Family Fun!

Tomorrow our journey to the wild west begins. I will be picking up Sara in Destin, Florida and we will make our way to New Orleans!

It has been such a great visit with Sara's family, they really know how to make a guy feel welcome. I can't thank them enough for their hospitality. Sara's sisters Becca and Jenna are in the process of opening a child development center in Dothan; and with the help of family and friends it is coming to fruition right before our eyes.

As we say goodbye for now to family in Dothan, we also bid farewell to our dog Cody. Cody will be staying in the country being the dog he never knew he could be - (he is out of his apartment comfort zone.)

New Orleans . . .  Here We Come!!!

Me spraying primer at the day care

"Don't leave me Mom and Dad!"

Sara adding a coat of polyurethane to some wood floors at the day care. 

"The Road Warrior"

Real Southern Home Cookin'!

I'm starting to get the feeling that most of my posts to this blog may have to do with food. I can't help it, I LOVE to eat! And what better place to get a bang for your buck than the Deep South. Sara and I are spending the week in Dothan, Alabama with her family before we officially head west. Aside from quality family time, we definitely enjoy the food Dothan has to offer.

Last night, Sara's family and I went to Hunt's Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar. One of Dothan's oldest restaurants is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings. In fact, the first time I met Sara's family when we were dating, we ate at Hunt's.

Delicious Oysters Straight from Apalachicola Bay

Wait, that's not it! For lunch today Sara took me to the Blue Plate restaurant. I'm always astounded by the amount of food you can get for fairly little money in Alabama. A great lunch for sure!

My BBQ Pulled Pork, Baked Macaroni 'n Cheese and Coleslaw

Sara's Country Fried Steak with Fried Okra and Fries

One thing is for sure, we will not go hungry on this trip!!!

Old Florida Charm

Today I explored Mount Dora, Florida, a charming, historic village on the shores of Lake Dora.  The quaint downtown area has much to offer in the way of shopping, dining and festivals but is especially known for its antique stores and the longest continuously operating hotel in Florida.  Founded in 1883, Lakeside Inn has hosted such prestigious guest as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Calvin Coolidge.

Photo Credit: State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Celebrating its 130th Anniversary

It wasn't until Brian and I were engaged that I learned that my grandparents, Richard and Joyce Post, met here during a Christian retreat as college students. My grandmother had plenty of beaus chasing her, but my grandfather, with that twinkle in his eye, eventually won her hand.  They established themselves in Panama City and sixty years, six children, and a gaggle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren later, she is still his beloved bride.

Mr. & Mrs. John Richard Post, Sr.

 

Later Gators!

Yesterday Sara and I left Naples and arrived in Mt. Dora, FL to visit with my dad and step-mom Elizabeth. My brother and my aunt Diana were also able to join us and it has been great spending family time together! Being so close to Orlando, we had to go visit the parks!

 City Walk

 Rob, Bob and Brian David

 Diana, Elizabeth and Sara David

Jimmy Buffet's Sea Plane

The Time Has Come!

The eve of our journey is upon us! As Sara and I finish packing the last of our belongings it is becoming real. The next time we will be in Naples will be August 9th!

Please check back soon, we will be sharing photos, recommendations and fun stories along the way.

Adios!

New Destinations!

Brian and I are counting down to the official start of our summer road trip: July 7th! We've revised our itinerary a bit and added stops in San Antonio, TX, Moab, UT, Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL. This is my first week of being a stay-at-home wife and while I am enjoying the downtime, I am also eager to hit the dusty trail!

Click here to check out the Road Map!

A Leap of Faith

Brian and I got married this past December so we're still pretty new at this, but already we've had to make some big decisions about our future.  The biggest one resulted in me resigning from the company I've been with for almost eight years, with no idea of what I am going to do next.  It is exciting and a little scary, definately a leap of faith. What got me over the hurdle was the idea of spending the whole summer with my teacher-husband, a sabbatical of sorts.  We started planning this road trip, and agreed that I would begin the job search when we returned.  I have about two bittersweet weeks left of my employment and then... freedom!  Having worked since I was 16, even on college breaks, I can't imagine what it will feel like, but I am so excited to take this journey with Brian.  I will be searching for inspiration along the way, and trusting the Lord to guide me in a new direction!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.