Road Tripping with Granny

Some of my fondest memories are our family vacations and weekend getaways. Quite often, my Granny accompanied us girls on these ‘spur of the moment” trips. However, due to ill health, she has not been able to travel with us very often.

I don’t know how many times in the last year I’ve heard my Granny mention that she would love to hear Bro. Lee Stoneking preach once again in person. But enough times that I made up my mind that if at all possible, we would make this dream a reality.
After doing some checking, I found the Higher Ground conference in Terre Haute, IN. Only a five or six hour drive (not too far), held in September (temperatures should be cooler) and then prayed for good health.

Finally, Thursday morning arrived and Granny was ready to go road-tripping! We left a day early in order to give us plenty of time to arrive and a chance to Gran to rest before the conference started on Friday evening. If you know me, you probably are aware that I have NEVER been one for the “Scenic Route”. When traveling, I want to get from Point A to Point B as quick as I can and then let the adventures begin. However, that was BEFORE my photography hobby became a serious pastime. Now I see “pictures” everywhere! So the extra day gave us a chance to take some “detours”. Since I was working on my line of greeting cards, I also knew some of the shots I was looking for.

No girls’ trip is complete without a quick stop for breakfast, lunch or a shake from Chik-Fil-A. So we decided if we had an early lunch, we wouldn’t have to eat again until we arrived in Terre Haute!!

Since we were making such good time, we took a scenic detour through Frankfort. What a view of the Capitol! Rising from among the trees, it was irresistible architecture. We just had to get closer. With little traffic and pretty easy, we found the Capitol drive. Then we were able to get some really cool shots of the building. The flowers on the front lawn were gorgeous and we would have probably taken a few more minutes checking things out except….for the “crazy” gardener. Maybe we weren’t supposed to be on the grass but other people were – he kept trying to seemingly run us over with the mower. A huge lawn to mow and he keeps coming our way gunning the motor of the mower. It was totally crazy so we got out of there and proceeded on our way.

Back on the road, we moved along until an accident in Indiana. Thankfully, we had just mad a pit stop at the Indiana Welcome Center as we waiting for almost an hour and half. Although it was frustrating sitting in the traffic, after seeing the accident scene, we were thankful for our scenic detour. I am a firm believer that some detours and delays are God ordained to protect his children from harm.

After checking into the hotel, we were all ready to rest but first Outback was calling our name for a delicious name.

The next morning with the whole day before us, we started off with a wonderful breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Then we went to check out some of the 27 parks in the Terre Haute area.

We visited Dobbs Park where there were geese everywhere! Granny fed some of them her piece of leftover cornbread. While I checked out the butterfly garden and took a short walk down the nature trail, Jeanette took picture outside the Native American Museum (just like I knew she would). We didn’t have time to tour the museum so it is on our list to do.

Then we went onto Deming Park, a world renowned Holly Arboretum. Trying to hurry as not to tire Gran out too much, we decided to just drive through. It was beautiful with the geese resting and swimming in the ponds, geysers shooting up everywhere, beautifully landscaped…the perfect setting for a family outing. Then we saw them…little red squirrels playing and dancing around. Just irrestible, of course, we had to stop. There’s just something about us girls and the squirrels. Although I was looking at one squirrel, another little guy is the one that ended up with my attention. This little fellow put on quite a show and told me in no uncertain terms just what he thought about me interrupting “playtime” for a picture. He was so cute that was really hard to leave him.

We then drove by the majestic Terre Haute courthouse – so huge and beautiful but surrounded by lanes and lanes of traffic that I never could get a satisfactory picture. Then we tried to find the Alpacas at the Providence Center located on the grounds at the St Mary of the Woods College. Instead we found a Keagan Drive, more squirrels, cool bridges and lovely art – not too bad for an afternoon drive. We then took Gran back to the hotel to rest while Jeanette ran to the mall and to pickup lunch!

Then it was time for conference to begin. However, that’s a whole other blog.

After the final service, Sunday morning, we decided to have in lunch in Terre Haute before the long drive home. Then we decided to visit the covered bridge at Fowler Park on our way out of town. Who knew when we’d have another chance? Soon it started sprinkling and I was quite concerned when Gran said she was going to see the bridge…stay in the car…NOT! (There is no changing her mind when it is made up!)

We took the short walk through the pioneer village which is definitely a cool place I’d like to revisit (sounds like I might be coming back here one day for another conference!). We arrived at the covered bridge just in time to wait out the Real Rain Shower! As Gran and Jeanette slowly made their way back to the car, I was scampering here and there trying to find the best angle to get a good shot of the bridge (I’m sure it was a funny sight!) But I’m glad we made the detour but ready to be home!

Later we were ready for a shake but what a surprise we got in the drive-thru! Evidently all of the southern portion of Indiana is on the migratory path of geese. We got the biggest kick out of 50 or so geese all lined up in and around the Steak & Shake drive-thru. Good Taste Guys!

Once again on the interstate and another accident! So I was glad we made the detour rather than just sit in the traffic! It rained and stormed the whole way through Indiana. Cars were hydroplaning every which way!! When the bridge came into view to cross into Kentucky, we were glad the storm eased up and what a view of Louisville. Lights shining bright with the dark storm clouds all around! What a perfect ending to a great weekend! Treasure those special times with your family and the ones you love! Make every moment count!

P.S. One last lesson I learned this weekend is that “Photography is contagious!” Gran was more excited about finding things to take pictures than I was! Look at this flower, did you get this building, and on and on! It was too sweet! I am so thankful for the love and support of my family!

Blessings to you and yours… ‘C’