Thursday, May 6, 2021

May 6 – “Day Three: Runnin’ from the Rain”

We had a rather fitful night last night.  A line of thunderstorms blew through.  Loud thunderstorms.  Especially that one at around 4:30 a.m.  And the rain didn’t stop.  All day.

 

Our room was really nice, though, especially after all the issues we had finding the place.  Only thing was, it was designed for the handicapped.  Walk-in shower with no tub at all, just a drain in the floor.  The floor itself slanted a bit to keep the water somewhat contained.  It had a shower chair, too.  The most frustrating thing for me, was the toilet seat.  It wouldn’t stay up.  It was designed to automatically assume the seated position.  I had to hold it up with a knee.  Either that or practice my aim.  The room was a good thing, though.  It gave us a chance to experience in reverse the problems handicapped folks face every day.

 

We started the day on the treadmill and stationary bike.  Chris was having withdrawal pains from her cardiac rehab, so we checked out the exercise room at the hotel.  It was nice.  15 or 20 minutes on the treadmill and 15 or so more on the stationary bike.  We done good.  Now I can order some more of those fried cheese bombs …

 

We drove past Pensacola Christian College.  Had to check that out since they edumacarated one of my beloved basketball girls from Colorado, Jessica.  It was pouring down rain, though, and the whole city of Pensacola was under a flash flood watch, so we left town.

 

First stop was the Gulf Shores National park area.  Visitors’ center closed.  No stamp.  Waa.

 

For lunch we stopped for some local cuisine at Stewby’s Seafood Shanty on Okaloosa Island just outside of Fort Walton Beach.  Fried shrimp were pretty good.  It actually reminded me of Shrimp n Stuff in Galveston.  Not quite as good, though.  But they did have key lime pie.  We decided we have to try that at every meal now.  It is supposed to be a Florida staple, after all.

 

There was a ridiculous of traffic so we bailed on the scenic route plan and headed for Interstate 10.  We were4 also still running away from the rain and flash floods.  We finally made it back up and on to ward Tallahassee.  And then beyond that to Lake City. 

 

Somewhere along the way we appear to have misplaced an hour.  It is later than we thought out here.  Good thing we decided to drive on through to Lake City.  Gives us a fresher start in the morning, and all night to catch up to that missing hour. 

 

Oh, we crossed the Suwanee River.  I may or may not have serenaded Chris.  Unique lyrics, too.  She smiled.  Couldn’t smack me because she was driving.  Oh, and because she is just so sweet.

 

And we passed a sign for Faulmauth Road.  How exactly do you pronounce that?  Sounds to me like something a Mom would say to a youngster caught saying something less than appropriate …

 

Finally, last night we had supper at a place called Bob Evans.  That’s all, just the guy’s name.  Food wasn’t bad.  I had a BLT and cup of potato soup.  Chris had a chicken salad with fruit.  But who cares what we ate?  The best part was, I finally found another passenger to join us in our travels.  A bit unexpected this time though.  Not a critter at all.  Instead it was a little dude.  That’s right.  A tiny little representation of the original Mr. Bob, the restauranteur.  I know.  It’s off book.  But we were getting desperate.  Besides, you can’t go wrong with a Little Mr. Bob.  God loves you, and he does, too, and there’s nothing you can do about it. 

 

Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls upon the name of eth Lord will be saved.”

 

Father, please be with those folks who live every day with handicaps.  Walk with them through their frustrations and bring them your joy.  Amen.

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