Dang Y’all

Dang, y’all… time really does fly by, or march on, or tick away! Photos do so much to help us capture and cherish the memories. These photos need your comments.

Last time I posted ten of my faves, it was December 18, 2024. So these next ten will pick up from that time. They will be in chronological order simply because I did not pick favorites and love them all. Remember, these photos need your comments!

The museum known as “The Big House” was on my bucket list due to my love of Southern Rock. The Allman Brothers Band was iconic in the 1970’s. Several of their biggest hits were written in that house, which now holds the world’s most impressive collection of their musical and personal memorabilia. https://thebighousemuseum.com/

This 50-acre cemetery https://visitmacon.org/directory/rose-hill-cemetery-churches-cemeteries/ opened in 1840. Spectacular terraced hillsides are the final resting place of soldiers, slaves, and more. Among the many notable interments are four members of the Allman Brothers Band (Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, and Berry Oakley).

This Caribbean cafe is open Thursday through Sunday and is a total foodie find in Macon, Georgia. The food and the decor are aesthetically pleasing and fully satisfying. I could not finish my meal of chicken, rice, and slaw, but made sure to devour every bite of those plantains. https://www.facebook.com/tropicalflavamacon

Just outside the town of Chipley you can find this unique attraction. Florida’s tallest waterfall cascades 73-feet into a cave. The colors and the sounds are so calming. A walk in this park would help anyone to better appreciate Nature. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34132-d1155476-Reviews-Falling_Waters_State_Park-Chipley_Florida.html

For me Mardi Gras is a passion and a state of mind! This parade in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is full of bands and floats and beads. I’m not sure which is better… watching the parade or watching the people who watch the parade. Give me purple, green, and gold any day! https://oceanspringschamber.com/

Nina (taller lady on the right) has been my best friend for decades! Every time I visit her in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, we have a big time. We explore the Farmer’s Market, the pastry shop, and museums. Oh, and a parade now and then. (If you’ve made it this far, remember that these photos need your comments!)

Each year in March in Tallahassee, Florida, my friend Gloria Darling throws a party for “Milestone Divas” who are over age 50…but not over the hill! The theme in 2025 was silly hats and a good time was had by all. https://www.facebook.com/groups/385517962690931/

What if there was a traveling production of Edgar Allan Poe stories combined with cocktails in a dark speakeasy? There IS! In April it came to the Old Post Office in Bainbridge. Pictured here are Michelle, Venus, Angela (yes, me), and Jody in fun speakeasy attire. https://www.edgarallanpoebar.com/

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Took time from May through September to address home and yard repairs while recovering from eye surgery. Sometimes even those of us who are always on the GO… must STOP…to do self-care and needed home maintenance. Now, back to the fun.

Enjoyed a second visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in October. The Biloxi Bay Bridge Mosaics in Ocean Springs are full of gorgeous intricate designs that celebrate the true charm of this most beautiful area. https://www.coastalmississippi.com/

The 50 year class reunion of Gulfport East High was held at Centennial Plaza Resort https://www.centennialplazams.com/ in Gulfport, Mississippi. About 65 classmates and some significant others met up for a sweet time. This photo was SO adorable since many of us have… well, changed a little! Steve, where did all that great hair go?

Looking back at these photos was precious for me…and I sure hope it inspired YOU to check out some of these spots. I would be more than happy to answer your questions about all these great destinations. Send a COMMENT so I can encourage you to plan your next road trip and EMBRACE SOUTHERN STATES. https://embracesouthernstates.com/ .

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These photos need your comments!

Welcome Back Y’all. We have been out of touch for far too long. That’s mostly due to the rough time I’ve been having with the Wet AMD form of macular degeneration. Yes, life gets in the way and forces delays and detours on my solo road trips and my writings. This article is about the tenuous relationship between solo road trips and Wet AMD. I promise I’m still trying to stay upbeat and positive. I am not complaining, just telling the God’s honest truth!

WHY WE SHOULD LOVE SOLO ROAD TRIPS

The beauty, freedom, and joy of solo road trips defies description. Basically, you get to set your own schedule, sing as loud as you please, and fill your car with as many souvenirs as you can afford. It is hard to top the thrill of finding fabulous photo ops and checking off places that have been on your bucket list, such as the Gateway Arch pictured here. For info on the Gateway Arch see https://www.gatewayarch.com/ and hope you see it in person soon.

Serendipity will often delight you with some quirky or unexpected places along the way. You can find museums dedicated to anything from animals to outsider art. I’ve also found some about music, toys, and transportation. And don’t forget to check out many of the lesser-known covered bridges, waterfalls, and odd roadside attractions like the kitschy and iconic South of the Border rest stop. Here https://www.sobpedro.com/ you can find more info on this classic roadside attraction.

WHY I LOVE THE SOUTHEAST & SO SHOULD YOU

Countless books, articles, videos, and guides give vague reasons to visit the Southeast (I will often use SE USA, just be aware). Here are my seven top reasons, in alphabetical order, regardless if you have never visited or have lived here (in the SE USA) all your life.

ARCHITECTURE and ART

When lots of folks (like me) think about ARCHITECTURE, the very first thing they see in their mind is an intricate wrought iron balcony of the New Orleans French Quarter. The second thing I think of is the grand Victorian homes in places such as Charleston, South Carolina, or Savannah, Georgia. For info on Savannah’s Amethyst Garden Home see https://www.amethystgardensavannah.com/ and safe travels!

When I think of ART, I always think fine art, folk art, and murals. Fine art is nice to look at, but certainly not reasonable for us frugal folks. Perhaps that’s why I love to find folk art that is both affordable and unique. A photo of a vibrant mural is also one of my favorite souvenirs. Three towns that any mural lover should visit include Hannibal, Missouri https://visithannibal.com/ ; Palatka, Florida https://visitpalatka.com/ ; and Virginia Beach, Virginia https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/ .

FOOD – HISTORY – MUSIC

Half the fun of visiting a new-to-you destination is learning about the town’s food, history, and music. By doing research you can make great connections at the visitor’s center, Chamber of Commerce, and library. These are fabulous resources for information about local historians, festivals, parks, and local celebrities. Asking friendly locals almost always leads to astounding ideas of what to explore next.

For a great road trip snack and a bit of history, y’all should learn more about the Original Pecan Log Roll from Stuckey’s. Here https://stuckeys.com/ is a good starting point! And if you ever visit their candy plant in Wrens, GA, please tell my friend Stephanie Stuckey hello!

NATURE

Beaches, bayous, waterfalls, and woodlands are only just the start of incredible Nature in the Southeastern United States. We also take pride in our canyons, caves, mountains (like the opening photo taken in North Carolina), and swamps. I’m pretty sure my next post will be much more focused on Nature and People.

PEOPLE

People are precious. People in the SE USA are friendly, helpful, and kind. I adore the various accents, the laughter, and the huge warm hugs. Countless times at the start of an interview that person would say they can only chat for 30 minutes. And nearly every time at the 30 minute mark they would say something like, “This is so much fun, let’s keep going!” THAT is just one more great thing I love about people. Again, pretty dang sure next post will be more about Nature and People.

WHAT IS “Wet AMD”

Wet AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for those age 60 and older. Leaks of blood and fluid in the retina cause problems such as spots, blurs, flashes, and floaters. Straight lines can become distorted and appear wavy. Wet AMD effects both reading and driving, especially driving at night. Determining colors can become difficult. On average, those diagnosed will become legally blind in about ten years.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A PITY PARTY

Joyful optimism has always been vitally important to me. Upon being diagnosed with wet AMD two years ago, I immediately began doing research on this subject and improving my diet. When night driving was no longer an option I made adjustments and also decided to quit smoking. I do miss both smoking and night driving.

There have been days when I have cried and days I felt angry at God. There have been days when I have had panic attacks. This strong and stubborn old broad went through all the stages of grief, as well as injections and surgery, but I refuse to let this get the best of me. It has actually improved my mindful meditation and my prayers.

PLAN CAREFULLY & ENJOY

Here are some practical tips for adjusting to Wet AMD. Talk openly and honestly with both your doctor and your support system and learn all you can about your condition. Great online info is available at https://preventblindness.org/ and at http://www.mdsupport.org/ .

Mindful meditation and prayer will do wonders for your attitude and overall outlook. Remember to lean more on your senses of touch, taste, hearing, and smell. This will also improve your writing, be it your own private journal or thrilling travel articles.

After tons of research, I have concluded that these seven foods seem to be highly beneficial to vision: apricots, black currant, blueberry, broccoli, fish, saffron, and spinach.

Plan your driving routes in advance and avoid driving after dark. On solo road trips with Wet AMD be sure to take your glasses, cane, phone charger, journal, and similar items as needed. Remember to take stretch breaks, stay hydrated, and DO talk to strangers!

This fun and feisty old broad (yes, that’s me on my way to a speakeasy) may have bad teeth, bad eyes and other “issues”, but if you think that’s going to slow me down… THINK AGAIN!

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YOU ARE VERY PRECIOUS TO ME…..all y’all… everyone who reads this article !!! Does the topic of solo road trips and Wet AMD hold any significance for you? I need you to leave a happy comment and share the article with a couple of your best friends! Can you do that? Thanks, I care about YOU.

Huge Happy Southern Hugs to you from me, Angela!

Another year has dashed by at record speed! Once again it is time to review my 10 best photos (from 2024). Let the countdown begin! Remember, I REALLY REALLY REALLY want do know which ones you like and whether you would rank them any differently.

These 10 photos represent time spent in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina. They also show my partiality to nature, art, food, and architecture. Any person, place, or thing that thrills my heart with beauty and joy is a perfect photo opportunity.

# 10

When I visited Virginia Beach in early March, the outdoor temperatures were much too chilly for this Florida lady and it rained quite a bit. So rather than walking along the beach I enjoyed some extra time at the Virginia Aquarium which is proclaimed to be one of the most visited aquariums in the United States. There folks can see fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and other marine creatures in all their colorful splendor. https://virginiaaquarium.com/

# 9

In Dunnellon, Florida, I was gleeful and giddy while visiting Grandview Clydesdale Farm. To touch a Clydesdale had been on my bucket list for a long time and being able to touch several of them was a huge thrill. I even kissed two of the beautiful beasts right on the nose! Shannon and Karen Cobbs own the farm and their deep devotion to the Clydesdales is incredibly inspiring and heart-warming. https://grandviewclydesdales.tours/

# 8

History is highlighted in over 30 magnificent murals in Palatka, Florida. Fascinating folks depicted include William Bartram, Annie Oakley, Louis Armstrong, Billy Graham, and others. This adorable small town of roughly ten thousand residents has abundant charm. Visitors are amazed at the variety of lively festivals, delicious food, antique shops, and unique galleries. https://business.putnamcountychamber.com/info/

# 7

The haunting beauty of abandoned places sparks a chord of melancholy in the core of my artistic soul. My fascination with this dilapidation raises a thousand questions for which I find no answers. Oh the songs that may have been sung here and the long-forgotten stories this lonely shack could tell.

# 6

Sure, I get it. Some people may think it odd that I see beauty in something as common as a pile of wet rocks. But consider all those wonderful shapes, sizes, and colors. Imagine the rough texture of a rock smoothed just a bit by a recent rain. Makes me want to pick one up and thank it for being so interesting. My 10 best photos from 2024 prove art can be about any subject!

# 5

When I picked up the pamphlet I knew this small side trip would fill my heart with true childlike wonder. Arriving to see these unusual pieces of folk art spin in the wind, I shed happy tears. I truly hope you take the time to go experience Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson, North Carolina, for yourself someday soon. https://www.wilsonwhirligigpark.org/

# 4

Richard Stravitz (seated) and his associate Thom Drinkard take deep delight in their livelihood and bring commitment to their craft. They took time to explain to me the “lost wax” technique of creating bronze sculpture. Stravitz Sculpture and Fine Art Gallery https://stravitzartgallery.com/ is a must-see Virginia Beach destination where expert pieces of exquisite art impress the senses and the heart.

# 3

If you’re paying attention, then you know two things. First, I look at everything as a piece of art that may become a best photo. Second, perfectly plated food seems to stimulate every fiber of my being. The creators of meat roses and makers of fine cheese should be applauded. And every grower of nuts, olives , or apricots should be thanked and hugged. Enough said!

# 2

Architectural design expressed through stained glass, graceful pointed arches, and Swarovski crystal chandeliers certainly makes this chapel look like a work of art. The soul-stirring chapel can be found on the 2,000 acre campus of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The entire complex is luxurious and worth a visit. https://worldequestriancenter.com/ocala-fl/

# 1

Recipe for morning magic: one part water, one part sunrise, then sprinkle six or more boats and get your camera ready! I can’t get enough, especially since being diagnosed with wet AMD which has decreased my night vision. So, yes, I always look forward to taking photos at sunrise. The water and boats are a bonus bringing tender tears of tremendous joy.

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There you have my 10 best photos from 2024. Think of this as my Christmas gift to you. All I ask in return is for you to leave a comment here on my website…to share thoughts on which ones you like. Dang y’all… your comment truly will make me shed more happy tears! Share this article with folks who love to Embrace Southern States.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS Y’ALL, LET’S STAY IN TOUCH IN 2025 !