairs here and there.  My energy level to walk and ride my bike has changed.  I can still get out and do all of this.  Just not for the hours like I use to.  

So my question is "Will I make it to 100?"   

At the age of "68", I feel that I will.  My mom is "87".  She has some health issues, but she still has her mind and she is still moving around.  My dad died at the age of "61" due to his lifestyle of drinking and smoking.  I have surpassed my father's death age and I am striving to obtain my mom's age.

If I can be of sound mind and be in good health, I would like to live to "100!"  

The truth is no one knows when they will die.  The good Lord holds the keys of "Life & Death"!  Also, God knew before we were conceived, our date of birth and date of death.  Now that is very hard for me to conceive.  I live by the promises He has given me and I treasure each day.

I do try to practice all that Betty White lived by.  Our attitude makes a difference on how we treat life.  And what is "stress" like in your life?  Do you get upset over everything?  Or do you look at life and realize there are opportunities in everything, including when situations go a different direction than planned?

None of us are perfect, but we can "love" each day.

If I am going to live to "100" that means I have "32" more years of life.  How do I plan to live those years?  A lot can happen during that time.  I look at the past "32" years and the accomplishments, the places I have lived, new friends, new goals, places I have traveled, the deaths of family and friends and so much more.

My life is before me.  Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things."  I will live each day to the fullest and do my best to make a difference.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!