There Goes Connie - A Christian Travel Blog: Trip info on Monday and devotionals on Friday.

Bay Town Inn: Comfort and Convenience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

02/18/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

With most hotel rooms, you walk into an almost cookie-cutter layout. Bathroom near the door, a nook for hanging your clothes, the bed straight ahead, a desk area (if you’re lucky), a chair (again, if you’re lucky), a TV and MAYBE a microwave, small fridge (empty) and a coffeemaker.

With most bed and breakfast inns, you have a bedroom and bathroom and come into a large common dining room for breakfast with the inn’s other guests. Yes. This breakfast is often fabulous, but some people aren’t keen on having to make conversation with strangers first thing in the morning.

The units at Bay Town Inn are more like small condos than hotel rooms, and breakfast is brought to YOU, rather than you having to go to IT. Sweet!

The 10 guest suites are 500 square feet each in size. You walk into a living/dining area with a couch, kitchen, full bathroom with tub/shower combo, a bedroom with a king bed and a closet where you will find 2 waffle-weave robes. There is a TV in the living room and another in the bedroom. The fridge in the kitchen has a choice of waters, soft drinks, juices and yogurts — all complimentary. On the kitchen counter, you’ll see a welcome treat then a basket of granola bars, coffee, microwave popcorn, and in the cabinets, you’ll find dishes and cutlery.

Each day of your stay a bag of fresh muffins will be hanging outside your door to go along with your yogurt, juice and granola bars for a simple continental breakfast. On the weekends, a full cooked breakfast is delivered hot and fresh to your suite.

The grounds are beautifully-landscaped, and a pool is open for guests to enjoy when the weather is warm enough. Each suite has a designated parking spot.

Another great perk is the inn’s location. Bay Town Inn is almost directly across from the harbor, is next door to 200 North Beach (a wonderful restaurant) with more shops and eateries within an easy walk.

Steve and I had an opportunity to visit with the inn’s owner, Nikki Nicholson Moon. She has a remarkable — even miraculous — story of survival during Hurricane Katrina. Be sure to notice the carved angel tree across the street from the inn. That tree saved her life!

It is easy to see why Ms. Moon has so many repeat customers. There are even groups of friends who reserve rooms every year, so they can enjoy the inn and the events in Bay St. Louis together. I encourage you to check it out.

When Something Lost Is Found Again

02/15/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

It was early in 1985. I was sitting in a class called “Methods for Teaching Elementary Music” at Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL. For some reason, I looked at my left hand and noticed that the diamond had fallen out of my engagement ring. Since there were only 8 of us in the class and since I was the only white student, my frantic twisting and turning as I looked all around my desk was hard to ignore. I’ll never forget what that kind teacher did. She asked me what was wrong. When I told her, she said,”Okay, everyone. We are going to help our fellow student retrace her steps until we find that diamond.” They all stood up and starting searching with me. We walked outside and out to the parking lot. A few feet before we reached the driver’s side of my car, someone said, “I see it!” And, there it was. My diamond, shining on the pavement. What a relief! What a feeling of gratitude to that teacher and those students.

Recently my family found something that had been lost to us for decades. We knew it existed, and we longed to see it again and know what had happened. But, until a few days ago, it seemed hopeless.

Now, what was lost is back where we can see it and touch it. We have been thrilled, relieved and so very grateful.

Have you ever lost something very precious to you? Did you agonize over what might have happened? Did you search diligently until you found it? Did you go out and replace the lost item, or did you simply mourn the loss and move on?

Some things that are lost CAN be replaced. Other things cannot.

All of this has led me back to Luke 15 — the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, the Lost Son. Look at the responses when each of these items of great value was found after being lost:

Luke 15:6b-7 — “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:9b-10 — “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!” In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Luke 15:23-24 — “…bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” And they began to be merry.

AMAZING GRACE, HOW SWEET THE SOUND

THAT SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME

I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW I’M FOUND, WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE.

If you were lost and then found your way like I did when I was 8 years old, then you can know that our repentance and salvation caused a party to break out in heaven. Don’t you love that?

If you are STILL lost, I urge you to find your way home. Admit you have done things that separate you from God. Ask for His forgiveness which is made possible by the death of Christ on the cross. Receive the free gift of salvation which is yours for the taking. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Know that this decision makes the angels sing.

Seafood, Glorious Seafood on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

02/11/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Steve and I have a rule. Whenever we are on the Gulf Coast — or ANY coast, for that matter — we order seafood. For us, this is not the time for pork chops, steaks, hamburgers or spaghetti. No. The coast is where you are most likely to get the very freshest seafood, and we both love it. Oysters, shrimp, scallops, crab, calimari, redfish, speckled trout, tuna, mahi mahi, flounder, red snapper, grouper — you name it, we’ll eat it.

We’ve known all of our lives about the seafood on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, but recently we had a chance to spend a few days further west, pretty much halfway between Pascagoula and New Orleans. We sampled the area restaurants of Hancock County, specifically in Bay St. Louis and Kiln (Brett Favre’s hometown), and can testify that they are outstanding. Here are 4 that I’d like to recommend. Warning: These photos will make you LONG to be at the beach.

200 NORTH BEACH

200 North Beach was the first restaurant to open after Katrina all but wiped out Bay St. Louis. It is located across from the harbor in Old Town Bay Saint Louis and is housed in the restored Echo Building, which once produced the Echo Sea Coast Newspaper. You will see beaded boards and exposed beams that were carefully reclaimed from the storm’s destruction, but most of all, you will taste the delectable creations of Chef Keith Becton and his staff.

Chef Becton was born on the island of Martinique and received his classical training as a chef in France. He previously worked in New Orleans, so the French Creole influence is prominent in his preparations and seasonings. By all means, save room for dessert. His White Chocolate Bread Pudding is fabulous!

200 North Beach is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Broiled seafood platter full of oysters, scallops, shrimp and fish.

Amazing White Chcolate Bread Pudding — Oh My!

CUZ’S OLD TOWN OYSTER BAR AND GRILL

Cuz, whose real name is Melvin Barnes, used to own a seafood market and restaurant where he actually caught the fish himself, but not anymore. Cuz does, however, still know the best sources for his seafood. He’s a colorful character whose life is surrounded by women — a wife, 5 daughters and “even a female dog.” 🙂

We tried the fried seafood at Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar and Grill and enjoyed the fact that the crust was very light. We’ve heard that his boiled seafood is great, so during a return visit, we’ll give it a try. His bread pudding recipe follows a very specific rule — “I won’t let them put raisins in it.” We agree with you, Cuz.

Cuz’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Look at the size of that fried seafood platter!

JOURDAN RIVER STEAMER

Jourdan River Steamer in Kiln, MS, is owned by Hank and Lori Plauche. Their current location is very new, because storms wiped away previous restaurants they’ve owned. This one is right along the river and is very high off the ground — according to flood plain and insurance requirements resulting from Katrina.

The menu is extremely unique in that it prominently features King, Dungeness and Snow Crab, Royal Red Shrimp and Live Maine Lobsters. According to Lori Plauche, the kitchen doesn’t even HAVE a fryer, and the kitchen staff is referred to as the Steam Team.

Jourdan River Steamer is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

BOGART’S STEAKHOUSE

Bogart’s is the fine dining restaurant inside Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis. Gambling and casinos are a reality on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I don’t gamble, but I do appreciate great food. And, yes, this post is about seafood, but Bogart’s Steakhouse deserves to be included because in addition to its great steaks (which we had a chance to sample thanks to a fellow diner and LOVED), the seafood is outstanding as well.

I sampled ahi tuna, crabcakes, broiled scallops and loved the blackened redfish with crawfish risotto. All wonderful. Then the desserts — I had a taste of the cheesecake, the blonde brownie, bread pudding and creme brulee. It would be impossible to choose the best. I believe I need to go back and try them all again. 🙂

Bogart’s is closed on Monday and Tuesday and open only for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Dessert tray – cheesecake, bread pudding and blonde brownie

Two other eateries certainly deserve a mention here. Mockingbird Cafe is a great place for breakfast and lunch and is located near fun shops in Old Town Bay St. Louis. It is often referred to as “the Living Room of the Bay” and is a natural gathering spot for the locals. Mockingbird Cafe is open seven days a week but closes early on Sunday. Be sure to check the website.

And, possibly the biggest surprise of our trip was the Jet Away Cafe inside Stennis International Airport. The gumbo I had for lunch was chocked full of goodness, and Steve had one of the biggest chef salads I’ve even seen. I’m only sorry that I was too busy watching all of the action at this unique airport and hearing about its history and functions to make photos. Trust me. It’s a neat place to eat. Jet Away Cafe is closed on weekends but open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Passionate People in Waveland and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

02/08/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I met many people — restaurant owners, park rangers, shopkeepers, tourism representatives, tour guides, to name a few — who obviously love their work and are passionate about continuing the upward momentum in Waveland and Bay St. Louis following the double disastrous blows of Katrina in 2005 and the BP oil spill in 2010. To accomplish what they have so far, they have had to possess tremendous dedication, loyalty and commitment to the task. Today I want to introduce you to three of these impressive people.

MIKE SMITH

Mike Smith was recently elected to his second term as mayor of Waveland, Mississippi. Previous to running for office, he was the city’s Fire Chief. During the worst of Katrina, he was the Assistant Fire Chief. That meant that during the hours the storm was raging, he was busy helping and rescuing others while his own property was washed away.

When you visit the Ground Zero Museum in Waveland, be sure to notice a series of photos that Mayor Mike took showing many beautiful houses only 24 hours before they were destroyed. He knew the storm was headed their way and wanted to be able to document the effects as well as to preserve the memories of what once was. Until the hurricane made landfall, the exact location continued to change. But, as it turned out, Waveland was the bullseye.

Mayor Mike faces many challenges — for instance, 20% of Waveland’s population left and hasn’t returned — but is working tirelessly to lure businesses back and to lead efforts to build new structures even better than ever before. The soon-to-be dedicated lighthouse at the new beach area is particularly appealing and will attract thousands for play and recreation.

Mayor Mike Smith and I at the Ground Zero Museum in Waveland, MS.

ERICA LARKIN GAUDET

Larkin Gaudet is a renowned and accomplished sculptor. She and her husband Mitchell own, manage and display some of their works alongside those of other artists at Studio Waveland and Gallery near Waveland’s new City Hall. As a result, they are also helping area artists and attracting more from surrounding areas. The gallery serves as a gathering place for upscale events and also as a workshop and teaching center for those wanting to learn new skills.

Larkin and Mitchell are attractive, talented, charismatic and great ambassadors for the town of Waveland. Check out these websites to learn more: Studio Waveland and Gallery and EricaLarkinGaudet.com.

Larkin Gaudet posing by a sketch of one of her sculptures.

NIKKI NICHOLSON MOON

On the day I met Nikki, she was walking in a boot cast because of a broken foot, but that didn’t appear to deter her in the least. Nikki has certainly withstood much worse.

After a successful career “selling New Orleans” for over 24 years, Nikki bought a large house and inn in a prominent location across from the harbor in Bay St. Louis in February of 2003, when she was 50 years old. The house was built in 1897, so she (mistakenly) thought it could withstand Katrina and chose to stay and ride out the storm. Katrina proved to be far more than anyone anticipated. She narrowly escaped as her house collapsed and the water swept through. With her dog in her arms, she swam and grabbed for anything she could find and miraculously found a tree where she hung on for dear life for hours. Two other people found that same tree, and thankfully the dog was smart enough to hold onto his owner as well.

After many struggles and agonizing decisions, she was finally able to break ground on her brand new home and 12-room inn in October of 2012. Two months later, her husband of two years was diagnosed with melanoma, and six months later, he died. She persevered and has a lovely home and thriving inn as her reward. Nikki said that the hardest thing to overcome was the fact that she has nobody but herself to blame for mistakes but also only herself to make the decisions. She chooses to keep moving forward. I am inspired by her story and can highly recommend her inn — Bay Town Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Innkeeper Nikki Moon and I are the Mockingbird Cafe.

Who have you met lately who inspires you? Who have you talked to with a contagious passion and enthusiasm? The term “movers and shakers” definitely applies to the three I’ve mentioned today. How can you or I make the world a better place? What causes do we need to champion?

4 Surprising Sights in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

02/04/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I arrived in Bay St. Louis expecting mild weather, Gulf breezes and fresh seafood. To be sure, those things were present even in frigid January. In reality, “mild” turned out to be a little cooler than I wanted and the breezes came from the Bay rather than from the Gulf, but oh, that seafood! It was wonderful everywhere we ate. Fish, oysters, scallops and shrimp with bread pudding for dessert? I doubt there’s a better meal anywhere. So, I found what I expected to find, but there were some delightful surprises.

ANGELS

As I mentioned in last Friday’s post, angels are very important to folks in and around Bay St. Louis. A chainsaw-tree-carver named Dayle K. Lewis brought his skills to Bay St. Louis as a way to encourage those who were trying to rebuild their lives after Katrina. Two of his works can be seen along the waterfront, while two others are in a city cemetery. All are remarkable.

ALICE MOSELEY AND HER LITTLE BLUE HOUSE

The best way I know to describe Alice Moseley’s artwork is “a Southern version of Grandma Moses in style and subject matter.” She painted the world as she wanted it to be, rather than as it actually was.

Mrs. Moseley was actually born in Birmingham, AL, and her first career was as a schoolteacher. She didn’t start painting until the age of 65 and didn’t discover Bay St. Louis until she was 79. As soon as she saw it, she was determined to move there. Her little blue house sits across the street from the Bay St. Louis train depot, which now houses the Visitors Center, a Mardi Gras museum, and a museum of her work. She died in 2004 at the age of 94.

I wish I’d known about her when I was teaching elementary art.

I love the title she gave this painting: “The House is Blue, but the Old Lady ain’t.”

ST. ROSE DE LIMA CHURCH

This church began as a school for African American children in 1868, and in 1925, it became a church. Nowadays, the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday mornings brings in a packed house of both blacks and whites. The church’s Gospel Choir and Men’s Choir are considered to be among the best in the South.

Both the pulpit and the large mural in the front of the sanctuary are striking. In most Catholic churches, Jesus is portrayed as the Suffering Savior on the cross. In St. Rose de Lima Church, the mural shows an African Christ being resurrected through a large oak tree. The pulpit was fashioned from a felled oak tree with its roots supporting the top piece.

INFINITY SPACE CENTER

Living only about 35 minutes from the Alabama Space and Rocket Center, I had failed to consider the other space-related facilities in our part of the country. As I learned from our tour guide, when the Huntsville engineers started testing rocket engines in the late 50’s and early 60’s, pictures were being jarred off the walls and dishes were breaking. There wasn’t a large enough buffer zone between the testing and area residences.

Werner Von Braun and his associates bought up five small communities in South Mississippi, relocated the people and built the John C. Stennis Space Center, NASA’s largest rocket engine test facility. INFINITY Space Center is its affiliated visitor center and science museum. Hundreds of area school children plus thousands of other visitors pass through each year to enjoy the exhibits and the new 3D movie theater.

I will be sharing more about the current status of Bay St. Louis and Waveland, Mississippi — 13 1/2 years after Katrina — but, for now, let me encourage you to plan a day or more in this beautiful area and support the amazing work that area leaders and residents have carried out. You’ll be impressed, and they will appreciate the affirmation.

I’ll Never Be an Angel

02/01/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

As much as I’d like to envision myself with wings, dressed in an intricately-designed white, flowing dress with blonde ringlets around my face and a flawless complexion, that will never happen. Nor will it, according to what I read in the Bible, EVER be the case with any of us. That isn’t really the way angels even look — except for the ones we might put on top of our Christmas trees. As a matter of fact, angels may have been rather frightening looking. Why else would many passages associated with angels begin with the words, “Fear not?” The first reaction to actually seeing an angel must have been shock and terror, not something we associate with the first mental picture I described at all.

Human beings are NOT angels, nor will we become angels. According to Psalm 8:5, we were made “a little lower than the angels.” Look at the whole passage of Psalm 8:3-9:

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

God . . . then angels . . . then us.

As I study more, I notice some very important roles that angels fulfilled in Scripture. First, they were messengers — which is what the word angel actually means. They were also protectors, ministers, mediators between God and humanity, warriors and worshipers of God Almighty. Look up these verses to see those roles for yourself: Psalm 91.11, Psalm 34:7, Isaiah 6:3, Hebrews 1:6, 2 Kings 19:35, Hebrews 1:14, Luke 22:43.

On a recent trip to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, I saw a surprising number of angels. Four trees were carved with them and placed throughout the town. Bay St. Louis, as you might remember, was in the bullseye when Hurricane Katrina roared ashore on August 29, 2005. Homes, businesses, roads, bridges, the entire infrastructure were all decimated in the hours of the storm’s heaviest intensity. Yet, there are stories from survivors of finding miraculous objects and trees where they clung desperately while the water raged. Those survivors are convinced angels, in their roles as protectors, were in that place specifically for them. They know they experienced a miracle. They live with a greater resolve and sense of purpose.

In an effort to “do something” to try to comfort the people of Bay St. Louis during their massive rebuilding efforts after the storm, Dayle K. Lewis from Indiana began carving angels from some of the downed live oak trees. They were actually carved with a chain saw, but the details will astound you.

No. We are not angels, but we CAN do some of things that angels do. We can try to console hurting people and minister to them, and we can worship our Creator. And, we can be God’s messengers, sharing His word whenever and wherever we have the opportunity.

Vicari and Pizza Grocery in Corinth, Mississippi

01/28/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I mentioned these two restaurants in an earlier post here, but I thought I’d take a few minutes to share more photos and describe them in greater depth. After all, Corinth, MS is a short drive from North Alabama, so many of you could easily reach these places and enjoy a great meal.

VICARI

Vicari, at 514 Cruise Street in Corinth, is one of the flagship restaurants anchoring the downtown area of the city. It is in a beautifully-preserved vintage building that dates back to the late 1800’s. The impressive entry will immediately set the stage for your meal with its soaring 30-foot ceiling and center staircase.

If you are looking for nightly entertainment, Vicari has a full schedule of performers and a full-service bar upstairs. The food, however, was PLENTY of entertainment for me. 🙂

Chef John Mabry serves steaks, chicken and seafood, but the primary focus of his menu is on Italian dishes. From the sauce recipes originating directly from Italy to the Italian marble floors and even to the name of the restaurant, the influence of the country permeates the atmosphere.

Vicari – a piano always captures my attention

Vicari – a cozy table waiting for diners

Corinth itself was originally named Cross City because it was situated where northbound and eastbound railroads intersected. Later, it was named Corinth after the European city that also had a famous crossroad. In turn, Vicari derives its name from a small town in Sicily that is similar to Corinth in size.

The kitchen’s grill is used extensively, especially in preparing one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, Crab and Shrimp Manicotti.

I wish I had taken more photos of the dishes enjoyed by my tablemates the evening I was there. They looked amazing, and as you might expect, the aromas swirling around cause immediate salivating to begin.

I chose one of my favorite Italian dishes, Eggplant Parmesan, and loved every bite.

PIZZA GROCERY

Pizza Grocery, at 800-A Cruise Street in Corinth, is also located in the downtown area, also serves Italian dishes, and is housed in a building with loads of history. Kudos to the business people of Corinth who are repurposing buildings rather than demolishing them.

Coca-Cola mural on Pizza Grocery exterior

In the case of Pizza Grocery, the building was a grocery wholesale warehouse from the 1920’s until the 1980’s. A lot of remodeling was necessary, but the building’s character and charm were retained. The building is large with several levels. In fact, the private banquet room can seat up to 85 people. On the side of the building is a whimsical Coca-Cola mural in recognition of the town’s bottling plant that has been in operation for many decades. A fun photo op, for sure.

As the name implies, pizza is prominent on the menu, but all dishes are made from scratch and are delicious. In addition to pizza, you’ll find calzones, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, salads, desserts and more. They are open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

What is Your Word for 2019?

01/25/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

We’ve already reached the last Friday of the first month of 2019. This year, as is true for all of them, is slipping by at lightning speed. What kind of tone have you set for this year? What is your attitude and mindset? What changes have you implemented to make this year better than last year — physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and, of course, spiritually?

Benjamin Franklin is credited for saying, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

Winston Churchill said, “Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.”

And, Thomas Edison was quoted as saying, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

I think I like Thomas Edison’s quote the best. It seems to be the most encouraging, the most motivating, the one that propels us forward.

But, of course, a number of Bible verses also mention planning. Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

And just a few verses before that in Proverbs 16:3, we find: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

So, my conclusion is that God, as is ALWAYS true, is in charge. His will WILL be done. His will is only revealed to us in tiny moment-by-moment increments, but in the meantime, I believe planning for the future is wise.

As 2018 began to wind down, I noticed quite a few of my friends pondering what their “word” for 2019 would be. In other words, what theme, what marching orders, what motivational tool would they use to launch their year?

I saw some very good ones: flourish, forward, kindness, joy, improve, seek, surrender, release, etc. etc. All of those suggest forward motion and very good choices.

I chose the word POSITIVE. Not in the Pollyanna, pie-in-the-sky sense, but a mindset to seek the positive in others, to find the positive in the crises and challenges that come in my life, and to realize that when circumstances could combine to beat me down, I can take the blows and then stand back up.

I read another great quote recently: “”People who wonder if the glass is half full or half empty, miss the point. The glass is refillable.” That’s it. We are GOING to be defeated, disappointed and disheartened from time to time, but “the glass is refillable.” God IS able.

2 Samuel 22:33 – “For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and He makes my way perfect.”

Ephesians 3:20 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

It’s not too late to choose your word. Need a little help making your choice? Check out this article filled with suggestions. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve chosen.

How to Choose Your Word of the Year + 175 Suggestions

Foodie Finds in NYC

01/21/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Sometimes you visit a city specifically for the restaurants. Other times you go for the experiences and let the dining options unfold in a “whatever you can find when you get hungry” kind of way. That’s pretty much what Steve and I did when we were in New York recently. If you’re planning a trip in the coming months, here are a few choices to consider.

Europa Cafe

We were cold and hungry, walking between Rockefeller Center and Times Square, when we happened into this deli/cafe/coffee shop kind of place. It was warm. The smells were enticing, and we were glad to be there. We had hot chocolate, shared a large sandwich and a pastry and were ready to face the world again. Lots of fresh soup choices, too.

Crossroads American Kitchen

This is a breakfast and dinner restaurant inside the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. It’s an enormous space and can serve a large number of people rather quickly. The breakfast buffet is packed with items, including an omelet station, but the price is a little high. We ordered from the menu and enjoyed our dishes very much.

New Apollo Diner in Brooklyn

The best things to say about New Apollo Diner? It’s a half block away from the Brooklyn Tabernacle. It has a large menu. And, you will get a taste of the local culture and atmosphere. Portions are huge. If we lived in the area, that would have been an advantage, and we’d have requested carry-out boxes. We wished we had shared an entree. Service is good. No doubt, you will spot people you just worshipped beside at the church service.

The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station itself is historic, and the architecture is amazing — definitely worth a visit. There is an entire Dining Concourse in the bowels of the station. (I use that word because it is underground and a little dark with a lot of concrete and passageways). You’ll find everything from the Chirping Chicken and Eata Pita to the newly-opened Shake Shack. We chose the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant because we just wanted to sit and relax awhile. The Manhattan Clam Chowder and fried oysters we shared were very good.

Food Hall at The Plaza

There is a more upscale food hall on the premises – the Todd English Food Hall — but we opted to just browse the kiosks, nooks and crannies of the larger food hall. There are at least 20 possibilities to consider, and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re at Central Park, this might be a good option, especially if you’re looking for something economical.

Palm Court for breakfast

It is most famous as the site of Afternoon Tea, but breakfast there is outstanding, too. It’s definitely an extravagance, but very nice.

Thoughts

One day we grabbed a few pizza slices from the prepared items at Whole Foods in Columbus Circle, and we found several McDonald’s and Applebee’s locations. We didn’t go in. That’s just an F.Y.I. You can spend a lot or you can spend less-than-a-lot on meals in the Big Apple. Notice I didn’t use the word cheap. Nothing is really cheap, but you won’t go hungry.

In May of 2000, we had dinner at Windows on the World at the top of the World Trade Center. It was one of the most amazing meals of our lives. We also had lunch one day at Loeb Boathouse in Central Park across from the Museum of Modern Art and later ate hot dogs at Yankee Stadium before their game with the Red Sox. And, in 2008, we enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner at Tavern on the Green in Central Park after watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I suggest that when you plan your trip to NYC just decide what your must-do’s are and fit them into your budget and your itinerary. My goodness, what a great city!!

Now, enough about New York. Stay tuned for my next adventure.

Heartwarming Encounters at the Grocery Store

01/18/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I only had 4 items on my list. The sun was shining, and the temperature was so warm I didn’t need a jacket. Exceptionally nice in early January.

The parking lot had a convenient spot just for me — a sure sign that this wasn’t one of those wild and woolly days when the whole world needed groceries. It would be a quick in and out, and I’d be back home in no time.

And, that’s what happened . . . with a few heartwarming encounters along the way.

Steve and I like sharing an apple with almond butter while watching television at night, so my first stop was the produce section. I was happily bagging my Gala apples ($.99 a pound) when I spotted Becky, an employee at the store I’ve seen forever. She’s one of those who is always friendly and always remembers my name. I said, “Becky, how long have you been working here?” She said, “44 years.” Can you imagine that?? I think it says a LOT about Becky AND the Kroger company that they could instill that kind of loyalty for such a long time. I said, “Wow, that’s almost as long as Steve has been practicing veterinary medicine!” Becky asked how he was doing, told me how kind she thought he was and asked about the children. We shared grandchildren numbers. I won the count, of course. Our conversation was brief but so indicative of how it feels to be back in a town that knows who I am and seems glad to see me.

A few aisles further, I saw a former student stocking shelves and thought about what a tall, strapping young man he has turned out to be. I went through the self check-out but took a few seconds to wave to one of the checkers who was actually in the same youth group with my kids several decades ago. She always greets me happily.

On my way to the car, I stopped to allow the car beside mine to back out. After backing out only a few feet, I caught sight of the driver and recognized her as a senior adult in my church who taught my daughters in GAs when they were children. In turn, I was HER daughter’s piano teacher. Bless her. Seeing me must have distracted her because when she backed out, she backed a little too far and hit a parked truck behind her.

Yikes! I had just witnessed a crash and had 10 frozen items in my cart. (Yes, I know I said I only had 4 items on my original list. Judge not). Somebody’s tail-light was now in pieces, but it took a minute to see whose it was. The lady sitting in the parked truck got out. I held my breath. But, instead of watching an angry tirade, I saw an example of extreme graciousness and kindness. Amazingly, no one was upset. Her truck, as it turned out, only got a tiny scratch. It was the GA leader’s tail-light that was busted.

I knew both of the ladies. They were kind and pleasant to each other, exchanging names, etc. My GA leader friend caused a chuckle by saying, “Don’t worry. I’m in good hands. I have All-State!” I guess nothing beats a positive attitude and good car insurance, right?

Anyway. The whole grocery trip took less than 30 minutes, but it was one of those times when you’re just glad to be where you are at a particular moment and happy to interact with so many good people in such a short time.

I want to always be thought of as one of those good people, don’t you? The kind of person who does not respond angrily when a mishap occurs. The kind who stops to ask about what is happening in another person’s life and is quick to share sincere compliments.

Let’s do our part to make the world a better place in 2019. It starts with little acts of kindness and grows.

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

FYI — Quick explanation for those of you who didn’t grow up as Southern Baptists. GAs was/is an organization designed to educate young girls about missions and missionaries, encourage participation in mission projects and promote Bible memorization. The letters used to stand for Girls Auxiliary, although no one that age knew what the word “auxiliary” meant. It was later changed to Girls in Action. The organization had a PROFOUND impact on my life.

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