PrayingWithMyFingers

Good Evening, God,

Wow! What a day! Up at 6am this morning and to the hotel treadmill. After breakfast, V and I set out on our own self-guided walking tour of historic Savannah – using Frommer’s portable and the chapter called “Savannah strolls.” As it turned out, more like a Savannah overheated marathon! Total walking steps today – 18,385, mileage 7.54 miles (ok not a true marathon but felt like it by the time we returned to the hotel but…..it was all great!

Started at City Hall and the first historic square – Johnson Square with a statue of Nathanael Greene. Next - Wright Square – named for Sir James Wright, the third and last colonial governor of Georgia. Then - Telfair Square and the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girls Scouts). We passed on a tour of her home since I only made it to the Brownie’s and V was a Campfire Girl. Lots of churches (we like that, yes?) then Chippewa Square with a memorial to General Oglethorpe (founder of Savannah) but the BIG draw is that this is the Square where Tom Hanks sat on a park bench in the movie Forrest Gump.

We stopped for lunch at the Six Pence Pub (on Bull Street). Seems Savannah is a big draw for movies as this location was the site of a Julia Roberts’ movie scene in Something to Talk About. After refueling, we were off to the Green-Meldrim House – Sherman’s headquarters during the Civil War. We skipped the tour but intend to return to this gotta be amazing site.

Ah…..then, the Mercer Williams House Museum – central site of the “The Book” as everyone in Savannah calls it and the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I read the book (will see the movie) but it is supposed to be based on a true story of murder and mayhem and, of course, good and evil. Saving this tour for later in the weekend too.

Next stop – Monterey Square – dedicated to Casimir Pulaski, a Polish military officer of the Revolutionary War. Then Forsyth Park (21 acres) and containing the “most-photographed fountain in the South.” Naturally, I snapped a few shots myself

Time for another break and we stop at Clary’s Café – another site connected with the Book and movie – author John Berendt frequented the shop for the good-tasting food……..supposedly the best breakfast in Savannah…we only had water.

Stop # 15 – Childhood home of Flannery O’Connor – V didn’t know who she was and probably lots of people don’t but, I have read lots of her books and find her to be a fascinating writer. She died at the age of 39 else surely she would have received the Pulitzer in fiction. Love her writing!

Finally, we had to beat a hasty path back to the hotel as a storm began to brew. Luckily, we were at the end of the 2 ½ hour-tour-turned-6 ½ hour-tour! Back in the hotel, I took a look at the window and noticed (for the first time) an old building across the street with a huge Cross. It was a wonderful reminder to me of Your ever constant Presence in my life – whether I am thinking of You or not, You are always thinking of me. I thought this was a wonderful hello from You and the best sight of the day! Thank You, God.