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Across the Fence:  FUN IN THE SUN - EVERGLADES/FLORIDA KEYS  |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 06 2008 : 07:39:37 AM
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our fun trip on the cruise ship docks and we are back on the 'mainland' .. southern florida .. we visit the Everglades and the Florida Keys:
Thursday .. 4:00 a.m. .. I wake up early .. waters are calmer now .. we are two hours from the Port of Miami.
As is always the case when I travel .. when my trip is 'drawing nigh' .. i get the most home-sick! I dress, do last minute packing and head for COFFEE before 5 a.m. Again .. I am the only person roaming the ship before the sun rises.
My thoughts are on our children and grands. I think of them and smile (much of our conversation on this trip has been about them and their 'cute ways'. They are our joy and delight!
Hank and I often find ourselves using their 'phrases' to each other!
UP-PEAS (up-please) is Sofia's newest! "SOES" .. is Sofia's favorite .. it, of course, means SHOES! And when talk turns to Lucas .. we speak of how handsome and bright he is and of his protective love for his little sister .. and how their faces light up when they see each other on each morning's rising.
We delight at great-grandson Andrew's bravery around animals of all sizes and shapes and how he loves to bury his head into Cabin and Creek's fur! His free abandon and sheer joy and innocence at all he see's new in life. OH .. I am so homesick for them!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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Edited by - CabinCreek-Kentucky on Mar 06 2008 07:58:24 AM |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2008 : 07:44:49 AM
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TWO HOURS LATER: I can now see the Port where we will dock and the boat has slowed to a 'snail's pace". Im reminiscing already of all the fun we have had .. the sight's seen .. the people met .. the new places we visited .. the adventures we had.
Yesterday I was shocked when Hank mentioned how 'little' this cruise has cost. (I have always left 'money-matters" to him .. so i was totally unaware.) My FRANNIE RULE has always been that Hank is in charge of making and managing our money .. and I am in chare of FUN and spending it!
Anyhoo .. the actual trip (senior price was only about $100 per day .. each) .. when you consider that is six night's lodging and 7 days of fun .. with all manner of free activities .. and UNLIMITED FOOD .. that is an amazing vacation deal! Of course .. one has to tack on AIR FARE .. extra Island excursions and souvenirs purchased .. but still .. it can be a very reasonable expenditure for a fun wintertime get-away.
ALREADY .. I have forgotten the HOT & HUMID part of our trip .. and that was really only in Jamaica for some reason!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2008 : 07:48:23 AM
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NOON .. we arrive at Ft. Lauderdale Airpot and rent a care ... drive to Everglades National Park and take a walk and see lots of beautiful huge birds. up close (they seem to have no fear of humans and actually 'pose for photographs .. often spreading beautifully colored wings.
Quite a few alligators sunning themselves along the banks .. and a handfull of large turtles. ALL seeming to live in harmony one with another.
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2008 : 07:52:16 AM
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(I'm writing this in small postings .. cuz' earlier, i wrote everything in an e-mail .. we had a 'power out' .. and i lost it all!)
Late Afternoon: We head down the 'keys' .. but can't find an available hotel .. so we return to the mainland for the night. We promise each other to rise early tomorrow and ride the 125 miles to Key West which 'reads' to be in our guidebook .. the most interesting KEY.
Had a yummy dinner and hit the sheets at our hotel. GOSH .. we sure are finding hotels VERY expensive in south florida! Makes the "cruise" seem even more 'reasonably-priced'!
(KATHY SUGARBUCKET: your fav hotel with the wonderful bedding (Hampton Inn) at KEY WEST .. 'starts' at about $400 per night!!!) OUCH! I guess we won't be spending a night on Key West!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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Edited by - CabinCreek-Kentucky on Mar 06 2008 08:00:57 AM |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2008 : 07:54:56 AM
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HAPPY LEAP YEAR!!
The sun is shining .. the sky and ocean are blue -- we're about as far south as one can go in the "continental" United States of America!! A bright new day and our excitement is growing to hit the road .. even further SOUTH!! The KEYS are a very narrow stretch of island and bridges with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.
Pretty resorts .. lots of boats, .. shoppes .. restaurants .. line the shores .. there is almost always a 'water view' on your left and right. Sometimes it is hidden from view by lush green thickly leaved trees. I'm thinking this is a nice place to visit .. but I wouldn't want to live here.
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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Edited by - CabinCreek-Kentucky on Mar 06 2008 08:02:54 AM |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2008 : 08:36:49 AM
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Saturday . noon .... After riding the slow, busy, peopled streets looking at the plethora of elegant and trendy shoppes and restaurants, I see on a local KEY WEST map that we have picked up .. where the Southern-most point of the Continental United States of America is located and I want to stand there!
We find it AND the SOUTHERNMOST restaurant in the U.S. We stop and have a yummy lunch (almost sitting in the water .. the ocean is RIGHT THERE! .. we look across the street and see a huge, beautiful Victorian house that has a sign designating it as the SOUTHERN-MOST HOUSE in the U.S. .. and .. be still my heart ... it is a Bed and Breakfast!
Based on our inquiries last night to find a 'room' at a hotel on Key West, I figure THIS one is going to cost about a THOUSAND a night .. AND .. probably has NO VACANCIES!!
STILL .. we want to see the inside .. so after lunch .. we proceed thourght the gates .. up the steps and to our left is a 'cabana' and swimming pool that ends 'just short' of the Ocean! WOWZER!!!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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Edited by - CabinCreek-Kentucky on Mar 06 2008 08:42:04 AM |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2008 : 11:11:06 AM
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Nearing dinnertime and we have walked the charming streets of Key West .. stopped to share a slice of 'key lime pie" .. and toured Ernest Hermingway's Key West home! What an interesting character he is .. it occurs to me that i have NEVER read any of his books .. i make a promise to myslef to do so before this year is over.
Hank has roamed down to sit beside the ocean and I am lolling around our oppulent fancy sofa writing of today's adventures in my journal .. while occasionally turning to my "baby names page" .. where I am brainstorming favorite names to tell Wednesday for our new 'grande' due in June. (So far . .I have only come up with two girls names). My first choice would be EMMA FRANCES (Emma for Frank's mom and my Auntie Em) .. Frances for me and Frankie (Francis) . .the daddy.
I also like Isabella Grace or Isabella Jo-ella .. Isabella because i like it a lot ... Grace for my best childhood girlfriend .. or Jo-ella (pronounced french like angelina JHO-LEE) .. for Hank's first name (JOEL)
EMMA FRANCES is my fav!! I just lilke Isabella (ha! Princess SOFIA and Queen Isabella!) there's two little 'royalties' for you!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2008 : 11:13:19 AM
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Well, i now put pen and journal aside to go join honey hunk in the early evening sunset beside the ocean! THIS IS HEAVEN!
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8 p.m. .. and we walk the crowded night streets .. passing singles, couples and groups of laughing, fun-seekers .. some on their way to dinner .. some to local bars .. some still shopping (lots of stores and galleries stay open late "in season". With so many people still out on the streets, i guess it can be pretty profitable to cater to their shopping whimsies. We finally decide on a SEAFOOD restaurant on a balcony overlooking the street activity below.
After dinner, we stroll slowly back to our "Soutehrnmost House" in the U.S. .. talking of our plans to return to Key West next winter!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2008 : 11:17:13 AM
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a BLISSFUL night's sleep in our expensive night's lodging .. and as I drift off to sleep I'm thinking it is worth every penny!
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next morning: I wak earlier than Hank (which seems to be a 'theme' on this trip of ours. He is truly enjoying the R&R of this 'leisure' trip! I run the jacuzzi tub and dump a whole bottle of luxury bath soap into it .. slide beneath the water and soon disappear beneath a mountain of Blissful Bubbles!
After a long soak, I quickly dress .. not wanting to miss too much of the morning that has already begun without me! I tip-toe downstairs for a cup of coffee .. bring breakfast back up to Hank .. whose eyes are just barely flicking open and blinking into the easter sky as it shines in our window overlooking the ocean. Roosters have been crowing for several hours!
The Mayor of Key West long ago decreed that chickens and roosters have free reign to roam the busy city streets (and are actually protected by LAW from harrassment by humans! It is truly very charming!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2008 : 11:19:23 AM
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I wander into a butterfly observatory with a lively store. I gather a few treasures for the grandes and buy a ticket to walk among the butterflies. HUNDREDS .. maybe THOUSANDS .. of butterflies in a large enclosed tropical botanical gardens. I keep my camera ON and ready to capture breathtaking shades of the rainbows on these beautiful creatures which I have always thought were actually "fairies". A sweet fantasy world!
I meet Hank back at our B&B and we're off to take a several hour tour of Key West. We board a trolly and travel to 3every corner of Kety West with very informative guides .. learning the history of this island and the tales of lives lived here in Paradise.
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2008 : 09:10:15 AM
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TROLLEY TOUR .. We stop at President Truman's "LITTLE WHITEHOUSE" .. HEAR SOME STORIES .. SEE A FILM AND TOUR THIS HISTORICAL PLACE. i LOVE tRUEMAN .. THE "PERSONAL" SIDES OF GREAT MEN AND WOMEN FASCINATE ME AS MUCH AS THEIR PUBICL PERSONA. tRUEMAN .. IN ALMOST ALL THE PHOTOS AND FILMS OF HIM HAD A 'TRUE SMILE' ON HIS FACE .. WITH A GLEAM IN HIS EYE. hE LOVED HIS WIFE DEARLY AND OFTEN SPOKE OF HIS LOVE FOR HER. hE ADORED HIS DAUGHTER AND WAS VERY PROUD AND PROTECTIVE OF HER. i ALSO MAKE A NOTE TO READ all HER (mARGARET tRUEMAN'S) MURDERY MYSTERY BOOKS SHE WROTE.
OHH .. dang! i'm in caps .. well anyhoo .. to continue: My favorite 'souvenir' from here was a book for Lucas: HOW TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
After our tour .. we saunter to a Jamaican REstaurant for a deeeee-licious lunch. ALL food here is is very good .. but oh .. so very expensive too!
Back on the 'trolley' for the rest of the island tour.
While Hank is checking out mo-ped or small electric car rental prices, I run up the street in franctic search for a KEY LIME storie i saw yesterday .. determined to NOT leave this island without first expeirences a KEY LIME PIE ON A STICK!
aN ACTUAL SLICE OF kEY lIME PIE .. DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE AND FROZEN. i swear .. I TRIED to save a couple bites for Hank .. but it was melting so fast in the tropical sun .. that I had to gobble every last bite of it before it melted down my arm!
One last 'soda' on the verandah of our Southernmost House before we head NORTH and one day of our fun in the sun vacation left!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2008 : 09:25:12 AM
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Sun sets in a pink sky as we reach Islamarda Key (there are BUNCHES of KEYS in this 125 mile stretch)and 40-some bridges that connect them plus a 7 mile bridge! .. and we stop for yete one more hearty meal .. this time a SEAFOOD BUFFET -- $30 each .. for all you can eat sounds like a real deal considering that is about what you pay MINIMUM for one piece of fish and a coupla' veggies at most restaurants! I gobble down about 50 pounds of shrim and my own weight in crab legs!
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couple hours later:
We're back on the Mainland now .. and heading for the 'other' end of the Everglades for one more day of adventures!
We have driven for miles with no towns in sight .. it is dark and somewhat desolate in the black night sky. At the last turn-off before heading through the edge of the everglades .. there is only ONE building that looms huge in front of us in a sea of darkness .. thousands of cars and a gian neon sign proclaiming this to be MICCOSUKEE INDIAN RESORT AND GAMING.
The road ahead seems darker than the one we just left .. so we turn around and Hank goes into the lobby and inquires where the next hotels are. He returns to the car ... room key in hand .. says the next hotel ils SIXTY miles down the road and a room here is only $125 .. which includes Florida's pricey taxes!
There isn't much of a 'lobby' .. you enter to bright lights and the pinging sounds of 'money machines' golbbling up quarters and dollar bills. A sign reads: "no one under 21 years of age" .. i see about a dozen or more children smillilng about .. but NOT on the FLOOR of the gaming room .. just steps away .. remember .. it is almost MIDNIGHT!
I'm pleasanly surprized by the wonderful 'decor' of our room. Very high class Southwestern look. As soon as we are settled snuggly in bed .. I read a short bedside book that gives a history of the MICCOSUKEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF FLORIDA. I am even more surprized at the title and how the term "INDAN" is used throughout their booklet. In D.C. .. the 'politically correct' term for Indian is now Native Americans. (Even though for many years Hank was the Chief of Indian Resources in the Environment Division at the Department of Justice in D.C.) That title never changed amidst all the politically correct hoo-ha.
This has been an interesting rip and informational/educational too. I hope to ask a Miccosukee today why they have chosen to continue using the term "INDIAN".
The furniture is wonderfully designed with cultural and traditional designs ,, bright blue being a dominant shade.
I read this line with interest: "The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida has a rich culture and tradition of its own which includes speicific rights and traditions of all races, creeds, colors and religions, and as such have not provided a copy of the bible .. which would only be appropriate to certain persuasions. We appreciate your understanding."
Another fact: Membership in the Miccosukee tribe of Indians of Florida is open to Indians who have Miccosukee mothers and are not enrolled in another tribe." There are about 500 tribal members .. ancestors of about 50 indians who eluded capture during the Siminole Wars of the 1800's.
During these wars .. the new white settlers and armiest forced relacation of the Miccosukee in the Everglades area .. and they survived by hiding out in the "rivers of grass"
The Miccosukee WAY is best described with a 'circle of life' .. pointing north, south, east and west .. with the sayiang: "the universe spins slowly in a circle .. what was .. will be .. and will cease to be again.
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2008 : 09:31:55 AM
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Sunday morning ... last full day of our vacation: WOWZER .. and EIGHT DOLLAR breakfast buffet at the hotel .. which INCLUDED taxes! We eat heartily.
TWENTY miles down the road .. heading west is a Miccosukee Tribal Village. We stop and see a native wrestle an aligator! (it was more like 'tussling' .. but i surely wouldn't even have done that!). (i took LOTS of photos on this day .. and will post them in my FREEDOM VALLEY blog!
We take a tour of the village .. see their various 'chickees' .. we are told that two families of Miccosukee live here presently. We are now on the road heading towards the Ft. Lauderdale Airport (our flight leaves tomorrow morning for home). We've had a fun full day of Everglade and Indian culature and adventures.
After our Village trip .. we see an EVERGLADES Air Boat Ride .. which we decided to stop and take. it was fun and interesting! Saw another aligator show and walked boardwlaks through high grasses (saw grass .. sharp as a SAW!!) and the WATER glades. A "tame' adventure for honey hunk .. but he tells me his is having fun just being with me (he's a keeper!).
Skies are brilliant blue with white marshmallow clouds .. sun is once more setting.
Evening: we decide to go tot he movies .. stop at a great B-B-Q restaurand and become carnivores as we down piles of ribs, bpulled port, beef and chicketn .. the nfind a movie thetre and see a cute little movie. DEFINTELY, MAYBE. Finally, find a hotel and crash for the night with visions of "home" dancing in our heads.
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2008 : 09:35:58 AM
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MONDAY MORNING ... MARCH 3
HOW TIMELY! we wake up to pouring rain on our last moring in the sunny south .. but before we even reach the aiport .. 'ole SOL has peeked his bright yellow head through the clouds.
We have a 3 hour delay at the airport .. cuz of 'ENGINE TROUBLE' .. oh happy day!!! It's o.k. .. we are in no hurry .. it's still our vacation! JUST GET THAT ENGINE FIXED PLEASE! I read more of my Presidents' First Ladies book .. sit back .. relax and dream of home!
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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Across the Fence: FUN IN THE SUN - EVERGLADES/FLORIDA KEYS |
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FUN IN THE SUN - EVERGLADES/FLORIDA KEYS
