Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Eastchase

... lamps of different shapes and design, fluffy new towels, and a beautiful window shade that looked like art.

When we arrived at the venue, we were greeted by the most fun crew we've had yet. These guys have worked our show several times, and were familiar with the whole deal. So, when the van arrived late due to a flat tire, they had already unloaded the truck and were half way set up. They were so ...

... with a waterfall in the background.

It was profoundly moving to be in Montgomery with the trolley and the many placards placed around the city, refreshing our recollection of this difficult time in our country's history. I am so glad Marney gave us one of the most memorable and educational experiences we've had in almost two years on the road.

That night, to top it all off, Marney made us dinner and had two of her ...

... works at Tucker Pecan Company as he completes his education as a history major. We loved getting to know these kids who are working hard to balance their lives and make a positive difference in the world. I am proud to be part of such an enterprising and close knit family!!!
Andy and I were filled with family warmth, good Italian food and tired from a long day of Montgomery life. We slept as the Alabama River quietly rolled by and great tall live oaks sheltered us from the drizzling rain.

... For ten years she has been the most successful club in Montgomery and has been given awards by Montgomery for her business savvy and community mindedness. Marney has given Metro Fitness a sleek organized style that is clever in the use of materials and space (see pix). Andy and I felt welcomed by the space itself as we both found numerous classes we wanted to take. Had we stayed anymore days, we would have been taking Yoga and Pilates, using the exercise ...

... on a two lane road at the time and didn't want to take any chances. I pulled over into a closed gas station that had an over hang that looked like it was about to fall over. At the moment it was all I had to take cover.

I rode until about 830pm local time and headed up getting a hotel in Meridian, Miss. Its a tiny town with a lot of hotels. I took my time this morning. In fact I slept in until about 10am. After a 15 hour day I really needed the sleep.

Believe it or not, there are 54 Championship Holes at the Capitol Hill Golf Course in Prattville, AL that are part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Jerry took the opportunity to get in a round of golf and was amazed at the beauty and pristinely maintained course.

While Jerry was hitting a small ball around Prattville, Alex & I spent some time in the pool to cool off. Bella used to jump into the pool to me when she was a puppy, but I couldn't ...

We left the Gulf Coast today and headed into Alabama to visit with Aunt Kathy and Uncle D. I used to live with Aunt Kathy and Uncle D in Florida. But I haven't been to visit then in Alabama for the last 5 years. What a great reunion.

My cousin Jackie cooked up some homemade lasagna and these ...

... the street reminiscent of when the lizard jumped on his chest at dinner in Costa Rica. Locals don't seem bothered. A quick search of the area reveals no other night-time places to go so we head to the outskirts away from the infestation for drinks then sleep in the slightly seedy parking lot of Buffalo Wild Wings - lots of people eating wings. (We play trivia - despite an American history handicap, Ted is humbled once the bet is laid down).

Sadly we had to leave our friends and headed off quite early (although not as early as originally planned). The trip went very well with no real holdups along the way. However it was a very long day and we were very glad to get to our destination, get something to eat and then some sleep. Fortunately the kids were all able to have their own beds as the room rates were quite reasonable. The most interesting sight was when we turned of ...

... and grouchy. Her father, the river captain, emphatically backs this up. It sounds far-fetched to me, too perfectly and absurdly southern. Like his many other tall tales. When Tim Burton filmed Big Fish, he chose Montgomery as the place to capture his whimsy on film. The captain talks with the same whistled accent as the film's protagonist. And both of them are fantastic storytellers. He sits, at the dining table or out on the porch with the sun over his shoulder, or on the deck of the ...