Touring the Governor's Mansion #Milledgeville #GCSUFamilyWeekend

My family went to Milledgeville to visit with girl-child for Georgia College's Family Weekend. We only did two of the events that the school put on. The morning welcome and the tour of the Governor's mansion. The rest of the time we just wandered campus and hung out as a family. The tour of the mansion, though was cool. It's a structurally interesting building.

The dome that exists INSIDE the building, doesn't exist outside of it (it's hidden).  This is the view from the floor looking up.

And this is a copy of the plans that show it's inside the building, but not visible outside.

It's an interesting place to visit.  The students at GCSU have free access to it, which is cool.

Atlanta Pride Parade #freemomhugs #lgbtqsupport #they'restillourkids

I went to the Atlanta Pride Parade yesterday for the first time.  I went with a group of 200+ moms, dads, aunts, etc to give out free hugs.  We took up a block on both sides of the road.  It was awesome being able to show our support to the ones in the parade (and the ones not). I'll post more pictures and video on my instagram account.  There was a wonderful turn out for the day and I had fun wandering the festival afterward and giving out hugs.

Review of Nunsense at the Lyric Theatre in Marietta @bravepratl #sponsored

My daughter and I went to see the Marietta Theatre Company perform Nunsense at the Lyric Theatre (in exchange for our review, we were given tickets to the show). We got there early, so we went to eat at Hemingways on the square. We weren't particularly hungry, so we just ordered appetizers. The waitress (didn't get her name) was funny. She came to our table with our apps and let us know nothing had been dropped or otherwise affected. She then stated she felt like she should start singing "Be Our Guest". My daughter and I tried to convince her to go ahead, but she wouldn't.. so after she left we did it for her. I mention it because it was great customer service.

So, on to the show..

The program had 5 performers, each did a great job.  The show is VERY irreverent, so if you're easily offended by dad jokes or such, I wouldn't go.  On the other hand, my daughter and I found the program very funny.   The story line runs that a few nuns from NJ leave the convent to play BINGO with another group.   Meanwhile, at home, the rest of the nuns are killed by botulism thanks to bad stew/soup.  The show starts with 5 of the surviving sisters doing a fundraiser to help bury the last 4.

It's a fun musical with each of the 5 contributing stories to entertain.  More than that, though, their interactions with each other (and the audience) make it priceless.  I loved the way the actresses portrayed their characters.  Even when technical difficulties happen ("Help me ObiWan"), they carry on with the story and keep it seamless.

My daughter and I usually have our favorite performers in the show.  It isn't meant to say the others weren't good, it's just that these were our picks of the night.  For my daughter it was the Novice, Sister Mary Leo (played by Megan Martell).  For me, it was a hard choice, but I'll go with Sister  Robert Anne (played by Kate Metroka).  All 5, though, did an excellent job.  Our only problem with the evening was some mic problems, fortunately with the small space it was a minor problem.

The show runs through September 1st.  Tickets run $25 for general seating.  There are options for dinner plus show, as well as VIP tables.  The theater area itself is small with no bad views in the house.    Next show up is The Toxic Avenger, not recommended for children (border between PG13+ to R primarily for language).

Nunsense @mariettatheatrecompany #ad @bravepratl

I have been invited to attend Saturday night in exchange for my review.  Watch here for that to be posted on Monday.  In the meantime..

Following a successful inaugural season, Marietta Theatre Company is kicking off its second season with Nunsense, a comedic, over-the-top musical that tells the story of five of the 19 surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken: a one-time missionary order that ran a leper colony on an island south of France. Nunsense, set to run August 17 through September 1 at the Lyric Studio on the Square, is a hysterical comedy written and produced by Dan Goggin, who received the 1986 Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Music.

The hilarious musical follows five nuns who discover that, while they were off playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls, their cook Sister Julia accidentally killed the other fifty-two residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise. Things go from bad to worse when they forget about four of the nuns and need additional funds for a proper burial. With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze and desperate to raise the necessary amount, they decide to stage a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium on the set of the eighth-grade production of “Grease” and hilarity ensues all around.

GO VOTE! #runoffs #makeyourvoiceheard

I seem to harp on this every time elections come up.  I guess it's one of my pet peeves that I hear people complain about who ends up in office, but haven't bothered to vote.  It doesn't always go our way when we do vote, but unless you vote you won't necessarily be heard.  Polls open at 7a and close at 7p.  That's a full 12 hours to go vote.  You can find your Georgia ballot information here  You can also check your registration status..

A day out at Stone Mountain Park @seektheweekend #StoneMountainPark #family

I won a family four pack of tickets to Stone Mountain Park through the web site Seeking the Weekend.  My family spent a day out at Stone Mountain Park yesterday. We started the day off by canoeing on the lake for about an hour and a half. Enjoyable, but tiring. It was actually my daughter's idea. She got the idea that she wanted to go canoeing. When I won tickets, it gave us the motivation to go.

When we got off the water, we headed over to Crossroads for lunch and other activities.  My only complaint here is that lunch was EXPENSIVE.  It was an okay meal (we ate at Campfire Grill), but still cost way too much.   We made our way through Crossroads, stopping for a little bit to watch the glass blowing demonstration.  We walked up to the train station as it was loading, so we took advantage of it and loaded up.  There were no stops like there used to be.  You used to be able to get on/off at the trail to climb the mountain, that wasn't an option this time.  There was a "show" of sorts, using trivia that the host gives you on the ride.  Your car has a actor/player as does the other cars.  They then compete in various "events" to see who will win.

When we got off the train, we decided to play a round of putt-putt (mini golf).

We were very hot at this point and getting to the point of being ready to stop.  So we headed over to the cable cars and went to the top of the mountain.

All together we had a great day as a family.  We didn't use the tickets to do the ropes course or check out the dinosaurs that were out there..  Canoeing took a lot more out of us that we expected, especially in the heat.

Reminder: Atlanta History Center hosts Juneteenth programs #Atlanta #ad #free #family

On both days, June 16th & 17th, the History Center opens its entire campus for free to the metro Atlanta community. The family-friendly and educational special programming for both days is detailed below.

Every year, the Atlanta History Center is pleased to extend free admission to the community on both Juneteenth days, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

The Cooking Gene, keynote lecture and book signing by Michael W. Twitty     

Saturday, June 16, at 11:00 am

Atlanta History Museum, Kennedy Theatre

 In his 2017 memoir and New York Times bestseller, The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South, author, blogger, and culinary historian Michael W. Twitty took readers to the white-hot center of the debate over who “owns” Southern food. He traced the roots of his family and the charged politics surrounding the origins of soul food, barbecue, and all Southern cuisine. Join Twitty for an engaging discussion with a book signing to follow.

AfriGeneas, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and Other Sites for Sore Eyes:  African American Genealogy Online

Saturday, June 16, 2:00-3:30 pm

McElreath Hall, Member’s Room

While it is true that what’s available online is only the tip of the genealogy iceberg, the amount of information accessible from your home computer is staggering. Emma Davis-Hamilton, past president of the Atlanta Chapter of AAHGS (Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society), will offer tips, techniques, and strategies for navigating a few of the most helpful websites.

The Order of Freedom: Meet the Past Museum Theatre Performance

Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:45 pm

Atlanta History Museum, Kennedy Theatre

 Ever wondered about the history behind Juneteenth? Written by Atlanta History Center playwright, Addae Moon, The Order of Freedom explores the impact of the issuance of General Order No. 3, by General Gordon Granger, on June 19, 1865, and the challenges faced by Cora and James Lewis as they begin their journey from slavery to citizenship.

USCT Civil War Experience

Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm

Atlanta History Museum,inside Turning Point: The American Civil War exhibition

 Take on the role of a real soldier who fought in the American Civil War for the United States Colored Troops and volunteered for duty in 1863. Presented with various real-life scenarios, you must make vital decisions that could affect your life and well-being.

Mama Koku’s Stories

Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm

Exhibition Hallway

Lean in, watch, and listen, as Atlanta Storyteller Mama Koku shares stories from freedom, through slavery, to sweet freedom again. If the spirit hits, she might ask you to come up on stage and help her tell it! 

Mary Elizabeth Bowser: Meet the Past Museum Theatre Performance               

Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:00 pm

Smith Farmhouse, Smith Family Farm

On the Smith Farmhouse front porch, meet Union spy Mary Bowser. As a visitor you become a trusted confidant working for the estate of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Listen as Bowser shares her struggles of living a double life, as an educated free woman pretending to be an unassuming servant in order to capture vital information for Union forces.

Freedom: Jubilee and Uncertainty: Meet the Past Museum Theatre Performance               

Saturday, June 16 at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm & Sunday, June 17 at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm

Slave Cabin, Smith Farm

 Jackson and Nicey are preparing for their future as newly liberated citizens by planning their own wedding.  On the eve of this momentous occasion, Nicey’s estranged sister, Ginny, returns with plans of her own. Journey with these three individuals as they explore the challenging options freedom provides.

Afterward, visit with the performers as they shed light on the complex history of enslavement and the Reconstruction era.

Michael W. Twitty, Barbecue Nation Cooking Demonstrations

Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17, noon to 4:30 pm

Smith Kitchen, Smith Family Farm

Join bestselling author and renowned culinary historian Michael Twitty as he demonstrates the rich history of African and African American food traditions in Southern barbecue.

For more information, please call 404.814.4000 or visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.

Six Flags Twisted Cyclone #SixFlagsOverGA #TwistedCyclone #hosted

My family and I were invited to attend Six Flags' Media Day to check out the new Twisted Cyclone.  I haven't ridden a rollercoaster in years.  My blood pressure stays fairly low, so when I get on one of the coasters, it drops even lower and I start to grey out.  The Twisted Cyclone, though, does inversions corkscrew style only.  So, I gave it a shot that it wouldn't affect me as much.  I ended up riding it 3 times in a row, including in the front seat.  AWESOME!  3 of my crew rode it another 2 times after that before we headed into the park to enjoy the day.

The kids had a blast riding the other coasters and the water park.  I went on to enjoy the more "tame" rides.  I love the Monster Mansion (always have), the Carousel, and the train.  I also treated myself to a henna tattoo.  The lady who did my design was very friendly.

If you get the chance to go to Six Flags this summer, I definitely recommend checking out the new coaster.

I went to Momocon #crafts #sights #panels

I didn't do many of the things I usually do at Momocon.  Usually you can find me at the tabletop gaming area, in the RPG area, workshops and people watching.  This year, my main thing was to go to workshops and make stuff.  I sculpted a merman, painted a Pop!, and created a terrarium.  I also made a keychain, but I don't have good photos of it.  In my "down" time, I sat and played Pokemon Go!  I only took one photo of a cosplay, I didn't go to the RPG area, and I didn't go tabletop gaming.

These were in the vendor area, back corner near Artist's Alley.

The one non-crafting panel I went to was Okinawan Karate.  Being involved in Martial Arts myself, sometimes it's fun to learn about other disciplines.

My son went to panels on Friday & Saturday.  My daughter doesn't do much in the way of panels, instead she does a lot of people watching.  She did cosplay Friday & Saturday for a while.  I think we went home earlier each day this year than we usually do.  I don't know if there just wasn't as much that we were interested in, or if we just weren't in "Momocon' mode for the weekend.  There were a LOT of people, though, so the con itself seems to have been a success.  Next convention up for us: ComicCon in July.

Don't Forget #elections #knowyourballot #georgia #primary

Don't forget that tomorrow is the primary!  You can look up your ballot at the Georgia My Voter Page.  Research your candidates and be ready for tomorrow.

Educator Day 2018 @WorldofCoca-Cola #GeorgiaAquarium #CenterforCivilandHumanRights #Ad

 Each year, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and Center for Civil and Human Rights invite local educators, including homeschool teachers, to visit the attractions for free to learn about educational and field trip opportunities.

Attending educators visit the attractions from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 and may bring one guest, also free of charge. (They may purchase tickets for additional guests.) Preregistration is required, and space is limited, so interested educators should register as soon as possible at https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/learn/educator-open-house.  A valid teacher ID is required for entry to the event, and home school teachers may bring a copy of their Letter of Intent.

World of Coca-Cola welcomes school field trips throughout the year, and dozens of Georgia Performance Standards can be fulfilled at the attraction. World of Coca-Cola offers a teacher toolkit on its website, which outlines all of those Standards and provides pre- and post-visit activities to assist with lesson planning.

Georgia Renaissance Festival @usfg @GArenfest #garenfest18 #garf18 #fieldtrip18 #ad

I was given tickets in exchange for my honest review. 

Get 25% off General Admission to the Georgia Renaissance Festival! Use Promo Code: Castle at www.garenfest.com 

My family and I went to the RenFest this past Saturday. It was a great day. We explored the different shops (lots of cool things to buy) as well as caught some of the shows.  My finds for the day were an amber ring, a dragon that matches my cast and some teas.  My daughter's find was the parasol that looks like a flower.

We only managed to watch our 3 favorite shows this time.  The Tortuga Twins,

The Birds of Prey

and Barely Balanced (acrobats)

If you attend the Birds of Prey show, I recommend not having food with you.  Igor (black vulture) discovered someone's turkey leg in the audience while he was out.  I thought it was funny, don't know if the owner of the turkey leg thought so.  Speaking of food, we sampled some great tasting jerky (teriyaki, smoked, hot), chocolate dipped strawberries, a queen's apple (sliced apple with chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream)  and had a very good lunch.  No pictures of the food, though.  I was too busy eating. :) 

These last pictures include reptiles from Georgia Reptile Society, Tortuga Twins, and the Royal Court welcoming everyone to the fair.

There are a lot of other shows as well that we didn't get to.  We did spend majority of the day out there, though.  A heads up on some of the shows is that the last show of the day may (or may not) be something you want to take your child to.  I know the Tortuga Twins rate their last show of the day as "R".

It's a great way to spend the day, though.

Every weekend and Memorial Day, April 14 thru June 3, 2018 The 33rd Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly event, and a different kind of theme park. Inside this 32-acre recreation of a 16th Century English Village you'll find hundreds of costumed characters, the Queen and her Court, endless circus-style entertainment on 10 stages, shopping in over 130 artisan shoppes, food fit for Royalty, games and rides for kids of all ages, and the spectacular Jousting Knights on horseback. Patrons are invited to wear costumes and join in the fun too. It's a whole lotta' fun, and a little bit of History, every weekend and Memorial Day, April 14 thru June 3, 2018.  Get 25% off General Admission to the Georgia Renaissance Festival! Use Promo Code: Castle at www.garenfest.com 

Georgia Renaissance Festival #garenfest #garenfest18 #garf18 #fieldtrip18 #ad

Every weekend and Memorial Day, April 14 thru June 3, 2018 The 33rd Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly event, and a different kind of theme park. Inside this 32-acre recreation of a 16th Century English Village you'll find hundreds of costumed characters, the Queen and her Court, endless circus-style entertainment on 10 stages, shopping in over 130 artisan shoppes, food fit for Royalty, games and rides for kids of all ages, and the spectacular Jousting Knights on horseback. Patrons are invited to wear costumes and join in the fun too. It's a whole lotta' fun, and a little bit of History, every weekend and Memorial Day, April 14 thru June 3, 2018.

My Readers Receive 25% off General Admission to the Georgia Renaissance Festival! Use Promo Code: "Castle" at www.garenfest.com

Holiday in the Park @sixflagsovergeorgia #HolidayinthePark #hosted #ad

I was invited to attend a media event this past Tuesday evening to check out the special happenings and decorations at Six Flags.  I took my son and some of his friends as they can ride the majority of the rides where I can't. (That and my son's birthday was this past Sunday, so I thought he'd enjoy going to celebrate with friends.)  Anyway, the park is decorated with lots of Christmas and holiday cheer.  You can ride the train to the North Pole and see some lovely decorations as well.

At 6:00pm each evening they have a tree lighting.  When we visited, one of the special families getting to throw the switch was a military serviceman.  Thank you, sir, for serving our country.

I'm not fond of heights, but to get a chance to see some of the decorations from above I went ahead and rode the Sky Buckets.

I also was given the opportunity to check out their holiday show at the Crystal Pistol.  A heart warming story of two children who only want their military service father to come home for the holiday and their adventure with Jack Frost, elves, and Santa.

The boys did their own thing and enjoyed the roller coasters for the most part.  They did check out the Hall of Justice ride for me (I can't focus on 3D pictures).  Other than getting stuck on the ride twice, they thought it was cute.  The four boys agreed that it was probably more interesting for the younger crowd.  Goliath was their main thing and rode that 3 times during the evening.  For my part, though, I checked out the carousel.  Just my speed and nothing to make me ill.  A little boy with his mom was amazed that I, an adult, would ride one of the horses.  He was too cute.

All together a wonderful evening.  Six Flags is having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale -
Buy your 2018 Passes during our once-a-year Cyber  Sale and get bonus benefits, including:
• FREE upgrade to exclusive Combo Gold level
• FREE White Water Season Pass 
• FREE visits for the rest of the 2017 Season
• FREE parking for 2017+2018
• FREE bonus friend ticket for select days 

You can get more information from their web site.

Our final stop on our tour #GAAgritourism #ExploreGeorgia #hosted @lanesouthernorchards

Lane Southern Orchards are located in Fort Valley.  They provide a large variety of U-Pick options - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, kiwi, muscadines, scuppernongs, and more.  On site is a large marketplace where you can purchase fresh produce, canned goods, and much more.  There is also a wonderful little restaurant with fresh made, local sourced, food.  I ate their Cuban club sandwich and it was delicious!  During peach packing season, you can watch the peaches come in from the orchard, be sorted and packed.  Their packing line tour is a self-guided one, to take when you and your family are ready.  If you want to see more, you can schedule a tour with a guide.  This one is not free and seating is limited.  There is also a large playground outside for the kids to blow off energy.  It even has TRACTORS for the kids (and adults) to play on.

I was hosted by the Georgia Agritourism Association for this tour of farms.

Out for fresh peaches #ExploreGeorgia #GAAgritourism #hosted @DickeyFarms

Dickey Farms in Musella, GA is known for it's peaches and pecans.  During picking season, you can watch the peaches come in from the orchard, get sorted, and packed to be shipped.  While doing that, you can enjoy FRESH peach ice cream (made with whichever variety is currently being picked).  They have over 20 varieties of peaches that are ready at different times during the season.  Not all of them are the soft juicy type, many have a more firm flesh.  All of them are delicious, especially when gotten fresh from the trees.  Their market is open year round, though the peaches and pecans are seasonal.  They do offer tours during packing season as well, both to groups and to individuals.  Starting next spring, they plan to offer U-Pick strawberries as well.

I was hosted by the Georgia Agritourism Association for this tour of farms. 

More than just trees #GAAgritourism #ExploreGeorgia #hosted @ThePumpkinPatchatYuleForest

The Yule Forest and Pumpkin Patch is located on Hwy 155 in Stockbridge.  They have an awesome selection of educational programs for the general public to view, as well as school groups.  From their honey house where you can learn about bees to a small building with science in mind.  They even have dinosaurs on the move.

When they open to the public, you can enjoy their haunted trail, hay maze and pumpkin patch.  A kids play area with inflatables and jumping pad for bouncing.  They also have their Pandemic where you get the opportunity to "shoot" (laser tag) live zombies while on the move.  Their grand opening is September 30th.  Once Halloween is over, though, be sure to come back and visit again to get your Christmas tree.

I was hosted by the Georgia Agritourism Association for this tour of farms. 

Moving on to the Rock Ranch #ExploreGeorgia #GAAgritourism @therockranch

The Rock Ranch is located in The Rock, GA.  Just outside of Macon, it offers quite a bit to see and do.  You can spend the night in the Conestoga Wagons, or stay in one of the Farm Stay homes.  The Wagons are a great way to go glamping.  The Farm Stay homes are a great way to get away and still have the comfort of home (TV/WiFi not included).

You don't have to go on an over night escape, though, to enjoy the Ranch.  They play host to many festivals during the year.  From an Easter Eggstravaganza, Fall Family Saturdays/Sundays, to a 4th of July spectacular, with many others in between.  Not only that, but they have U-Pick, a farm market, and lots of activities for kids of all ages.  Pedal cars, pedal boats, zip lines, corn maze, and more.  Their tiny town for kids, is an awesome way for the younger set to get in some outside play time.

I was hosted by the Georgia Agritourism Association for this tour of farms.

Looking for trees at the Berry Farm #GAAgritourism #ExploreGeorgia #hosted @Berrys-Tree-Farm

Located in Covington, GA Berry's Christmas Tree Farm has a wonderful selection of u-cut trees for your holiday decoration.  They will be open to the public on November 17th.  When we visited, we were given a tour of the trees, a ride on their little diesel train, and a chance to watch a tree trimmer at work (your tree has to have its' shape maintained).

Once they open, they will have plenty of opportunities to visit with Santa, check out Santa's workshop and a petting zoo.

I was hosted by the Georgia Agritourism Association for this tour of farms. 

Continuing the Tour #GAAgritourism #ExploreGeorgia #hosted @mitchamfarm

Mitcham Farm is a  family farm located in Oxford, GA working with agritourism to make farm fresh available to the public.  They provide U-Pick seasonal fruit and produce.  Their pumpkin patch is almost ready for you to come out and claim your pumpkin.  The corn maze is also growing in nicely.  Some of the activities, other than corn maze and pumpkin patch, are jumping pad, cow train, pony rides, and a lot more. They will open to the public on Sept. 23rd.

I was hosted by the Georgia Agritourism Association for this tour of farms.