Savannah ... it was a trip

I was aiming for those birds up there

I cannot believe it has been two whole weeks since the pirate had a birthday.

We did go to Savannah G-A, for two nights and parts of three days.

It was much as we'd left it the last time we visited, several years ago.

I bungled part of my birthday in that I picked the wrong place to eat supper. I won't go into details but my choice, though based upon a past good experience, turned out to be not what I anticipated.

I won't be making that mistake again.

The main gate at Wormsloe ... not an entrance

Next time we visit Savannah, I will make it a point to dine at The Pirates' House, which will be a whole new culinary adventure.

Can you believe I've never been there? Me neither. We have our heading.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile here's what we did: on my actual birthday, we traveled to Savannah -- a trip which takes under three hours -- and walked on the waterfront.

The fireplace outside Wormsloe's gift shop

Though not even among the top ten oldest cities in America, Savannah is an old city. Thus the architecture is fascinating.

Also there are cobbled streets and perilous sets of stone steps to climb, to get from River Street down to Riverfront Plaza.

I have long had a penchant for pointing my camera upwards to where roof lines of impressive buildings meet a pretty sky.

That's how I came up with one of perhaps a half-dozen pictures I took on my birthday.

TG concluded that the building, featuring massive iron X shapes at both ends, apparently is held together by iron cables that run the length/width of the building, under the floors or above the ceilings, connected to the iron X's.

I could have spent an hour in here

At least that's what appears to be going on. I just liked how it looked, although at first, I was aiming for the birds perching at the top against the blue.

The shops and establishments along the waterfront, in addition to the nice hotels, are your basic restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and huge candy stores.

We did buy some candy. It was good. TG is inordinately fond of chocolate-covered pretzels, and they were available in abundance.

I even got one. The chocolate coating had been dredged in Butterfinger crumbs. Excellent.

I walk on Oak Alley one day after my birthday

We bought postcards and fridge magnets like we do everywhere we go. That's how boring and predictable we are, hahaha but somehow I enjoy doing that.

I send the postcards to the grandkids. Our Stephanie, when she was little, loved receiving postcards in the mail, and I think that kids still do.

By far my favorite store on the waterfront is The Mad Hatter. I bought a hat there many years ago that I have worn slap out, except it will survive me -- it's a quality soft woven straw with a huge brim and a black chiffon scarf. 

I wear it when I walk in the summer, and I wear it in the pool to keep the sun out of my eyes, and I love it.

No picture could do justice to the beauty there

But on this visit I bought a fancy hat, which I plan to wear on Easter and you know I will share a picture of all of us in our Easter finery, at church.

Can you believe that's a week from Sunday? Early this year.

Speaking of early, we returned to our hotel on my birthday at what would likely seem an early hour to most, but I was weary of roaming and wanted to rest.

The next day, a Friday -- two weeks ago tomorrow -- was a beautiful day with perfect weather.

I had my coffee in the room and TG brought me a bagel from the breakfast bar, but when we headed out I was in the mood for a nosh.

TG beside an old silo

We stopped at a place called The Diner (open 24 hours) and I enjoyed peach French toast and more coffee, while TG had scrambled eggs and bacon.

From there we navigated to Wormsloe Plantation.

Wormsloe was built on a 500-acre grant from the Crown to Noble Jones, who arrived in Georgia in 1733 along with James Oglethorpe, and the rest is history.

On Wormsloe is the oldest standing structure in Savannah: the ruins of Noble Jones's tabby mansion.

There isn't much left but what there is, is interesting enough if you're into that sort of thing.

And then there's me

It's been on my radar for many years to walk Oak Alley at Wormsloe, and after admiring an outdoor fireplace and plundering their fantastic gift shop, we did that.

Oak Alley -- a mile or more of Southern Live Oaks that line either side of a dirt avenue, their Spanish-moss-festooned branches arching overhead to touch one another -- is one of those things you must see to appreciate.

We were told that direct descendants of Noble Jones still occupy forty acres cheek-by-jowl with Oak Alley. You could look to your left and see the outbuildings on their estate.

Other than the alley of oaks, there is not a whole lot to see at Wormsloe. There are the ruins, and a single grave marker that is more of a monument to the Noble Jones family than an actual resting place.

The tabby ruins: oldest standing structure in Savannah

After doing all of that, we were tired and opted to ride the trolley back down Oak Alley, back to the gift shop and parking lot and so forth.

On the way we received a strident and vaguely accusatory lecture on slavery. We were urged to buy a book in the gift shop that would further educate us on the subject.

We were semi-shamed for coming there just to see some oak trees.

The driver pointed out that when Wormsloe was turned into a historical site that folks could visit, sometime in the nineteen seventies, tour guides placed heavy emphasis on the Colonial aspects of life there back in the day.

And while she didn't come right out and say it in so many words, her tone suggested that such emphasis proves how racist we are as a country.

Monument to Noble Jones and his kindred

And implied that the emphasis should have been placed heavily on slavery, from day one.

(Because it's our job now to constantly emphasize everything America and Americans have ever done wrong, and to not just ignore anything we have done right, but deny that we have ever done anything right at all.)

I looked around and saw that everyone on the trolley, by my estimation, was at least fifty years old.

Leading me to conclude that everyone on that trolley was aware that slavery existed in the antebellum South, and that in visiting a plantation that predated the Civil War by over one hundred years, we were walking on land where there once were slaves.

But the female trolley driver, as she guided the multi-car vehicle over the bumps and ruts of Oak Alley, delivered what amounted to a sermon, for practical reasons omitting only the altar call where we would be invited to prostrate ourselves and repent.

Rhett, doing his coloring at Carey Hilliard's Restaurant

Of something that we ourselves did not do.

No thanks. I believe that I am sensitive enough to the issue of slavery -- no, it wasn't right. If I had my way, no one would ever have been, or ever be, enslaved by another human being.

No one in their right mind would say, or think, or desire, anything different than that.

But slavery was abolished in the United States. A long time ago. And no, I cannot do anything about something that happened more than a century -- and even longer -- before I was born.

I can't do anything about something which has existed practically since human beings were created, but in which I have never participated.

Two cousins and a phone box

For that matter, slavery exists all over the world, to this day. But hardly anyone seems to ever want to talk about that. 

Because you can't blame America for that. Oh wait. Yes you can. It's Trump's fault.

At any rate, we endured the bumpy ride and the self-righteous faintly rebuking monologue by the trolley driver, then exited said conveyance and went back to our car, none the worse for wear.

That same day, in the afternoon, Audrey was loading up daughter Dagny and nephew Rhett (two of our eight grandchildren) in Columbia, and heading for Savannah to join us.

I would have bought this if it had been for sale

We met them for supper that night at Carey Hilliard's, a local restaurant chain known for their fried chicken.

There we had a wonderful meal and talked about our schedule for the next day.

Originally the plan had been to take the children to Wormsloe on the Saturday.

But the weather forecast stopped us: Saturday was to be nothing but rain, and Wormsloe is ninety-nine percent an outdoor activity.

The B-17 City of Savannah

Besides, the kids would not have liked Wormsloe; it was nothing but walking, and not much to see.

So we changed tactics and decided to take the kids to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia.

After dinner we went to our respective hotels, having set a time to meet at the museum the next morning.

The rain came as promised, and we met up as promised.

This is the first exhibit to meet your startled eyes

The museum is very well done, and I would recommend that history buffs -- especially those of the World War Two variety -- make plans to visit there, if you can.

Museum exhibits as a rule don't necessarily thrill kids, but there were interactive features which Dagny enjoyed, and small theaters here and there showing documentaries, and several gorgeous airplanes, including the City of Savannah, a B-17 bomber.

Before we even set a foot in the exhibits, though, we spent twenty minutes in the gift shop.

I bought a magnet commemorating D Day, and a small toy plane for Rhett. He carried it carefully for the rest of the trip.

This was my favorite exhibit of them all

TG picked out two books, which on the spot I ordered for him on Thriftbooks, saving at least fifteen dollars.

Just call me Clever Clogs.

Flags and banners were everywhere. If I could have, I would have bought the banner of the 44th Bomb Group.

But it was not for sale.

(My favorite number is 44, and my father's initials were BG. He was trained as an Air Force fighter pilot, although he never saw combat.)

Dagny with cousin Elliot on the Sunday at church

About halfway through the tour, I found my favorite exhibit by far: remnants of a Nazi flag that was captured upon the liberation of six thousand American prisoners of war at Stalag VII-A in Moosburg, Germany, on April 29, 1945.

The POWs signed the flag and put their home towns, and whatever else they wanted to write.

The flag is displayed like a huge table, under glass, so that you can walk around it and read what the American heroes wrote.

I read many of the entries; there was no bitterness, no cursing, no blame, no vitriol inscribed there.

Only gratitude, and love, and joy.

Elliott's big brother Rhett posed with my balloons

How I wish we could get back to that, as a nation.

By the early afternoon, the kids were done but TG still wanted to wander amongst the exhibits, so Audrey and I took the children to the Cracker Barrel next door, and fed them.

Rhett, after one bite of a chicken tender, fell sound asleep on his Aunt Audrey's lap. We had worn the boy out.

Shortly after that, we collected TG and both cars headed for home. We pulled into our driveway right around seven o'clock and went inside to set the clocks forward an hour.

There was a luscious cake under glass ...

The next evening, after our hour-long Sunday night service at church, we all repaired to Chad and Erica's house for my birthday party.

There was a splendid cake, and the requisite birthday balloons.

But hold your horses. First, I'd made Naughty Hammie Sammies and Erica had made a tangy slaw, and we all chowed down on that.

Mike, Audrey's beau, had returned from his two-week business trip to China and had brought gifts for everyone.

There were luscious silk scarves from Hong Kong, and precious mother-of-pearl inlaid purse mirrors.

... to which we laid complete waste

In addition, my children had bought me some lovely things for my birthday.

We tucked into that cake and it was scrumptious, and then we visited some more before heading for home.

Goodness. We do drag it out, don't we?

I haven't even told you about our party (it's been a month ago now) to celebrate our grandson Andrew's turning twelve.

Our grandson, contemplating what it means to be twelve

Andrew belongs to the North Carolina contingent, and we met as usual at the Cracker Barrel on the line where the two Carolinas meet, for a meal and a birthday party.

He was born on two twenty-two twenty twelve, at two thirteen in the afternoon. How the years fly by.

That about covers it until Audrey's birthday this coming Friday, which will be celebrated with a cookout here at Casa Weber on Saturday.

We cannot do it on Friday because that's the day that Audrey and TG are traveling to Jacksonville, Florida, where they have VIP tickets to see, hear, and meet Dr. Jordan Peterson as part of his We Who Wrestle With God tour.

It's not a birthday without balloons

They'll be back on Saturday afternoon and they'll have lots to tell us at the party.

Then, on Tax Day, our Allissa turns sixteen. 

There will be another party, as well as a full report to follow.

Meanwhile I hope you are doing well and that you'll tell me all about it in the comments.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Thursday

Comments

[Ginny Hartzler]

Wow, you have sure been having a bunch of family fun! I think my favorite of the bunch is you walking down Oak Alley. It is a gorgeous shot, especially with the branch shadows on the ground And it seems to go on forever! Reminds me of the lyrics of a song by the old group Barclay James Harvest. The lyrics are "The Road Goes On Forever". And who knew that tabby is concrete made from oyster shells!! That chocolate cake looks amazing. What a grand job they did with that Nazi flag. You must be the most fun person to be around!!! That lecture on the trip was totally WRONG, especially for a group of seniors, who already know all of this!

[Jennifer]

@Ginny ... hahaha actually I am a curmudgeon and only occasionally fun to be around. But I like it that you think of me that way. YES the lecture was all wrong, and delivered with spite and a preachy tone. Just NO. But we must constantly be reminded that we are a bunch of racists! Always have been, always will be? I'm going to look up that song and see if I can hear it. And yes, the perspective on Oak Alley is pretty spectacular. It's a very special place. xoxo

[Mari]

Jenny - that photo of you on Oak Alley is spectacular. I have saved it.
What a wonderful trip you had. The places you went are all so much what we enjoy. I have to show this to Bob and plan a trip to Savannah. I can do without the lecture though. Like you, I'm aware, don't agree with it and am unable to change it. I get so sick ot the woke crowd.
Love the party at home, the pics of the kids and the lovely gifts from Mike too. Good times and you are blessed!

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... yes on all counts, my dear friend! Don't go to Savannah when it's hot, is my only admonishment, hahaha! But yes you must, must, must go. It's pretty amazing. We didn't even get to walk in the squares this time, but next time (I hope next year) we will go and make sure that we do all of those things, plus go back to Bonaventure Cemetery! So you think my TG did well on that picture of me walking Oak Alley? I like it too! It was a special experience. Yes my peeps took good care of me on my birthday. I sure am blessed, as you say. Love you girl! xoxo

[Skunk (aka Mike Bay)]

Happy Birthday!
I am a WWII history buff big time and will have to make the journey to Savannah to see that museum at some point. Obviously not summer (this Yankee withers in that kind of heat 'n humidity).

[Lori]

I am so happy to hear you had a wonderful Birthday! Savannah is my favorite city in the US. Honestly, I am at a loss of words for what has been going on in the US the last three or four years. So many are wanting to erase our history and change the narrative and well, that just never works. We have to know our past to learn from the mistakes made then. I am 100% with you on slavery. It is/was wrong but we can't change what happened and to continue to divide us as a country is just wrong. OK, I'll end that there. Touchy subject for me. The pictures are all gorgeous as always. Both cakes look absolutely delicious. As always, you really know how to celebrate.

[Jennifer]

@Mike ... thanks friend and NO don't go to Savannah in hot weather! It just won't work. I can't stand it. But in winter it is more than tolerable! xoxo

@Lori ... Oh yes, touchy subject for me too. I could have gone on and on and on but the steady decline in common sense since 2008 continues. Elections do have consequences. God help us! I agree that we are pretty good at celebrating, hahaha! xoxo

[Donna]

Oh Girl!! You have the patience of Job!!! I would not have been able to sit through a list of veiled accusations like that...I suppose she needed to be enlightened on who started the slave trade right in Africa before branching out to other parts of the globe! And how often has she heard about the whites that were also enslaved? You would Not have wanted to ride in that buggy with me...I am SO tired of having to sit quietly and accept blame of which I have had no part in the guilt.
I refuse to sit still any longer...
NOW! Lolol...What GORGEOUS children/grandchildren! Look at those faces...
Tell Audrey Happy Birthday today! Hope she has a blast on her special Day!
Happy weekend sweet lady!
hugs
Donna

[John]

Savannah must be about the most beautiful city in NA. How great for you to walk Oak Alley, even if it wasn't prime time. Oh, and Happy Belated Birthday too, from currently very cold Canada.

[Carla TePaske]

Hi,
Love the photos. Enjoyed the adventures, food and family time. Did not like reading how you were treated on the trolley!!! My heart continues to break for our Nation and what is happening to it. It is hard to watch.

We had a missionary friend trapped in Haiti, who was rescued on Tuesday by C.Mills. While the administration continues to leave American's.

I am a huge fan of JP!!! Looking forward to hearing a wee bit about the time your family has.

[Jim and Barb]

I knew there would be a cemetery picture! Savannah is one of our favorite places on that side of the country. So much history, so many good places to eat (usually), but it can get kinda spendy downtown.

[Jennifer]

@Donna ... grrrrrr I did not want to say anything because I get so mad I can hardly form words. It's so wrong but then, maybe you should go down (or up, in your case) to Savannah and take that trolley ride and make a speech. You'll be recorded on phones and pitched onto SM being called a Karen, and they may even call the law on you. I can't do that. I just sit and seethe, hahahaha! BUT everyone sitting there knows what the deal is. Anyway, yes the grands are darling and we have a pretty good time hanging out together! I must get you to tell me when your birthday is! I keep meaning to email you! Thank you for the lovely card you sent me ... xoxo

@John ... I would not argue with you about the beauty of Savannah. Just the WORD Savannah, is to me one of the most beautiful words in the English language. I just love to look at it and read it. I have never, ever had enough time to spend in Savannah. We're in, we're out. That is going to have to change one of these years! But not when it's hot out. Only when it's cool, and not so humid, and that window is about to close for another year! But we will return. Thanks for the belated wishes and you and Sue stay cozy up there. xoxo

@Carla ... how wonderful that your friend was able to get out of Haiti! What an adventure that must have. been! God bless them and all those who are trying to help ... because we know that our administration will NOT! Yes the great JBP ... TG and Audrey were pretty excited about going. I will certainly let y'all know how it all went down! xoxo

@Jim and Barb ... Spendy is a good word for it! Yeah you have to be careful that you don't get ripped off. BUT we did not go to Bonaventure Cemetery this time -- it's been much too long since I've walked there, and taken pictures. It is certainly one of the most -- if not THE most -- gorgeous, breathtaking (haha) cemeteries in the world. Have you and Barb been there? If not I hope you get to go sometime! xoxo

[debbi]

Sure loved all these great pictures, Jenny! So glad you got to go see Wormsloe! I sure enjoyed it. I walk slow, so it took me a long time to do the paths we took. Of course, the Oak Alley was my favorite, it's so pretty. And the big impressive front gate! Cant believe how your tour guide acted. Unbelievable! Sure sounds full of herself.....and plum hateful. Looks like a really great birthday though! Your birthday cake was gorgeous!, bet it tasted good too. I've never heard of that chicken place, but if we see one, we will try it! We have Cains in Charleston and there are a few KFCs struggling to hold on in various small towns.The museum y'all went to looked interesting, we'll have to stop in next time we are in Savannah.Sounds like Mike the Beau brought everyone really nice gifts from China! Andrew's cake looks delicious too! Happy happy birthday, Audrey!!

[Gayla]

What a wonderful post! I will never get to travel so I fly here and there on your magic carpet! Your birthday is a great time to see the big world! Thanks for sharing. Every aspect of life is an opportunity to lecture and "educate. " The world seems to be rewritten as we watch and stammer... "That's not how it went! "

Talk to you soon. Gayla

[Jeanette]

Looks like a wonderful trip for your birthday but jeez, that trolly driver! I would have been fuming and probably would have had a hard time not making some kind of comment when I left! I would love to see that Nazi flag remnant with the signatures! Looks very cool! Great trip!

[Jennifer]

@Debbi ... Thank you my friend. Yes, everything was pretty great on the birthdays, and Wormsloe was a treat despite the dopey woke driver. Definitely visit Carey Hilliard's the next time you are in Savannah. The founder and original owner, along with his wife, was killed in a plane crash at a young age. Their son, who was just in his twenties, too the ball and ran with it, preserving and expanding on his parents' legacy. Very interesting story. xoxo

@Gayla ... Thank you and how wonderful it is to see you! I will drop in on you later today; should have done it sooner and I'm sorry that I haven't. You're right that we do need to be ever learning, but the woke types personify those who are "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." The woke need to wake up and realize they are just tools! xoxo

@Jeanette ... yes my friend it was hard to stay silent but these days, like TG says, "they've got us on the run." We sit silent because if you start a scene someone will whip out their phone and post you to social media, calling you all kinds of names, and security will be called and they'll clap you in irons. Haaahaa! I may have muttered "oh shut up" loudly enough for a few to hear, hahaha xoxo

[judee]

We have stayed in Savannah many times on our way to Florida. I[ve always enjoyed it and find it a fascinating city. Enjoyed your post and all the wonderful family photos!!

[Jennifer]

@Judee ... can't beat it for beauty!!! xoxo

[hena]

Happy Birthday to both you and Andrew. Looks like you had a lovely time.. Savannah is gorgeous. Sorry to hear about the restaurant though.