[Meridian, MS (USA)]

[out & in - destination uncertain - date certain]

[Meridian, MS (USA)]

[out & inn - destination uncertain - date certain]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 6

We were going to drive out early, but we learned there was a petting zoo in the lobby of the hotel. Nicky took the twins to play with the animals (Erin didn't really like them...). Around 1000, we finally got on the road. We hit some traffic near Houston. I-10 all the way to I-59 to Meridian. Ended up finally getting home close to midnight. Still, this drive wasn't too bad - and it beats sitting in the airport all day with crying kids!

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

We woke early so we could take advantage of the expected warm weather. Everyone met down at the Alamo and we walked around inside. I never really expected to get this chance, but it was a good place to experience. The shopping outside was good for Nicky and we had some lunch close by. Later in the afternoon we headed back to the hotel so we could catch the Notre Dame football game - something everyone in the group wants to see! The twins ran around cheering like everyone else. This has turned out to be a great trip - we are already invited for next year! We turned in relatively late, but we will pay tomorrow morning when we head back...

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

We woke up pretty early and headed down to the Rivercenter Mall in downtown San Antonio. Unfortunately (at least from my point of view), it was "Black Friday," so I let Nicky and my other cousins brave the crowds while I sat quietly with the twins. OK, so they make lots of noise, but at least I didn't have to push my way through the stores for that great deal... Got to take a tour of the Alamo later. We went back to the hotel in the evening and spent some more good time visiting with our cousins.

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

We stayed around the hotel for most of the day. Just after noon, we headed down for the big Thanksgiving Buffet. The restaurant was huge - and our family takes up at least two tables (10+ people each). The food was awesome and everyone had great conversation. I heard some of them got golf games early this morning - they said it was too cold to truly enjoy the links, though. We stayed warm inside the hotel tonight - Bonnie has some plans for downtown tomorrow. Others plan to go shopping, I think...

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

Got started around 0945 from the hotel. Drive from Houston to San Antonio wasn't bad - but it was a good thing we did it in the day time, since finding the Hyatt Regency (Hill Country) Resort was kind of difficult from the directions we had. We finally found everyone and enjoyed a nice afternoon with Bonnie. There is a lot to do here - and probably would be even more if it weren't so cold! I never expected that Texas would be chilly, but it is. We didn't pack for this weather, so we had to pick up some warm clothes. This is one of those times when it is a good thing to drive - no worries about getting things home afterwards! Relaxed and spent time with the family today - lots of arrivals and people to greet...

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

Bonnie called a few weeks ago and told us that she would love to have us join her and her family for Thanksgiving in San Antonio. We realized this was probably only a day's drive, so Nicky and I decided to take her up on the offer. I got together with everyone back in 1993 (New Orleans), so I know nearly all of the cousins. This will be Nicky's first visit with them, though - and the none of them know the kids. Our drive down I-59 to I-10 was uneventful. Whenever I drive along the raised highway in the bayous of southern Louisiana, I am always intrigued by what lies past the swampy land along the highway - do people live out this way? We made it to Houston in the evening and checked into our hotel (Townplace Suites) - [Swimming ?].

Birmingham, AL (USA)

Nicky and I decided to take a trip over to a big mall she knows about in Birmingham today. I looked on the internet and saw that Samford University there has a good genealogy library. As much as I like shopping (mmm...yeah...), I passed on the chance and drove over to the pretty campus nearby. After a little searching, I found the research room. They have a great selection of old records - especially microfilm of the Tithe Applotment records... Dinner with Nicky and the kids on the way home - in Tuscaloosa.

Philadelphia, MS (USA)

Nicky wanted to go up to the Silver Star Casino (on the Choctaw Reservation) near Philadelphia. We decided to try US-45 this time and see if it was faster than MS-19. I don't think it is - we had more time on a winding two lane than the other way. When we got there it was getting dark already and we went right inside to have some fun. I sat down at a Blackjack table and started to win right away. I seldom gamble, so this was surprising. When I was up about $100, I figured it was time to get going (even though we had only been there about an hour). Nicky said we should stay to make the most of the long drive. By the time we finally left four hours later (after two dealers changed), I had used up all the winnings. At least I'll never have to report gambling winnings on my 1040...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] I didn't hurry out of town this morning - who wants to leave P-Cola? (!!). Bought some souvenirs for the kids and explored the additions to the Naval Aviation Museum. By the time I got on the road, it was afternoon. Things were going great - I made really good time - until I was about a mile from Minnow Bucket Road (north of Meridian). That's our turnoff and I didn't notice the Lauderdale County Sheriff sitting in the bushes. Oh well - there goes three years of good behavior... He seemed more confused about why I rented a car when I lived down the street from where he pulled me over. In the end, I didn't have enough charm to talk my way out of the ticket.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] Last day of class. We ended pretty early, so I went over to one of the nearby genealogy libraries to see what kind of things they had. Made a few discoveries. Later, I drove over to Milton to see Andy and June. Had pizza and visited for several hours. I leave in the morning...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] Class went all day. I went out with the guys to dinner at Hooters tonight and we ended the evening at Seville Quarter again. Ended up as designated driver (again), but that's OK. Can't get into too much trouble that way, I guess...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] After class today, I had some time to visit with my cousin, John, and his new wife, Ann. They just got married and I hadn't seen him in quite awhile. We went out to dinner and it was great to catch up with them. He will be getting a promotion soon - maybe I can come down to see that.