Vicksburg, Mississippi
Weather: low 37 degrees in Livingston, high 67 degrees in Vicksburg, clear skies, light breezes
The weather for traveling was about as good as a person could hope for. We left Livingston about 0845 hours this morning. Traffic was not bad, and the road was in good shape, allowing us to make good time with few stops. We arrived in Vicksburg about 1530 hours, and after setting up the RV, I helped a new Dish Network system owner set his system up for the first time. I remember the first time I set our system up, it was so hard I started thinking I was going to take it back and get our money back. Then, all of a sudden, I hit the satellite and everything was right with the world. By now, I have set it up hundreds of times, and very seldom have a problem. If I do have a problem, it doesn't take long to get it straightened out. It's a good thing, because Carolyn would be ready to settle down somewhere if she didn't have her TV.
After resting a few minutes and cleaning up, we just had to go to one of the casinos here in Vicksburg and donate a little money to their causes. Before the donation took place, we went to eat at the buffet, which was very good. Eating at the buffet was a mistake, however, because we can't eat like we used to. Here it is three hours later, and I am still so full, even though I only had one plate. It will be a long time before we do that again.
After leaving the trough, we went into the casino so Carolyn could make the donation. You will note that I said Carolyn was making the donation. I believe giving begins at home. However, I don't mind her playing if she wants to, because she always keeps it under control. Once her specified donated amount was deposited, she was ready to leave. We came home and watched TV for a little while, then some reading. We are both tired, but tomorrow's trip should be easier, with our arrival in Tuscaloosa about 1300 hours. That will give us time to set up and rest a bit before seeing Terri.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Carthage, Texas: A Friendly Place To Call Home
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Another Day In Livingston
Livingston, Texas
Note the supports on the left side of the Annex put there to help stabilize the old building.
Below are a couple of pictures of the square and downtown area. Livingston has a population of about 7,000 people, but seems larger with the amount of traffic. Bustling little town.
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 65 degrees, mostly clear, winds to 30 mph
We decided to stay in Livingston another day in order to allow the weather to settle down east of us. Also, the wind is blowing up to 30 mph out of the north, which makes it hard on our gas mileage if we're going into it. Tomorrow's weather looks much better, so we will move on then.
Carolyn wanted to go to the mall, so we went to the Walmart Mall. While there, we also visited the Bank of WalMart to get some money. On the way back to the RV, we stopped and took some pictures of the Polk County Courthouse and the square around it. The current courthouse is the fifth one the county has used, and was built in 1923 to provide more space and "modern conveniences". A memorial to the Confederate soldiers from Polk County says something to the effect that just because they lost did not make their cause wrong. In 1860, there were 600 registered voters in the county, and they sent 900 men to serve as soldiers. Next to the courthouse is the old Courthouse Annex, built in 1905 to provide more space for the prior courthouse.
Note the supports on the left side of the Annex put there to help stabilize the old building.
Below are a couple of pictures of the square and downtown area. Livingston has a population of about 7,000 people, but seems larger with the amount of traffic. Bustling little town.
After getting back from the mall, we (Jerald) had some chores to do. I ordered an air card signal booster that we should have by the weekend. It was time to order some of the prescription drugs that we use, so I took care of that. I looked up the information needed to get an adapter for the cell phone so we have a better signal for it by using the air card signal booster. Many times, we stay in place where the cell phone signal is very weak, so the adapter should help. Then, the real work started, with me washing the truck to get all the road dirt and tree pollen off. Carolyn cleaned the inside of the truck windows and windshield with vinegar and water. We can actually see out the windows now. After all of that, I took a walk while Carolyn was preparing dinner. With the trip to the mall and the work we did, I'm tired. No meditation today. If I'm going to be this busy, I might as well go back to work.
Wrong!!!!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Micanopy, Florida: Florida’s Oldest Inland City
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Weather Stop
Livingston, Texas
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 80 degrees, winds to 30 mph, rain on and off from noon on
We decided to stay in Livingston today because the forecast for the weather was so bad. As I have said before, we don't like to travel when the weather is forecasted to be this way. Tomorrow is supposed to be better as far as rain, but we will have to contend with elevated winds if we move.
Last night when we set up the RV, we noticed that we did not do a very good job of leveling it. In fact, we did a lousy job. We felt like we were leaning downhill when facing the kitchen counter. I found myself putting the brakes on when I walked. Okay, there's a little exaggeration there, but not much. Once we decided we were not moving today, we moved the RV enough to get some leveling boards under the tires on the curb side. What a difference that made. Now we can walk inside the RV without feeling like we're leaning. I think the reason we did such a lousy job was that we were tired. Not a very good excuse, is it?
Since we needed to do a couple errands in Livingston, we decided to eat a late breakfast, early lunch by stopping at Burger King. After that, we drove to Lake Livingston State Park to check out their RV sites. It is a nice state park, and they have about 160 sites. Most of the spaces are too small for us, but we found some on the shore of the lake that look like they will work for our needs. We may want to stay there at some time in the future.
When I picked up our mail yesterday, the registration renewal for the truck was in it. Since we were in the Livingston area, we went by the tax office and got the new registration. It was a relatively painless process, and only took about 10 minutes. Now we're set for another year on that.
Before going back to the RV, we filled up with diesel. It was $3.839 a gallon, and who knows where the price will stop. The good news was that we averaged 12.5 mpg pulling the RV on this leg of the trip, which is pretty good, considering that the newer trucks and motor homes don't seem to do as well.
If the weather cooperates tomorrow, we will be moving on down the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Daytona Beach, Florida: The World’s Most Famous Beach
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 80 degrees, winds to 30 mph, rain on and off from noon on
We decided to stay in Livingston today because the forecast for the weather was so bad. As I have said before, we don't like to travel when the weather is forecasted to be this way. Tomorrow is supposed to be better as far as rain, but we will have to contend with elevated winds if we move.
Last night when we set up the RV, we noticed that we did not do a very good job of leveling it. In fact, we did a lousy job. We felt like we were leaning downhill when facing the kitchen counter. I found myself putting the brakes on when I walked. Okay, there's a little exaggeration there, but not much. Once we decided we were not moving today, we moved the RV enough to get some leveling boards under the tires on the curb side. What a difference that made. Now we can walk inside the RV without feeling like we're leaning. I think the reason we did such a lousy job was that we were tired. Not a very good excuse, is it?
Since we needed to do a couple errands in Livingston, we decided to eat a late breakfast, early lunch by stopping at Burger King. After that, we drove to Lake Livingston State Park to check out their RV sites. It is a nice state park, and they have about 160 sites. Most of the spaces are too small for us, but we found some on the shore of the lake that look like they will work for our needs. We may want to stay there at some time in the future.
When I picked up our mail yesterday, the registration renewal for the truck was in it. Since we were in the Livingston area, we went by the tax office and got the new registration. It was a relatively painless process, and only took about 10 minutes. Now we're set for another year on that.
Before going back to the RV, we filled up with diesel. It was $3.839 a gallon, and who knows where the price will stop. The good news was that we averaged 12.5 mpg pulling the RV on this leg of the trip, which is pretty good, considering that the newer trucks and motor homes don't seem to do as well.
If the weather cooperates tomorrow, we will be moving on down the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Daytona Beach, Florida: The World’s Most Famous Beach
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, March 17, 2008
We Moved to Livingston
Livingston, Texas
Weather: low 70 degrees in Bay City, high 82 degrees in Livingston, cloudy, high winds
We left Bay City this morning after being seen off by Lori and the grandkids. It was great seeing Lori, John, Julian, and Zoe, and also Terrell, my brother and his wife, Kathy. Lori had never seen us get the RV ready to travel, so it was an experience for her to see what we have to do to be able to travel safely. The last thing we did was dump our holding tanks, which meant we had to hook up the truck to the RV and pull around to the dump. A lady just ahead of us actually dumped some stuff on the grass, and everyone got to enjoy the aroma. We made sure that the campground management knew we didn't make the mess.
After dumping the holding tanks and putting everything away, we hugged everyone and said our good byes. It is always hard to leave family, and yet we still have that itch to see what's down the road.
The wind was blowing out of the south at about 20 mph, which meant it was against our side as we were heading east to go around Houston through Dickinson, Kemah, and Baytown. The only time that I really felt the wind affecting us to any degree was when we went across the Ship Channel at Baytown. That bridge is high in order to allow ocean going ships to pass under it, and when we were on top, it was pushing us around pretty good. Once we started moving north toward Livingston, the wind was coming from behind, helping push us.
We arrived in Livingston with no problems and were set up by 1430 hours. Along the way, we saw some dogwood trees blooming, which we had not seen for several years. Other trees and flowers that were blooming included red buds, purple and white wisteria, flowering pear, wild plum, azaleas, blue bonnets, poppies, Indian paint brush, irises, blue eyed grass, widow's tears, primroses, and spirea (old timers called it Bride's Bouquet). The information on the trees and flowers comes from Carolyn.
After eating a light lunch since it was so late in the afternoon, I went to check our mail while Carolyn took a power nap. I never did get to do any meditation because of several little things I needed to take care of.
Livingston is the home of Escapees, an RV organization that we have belonged to for seven years. They also provide a mail service that we use. Every time we pass through Livingston, we usually spend at least a couple of days in the Escapees RV park here. They have parks in several other states that we have stayed in.
There is a good Cajun seafood restaurant in Livingston that we have eaten at before. We decided to try it again, and were not disappointed. Carolyn had the fried shrimp, while I had the fried catfish. Ummm, Good!
The weather is supposed to be nasty tonight and tomorrow with high winds, rain, and a chance of hail. We will not make a decision on whether to move on tomorrow until we see what the weather looks like when we get up. I don't like to travel with the RV when bad weather is in the forecast.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Liberty, Texas: First City on the Trinity
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees in Bay City, high 82 degrees in Livingston, cloudy, high winds
We left Bay City this morning after being seen off by Lori and the grandkids. It was great seeing Lori, John, Julian, and Zoe, and also Terrell, my brother and his wife, Kathy. Lori had never seen us get the RV ready to travel, so it was an experience for her to see what we have to do to be able to travel safely. The last thing we did was dump our holding tanks, which meant we had to hook up the truck to the RV and pull around to the dump. A lady just ahead of us actually dumped some stuff on the grass, and everyone got to enjoy the aroma. We made sure that the campground management knew we didn't make the mess.
After dumping the holding tanks and putting everything away, we hugged everyone and said our good byes. It is always hard to leave family, and yet we still have that itch to see what's down the road.
The wind was blowing out of the south at about 20 mph, which meant it was against our side as we were heading east to go around Houston through Dickinson, Kemah, and Baytown. The only time that I really felt the wind affecting us to any degree was when we went across the Ship Channel at Baytown. That bridge is high in order to allow ocean going ships to pass under it, and when we were on top, it was pushing us around pretty good. Once we started moving north toward Livingston, the wind was coming from behind, helping push us.
We arrived in Livingston with no problems and were set up by 1430 hours. Along the way, we saw some dogwood trees blooming, which we had not seen for several years. Other trees and flowers that were blooming included red buds, purple and white wisteria, flowering pear, wild plum, azaleas, blue bonnets, poppies, Indian paint brush, irises, blue eyed grass, widow's tears, primroses, and spirea (old timers called it Bride's Bouquet). The information on the trees and flowers comes from Carolyn.
After eating a light lunch since it was so late in the afternoon, I went to check our mail while Carolyn took a power nap. I never did get to do any meditation because of several little things I needed to take care of.
Livingston is the home of Escapees, an RV organization that we have belonged to for seven years. They also provide a mail service that we use. Every time we pass through Livingston, we usually spend at least a couple of days in the Escapees RV park here. They have parks in several other states that we have stayed in.
There is a good Cajun seafood restaurant in Livingston that we have eaten at before. We decided to try it again, and were not disappointed. Carolyn had the fried shrimp, while I had the fried catfish. Ummm, Good!
The weather is supposed to be nasty tonight and tomorrow with high winds, rain, and a chance of hail. We will not make a decision on whether to move on tomorrow until we see what the weather looks like when we get up. I don't like to travel with the RV when bad weather is in the forecast.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Liberty, Texas: First City on the Trinity
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Good Chinese Food, Bad Service
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 72 degrees, mostly cloudy, winds to 20 mph
I woke about 0230 hours this morning, and could not go back to sleep. Finally, about a half hour later, I decided to get up and read some until I got sleepy. Reading helped, and I was able to go back to sleep. When I was working and had a problem like that, it seemed that I could not go back to sleep. Now that I am retired, there is less pressure to get up at a certain time so I can go meet work obligations. I know if I don't sleep well, I can always do some power meditation later on that will fix me up.
We went to a Chinese restaurant with Lori and her family for lunch. This restaurant was closed for remodeling, getting rid of their buffet line, adding new furniture including booths, new wood flooring, and new decorations. The remodeling looks good, but I think they made a mistake in getting rid of the buffet line. Today was the first time they have been open in several weeks due to the remodeling, and it was like they had forgotten how to prioritze tasks and serve people. We arrived at 1115 hours, our orders were taken right away, and our meal arrived in bits and pieces for the next hour and a quarter. The final dish was taken home as a carryout because it never was ready until we decided to leave. I received my order about 15 minutes after ordering, Carolyn received hers about 15 minutes later. Lori's family received their food over the course of about 20 more minutes. Food was left off our orders, which we had to ask for. I never received the egg drop soup I ordered. On the plus side, the food was very tasty, but the service was as bad as I have ever seen. This restaurant has been open for quite a while before remodeling, and it was like they forgot everything they had learned about serving food to the public. Several people got up and walked out because of the long wait. When we left, there were still people there who got there 10 minutes after we did that had not gotten their food. I hope they get their act together. If they don't, that will be one more business biting the dust in Bay City.
Later in the afternoon, Lori and Zoe came over and worked on scrapbooking with Carolyn. Lori helped Carolyn create a scrapbook with pictures of Carolyn and her mother. While they were doing the crafting, I was watching Tiger Woods play golf in Arnold Palmer's golf torurnament. Before it was over, a man came to the door and asked for help in setting up his satellite dish. That took me away from the golf match, but that's okay. Tiger won his fifth PGA tournament in a row, and tied Ben Hogan for the most wins in a career. Oh, and by the way, we got the man's dish set up and operating.
If the weather does not change drastically tomorrow, we will be leaving here on our way to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to visit our daughter Terri and her family. We expect to take our time and get there Thursday or Friday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Atlanta, Texas: A Great Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 72 degrees, mostly cloudy, winds to 20 mph
I woke about 0230 hours this morning, and could not go back to sleep. Finally, about a half hour later, I decided to get up and read some until I got sleepy. Reading helped, and I was able to go back to sleep. When I was working and had a problem like that, it seemed that I could not go back to sleep. Now that I am retired, there is less pressure to get up at a certain time so I can go meet work obligations. I know if I don't sleep well, I can always do some power meditation later on that will fix me up.
We went to a Chinese restaurant with Lori and her family for lunch. This restaurant was closed for remodeling, getting rid of their buffet line, adding new furniture including booths, new wood flooring, and new decorations. The remodeling looks good, but I think they made a mistake in getting rid of the buffet line. Today was the first time they have been open in several weeks due to the remodeling, and it was like they had forgotten how to prioritze tasks and serve people. We arrived at 1115 hours, our orders were taken right away, and our meal arrived in bits and pieces for the next hour and a quarter. The final dish was taken home as a carryout because it never was ready until we decided to leave. I received my order about 15 minutes after ordering, Carolyn received hers about 15 minutes later. Lori's family received their food over the course of about 20 more minutes. Food was left off our orders, which we had to ask for. I never received the egg drop soup I ordered. On the plus side, the food was very tasty, but the service was as bad as I have ever seen. This restaurant has been open for quite a while before remodeling, and it was like they forgot everything they had learned about serving food to the public. Several people got up and walked out because of the long wait. When we left, there were still people there who got there 10 minutes after we did that had not gotten their food. I hope they get their act together. If they don't, that will be one more business biting the dust in Bay City.
Later in the afternoon, Lori and Zoe came over and worked on scrapbooking with Carolyn. Lori helped Carolyn create a scrapbook with pictures of Carolyn and her mother. While they were doing the crafting, I was watching Tiger Woods play golf in Arnold Palmer's golf torurnament. Before it was over, a man came to the door and asked for help in setting up his satellite dish. That took me away from the golf match, but that's okay. Tiger won his fifth PGA tournament in a row, and tied Ben Hogan for the most wins in a career. Oh, and by the way, we got the man's dish set up and operating.
If the weather does not change drastically tomorrow, we will be leaving here on our way to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to visit our daughter Terri and her family. We expect to take our time and get there Thursday or Friday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Atlanta, Texas: A Great Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Market Day on the Square
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 67 degrees, high 87 degrees, clear skies, light breezes
After my morning walk, we went to the K-2 Restaurant in town for lunch with Lori and her family. In days past, we went to this restaurant a couple times a week because it was considered the best in town. However, our tastes seem to have changed, and the restaurant does not have the same attraction for us as it did. One constant about the restaurant that we do still like is that they have a - guess what?- Saturday hamburger special for lunch that includes a nacho bar. Now, this is something we can get our teeth into. The nacho bar allows you to make your own nachos, and they have all the trimmings to make a memorable plate of nachos.
While driving to the restaurant, we noticed that Market Day on the Square was ongoing. After lunch, we all went to the square and walked around looking at the different crafts, candy, beggars, and other things that we have no need for. I did buy an outdoor plant as a companion for Abe and Mabel. When we get a better Internet connection, I'll share a picture of the latest addition to our collection of flowers and plants.
Once we got home, I did some power meditation. Then, I decided to wipe the outside of the RV down, since it has rained on it a couple times. That took about an hour. While doing the wipedown, I met our next door neighbors, who are Canadians from the province of Saskachewan in Canada, eh. They are nice people who have spent the last four winters in Texas. They like the US and especially Texas. After that, I met a couple from Wisconsin, who own a farm up there that they are trying to sell so they can hit the road fulltime. They have been coming to Texas in the winter for the last three years. Before that, they went to Florida for several years.
Most professional people have a business card that they hand out to acquaintances and people who may have a need for it. During my working life, I also had business cards. Now that we are retired, we think we need a card that we can hand out to people. The card will have the usual information, and will list us as Professional Retirees. When we get it done, we'll show everyone what it looks like.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Gulfport, Mississippi: Where Your Ship Comes In
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 67 degrees, high 87 degrees, clear skies, light breezes
After my morning walk, we went to the K-2 Restaurant in town for lunch with Lori and her family. In days past, we went to this restaurant a couple times a week because it was considered the best in town. However, our tastes seem to have changed, and the restaurant does not have the same attraction for us as it did. One constant about the restaurant that we do still like is that they have a - guess what?- Saturday hamburger special for lunch that includes a nacho bar. Now, this is something we can get our teeth into. The nacho bar allows you to make your own nachos, and they have all the trimmings to make a memorable plate of nachos.
While driving to the restaurant, we noticed that Market Day on the Square was ongoing. After lunch, we all went to the square and walked around looking at the different crafts, candy, beggars, and other things that we have no need for. I did buy an outdoor plant as a companion for Abe and Mabel. When we get a better Internet connection, I'll share a picture of the latest addition to our collection of flowers and plants.
Once we got home, I did some power meditation. Then, I decided to wipe the outside of the RV down, since it has rained on it a couple times. That took about an hour. While doing the wipedown, I met our next door neighbors, who are Canadians from the province of Saskachewan in Canada, eh. They are nice people who have spent the last four winters in Texas. They like the US and especially Texas. After that, I met a couple from Wisconsin, who own a farm up there that they are trying to sell so they can hit the road fulltime. They have been coming to Texas in the winter for the last three years. Before that, they went to Florida for several years.
Most professional people have a business card that they hand out to acquaintances and people who may have a need for it. During my working life, I also had business cards. Now that we are retired, we think we need a card that we can hand out to people. The card will have the usual information, and will list us as Professional Retirees. When we get it done, we'll show everyone what it looks like.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Gulfport, Mississippi: Where Your Ship Comes In
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Ice Cream
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 81 degrees, cloudy early, clear in the afternoon
Today was one of those days where we didn't have much going on. I went for a long walk this morning, then caught up on the e-mail. We have an Internet connection through our air card, but it is very slow in the campground because the signal is weak. After I got tired of the computer being so slow, I went out and cleaned up the outside of the truck. The park does not allow washing vehicles, but I have found that a bucket of water and a rag work well when the dirt is mostly dust. Today's dirt on the truck was mostly dust, but also had some tree pollen. The problem with the pollen is that it can cause respiratory problems.
After cleaning up the truck, we had lunch. By then, a little meditation was in order, which I have gotten very good at practicing. By the time meditation was over, it was about 1530 hours. We decided to go to Dairy Queen and get some ice cream. It just happened that they were having a special on the 12 ounce Blizzards, which we thought would hit the spot. Carolyn got the Oreo Cookies Blizzard, while I decided to go whole hog and got the one with all the chocolate. I wish I could think of the name. Anyway, it was good, and hit the spot. It was the first ice cream we have had in about three months.
After the ice cream, we went to Lori's house and visited with her and the grandkids for a couple of hours. She gave us a movie (No Country For Old Men) to watch. Since we had eaten the ice cream fairly late in the afternoon, we didn't get hungry until late. After dinner, we watched the movie, and it was a good one. No fluff in this one. Tommie Lee Jones is one of our favorite actors, and most of the time, we like movies filmed in Texas.
The park seems to be filling up with weekenders. Spring break started in this area today, and I'm sure many of those folks will be here. I hope they know and practice common camper courtesy.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Chiefland, Florida: Gem of the Suwanee Valley
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 81 degrees, cloudy early, clear in the afternoon
Today was one of those days where we didn't have much going on. I went for a long walk this morning, then caught up on the e-mail. We have an Internet connection through our air card, but it is very slow in the campground because the signal is weak. After I got tired of the computer being so slow, I went out and cleaned up the outside of the truck. The park does not allow washing vehicles, but I have found that a bucket of water and a rag work well when the dirt is mostly dust. Today's dirt on the truck was mostly dust, but also had some tree pollen. The problem with the pollen is that it can cause respiratory problems.
After cleaning up the truck, we had lunch. By then, a little meditation was in order, which I have gotten very good at practicing. By the time meditation was over, it was about 1530 hours. We decided to go to Dairy Queen and get some ice cream. It just happened that they were having a special on the 12 ounce Blizzards, which we thought would hit the spot. Carolyn got the Oreo Cookies Blizzard, while I decided to go whole hog and got the one with all the chocolate. I wish I could think of the name. Anyway, it was good, and hit the spot. It was the first ice cream we have had in about three months.
After the ice cream, we went to Lori's house and visited with her and the grandkids for a couple of hours. She gave us a movie (No Country For Old Men) to watch. Since we had eaten the ice cream fairly late in the afternoon, we didn't get hungry until late. After dinner, we watched the movie, and it was a good one. No fluff in this one. Tommie Lee Jones is one of our favorite actors, and most of the time, we like movies filmed in Texas.
The park seems to be filling up with weekenders. Spring break started in this area today, and I'm sure many of those folks will be here. I hope they know and practice common camper courtesy.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Chiefland, Florida: Gem of the Suwanee Valley
Not all who wander are lost.
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