Hello from Mississippi ...... and thanks to Dan for calling me and reminding me that people miss me. Life as a road warrior is no easy feat, and I appreciated Dan's wisdom and sympathy. Thanks too to Jon, who is a saint, and my kids, who offer more grace than any one person deserve. They are pulling a heavy load while I'm down South helping people recover from Hurricane Katrina. The encouragement they offer is profound and the daily (hourly from Joe) text messages, phone calls, e-mails and picture messages keep me in the loop on things both good and bad. Nate is the lightkeeper at home. He makes sure the garbage goes out on Tuesdays and Fridays and recycles every other weekend; he also assures me that the house is safe and I KNOW he is watering my little garden. I miss them more than I knew was possible and at the same time I'm learning in leaps and bounds. Today I told Joe that when things are tough you have to look for the things that are good .. the silver lining. As grandma taught us. You have to play the "glad game." We did just that for a while and we decided that what matters most in the whole world is having people to love. You're right Joe. I'm glad you love me and I love you too.
here is Old Man River ... it's huge.
Natchez was once the capital of the Spanish territory that included Florida and Mississippi. The town is a step back in history with dozens of homes that were built prior to the civil war that you can walk through. Look close at the names on this plaque and you'll appreciate the flavor of Mississippi.
These are my feet walking around Mississippi .... I'm here :-) might as well pay attention.
This is Emerald Mound -- it is the second largest Indian Mound in the US. These sites were used as burial grounds, temple foundations and places for the people to gather. This picture doesn't show it well but the right angle you can see is about 20' off the ground level .. the top looks like a giant soccer field.
The Natchez Trace ... this trail goes from Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi up to Nashville, TN. Before the advent of the steamship people used to use Old Man River to move goods to the South and then sell the flatboats for lumber. They used the Trace to get back to the North - either on foot or horseback. The journey was dangerous because of floods, thieves, and snakes (the snakes are still here - yikes).
The section of the Trace in the photograph is called "Sunken Trace" because time and travel wore the path down this deeply.
5 comments:
We have missed you. I've always wanted to see the Natchez Trace, but it looks hot and muggy there. How much longer are you going to be in Mississippi?
Hmmm. Mississippi. People in Georgia make fun of Alabama, People in Alabama make fun of Mississippi and the people in Mississippi make fun of Arkansas. Actually I think everyone makes fun of Arkansas! At least you are not stuck there.
I have only been in MS one time to help clean up from Katrina and it definitely was not beautiful then. Thanks for posting the good pictures.
It's good to hear what's going on with you. Hopefully you can be out of there before the heat gets too bad!
Good to hear from you! I love the fact that when you, or any of us for that matter, travel: we take in all the interesting sights and best of all, share them with our loved ones. How's the job going down there there? Hope you're getting lots of cooperation.
Love,
Dad
I think it is cool that you get to see the Natchez Trace. I have long wanted to see that. There is supposed to be a great bike ride along part of it. I think it is fun be where history has been. Lincoln must have walked that same path after he floated his boat to New Orleans. Think how much that trip changed this country. Have fun and stay cool.
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