Gateway to the Tom

As my birthday falls right after Labor Day, Tom and I decided it would be a good opportunity for me to fly out and explore Paducah with him. I was very grateful to have my sister go with me as I needed a hand to hold on the plane. I am not a big fan of flying and we hit both turbulence and a storm. I think her arm might still be bruised where I dug my nails in. We flew into St. Louis and then Tom picked us up for the three-hour drive to Kentucky. It made for a long trip but we had an amazing time and managed to visit five states in four days. On the way back to St. Louis for our departing flight, Tom got the best souvenir of all courtesy of the Illinois Highway Patrol. Yay for speeding!! We had some great food, many drinks and much fun.

The St. Louis Gateway Arch

I had no true concept of how huge it truly is until we saw it up close. We explored the riverfront area and the museum that is underground below the arch while we were killing some time in St. Louis before we had to be at the airport to come home. We thought about taking the ride to the top of the arch, but I'm a big chicken and decided that I was better off on the ground.

Beale Street at night was so busy. It is such a crazy mix of people everywhere. There were kids doing handsprings down the middle of the street and Elvis serenaded us during dinner. We did not go to Graceland while we were there; it held no appeal for any of us.

2 1/2 blocks of drinking, shopping and more food than you should eat in a lifetime.

Yay for Beale Street!!

Riding around on the trolley car looking for breakfast in Memphis.

The Island Queen.

Beth and I really wanted to go on a riverboat cruise while we were in Memphis, it was fun way to learn about the history of the area and sight-see from the boat, but the tour lasted just a bit too long. The Mississippi river is gross by the way. It’s just dirty and filled with garbage.

These are the Peabody Ducks. They live in the fountain at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Twice a day there is a parade as the ducks enter or exit the fountain for the day. We missed the parade, but it was so cute just watching the ducks swimming in the fountain.

On the banks of the Ohio river on the day we spent exploring downtown Paducah. Sadly everything was closed as it was Sunday, so we collected some shells from beside the river and then went back to the hotel to watch movies.

Beth and I were making a new friend in Metropolis, Illinois.

These are the gorgeous roses Tom sent me as a birthday gift since I had to spend the day by myself for the most part. Thank you to the Mullins' family for making me dinner and having me over!