An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for Travel
Here!
I arrived in Podunk Texas around 3 after a rather interesting drive. The one thing, other than the raving lunatics who evidently can’t read speed limit signs, was that HUGE elephant sitting on a trailer on the side of I-10. Obviously, it wasn’t a live elephant, but it was the size of one! Tusks and all! If I had been in the right hand lane, I would have had to pull over and take a picture. Oh well…you’ll just have to take my word for it!
So, I’m here, Spud is doing fine, and the teenagers have already started to drive me nuts, of course. Apparently, I brought nasty weather with me. Heh. Good excuse to do nothing for a couple of days. I’m pretty much worn out!
Missing my Mr, the kitties, and my bed already! But sometimes, we gotta do what we gotta do. 
Another Road Trip?
Yep! I drove 9 hours to get home on Monday, spent two nights in my own bed, with my Mr, got all the laundry done, packed, and took off this morning, drove 7 1/2 hours, and am, once again, ensconced in a motel room, on my way to Texas. I’m tired! When I walked in the motel, the clerk recognized me from my previous visits. “Look what the cat dragged in!” Heh. Yeah…but in reality, it’s more like what the cat wouldn’t even bother with. UGH!
One bright point…there were magnolias in bloom all over the place! 
FYI
I am now back home! I made it all in one day, and believe me, I am suffering for it! The drive was a drive, involving way too many curvy roads until I got back into Tennessee. That, and the down pour didn’t do my nerves a whole lot of good.
It was a 9 hour drive, and I don’t think my bod is too happy with me! But ya know what? I’d do it all again! I had a great time with Beth, Paula, and our great hostess, Julia.
Now, I get the dubious pleasure of getting all the laundry done, and leaving again on Wednesday……for Texas. I think I need a vacation! 
Sunday Afternoon Outing
Just a few pics from Sunday afternoon. Julia herded us out the door, made a quick stop at one of the few places open before noon on a Sunday, the drugstore, popped by Subway to pick up lunch and headed to one of her favorites spots to sit back and watch the water. There was a water fall on the way, (Bridal Veil Falls?) which evidently, I’m the only one that didn’t notice on our way in. No clue who those people are….they just happened to get in my way. Pfft!
Adventure….Ol’ Broad Style
Friday afternoon, I arrived at my destination. Alive! I say alive because there was a serious question whether or not I would make it one piece. Leaving Cleveland, TN Friday morning, and getting back on the highway was fairly simple. Turn left, get gas, get going. Then we hit the two lane mountain road. Now, if you’ve ever driven through mountains of any type, you know there is always some SFB who has to ride up your tailpipe. Why? No one knows. Perhaps they believe they are invincible, and flying through curvy little roads at incredible speeds is what they need to do to prove to the world, or themselves, that THEY can do anything! Pfft! I saw way too many roadside ‘shrines’ of people who probably thought the same thing.
Making it through the first round of winding roads was a major accomplishment. Back on a 4 lane highway, with a whopping speed limit of 55 put me back in happy land, thinking “Hey….that wasn’t so bad!” Naturally, I turned off before I should have, pulled into a parking lot in Franklin, NC, checked the map and directions, and realized that sign that said “second right” didn’t mean THIS second right….it meant the ‘second right’ four exits down. Seriously? So, since I was already stopped, I noticed a store I could wander around in for a while, just to get of the truck for a bit. It helped. After snooping, and talking to a sales lady for a bit, making a small purchase, so I wouldn’t feel guilty, I got back in the vehicle, and finally made to the correct exit, going in the direction I wanted to go.
Didja Miss Me Today?
I missed me, too! 
It’s been a much longer day that I was expecting. It really doesn’t look that far on the map, but reality is something else, isn’t it. Leaving an hour and a half later than ya had planned, cuz ya kept realizing ya forgot stuff, doesn’t really help much either. sigh…
So…I’m heading east on U.S. 64, and did you know that after you pass Lawrenceberg, there are NO c-stores on the right hand side of the road? Nope. Oh, there are, but they are either shut down, or ya don’t see ‘em till after you pass ‘em. UGH! I was SO happy to see I-24. And as I stated on my FB status, “Thank you God for Eisenhower and rest areas!” Jiminy crickets! Guess it was a good thing I didn’t bring that bottle of water with me.
Getting through Choo Choo, as in Chattanooga, was no where near as nerve wracking as it was the last time we drove through. I was worried I was going to get caught in rush hour traffic. Then I saw that “time change” sign. Thank goodness. Sort of! I really don’t like eastern time. Everything is later, but my internal clock ain’t.
From the time I hit the interstate, I had been craving lo mein. I have no idea why. But after getting checked into the motel, I had to ask….where is there a Chinese restaurant, and do they deliver! Down the road, and no. UGH! Of course not. So, I got my stuff up to the room, which lemme tell ya, was NOT easy. Stiff, aching, and SO ready for jammies, but…..first….tummy!
I found the restaurant with no problem, but it was a tad farther than the clerk had said. I lived. Got my yummies, and was heading back when I happened to glance to the side where there was a strip mall, and all I saw was Badcock & More.
I had to have seen that wrong! So, after stuffing my face, calling the Mr to let him know I was still alive, I had to look it up. Yup! That’s what I saw alright.
Naturally, I couldn’t see the ‘home furniture’ part, but still. Seriously? And I don’t typically have a mind that strays in such a direction. No offense, but that isn’t exactly a store I’d be wanting to buy furniture. 
So, you’re asking…where is she off to this time? Well, even if you’re not, I’m gonna tell ya anyway! I am heading towards Highland, N.C. to spend a couple of days with a few Smart Girls!
I’m gonna freeze to death! I forgot to bring a jacket, and naturally, didn’t think to bring long britches….of any kind. 
Yeah…I’m a genius. sigh…
At the moment, I am sitting in a motel in Cleveland, Tennessee. I think there is a Cleveland in every state. When I finally got around to turning on my computer, got out the cord, plugged it in the wall, and blew a fuse. Honestly. Then, I noticed there was no coffee pot? Are you kidding me? How do they expect me to function without coffee in the morning!
So, I called down, and they just now brought one up. However, I failed to mention that the bedside lamp is no longer functional. Oh well, do I really need that lamp? Can’t think of any reason, since there are 3 others in the room. I think I’ll survive.
So, if ya missed me today, you’ll likely miss me even more the next few days, cuz odds are, I won’t be doing a whole lot of blogging. No Saturday links either. 
But, at some point or another, there will be pictures. We’ll be talking about politics and such, I just won’t be writing much about it.
HOME!
WHOO HOO! And I’m tuckered.
Actually, I got home a bit after 6, but hey…had to get reacquainted with my recliner, cats, and… oh yeah…the Mr!
No major hassles on the drive. Saw a lot of dead armadillos, but other than that…. Oh yeah…there was that one guy when I was going through Jackson, MS who evidently thought he was a NASCAR star. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone driving in and out of traffic at that speed, and not being chased by cops. What an idjit!
After spending nearly 4 weeks in a house with 4 other adults, one new teen, one squalling baby, 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 ferrets….it’s too quiet around here. I’m sure I’ll adapt though. Kind of missing Spud. Oh well, we’ll be going down for the 4th of July, and there will be a lot of pictures sent. Or there damn sure better be! 
Headed Home
This morning, I loaded up my truck with all the stuff I had brought, and bought, and started my trek back home. FINALLY!
I love my family…I really do! But after nearly 4 weeks, don’cha think it’s time for this old woman to let them have their privacy back? Well, as much privacy as they can get with the 13, 19, 26 year old invaders, and a wee baby boy. *snicker* I miss my bed! I miss the Mr! I miss my cats! And I especially miss MY bathroom! MINE! ALL MINE!
So, the day started out ok…until I stopped for gas. I wanted to fill up before I got on the road. This is the same place I filled up last week at $3.65. That’s bad enough. It definitely put a major lump in the credit card balance. Ok, granted, I as just about empty, but $72? That’s absurd! Today….$3.89! THREE DOLLARS AND EIGHT NINE CENTS! That’s 24 cents MORE than last week. And I heard on the radio that Obama doesn’t believe this is a problem? Can I smack some sense into him? Un-freakin’-believable!
Of course, I had my usual issue getting on the freeway in Beaumont. Those people are still nuts.
‘Nuff said. All was going well until I got to that little town on the west side of Baton Rouge. Now, if I had managed to leave perhaps an hour earlier, it might not have been so bad. However, we all know I’m not a morning person, and I had to sit and talk with Jr for a bit, and smooch on Spud, naturally. Jr didn’t want me to leave. Seriously? Me gone means I won’t complain about her leaving stuff on the bathroom floor. You’d think that would make her happy. Nope. I’m thinking she’s having a bit of that postpartum problem. Kind of that empty feeling after the baby is born apparently. I’m sure she’ll be ok, and besides, we’ll be down again in July, to hopefully blow stuff up, and get that four generations picture taken.
I got on the bridge to go over the Mississippi River, and it was mostly stop, and very little go. That thing was bouncing. A LOT! I don’t like bouncing bridges. Bridges aren’t suppose to bounce. They make me very uncomfortable. Even after we all got off that thing, it was mostly stop, and no go. Fer cryin’ out loud! It took about an hour and a half to go about 12 miles. UGH! I had planned to get a little closer to Jackson, MS, but after that…no way Jose’! This ol’ broad was cramping up, stressed out, and SO ready to get away from the crazy people. Ok, so I’ve got a bit farther to drive tomorrow to get home, but that’s ok…I don’t care! I have stopped.
I have taken much needed muscle relaxers, and am now watching American Idol. By choice, if you can believe that! Blame Brat and Ick! It’s THEIR FAULT! I watched the recorded stuff with them, and now I have to find out who wins. I like Skylar m’self. She’s got spunk. I like Colton and Philip too. Yep….I’ve lost it, and it’s THEIR fault!
A Few Observations
First observation…. I’m POOPED! I just drove about 8 hours on 5 hours sleep. Not a real good idea. I’ve landed in Amite, LA, again, cuz…it was here, I was here…perfect time to stop! Honestly, if I had attempted to make it to Baton Rouge, which had been my original intent, I don’t think I would be sitting in a motel right now. I’d likely be splattered all over I-55 or I-12. Wouldn’t be a pretty picture. BLECH! I’m old, but I ain’t ready to go just yet. I got a great grandson to spoil rotten, just to annoy Brat and Brat, Jr of course. Heh.
So, that’s why I’m heading thataway! Spud is actually DUE date is 8 March, but I’m kind of hoping for 29 February. That way, I won’t age as fast, right? I mean, he would only have a birthday every 4 years, so it makes sense to me! I can dream, can’t I? sigh…
I gotta say…the Mr would be quite proud of me. I only called one moronic driver a bad name. Hey….he deserved it! IDJIT!
Apparently, spring is sprungin’ all over Mississippi. There were little yellow flowers, little white flowers, and even some little purple flowers. And there was GREEN grass too! Amazing!
One thing I found highly amusing was this little truck I passed that had “To Fast 4 U” painted on his rear bumper. Really? Too fast? Then how come I, who was doing the speed limit …70mph, flew past ya like you were standing still? *snicker* Makes ya wonder!
And one other thing….why do I have to break the law just to keep from getting run over going through Jackson? HUH HUH HUH? You people are dangerous! The speed limit through downtown is 60. I was having to do 75 to keep from getting squished like the prevabial bug! Y’all weren’t going that fast BEFORE ya hit town, so why was it necessary to speed up when the speed limit dropped? SHEESH! Obviously, it was during that time I had no choice but to call the aforementioned moron a bad word.
I’ve decided it must be baby skunk season in Mississippi as well. There were wee flattened skunkys about every mile marker! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many squished baby skunks on one long stretch of road. Big skunks, yes. But babies? Nope…this was a first.
And, on that note…. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Home!
Yep…. I made it home, all in one piece too, more or less. And y’know what? It’s warmer here! Ok, most people wouldn’t find 32 to be warm, but when I got up this morning, the temp was 14. UGH! I got a late start due to oversleeping. Well, I tend to do that when I’m not feeling so swuft. sigh…
Luckily, I missed a lot of the nasty stuff that went on earlier. The roads were clear by the time I got to movin’ south. I saw at least 3 cars overturned in the median, a couple of semis had done a tango and both lost, one was ripped in half, and boxes were scattered all over the place, the other, upside down…in the median, and a couple of trailer (of the camping type) were also in unnatural positions….in the median. Now, using my powers of deductions, I surmise all those who ended up in the median, were going way to fast while trying to pass another vehicle, whose driver was using a reasonable amount of common sense!
The farther south I drove, the more I was feeling like garbage, but no way was I going to spend another night away from home! I am very ready to sleep in my own bed, with my cats trapping me so I can’t move. Sounds rather ridiculous, doesn’t it. Heh. Evidently, they missed me! Well, the boys did at any rate. The princess,aka Tazz, could care less. You know how those older female felines get….attitudinal!
I’m thinking, next year…. the Drinking Right Christmas party should be held in a much warmer clime? sigh.. Yeah…I know, not gonna happen! Well, I can dream, can’t I?
So now, I gotta figure out what kind of nasty cold type meds we have around here, that would actually work. Chris said Vick’s Sinex has been working for her, but since we don’t have any…. I did come across some Alka-Seltzer sinus stuff, in horse pill form. So far, it ain’t helping. sigh…
Happy to spend time with good friends, and happy to get myself home. And to Chris, Jamie, and Alex….thanks…. I needed that!
Heading Home
So, I get up this morning, with the intent of heading towards home, getting as much space between me and the first snowpocalypse of the Yankee’s year. I look out the window, and nary a snow flake to be seen.
I make it to Chicago….and BOOM! Nothing really bad…yet, but it’s enough to make me wonder if I was wise in my decision making, considering Jamie said I should wait till tomorrow. Hmmm.. I can handle this, right? I mean, after all I did live in the tundra for 10 years, so I have a bit of experience, right? RIGHT??? sigh…
By the time I made it to the first rest area south of Chicago, and all the rip off tolls, it was getting fairly serious.
Now, in my little pea brain, I figured I could get south of the mess, and all would be well. Makes sense to me! Uh huh. Welp, the farther south I got, the more the wind was blowing, and the more the wind was blowing, the less I could see. It’s kind of weird to have the sun shining above ya (even for just a minute or two) and have a serious white out area in front of you! And FYI people, turn your flippin’ lights on!!! Sheesh! Most folks were moving along at about 55 to 60 when the conditions would allow it, and slowed down to about 50 when it got a bit nasty. Then, there were those people who thought moving along at 35 with no lights was a good idea. *shakes head* Idjits!!
After seeing one too many cars in the ditch, and one that got totally smashed up (lady was fine, but the look on her face spoke volumes), I decided it might be a good idea to get as far as I could, and stop for the night. Well, I made it to Arcola, and carefully pried my fingers from the steering wheel, so I could check into a motel.
It’s 16 flippin’ degrees out there! Well, at least it was when I got out of the truck. And do I have a heavy coat? No, of course not! That would make too much sense! Well, I do, but it’s packed up in the back of the truck, so wasn’t gonna do me a lot of good. It really is possible to turn into a Popsicle, cuz that’s what I was by the time I walked the 10 feet from the truck to the motel entrance! Naturally, no one was at the desk, but there was a note. Be back in 5. Then the phone started ringing…and kept ringing until the lady came back after picking up her young’un from school….10 minutes later. Like my nerves weren’t already frazzled? sigh…
Now, I’m blissfully stretched out on a rented bed, occasionally peaking out the window, thinking…Yep…it was a REAL good idea to stop for the night.
Major thanks to Chris! I honestly had a good time, even if you and Jamie most likely shared your cold with me. I’m sure the Mr will appreciate it. Heh.
Just Another FYI
Tomorrow, I will be in Wisconsin, spending the weekend with Chris, getting on her last nerve, cuz heaven knows, she hasn’t got but one left. Heh. And it’s MINE! *snicker* Gonna have a female gab fest, see some friends, annoy a Badger, and maybe going shootin’ with silent E? Now THAT would be fun.
So, if I’m not on here much, now, you’ll know why! Ta da!
Home!
Actually, we got home about 3:30 this afternoon, and since then, we’ve been going through all the gimme money’s, and getting the laundry done. Apparently, doing it all before we left Brat’s didn’t help. How do I manage to get such a pile in such a short period of time? But, since it’s a good possibility I’ll be leaving again for a few days the day after tomorrow, seems like a good idea to get it done…ASAP.
Am I watching the Iowa results? Oh HELL no! I am, however taking a peek online now and then. To say I’m dismayed at the results so far, is an understatement! Seeing Paul at the top of the heap is definitely a head scratcher. Have those people lost their ever lovin’ minds? Oh, that’s right! ANYONE can register and vote in the caucus, which to me, makes NO sense at all. In the long run, it doesn’t mean a flippin’ thing, but you know there are people who will take a Ron Paul win seriously. *shakes head* Well, we know that the Dems would love Ron Paul to end up as the nominee, but thankfully, other states have reasonable rules, and it’s the primaries that count more than this shindig tonight…..THANKFULLY!
Heading Home
After 2 wonderful (?) weeks with the family, we are going home. It was an interesting visit, to say the least! Heh. Spending 2 weeks with 3 teenagers is an experience I didn’t think I’d survive, but we did, and no one died…..although the youngest one came REAL close a time or ten!
After a VERY long New Year’s Eve, they aren’t looking their best. LOL We set off fireworks, a couple that decided to just blow up. We thought Ick was going to blow up his truck a time or two in the process. The grand finale went pretty well, until it caught on fire. I tried to take video, but it was so dark, I doubt if they came out. I’ll check when we get home.
Shortly before midnight, the next door neighbors came home, and Ick went over to say ‘Howdy’! They had quite a conversation. It seems that one of their trucks had been broken into the night before. Well, not exactly broken into….evidently, if a vehicle was unlocked, the scumbags would take darn near anything inside. Well, that started us all thinking…did we lock our vehicles? Yup! Mine is ALWAYS locked. It’s a habit. Ick’s was locked as well. Brat on the other hand…. sigh… Seems they got a pair of $2 knock off sunglasses, some lip gloss, about $4 in change, and attempted to rip out her stereo. Evidently they went through the whole truck, taking their time, even moving the seats back. We thought they had gotten one of the speaker thingys under the seats, but evidently, it got shoved back, and they didn’t see them. However, they broke the face whatsit off the radio, ripped up a bunch of stuff, but weren’t able to get the radio out.
The sheriff’s department was obviously extremely busy last night, so they weren’t able to come out to make the report until shortly before we left. It seems there has been a rash of such thefts in the whole subdivision, 8 on Christmas morning. How tacky! He speculated that it was kids. I’d like to know what kind of parents let their kids going roaming the neighborhood in the middle of the bloomin’ night?! Out there in the country, you wouldn’t think they would have such issues, but it seems people are moving out from Harris County (Houston) and Jefferson County (Beaumont) and they are bring their evil spawn with them.
There were a couple of other events, more of the amusing variety, but that’s family stuff, and as much as I’d love to share it….I promised. Heh.
We are halfway home, but will be stopping half the distance so the Mr can watch the Rose Bowl. *shakes head* Well, that’s ok, I think I can probably find some way to entertain myself.
Visit The Pyramids! NOT!
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Welcomes Tourists
According to a Muslim Brotherhood official, the political party wants to boost tourism numbers to Egypt and will not take steps that would harm the industry.
The strong showing by Islamists in Egypt’s staggered parliamentary poll has aroused fears among liberals and others in Egypt that it could lead to rules that would ban alcohol sales and outlaw mixed bathing in popular resorts.
Tourism is Egypt’s top foreign currency earner, accounting for more than a tenth of gross domestic product and employing an estimated one in eight of the workforce.
Essam el-Erian, deputy head of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), said accusations that the Islamists rise to power would harm tourism were “rumours” circulated by remnants of the party of deposed President Hosni Mubarak to influence voters.
Perhaps the folks of Egypt should have considered the tourist industry before they went nuts for the Islamists? I don’t know about you, but Egypt is the one of the LAST places on earth I would go right now. I guess we should have gone when we were in the area back in 2008. I just don’t trust those people! For very obvious reasons. Obvious, that is, if you’ve been paying close attention to the happenings in the region.
“No citizen who makes a living from this field should be concerned,” Erian said in statements carried by the party’s website while addressing voters in Sinai ahead of the third stage of the election in January.
He said the party wanted to draw in 20 million tourists a year to Egypt, compared to the more than 12 million that visited before the uprising against Mubarak and subsequent political upheaval that sent tourists packing.
Yeah, I’ve no doubt Mubarak needed to be sent packing, but the direction they are heading may end up being 10 times worse than that dictator handed them. Not to mention the danger these thugs have put the Copts in on a daily basis. Apparently, these people think that 8 million more tourist will be glad to come to their country? Seems to be, all they have done is swap one dictator for another, even more oppressive one. Conrats D’Bama for encouraging the insanity.
Erian said laws regarding alcohol would not be changed and the party would not support legislation that might harm the industry. Alcohol is sold at hotels across Egypt and can also be bought at specialised shops and some licensed restaurants.
But he hinted the Brotherhood would seek to curb some aspects of public consumption, but only based on existing laws.
“The current law has punishments in this regard (to alcohol). We won’t add to it nor modify it but drinking alcohol won’t be in the streets,” he said, without giving details.
Under Egyptian law, anyone caught drunk in a public place can be imprisoned for up to six months, but the law is only sporadically enforced.
I kind of get the feeling they don’t want Americans in the country, spending their dollars on tourism. And they especially don’t want folks from Wisconsin. (heh) Seriously, I’m not a drinker, so such rules wouldn’t apply to me anyway, but who is to say they won’t make crap up, accusing people of doing something that is against their laws just because that person if from a certain country, or is not a Muslim? The idea of charging and sentencing tourists, and then demanding money for said tourist’s release wouldn’t be completely out of the norm for Islamist. Nope….don’t trust them at all! I’d much rather go back to Israel, where I felt completely safe. Well, except for in the Muslim territories.
Erian suggested there was broad agreement among Egypt’s political forces to keep, without modification, the first four articles of the constitution, including the one saying “the principles of Islamic (Shariah) law are the principle source of legislation”.
And, there ya go! “The principles of Islamic (Shariah) law” is about as oppressive as they come. American tourists and Shariah don’t mix. Respecting the laws of the country you are visiting is a really good idea, however, when said country’s law is contrary to everything a person believes in, such as FREEDOM, then there is definitely a conflict. Just sayin’.
It’s not a phobia if they really want to kill you!
