Cypress Trees, Susans, and a Reality Check

A few weeks ago, I went to G'mas by myself (the boys had already gone over with Quinn's mom) via the Natchez Trace. If you've never had the opportunity to drive on the Natchez Trace, I assure you, it is a treat. It is a two-lane road with no gas stations, billboards, stoplights, or traffic. It is only beautiful countryside, with an occasional pull-off to look at more pretty nature scenes. These pictures are from the Tupelo Bald-Cypress Swamp. I've always wanted to stop and since I wasn't in a hurry, I pulled into take some shots. I actually drove past it, thought, "why did I drive past that?" and then turned around to take advantage of being alone and take some pictures. I love cypress trees. There's something about them that doesn't seem real. I was by myself on the bridge in the middle of the trees and it was so quiet and still. It seems so trite to try and put it into words. I enjoyed myself.

I'll say I enjoyed myself until an elderly man appeared at the top of the bridge and asked me if I had seen any alligators. And, I'm done. I was at the top of the stairs to the bridge WAY faster than I had made my way down. My romantic revelry was over. I hopped back into my car and continued on my way, stopping twice more to take some pictures of Black-Eyed Susans.
It was a good trip.

On a completely different note...
I went to Wal-mart today to righteously return my items and complain to the manager. The manager was very apologetic. I accepted her apology and left the store, Wal-mart flier in hand, headed out to other stores to get the rest of what I needed. The thing is... Office Depot had notebook paper for .15. Target had notebooks for .10. There is no Staples in Jackson. And no store would match Wal-mart's advertised prices. Two different managers, from two different stores, actually said with a laugh, "Wal-mart prices? No, we don't match Wal-mart prices." Almost word for word. How annoying. And I'm picturing the Wal-mart big wigs sitting around their very important table and curling their fingers saying, "Come back, dear. You know we're the cheapest. Why would you drive around town when you could come here?" Of course, they're saying this in their evil sing-song, hypnotic voices and I'm wooed once again. I'll sell out again. I know it. CURSES!