Christmas Eve in Gulf Shores Alabama 2013

Excited to see Carol and Leonard this afternoon for lunch, and a nice treat is Thurman and Karen will meet us also.  Woke up this morning and checked the temperature outside yikes its only 33 degrees  F.  

Marlon went out and walked the beach while I started crocheting a pair of slippers for Karen.

 Time to get ready and go find Mickey's Seafood Restaurant.  It was nice to see them when we pulled in.  Leonard and Thurman met us out front while the ladies were inside.  I gave them a big hug and Marlon and I went in and gave the ladies hugs too.  It's been 3 years since we have been back here in Gulf Shores.  Carol gave us a coupon to use buy one meal get one meal free.  Thanks Carol so thoughtful of you.

After some great food and conversation, Thurman asked me a very strange question.  Could I come and take a picture of a dead bird thats hanging from a tree.  I'm thinking a dead bird Yuck.........but I agreed to do this for him.  We got in our cars and we followed them to their house on the river.  The house is surrounded by beautiful flowering bushes.  Thurman said to follow him outback onto the deck he had built.  He pointed up in a tree and there was a huge pelican that had somehow flown into the tree and killed itself.  I started taking some pictures for him. When I was done we all stood around and chatted. Marlon and I went back out to the condo.

 Marlon and I watched the sun go down from the lania and drank some wine. It started to feel cold so we went back inside. By the time donner was ready we had already drank the bottle. :-)  Thank goodness we brought a few bottles with us.

After we watched the sun go down Marlon started making shrimp and grits for our Christmas Eve dinner.  We opened up a bottle of Elizabeth Spencer wine and had this with our dinner.  I finished up the slippers for Karen :-)  I also sent them the pictures of the dead bird to Karen and Thurman so they could see what exactly the bird looked like.

After eating we decided to go ahead and open our presents. It's time to go to bed because we are getting up early to watch the sun come up.

Travel to Gulf Shores Alabama 2013

On our way to Alabama we stopped for a snack and I came across these chips.  I have never ever seen this brand of chips before?

Marlon drove the entire way to Gulf Shores which for us was 13 hours.  Upon arrival to Foley, Alabama we knew we needed to shop before we went out to our condo.  First stop was Burris Farmers Market.  The place was full of fresh veggies, fruits and beautiful Christmas decorations.

Next we stopped at the grocery where we went 3 years ago and it was closed down due to renovations.  So back in the car to find another grocery, found one  called Winn Dixie.  We also stopped at our favorite fish shop for some fresh shrimp :-).  Hubby has promised me some shrimp and grits while we are here.

It's late and Marlon is done driving and doesn't want to cook when we get to the condo.  We have lots of things to unpack.  We looked for a good place to eat and found this place called Original Oyster House.  Wow for $8.99 I got all the shrimp and fish I could eat along with slaw and fries.....Can't beat that I'll take that and a ice cold beer in a frosted glass.

We are finally on our way out to Gulf Shores Plantation and Kieva Dunes Golf Club.  

Its dark out and I just want to get the car unpacked and shower and rest.  Talked with Carol and Leonard about having lunch tomorrow at Mickey's.   Karen and Thurman will meet us for lunch also.