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Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Monday, July 14, 2014

Day Trippin' to Green Cove Springs, Florida

As part of our get out and explore summer, we visited Green Cove Springs, Fl. which is just a short drive from Jacksonville.


Over 7,000 years ago natives first inhabited the area after being drawn by the warm mineral springs.


Green Cove Springs is named after the portion of the St. Johns River where it is built. The river bends here, and the area is sheltered by trees that are perennially green.  It's mother natures way of giving visitors a wonderful respite from the summers heat.


I love the mini dips of the rolling green lawn.  The Jacksonville area is pretty much as flat as a pancake, with the exception of a few spots.


Doesn't this little bridge have the cutest iron work.


I love spotting sweet little gems like this when I'm out sightseeing.




You can see their city sign represents the spring, river and greenery it's famous for.


Don't you love the old Spanish architecture of the Old City Hall.


The mix of the victorian architecture and spanish moss draping the old oaks leaves a haunting impression.  

The hydrological spring,  locally know as the "original Fountain of Youth", attracted guests in the 19th century.  At the time more than a dozen hotels sprang up near the spring.


Today the sulfur-scented spring water feeds an adjacent public swimming pool.

I still remember taking a Sunday drive with daddy when I was very little girl and visiting the park.  Well it could have been a Saturday but that's what dad liked to call those drives. I never forgot the sight of the big pool or how daddy explained it spring fed waters.  It's funny how those little moments of time stay with us all our lives.  I treasure them.


It's hard to see how deep it is because the crystal clear water clearly shows the beautiful green trees and blue skies in its reflection.






The spring water leaves the pool and travels pass bald cypress knees a short distance to the St. Johns River.


The photo above is the little stream of spring water that flows to the St. Johns River.  I love all the greenery of the banana trees surrounding it.  Just looking at this photo cools me off by 10 degrees.


Source: http://www.greencovesprings.com/departments/city_pier.php

The city pier is the perfect place to pull up to and take a break.  I mean really, who wouldn't enjoy this view.


The Pier provides a centrally located covered pavilion and 12 floating finger boat slips which allows visitors to dock for very affordable prices:

  • 0-6 hours of dockage with electricity and water....$5.00
  • Over 6 hours with electricity and water $10.00
  • Overnight with electricity and water......................$20.00




All-in-all, it was another nice day in the south.  If you're ever in my neck of the woods be sure to visit Green Cove Springs and stay awhile.

Where have you been lately?  Maybe you enjoyed something fun or pretty right in your own neighborhood.  I'd love to hear about it.  I hope you'll share some comment love with me.  

Hugs Y'all...


P.S.  Don't forget to stop by and enter my $100 Hapari Swimsuit giveaway here.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; it's leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:8

Monday, June 2, 2014

June Opens Up a Season of Fun


June always reminds me of a season of limitless possibilities.  I think that comes from our childhood, and the freedom we felt when we slung open those school doors and ran out like screaming banshees or banhees (haha) for the final time.  The summer had officially began. 

Visions of endless days soaking up the sun, riding the waves and water parks fill my head! I'm almost giddy thinking about it all.


When I got older and had my own child, Ty and I would spend all day at Summer Waves in Jekyll Island, Ga.  Sometimes it would be just me and him and other times we'd take friends for him to play with.  It didn't matter which because, it was always a blast.  We'd drive home worn out from a day of playing in the sun and water.  
*btw - this isn't a sponsored post, I just love Jekyll Island.


Do you ever get too old to enjoy a water park?  Not in my book!  I'd go tomorrow if I had the chance.  What I like about Summer Waves, besides on being a 1 hour drive from Jacksonville, FL, is it's location.  The park sits right on the marsh, which has a slow easy pace. It has a small town feel with big time fun!  Being off the beaten path you bypass the crowds of most other water parks.  Oh' there have been other parks, bigger parks but Summer Waves holds a special place in my heart.  Most likely on my death bed I'll be thinking of my happy memories with Ty there.


Jekyll Island is a unique taste of the old south.  It's a quaint little sleepy coastal area steeped in deep history and one of only four Georgia barrier islands. In 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased to become an exclusive winter retreat for America's most elite families, known as the Jekyll Island Club.  For more than half a century, the nation's leading families, including the Rockefellers, Morgans, Pulitzers and Goulds came to Jekyll Island to secure an escape.  


I have the fondest memories of our parents taking us there to tour the old homes of the historical district or to just picnic among the old oak trees of the island.  Years later I did the same thing with my son.  I can't begin to count the number of times we've just taken, what my daddy would call a Sunday drive to ride the beautiful roads on the island.  You do know a Sunday drive can be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday too, right? 


If you're ever in my neck of the woods, I encourage you to take the time to visit the Golden Isles of Georgia.  It's a place like no other, and it will take root in your mind, just like those old oak trees.  It's a place that I promise you will never forget. 

Happy Summer Dreamin' Y'all...


In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.
~ Psalm 5:3

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

More Than 50 Random Things About Me

We've all seen the "50 Random Things About Me" post here and there.  Well I thought it was about time for me to share a bit about myself too.
Today is my mama's birthday.  I know she watches out for me from heaven everyday.  I would like to dedicate this post to her.
Happy Birthday Mama! XO
Mama in front of the fridge and my sister Joni is standing up.

Here we go:


1. My birthday occasionally falls on Easter. Since Easter's a floating holiday it's rare but it has happen a couple of times.
2. I used to NEVER leave the house without makeup.  Like in "No mom, I can't run to the store and get a loaf of bread now, give me 30 minutes." I've since reformed, big time but I still ooh and ahh over it a lot.
3. I actually went to modeling school when I was 13.  Give me a break, it was the 70's.
4. I was a clothes horse with a serious shopping addiction.  I still love pretty clothes but on a much smaller level.
5. I was a shoe freak way before shoeaholic became a real thing.  I've worn heels since I was at lease 13 years old.
6. Ditto with purses!
7. I can't shop without touching everything.  If it's pretty, my hands are on it.  It drives Neil crazy.  I'm a totally tactile person. I love fabric that has dimension.  I love quality.
8. I'm a dreamer.  Asleep and awake.  I remember a lot of my asleep dreams
9. I love scents.  I love color.  I love texture.  Those are the kinds that make life exciting.  When you think of special memories you can almost smell what happened at the time.  The colors are vivid in your mind and who doesn't remember a special touch.  That's why I love paint - it's so vivid!
10. I never liked mid-century design and I was born in the 60's. *Secret - I'm starting to find it more attractive.  Weird.  I think I'm just sick of clutter.
11. When I was a little girl I clearly remember telling everyone "when I grow up, I'm moving to London so I can learn to talk like Twiggy".
12. I also remember asking my mother how will I see and know everything in the world before I die?
13. I've dreamed of going to Egypt since I was 6 years old!
14. I love sweepstakes and giveaways.  Now that I blog I rarely have time to enter and win.
15. I've won some great prizes including a luxury vacation to the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
16. I have 4 cats and 1 dog.  Was never a cat person and now seem to be the cat lady.
17. In the past I've had bitties (baby chicks), ducks, a rabbit, and 2 raccoons named Rocky and Rockie.  I always wanted a horse, giraffe, monkey and tiger.
18. This formally prissy girl has spent years remodeling a 1920's house that I seriously doubt I'll see finished before I die.  I've torn out every lath and plaster wall in it and have had some awesome muscles to show for it.
19. I have 1 sister - Joni, and we talk almost every single day.  I don't know what I would do without her.
20. I learned to drive when I was 12.  Flipped my convertible when I was 16.
21. When I was little I decided I wanted 6 kids, 4 boys and 2 girls to be exact.  I grew up and got over that silly thought.
22. I was blessed with 1 truly special son!  I would have liked to had at least one more child but it wasn't in the cards for me.
23. I was married young and divorced after just 2 years.  With no ill-will feelings.
24. I've been with Neil for 25 years!
25. I'm a grandma to a very sweet and beautiful tween girl and a deeply sensitive teenage boy who's a real cutie pie!
26. I'm an organizing geek who has almost lost her mind being in a house of constant construction.
27.  I've never like working traditional 9-5 jobs.
28.  I worked in apartment management and mortgage lending for years.
29. I learned to sew from my mother and I'm so glad I did. She was a wonderful seamstress.
30. I remember thinking "why the heck would anyone want to blog. I just don't get it".  I've been hooked for 5 years! The jokes on me.
31.  I've never been shy but I've ALWAYS been insecure.  Most people would never know that if they met me.  Confidence is not my strong point
32. 98% of the time I see the best in others.
33. It takes a lot for me to be mean to someone.  ALOT!  But don't take my graciousness and manners as weakness.  I just like to think I have a little more class than to be like that.
34. I thought very highly of my previous late mother-in-law, from my previous marriage - Mary. So much so that I still try to emulate her grace.  I never-ever heard her say one negative thing about anyone ever.  She was the most Godly person I know.
35. I'm addicted to Coca-Cola but doing better at limiting it.  What do you expect I am from the South, land of coke!
36. I'm a sweet freak and have been from day 1.  I've always been a chocoholic but a little less so now. I could never live without sweets and breads.  Bad me!
37. I climb up on the roof to blow it off.  It's at least 35 feet high.  Pretty good for a girl who gets scared climbing down.
38. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I cry a LOT.  Even more so than usual.  It's those dang commercials and t.v. movies.  UGH....
39. I saw the Rolling Stones in concert at an outdoor arena when I was 14 or 15.
40. I'm a fish!! I have loved the water since I was old enough to walk and fearless when it comes to it.  Growing up in Florida - it's a must.
41. I have never had my own pool and it's a serious bone of contention!  I'm really tee'd about it and will never shut up about it.  It doesn't help that my new neighbor is putting one in as I write this, and my old neighbor that moved from that house just built one at their new home.  Well if they can do it in their 70's, I guess I still have a shot at it.
42. I miss magazines a lot but can't justify the expense of them.
43. I have a real pinning problem over at Pinterest. You can click the link to see my thousands of awesome pins!! At least I can save my favorite things without the clutter from magazines.
44.  I love fruit! It's wet, juicy and cool.  Probably a bi-product of being Southern.  In the oppressive heat and humidity of Florida my body craves it. Watermelon, scuppernong and muscadine grapes, strawberries, blackberries, oranges, cantaloupes, and more - I love 'em all!!!
45. For a girl who wants to travel, I've never left the U.S.  Still holding out hope on that one.
46. I'm always up for a road trip - even better an plane ride.
47. I could never be a doctor.  I couldn't even take splinters out of Ty (my son).
48. I grew up in a small town, but right in the center of town.
49. I'm a beach girl and always will be.
50.  My favorite authors are Margaret Mitchell, Harper Lee, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.
51.  Needless to say my favorite movies are Gone With The Wind, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Cross Creek.
52. I'm a huge fan of black and white movies.  Love anything with Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and more.  Love the movies The Philadelphia Story, Wuthering Heights, Citizen Kane, and All about Eve. I could go on and on.
53.  I've battled depression for years.
54. By changing my habits and living healthier this year I've been able to get away from depression meds and learn how to cope without them. I've been off of them for over 6 months now.
55. The only medication I'm dependent on is for sinus allergies.  They're a necessary evil living in the South.
56. I love jewelry but don't wear it much anymore.
57. I never had to watch calories until now.  I always had a high metabolism and lots of nervous energy.  Good thing since I could never give up sweets.  I'd rather sweat than do without.
58. I have trouble focusing.  I'm easily distracted and all over the place.
59. I love country fairs, long country roads, antiquin' and junkin'.
60. I have just the tiniest bit of a Southern accent.  Yeah right!
61. I love clean jokes.
62. I love words.
63. Most of all I love the security that my spiritual relationship of being a child of God provides me.


I'm sure I've told you more than you ever wanted to know about me but that's it in a nutshell. Maybe by the end of the year I'll have some exciting new facts to share.  I think I'll shoot for that!

Hugs Y'all...

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?  Your life is like the morning fog - it's here a little while, then it's gone."  Our lives are like a mist. Slow down and enjoy the journey right now.
                                                                                         ~ James 4:14

Friday, April 19, 2013

I Use Pinterest More Than Google

Pinterest is really addictive. I pin way more than I ever get around to doing. Here's some of the ways I use it:
Isn't that the cutest faux snowcone garland!


  • Decorating Pin all those inspiring ideas you love.


I could live in this bathroom!
  • Holidays I have a board, i.e. folder for every holiday.  It contains crafts and decorating ideas for that specific holiday.  I even have separate Holiday Food boards, there's just so many creative foods to create for holidays.

Geraniums are one of my favorite summer plants. With a patriotic table setting like this you're bound to have a blast on the 4th
  • Recipes It's like having a cookbook with only your favorite recipes.

 This looks easy enough, even for me.
  • Gardening/Outdoor Design It's time to start making everything look nice outdoors.  This is the place to start.

 I love this Tybee Island Porch.
  • Fashion Keep up with the latest and pin your favorites.
Source: polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

I love the pieces that were chosen for this outfit.
  • Giveaways and Reviews It's a way to let all my followers know what's going on. And when they share it multiples like rabbits. Good for bloggers. 

  • Beauty tips

Perfect summer blonde (the hair color not her - duh)
  • Homemade Recipes for cleaning, beauty products, everything.  

  • Blogging tips, camera, learning tutorials all on one board/file. It's so helpful.

  • Places to see All the places I want to visit go into a file. It never hurts to dream or have goals.

 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
  • Hobbies Any hobby can have a board/folder.  Again it's like having the best magazine ever. It's full of only the things you like. 

I love card making.  Even when it's just admiring someone elses.
  • Secret files are great for keeping things you want just for yourself. It can be really helpful for gift giving or getting. 
Come on, you didn't really think I was gonna show you that one!
  • Gift Idea files You can create a folder for every person you have to buy for. It makes shopping so easy. You can even allow others to pin on your board, so your loved ones can add what they want. Next time someone asks what you want tell them to go to the board where you've added all the things you're dreaming of.
  • Source: indulgy.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Here's a nice little something for me.  You know just in case you were looking.

When ever I'm looking for something I want to create, whether it's a craft or recipe or even if I need fashion tips, I search on Pinterest first. It's easier than google and much more visual.

Finally Pinterest is much easier to use than you think. You'll be an addicted pro in no time. Hope this gives you the courage to try Pinterest if you haven't already.

Have a fun weekend Y'all
♥ Tracy