Well, here we are again. Another year gone by and another to experience. Can't say the end of 2008 was too prosperous, but we did have a lot of fun. Besides losing part of my retirement, well the rest of my retirement, Randy and I were able to do some traveling to see his parents and all of our Grandchildren.
As for 2009, that's another story. I was lucky enough to make it to the big 60, but I was really fortunate to have my sister come from California to spend it with me. I just love when she comes, because I can have her all to myself. No husbands to tend to, no real cooking, no babies to google at, just Carole and I.Well there is Randy, but he is so good that he just sort of leaves us to do as we please, as he works or plays golf. When we were younger we had so much to do just to keep the family happy that we never spent time together, doing what we want. In the past few years, Carole and I have been lucky enough to go on a few trips, just the two of us. Anyway, back to my big 60 and just Carole and I.
First of all, the three of us went to The Tuscany, for a birthday dinner. I had enough credits at the Hollywood, to get us a delicious steak dinner. Perfect filet's for all three of us and Strawberry Cheesecake for desert. It was just perfect.
On Monday, Carole and I took a little side trip to Natchez, which turned out to be 3 hours away, but we didn't care, because we talked the whole way. We were there by noon, in time for lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant, a cute Southern dining room, located at Stanton Hall-1857. Although, we each had a spinach salad, served in what I call a perfect Southern way, (Southerner's just don't know how to do salad's), the tiny biscuits were delicious though. We then visited the Stanton Hall-1857. It was one of the most magnificent of the Antebellum homes. Stanton Hall is a preservation project of the Pilgrimage Garden Club, furnished with Natchez antiques and some original furnishings of the Stanton family.
We then went on to check into our hotel, The Eola. The Eola is a Grand old Hotel, built in 1927 and renovated in 1998. Arches, chandeliers and marble contribute to this Grand ole Southern Charm. It is located in the middle of old town. There were only three couples staying there, including Carole and I.
We went on to visit other Mansions, my favorite is still Longwood. An octagonal house, never finished, as the owner died. The basement, where the family lived during the building, is still furnished with the original furnishings. Construction took place 1860-1861. Amazing, but it still stands after the Civil War.
Well, Carole and I had a good time visiting and shopping and looking for places to eat and the weather was a little cool, but otherwise a perfect way to keep celebrating my birthday.
We then spent the last night in New Orleans, at Harrah's beautiful new hotel, right across from the Riverwalk. We had fun shopping and we enjoyed the beautiful room. Then Saturday I took Carole to the Airport where she returned to her busy life of work and running around in California, while I went home to our quiet life in Diamondhead, Mississippi.
