Thursday, January 12, 2017

Visiting my folks: Photos of Longview Texas, the Gulf Coast Florida and somewhere in Mississippi

 
Synergy Park near my home in Longview, Texas


I am having technical difficulties.  Apparently the Daily Mail, a UK blog, doesn't like Macs because it has yet to post a single comment I have contributed.  I am suspicious of being snubbed because my husband posted one from his PC and he got published even though his comment wasn't nearly as thoughtful or as eloquently expressed as mine.

Blurry, but I love the accent of yellow against the subdued background.


Then this blog of mine won't let me make a comment above the list of the books I read in 2016, so I have given up until Josh gets home and let him fix it.  Of course the price is I have to listen to the well-worn sermon on how horrible Mac computers are but what choice do I have?
Derek and my parents at Synergy Park

So I will instead post some photos that I took last week while I was staying with my parents on the Gulf Coast.  My parents flew up to spend Christmas with us here in Texas.  Then my son in his car and I in mine drove, each carrying a parent/grandparent, back to Florida.

It's a ten-hour drive, the worst part being the three-hour straight shoot across the width of Louisiana.  Once we get to Mississippi the ride is broken by Vicksburg, Jackson, Hattiesburg, then on to Mobile, Pensacola, and finally to Niceville, my home town.

Mom and me in a gas station in Mobile, Alabama after nine hours of driving.  I think you can see the weariness on my face.


My mother, who has stage four lung cancer, suffered the most.  No more cross country drives for her.  She spent most of our Florida visit immobile on a recliner, completely lacking in energy.  Usually we visit all my favorite beaches but this time our visit was limited to conversation and reading books. I read out loud to her since she only has peripheral vision due to Macular Degeneration.  

Lest you pity her, know that her limited eyesight hasn't deterred her.  She recently read War and Peace (for the fourth time!) looking sideways at the pages.  I told her she needs to start listening to the novels but she says she's not that far gone yet.

But she enjoys being read to.  Usually my dad does it, but while I was there (and also in Texas) I was afforded that privilege (Dorothy Sayers and Rex Stout plus a biography of Socrates, stay tuned for reviews) .

While she slept one afternoon my son Derek and I drove a couple of miles down the road to Fred Gannon National Park.  Knowing he was leaving for Virginia Beach and back to school made me appreciate our long walk and talk all the more.  Cherish those moments parents!! 

Here are a few photos from our walk along the nature trail.















We discussed everything from career choices to girlfriend wisdom.  Saturday, Derek left for Virginia while I still had a couple of days before I was to return to Texas. Sunday, while my mom was resting, I drove to a deserted beach a couple of miles from my parent's house.  It was bitterly cold and I really hadn't dressed for it but the beauty of the water and the beaches was worth it.  I took a lot of pictures of barren trees.  Standing alone, their branches reaching for the sky seemed to fit my mood of isolation.

























































The sun began to wane and the sunset is always more colorful and lingering in the winter but I had surpassed my limits of toleration for the biting wind and plummeting temperature so I had to leave.







 On my last day, I took my mother to one of our favorite parks where we watched the sun slowly sink over the Bayou.







Hopefully I'll figure out where my Paris photos are on this computer and I'll be able to print my travelogue on the year I spent in the City of Love one week last December.



On the  road back to Texas.


Driving through Mississippi past Hattiesburg

Back in Texas before leaving for Florida:  mom, dad and son.



21 comments:

Ruth @ with freedom and books said...

Beautiful pictures. I've never been to Florida. In fact, I've never been to the South East.

So sorry to hear about your mom, but what a trooper. And then to read W&P, nonetheless. But it is wonderful that she has someone to read to her. I have this sinking feeling that I am going to lose my eyesight sooner than later b/c I LOVE to read; and I doubt my husband wil read to me. I'll probably lose my hearing, too. I should just learn Braille now, and prepare myself.

BTW, I regretfully visit the UK Daily Mail, and for a long time could never figure out why my comments never saw the light of day. I figured it was b/c of my conservative comments; but whatever it was, they usually make it on now. Anyway, I have a Mac, too. So just wondering...

Sharon Wilfong said...

H Ruth! I know what you mean about fearing to lose one's eye sight. I have so many books I still want to read. Also I worry about losing my hearing since I'm a musician (in fact, that's what I do as a profession).

That's interesting about the Daily Mail. I can't stomach most of the writers because they are so rabidly liberal, but I have been trying to post on Peter Hitchens' blog. My husband got through, but I still haven't.

Josh said he thinks it's because I am including my web site in the info (they ask for it!). Do you include your blog site when posting?

Brian Joseph said...

Those are very nice pictures Sharon. I also take a lot of nature photographs.

It is really good to hear that your mother can still enjoy reading. War and Peace is an accomplishment!

Do not let anyone bad mouth Macs! :)



Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Brian. Thanks! You must travel west to the Pennsylvania or upstate New York to take photos. Those are beautiful areas. I never went to Long Island while I lived in New Jersey. Maybe it has some scenic areas too?

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Sharon - what a fabulous visit I had here. Your photos are gorgeous. I have never been to Texas and it was such a delight to see the landscape there. I think this is going to be a wonderful beginning of a delightful blogging friendship. So glad you visited me and hope as 2017 unfolds we will share our faith and love for the Lord and good books and places we travel. Will be back soon. Hugs!

Ruth @ with freedom and books said...

No, I try to keep my blog separate from my political views...TRY to...but I know DM does make that an option.

The thing I dislike about DM is their perverse gossip presented as news - like the Kardashians Instagram photos. I want up-to-the-minute-news, which they are great at, apart from being accosted by images of naked Instagram photos.

Mudpuddle said...

wonderful pictures; v. sorry re your mom; as i'm discovering, getting old is not as pleasant as one might think... i have a Mac also, and occasionally lose comments somewhere in the vastness of the web... it's currently 27 degrees here, at noon; still about 8" of snow... cheering to see pictures of the beach and water... tx for the post

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Debbie! Thanks for visiting. I am indeed glad to develop friendships with fellow believers via the internet. We are all part of the greater Family and it encourages my soul.

I look forward to reading your posts as well. I think I have subscribed so they come to my inbox.

Take care and God bless!

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Ruth!

I know what you mean about DM. I have to laugh at the trashy photos on the side bar. I mean, really?

Also, I find that the other writers are so prejudiced against America and conservatives that their vitriol exceeds belief. I guess the Soviet Union wasn't the only country with propaganda puppets; the DM seems to have their share.

Having said that, I do find Peter Hitchens' blog to be refreshing and I enjoy his posts.

AND I figured out that he doesn't want you posting your web site (he needs to take the URL option down, maybe he's not techno savy). Since I haven't added my website, all my comments have been published.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Mudpuddle.

Thanks, I really enjoyed taking the photos and they are now fond memories.

My mother is really a go getter. I sometimes forget she has cancer. She never brings it up and she doesn't let it get her down. Usually she is able to get around, but I think the traveling was a little too ambitious.

27 degrees. Wow! That makes me cold just thinking about it. Here in Texas it's not so bad, in fact today I have the windows open.

Anonymous said...

Wowee Zowee Momma!

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful beach pictures! Looks like you had a good time making memories with your son and parents. I love audio books, it's like live theater in my car. But working in a library, I'm aware of how many patrons refuse to listen to audio no matter how hard it becomes for them to read large print. I guess they feel embarrassed whereas audio is becoming extremely popular with those who can still easily read. I hope your mom will try them out sometime.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Ha, Anonymous! She is a zowee momma. I hope I'm half the woman she is when I get to be eighty.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Marcia! Thanks for the compliment. They were all taken by my cell phone.

I have yet to listen to audio books, unless I'm with my husband in the car. That is the way he usually enjoys books.

My mother right now reads on her Kindle with the font at one of the highest settings. It is slow going and I don't know how she does it.

She really likes being read to by my dad or me, though. In fact, she and my dad will read a book that I am reading at the same time. Then we get on the phone and discuss it.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this post very much. I live very near the golf coast, only about an hour away, but have done less travel this past year, even short distances, than ever before, so haven't been down that way in awhile. Your pictures where a treat.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Toady! Thanks so much for visiting. I love the Gulf Coast. We moved there when I was twelve and I graduated from high school. I left home and Florida because I was determined to see the world. Every time I visit I wish I lived there again.

DMS said...

I have never been to Texas or many southern states- so I really enjoyed your pictures. So many pretty sites on your travels. I have been to Florida- but haven't visited in over 10 years. Glad you were able to visit and read to your mom. :)

Good luck with your computer. I have a Mac and love it. :)

~Jess

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Jess, thanks for visiting. I love my Mac too. We figured out the problem and my comments are now being posted.

I hope you're able to visit the Sunshine State sometime again. Take care!

Sharon Wilfong said...

Jess: I tried to leave a comment on your blog but I can't seem to publish it. Anyway, wanted you to know I enjoyed your review of the The Inquisiter's Mark.

Carol said...

Lovely to see the photos of your son & what an inspiring mother you have! X

Sharon Wilfong said...

Thanks, Carol! I also enjoy your photos. It's the next best thing to visiting.