Today we had a Hardee's breakfast...southern style fast food and it was GOOOOOD!!!!
Then started out to Atlanta Georgia but it soon became very evident that we weren't going to make it today. There is just too much to see and do along 278 here in Alabama. We first stopped at the Natural Bridge site and the little old man tending the site told us all the things to see along the way to Atlanta, so we started out after climbing the rocks at the Natural Bridges.....I was hot with sweat pouring off me when we got done....It didn't bother Ed too much but he stands the heat better than I do. After that we stopped at a covered bridge and walked it and took pictures. Then down the road a piece we came upon the Civil War Jailhouse which he told us about....nails every inch all around so the prisoners could not saw their way out.....the only one remaining of the original bunch. Then we came into Cullman and the skyline was dominated by the most beautiful Catholic Church, so we stopped in for a visit. Lo and behold they were having a wedding Mass, so we just stayed and participated. All in Spanish, but nonetheless, lovely. Then off to the Ave Maria Grotto, a miniature outdoors Grotto, the lifetime work of a Benedictine Monk Father Joe Z--------. (I have it in our memory book) He went to the monastery at age 14 and when he was assigned here, this was his hobby and lifetime work. It is fabulous. Over 120 miniatures of all the sites around the world including a fairy castle. It is really a site to behold. By that time, it was almost time to quit for the day, so we got a hotel room and cooled off before going back to Sacred Heart Cathedral for 5:30 p.m. Mass. Father gave the best sermon on Catholic School Education that I have ever heard. He was just great. They have 175 students at their parochial school this year...55 more than last year and they pour a lot of money into the school. Then after Mass we went to Cracker Barrel for dinner and you can't beat that place for down home cooking, and extremely reasonable prices. Our motel is lovely and the $54 price includes free wifi and breakfast. We are watching the Hall of Fame induction speeches on TV. Jerry Rice brought tears. Dear Me.