Rolling With Grace: New Orleans AdventureJune 28 – July 6, 2025

Day 1 — Bumps, Blessings & Birmingham BluesOur New Orleans adventure officially kicked off with a full dose of reality, grace, and God’s protection. We broke down outside Asheville, NC, but Tim made quick work of the repair and we were back on the road with six quarts of transmission fluid and some prayers. That detour led us to Black Mountain, NC — the cutest little town with a thrift shop supporting local children and the sweetest Dollar General employee who offered me a ride and gave me a $5 coupon. We even squeezed in a Morganton flea market stop!

We traveled through Georgia and into Alabama, snapping pictures of beautiful cloud shapes along the way. We ended the day in Birmingham with Applebee’s takeout thanks to a Mother’s Day gift card from Maria — such a treat. Unfortunately, the hotel was a disaster. Mold, broken furniture, bugs… but they made it right with a AAA discount, and we counted our blessings and got some rest.

Day 2 — Treasure Hunts, Beautiful Skies & a Lucky BreakWe cruised through Alabama and Mississippi, soaking in the scenery and watching God paint the skies with clouds I couldn’t stop photographing. Tim took me to a huge thrift store — pure heaven! We found treasures, met sweet people, and kept rolling west.

Along the way, Tim made sure to stop at little shops so I could add to my shot glass collection — each one a keepsake for the Pepsi crates in our kitchen. A little fun moment — we bought lottery tickets at a gas station and won $35 total, which covered our gas for the day. God always provides!

Day 3 — New Orleans Adventures, Thrift Finds & God Working in the DetailsWe finally arrived in New Orleans! I met a sweet lady named Tasha at a gas station who was struggling with sciatica — I offered to pray for her, and it felt like a God-appointed moment.

After some hotel drama — they canceled our long-standing reservation — they honored a AAA discount, and it actually saved us $100 for the week. The room was clean, comfy, and came with breakfast. God works even in the inconveniences.

We explored thrift shops, drove around, wandered the French Quarter, and had an amazing Creole dinner — shrimp Po' Boy for me, smoked sausage, beans, rice, collards, and gumbo for Tim. We ended the night at a park with Althea stretching her legs. A beautiful, peaceful end to the day.

Day 4 — Riverboats, Bayous & Cowgirl BootsToday was full of Louisiana magic — we took a lovely riverboat ride, explored the bayou, and I found the cutest pair of cowgirl boots. The people were so kind everywhere we went.

We couldn’t resist going back to that amazing Creole diner — and it did not disappoint. Afterward, we relaxed at the park and watched the sunset before unwinding at the hotel.

Day 5 — Bayous, Gators & Cowboy SantaOur swamp tour was a highlight — alligators, red herrings, and antique boats along the bayou made for a wonderful trip. Dinner was simple but satisfying at Church's Chicken.

We explored shops and I scored some unique treasures — an antique Lenox Christmas village with a train, Cowboy Santa, a metal frog writing a note, and a gorgeous leather purse. We fed seagulls, explored Lafayette Cemetery, and enjoyed the peaceful beauty of the city.

Day 6 — Barges, Backroads & a Relaxing FarewellOur last day in New Orleans was all about exploring with no agenda. We drove along the river, watched barges on the Mississippi, and passed through little fishing communities.

We grabbed some pizza, relaxed, and reflected on all the memories made during this incredible trip.

Day 7 — Skipping States & Headed for FamilyWe left bright and early, grabbed breakfast, and skipped Arkansas this time, heading straight for Tennessee. We made it to Rossville, GA, for dinner and a wonderful, late-night visit with Teresa and Curtis — reminiscing, laughing, and soaking in every moment.

Final Days — Family, Thrift Finds & The Road HomeTeresa and I spent the next day thrift shopping while Tim and Curtis fixed a lawn mower. We cooled off inside, talked crafts, and later grabbed Captain D’s for dinner — a rare treat for us.

We stayed up past 1 a.m. just talking and laughing. The next morning, we sat on the porch with coffee until nearly noon, soaking in the peaceful moments before heading home.

This trip was full of unexpected turns, sweet surprises, good food, family, and God’s blessings. As much as we loved the adventure, there’s nothing like heading home with hearts full of gratitude.

Rolling With Grace: New Orleans Edition — complete and full of love, laughter, and faith.