Mom and I were off and away, and this morning we left Maddie at HOME ALONE for the first time ever, just for a three-day weekend. But still, it's a big deal to us. We left the house well-stocked with meals and Dr. Pepper, and on top of that there's school to go to. The weather might be rainy on Saturday, but there's no Team Edge practice. After their successful performance the other day, the team has a well-earned break.
So we said our prayers together this morning, waved goodbye and were on our way. First stop?
Yes, Buc-ee's. This one is a well-earned thing too, as you have to traverse Henry County to get there. They have these nice new Welcome to Henry County signs there along the highway, but they're more like internal warnings for us, a reminder that the GDOT completely blew this one along time ago and set up a traffic nightmare that's existed for many, many years now. And sure enough, although we got through the entire center of Atlanta okay, there was yet again a traffic jam in Henry County. Fortunately, it wasn't as bad as it usually is.
We filled up the gas tank at Buc-ee's number one, and we got some chicken salad, and those amazing little chocolate pieces. Mom and I are addicted to these small chocolates, salty caramel and gone in about four or five bites. Just enough though! We got some drinks, and of course visited the highly-acclaimed spacious bathrooms there. This is the trip down where we had time to look around the shopping area, and so we did, walking through the holiday themed stuff and checking out all the merch there. We did pick up a Christmas item a little early - a plush Buc-ee in a nutcracker costume. We preferred that to all the Halloween stuff. We also got a Buc-ee's racing shirt for our racing series here. Then we were on our way again, back on the highway.
Next stop, the Florida Welcome Center! The dolphin was there to greet us at the front, covered with paintings showing rescue, rehabilitation and release of sea creatures.
Speaking of which, we always pass by this place where they have the footprints of various creatures that live in Florida. How'd they get them all to line up like that? Just kidding. But still, that's a funny thought. And yes, other than the bathrooms and the pleasant walkabout, one primary reason to visit this location is this:
Captain Citrus! Okay, maybe not the hero, but certainly the free orange juice! We certainly took advantage of that. And soon enough, we were on our way. We went through some pretty heavy rainstorms, and made it to Jacksonville where there was a pretty big accident that left us stuck in traffic for quite some time. So yes, it was time to stretch our legs at Buc-ee's number two!
This is the one in Jacksonville, and it's much, much quieter than any of the others. In fact, look at this picture of Mom here. There's no one behind her!
We stopped for tea and those chocolates again! It was just good to get out of the car and walk a bit. And fill up the tank too.
We made it to the hotel a little later than anticipated because of all the traffic, but we made it safely and easily checked in. Mom packed a smaller suitcase for our overnight stay. We can sleep in tomorrow because of the later onboard check-in.
So we sat in bed, and saw the Braves beat the Phillies for the final time this year, ready to move on to the next round of the playoffs.
It's been really great watching these guys this year. They've been really down on their starting pitchers, so many injuries, but ironically pitching has been really good this year. Mom got me a Braves Division Champs hat and a new hoodie too!
We were FaceTiming with Maddie, watching the last part of the game together and then of course we said our prayers together. I even brought along our Discworld book so that I could read with her the next few pages of "The Thief of Time."
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