January 31, 2011: Chattanooga to Louisville

This morning, we went to the Hunter Museum of Art in downtown Chattanooga.    There is a neat glass bridge next to the art museum.   You walk across from it and can see all the way down to the road. It is pretty freaky to walk on.    There are two parts to the museum.   The older paintings from the 19th century are in the southern mansion.  The newer art pieces were in the modern portion of the museum.      I highly recommend visiting this art museum. They have some fabulous pieces.


After lunch, we stopped at the Russell Stovers store.     I bought myself a box of Valentine candy, but won't open it until Valentine's Day.   I am always good to myself.  :o)      


Tonight, we are staying at a Drury Inn in Louisville, KY.    I highly recommend this hotel chain.    They have a small dinner from 5:30 to 7 every night and a nice breakfast in the mornings.  The hotels are very nice, too.    


Enjoyed chatting with the bus driver, as well as a couple on the trip.    You always learn something from everyone you meet.  I am surprised by how many couples on the trip are on their 2nd marriages.   They seem so happy together.  I think that is awesome.


I've been watching the weather reports back in Michigan and not looking forward to the possibility of 10 to 12 inches of snow.  

January 30, 2011: Ocala to Chatanooga

The next few days are going to be a long ride home.    We left Ocala, FL early this morning.  We had a lunch stop in Cordele, GA, and then got to Chatanooga, TN around 5:30 p.m.


I helped the escort plan our lunch and where we would stop.   I enjoyed doing that.   In retirement, I would love to be an escort for a tour company.   Traveling has always been in my blood, and I can't imagine life without it.
If I had endless money, I would love to drive around all 50 states on one trip and just stop and see all the sights, but unfortunately, I have to work for another 30 years. 


We still plan to check out other areas of North Carolina.   Olive said that we should also check out New Bern, NC, as it is a beautiful city.    


There is a hotel in Memphis, TN called the Peabody Hotel, where there are ducks swimming in the tountain.   The ducks do a walk through the lobby at 11 am and 5 p.m. every day.     Many movie stars have come to this hotel to see the duck walk.    I am hoping we can stay there a night when we go this summer.  


Learned a little from the older folks on the trips. So many of them are couples and been married awhile.    They know how to give good advice about life.     Some are single and enjoy that, as well.     You never know what people go through, until you talk to themI .  Sometimes, I may look at someone and think they have it made. Then, they tell me their story, and I am so surprised.      


As I have been writing, I have been saying how I have wanted to be married and have my own family, which I hope is in the Lord's plan for me.

January 29, 2011: Las Olas Blvd in Ft. Lauderdale

We left Miami early this morning.   The porter didn't get our luggage, so we hauled it down ourselves. We were not impressed with the service at that hotel.  It took them forever to bring all of our luggage up when we first got to Miami.     The room was ok.   We weren't in the room that much anyway.  


Spent about 3 hours on Las Olas Blvd in Ft. Lauderdale.  They had a bunch of galleries, shops, and outdoor cafes.    Traffic was better in this city than in Miami.     We found this wonderful Italian bakery and got some Italian ice cream and some cannolis.    


Took the Florida Turnpike through Orlando and spending the night in Ocala, FL.   John Travolta has a home in the city of Anthony, which is just outside Ocala.    The escort and bus driver got a kick out of all of the movie star homes we have found on our travels.    


We are planning to check out Raleigh in probably June.    The temperature may be better for me.  I've been reading about the unemployment situation around Florida, which isn't too good right now. Forbes listed Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami as the top 10 worst places to find work.   


When you are trying to figure out your future, you look at so many different things.    You can't always prepare for what is ahead of you, but sometimes, make it a little easier by making some better decisions along the way.


Praying for my future and that I find a good home, church, and a job.    I have been praying for a husband and a family of my own, but sometimes wonder if it will ever be.    Thank you for being such good friends and family to me and thank you for your prayers.

January 27, 2011: Gator Park & Hard Rock Cafe

It was another relaxing morning for me. I enjoy taking my time and not rushing around. Man, I wish I was retired and could do that every day.


We went to the Everglades today to Gator World to see some alligators. We took an airboat all around. Saw some alligators which was pretty cool. One of them had baby alligators about 4 months ago. The tall grass on the sides is real sharp at the top. It can even slice your fingers. I forgot the name of this grass, but it is found all over the Everglades.


We got to see a Scorpion. I held a 4 foot real, life alligator and my mom took a picture. That was pretty cool. The skin on it felt cold.


Had dinner tonight at the Hard Rock Cafe in Miami. Found out that our bus driver, Tim Shelton, was an extra in the Kurt Russell movie filmed in Coopersville. He said he was wearing a tshirt that said Shelton on it.


I had wanted to go see my dad's aunt Pauline's home in Coral Gables, but we just ran out of time. Here are the directions to it so next time I go, I won't forget to check it out. ‎916 Venetia Ave. Coral Gables. --- Go to the Granada entrance at 8th. St. and go S. on Granada for 2-3 blocks to Venetia

January 26, 2011: Miami/Biscayne Bay

We had a leisurely morning today, which was nice after having a long day the day before.    We missed the breakfast at the hotel by 15 minutes, so decided to walk south on Collins Ave and see where we could eat.   I saw Trump International Hotel and thought that would be a great place for breakfast.   Ordered an omelette which was the best I have ever had.    Dined at the restaurant that overlooked the pool area. It was absolutely gorgeous and high class.   


In the afternoon, we took a cruise around Biscayne Bay in Miami.   It was 1 1/2 hour cruise.    Saw the homes of Rosie O'donell, Gloria Estefan, PDiddy, Al Capone, etc.    


Had a delicious dinner at Bubba Gumps Restaurant.    I had shrimp scampi over linguini which was good.    


It was sunny and warm today which is perfect for the cruise.   

January 25, 2011: South Beach

We had breakfast in the hotel, as it was complimentary.  We all know how I like free food.     Anyway, I was quite surprised at all of the children running around on a Monday.  Don't kids have to go to school this time of the year?     It was fun watching all of the people.   


After breakfast, we went down to check the beach.    The red and purple flags were out at the lifeguard station, which meant the waves were strong, so you should be aware.


A step on guide was supposed to give us a tour of Miami and South Beach, but apparently, quit his job today, so our bus driver and chaperone didn't know quite what to do. Our itinerary said South Beach, so I said why don't we still go down there. I gave our bus driver instructions to a good spot, as I had been doing some reading on the area and things to do.  So, we all went down to Lincoln/Washington Street and got dropped off.  


My mom and I walked down Washington to 815 Washington, which is where the Kardashian sisters (from TV) have a clothing boutique.    I talked to the clerk there, who said the girls call every day to check on the store and they come in person about once a month.  They are usually unannounced visits.  The clerk said Khloe is very nice and would do anything for you.   I had my mom do my photo shoot both inside and outside the store.     


We walked along Ocean Front Drive and saw all of the art deco buildings.    When you think of South Beach, this is what it looks like.    Had a nice lunch at one of the outdoor cafes.      Walked down further and found the Italian designer, Versace, who had a home here. He was murdered in front of his home in 1997 by a serial killer.    


Our bus driver picked us up and drove us around the area.   I gave the people interesting facts about the area.   I probably should have been the tour guide today, as I found out so much information on the area and where to go.    Maybe that would be a good job for me to do when I retire, since I love to travel.


Found out our bus driver had a hard time finding a place to park the bus, as Miami doesn't allow them to park overnight.  He had to ask security and a police officer for assistance.  Finally, the officer said he could park at the mall only that night, but had to find another place to park it.   He had to call his company and Orchard View Travelers for help.   Of course, the hotel has no idea where buses park, which I find hard to believe.  So, he is parking the bus 5 miles north of our hotel at a Best Western. I never realized how much goes into doing one of these trips.  You have to be a pretty calm person to drive a bus.


Our bus driver offered to take us all tonight to the Aventura Mall.    Those who wanted to go could do so.  


Spoke with a clerk at the Burberry store about employment around Florida.  She said not to give up a job until you have one already lined up.   Right now,  employers are looking for skills more than your education.    That is good advice.


So that was my day around the area.  Tomorrow we are off to Key West. I want to check out Ernest Hemingway's home. I saw it several years ago, but would like to go back.     

January 23: Nashville, TV to Valdosta, GA

We were quite impressed with our stay at the Drury Inn. We had never heard of that hotel chain. There are quite a few in the south. When we came to Nashville in 2009, I really liked it, and still liked it this time. I just can't believe they even had some snow. Of course, it is not nearly the amount Michigan gets, but it is still there. I am surprised you have to go south of Atlanta to start seeing some warmth.


Stopped in Macon, Georgia, at the Georgia Hall of Fame museum. It was pretty interesting. I didn't realize so many musicians have grown up in Georgia such as Trisha Yearwood, Brenda Lee, Alan Jackson, etc. Trisha grew up in Monticello, GA.


We had to stop at the local hospital to pick up one of our passengers, who had twisted her knee. She got some drugs and crutches. I can't imagine using crutches on a vacation.


Had dinner at Cracker Barrel. We were each given $10 gift cards there, so I got a kids meal and still had about $5 left to spend in the gift shop. I got this cute bird feeder. It's the shape of a video camera and says Bird cam on it. I can't wait to put it out this spring. My mom doesn't think the bird will fit in it, but I will try and prove her wrong.
Tomorrow, we are heading to Miami. We should be there around 5 p.m.


I heard Muskegon got 10 inches of snow Saturday.