Our first State Park outing - Bulow

    When I got this great idea of touring the Florida State Parks I knew some would totally excite the kids and others would well, just be a stop to check off my list.   I decided to start with Bulow State Park, the one with the Fairchild Oak.  It was free to get in and offered nature trails. 
     We got there and I was a little surprised.  Very small parking lot and thankfully a bathroom!  Really no one around.  The first thing we saw was the Oak.  It was stunning and huge! One of the biggest trees we had ever seen.  The kids were impressed but then quickly asked "what's next?" 

      There were several nature trails you could walk.   We decided on the shortest one.  It was very thick and very muddy.   When we got done I was so glad I had brought towels and sheets for my car.  As we were leaving many people were starting to filter in and most there to bike or hike, all armed with mosquito repellent and walking sticks.  Probably way more prepared to hike than we were.
       All in all, it was a very peaceful place if you like quiet.  Definitely would not keep the interest of my little ones for long.  No play ground :)

       After that I decided to drive over to the other Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park .   Now that place was beautiful.   To get to it you had to drive down a one lane road thru woods.  When we finally arrived it was just lovely.  The cost to enter was $4.00 for a car and it is the honor system.  We were greeted by a Ranger to answer any questions and give us general information.  The kids immediately spotted the water.

     Such a lovely spot by the Bulow Creek.  I could have sat there for hours enjoying the peace and quiet and the stunning view.   But, we had to keep moving.  We started towards the ruins and saw different animal tracks, which fascinated the kids.  We took the nature trail to the ruins, which was really nice and dry.  A wide path that was about 1/4 mile long.  Kids enjoyed the walk.  

      I think my oldest son enjoyed the ruins the most.  So much history.  Lots of information to read around the ruins to tell you what it is all about.  There was also a small museum with artifacts that had been dug up around the ruins and a canoe that had been built, all behind glass, of course.  There were also some more nature trials but they were close to the creek and very muddy so I decided not to venture down that path.

      We walked the road back to the Ranger station and saw deer tracks and heard lots of "things" scurrying around to keep our attention.  All in all, this was very enjoyable park.  Very relaxing and enjoyable on a crisp, sunny Florida day.  

     Planning our next stop soon! 

 

Ready or not Florida, here we come!

      I love to travel.  Well, let me rephrase that a little.  I love to travel at my own pace.  Especially when I am the one behind the wheel, blazing the trail, stopping to use the restroom when I need to! (those that know me, understand this)  I was born and raised in the Florida with a few stops here there.  I have lived in a few different states and a few different countries but I have always had a home in Florida.   I have traveled this state from Milton to Miami.
      When I was younger I traveled with my Grandparents a lot from Mobile Alabama to Alford Florida with a few trips to Lake Wales.  I think my most beloved trips were the ones where we would travel Highway 27 from the panhandle and take it all the way to Lake Wales.  Usually because my Granny was looking for a certain pair of moccasins that they sold at those old Florida Souvenir shops.  I loved those shops with all the Florida stuff... anything with oranges, alligators or beaches.  I know a lot of those places are gone now.  Though recently I came across a really cool one in Clermont, yes on Highway 27.
        So, when I got this idea last year to start visiting Florida State Parks I got a little excited.  This is something I can do, something my family can do.  I started searching out parks via google and Pinterest really got me going.  I really began to embrace this idea.  I truly do have an adventurous spirit but the group I reside with not so much especially when I mentioned hiking!  But starting tomorrow we are off!  We will begin with the Parks in our area.

       Being someone who loves history, I thought we would start with Bulow State Park and visit that 400 year old oak tree I hear they have and do some hiking, yes hiking!  It is going to be a gorgeous sunny day in the low 70's, a perfect day to do a little outdoor activity.  Wish me well and my three who will be coming with me.

       Ready or not, here we come! Oh and yes, there will be plenty of pictures :)

      

Still feels like yesterday.

    Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the death of my father.  Some days it still seems like yesterday.  You are told it gets easier with time and yes, the pain seems to be less, but the memories remain...  There are days you so long to talk to your love one.  My husband has told me in the past how funny it was that my Dad and I could hold a thirty minute conversation about the weather.  But we could.  We just enjoyed being together.  I loved just sitting with him and talking about life. 
      My Dad spent 20 years in the military and he had so many adventures and saw so many places.  I use to think it was a joke that my Dad knew everyone but HE did.  We would go places and he would start talking to someone and you would ask "you know him?"  oh yes, we served together in such in such or overseas.   My Dad knew a lot of history too.  He could tell you all kinds of information.  He was interesting like that.
        There are days I can still hear his voice.  Still hear his ol sayings and remember his nicknames for people.  I still dream about him and can sometimes still feel his hug and smell his cologne.  I am thankful for the memories that are still fresh.  I know as time goes by they will begin to fade.  It just happens that way and I have to be ok with that.
        I know one day I will see my Dad again.  I have that hope because I know he is in heaven with so many of my loved ones.  You know, it is hard as you get older to loose your family.  I am still very young and at times a little envious of those who are much older than me that still have their fathers.  So much still to share of life, but yet, it was his time and who I am to question that. 
         But till then... I will continue on... remembering the good.... trying to learn from the bad.  Hopeful and thankful for the time we did have.  I will try not to regret the things I wish I had done differently, the mistakes made, the differences we had.
          One thing I do know for fact is that my Dad loved me, loved his family.  I never once doubted that I was loved and for that I am very, very thankful. 

The days gone by...

Today I find myself dreaming of yesterday...

As I get older I find myself wanting to go against the trends of today, yes, as I sit here writing a blog!  I find that most people (not all) live their lives via social media.  As I check my email, Facebook and Instagram on a regular basis dissatisfaction with life sets in.  I find myself wanting to get out, out of my house, in the fresh air, living life! Not being confined inside...

I have found once again my love to be outside.  I find myself wondering around my yard, pulling weeds, talking to my flowers and contemplating LIFE! There is just something about being outside with the sun beating down on you and the sound of the wind ruffling through the trees, watching the ants scurry about or the squirrels chasing each other that just sets me at peace and makes me feel alive.

When I was growing up I spent a lot of my time with my paternal grandparents. I would follow my Papa around.  He was always outside tending his garden, working in the yard, chopping word or digging worms for us to go fishing.  I could pick tomatoes, cut okra, break up the ground in preparation to plant, mow grass, clean and gut fresh fish we had just caught, shell peas... I could even change tires, dig up septic lines, climb trees and chase dogs.   My favorite would be the fishing.   When my Papa would back that ol Toyota pick up truck to the boat we knew we were in for an adventure.  The thrill of loading up the boat to head to the Dog River, putting the boat in the water, the spray in our face as that little boat went full throttle down the river.  Then the casting of your line and the quiet stillness as you watched for signs of a fish on your line.  The absolute stillness as you held your breath waiting, watching the life go on around you.  The alligators peaking at you, the snakes hanging from trees, hoping they did not fall on you as you slowly made your way down the river.  Then your stop at the little beach to cool off.  I so remember the first plunge into the icy river and then the sudden realization you are swimming in the very water where you just minutes ago saw those piercing eyes watching you from a distance, thinking what a tasty snack you would be.

I still enjoy the occasional visit to the river to watch the boats go by and remember.  Life really was more simple then and there was always an adventure to be had.  We knew our neighbors and we had friends we spent time with face to face.

I realize we can never go back to the way things were but I can venture out and try some new things with my children.  I can try to instill in them some of the things that I learned as a kid.  They do follow me out sometimes and we so enjoy the days when our neighbors are out too so we can enjoy face to face fellowship.  And thankfully I still have some friends that enjoy being out and about.

In all this I have an even greater appreciation for my childhood and my grandparents and how they lived.  Some of the good was imparted in me.  I see the things they were trying to instill in and teach me.  My family is far from perfect but the next time I go visit my maternal Grandmother I will have no problem following her around her yard as she shows me all her beauties.  I will enjoy every minute I spend with her and soak it all in and hope to gain some wisdom.   I miss my Paternal grandparents but know I will see them again one day soon.  Again thankful for the days gone by.

End of a Chapter?

Today was my little ones last day of Preschool.  On to Kindergarten they head.  Sounds like the end of a chapter to me.  They are no longer babies but are now entering childhood... they no longer need constant supervision and are quite capable of doing a lot on their own.  No more all nighters (well most of the time), no more dressing them (well most of the time) no more having to clean up all their toys for them (well most of the time)... They can even tie their own shoes now, take showers by themselves and brush their own teeth, do chores...  Yes, I still prepare their food, but they are quite capable of getting their own snacks out of the cabinet.. they definitely know how to work the remote on the TV and how to find the channels they are allowed to watch (we have parental controls, don't worry!) They get in and out of the car on their own and actually get quite upset if I help them.  Independent, you betcha!

So where does that leave me... a little sad, reflective, a bit scared,, hopeful as I watch them and I know they are doing well... at the same time seeing how as a parent I could have done a little better in some areas.. trying to redeem the time I have left because I know in the blink of an eye they will be all grown up.

Which takes me to my oldest, who turns 14 in a few weeks.. that one really starts my heart to beating.  He is almost a half foot taller than me now, I have to look up to him.  He is a polite young man, fun to talk to, a little bit goofy sometimes, a little older in his soul than most his age and yet still demonstrates at times the maturity level of his little brother and sister.  He challenges me and tries to please me all at the same time.  I love him more than words can say and I know soon I will have to let him go off into the real world, without me there to whack him upside the head and tell him to take a chill pill. 

To say time flies would be an understatement.. it seems like 5 minutes ago I was looking at my sweet little red head, amazed.  Another blink and here was thing 1 and thing 2 taking up my every waking moment, which was pretty much 24/7.  Now here they are soon to be a Freshman in high school and Kindergartners..

I know Papa would be proud of his little Emmylou, Jason and A-Ron.. times like these always make me think of my dad.  I know I am proud of them. 

Yes, end of a chapter - beginning of another! Yes sir, beginning of another!!  If I don't know what to do I can always take Emma's suggestion and giggle it, you know surf the information highway. 

This, That and the Other

Having three very unique children can be challenging at times.  They seem to come at me in all different directions with ideas, attitudes and such.  Let's just say life is never boring.  For instance:

I had a rough day and I guess it was showing because Jason, my four old, pulls me aside in his fatherly, wise way.  You know that look of concern, with the hand on your shoulder.  Suddenly I feel like I am the child.  He says to me "Mom, you are very tired today and grumpy.  You know if you took a nap you would feel a lot better, then you wouldn't be tired and grumpy" end of lecture and he seems extremely proud of himself for offering some good advice to Mom.

Emma declares while brushing her teeth that she is ALLERGIC to boys. Yes, indeed, allergic to boys.  And let me tell you, I am very happy to hear this.. I know God will heal her at the right time.

Aaron now calls me shorty and gives me that blingy smile of his, you know braces showing, orange and blue.  My 13 year old, surprise child with red hair that just a few years ago was hugging my legs now thinks it is cool that I have to look up to him. 

Actually all of my children have made it their goal to be taller than Mom.. Good Luck Emma, I have a feeling you will be living in the land of giants for quite a while.

So a little this, that and the other keeps me going!  A new day, a new adventure..... 

Adventure in toilet seats

My littlest one, Emma, is very petite.  We tell her all the time she lives in the land of giants.. so I can understand how some things might intimidate her, but the toilet seat?? oh my....

A few weeks ago I hear her let out a scream that definitely gets my attention.  She screams a lot so my reflex time is kinda slow.  But this particular day I jumped up and ran.  She met me coming down the stairs crying and holding her hand.  I asked her what had happened and she said "the toilet seat broke my finger!!"  ok.. she was so dramatic it took everything I had not to laugh.  Then she got mad at her brothers.  I tried to show her how to put the seat down without slamming her finger in it but she continued to have issues until Jason stepped in to solve all toilet seats problems.  Rather than just putting the toilet seat down when he was done he decided HE would teach her how to do it. It went a little something like this.  (I did not venture in there, just let him have it.. I stood outside the door and laughed MBO)

Jason:  See Emma, this is how you do.  Take the seat in one hand and slowly put it down, slowly, very slowly. SEE, just like that.  Now it is your turn.
Emma: I cant do it.
Jason: yes you can, slowly.
Emma: Ok, I will try.
Jason: SLOWLY!! Good, Good.. YOU GOT IT!!  Emma you did it!!
Then Jason comes running out of the bathroom so excited!  "I did it Mom, I taught Emma how to put the toilet seat down"  He was so excited, you would have thought he had taught her to ride her bike or something..  :)

For the last couple of weeks, all has gone well, till tonight.. Emma had a relapse and it went a little something like this:

LOUD Scream and a "aaaahhhhhhhhhh!  Jason!!! you didn't put the toilet seat down."
Now, I am sitting with Jason and this is his response.  Slaps his head and says "WHAT!..... I just taught her how to put that seat down... " He gets up and huffs himself in there and says "Let me show how to do this again.. "  and he goes over it all one more time and and then makes her do it and ends with "see, you got it!! good job" 

And all is well in their four year old world again.  Maybe Emma will get a revelation and explain to Jason how life would be so much simpler if he and his brother would just put the toilet seat down when they get done.  She may be petite but she can be a little spicy when the mood hits her  :)