Seashells and Overalls: September 2010

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Ft. DeSoto and John’s Pass

On Tuesday we loaded our bikes and headed out for one the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Once a 12-inch mortar battery, which is located at the fort for which the park was named, it merited a place in the National Register of Historic Places. With three miles of white sand beaches it wasn’t hard to find a place to relax after a seven mile bike ride along the coast and thru the natural surroundings.

~yes, it was extremely hot, yes, we took lots of water and yes, we collapsed once we cooled off in the calm waters of the gulf~

This beautiful park includes “A 238-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a camp store.”

Who wouldn’t love camping next to the water under palm trees!

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Ahhhhhhhh, what a lovely day!

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~John’s Pass~

John’s Pass is a quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village complete with “unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, cruise lines, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing.”

Yep, you guessed it, this IS the pass.

All of that is entertaining but to me the best part was lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

YUMALICIOUS! you knew I’d say that…

Need I say more?

All this fun has me ready for some sleep.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Blessings Y’all!

Kathy

Welcome new follower!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Ahhhhhhhh, Florida

I never tire of a white sand beach. Ahhhhhh… Gulf Islands National Seashore

We took the scenic route to Tampa this time. While in Pensacola we discovered that my favorite little hotel, Five Flags Inn was destroyed in Hurricane Ivan in 2004. :(

On a happier note I found the campground in Destin my parents took our family to when I was 16 called Camping on the Gulf. They took us in a Dodge truck with a cabover camper and we parked on the second row. It was heaven! We plan to stay here sometime next year. (They take reservations up to a year in advance…a bit pricey but so worth it!)

Driving along the gulf coastline, we explored some “off the beaten path” places including Fanning Springs, The Suwannee River and BubbaQue’s at Chiefland, best BBQ we’ve ever had!

~~ Food-Fun-Friends ~~

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Whataburger in Destin, Steak at Tina’s new house, Dairy Curl coconut sundae in Clearwater Beach!

Yumalicious !

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My most favorite time of the day on the beach…

While we were playing along the coastline, my children were very busy…

My daughter, Danielle in her new office!

My son, Josh became a licensed Private Pilot!

Guess who also loves the beach…

And just for those of you who LOVE antiques and collectables…

“DEAR CROSSING”

Antiques and Collectables near Hardy, Arkansas

How ‘bout that trailer?

Blessings Y’all!

Kathy

Welcome new followers! :)

Friday, September 10, 2010

Detour

~~~Detour~~~

There are many things about life I don’t understand but have chosen to accept. Why?

I believe with all my heart that God is in control, always has been, and always will be.

Ozarks Autumn

After spending two glorious days in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains we headed toward Florida. On Monday we made it to Macon, GA when we received a phone call. Robert’s son, Corey told us the news.

Smoky Mountains

His grandfather Robert’s ex-father-in-law had unexpectedly passed away.

He had taken his own life.

Photo courtesy of Gary Rushing

So we turned around and made our way to Missouri to offer our support to a grieving family with Corey in the forefront of our thoughts. Yes, when we arrived we found sadness,but also strength, unbelievable strength.

God had surrounded this family with His unexplainable love and comfort. The days following were filled with hugs, tears, storytelling, food and beverages, services, visits from friends, and laughter.

REST IN PEACE

Gary Francis Barnes

March 15,1949-September 6,2010

On a lighter note, I visited with some of my co-workers from last year. They are a delightful group of ladies who always bring a smile to my face. Kathy, Rexanna, Margaret, Dawn, Debbie, Shirley, Jeanette,and Diana. It was wonderful seeing them again! thanks for the yumalicious cookies

I MISS Y’ALL!

don’t forget your promises~

Can anyone say, “Shoetree?”

Captn Dave’s Little River Artistry

Townsend, TN

We’ll resume our travels on Sunday.

Blessings Y’all,

Kathy

Last but not least, WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS!

It thrills me!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Cades Cove

~~WELCOME TO CADES COVE~~

We were greeted this morning with dense fog and temps in the 40’s. Brrrrrr! I actually had to put a little sweater on which for me is unbelievable! I’m always warm After a quick breakfast and two cups of coffee also unbelievable we made our way to Cades Cove, an 11-mile, one-way Loop Road thru “a showcase for some of the most inspiring natural and cultural treasures that the Southern Appalachian Mountains have to offer.” www.SmokiesInformation.org. Arriving early provided a less crowded road so there was more opportunity to drive slowly, snap a few pictures and really SEE this beautiful place.

One of our first stops was the Primitive Baptist Church, established in 1827. I didn’t meet any of the founding members but if they had been there on this Sunday morn, I bet they would have been sittin’ in these wooden pews, singin’ hymns and shoutin’, “Hallelujah!”