Christmas Holiday Swing through TX and LA

At 4:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, Dec. 17, 20017 I backed the van out of the garage for a trek down into TX where I use to work and over to LA to visit friends and family.  It was chilly here but I knew the farther South I drove the warmer it would get.  I had my little buddy, Amadeus, with me.  Packing for a trip with a pet is almost like packing for a trip with small kids.

The van was loaded with my gear along with several bags and boxes of Mr. A's stuff, including a cooler bag filled with his dog food for the days we would be gone.  He's a particular eater and won't eat just anything.  But it just required a bit of planning.

We headed down to Chattanooga, TN and into the NW corner of GA.  Our first stop was in GA for my first cup of coffee and a pit stop for Mr. A.  This type stop was about every two hours.  Kept him relieved as well as I and me charged with my cups of decaf coffee.

Georgia sunrise.

Graying sky of Alabama.

Wet skies of Alabama.

Sunshine again in Missippi.

We found where the meat was.

And they also had shakes.  Bag is standing there because Mr. A needed to find the perfect spot.  My sandwich did not spoil nor did my shake go to waste.  And Mr. A loved his roast beef.

Coming to the bridge that Crossed the mighty Mississippi River at Vicksburg, MS.

Heading West after crossing over into LA from MS.  I've crossed this bridge to many times to count.

Humming across LA headed for TX.












 My passenger felt secure of my driving so much that he took a nap on his red blanket.

Coming into Shreveport, LA.  A bit foggy as rain was coming.

A straight shot across out of LA headed for TX.

After driving 45mph for about two miles and then 35 for about a mile I came into a spot in the road town in LA, crossed the river there and immediately the speed limit went to 55.  A miles or so down the road it went to 70 and then 75.  Love those TX speed limits.

Couldn't miss the Christmas Season without driving around looking at Christmas lights.

Lots of LED bulbs on this lawn.

Same here.  Some very pretty displays and a lot of work putting them up and taking them down.

Had to drop down and take a look at the beach and Gulf of Mexico.  Slow rollers were coming in and the day was beautiful.

Passed this way a few times over the years also.

Sunlight reflecting off the waves making shadows of motion.

Built for high water.

Amadeus was sniffing all of the various odors on the beach.  Probably mostly fish and crabs.

Two birds were wading around near the water.  I guess looking for a meal.












Passed through and stopped in Denham Springs, LA to drop off some Christmas presents and take Mother-in-Law to lunch.  Then on to Marrero, LA to visit with my 94 year young Mom, my Brother, his wife Patsy, and son Shane and girlfriend Michelle.  Also mad a trip back to Denham Springs for a couple of days to visit Mother-in-Law, Memaw, as we call her.  Enjoyed my visit there and to see Granddaughter Alexis, her husband Geno and of course, the three little Great Granddaughtses, Eva, Zara and Mila.

Due to the weather heading toward my house in TN I departed Marrero Jan. 1st and headed for TN.  So I missed out one day at Mom's and a sleep over at my Aunt Jewel's in MS.

Whole trip was over 2700 miles and my passenger was a great rider.  We arrived at our house in TN to make ready for a 17 degree night.  It was great to see some friends, spend time with family, and enjoy the Christmas Season with my close relatives.  Overall, I count this as a blessing and a great trip.