Tuesday, August 31, 2010

10 Things To Do Before The Hurricane Hits

These are just a few things that I learned when I went through my first hurricane. At the time, I didn't give a thought to the fact that the electric could be out for 10 days solid.

1.) Get cash from the ATM or bank. If phone lines go down, you aren't going to be able to use your debit card, credit card or cash checks as everything is based on being approved through a phone line.

2.) Fill up your vehicles before the storm hits. Once again, if the electric goes out, unless the gas station has a generator, you aren't going to be able to use the pumps.

3.) Be prepared to NOT have phone contact with anyone. This includes using your cell phone as it relies on a local tower.

4.) Have plenty of drinking water stocked up.

5.) It doesn't hurt to have a small chainsaw on hand. At least you should be able to take care of any small trees that have been upturned during the storm.

6.) Make sure any batteries for flashlights, lanterns, etc. are fresh. Don't want to be stumbling around in the dark because the batteries are dead.

7.) Have a battery operated radio on hand (with fresh batteries of course). Hopefully, there will be radio reception for news and information.

8.) Plan on eating canned food for a period of time. Unless you have a propane refrigerator (like they have in RV's) you aren't going to want to open the fridge until the electric comes back on.

9.) If you have a gas stove top, you won't have to eat all your meals at room temperature; but if you have an electric stove top, you are going to be out of luck. (This includes microwaves, of course, since they also depend on electricity.)

10.) Make sure that you have stocked up on groceries to get you through the electrical outage. Again, all of the checkout lanes depend on electric to ring up the sale, open the cash drawer, etc. (And we all know what t is like to ask for a clerk to make change without the computer to tell them how much to give back, don't we?)


One last suggestion for you. Before the hurricane gets there, pack up and go visit someone inland that isn't in an area prone to tornadoes. Would hate to see you go from the frying pan into the fire.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Lafayette Louisiana Heart of Cajun Country

Zydeco, crawfish and good times.  If you want to know what else Louisisana is all about besides the craziness of the French Quarter in New Orleans, plan a visit to Lafayette. 

Tour 1

Breaux Bridges (2 hours)
A delightfully charming town that is quickly becoming a suburb of Lafayette. Visit the antique shops and call ahead to get a reservation at

Café des Amis

An internationally recognized eclectic,artistic neighborhood restaurant located in a national historic register building.

140 E. Bridge St.

337-332-5273

Open Tuesday - Sunday



Vermillionville (1 – 1 1/2 hours for the tour, 3 hours for the music)

300 Fisher Road

Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone: (337)233-4077

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 4 pm (call for Holiday hours)

Admission: $8 adult

$6.50 Seniors

$5.00 Students ( 6 to 18)



Tour 2

Avery Island

Tabasco Factory (1 hours)

Jungle Gardens (4 hours)

Admission: $8.00 Adults

$5.00 for children 12 and under



Phone: 337-365-8173

Hours:

Admission: $1.00 toll to enter the island


Tour 3

Atchafalaya Experience

Are you like me and think the swamps are beautiful? How about taking a tour to see what it is all about?
Boat trips into the swamps featuring nature. Designed for photographers, birders & nature lovers. Featured on 36 national and foreign TV shows, many newspapers, travel books and guides.

337-261-5150

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Listen to the President and Visit Panama City Beach Florida

Sitting midway of the Panhandle of Florida, Panama City Beach, Florida has a lot to offer.  Everyone knows about the Arcades, Mini Golf and Amusement attractions, but what else is there to do?  Here's a start to your planning

Day 1
Museum of Man in the Seahttp://maninthesea.org/

Owned by the Institute of Diving, the Man in the Sea Museum showcases the progress of underwater technology, from the earliest days of diving to the most modern underwater habitats.

Lunch Salty Sue'shttp://www.saltysues.com/Menu.html

Gulf Worldhttp://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com/

Come to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, and see live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and tropical birds. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, otters, alligators, sea turtles, iguana and much more. Make reservations today to Swim with a Dolphin, become a Trainer for a Day, attend Dolphin Day Camp or Snooze with the Sea Life!

Pier Parkhttp://www.panamacitybeachonline.com/PierPark/

Dinner and a Movie


Day 2



Golfhttp://www.signalhillgolfcourse.com/



Historic St. Andrewshttp://www.historicalstandrews.com/stAndrews_florida.html

St. Andrews is located in Panama City, Florida. Nesseled between Panama City Beach and Panama City, it is home to many fishing vessels, little shops, and local restaurants serving up the local fare.

Lunch – Uncle Ernie'shttp://uncleerniesbayfrontgrill.com/

Uncle Ernie’s is an experience that is sure to have you coming back again and again. Our restaurant was designed with you in mind. We offer fine dining in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. You’re able to enjoy live music, indoor or outdoor views along the water with a view of Bay County’s most beautiful sunset.


St. Andrews State Parkhttp://www.floridastateparks.org/standrews/

Well known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities - a splendid opportunity for bird-watching. Those wanting to relax can sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion.

Dinner – Boondocks – http://www.boondockspcb.com/the-menu.html



Day 3

Downtown Panama Cityhttp://www.panamacitydowntown.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2189

Visual Arts Centerhttp://vac.org.cn/home.html

Panama City is recognized as one of America's 100 Best Small Art Towns and the Visual Arts Center has a unique responsibility to the community to maintain its status as a cultural arts leader in Northwest Florida. With the help of a dedicated staff and volunteers, we strive to meet this goal each year.

Lunch – Somethin's Cookinhttp://www.somethinscookin.com/

Shell Islandhttp://www.captandersonsmarina.com/shell-island-dolphin-tours/

Come cruise with us on the glass bottom Capt. Anderson III for a family adventure you are sure to love. Relax as you cruise down Grand Lagoon to St. Andrews Bay headed for Shell Island. Spend an hour of fun on the island then head out to watch the dolphins play. A Shell Island family tradition for 51 years.

Dinner – Hammerhead Fred's http://www.hammerheadfreds.com/menu/specialties.html

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Enchanted by the Land of Enchantment

Traveling through New Mexico can be like any other trip on a major highway, or like me you can select the side roads to see what the state is all about. Hopefully, you will give one or two of these a try.




East/West I-40

Albuquerque

Stand on the corner of Route 66 and Route 66 and ask passersby if they know why Route 66 crosses itself. (Central and 4th) http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-facts.html

Visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Wonderful art gallery, performance center and wonderful hosts. http://www.nhccnm.org/

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. On the weekends they have dance exhibitions. Lots of information to be soaked in. http://www.indianpueblo.org/

Petroglyph National Monument. Fascinating petroglyphs that are quite visible. Beautiful view of the city from the top of the Mesa. http://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm


Grants

Take the side road to visit "Graffitti Rock" (our name for it) aka El Morro. Fascinating. Try to take the hike to the top to visit the ruins. http://www.nps.gov/elmo/index.htm



Acoma Pueblo/Sky City

A trip back in time. Well worth the side trip. http://acomaskycity.org/



North/South I-25

Santa Fe

Have to go to the Market in Old Town. Be prepared to barter but be fair. http://bit.ly/9yvw8T

Take a side trip to Santurio de Chamayo. Very peaceful. relaxing, interesting even if you don't believe in the healing dirt. http://www.elsantuariodechimayo.us/

Taos

Have to check out the art galleries. http://taoswebb.com/

Take a tour of Taos Pueblo. http://www.taospueblo.com/visiting.php