Wingate Inns Montgomery

Who knew I'd enjoy Montgomery, AL as much as I did... <br><br>It all began when we pulled into our hotel. I've come to expect a very standard room by now, but when we got to our floor and opened the door, I was pleasantly greeted by a really nice room. They had recently renovated the hotel, and clearly hired some sort of Feng Shui decorator. I loved it. Everything was crisp and clean, but with warm touches ...

... warm and funny.<br><br>Then we went over to the trolley tour of Montgomery where we learned about the history of this beautiful city. The trolley takes off from the old train station which is now a historic monument. While waiting for the next trolley, we moved through the exhibits and historical time line of the civil rights movement in the U.S.A. I remember growing up reading and watching TV news and movies about civil rights ...

... saw the design of a thistle as clear as a lightening strike. It was such a powerfully clear dream she jumped up and drew what she had seen. She then found an artisan to carve the thistle design into the staircase. I have included a close up in the pictures. Looking closely at this house reveals more and more detail of fun and imagination!!! The-day-before-Thanksgiving dinners and opening-day-of- hunting dinners are served up here at the long table every year. I can easily imagine how homey ...

... s house visitng her Uncle while a young girl. The house had changed hands over the years but had not been kept up with the times. When Marney heard it was to come on the market, she bought it and dove right in to make it fit her lifestyle. Marney changed walls and location of rooms and has given this wonderful old homestead a new lease on life. The workmanship is wonderful as it is clever in design and function. Reflecting her sense of color and the marrying ...

I dropped Luba off at the Savannah airport this morning at 5am. It was hard to see her off. We had the best time ever.<br><br>I had taken all side roads today all the way from Savannah. Traveled almost 600 miles before stopping for the day. I rode mostly on US 80 the entire day. I love riding on two lane roads. Its a great way to see the country side. <br><br>Stopped in Montgomery, Al. It just will not stop raining. Need a break. Waiting for the weather to ...

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.<br><br>While Jerry was hitting a small ball around Prattville, Alex &amp; 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.<br><br>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).

The next morning we took the kids for a game of mini golf - which wasn't as much fun as it could have been, as the turf had little stones all over it (kicked up from the path) which made it harder to play. Just before we left the park at 11.30 we spotted Yogi himself making the rounds on the back of a pickup truck, so we leapt out and the kids got a quick photo with ...

... a Days Inn. I checked in, at least they had a computer at the front desk! Once I hit the room, found leaky water in the tub, stained carpet, saggy mattress and a door that had a chain lock that is ripped out from the peeling shellack of the wooden door. Ah well. Per the front desk, the only place to eat, well, its; Ruby Tuesday's. That's it, after a five mile drive! So here I sit having those drinks I shoulda had in N.O.! Now, I am sure that Birmingham has lovely ...