Change is good..

 

Monday, March 10       Monday dawned shrouded in a thick, ghostly fog, draping the world in a quiet, eerie stillness. The damp air clung to my skin as I ventured out, my footsteps muffled on the wet ground. The distant wail of the lighthouse foghorn echoed across the mist, its mournful sound weaving through the silence like a forgotten melody. Meanwhile, the lonely whistle of a distant train pierced the fog, its sharp, nostalgic cry evoking a sense of time slipping away, as if the world was stuck in a forgotten era.

The day passed uneventfully, wrapped in a haze of calm. But as evening fell, it brought with it the gathering at the Pharaoh’s Alabama meeting. It was a long, drawn-out affair, filled with discussions that seemed endless, each topic more intricate than the last. Despite having been a member for years, this was my first time attending, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of tradition pressing in as I sat among familiar faces, each one wrapped in their own thoughts as we navigated the evening’s deliberations.

Tuesday, March 11     "Freedom" was the word of the day—well, maybe not quite. The cast is finally off, but now I’m sporting a splint for the next few weeks. It’s a small step, but it feels like progress. No more doctor visits for a while—at least, that’s the hope. Here’s to a little more freedom, even if it’s just the tiniest bit!

Wednesday, March 12     Ah, Irish Week! Such a quirky little holiday, always sneaking up on you, never quite sure which day it'll land on. It’s a delightful mix of chasing leprechauns and nibbling on foods that are, well, a bit odd—who knows what you’ll end up with! Every mushroom or four-leaf clover feels like a mystery, hiding secrets and surprises just waiting to be uncovered. And to top it off, the moon was shining brighter and bigger than ever, casting a magical glow over it all. It felt like the perfect touch to an already enchanted week.

Thursday, March 13      Moving—well, at least offices. It’s time to say goodbye to the familiar Waker Lane location, and with it, a chapter closes. Moving always feels like a mix of uncertainty and possibility. There’s excitement for what lies ahead, but the path can also be rocky and filled with challenges. I can’t help but let the anticipation build, dreaming of something more, something better, just around the corner.

For now, though, the first step is working from home for a few days. With a broken wrist, I wouldn’t be much help anyway. But maybe this brief pause will give me the time I need to reset and prepare for whatever comes next.

Friday, March 14      Photos with the Bull – definitely the highlight of the day. Mapping out the Easter Egg Hunt with Darrin was next on the agenda, and I kept up with most of it, though there were a lot of moving pieces. This little event is shaping up to be a blast, full of surprises, prizes, and an egg hunt scattered all over Mobile. It’s been such a fun challenge to imagine how an Easter Egg Hunt in your car could actually work—turns out, it’s a bit more adventurous than I thought!
But the true cherry on top of the day? Stopping by Bama Bob’s to snap that classic photo with the bull. It’s one of those little things that just makes everything feel right, a perfect end to a day full of planning and dreaming.

Saturday, March 15     Strawberry season—thankfully, I didn’t miss it this year, despite the broken wrist. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get in on the action, but I bought a flat of those sweet, ruby-red berries anyway. Thankfully, all I had to do was slice them up and toss them in a bowl to chill in the fridge for a day. The real magic happened when I drained the juice into one bag and the pulp into another, both ready for the freezer. Later, they’ll turn into delicious jelly and jam, a perfect way to preserve the taste of spring for months to come. Even with a broken wrist, I found a way to make it happen—and I’m so glad I did!

Sunday, March 16    The Ice Cream Tour with the car club, held right after church, was an absolute blast! We had an amazing turnout, and our newest member, Rob, took the lead, guiding us all the way to Whitt Ice Cream in Daphne. 35 people showed up for some free ice cream, and the vibe was perfect. I treated myself to Almond Joy ice cream in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone—pure bliss! There’s just something about hanging out with fellow car enthusiasts that makes everything more fun. The old-school car hobby crowd knows how to enjoy the little things, and today was a sweet reminder of why I love being a part of this community.

Slow Down Week!

 

Monday, March 3     Ah, the dreaded season has arrived. That inevitable time of year when the house is struck by illness, like an unstoppable force. When you’ve got a child in school, you can almost feel it coming—the germs, lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to invade. And sure enough, here it is: Type A Flu. It slithers in unnoticed, a silent intruder, wrapping its cold, invisible hands around everyone. Suddenly, the house is transformed into a place of constant coughing fits, groggy, feverish bodies, and endless hours spent on the couch, staring blankly at the television screen, just trying to survive. The cycle of sickness begins... and it feels like it will never end.

Tuesday, March 4    Fat Tuesday has become Rest Tuesday—the grand celebration swallowed whole by illness. Where we should be on the streets alive with music, beads, and the pulse of carnival fever, there is only silence, broken only by the occasional cough. The vibrant chaos of Mardi Gras is reduced to blankets, tissues, and the hum of the television. And so, Winter Break drags on, each day a blur of fever dreams and restless slumber. The spirit of the season, once filled with joy and anticipation, now lingers like a ghost, haunting the house. As we lay here, waiting for the fever to break, we can only sigh and remind ourselves—next year’s Mardi Gras will come. But for now, this is our reality. Next time, we’ll celebrate… next time.

Wednesday, March 5     Jim Crowe, License Number 6. A name that echoes through the annals of Alabama’s history, a legacy carved into the very landscape he’s shaped. He has dedicated decades of his life to the craft of landscape architecture, making him the longest-practicing professional in the entire state. His expertise isn’t just marked by the designs he’s created, but by the quiet confidence that comes with years of experience. With License Number 6, Jim has been a part of the state's evolving landscape, one project at a time, watching the world change while he continues to leave his indelible mark on the land. His work is a testament to patience, mastery, and a vision that stretches far beyond the horizon.

Thursday, March 6     Two trumpets were simply not enough. The need for a grander sound, a richer tone, something that would shake the very air with its bold, brassy resonance—this desire could not be contained. So, in a burst of creativity and sheer will, Barrett and PaPa built their own. Not from gold or silver, but from humble PVC pipe. It was a strange sight to behold—an instrument constructed from pipes, joints, and fittings, cobbled together with makeshift ingenuity. The sound might not have been polished, but it was full of heart, full of fire.

Friday, March 7   The last day at Mardi Gras camp at Lavretta Park—an ending soaked in nostalgia and vibrant memories. In the photos, faces are painted with the remnants of glitter and beads, smiles wide and eyes bright with the thrill of Mardi Gras celebrations. Hands clutch brightly colored masks, and the last remnants of confetti swirl in the wind, captured forever in snapshots. The final day may be wrapping up, but these images will live on, preserving the magic of Mardi Gras, and the friendships and laughter that made the camp unforgettable.

Saturday, March 8   The USS United States—a symbol of American maritime might—now rests quietly in Mobile, her once grand decks weathered by time, her towering presence slowly fading into history. Built in 1950, she was a masterpiece of engineering, the largest ocean liner ever constructed entirely in the United States. For years, she glided effortlessly across the Atlantic, her record-breaking speed still unmatched, holding the title for the fastest crossing in either direction. But now, this majestic vessel—her glory days behind her—has come to find a final resting place, not in the dry docks of a museum, but beneath the waves, set to become an artificial reef. Her steel hull, once a symbol of luxury and strength, will soon be home to marine life, a new purpose in the ecosystem of the Gulf. Though her days as a passenger liner are long over, her legacy lives on in the currents, where the fish will swim through the remnants of her once opulent halls. It is a poignant chapter for the United States—from the high seas to the ocean floor, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the waters of history in a completely new way.

Sunday, March 9    The earth is waking up, and with it, the promise of spring. It’s that time—when the soil, still damp from the winter chill, is ready to cradle the seeds of new beginnings. The hands dig in, turning the soil, preparing the beds with care, as if coaxing life out of the dormant ground. Bright blooms are on the horizon, their vibrant colors already dancing in the mind’s eye. The air is filled with the scent of fresh earth and anticipation, the promise of petals about to unfurl. Each flower bed becomes a canvas, ready to be painted with the hues of the season—tulips, daffodils, and primroses, each one a small miracle waiting to happen. The process is more than just planting; it’s an act of hope, a quiet ritual that invites spring’s beauty to bloom. As the flowers settle into their new home, the whole garden seems to hold its breath, waiting for the warmth of the sun to coax everything into life. And soon, with a flourish, the beds will pop—bursting into color and filling the air with the pure joy of renewal.

 

Deep Gras in Mobile and a great week for the kids

 

Monday February 24    Monday ushered us into the vibrant world of World Changers at Lavretta, where we were swept into the magic and history of Mardi Gras by the ever-knowledgeable Mrs. Lee. She taught us that to truly understand people, one must first understand the roots of culture—because it is culture that shapes every unique people group. And Mardi Gras, with all its festive chaos and mystery, is a living example of how culture and identity intertwine.

To glimpse the heart of Mardi Gras, we learned that it’s not just about the beads and floats—it’s about the secret societies, the hidden history, and the traditions that go back centuries. Mrs. Lee revealed that the very essence of Mardi Gras is rooted in Mobile, where it all began in 1703, a city that holds the honor of hosting the first celebration of its kind. But it wasn’t until Joe Cain, years later, revived the festivities after the Civil War that Mardi Gras truly reclaimed its spirit.

We also got a peek into the playful side of this rich tradition as the kids formed their own “rooms”—small groups, and then as a group choosing a king and queen for their celebration. The excitement bubbled up as they began to plan their grand parade, set to roll on Friday, followed by the unforgettable Ball. It was a day filled with stories, creativity, and the reminder that Mardi Gras is more than a party—it's a living, breathing celebration of history, culture, and community.

Tuesday, February 25      With a broken wrist keeping me a bit sidelined this Mardi Gras, I’m not diving in as deep as usual. But that’s okay—I've already moved on to decking the halls for St. Patty’s Day! There’s something about that sea of green that just makes me giddy. Now, the real fun begins—time to brainstorm all the deliciously festive foods to serve and make this day extra special!

Wednesday, February    Barrett is back on his ballet journey! Though he's tired and sore, every minute of the precision and balance required has been worth it. Now, it's all about easing back into shape—stretching and walking will be the focus for the next few weeks as he regains his strength and grace.

Thursday February 27    Today was all about the kids. At our Optimist Club meeting, we honored the Student of the Month with a special award and treated everyone to a delicious lunch. After school, we hosted the Oratorical Contest at St. Ignatius, where the most precious 6th grader delivered a heartfelt speech on the power of optimism during tough times. The day wrapped up with Barrett, Darrin, and me hopping into the car, hunting for the perfect open field to watch the planets align. It was truly awe-inspiring to witness such a rare and beautiful event.

Friday February 28    Barrett took the lead as the grand marshal of the Krewe de Astronauts parade playing his trumpet, guiding the procession through Lavretta Park. After the parade, the court was introduced to the parents, and the three "rooms" showcased their talents, dancing to songs of their choice. Then, in a moment of pure celebration, Barrett was crowned King, with the Queen, in her stunning pink gown, gracefully dancing and waving to the crowd.

The festivities didn’t stop there. It was a day filled with joy for the kids. At our Optimist Club meeting, we honored the Student of the Month with a special award and served up a delicious lunch. After school, the Oratorical Contest at St. Ignatius took center stage, where the sweetest 6th grader gave a moving speech on the power of optimism during tough times. The evening wrapped up with Barrett, Darrin, and me chasing down the perfect spot in the car to catch the awe-inspiring sight of the planets aligning in the night sky. It was truly a rare and beautiful experience. Afterward, the entire group gathered for snacks and danced the night away, capping off a day full of memories. 

Saturday March 1     The Joy of Life Mardi Gras parade was a beautiful, heartfelt conclusion to a year of fundraising efforts, and it truly reflects the compassion and dedication of everyone involved. Between the golf tournament, the Mardi Gras ball, and the parade, we are blessed to raise an incredible $200,000 for St. Jude. What’s even more incredible is the countless hours of love and effort volunteers have given to bring these events to life—it’s a labor of love that speaks volumes about the kindness in our community.

But beyond the fundraising, what really fills my heart is that our King, Queen, and court members are all children bravely battling cancer. Each of these events is a chance for these kids to simply be kids, to laugh, dance, and feel celebrated, without the weight of their struggles. It’s a reminder of the power of community, and the difference we can make when we come together with compassion and care. Truly, it’s an honor to be part of something that brings joy, hope, and light to these precious families.

Sunday March 2     Pete's Camellias.

Years ago, Pete gifted me three Camellias, precious blooms he had received from the Camellia Club here in Mobile. Pete was a one-of-a-kind soul—eccentric, generous, and unforgettable. Those flowers, with their soft petals and timeless beauty, felt like a piece of him, quietly thriving in the garden as a reminder of his spirit.

Camellias, after all, have been cherished for centuries, their graceful blossoms unfolding with elegance, resilience, and an undeniable connection to history. These flowers, much like Pete, have stood the test of time, enduring through seasons and generations, always flourishing in their quiet, steadfast way.