On the road to Florence, Alabama
BY STACEY WALLACE
OPINION —
One of the greatest blessings that Mike and I have ever received from God would be our loving, Christian parents. If 30 years of teaching have taught us anything, it was that there is no substitute for great parents.
Sadly, we saw the results of kids who didn’t get the parents that every child deserves. This realization made Mike and me appreciate and love our parents even more.
Our parents gave us great advice. One of the best pieces of advice that Daddy gave Mike and me was: Travel as much as you can while you can. Those were wise words indeed, and Mike and I are trying to do just that.
We love going on overnight trips to interesting places. That way, you are traveling and having fun, but very shortly, you’re back home in your own bed, La-Z-Boy recliner and bathroom, unlike the time we were held captive on that awful Alaskan cruise for seven LONG days. But I digress.
Recently, we took a one-night trip to northwest Alabama, where we visited the pretty, quaint cities of Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals and Florence.
First, we went to Tuscumbia to visit Helen Keller’s childhood home, Ivy Green. The tour was really great. Keller’s home had most of the original furniture, pictures and other memorabilia.
Mike and I even had our picture taken at the water pump where Annie Sullivan, the amazing teacher, finger spelled “water” into Keller’s hand so that she could learn sign language. Keller went on to graduate from Radcliffe College and to write many books and articles. Our tour guide said Keller’s IQ was 160. A person with an IQ of 120 is considered gifted.
Although I really admired Keller for overcoming being blind, deaf and mute. I didn’t realize that she also learned to speak by touching Sullivan’s throat and tongue so that she could feel the vibrations of spoken words. Mike and I watched a video that had Keller speaking to the Lion’s Club; her enunciation was remarkable. Helen Keller is definitely my favorite Alabamian.
The next day, we traveled to Florence to the Muscle Shoals Recording Studio where the Muscle Shoals Swampers played and were sung about by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Swampers backed up some of the most famous singers, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Willie Nelson and countless others, when they recorded hit after hit at the small studio. In fact, our tour guide said the only recording studio that produced more number one hits than the Muscle Shoals Recording Studio was Motown.
I was personally thrilled to sit at the piano and touch the keys on which Bob Seger had played “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll” and a band member of Lynyrd Skynyrd played “Free Bird.”
For supper in Florence, Mike and I drove to Momma Jean’s Restaurant at 3609 Cloverdale Road. Momma Jean’s is a meat and three, my favorite type of restaurant.
I loved the rustic atmosphere and all of the signs on the walls and booths. My favorite scripture, Phil. 4:13 was there: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I also liked: “Put God first, and you will never be last,” and “Be the person you want your children to be.” There you go.
J.T. (John Thomas) Turner, our server, was so kind, helpful and patient. Also, Julie Morgan, who is a close family friend of Momma Jean, has worked off and on at the restaurant for 17 years. Her daughter Catelynn works there, too.
Julie said the restaurant was the third one that Momma Jean had opened about 10 years ago. “Momma Jean is a cancer survivor,” Julie said. “Little Girl and Little Boy were her names for everyone.”
Mike ordered the country fried steak, slaw, pinto beans and sweet potato bites. I chose the boneless fried chicken breast, turnip greens, mac and cheese and fried okra.
Oh, my three times. Everything was delicious. My fried okra was wonderfully homemade and was lightly breaded as fried okra SHOULD be. Also, my greens were really fresh; I, of course, added hot pepper sauce to them as any self-respecting Southerner would do.
Mike loved all of his meal, too. His favorite dish was the warm sweet potato bites.
“I love everything, and there won’t be anything left,” he said.
Not much was left for either of us. However, we each still ordered a piece of lemon ice box pie, because we didn’t want to share. When we finished our meal, Mike and I waddled to our car, as full as two ticks.
Besides our delectable dishes, Momma Jean’s also serves diners a great selection of appetizers, salads, platters, catfish, shrimp, sandwiches, clubs, burgers and hot dogs.
Trust me, visit the northern part of our beautiful state and dine at Momma Jean’s Restaurant. You’ll waddle to your car, too.
Momma Jean’s Restaurant serves breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. and dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Momma Jean’s Restaurant makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.
Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who taught language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” appears every other week in The Observer. Wallace may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.