Arriving in Tallahassee - Day 9

Leaving Birmingham around noon, the last few hundred miles seemed to speed by...even though I stayed within the speed limit... (a tip from Robert, Eleanor's husband, was stay at or under the speed limit to avoid getting a ticket). What a novel idea, and it worked.

The roads were small two lane roads, with lots of vegetation on either side – sometimes it is so much green that you literally can't see past the side of the road. It's hard to imagine unless you've been in it. You certainly develop an appreciation for the color green.

Finally, around 6 pm, I pulled into the driveway at Lisa and Andrew's house. What a relief...to have arrived!! Lisa and Andrew greeted me, along with Segui and the bunnies, and then we went out to dinner.

Ya yagaste! Yes, you have arrived here.

Eleanor's garden

Eleanor has a green thumb. Her yard is full of color, and full or surprises.

It has been a been treat for both of us to have the time to visit and to catch on with each other.

Eleanor says that my moving to Florida would definitely make visiting easier, and more likely to happen. She has always been one to put her thoughts out there very directly. Go Eleanor.

From Memphis to Eleanor in Birmingham, Alabama

After a BBQ lunch for Jewell and Martha, and vegies, beans and coleslaw for me, we dropped Martha off at the airport. After a quick goodbye to Jewell and Junianne I got back on the road.

Half way to Birmingham, I stopped off at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to see a friend of mine who teaches there. Her name is Linda Beito. We just had time for a short, but very wonderful reunion. Time to catch up with each other, to laugh and cry together, and to commit to staying in touch better this time. I hope it works.

Leaving Tuscalossa, I headed east again toward Birmingham, Alabama. There, I was able to stay with my friend Eleanor Melton Warner (photo above). She is so terriffic!! She has patience, is really fun and is full of stories and information about many things. When I got there, it was just like old times again. She loves to garden and enjoys her veggis.

The Lorraine Motel in Memphis

The Lorraine Motel in Memphis Tennessee, where Rev. Martin Luther King was assassinated is now the site of the National Civil Rights Museum. King was standing on the motel's balcony at the place near the wreath. He was only 39 years old when he was killed.

It is still shocking to be at this place, and to sense the incredible loss that affected every American.

Mississippi mud

Martha and I were thrilled to have the chance to actually put our feet in the Mississippi mud. We grew up hearing about the Mississippi River, but it is another thing to see if and to put our feet in it. Jewell took us to a place along the river where there are parks, walking paths, and riverboats.

Made it to Memphis

Arriving at the home of a friend was a welcome relief. This was our longest driving day... 600 miles...

My friend Jewell Reed and his wife Junianne, had dinner ready for the two tired cross-country travelers when we arrived.

After sharing an enjoyable meal, we visited a while, and then Jewell offered to take us down to Beale Street, to check out the historic venues of blues musicians.

Pig Out Palace, Henryetta, OK

We were looking for a place to pull off so we could change drivers, and Henryetta, OK looked like the next "big" place on the map.

As we approached the town, there were signs along the road, announcing "all you can eat" at Huckleberry's Pig Out Palace.

This was too good to miss, so we pulled over and enjoyed the scenery. The sign says "Huck the pig says, 'If you leave here hungry, it ain't my fault." There were some cute metal pigs decorating the front yard too.