12-20-25 to Panama City Beach!

 This was actually on the 19th, I think.  That's when Angie told Layla she and Mom were going to the beach with Grandma the next day.  We weren't sure how she'd take it since she wasn't too interested in going to the beach a month or so ago, but she was thrilled this time.  

 I was very surprised when a van showed up to pick Ken up.  I've never seen a van equipped to carry an ambulance style stretcher.   Makes sense, though.  60 years ago my Dad made a folding stretcher carrier to go in the back of our full sized station wagon---piece of plywood with clamps on it to hold the stretcher in.  Of course that was in the days when safety wasn't as big a deal.  This has me wonder if we should have one and hit the road!  Beaches, here we come!!!

I'm following them to the Marietta Center for Nursing and Healing thinking, "is this really happening~!?"

The entrance.

The folding stretcher being brought out.

Of course, there was a problem with the admittance.  The transporter gave them the wrong name and they thought Ken was a patient arriving a day early.  But when the intake nurse showed up to check him in, she couldn't find him in the records.  After a few texts and calls to Brittany, Gina, Andrea and whomever this nurse talked to, it was determined that his paperwork was sent to one of their facilities about 60 miles away.  Fortunately they had space here and he was able to stay.  

Even though I had talked to Ken about what was going to happen and getting his approval, I'm sure he had no idea what was going on.  I felt bad about leaving him, but rather committed by then.  At least Josh was going to be there to check on him every day.

The kids came by, then we were on our way.

Good by "nursing home".   On to Florida!!!

 Along the way---we had to make a few of the Hicks's regular stops.   

While most convenience stores have travelers covered when it comes to snacks, gas and restrooms, a gas station in Eufaula has become known for offering a little something extra — the chance to see live gators in their natural setting.

Christopher Herring opened the appropriately named Gator Stop, located on North Eufaula Avenue, with his father, the late Joe Herring, more than 20 years ago. Since then, the gas station has become a popular pitstop for Alabama beach-goers traveling on U.S. Highway 431.

Even had a few of the big birds that I enjoyed "shooting" years ago when we lived in S Florida.

Occassionally we see these Great Blue Herons around Georgia, too.

They have a nice little area to walk out to and enjoy the views.

Not very big, but big enough for a pit stop.

Back in the car.  Layla professed that she and Jerry are married.  She's married to a Nutcracker.  Appropriate---they're both nutty.

It was time for a quick lunch along the way.  So the vote was for Chick-fil-a.  Always a good choice.

BAck on the road.  I think Layla is there somewhere!

 The kids always stop at this weird little museum on their way to or from the Gulf, too. I've heard alot about it from them, but Ken and I never seemed to have seen it. So I got the added treat of checking out this cute little strange museum.

Started in the 1970’s as Butch Anthony’s taxidermy shop and artifact room, the Museum of Wonder is now filled with art, artifacts and antiques, and some very strange items!

At the age of fourteen, Butch built a one-room log cabin that became a workshop for his many creations and eventually the first incarnation of the Museum of Wonder. As his skills developed, Butch began to build and fashion furniture, sculptures, and many other works of art and constructions. The Museum soon became too small and too popular for the log cabin to contain.

In 2014, Butch built The World’s First Drive-Thru Museum out of shipping containers. It sits off U.S. HWY 431 in Seale, Alabama and exhibits a rotating display of Butch’s handcrafted designs and curiosities for the wonderment of visitors and passerbys alike.

 

First we drove through.

Then we parked and walked through it.

Apparently he's made quite a living off of these types of line drawings on paintings and pictures.  Even has artwork hanging in hotels and restaurants as far away as London and Colorado.  

He definitely has quite the imagination.

cute donations receptical

Angie and Josh are huge folk art fans.  I believe they're turning Layla into a big fan, too.  

Leaving her mark

canned fish

Love all his little sayings

Wonder if these belonged to  "Giant of Alton, IL" was Robert Pershing Wadlow (1918-1940), the tallest person in recorded history, reaching nearly 9 feet tall due to hyperplasia of the pituitary gland.

I remember those!

Back on the road --- over the river and through the woods

and flocks of birds abound

Finally reached the Florida border about sunset---and time for another pit stop--at the rest stop.

We finally reached the Wyndham Panama City Beach Resort about 7.   Check in went surprisingly well---aside from the check in gal apologizing for holding on the phone for 5 minutes or so.  Then the dreaded appearance at the concierge desk to get our wrist bands and keys.  Last time they were relentless in hounding me to do an "owner update".  This time, he handed me the keys and I was on my way.  I have signed up online to not be "offered" updates anymore, but haven't been anywhere since doing that.  Maybe it actually worked!?

On to the ridiculous parking.  It is a big parking garage with a sky bridge over to the resort.  So whatever level you park on, then you take the elevator to level 3.  Then cross over the sky bridge, then take an elevator to level one.  Then go to one of the banks of elevators and up to whatever floor you're on.  We were on level 5 this time---all the way at the far West end.  I assume the Presidentials are on the ends and have the extra windows on the side of the building.   Layla didn't mind the "walk". 

I think the Presidentials also have the cute little bay window here in the master bedroom.

A look at the living room/kitchen area.  Sort of strange not having a lower table.  Even the one in the kitchen is higher, with not the most comfortable chairs.

Layla taking my suitcase to my room.

The girls' room off to the left.  

I like the artwork

the girls' room

spare bathroom

Master bath

huge master bath

Layla getting comfortable.

Josh sent a special treat for me. 

Yummmm.  Just what I needed!

Angie even wanted to bring a small Christmas tree, so I offered to "pack" one of our little trees.  Worked out great!

Then we were off to Publix to get  PubSubs and other necessities.  Then back to eat  dinner and settle in for the night.