Proud to be an American

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday. I really am not sure when this happened. Maybe it's because we have a huge celebration where I grew up and people camp out over night just to get good seats for the parade.  It was also all about the fireworks. We would have our own celebration, but nothing was as cool as climbing up on the roof to watch the big firework show put on by the city.  I've celebrated the 4th in lots of different places. A small no-where town in Montana, Wyoming--where fireworks are legal all year round, New York City--that was pretty fun, Paris--where homemade rootbeer was not well received and people took pictures of us playing baseball--like we were some sort of novelty (I guess we were), but this is the first time I've ever had the honor of celebrating it on a Military post.

I claim it is an honor because no where else is there the deep rooted celebrating that comes from those who really understand what it means to live in a free country. It's one thing to wear red-white and blue and cheer at the parade, or even just show up for the fireworks, but it's a whole other story when the celebration includes a slideshow of those local soldiers who have given their lives in the name of freedom.  It hits home in a whole new way.

Fort Rucker's celebration was no different than most any other celebration that I had been to, at first glance. It had the fairs and booths that I've seen in several places, however the vendors were mainly food. What I love going to little "street" fairs for are the boutique type stuff that aren't usually in stores. At this fair I didn't really see anything that caught my attention. The food, however, was another story.

Considering this was my first festival/fair/celebration type thing that I have been to since moving to the south, I was excited to see what they might have us. My husband and I both decided that we were going to eat at the festival and therefore planned ahead and brought cash. (Because we brought cash, I have no idea if any of the places accepted other forms of payment. We stopped at the alcohol store-bought a candy bar--and got cash back).  These are the types of foods we found.

I'm eating the deep fried oreo here. It was pretty good, except that it was really dry.  Still needs a glass of milk. ;) Hubby go the snickers and we both liked it better. Oreos were $2 and Snickers were $3

I think my favorite part of this was the fact that they clarified that it was on a stick. However, I'm sure you can see my feelings towards this one. Hubby's thoughts : "it taste like chicken, only more rubbery." Yeeeaah...cause that just sounds amazing.  Fried Alligator on a stick: $6

After the fair and "dinner" we went and looked at all the different aircrafts they have here at Fort Rucker. It was pretty cool, but lines were longer than we wanted to wait and I had already seen most of them up close. Here are a few of the helicopters that I captured.

Chinook

This one seems to be a Lakota.

This one here is the Apache.

It was pretty cool, they let you climb inside and everything. Since I had already done that at a Family Day when Hubs was in the National Guard, I didn't really feel the need to do it again.

Here are a couple pictures of myself in a Blackhawk durning the family day last summer.

The highlight of the night however, was the concert given right before the fireworks. It was a blast. Normally they just have the Army band play, but this year they brought in Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. They were actually pretty cool. Gary played the guitar and he had 3 or 4 different singers. They did a bunch of cover songs and did a good job at getting the audience to participate. We were sitting in the middle and I felt like we had pretty good seats. Because of all the people, the bugs weren't really a problem. My man and I had a really good time and the families we were with. After dark they had people selling glow sticks and such and I jumped on that band wagon real' quick.

Gary Sinise (in the white shirt in the back) and his Lt. Dan Band.



Since we had walked, we decided to leave the concert a little early (since we could still hear it from pretty much anywhere) to start walking back. Our plan was to walk until we heard the fireworks, and then we'd just plop ourselves down and watch the show wherever we were. As it turns out, our plan worked out perfectly and we ended up watching the show on the field in between the golf course and the concert. There were probably only 4 or 5 other groups watching where we were, so it was really easy to feel in your own little world.  Apparently Fort Rucker is supposed to have one of the better fireworks show in the area, and I think they did a really good job. Neither my husband or I are photographers and we just had our phones and cheap cameras for pictures, we didn't get any really good pictures of the fireworks. Here is the only one I have that turned out. 

Fireworks on Fort Rucker. 

All in all, I think that Fort Rucker did a great job at celebrating our Independence. Considering that it's a really small post in an area that is not much bigger, I think they pulled it off.  The festivities went from 4:00pm to around 10:00 or 11:00pm (1600-2300).  We got there around 5:30 or 6 and I kind of wished we had more time.  They also had a huge play area for kids with blow up toys and whatnot. We didn't make it over there at all. 

I was happy and proud to be a part of Fort Rucker's celebration and join in on the chorus; "I'm proud to be an American!"

Gone Camping!

I haven't posted for awhile because I was gone camping! Yep, I took off to Florida for a week leaving hubby to fend for himself and the poodle face. Truth be told I missed them both terribly!

Here is the lowdown on camping here in the southern part of Alabama. Apparently people here think it's too hot and too humid and there are far too many bugs to make it enjoyable. The only reason we went is because the church I belong to has a summer camp for young woman ages 12-18 every year. It's not really an option to NOT go. So we all packed up and off we went. 

I am from Utah where camping is as common as grocery shopping. And if you grew up in my family, you may just randomly go camping for no reason. We would stay in campgrounds instead of hotels, decide to eat breakfast up the canyon instead of at the dining table and my friends and I would just go camping for fun one weekend--sometimes in tents, sometimes under the stars. Sometimes we'd have bathrooms, sometimes we'd bring a shovel.  NEVER would we have showers.

So this being my experience, I was quite unsure when they asked me to go as a camp director for these young woman. I was positive that our campsite would be crawling with spiders and they wrap me up like a mummie in their super spidery web and carry me off to eat me. Yes, I go all out in my illogical-irrational frightmares.  However, I figured if God was asking me to go with them, then He was going to not let me get eaten alive by giant spiders---like in Harry Potter. 

Here's the deal. We didn't go camping. We were in the woods-10 mins from civilization-But we had showers, air conditioned cabins, home-cooked meals made in a kitchen-not over a campfire and a pool. Now I know why God thought I could do this. It was fun and relaxing and the young woman were adorable and seriously the future of American. Most of them were from Army families so we talked about all the different places they have lived and what they liked about being in the Army and what they didn't. Most said it was leaving the friends they had made in that area. It was hard to start all over again. It made me think. I chose this life for me. Hubby was in the Army before I met him. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I married that wonderful man. Our children don't get to choose. They just kind of have to follow suit. I hope our children can understand why we-as their parents-felt it was a good idea. I hope we can help them see the good that can come from growing up in the military. And I hope I can understand if my children choose the same path---because it's hard enough watching your husband fly away from you---I can only imagine  if it were my son or daughter. 

Anyway, I got lost on a tangent, but wanted to share my thoughts on children in the military. Here is my review of camping:

Camping here was any more or less miserable or fun than camping in other places. I saw just as many bugs here as I have camping in Utah, Wyoming and New York (upstate). However the spiders I saw were much bigger and they DID freak me out. I think I could easily go camping here--with all the trees and such if it weren't for the wretched spiders! 

Our campsite

Our Cabin

The view from our hike

Rucker Movie Theater

Date nights are always a good idea. Most girls like the idea of getting dressed up for the evening and going out to do something. For me, this meant I showered, put on a bra and actually put on some make-up. :)

Tonight my hubby took me on a date.  First we stopped by the Allen Heights Club House for their summer pool party for dinner and to enter in for some door prizes. We didn't really have time to cook dinner before the movie started, so we opted for "free food" advertised on the neighborhood newsletter.

We didn't really stay for the "bash", but they had lots of little games for kids. Crafts and carnival type stuff. They also had little handouts, sunscreen, pens and chap-stick--things like that. Of course the pool was open, and that seemed to be the main event (since it was like 800 degrees out).

Hubs and I got a couple dogs and a hamburger, some chips and some capri sun's and that was dinner. We didn't really take the time to meet anyone, but it seemed to be a nice gathering if that was your goal. However, I will say it was geared mostly towards those with families.

Next we went to see a movie on post. We were pretty excited to see if it was a good deal or not. Movies in Utah were getting close to $20 for the two of us to go. In New York, 5 years ago when I lived there, it was about $22 for two people to go to the movies.

On post they have one movie theater and it shows one movie at a time. They change the movie often, sometimes daily. They also change what type of movie they have. For example some of the movies that have played in the past week or so we've been here have been: "Scream 4", "Source Code", "Transformers  3" (I think), and tonight was "Rio".

We got to the movie theater just before it was suppose to start and there was a line out the door. We were nervous at first because we had no clue what to expect. (Does it sell out?) Once we were in line, we realized the cashier is actually at the door (explaining the line out the door) and you pay for your tickets to the person who is taking the tickets, in fact I'm pretty sure there weren't any tickets at all. Cash or Check only. No credit cards.

Good news were the prices:

Adults (which include those 12 years and older): $4.50
Children (4-11): $2.50
Children 3 and under are free.

Hubby and myself: a total of $9.00
He did have to show his Military ID at the door, but I didn't. I am assuming then, that the movies are for guests as well.

Because of the nature of the film, there were a bunch of families there. Why not? It's a great, inexpensive way to take your family out. I didn't find the children distracting from the movie at all, but I think it's funny/cute when kids comment on the movie.

I decided I wanted some chocolate and hubby never argues with chocolate, so we got in the even longer line for the snacks. This was my one complaint of the night. The line took FOREVER! They, also, only have one cashier and she took her sweet time ringing up everyone. However, we were still in our seats by the time the movie actually started (we missed the previews though).

The actual movie theater was nice. Old, but nice. It had a huge screen and it seemed to be one of those theaters where there really isn't a bad seat. We sat on the end on the right hand section. So we were still pretty central, I thought our seats were great.  The seats themselves were actually pretty comfortable, I wasn't expecting that. However, Hubby was disappointed that the armrests didn't move.

The movie "Rio" itself, we thought was OK. There were no spectacular moments, no memorable characters. In fact the movie was over all a solid "C". The music was ok, the storyline had great potential, (so did the music for that matter--who doesn't like salsa?) but the writing just wasn't up to par. I think it was one of those movies that they show all the good moments in the previews. Sad.

We parked on the North side (if I have my directions straight), and we just exited the theater straight into the parking lot. Parking was easy and convenient.

The movie started at 7:00pm (19:00), which was great for us, but might be a little late for children who have early bed-times. That would be up to parents.

My review of the night: Showering was worth it.

Big City-Small Town Girl--Birmingham

I am from Provo, Utah. I grew up there.  Lived in the same house pretty much my entire adolescence. I loved it. I lived in a wonderful bubble. :) My parents, who had lived all sorts of places, raised us to dream big and appreciate lots of different cultures and religions and gave us a sense of adventure.  As soon as I graduated High School, I moved to Rock Springs, Why-O-Ming. And let me tell you, it seems at least twice the size now, than it was when I was there. I like small towns. They are cute and usually have a strong personality. I gained a great appreciation for mother nature while I was there. Wind that could blow you off the sidewalk and extremely cold and long winters. After living in cowboy country, I moved to New York City and from there I lived in Paris for a spell. I can honestly say I like big cities the best.

I am pretty sure Alabama will not have flocks of tourists coming to visit for a night out on the town, but I have found that some of the places I've spent some time have been nice. I'll probably just create a post for each city. If I can figure out how to categorize them, I'll add to them in the future.

Here is are some stats: (curtesy of AAA 2011)

Birmingham
Population: 242,820
"Birmingham's a delight for any travler looking to find that certain "sense of place." It's part big city, part small town, and 100 percent Southern."


Birmingham is by the biggest and most established city that I have been to in Al. It has all the shopping a girl could want.  The Summit was by far some of the best shopping I've seen in one place. They had some of my favorite stores such as: Banana Republic, Anne Taylor, Apple, Talbots, Cache, Aldo, White|Black, Express, Gap, J. Crew, Sephora. plus TONS more.
I usually only shop sales at these places, but I love being able to go there in person, because I haven't been able to grasp the online shopping craze.
Not to mention they have tons of other smaller places/strips/malls. They also have Costco, which is the only in the area is somewhat close to Fort Rucker.

It also has the biggest airport--which is where we found the cheapest tickets to fly home my mommy and sis-in-law who came to help us move (we did the DITY move...a post about that later).
* I will try to keep updates/comparisons on flights and what's the cheapest. most convenient and reliable for flying in and out of Fort Rucker. 


Our trip included the airport, which I found to be pretty easy to navigate and didn't seem too overwhelming (not like JFK or LGA or Paris' main airport.) We were in and out in 20/30 mins--including goodbyes.
Next we stopped by fleet feet because hubby likes the way they measure and exam your feet for running shoes.
Afterwards we were starving and ate at Jim 'n' Nicks as a recommendation from the people at fleet feet. It was extremely hard to find and the sign was even hidden by some trees. When we stopped we weren't sure if it was the right place, but at that point we didn't care, because we were so hungry. I guess good thing it was. Here's what we thought of it.
Hubs got the Pitmaster's Plate with corn on the cob, baked beans, baby back ribs, turkey, brisket, and pulled pork. I got the Rib and Meat combo with corn, mac 'n' cheese, spare ribs and the bbq ck.  We wanted to try as many different things as we could (we took home LOTS of left overs)
We both thought the cornbread they bring is amazing, but the food was half ok and half really good. The ribs were hard to eat and had a lot of cartilage, fat and a little over cooked. The ck was the best meat in my opinion (the waiter's as well). The turkey, brisket and pork were all ok. The BBQ was nothing to brag about. The corn on the cob was fresh and very good, but still average.   The baked beans were probably the best thing there, with the ck a close second.  For us, Texas Roadhouse is much better! It seems as if Logan's roadhouse is similar. I will review that in the future.
After we had food in our tummy we stopped by the Apple store for some maintenance needs.


As you can see I didn't spend a ton of time there, but from what I can see, it's all you've got for big city life. It's about 3 hours away, and hubby would probably need permission to go that far, but is worth the trip if you want a get-away.