Talladega

I've always wanted to go to a Nascar race but I had no idea it would be so much fun. Our reservations were messed up and they put us in a "gated community" infield. Only people staying in that area were allowed in so the crazies stayed away. We were the second row from the track between turns three and four. We could actually sit in the motorhome with the tv on the race and see the cars go by in the background, which we did when it got real hot. The cars practicing on the track would wake us up in the morning, but they did let us sleep until about 8:30. We got there Thursday night and after dealing with our reservations being messed up we got in line in the "staging area". We were put in the line that went in first so we didn't have to wait as long. We drove across the track to get infield, that was cool. Whenever it got hot we could relax in the RV, we didn't have to deal with concession stands, or sitting in the sun in seats in the stadium all day. I'm so spoiled now. I don't want to go back unless we can stay infield again, and only in that section.

It was great being there with Steve, he knows so much about Nascar. And my dear friend, Dawn, went with us. We haven't been able to hang out that much in years. And I didn't take her along to just cook, although she is a great cook.

The day of the big race we sat on the roof of the motorhome. It's like it's own party up there. The race was incredible, some said its the best race in years. The ninth lap there was a seven car wreck right in front of us. My heart jumped. It's a lot different seeing it in person. Everyone was ok, but the wreck on the last lap was close to the grandstands and seven spectators got hurt. You just never know. That's why I liked being on the second row. At least there is some protection from the wrecks.

I've been so fortunate to be able to see all of these amazing things. I savor every moment of them. Especially when I get to see them with people I love.

Tornado reflections

I ran errands today around Murfreesboro. Every corner I turned there was some affect from the tornado. Then I turned off I-24 onto Medical Center Parkway and my heart dropped. Across the street from the Avenue you can see the path of devastation. Homes flattened, utility poles laying on the side of streets, pieces of peoples homes was everywhere and so were the police and state troopers. The State troopers have set up an RV for all of the troopers. An insurance company has an rv in the Avenue parking lot.

I didn't take any pictures because I felt it was an invasion of privacy. And they don't do the damage justice. We see all of the video and pictures on tv, the internet, and from friends. That's just what they are, pictures. To see it in person has a different affect. Peoples lifes scattered across highways and in ditches and in other's yards. One friend told me her house was fine but her yard was full of debris from other homes. She even found someones divorce papers.

I have a new appreciation for nature, for life, and for what will come in my life that is unexpected. Whatever I face, things could be so much worse.

Hi ya'll from Mississippi

This has been an exciting couple of weeks. Everyone at Waverley is counting the minutes until the last morning tour Saturday morning. Of course, the mansion is open everyday of the year, but not with these pilgrimage crowds.

We’ve been in a dead zone. No internet or cell phone service in the campground. We drive to Columbus or Melanie’s to check email and make phone calls. You don’t realized you are hooked until you start having withdrawals.

There has been some kind of excitement during each tour. Melanie had an allergic reaction and became violently ill ten minutes before the first tour. Steve sat in the kitchen with her as she lay on the kitchen floor in her mother’s 40 year old pilgrimage dress. Steve tried to get her out of it but she was a dish rag. The both of us finally got her changed and home. Steve babysat and the rest of us covered her part of the tour. She recovered that night and figured out she is allergic to her hair dye. Isn’t that weird? Then a woman fell off the front porch and broke her ankle. We had to call an ambulance for her (caution, lawsuits may occur). You never know what people are going to do. Melanie’s niece saw the woman taking a picture while she was walking down the stairs, not paying attention to anything. One day there was a terrible storm with tornado warnings with lightening and thunderstorms. The tourists were stuck in the house so we had to entertain them with stories. Then the lights went out. Melanie, with her wonderful sense of humor, said “Let’s give ghost tours.” One day it was so cold we wore pants under our dresses. Of course, who would notice? We’ve had nice people, rude people, small children, school field trips, and lots of senior citizens on tour busses. People have come in from all over the world, but my favorite couple was from Franklin, Tennessee.

We tell stories of Colonial Young that built the mansion and his family, masked balls at the mansion, the civil war, and the Snow family’s restoration of the home. The antiques that furnish the mansion are incredible. Our tours depend on people’s interest. Some just want history and some just want to know about the antiques, and some just want to talk about the gardens (five acres of formal gardens).

I have only worked the pilgrimage tours, which are four hours a day three days a week, but it has been exhausting. We’ve spent our spare time just hanging out at the campground or with Melanie. Sara and Keith did get to come for a couple of days and seemed to have a good time. Sara loved the azaleas and Melanie filled her room with fresh cuttings in vases. Melanie spoiled them.

We spent one whole day installing an antenna on Melanie roof for her TV only to figure out her rabbit ears worked better. So, we uninstalled it. Steve was so tired. We’ve run errands for Melanie’s father, Mr. Robert, and for Melanie. We’ve helped to cook food for Waverley. Mr. Robert likes to feed all of the tour guides after each Pilgrimage tour. The West Point Air Force Base spouses volunteer each year to help at all of the houses. Some tours we will have six or seven volunteers. One lady told me sixty people volunteered from the Air Force Base this year. There are about 15 different tours for Pilgrimage. Most of these homes are not open the rest of the year.

We’re going fishing today on Mr. Robert’s pond. It’s supposed to have all kinds of fish, including some rather large catfish. I’m hoping to have fish for dinner. We’ll see. I could go on and on about all of this. I’ve been here two weeks and there’s so much to tell. Maybe I’ll start blogging some of the Waverley stories we tell. They’re fascinating.

Until next time, this is Diana the Traveler signing off.

Its been raining for a couple of days. That's fine. It gave me a couple of days to catch up on paperwork. Now I can feel the warmth peeking through the clouds, telling me to go to the beach. This is not as easy as it sounds. Its spring break. In Panama City Beach spring break lasts six weeks. I don't know how the locals do it. But the locals love it. This is a time to make their money.

We went to Walmart and saw young college men with baskets full of chips, Ramon noodles, and lots and lots of beer. We dared to drive down Front Beach Road (the main strip) one afternoon. Kids stumbling across the road, drink in hand. Cars full of screaming girls. So many 150 scooters which you don't have to have a license to drive. And they don't wear helmets here. It scared me that this is our future. Then I remembered my youth and forgave them.

I did find a small spot at the far end of the beach. Tomorrow its going to be sunny and 80 degrees. I plan to spend our last day here at the beach sitting in my chair, journeling, and listening to the water.

Nastame

On the beach, sort of

We're back in Panama City Beach. We stopped here on our way back from Disney World while we were waiting for the snow to melt in Nashville. We found an RV Park on Back Beach road that is quiet. Yes, it's spring break here, but the campground is away from the beach. I'm looking at one of the small lakes and enjoying the breeze through my open window. It's supposed to rain today, but that's ok, its 70 degrees. I plan to spend the day writing, reading, or maybe catching up on some paperwork. We spent yesterday running errands, so we both need a day to rest. Yes, life goes on, even on the road. I needed new glasses to replace the ones I lost at Disney. We bought some groceries. We went to a boat store to look for stuff for the houseboat. And of course, we went to Buddy's Seafood Market to buy fresh shrimp for dinner. I think I keep coming back here for the seafood.

Maybe I'll get out today and take some pictures around the campground before it rains. I know I'm going to the beach Monday or Tuesday when it quits raining. I'll go early in the morning while the spring breakers are asleep. Who knows, maybe I'll find a few laying around on the beach that never made it to their rooms. That could be some interesting pictures.

Houseboat

We've been home for a few weeks, can't even remember how long now, trying to leave again. Steve has had a desire for a houseboat. He spent hours on the computer looking, studying, hoping to come across the right one. But it had to be on, or moveable to, Dale Hollow Lake. So, this past Sunday we drove up there once again, looking at houseboats. You would be amazed at some of the junk people are trying to sell. Then we walked up to Barefoot and Topless. From a distance I saw her and thought "Is this it? Could it be so beautiful?" Its sleek like a cruiser, now square like a houseboat. Then we boarded her. We were instantly taken in by her, trying not to show our enthusiams to the boat realtor. As we stepped inside we knew this was the one. She is 32', actually smaller than the motorhome inside. But there are several stories of living. The bridge, the galley (I'm learning the terms), a bedroom under the bridge, a party deck (yes it's really called this) with a bimini top is above the galley, then a sun deck is a short climb from the party deck. Steve made an offer, then counters were involved, and now Captain Steve is the owner of a new houseboat.

The name, he wants an original name. Barefoot and topless is cute, but its someone else's name. It's a boat thing. We've been tossing around ideas. He has decided on "The other woman". I thought that was appropriate because if he's not with me he will be with the other woman. It will take a couple of weeks to finalize the details, test drive the boat, and exchange money, but we are planning an "open boat" or "boat warming" in early June. We want to wait until the weather warms up.

Speaking of warm weather, its suppose to sleet here and be cold, so we're leaving this afternoon for Panama City Beach. We stayed there on the way back from Orlando on this last trip and found a great campground that doesn't allow spring breakers. It's that time of year. We'll stay there until the weather warms up.

Try to keep warm and I'll think of you while I eat oysters and shrimp.

Diana

Haiku

Disneyworld was fun.
Imagination galore.
My feet are hurting.