SOLO ROAD TRIPS and Wet AMD

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!

Remember: Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

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!