Christmas Trip - Day 10

Left hotel at 1030. Stopped at TN info center - weather was great! Figured out how to get into Great Smoky Mountains National Park - at Visitors Center by 1415. Saw some great sites - even with snow and ice in the park. Checked out Gatlinburg... Also explored a frontier town on the Cades Cove auto tour. Drove over to Athens, TN, for gas and a late lunch (early dinner?). Nicky wanted to drive, so I let her. She freaked out in Birmingham - couldn't get merged and stopped in the middle of the road (blocking traffic). She wanted me to get out and switch seats, but we made it through OK... Pulled over just outside of the city, though, and I drove the rest of the way home. Took I-59 all the way to Tuscaloosa before stopping again (dinner at Taco Bell) - Nicky called home. Made it to Meridian by 2315. Dropped Nicky off at home and headed back to the house. Bed after midnight.

Christmas Trip - Day 9

Left Dennis at 0730. Made good time to Warwick, RI - had breakfast at Burger King. Nicky enjoying the ride on I-95 (she wanted to stop at places all day long...). Drove across the Hudson at the GW Bridge again (hardly any traffic) and I tried to show Nicky that you can sometimes see some of the buildings down on Manhattan - she got mad at me for looking outside too much! Lunch in Ashmont, NJ - then had to take a 54 mile detour for construction. Back on I-78 eventually, and stopped at Hershey, PA, for some information on the park and chocolate factory (couldn't stay). Using I-81, made it to West Virginia border by 1800. Stopped in Christiansburg for gas and then decided to get a hotel there. Not too bad of a day - will help us get home earlier tomorrow...

Christmas Trip - Day 8

Took Nicky around Cape Cod... [drinks at Oliver's ?]

Christmas Trip - Day 7

Took Nicky around Cape Cod... [lunch at Burger King]

Christmas Trip - Day 6

Nicky flew in today, from Meridian. She arrived in Hyannis around 1400 and I took her around town for a few hours. Introduced her to Grammy and the family. We had dinner at Dad's and then went out with Katie and Carolyn (movie, drinks). Bed after midnight.

Christmas Trip - Day 5

Carolyn got me up at 0800. Had breakfast and opened presents with the family. One of the gifts was from the whole family - to me - a "Sega Genesis Game"! It was a great present for me and we all took turns playing until lunch time. Watched sports and other festivities on TV with Carolyn and Katie until 1400. Drove together to Gerard's for Christmas dinner. He threw a great party, as usual, and we didn't leave until quite late (Dad and Beth left with Grammy much earlier...). Katie, Carolyn and I left around 2100 and drove around looking at Christmas lights (kind of a tradition?). Bed around 2330.

Christmas Trip - Day 4

Woke up at 1000. Went over to see Grammy again and then drove by to see Bryan's mom. Visited a few other friends until late in the afternoon. Home around 1700. Had an early dinner with the family, including opening some presents. Went to EDCC for Christmas Eve services. Also got to go to Damien's party again - didn't stay as long this time. A lot fewer people are around this year than last... Home around midnight - and bed "early."

Christmas Trip - Day 3

Slept until 1030. Drove down to see Bryan at the service station - got my old changed. He liked the Probe GT and I let him drive it. He told me to come by the house later. Went to the Cape Cod Mall to get presents for everyone - it was crowded! Glad I didn't wait until tomorrow!!! Visisted Aunt Irene and Grammy. Back at the house just before dinner. Went out with Katie and Carolyn to a movie later. Slept around 0100.

Christmas Trip - Day 2

Up by 1000 and on the road by 1100. Continued on I-78 and stopped just after noon in Morristown, NJ, for gas. Crossed GW Bridge at 1315 - traffic not too bad! Good drive through CT and RI on I-95 and I-195. Made it to Cape Cod around 1800. Visited for a little while with Dad, Katie and Carolyn. Watched movies until after midnight.

Christmas Trip - Day 1

Left Marion at 1230. Took US-45 down to I-20/I-59 and drove east towards Birmingham, then on I-50 towards Tennessee. Made good time to Chattanooga (1700), but hit a huge traffic jam! When I finally got out of the stop-go, headed up I-24 and I-75 to I-40 (gas in Athens, TN). Called Carolyn around 1830. Finally on I-81 - saw snow near Bristol. The most amazing thing was that I was listening to the radio and caught WBZ (Boston!) near the NC-VA border! Gas in Fairfield, VA, at 2330. Called Nicky just before midnight. Got to I-78 around 0300. Stopped for the night in Frystown, PA. Tired!

San Diego, CA (USA)

[slept in a little - checked out of BOQ - flew back to Meridian on airlift (departed 1200L) - home around dinner time]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[up very early - finished CQ - crappy weather (low ceilings) - (found lead safe) form flight back to Miramar - lunch at McDonalds - John picked me up later and we went exploring around San Diego (book store) - dinner - back to room - (calls to Nicky, Aunt Nelle, Dad) - pack and bed]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[first trap at ship (Kitty Hawk) early in day - weather wasn't good enough to finish (pitching deck) - back at Miramar after noon - lunch at McDonalds - didn't do much in the evening (called Nicky) - bed early]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[weather on the ship wasn't good today, so a group of us rented a car - went to San Diego Zoo - later drove over to Cabrillo National Monument (Point Loma) - dinner at Acapulco (Mexican) Restaurant]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[flew FCLP check flight early in morning - quick lunch at McDonalds - left on airlift for CQ trip (1030) - arrived in San Diego in the afternoon - stayed at Miramar (BOQ) - phone calls to Dad and Nicky]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

[visiting - lunch at Wendy's - trolley on St. Charles Street - World Fair park - left New Orleans in the evening (saw people arriving for the Bayou Classic) - drove back to Meridian]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

[big dinner - sick people, football game - a little more fun that evening at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[drove to New Orleans to see Uncle Charlie (etc.) - Marriot - Cat's Meow - Pat O'Briens (late - everyone scattered)]

[Lauderdale County], MS (USA)

[location uncertain - rode motorcycle]

Birmingham, AL (USA)

[drove over to Samford University (genealogy)]

Eutaw, AL (USA)

[location uncertain - took Nicky and the dog for a scenic drive - left in the late afternoon - stopped to see ante-bellum homes in historic Eutaw - drove back to Meridian - dinner at Ryan's Family Steakhouse]

Birmingham, AL (USA)

[drove over to Birmingham to visit Samford Univeristy (genealogy) - drove up to see Vulcan statue]

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

[drove home]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[drove to New Orleans early - visited Aquarium of the Americas (white alligator) - watched performances at Jackson Squarehad dinner in the World Trade Center ("Top of the Mart" - rotating roof)]

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

[visited]

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

Left Marion at about 1400. As I got close to Hattiesburg, it started to POUR!!! I don't think I have ever been driving in such bad weather! Ended up making a wrong turn - missed Nicky's exit - and had to double back. Arrived at her apartment at 1800. I wasn't in a good mood, but she made me some "lemon icebox pie". Felt better then - and we went to the movies ("Rudy"). Bed late...

[Lauderdale County], MS (USA)

[location uncertain - rode motorcycle]

[Lauderdale], MS (USA)

[horseback riding at base]

[Lauderdale], MS (USA)

[horseback riding at base]

Shiloh, TN (USA)

[visited the Shiloh Battlefield - lunch at Wendy's - drove down US-45 to Corinth, MS - stopped at Brices Cross Roads (Tupelo) and saw Elvis home - drove on Natchez Trace Parkway - back to Meridian very late]

Tuscaloosa, AL (USA)

[drove from Meridian over to Tuscaloosa - drove to see Mound State Monument (Moundville) nearby - then drove up US-43 to the "Quad Cities" (including Florence, Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals) - visited Helen Keller home (closed) and then crossed into Tennessee - - dinner at "Roadside" (Diner ?) - found a campground on the Tennessee River (Pickwick Landing) - roasted marshmallows]

Hobbs Trip - Day 12

Woke up late again - Nicky had to leave early, but she let me stay for a few more hours of sleep. Left Hattiesburg around noon and back in Marion by 1330. Picked up Kiska late in the day - he was very happy to see me! It was a good trip!

Hobbs Trip - Day 11

Slept very late and then drove over to meet Nicky at USM. Spent some time in the library for a few hours while she finished up her last class. Walked around a bit - football is in the air at Southern Miss.! Nicky had to work for a few hours, so I wandered around the mall for awhile. Had dinner with her after work. Rented a movie and stayed in tonight. I have to be back at work soon...

Hobbs Trip - Day 10

Kept driving and crossed Louisiana border just after midnight. On I-10 (gas in Crowley, LA, at 0145) until reaching I-59. Finally in Hattiesburg at 0500. Whew! Crashed on Nicky's couch and actually got a few hours of sleep before she and Melanie had to get up for class. Got even more sleep while they were gone. Around 1500, Nicky came back and we went out to dinner. Saw a late movie. Bed around midnight.

Hobbs Trip - Day 9

Up by 0830. Paid for campsite at Headquarters and then drove over to landing for boat to Mexico (1000). There was a teenage kid there who offered to "guard" my car for the day - and he wouldn't leave me alone until I gave him a little change. Took a boat across the Rio Grande to Boquillas del Carmen with some other Americans (one family from Dallas). Walked around in town for about an hour - bought some local crafts and souvenirs. Wish I had brought some hip waders, since the river was smooth and I could have walked in it. Oh well - went back across to Texas around 1145. Explored a little more of the park - Chisos Basin was interesting. Also found a fossil exhibit. Drove north out of park around 1345 (worth a return trip). Took US-385 and US-90 again - this time to the East (gas in Marathon, TX). Crossed Pecos river and saw lots of signs for Lake Amistad National Recreation Area - stopped for a bit at the Park Headquarters near Del Rio (1700). In Bracketville by 1730. Had wanted to take Farm-674 to the North, but it was closed. Instead, I got to wait in a line at a customs inspection station a few miles up on US-90. Decided to continue to San Antonio. Had dinner in Walde and called Nicky. Weather was great, so kept driving on US-90 until I found I-10 again (around 2000). Drove on I-10, through Houston, until midnight. Near TX-LA border...

Hobbs Trip - Day 8

Woke up at 1130 today and said goodbye to Bonnie. Drove over to see Uncle Charlie before I left town. On the road by 1215. Drove down US-180 to Carlsbad Caverns. Had planned to visit them, but sleeping late made it hard to stick around long enough to go inside. It looked a little crowded anyway... Explored back roads at Rattlesnake Springs (part of the National Park). On county roads for a little while (418/422/423). Found New Cave area - hiked there - and explored Slaughter Canyon (1530). Back on US-62/US-180 for a little while - then entered Guadalupe National Park. Checked out McKitrick Canyon and looked around the rest of the park for a little while - there were some great views! I didn't expect to see such big mountains around here, but it was worth the trip. Leaving the park, switched to TX-54. Saw a fox (or coyote?) near Van Horn. Probe GT hits high speed on back road - nothing for miles and really flat (and no billboards to hide behind...). Changed to I-10 for a short time and then got off on TX-118 at Kent. Saw a deer on Spur-78 near the McDonald Observatory (my planned stop). Unfortunately, they were closed. They apparently have tours on Tuesdays... Met a local man who told me what they do there. Drove over to Alpine (2030) and then took US-90 (it goes through Milton!) to US-385. Listened to Monday Night Football all the way to the gate of Big Bend National Park. Country was beautiful by a nearly full moon. Could see mountains all around. Inside the park around 2300, no one at Park HQ to give me a camp site, but there were plenty to choose from. Setting up tent, it broke. Ended up sleeping in the car (2330). Mexico tomorrow!

Hobbs Trip - Day 7

Didn't get up until 1100 this morning (wonder why?). Watched football games with Chuck almost all day. Helped one of Bonnie's friends with his truck. Had dinner with Bonnie, Uncle Charlie, Chuck - still watching football. Spent a little time this evening looking at the maps - had to figure out a plan for the rest of the trip! Called Nicky. Stayed up late watching TV and playing video games again... Bed around 0200.

Hobbs Trip - Day 6

Woke at 1015 again. The Notre Dame game was on - and I didn't think I'd get to see it. But, of course, Bonnie has Pay-Per-View, so Chuck and I were able to watch that game and a few others. Went to Mass with Uncle Charlie later and then had dinner with Bonnie. Called Dad. One of Bonnie's friends, Ellen, had a party tonight - we went for a little while. Chuck took me out again to The Brass, where we played darts again. Came back at 0200 and Chuck fired up the hot tub and opened the pool. It was great to hang out under the stars in the hot (but "dry-heat") New Mexico night... Went to sleep after 0300.

Hobbs Trip - Day 5

Slept until 1015 and then got my bags from Uncle Charlie's - Bonnie said I should move over to her place since the kids will be getting into town soon. Went to a nice Mexican restaurant with Mary and John. Watched some TV in the afternoon. Went to a "Circus Party" at one of Bonnie's friend's house. It was a pleasant evening - and I think Uncle Charlie liked it, too. He was sitting in a chair near the entrance to the pretty garden where the party was held, a smile on his face. Everyone who arrived walked over to greet him - he was the center of attention all night. Chuck showed up later in the evening and told me we needed to go out. He and some of his friends took me to Holidaze and The Brass (Country-Western Music) Bar. We stayed up late, playing Cricket (darts) and had a really good time. Got home around 0200 and read for a bit before sleeping (0300).

Hobbs Trip - Day 4

Slept until 1015. Went over to Bonnie's and looked through the paper. I worked for a bit on the Football Challenge (Bob and I have teams). Later, drove over to see Uncle Rob at his nursing home. Back at Bonnie's by dinner time - went to the Country Club with Uncle Charlie, Bill and Annie. Watched TV and played "Legend of Zelda" until very late - didn't even go back to Uncle Charlie's. Bed at 0200.

Hobbs Trip - Day 3

Woke up at 0915. Had lunch with Bonnie and her friends, Bill and Annie. Bonnie later took me on a tour of the Bravo Energy Office. Went back to Uncle Charlie's and picked him up - he wanted to show me around. We drove over to see the Soaring Society office and then over to the New Mexico Community College. Had dinner at Bonnie's - the Hillary Clinton health care plan was all over the news (and topic of dinner conversation). Kathy and Chuck called late - it was good to talk to them. Back at Uncle Charlies, called Nicky and then watched TV until 0200.

Hobbs Trip - Day 2

Left room at 1030 and got gas in Ranger, TX (1135). Saw paratroopers along the road near Abilene - I guess they were from the Air Force Base... Took I-20 (Business) and US-80 for a bit, but then got back on I-20. Got a chance to visit the Confederate Air Force Museum in Midland/Odessa. Also discovered a meteor crater just outside Odessa (1745). Used TX-338 (Loop), US-385 and TX-176 to Eunice, NM. Then on NM-18 to Hobbs (the scenic route...). Got to Bonnie's just before dark (1830). Visited for several hours with her and Uncle Charlie (96 years old!). Tim will be in town soon - and Chuck, too. Went over to Uncle Charlie's - I'm staying with him at his apartment. Bed around midnight.

Hobbs Trip - Day 1

Going to see my uncles in New Mexico! Left Marion around 1300. Took I-20 towards Dallas - in Dubberly, LA, at 1700. Crossed border into Texas at 1745 and hit a huge thunderstorm - almost had to pull over... Listened to the radio for most of the day - some good NFL shows. Making good time in the Probe GT - until I got pulled over near Mesquite. There was NO traffic and I was barely speeding (OK, 65 mph), but he gave me a ticket. Back on the road - made it to Weatherford at 2130. Found a room for $20 at a truck stop - kind of like a trailer. TV until around midnight.

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

[(spent day with Nicky) - watched movies in evening - (drove back to Meridian)]

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

[took dog to the vet - checked out on leave - (drove to Hattiesburg to see Nicky)]

South Weymouth, MA (USA)

Left around 1000 to drive back up to South Weymouth. Arrived around 1130 and had lunch. Met Mac back at the plane around 1300 and we left a few hours later. Dad watched us take off in the "mighty" Buckeye... I was in the front seat this time - and the weather wasn't good at all. No view of the Cape today! Flew to McGee-Tyson for fuel and delayed there for a short time to ensure we would get some night time before we landed. Last leg to Meridian went fine - home around 2100.

Dennis, MA (USA)

Dad arrived in South Weymouth around 1000 and drove me back to the Cape. He let me borrow his car and I was able to visit Grammy, Aunt Irene, Bryan and some of my other friends. Katie and Carolyn were around, too - that was nice. Had a good cookout at the house. Went to the late movie ("Man Without a Face"). Have to go back to Meridian tomorrow...

South Weymouth, MA (USA)

Got done with a flight early this afternoon and then met up with Mac for our flight to Boston. Our trip up to Cherry Point went pretty well - got to do the "hot-pits" there. Flew the last leg without the instrument hood (nice, since he made me take off this afternoon with the "bag" up...). Arrived at South Weymouth around 1900 and called Dad. Thought he would come up to get me, but found out that he had never planned to pick me up until tomorrow morning. It sucked, since I had to find a hotel without a car. Luckily, Mac dropped me off at a nearby Comfort Inn (Rockland, MA), where I learned that "econo" is a relative word. The room wasn't impressive, but I had a bed...

Vicksburg, MS (USA)

Nicky was home for an extended weekend, so we decided to head over to Jackson. Left Marion at noon and headed west on I-20. Gas in Brandon, MS. Wanted to see the airshow that was going on this weekend, but couldn't get anywhere near the airport :-(. Ended up taking US-80 into center of city just to get around the trouble. North on I-55 for a bit and then off at Ridgeland Mall. Shopped for a bit there and then got back on the road. Listened to the radio - trying to keep up with my Football Challenge statistics (not doing so well...). Used I-55, I-220 and I-20 to get to Vicksburg - arrived at 1600. Saw the park video and toured some of the interesting sites along the Mississippi River. Saw a lot of good things and didn't leave the park until 1830. Weather was nice, so we crossed the Mississippi on the old US-80 bridge into Louisiana. The road actually looked closed, but we made it over. Nicky didn't like the looks of the bridge, so we took I-20 back across and all the way back to Meridian. Home at 2015.

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

Had breakfast with Nicky in town. Needed to go back to Meridian to study, so left around 1215. Made good time going home - in Marion around 1345.

New Orleans, LA (USA)

Got up early and drove down to New Orleans. Spent the day on the Riverwalk - also visited Jackson Brewery. Also enjoyed performances in Jackson Square and drank a little on Bourbon Street. Had dinner at Ember's Bourbon House again. Drove back to Hattiesburg late...

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

Left work at 1600 - in Hattiesburg by 1730. Met Nicky at the Mall. Walked around a bit and then explored town. It is a nice place - probably more to do than Meridian, anyway... Had dinner back at Nicky's and met her roommate, Melanie. Stayed up late watching movies.

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

Didn't wake up until 1030 - Nicky had to leave for work. Had early lunch with her and then went over to the mall to see her off. Left Hattiesburg at 1330 - home by 1500.

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

Slept late and then watched football while Nicky was at work. Drove over to the mall to meet her and we had dinner. Went back to the apartment and watched TV and movies tonight until late.

New Orleans, LA (USA)

Left Marion around 1400 - enroute to Hattiesburg. Just as I entered the Meridian city limits, I got pulled over for doing 70 mph in a 50 mph zone. Ticket was $61 and the cop wanted a check on the spot (lucky I had one). Rest of the trip was uneventful. Met Nicky after she got off work and then we drove down to New Orleans. Had dinner at Ember's Bourbon House - good Italian! Spent the rest of the early evening on Bourbon Street until we headed back to Nicky's in Hattiesburg. Bed late...

Corpus Christi, TX (USA)

[lunch at Corpus O-Club - rest of cross country - flew from Corpus Christi to Meridian]

Corpus Christi, TX (USA)

[cross country from Meridian to Corpus Christi - lunch at Corpus O-Club - (Frank picked me up) - dinner at Pizza Hut - movie: "In the Line of Fire") - spent night at BOQ]

Lauderdale, MS (USA)

[party at Dalewood - pizza run - call to Sarah - late getting back]

Atlanta, GA (USA)

[drive home from baseball game (very late arrival in Meridian)]

Atlanta, GA (USA)

[drove to Atlanta to see a baseball game - Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - with Bob (in his car) - late lunch in Pell City, AL (1500L) - good game - lots of traffic leaving - made it to GA/AL at midnight]

[Lauderdale County], MS (USA)

[location uncertain - rode motorcycle]

Illinois Trip - Day 4

Drove home today - took the "faster way" (I think)... Left at 1000. Drove down I-57 (gas in Effingham, IL, at 1115L) to I-55. Crossed the Mississippi and drove along the west side (Missouri and Arkansas). Doing great time all the way (using the "fast car that passes you" as speed-trap insurance - it worked, too). In Blytheville at 1500. Crossed river from Arkansas at Memphis. Looked around a little to see if this rated a return visit. Finally back on the road at dusk - US-78 to US-45. Home at 2000.

Illinois Trip - Day 3

Woke up late - (church with Kim & Jamie ? - St. John's Lutheran in Champaign) - toured around the campus most of the afternoon. Saw a movie before I was able to meet up with Jamie. We both drove over to U of I to meet Kim as she was finishing a late class - had dinner. That evening, we went to a concert on the quad that ended with some great fireworks! What a fun way to spend Independence Day!

Illinois Trip - Day 2

Slept late - and then had another great day of debating with Jamie. Relaxed a lot and explored University of Illinois with Kim and Jamie. Had dinner with them in town (Perkins Restaurant). Stayed up late with Jamie again.

Illinois Trip - Day 1

Left Marion at 1415. Used US-45 - a pretty good ride. Drove through Tupelo (birthplace of Elvis). Noticed that there were some parks along the way that might be worth checking out: Shiloh Military Park, Peason Mounds and Davy Crockett's last home. Overplayed song on the radio was "Chattahoochie" - catchy tune, but it has now been overdone. US-45 intersected US-51 (Purchase Parkway) near KY-TN border. Back on US-45 to Paducah. Used I-24 for a little bit and finally got on I-57 (late in day) in southern Illinois. Arrived at Jamie and Kim's before dark. Had great fun staying up late - just like old times...

Graduation Trip - Day 4

[Katie drove me from Lowell to Providence in the afternoon - Delta & ASA from T.F. Green to Atlanta to Meridian]

Graduation Trip - Day 3

[drove up to Lowell (early) for Katie's graduation ceremony - party later]

Graduation Trip - Day 2

[on the Cape - shopping for Katie's graduation present - birthday party - went to movie - drinks afterwards (at Oliver's ?)]

Graduation Trip - Day 1

[flew on ASA and Delta from Meridian to Atlanta - TF Green (Providence) - Dad drove me to Cape Cod]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

Woke up at 0945 - left Bob's by 1030. Drove down to Navarre Beach with Andy and June. Stayed out on the beach for about five hours. Made some great sandcastles with Andy and had fun swimming. I did put on some sunscreen, but I got the worst burn EVER! You can even see the hand prints on my back where I put sunscreen - and where I missed. I have never been in such pain! Left the beach around 1600 and drove back on usual route. Home after 1900.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

Slept until 1000 - packed for short weekend. Left Marion at 1100 - usual route down to the coast. In Milton by 1445... [Renewed drivers license and registration] Stopped at the old house and learned that my neighbors were having a party this evening. Ran around to do some errands - including getting them a gift. Stopped at Andy and June's - we'll go to the beach tomorrow. Drove over to see Bob - he's graciously agreed to let me crash at his place for the night. Dinner at the party in my old neighborhood - stayed until 2100. Back at Bob's place, played video games until 0200.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[O & I with Mac - to Pensacola and back to Meridian]

[Lauderdale County], MS (USA)

[location uncertain - rode motorcycle]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[drove back to Meridian - (got home after midnight or left Milton in the morning)]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[drove to Pensacola, Florida, for Andy's 6th Birthday Party - (stayed overnight with Bob or drove back late)]

Bailey, MS (USA)

[date uncertain - church in Bailey (recommended by friend from the Cape)]

Jackson, MS (USA)

[drove to Jackson Mall for the day]

Moving Trip - Day 3

Up at 0800. Called power company to ensure there will be electricity in Marion by tonight. Had lunch with my buddies at the club - cashed some checks I had from Bob and Frank. Left Milton by 1245. Took I-10 to I-65, then got off at Exit 15. Drove over to US-45 and then to Meridian. In Milton by 1615. Kiska was OK - I'm glad he didn't have to wait longer... Drove over to landlord's - he has signed the lease. I guess that worked out OK. I'll need to do some shopping for furniture - the townhouse is really not very full... Lots of room, though. I'll miss the guys - it was nice having roommates for the last several months...

Moving Trip - Day 2

[cleaned up around the old house - church - went to beach with Andy and June - dinner at Taco Bell]

Moving Trip - Day 1

Packed up car and truck and called Dad before leaving for Meridian (0800). June offered to drive the Probe for me and I drove the Toyota. No problems on the way up - I-10, I-65, back roads to US-45 in Alabama. In Meridian by noon - lunch at McDonalds with Andy and June. Met property manager's representative (landlord had a heart attack last week...). Lease seemed to be in order, but I'm not sure how this will all turn out - he didn't sign it yet. Unpacked truck and got Kiska settled in the back yard - he has food for at least two days. I hate to leave him, but I'll be back soon. Drove back with Andy and June in the Ford and made it to Mobile in good time. Dinner at Pizza Hut. Home by 2100.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[picked up Beth from the airport and took her to her house]

Househunting Trip - Day 3

Woke up at 0730 - went back over to new offices to pick up some paperwork and reading material. Checked out of hotel around 0845. I think I've settled on one of the townhouses I saw yesterday - I'll have to sign a lease when I come back at the end of the month. Took MS-39 to I-20, then on US-45 towards Alabama. Got pulled over just after crossing the border - just a warning... Same detour in Citronelle - eventually on AL-135 (?). Took me to I-65. On I-10 in Mobile - all the way back to Milton. Home by 1245.

Househunting Trip - Day 2

Slept until 0730. Over to housing office as soon as they opened - got a list of houses to look at. Located and drove to all of them - some in Meridian, some in Marion. Had a showing at noon (place was alright) and then set up some more for later. Explored the town and my new offices. Did some shopping and had dinner. Got to see a few townhouses around 1930 - they look good. I think I like Marion better than Meridian - drive to work is better and still not too far from shopping and restaurants. Went back to room and watched TV until 1100. Ready to hit the ground with new places tomorrow...

Househunting Trip - Day 1

Left Milton at 1505. Took FL-87, FL-89, US-90 and Avalon BLVD. I-10 to Mobile - took US-90/98 exit (near USS Alabama) and continued over to US-45. Ended up in bad area of Mobile... Eventually on better section of road (two lane almost all the way...) and continued north towards Meridian. Detour at Chunchula (AL-63, AL-217, AL-21 and AL-96). Back on US-45 at Citronelle. Arrived in Meridian at 1900. Luckily, got a room for the night - even without a reservation. Watched State of Union Address in room with dinner (McDonalds). Met some guys at the club who know friends of mine from Pensacola. Looked at local maps - have to find a place very soon (only have three days)... Bed at midnight.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[dinner at McGuire's Irish Pub]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[dinner at O'Charley's in Pensacola]

[Santa Rosa County], FL (USA)

[location uncertain - rode motorcycle - went to movie later and had pizza for dinner]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[dinner at McGuires - drinks with friends in Pensacola]

[Pensacola Beach, FL (USA)]

[location uncertain - motorcycle ride in morning - beach in afternoon and evening (?)]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Seville Quarter]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[recovering - watched NFC Championship game - drove home in evening (light dinner)]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[drove over to New Orleans to celebrate aircraft selection (Rob, Bridget, Beth, etc.) - night of Hurricanes]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Seville Quarter]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Seville Quarter]

Christmas Trip - Day 13

On the road by 1045. I-81 to I-77 and then I-85. In Atlanta by 1530 - but made a wrong turn and ended up going out of town on I-20 - had to double back. On I-85 until Montgomery (gas in Shorter, AL, at 1645) - then I-65. Used AL-41 and FL-87 again - home in Milton by 2000. Tired - slept nearly immediately after unpacking... Kiska glad to see me!

Christmas Trip - Day 12

Slept until 1100 - got car packed quickly. Ate lunch and waited for Katie so I could say "goodbye." Left Dennis at 1215 - US-6 (Sagamore Bridge and more Friendly's ice cream), MA-25, I-195, I-95. No traffic until just before New York City - completely stopped at 1630... Got on I-80 after crossing at George Washington Bridge again. [Switched to I-78 and crossed at Easton (1800).] Made it to I-81 - (late) had dinner at McDonalds. Started looking for hotels near Roanoke, Virginia (2330). Eventually stopped in Dobson, North Carolina, where I stayed at the Surry Inn (0200) - cheap place , but it has a bed...

Christmas Trip - Day 11

Slept until 1200 - late breakfast (again). Watched football and packed for trip. "Star Trek" marathon on today - had fun seeing that. Did laundry and watched movies with Katie and Carolyn. Football games on until 0200. Then bed - leaving tomorrow.