Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 31 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies
I took my morning walk a little earlier than I have the rest of the week, because it wasn't quite as cold. Cold enough for me, though. Since the weather has turned cooler, I'm seeing people walking that I've never seen before. I guess the nice weather is bringing them out.
After walking, I went by the barber shop and got the bi-monthly trim. Carolyn usually cuts my hair, but with the problems she has been having with her legs, I have had it cut in the barbershop the last three times. Fortunately, I've been satisfied with the cuts that I have been getting. Several years ago, I received the worse haircut I ever got in a major barber shop in down town Northport. Since then, I have been hesitant to use barbershops.
I went to the library about lunch time to return some books and get more. Traffic was terrible because the university is having their homecoming and the football game that goes with it. Terri was telling me that it is estimated that the population of the area increases by close to 90,000 people on football weekends. As much as I like college football, I'll be glad to see the traffic jams go away.
We went with Terri to take Thomas to Bessemer so his dad could pick him up for the weekend. Once we got out of Tuscaloosa and on the interstate, traffic wasn't too bad. Back in Tuscaloosa, it was one big parking lot on US 82, also known as McFarland Boulevard. By Sunday, everything will be back to normal.
Carolyn likes to watch TV shows that purport to contact ghosts and spirits. Personally, I'm not a believer in that type of stuff, so I always find something else to do. That's not to say that Carolyn believes in it, but she does find it entertaining. Tonight, as part of the Halloween season, the SciFi Channel is showing a six hour live special telecast of the most famous ghost finders examining whether there are ghosts and spirits in an old fort. Carolyn is having a good time watching the telecast, and I'm staying busy doing the blog and other things. Like running the anti-virus and spybot checks on the computer. I guess when I post the blog, I'll spend a little time planning our trip to Greenbow, Alabama, Forrest Gump's hometown.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee: We Have Long Songs (Huh? I have no idea what that means)
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Woods And Water
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 30 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies, frost early this morning
I took my morning walk a little earlier this morning because we needed to do a little shopping. Carolyn needed new shoes, and I wanted to go to Woods and Water, a store very similar to Cabellas's and Bass Pro Shops. We had never been to Woods and Water, so we went there first. They are located in a very impressive log type structure on a hill overlooking the valley that Tuscaloosa is located in. Here's the view from the parking lot looking toward Tuscaloosa. The white structure in the center of the picture is the football stadium.
The inside of the store looks similar to the other types of stores I mentioned in the opening paragraph, except that it is not as big as others that we have seen. There is a big rhinoceros mount just inside the front door. Just above the front door is a mount of an elephant head.
It seemed that everywhere we turned, we saw another animal mount. One of the most impressive was a bear. Many of the mounts were mounted on the walls.
I'm always looking for good wall paintings or murals. The store had a really good one that took up a good portion of the back wall.
There was also an aquarium that had several trophy sized bass in it. I couldn't get a good angle for a picture. We didn't buy anything, but enjoyed seeing what the store had to offer.
After leaving Woods and Water, we drove down to the University Mall (a real mall, not the WalMart Mall). Today was the first time we have been to the mall since we have been here. Carolyn was fortunate enough to find a pair of shoes at Sear's like what she had been looking for. We looked in a few more stores, but didn't find anything that we just had to have. It's amazing how little you need or want as you get older.
I got a little more information on where Forrest Gump's hometown of Greenbow, Alabama is located. Apparently, it is just south of Reform and just west of Eutaw. We're getting closer. Greenbow may try to hide, but it's never had me trying to find it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Helena, Alabama: On List Of 100 Best Places To Live, Money Magazine, 2007
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 30 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies, frost early this morning
I took my morning walk a little earlier this morning because we needed to do a little shopping. Carolyn needed new shoes, and I wanted to go to Woods and Water, a store very similar to Cabellas's and Bass Pro Shops. We had never been to Woods and Water, so we went there first. They are located in a very impressive log type structure on a hill overlooking the valley that Tuscaloosa is located in. Here's the view from the parking lot looking toward Tuscaloosa. The white structure in the center of the picture is the football stadium.
The inside of the store looks similar to the other types of stores I mentioned in the opening paragraph, except that it is not as big as others that we have seen. There is a big rhinoceros mount just inside the front door. Just above the front door is a mount of an elephant head.
It seemed that everywhere we turned, we saw another animal mount. One of the most impressive was a bear. Many of the mounts were mounted on the walls.
I'm always looking for good wall paintings or murals. The store had a really good one that took up a good portion of the back wall.
There was also an aquarium that had several trophy sized bass in it. I couldn't get a good angle for a picture. We didn't buy anything, but enjoyed seeing what the store had to offer.
After leaving Woods and Water, we drove down to the University Mall (a real mall, not the WalMart Mall). Today was the first time we have been to the mall since we have been here. Carolyn was fortunate enough to find a pair of shoes at Sear's like what she had been looking for. We looked in a few more stores, but didn't find anything that we just had to have. It's amazing how little you need or want as you get older.
I got a little more information on where Forrest Gump's hometown of Greenbow, Alabama is located. Apparently, it is just south of Reform and just west of Eutaw. We're getting closer. Greenbow may try to hide, but it's never had me trying to find it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Helena, Alabama: On List Of 100 Best Places To Live, Money Magazine, 2007
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Another Cold Morning
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 28 degrees, high 60 degrees, clear skies
This morning was another cold one, and we had a heavy frost that should just about stop the grass from growing. I was over two hours later than normal in taking my walk, but at least it had warmed up some.
I'm starting to do some research on Forrest Gump and his hometown of Greenbow, Alabama. Greenbow is like Auburn, Alabama: you can't get there from here, or you have to be going there to get there. Have no fear, we will find it and have a full report on the town that Forrest grew up in.
Today was a real slow day for us, and it was the type of day that helps us recuperate from all the hard work of the last six months. We are feeling so good that we are starting to get itchy feet.
When I went to check on the house this evening, I took some pictures of the fall colors. Unfortunately, the pictures don't reflect what we are able to see (do they ever?). If we get some later on that are better, we'll pass them on.
I don't have much to report today. Maybe I'll have more tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Alabaster, Alabama: The City for Families
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 28 degrees, high 60 degrees, clear skies
This morning was another cold one, and we had a heavy frost that should just about stop the grass from growing. I was over two hours later than normal in taking my walk, but at least it had warmed up some.
I'm starting to do some research on Forrest Gump and his hometown of Greenbow, Alabama. Greenbow is like Auburn, Alabama: you can't get there from here, or you have to be going there to get there. Have no fear, we will find it and have a full report on the town that Forrest grew up in.
Today was a real slow day for us, and it was the type of day that helps us recuperate from all the hard work of the last six months. We are feeling so good that we are starting to get itchy feet.
When I went to check on the house this evening, I took some pictures of the fall colors. Unfortunately, the pictures don't reflect what we are able to see (do they ever?). If we get some later on that are better, we'll pass them on.
I don't have much to report today. Maybe I'll have more tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Alabaster, Alabama: The City for Families
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Chili Night
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 30 degrees, high 54 degrees, windy, clear skies
I didn't get out for my morning walk until almost 0900 hours because the weather was so cold. Once I did start walking, it was into the wind, and the walk seemed to take longer than normal. Okay, so I'm a wuss. I am not a fan of cold weather. Give me 50 degrees at night and 70 degrees in the daytime and I'm happy. Anyone know where I can find that kind of weather that lasts all year?
This kind of weather seems to get my appetite up for chili. Luckily, Carolyn felt the same way, so she fixed a pot of outstanding chili for supper. She gave a big bowl to Billy Plowman, and Terri and Thomas came over and had supper with us. We sent some of the leftover chili with them. After all of that, we still have plenty left that we will eat as leftovers. Good stuff.
After supper, I helped Thomas with his math homework. It appears to me that kids don't have as much homework as I remember having when I was a kid, or even when our girls were at home. I realize that may just be my perception.
In the late afternoon, I went to the house to check things out. While there, I set the furnace to 55 degrees to ensure that the pipes don't freeze. I also noticed that the armadillos appear to be staying out of the yard. So far, the moth balls are still working.
In a couple of the posts, I have had comments that suggested we take a trip to Greenbow, Alabama, to see the hometown of Forrest Gump, a true American hero. I'm finally convinced that Greenbow exists, and sometime in the near future, I'll be writing about what we see there. I know everyone will be holding their breath for that post.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Valdosta, Georgia: Winnersville, USA
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 30 degrees, high 54 degrees, windy, clear skies
I didn't get out for my morning walk until almost 0900 hours because the weather was so cold. Once I did start walking, it was into the wind, and the walk seemed to take longer than normal. Okay, so I'm a wuss. I am not a fan of cold weather. Give me 50 degrees at night and 70 degrees in the daytime and I'm happy. Anyone know where I can find that kind of weather that lasts all year?
This kind of weather seems to get my appetite up for chili. Luckily, Carolyn felt the same way, so she fixed a pot of outstanding chili for supper. She gave a big bowl to Billy Plowman, and Terri and Thomas came over and had supper with us. We sent some of the leftover chili with them. After all of that, we still have plenty left that we will eat as leftovers. Good stuff.
After supper, I helped Thomas with his math homework. It appears to me that kids don't have as much homework as I remember having when I was a kid, or even when our girls were at home. I realize that may just be my perception.
In the late afternoon, I went to the house to check things out. While there, I set the furnace to 55 degrees to ensure that the pipes don't freeze. I also noticed that the armadillos appear to be staying out of the yard. So far, the moth balls are still working.
In a couple of the posts, I have had comments that suggested we take a trip to Greenbow, Alabama, to see the hometown of Forrest Gump, a true American hero. I'm finally convinced that Greenbow exists, and sometime in the near future, I'll be writing about what we see there. I know everyone will be holding their breath for that post.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Valdosta, Georgia: Winnersville, USA
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Cooler Weather Coming
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 60 degrees, clear skies, windy
About 0500 hours this morning, we had a gust of wind hit the RV that shook it and howled around the corner. Apparently, that was about the time that a front passed through the area. It was a dry front bringing the coolest weather of the season, with lows forecast of 35 degrees tonight and 31 degrees on Tuesday night. When the wind is added, it really feels chilly. Brrrrr!
I find that these cooler mornings encourage me to stay in the bed longer. It's hard to get out of the warm bed when I don't have much to do, so I just dog it for a little while. Of course, as I said in an earlier post, a lifetime of habit is hard to break, so for me to stay in the bed past 0600 or 0700 hours is really late. In addition, there is not much for me to do at the house at this time, so I don't have to rush out there to get things done.
Yesterday, we were given some turnip greens by our landlord. Today, we went to the house and did all the preps to put the greens in the freezer. The house has a lot more room for that type of activity. Since we had to go check the house anyway, it worked out perfectly. Putting the vegetables in the freezer is some work, but they will be good when the weather is cold outside and fresh vegetables are just a memory.
While we were at the house, I noticed that the door to the shop kept blowing open in the wind. When I checked it, I saw that the striker plate on the door jamb needed to be adjusted. After doing the adjustment, everything worked like a charm. That's the type of maintenance I have to do on the property now, along with keeping the yard looking good. By the way, the armadillos have not returned. Maybe the moth balls have done the trick.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: The City That Knows How
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 60 degrees, clear skies, windy
About 0500 hours this morning, we had a gust of wind hit the RV that shook it and howled around the corner. Apparently, that was about the time that a front passed through the area. It was a dry front bringing the coolest weather of the season, with lows forecast of 35 degrees tonight and 31 degrees on Tuesday night. When the wind is added, it really feels chilly. Brrrrr!
I find that these cooler mornings encourage me to stay in the bed longer. It's hard to get out of the warm bed when I don't have much to do, so I just dog it for a little while. Of course, as I said in an earlier post, a lifetime of habit is hard to break, so for me to stay in the bed past 0600 or 0700 hours is really late. In addition, there is not much for me to do at the house at this time, so I don't have to rush out there to get things done.
Yesterday, we were given some turnip greens by our landlord. Today, we went to the house and did all the preps to put the greens in the freezer. The house has a lot more room for that type of activity. Since we had to go check the house anyway, it worked out perfectly. Putting the vegetables in the freezer is some work, but they will be good when the weather is cold outside and fresh vegetables are just a memory.
While we were at the house, I noticed that the door to the shop kept blowing open in the wind. When I checked it, I saw that the striker plate on the door jamb needed to be adjusted. After doing the adjustment, everything worked like a charm. That's the type of maintenance I have to do on the property now, along with keeping the yard looking good. By the way, the armadillos have not returned. Maybe the moth balls have done the trick.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: The City That Knows How
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Greensboro, Alabama
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 70 degrees, morning fog, clear skies
Today, we were offered some turnip greens and mustard greens by our outstanding landlords. They have got to have the greenest thumbs, because they seem to be able to grow anything. In the afternoon, we went over to the garden and picked enough turnip greens to feed an army. Carolyn cleaned and prepared a big pot of them to put in the freezer for later this next week. We took the rest of the greens out to Terri's house so we could clean and prepare them for the freezer. There is more room there, and it is much easier to do stuff like that in the house. That will be part of our day's work for tomorrow. Later, we will go back and get some mustard greens. Good eatin' is on the way!!
When we arrived at the house this afternoon, we saw three deer in the front yard. We don't worry about the deer doing any damage, but are still keeping an eye out for the armadillos. It looks like the moth balls are keeping them out of the flower beds.
Yesterday, our ride took us south of Tuscaloosa on US 69. We passed through Moundville, which I wrote about in yesterday's post, and continued on to Greensboro, which is about 30 miles from Tuscaloosa. I'm sorry to say that it was very difficult to find much history on the town. It is obviously an old town, and from the little bit of information I have been able to find, it appears the area was given as a grant more than two hundred years ago from the King of England to a man named Fortis. Descendants of the original owners still live in the area, but their land holdings have been whittled down to 28 acres.
There was obviously something that supported the area well many years ago because of the many fine older homes that we saw. Unfortunately, the area seems to be in a decline. Since the 2000 census, the population has declined by about five percent, and the decline is continuing. That is especially painful to a town that only had about 2700 people in 2000.
We were impressed by the number and quality of older houses that would probably be a draw to tourists if the town was located in a more accessible area. We enjoyed seeing the town and the old houses. Below are some pictures of the town and houses.
Below is a picture of the downtown area.
Next is a picture of the courthouse. Note that the statue in front is of a Confederate soldier and around the statue are the names of soldiers from the area that served in the Confederate Army. Quite a change from a lot of areas we have been to that have chosen to remove anything that commemorates that period of our country's history. Trying to put it out of sight or mind doesn't mean it didn't happen. Sometimes, it seems like this political correctness stuff gets out of hand.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greensboro, Alabama: The Catfish Capital Of Alabama
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 70 degrees, morning fog, clear skies
Today, we were offered some turnip greens and mustard greens by our outstanding landlords. They have got to have the greenest thumbs, because they seem to be able to grow anything. In the afternoon, we went over to the garden and picked enough turnip greens to feed an army. Carolyn cleaned and prepared a big pot of them to put in the freezer for later this next week. We took the rest of the greens out to Terri's house so we could clean and prepare them for the freezer. There is more room there, and it is much easier to do stuff like that in the house. That will be part of our day's work for tomorrow. Later, we will go back and get some mustard greens. Good eatin' is on the way!!
When we arrived at the house this afternoon, we saw three deer in the front yard. We don't worry about the deer doing any damage, but are still keeping an eye out for the armadillos. It looks like the moth balls are keeping them out of the flower beds.
Yesterday, our ride took us south of Tuscaloosa on US 69. We passed through Moundville, which I wrote about in yesterday's post, and continued on to Greensboro, which is about 30 miles from Tuscaloosa. I'm sorry to say that it was very difficult to find much history on the town. It is obviously an old town, and from the little bit of information I have been able to find, it appears the area was given as a grant more than two hundred years ago from the King of England to a man named Fortis. Descendants of the original owners still live in the area, but their land holdings have been whittled down to 28 acres.
There was obviously something that supported the area well many years ago because of the many fine older homes that we saw. Unfortunately, the area seems to be in a decline. Since the 2000 census, the population has declined by about five percent, and the decline is continuing. That is especially painful to a town that only had about 2700 people in 2000.
We were impressed by the number and quality of older houses that would probably be a draw to tourists if the town was located in a more accessible area. We enjoyed seeing the town and the old houses. Below are some pictures of the town and houses.
Below is a picture of the downtown area.
Next is a picture of the courthouse. Note that the statue in front is of a Confederate soldier and around the statue are the names of soldiers from the area that served in the Confederate Army. Quite a change from a lot of areas we have been to that have chosen to remove anything that commemorates that period of our country's history. Trying to put it out of sight or mind doesn't mean it didn't happen. Sometimes, it seems like this political correctness stuff gets out of hand.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greensboro, Alabama: The Catfish Capital Of Alabama
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Moundville Archaeological Park
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 49 degrees, high 68 degrees, fog early, then clear skies
Today was one of those that we enjoy. Actually, every day is a good one - some are better than others. Out of bed when we want to be (even though we can't seem to sleep late), a late breakfast after my morning walk, surfing the Internet, watching college football including Florida win against Kentucky, a ride to an area we haven't been to before, pizza from Sam's Club, TV watching, reading, etc. It's enough to make a person tired.
Actually, we went to two little towns near Coker today. We visited Moundville several years ago, but made a return visit today. In addition, we drove down the road to Greensboro, a town we had never been to before. Both towns have enough of interest that I'm going to split up the posts about them. Today, I'll tell you about Moundville, and Greensboro tomorrow.
Moundville is a small town south of Tuscaloosa on US 69. The route down is through rolling countryside that is being developed with subdivisions and shopping areas. It is a scenic drive, and the road is a good four lane highway. It appears that most of the people in the area work in Tuscaloosa.
The thing that was of most interest about Moundville was the Moundville Archaeology Park. The park is an old Indian town site overlooking the Black Warrior River, and is composed of 172 acres with 32 platform mounds. The park contains a museum and an archaeological laboratory. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
According to information we read at the park, the site was occupied by Native Americans of the Mississippian culture from around 1000 AD until 1450 AD. The community took the form of a residential and political area protected on three sides by a wooden palisade wall with the remaining side protected by the river bluff. The largest platform mounds are located on the northern edge of the plaza and become increasingly smaller going clockwise around the plaza to the south. Scholars think that the highest-ranking clans occupied the large northern mounds with the smaller mounds supporting buildings used for residences, mortuary, and other purposes. The tallest mound is 58 feet tall with two access ramps. The highest ranked people lived on the tallest mounds. A person's social ranking determined where they lived in the town. About 1000 people lived in the town and another 10,000 lived in the area. By 1350 the site was being used more as a religious and political center than as an actual residential town. By 1500, most of the entire area was abandoned. I did not see any conjecture about what might have caused the people to leave the area.
Below are two pictures of the mounds.
Here's a picture of some of the pottery that was recovered from the mounds.
After leaving Moundville, we continued down the road to Greensboro. I'll share our visit to that nice old town tomorrow. On the way home, we stopped at Sam's Club and picked up a pizza. Instead of bringing it home and eating, we decided to sit down in the snack area and chow down right there at the store while the pizza was still hot. Ummmmm! Very good, and we had enough left for lunch or supper tomorrow.
I didn't go out to the house today, so I don't know how successful the moth balls were in keeping the armadillos out of the flower beds. Jerry Brown says I should go ahead and shoot them, then cook 'em up. He says they taste like pork, which is kinda like chicken, which is kinda like frog legs. Carolyn says YUCK!!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Moundville, Alabama: Tree City, USA
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 49 degrees, high 68 degrees, fog early, then clear skies
Today was one of those that we enjoy. Actually, every day is a good one - some are better than others. Out of bed when we want to be (even though we can't seem to sleep late), a late breakfast after my morning walk, surfing the Internet, watching college football including Florida win against Kentucky, a ride to an area we haven't been to before, pizza from Sam's Club, TV watching, reading, etc. It's enough to make a person tired.
Actually, we went to two little towns near Coker today. We visited Moundville several years ago, but made a return visit today. In addition, we drove down the road to Greensboro, a town we had never been to before. Both towns have enough of interest that I'm going to split up the posts about them. Today, I'll tell you about Moundville, and Greensboro tomorrow.
Moundville is a small town south of Tuscaloosa on US 69. The route down is through rolling countryside that is being developed with subdivisions and shopping areas. It is a scenic drive, and the road is a good four lane highway. It appears that most of the people in the area work in Tuscaloosa.
The thing that was of most interest about Moundville was the Moundville Archaeology Park. The park is an old Indian town site overlooking the Black Warrior River, and is composed of 172 acres with 32 platform mounds. The park contains a museum and an archaeological laboratory. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
According to information we read at the park, the site was occupied by Native Americans of the Mississippian culture from around 1000 AD until 1450 AD. The community took the form of a residential and political area protected on three sides by a wooden palisade wall with the remaining side protected by the river bluff. The largest platform mounds are located on the northern edge of the plaza and become increasingly smaller going clockwise around the plaza to the south. Scholars think that the highest-ranking clans occupied the large northern mounds with the smaller mounds supporting buildings used for residences, mortuary, and other purposes. The tallest mound is 58 feet tall with two access ramps. The highest ranked people lived on the tallest mounds. A person's social ranking determined where they lived in the town. About 1000 people lived in the town and another 10,000 lived in the area. By 1350 the site was being used more as a religious and political center than as an actual residential town. By 1500, most of the entire area was abandoned. I did not see any conjecture about what might have caused the people to leave the area.
Below are two pictures of the mounds.
Here's a picture of some of the pottery that was recovered from the mounds.
After leaving Moundville, we continued down the road to Greensboro. I'll share our visit to that nice old town tomorrow. On the way home, we stopped at Sam's Club and picked up a pizza. Instead of bringing it home and eating, we decided to sit down in the snack area and chow down right there at the store while the pizza was still hot. Ummmmm! Very good, and we had enough left for lunch or supper tomorrow.
I didn't go out to the house today, so I don't know how successful the moth balls were in keeping the armadillos out of the flower beds. Jerry Brown says I should go ahead and shoot them, then cook 'em up. He says they taste like pork, which is kinda like chicken, which is kinda like frog legs. Carolyn says YUCK!!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Moundville, Alabama: Tree City, USA
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Moth Balls
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 67 degrees, rain all morning, then clearing in the afternoon
The rain started this morning before daybreak and continued until just after lunch time. As a result, I didn't take my morning walk, but made up for it in the afternoon when the rain stopped.
We visited Terri at her apartment this morning while waiting for the rain to stop. After returning to the RV, we took care of some minor chores while I was waiting to go to the library. It does not open until 1200 hours on Friday, and I arrived there about 1330 hours. The reason I went was to download the latest iTunes program. iTunes is the program used to load material on to our iPod. I have pretty good access to the Internet at the RV, but it is not fast enough to download large files in a timely manner. For example, it would have taken at least an hour to download the files at the RV, while I was able to do it at the library in about two minutes using our computer.
In checking our e-mail today, I noticed that Jerry Brown, one of our friends in Granbury, Texas, had suggested using moth balls to keep the armadillos out of the flower beds at the house. On the way home, I stopped at the WalMart Mall and picked up a couple of boxes. Since I needed to go out to the house and check on things, I took the moth balls and spread them in the flower beds. I hope this is the remedy we have been looking for. Updates later on this problem.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Hahira, Georgia: A Great Place To Live, Work, And Play
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 67 degrees, rain all morning, then clearing in the afternoon
The rain started this morning before daybreak and continued until just after lunch time. As a result, I didn't take my morning walk, but made up for it in the afternoon when the rain stopped.
We visited Terri at her apartment this morning while waiting for the rain to stop. After returning to the RV, we took care of some minor chores while I was waiting to go to the library. It does not open until 1200 hours on Friday, and I arrived there about 1330 hours. The reason I went was to download the latest iTunes program. iTunes is the program used to load material on to our iPod. I have pretty good access to the Internet at the RV, but it is not fast enough to download large files in a timely manner. For example, it would have taken at least an hour to download the files at the RV, while I was able to do it at the library in about two minutes using our computer.
In checking our e-mail today, I noticed that Jerry Brown, one of our friends in Granbury, Texas, had suggested using moth balls to keep the armadillos out of the flower beds at the house. On the way home, I stopped at the WalMart Mall and picked up a couple of boxes. Since I needed to go out to the house and check on things, I took the moth balls and spread them in the flower beds. I hope this is the remedy we have been looking for. Updates later on this problem.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Hahira, Georgia: A Great Place To Live, Work, And Play
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Laundry Day
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 61 degrees, high 67 degrees, mostly cloudy all day, light showers around dark, more rain expected tonight
We usually wash our laundry about every two weeks, and today it was time again for that chore. Since we went to a laundromat, we were able to wash and dry everything in a little more than an hour. After finishing the clothes, we decided to splurge and went to MacDonald's for lunch. The MacDonald's we went to is in Northport, and enjoys a certain amount of fame because Ronald Reagan ate there in 1984 after giving a speech at the University of Alabama. He had a Big Mac, large french fries, and a large sweetened iced tea. After MacDonald's, we needed a few groceries, so we stopped at the WalMart Mall. Then on to home to put everything away. Whew!! Busy morning. And that was after my morning walk.
When I went out to the house this afternoon, I found that the armadillos had been at their mischief again, tearing up the yard and flower beds. As much as I don't want to, I guess I'll have to spend some time out there to get rid of a few of them. I have a feeling that the damage is being caused by no more than two or three armadillos. It doesn't take many to tear a yard up.
Gas prices continue to go down in this area. The lowest I saw today was $2.57 per gallon, and almost every day sees it go down more. I'm glad to see lower prices, but it appears it is because of the weak economy. That's unfortunate, since people are suffering financially, and there is every indication that it is going to get worse before it gets better. I hope that if the country learns anything from this, it would be that there is no free ride, we don't have to have everything right now, and it is best to be conservative in our financial dealings. If we can't afford it, we shouldn't buy it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Mobile, Alabama: The Port City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 61 degrees, high 67 degrees, mostly cloudy all day, light showers around dark, more rain expected tonight
We usually wash our laundry about every two weeks, and today it was time again for that chore. Since we went to a laundromat, we were able to wash and dry everything in a little more than an hour. After finishing the clothes, we decided to splurge and went to MacDonald's for lunch. The MacDonald's we went to is in Northport, and enjoys a certain amount of fame because Ronald Reagan ate there in 1984 after giving a speech at the University of Alabama. He had a Big Mac, large french fries, and a large sweetened iced tea. After MacDonald's, we needed a few groceries, so we stopped at the WalMart Mall. Then on to home to put everything away. Whew!! Busy morning. And that was after my morning walk.
When I went out to the house this afternoon, I found that the armadillos had been at their mischief again, tearing up the yard and flower beds. As much as I don't want to, I guess I'll have to spend some time out there to get rid of a few of them. I have a feeling that the damage is being caused by no more than two or three armadillos. It doesn't take many to tear a yard up.
Gas prices continue to go down in this area. The lowest I saw today was $2.57 per gallon, and almost every day sees it go down more. I'm glad to see lower prices, but it appears it is because of the weak economy. That's unfortunate, since people are suffering financially, and there is every indication that it is going to get worse before it gets better. I hope that if the country learns anything from this, it would be that there is no free ride, we don't have to have everything right now, and it is best to be conservative in our financial dealings. If we can't afford it, we shouldn't buy it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Mobile, Alabama: The Port City
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Armadillos Out Of Control
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 47 degrees, high 75 degrees, clear skies early, partly cloudy in the afternoon and evening
We had an errand to do in Tuscaloosa this morning, so we combined the trip with a visit to the library. As I have written before, we are avid readers, so we take every opportunity to pick up new material.
After leaving Tuscaloosa, we went out to the house to make sure everything was okay for another viewing by a family this evening. It's a good thing we went out there, because armadillos had gotten into the flower beds and yard, digging up several places. We repaired the damage as well as we could, but I am thinking that the armadillos may become a recurring problem if we don't find a solution. One solution would include the use of a gun, but it would also require that I spend a lot more time out there than I want to. If anyone knows what will stop this problem, please let me know.
After returning home, we had a light lunch, then enjoyed some meditation for the first time in the last three days. Later in the afternoon, I spent some time removing splattered bugs from the front of the RV. It was harder to remove the bugs than I thought it would be because part of them were the old Florida curse, love bugs. If you have never had the misfortune to experience the damage that love bugs can do a vehicle, count yourself lucky. I have never been able to figure out what use these bugs are. Even the birds avoid them. Luckily, these bugs only hatch out twice a year for about three weeks at a time. Thank God, because life would be unbearable in those areas where love bugs live. For some reason, they seem to be attracted to highways, where it appears they gravitate to the vehicles on the roads. At least we don't have to worry about them for awhile.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Havana, Florida: The Friendliest City In Florida
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 47 degrees, high 75 degrees, clear skies early, partly cloudy in the afternoon and evening
We had an errand to do in Tuscaloosa this morning, so we combined the trip with a visit to the library. As I have written before, we are avid readers, so we take every opportunity to pick up new material.
After leaving Tuscaloosa, we went out to the house to make sure everything was okay for another viewing by a family this evening. It's a good thing we went out there, because armadillos had gotten into the flower beds and yard, digging up several places. We repaired the damage as well as we could, but I am thinking that the armadillos may become a recurring problem if we don't find a solution. One solution would include the use of a gun, but it would also require that I spend a lot more time out there than I want to. If anyone knows what will stop this problem, please let me know.
After returning home, we had a light lunch, then enjoyed some meditation for the first time in the last three days. Later in the afternoon, I spent some time removing splattered bugs from the front of the RV. It was harder to remove the bugs than I thought it would be because part of them were the old Florida curse, love bugs. If you have never had the misfortune to experience the damage that love bugs can do a vehicle, count yourself lucky. I have never been able to figure out what use these bugs are. Even the birds avoid them. Luckily, these bugs only hatch out twice a year for about three weeks at a time. Thank God, because life would be unbearable in those areas where love bugs live. For some reason, they seem to be attracted to highways, where it appears they gravitate to the vehicles on the roads. At least we don't have to worry about them for awhile.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Havana, Florida: The Friendliest City In Florida
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Full Moon Bar-B-Que
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 75 degrees, clear skies
After my morning walk (yes, I wore gloves for those who were wondering) and breakfast, I spent most of the day helping Terri take care of some personal business in Tuscaloosa. When I got home in the late afternoon, I noticed that the leaves in the yard had magically disappeared. Carolyn told me that our next door neighbor, Billy Plowman, had gotten rid of them. I'm going to have to find a way to repay him. Have I said lately how fortunate we are to have good neighbors and great landlords?
Carolyn has taken up a new hobby. She has wanted to learn how to knit for many years, and over the summer, she taught herself the basic stitches. When I got home, she asked me to take her to look for more knitting needles. We found what she was looking for at Hobby Lobby, as well as several items that were on sale. After leaving Hobby Lobby, we decided to go into Tuesday Morning, a store that sells overstocked items at a deep discount. After looking over the entire store, she bought a new paring knife. It is a quality knife by Chicago Cutlery, and only cost $4.50. We saw many items that seemed to be good buys, but we are only able to carry just so much stuff in the RV. That's probably a blessing that helps us save money.
After the shopping, we decided we wanted to eat away from home. There happened to be a bar-b-que restaurant in the same shopping area, so we decided to try it out. The restaurant is Full Moon Bar-B-Que, and the food was not bad. Carolyn got the sliced pork butt with french fries, baked beans, and toasted bun. I ordered the chopped pork butt with cole slaw, french fries, and toasted bun. There was plenty of food, and it was not bad. Both plates included chow chow on the side, along with pickles. I can see us going there again.
After eating, it was time to go home and get settled for the night.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Donalsonville, Georgia: Gateway To Lake Seminole
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 75 degrees, clear skies
After my morning walk (yes, I wore gloves for those who were wondering) and breakfast, I spent most of the day helping Terri take care of some personal business in Tuscaloosa. When I got home in the late afternoon, I noticed that the leaves in the yard had magically disappeared. Carolyn told me that our next door neighbor, Billy Plowman, had gotten rid of them. I'm going to have to find a way to repay him. Have I said lately how fortunate we are to have good neighbors and great landlords?
Carolyn has taken up a new hobby. She has wanted to learn how to knit for many years, and over the summer, she taught herself the basic stitches. When I got home, she asked me to take her to look for more knitting needles. We found what she was looking for at Hobby Lobby, as well as several items that were on sale. After leaving Hobby Lobby, we decided to go into Tuesday Morning, a store that sells overstocked items at a deep discount. After looking over the entire store, she bought a new paring knife. It is a quality knife by Chicago Cutlery, and only cost $4.50. We saw many items that seemed to be good buys, but we are only able to carry just so much stuff in the RV. That's probably a blessing that helps us save money.
After the shopping, we decided we wanted to eat away from home. There happened to be a bar-b-que restaurant in the same shopping area, so we decided to try it out. The restaurant is Full Moon Bar-B-Que, and the food was not bad. Carolyn got the sliced pork butt with french fries, baked beans, and toasted bun. I ordered the chopped pork butt with cole slaw, french fries, and toasted bun. There was plenty of food, and it was not bad. Both plates included chow chow on the side, along with pickles. I can see us going there again.
After eating, it was time to go home and get settled for the night.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Donalsonville, Georgia: Gateway To Lake Seminole
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Success With A Doctor
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies
The morning walk was so cool that I used my gloves for the first time this fall. Okay, I admit it; I'm getting soft. Or, is it called getting old? Whatever it is called, the gloves felt good for most of the walk. And I'll probably use them again tomorrow.
After getting home and eating breakfast, we didn't do much until about noon when we went over to Terri's apartment for a visit. From there, we went to Carolyn's appointment with a doctor (#5) about the nodules on her legs. Good news: the doctor knew what the problem was soon as she saw the nodules. She spouted off a long diagnosis that Carolyn had never heard before, but the doctor assured her that the nodules are not life threatening and will be fairly easy to treat. A biopsy was performed on the biggest nodule to ensure the best medicine is used. Carolyn has to go back in two weeks to have a single stitch removed where the biopsy was performed, but the doctor expects the problem to be cleared up before then. It's too bad it took so long to find someone who knew what the problem was.
I have been looking for a pair of walking shoes for several weeks because the ones I have been using have just about bit the dust. Even the old standby WalMart didn't have anything I wanted. Finally, I found a pair today at K-Mart that fits well and I think they'll do a good job. I'm not interested in the flashy ones. Just give me a simple pair of shoes at a good value and I'm happy.
After getting home from the doctor's office, I mowed and used the weed eater on the yard at the RV. Afterward, I went down to the propane distributor and filled an empty bottle. That gives us two full bottles, so we shouldn't run out in the middle of the night when it's cold.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Eustis, Florida: The City of Bright Tomorrows
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies
The morning walk was so cool that I used my gloves for the first time this fall. Okay, I admit it; I'm getting soft. Or, is it called getting old? Whatever it is called, the gloves felt good for most of the walk. And I'll probably use them again tomorrow.
After getting home and eating breakfast, we didn't do much until about noon when we went over to Terri's apartment for a visit. From there, we went to Carolyn's appointment with a doctor (#5) about the nodules on her legs. Good news: the doctor knew what the problem was soon as she saw the nodules. She spouted off a long diagnosis that Carolyn had never heard before, but the doctor assured her that the nodules are not life threatening and will be fairly easy to treat. A biopsy was performed on the biggest nodule to ensure the best medicine is used. Carolyn has to go back in two weeks to have a single stitch removed where the biopsy was performed, but the doctor expects the problem to be cleared up before then. It's too bad it took so long to find someone who knew what the problem was.
I have been looking for a pair of walking shoes for several weeks because the ones I have been using have just about bit the dust. Even the old standby WalMart didn't have anything I wanted. Finally, I found a pair today at K-Mart that fits well and I think they'll do a good job. I'm not interested in the flashy ones. Just give me a simple pair of shoes at a good value and I'm happy.
After getting home from the doctor's office, I mowed and used the weed eater on the yard at the RV. Afterward, I went down to the propane distributor and filled an empty bottle. That gives us two full bottles, so we shouldn't run out in the middle of the night when it's cold.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Eustis, Florida: The City of Bright Tomorrows
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Finished Boiling Peanuts
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 42 degrees, high 69 degrees, clear skies
The outstanding weather continues, and should for another few days. We went out to the house and finished boiling the green peanuts. Even after eating what we have, we were still able to put about 30 quarts in the freezer. It looks like we will have boiled peanuts to enjoy for awhile. And it was at an average price of about $1.00 per quart. If we had bought this many peanuts already cooked, they would have cost us $5.00 to $7.00 per quart. That's quite a savings.
While we were waiting for the peanuts to cook, I puttered around in the yard. There were two piles of yard trash I had been planning on burning, but decided to just drag it off into the woods. After doing that, I ran the mower over the spots to get rid of the straggly weeds that had grown up around the piles. Even though it was cool weather, I managed to work up a little bit of a sweat. The reason I had not done anything about the piles of yard trash before now was that I didn't want to take a chance of stirring up a snake, especially after being startled by the rattlesnake a few weeks ago. The cooler weather tends to slow the snakes down.
After the yard work, I was sitting in the garage reading a book. I happened to look up the driveway toward the road and noticed three deer walk out of the woods. They were in full view for about ten minutes. I told Carolyn to come look. Both of us enjoy seeing wildlife, especially in the natural state such as what we have around the house. There are usually several hummingbirds around, but the cooler weather seems to have prompted them to move south.
After finishing at the house, we returned home for a well-earned bout of meditation. Tomorrow, Carolyn has an appointment with another doctor about the nodules on the calf of her legs (this makes five doctors for the same complaint). We're hopeful this doctor will know what the problem is and how to fix it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ozark, Alabama: A City For All Seasons, A City For All Reasons
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 42 degrees, high 69 degrees, clear skies
The outstanding weather continues, and should for another few days. We went out to the house and finished boiling the green peanuts. Even after eating what we have, we were still able to put about 30 quarts in the freezer. It looks like we will have boiled peanuts to enjoy for awhile. And it was at an average price of about $1.00 per quart. If we had bought this many peanuts already cooked, they would have cost us $5.00 to $7.00 per quart. That's quite a savings.
While we were waiting for the peanuts to cook, I puttered around in the yard. There were two piles of yard trash I had been planning on burning, but decided to just drag it off into the woods. After doing that, I ran the mower over the spots to get rid of the straggly weeds that had grown up around the piles. Even though it was cool weather, I managed to work up a little bit of a sweat. The reason I had not done anything about the piles of yard trash before now was that I didn't want to take a chance of stirring up a snake, especially after being startled by the rattlesnake a few weeks ago. The cooler weather tends to slow the snakes down.
After the yard work, I was sitting in the garage reading a book. I happened to look up the driveway toward the road and noticed three deer walk out of the woods. They were in full view for about ten minutes. I told Carolyn to come look. Both of us enjoy seeing wildlife, especially in the natural state such as what we have around the house. There are usually several hummingbirds around, but the cooler weather seems to have prompted them to move south.
After finishing at the house, we returned home for a well-earned bout of meditation. Tomorrow, Carolyn has an appointment with another doctor about the nodules on the calf of her legs (this makes five doctors for the same complaint). We're hopeful this doctor will know what the problem is and how to fix it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ozark, Alabama: A City For All Seasons, A City For All Reasons
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Coooool Morning
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 43 degrees, high 71 degrees, clear skies
This was the coolest morning of the fall so far, and it felt great. When I went for my morning walk, I could see my breath. No sweating today, and I actually wore a windbreaker while walking. Tomorrow is supposed to be even cooler, so I think I'll get my gloves out for the walk.
After returning home and eating breakfast, we went out to the house and boiled more peanuts. We put nine more quarts in the freezer, and should finish up tomorrow. While we were waiting on the peanuts to cook, we spent part of the time watching several deer on the property. We knew there were deer there before this, but the dogs always scared them away. Now that the dogs are gone and hardly anyone goes to the house, the deer are beginning to show themselves. I also did some trimming on shrubs and trees.
After finishing up with what we wanted to do at the house, we returned home. I hooked up our sewer hose and dumped the holding tanks. We should be okay on space for about two weeks before we have to dump again. That is if we don't hook the RV up to the truck and go somewhere. I noticed that our drinking water line connected to the faucet was leaking, but I didn't have any parts to repair it with. We went to the mall (WalMart, that is), but they were out of hose repair parts. So, I picked up a new drinking water hose and changed it out with the old one. No more leak.
After all that work, it was time for some meditation. Then I watched a little college football, while Carolyn was doing her thing. Overall, a good day. And we couldn't ask for better weather.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Kingman, Arizona: The Heart Of Historic Route 66
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 43 degrees, high 71 degrees, clear skies
This was the coolest morning of the fall so far, and it felt great. When I went for my morning walk, I could see my breath. No sweating today, and I actually wore a windbreaker while walking. Tomorrow is supposed to be even cooler, so I think I'll get my gloves out for the walk.
After returning home and eating breakfast, we went out to the house and boiled more peanuts. We put nine more quarts in the freezer, and should finish up tomorrow. While we were waiting on the peanuts to cook, we spent part of the time watching several deer on the property. We knew there were deer there before this, but the dogs always scared them away. Now that the dogs are gone and hardly anyone goes to the house, the deer are beginning to show themselves. I also did some trimming on shrubs and trees.
After finishing up with what we wanted to do at the house, we returned home. I hooked up our sewer hose and dumped the holding tanks. We should be okay on space for about two weeks before we have to dump again. That is if we don't hook the RV up to the truck and go somewhere. I noticed that our drinking water line connected to the faucet was leaking, but I didn't have any parts to repair it with. We went to the mall (WalMart, that is), but they were out of hose repair parts. So, I picked up a new drinking water hose and changed it out with the old one. No more leak.
After all that work, it was time for some meditation. Then I watched a little college football, while Carolyn was doing her thing. Overall, a good day. And we couldn't ask for better weather.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Kingman, Arizona: The Heart Of Historic Route 66
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Rainy Day, Boiling Peanuts
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 59 degrees, high 64 degrees, rain until about noon, clearing late in the afternoon
We woke to rain, which was much needed by the area. The rain was steady until noon, but was not heavy enough to puddle. As a result, all of it soaked in. I needed to finish the mowing, but it will wait until tomorrow.
We boiled more peanuts, and now we have placed 15 quarts in the freezer. We continue to be hampered by the size of our pots, because we only have one that is of any size. We're using four pots, but three of them are small. Based on what we have already cooked, we estimate we have about 15 more quarts to cook. Buying the bushel was a real bargain.
We had another party looking at the house this afternoon. No information tonight as to whether there is any more interest in it. I don't think we could have picked a worse time to place the house on the market. Of course, there are plenty of other folks in the same situation. A year ago, the house wouldn't have been on the market more than a month. The economy in this area still seems to be stable, but I think all the bad economic news is affecting people's spending. I know that we would be thinking twice if we were in the market for a house.
While in Ocala this past week, I happened to find five generations of a family together at one time. That is a rare occurrence in this era of families living far apart. The five generations included Carolyn's mother Doris, her oldest son Billy, Billy's daughter Judy, Judy's daughters Belinda, Ashelee, and Lexyia, and Belinda's daughter, Madisyn. Below is a picture of the happy occasion.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Russellville, Alabama: A Great Place To Call Home
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 59 degrees, high 64 degrees, rain until about noon, clearing late in the afternoon
We woke to rain, which was much needed by the area. The rain was steady until noon, but was not heavy enough to puddle. As a result, all of it soaked in. I needed to finish the mowing, but it will wait until tomorrow.
We boiled more peanuts, and now we have placed 15 quarts in the freezer. We continue to be hampered by the size of our pots, because we only have one that is of any size. We're using four pots, but three of them are small. Based on what we have already cooked, we estimate we have about 15 more quarts to cook. Buying the bushel was a real bargain.
We had another party looking at the house this afternoon. No information tonight as to whether there is any more interest in it. I don't think we could have picked a worse time to place the house on the market. Of course, there are plenty of other folks in the same situation. A year ago, the house wouldn't have been on the market more than a month. The economy in this area still seems to be stable, but I think all the bad economic news is affecting people's spending. I know that we would be thinking twice if we were in the market for a house.
While in Ocala this past week, I happened to find five generations of a family together at one time. That is a rare occurrence in this era of families living far apart. The five generations included Carolyn's mother Doris, her oldest son Billy, Billy's daughter Judy, Judy's daughters Belinda, Ashelee, and Lexyia, and Belinda's daughter, Madisyn. Below is a picture of the happy occasion.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Russellville, Alabama: A Great Place To Call Home
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Mowing The Yard, Boiling Peanuts
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 59 degrees, high 85 degrees, mostly cloudy skies
We were tired after our trip back to Coker, so we were lazy this morning, not getting up until almost 0700 hours. I know that may not seem late to many people, but we're so used to getting up earlier, it seemed like we were getting a late start on the day.
After my morning walk and a short rest, we went out to the house. While I was mowing, Carolyn started boiling peanuts. A bushel is a lot of peanuts, and we knew that cooking them on the RV stove would take a long time, so we decided to cook them at the house. We only have one big pot, but we took two other smaller pots as well with us to cook in. With the three pots, we managed to cook about seven quarts of peanuts. Tomorrow, we'll cook some more.
I managed to mow most of the yard, and will finish up tomorrow. In addition, I'll have to trim the shrubs in preparation for the showing tomorrow afternoon. After we got back to the RV, I went to the library in Tuscaloosa to return some books and pick up more.
Terri and Thomas came over to the RV tonight. Thomas entertained us with his new found skills as a magician. At this time, he is most interested in card tricks, and he's getting good at it. They tried out the boiled peanuts, and gave their seal of approval after several taste tests. It's always good to have an independent observation of your efforts.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dothan, Alabama: Meeting The Challenge, Shaping The Future
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 59 degrees, high 85 degrees, mostly cloudy skies
We were tired after our trip back to Coker, so we were lazy this morning, not getting up until almost 0700 hours. I know that may not seem late to many people, but we're so used to getting up earlier, it seemed like we were getting a late start on the day.
After my morning walk and a short rest, we went out to the house. While I was mowing, Carolyn started boiling peanuts. A bushel is a lot of peanuts, and we knew that cooking them on the RV stove would take a long time, so we decided to cook them at the house. We only have one big pot, but we took two other smaller pots as well with us to cook in. With the three pots, we managed to cook about seven quarts of peanuts. Tomorrow, we'll cook some more.
I managed to mow most of the yard, and will finish up tomorrow. In addition, I'll have to trim the shrubs in preparation for the showing tomorrow afternoon. After we got back to the RV, I went to the library in Tuscaloosa to return some books and pick up more.
Terri and Thomas came over to the RV tonight. Thomas entertained us with his new found skills as a magician. At this time, he is most interested in card tricks, and he's getting good at it. They tried out the boiled peanuts, and gave their seal of approval after several taste tests. It's always good to have an independent observation of your efforts.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dothan, Alabama: Meeting The Challenge, Shaping The Future
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Back In Coker
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 59 degrees in Troy, Alabama, high 82 degrees in Coker, clear skies
We got an early start this morning and were on the road by 0740 hours. Our trip from Troy to Coker was uneventful, except for the bypass around the south side of Montgomery. It seems as though we are always hitting that area when traffic is very heavy. However, once we got through that area, traffic was light, and the rest of the trip was easy.
We arrived in Coker about 1130 hours, and had the RV parked and set up by 1200. The rest of the day was spent taking it easy. In the afternoon, we received a call from the Realtor informing us that they were going to show the house to a potential buyer on Friday. Tomorrow, we will go out to the house and make sure everything is okay out there. While there, we'll start boiling the green peanuts we bought in Florida. Carolyn is showing great restraint in not eating them before we boil them.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Brundidge, Alabama: Alabama’s Own Antique City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 59 degrees in Troy, Alabama, high 82 degrees in Coker, clear skies
We got an early start this morning and were on the road by 0740 hours. Our trip from Troy to Coker was uneventful, except for the bypass around the south side of Montgomery. It seems as though we are always hitting that area when traffic is very heavy. However, once we got through that area, traffic was light, and the rest of the trip was easy.
We arrived in Coker about 1130 hours, and had the RV parked and set up by 1200. The rest of the day was spent taking it easy. In the afternoon, we received a call from the Realtor informing us that they were going to show the house to a potential buyer on Friday. Tomorrow, we will go out to the house and make sure everything is okay out there. While there, we'll start boiling the green peanuts we bought in Florida. Carolyn is showing great restraint in not eating them before we boil them.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Brundidge, Alabama: Alabama’s Own Antique City
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Parked Near Troy, Alabama
Troy, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees in Ocala, Florida, high 83 degrees in Troy, Alabama, partly cloudy skies
We left Ocala this morning as planned. We had a great time visiting, but it was time to go back to Tuscaloosa. Traffic was not heavy, and the weather was perfect for traveling. We didn't have much happen that's worth relating on the blog, other than I hope we have enough green peanuts left to boil by the time we get back. Carolyn LOVES green peanuts.
One thing I was glad to see was that the truck got 13 miles per gallon pulling the RV today. That is outstanding performance, especially in this time of high fuel prices. We were able to buy diesel in Donalsonville, Georgia, for $3.499 a gallon, which is the least we have paid since March 1 of this year. I know the only reason it is this low is because of the economic problems. As soon as demand increases, prices will go right back up. Oh, well. Enjoy it while we can.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Troy, Alabama: A Wonderful Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees in Ocala, Florida, high 83 degrees in Troy, Alabama, partly cloudy skies
We left Ocala this morning as planned. We had a great time visiting, but it was time to go back to Tuscaloosa. Traffic was not heavy, and the weather was perfect for traveling. We didn't have much happen that's worth relating on the blog, other than I hope we have enough green peanuts left to boil by the time we get back. Carolyn LOVES green peanuts.
One thing I was glad to see was that the truck got 13 miles per gallon pulling the RV today. That is outstanding performance, especially in this time of high fuel prices. We were able to buy diesel in Donalsonville, Georgia, for $3.499 a gallon, which is the least we have paid since March 1 of this year. I know the only reason it is this low is because of the economic problems. As soon as demand increases, prices will go right back up. Oh, well. Enjoy it while we can.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Troy, Alabama: A Wonderful Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Green Peanuts
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 87 degrees, partly cloudy skies
I got an early start this morning (nothing new for me), and was finally able to get the tires on the truck rotated and balanced. Even though I was the first customer of the day for the shop, it still took almost two hours. I have not gotten the greatest service out of this Sear's store here. Here's a little bit of how the exchange went with the service writer today.
Me: I would like to have my tires balanced and rotated as part of the warranty service on the tires.
Service Writer: Is there any vibration?
Me: No.
Service Writer: Then you don't need to have your tires balanced.
Me: I want my tires balanced.
Service Writer: You don't need it.
Me: I want my tires balanced.
Service Writer: I'm just saying that if you don't have any vibration, you don't need balancing.
Me: How many times do I have to tell you that I want my tires balanced.
Service Writer: Okay.
I think what is going on is that Sear's was not making any money on this deal, so they were trying to keep their costs down. I don't mind them saving money, but not at my expense.
We spent most of the afternoon at Carolyn's mother's house, visiting with different brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. That's right, five generations were present at one time, and I got a picture of the event. I'll try to get it into the blog soon.
You may have gathered from some of the entries in the blog over the last week that Carolyn loves boiled peanuts. After we left her mother's house this afternoon, we drove up to Citra, a small town about 15 miles north of Ocala. There is a vegetable warehouse there that receives and processes vegetables from the local farmers. As we drove up to the warehouse, we saw that they were unloading green peanuts, fresh from the fields. I went into the office and found that they sold to the public. A bushel of green peanuts was $32.00, so I waited for the staff to wash a bushel for us. That was really a stroke of luck to drive up just as they were unloading the freshly picked peanuts. We will be taking them back with us to Tuscaloosa, where we will boil them. Obviously, we won't be able to eat that many peanuts before they spoil, so we'll freeze most of them and enjoy them later on.
Earlier today, I found another RV park that I think we will be using in the future when visiting here. The park we are in at this time has amenities that we don't use, but we still have to pay for them. The new park has what we need and use, and it will be less expensive.
We will be leaving here tomorrow, on our way back to Tuscaloosa. The return trip will take at least two days. Carolyn has a doctor's appointment next Monday. After that, we will start making our plans to go to Texas for a couple of weeks.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Citra, Florida: Home Of The Pineapple Orange
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 87 degrees, partly cloudy skies
I got an early start this morning (nothing new for me), and was finally able to get the tires on the truck rotated and balanced. Even though I was the first customer of the day for the shop, it still took almost two hours. I have not gotten the greatest service out of this Sear's store here. Here's a little bit of how the exchange went with the service writer today.
Me: I would like to have my tires balanced and rotated as part of the warranty service on the tires.
Service Writer: Is there any vibration?
Me: No.
Service Writer: Then you don't need to have your tires balanced.
Me: I want my tires balanced.
Service Writer: You don't need it.
Me: I want my tires balanced.
Service Writer: I'm just saying that if you don't have any vibration, you don't need balancing.
Me: How many times do I have to tell you that I want my tires balanced.
Service Writer: Okay.
I think what is going on is that Sear's was not making any money on this deal, so they were trying to keep their costs down. I don't mind them saving money, but not at my expense.
We spent most of the afternoon at Carolyn's mother's house, visiting with different brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. That's right, five generations were present at one time, and I got a picture of the event. I'll try to get it into the blog soon.
You may have gathered from some of the entries in the blog over the last week that Carolyn loves boiled peanuts. After we left her mother's house this afternoon, we drove up to Citra, a small town about 15 miles north of Ocala. There is a vegetable warehouse there that receives and processes vegetables from the local farmers. As we drove up to the warehouse, we saw that they were unloading green peanuts, fresh from the fields. I went into the office and found that they sold to the public. A bushel of green peanuts was $32.00, so I waited for the staff to wash a bushel for us. That was really a stroke of luck to drive up just as they were unloading the freshly picked peanuts. We will be taking them back with us to Tuscaloosa, where we will boil them. Obviously, we won't be able to eat that many peanuts before they spoil, so we'll freeze most of them and enjoy them later on.
Earlier today, I found another RV park that I think we will be using in the future when visiting here. The park we are in at this time has amenities that we don't use, but we still have to pay for them. The new park has what we need and use, and it will be less expensive.
We will be leaving here tomorrow, on our way back to Tuscaloosa. The return trip will take at least two days. Carolyn has a doctor's appointment next Monday. After that, we will start making our plans to go to Texas for a couple of weeks.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Citra, Florida: Home Of The Pineapple Orange
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Easy Day In Ocala
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 90 degrees, partly cloudy, late afternoon shower
Both of us were tired after our trip to Lakeland yesterday to visit my sister Janie and her husband Wayne. In addition, it was almost midnight before I went to bed because I was watching the University of Florida give Louisiana State University a good old fashioned whipping in college football, 51 to 21. It was after 0700 hours this morning before we woke up. We would have probably slept longer if there hadn't been some motor homes leaving the campground at that time.
We stayed at home most of the day, and washed our laundry in preparation for leaving here on Tuesday. After lunch, I went over to a large flea market to see if there was anything we needed. Most of the stuff that was being sold was the typical junk from China. I did find a nice red pepper that I bought for $0.75 for Carolyn to use in cooking. One thing I noticed about the flea market was that only about half the stalls were being used. When I have visited the market in the past, all the stalls were rented. I don't know if the vacant stalls is because of the economy or not.
On the way home, I stopped at a roadside vendor who was selling boiled green peanuts. I was going to buy some, but apparently the vendor didn't really want to sell them, because she wanted $5.00 for a quart bag of peanuts. That's much more than I think they are worth.
When I returned from the market, we went over to Carolyn's mother's house to visit. We had a good visit, laughing a lot about past experiences and reminiscing about memories. Some of Carolyn's relatives were there, and they are all worried about the economy. Most of Carolyn's family works in construction or building related industries, and there is hardly any activity going on in those businesses.
Readers of the blog can probably figure out how I feel about the government getting involved in bailing out the banks and Wall Street. Over the past few years, we have seen so many instances and examples of people expecting someone else to make them whole when a loss occurs. Examples include the hurricanes of the recent past. While we have been here, we have talked to a lot of people who cannot understand how our government can give $700,000,000,000 or more to people who got themselves into the fix they are in through greed or failure to pay due diligence.
The folks I have talked to do not want handouts or a free ride. These people don't have 401-ks or own stock portfolios. All they want is the opportunity to make a decent living for their families. They are willing to relocate and start over if they have to. When will there be help for people like these? Answer: never, because these are people who go through life doing their best everyday, not causing any waves, just trying to get by.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lady Lake, Florida: The Town Of Lakes And Sunshine
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 90 degrees, partly cloudy, late afternoon shower
Both of us were tired after our trip to Lakeland yesterday to visit my sister Janie and her husband Wayne. In addition, it was almost midnight before I went to bed because I was watching the University of Florida give Louisiana State University a good old fashioned whipping in college football, 51 to 21. It was after 0700 hours this morning before we woke up. We would have probably slept longer if there hadn't been some motor homes leaving the campground at that time.
We stayed at home most of the day, and washed our laundry in preparation for leaving here on Tuesday. After lunch, I went over to a large flea market to see if there was anything we needed. Most of the stuff that was being sold was the typical junk from China. I did find a nice red pepper that I bought for $0.75 for Carolyn to use in cooking. One thing I noticed about the flea market was that only about half the stalls were being used. When I have visited the market in the past, all the stalls were rented. I don't know if the vacant stalls is because of the economy or not.
On the way home, I stopped at a roadside vendor who was selling boiled green peanuts. I was going to buy some, but apparently the vendor didn't really want to sell them, because she wanted $5.00 for a quart bag of peanuts. That's much more than I think they are worth.
When I returned from the market, we went over to Carolyn's mother's house to visit. We had a good visit, laughing a lot about past experiences and reminiscing about memories. Some of Carolyn's relatives were there, and they are all worried about the economy. Most of Carolyn's family works in construction or building related industries, and there is hardly any activity going on in those businesses.
Readers of the blog can probably figure out how I feel about the government getting involved in bailing out the banks and Wall Street. Over the past few years, we have seen so many instances and examples of people expecting someone else to make them whole when a loss occurs. Examples include the hurricanes of the recent past. While we have been here, we have talked to a lot of people who cannot understand how our government can give $700,000,000,000 or more to people who got themselves into the fix they are in through greed or failure to pay due diligence.
The folks I have talked to do not want handouts or a free ride. These people don't have 401-ks or own stock portfolios. All they want is the opportunity to make a decent living for their families. They are willing to relocate and start over if they have to. When will there be help for people like these? Answer: never, because these are people who go through life doing their best everyday, not causing any waves, just trying to get by.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lady Lake, Florida: The Town Of Lakes And Sunshine
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Janie's Biscuits
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly cloudy early, partly cloudy in the afternoon
We made a trip down to Lakeland to see my sister Janie and her husband Wayne today. The trip was about 120 miles each way, and traffic was fairly light. Arriving about 1030 hours, we had lunch about 1200 hours. The food consisted of Publix fired chicken, potato salad, conch peas, and those outstanding home made biscuits that Janie is so good at baking. As good as the food was, the company was even better. After lunch, we managed to have a discussion about politics, the economy, and all the world's ills that I'm sure would go a long way to solving our problems if we could get anyone that matters in Washington to listen.
We had a great visit, and look forward to the next one. As I have said before, we always enjoy visiting family.
We arrived home about 1815 hours, and both of us had sinus headaches. We felt better after taking something for the headaches and resting. Florida plays LSU in college football up in Gainesville later on tonight, so I'll be watching it on TV. Go Gators!!
The Met Life blimp is in the area for the football game, and I took some pictures of it earlier this week. Check it out below.
There is a lot of excitement in Florida over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays making it to the baseball playoffs. They lost the first game of the American League divisional playoffs to Boston last night, but they have another chance tonight. Here's hoping they can get a win.
It's almost time for the football game to start, so I'll close for today.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lakeland, Florida: A True Sense of Place
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly cloudy early, partly cloudy in the afternoon
We made a trip down to Lakeland to see my sister Janie and her husband Wayne today. The trip was about 120 miles each way, and traffic was fairly light. Arriving about 1030 hours, we had lunch about 1200 hours. The food consisted of Publix fired chicken, potato salad, conch peas, and those outstanding home made biscuits that Janie is so good at baking. As good as the food was, the company was even better. After lunch, we managed to have a discussion about politics, the economy, and all the world's ills that I'm sure would go a long way to solving our problems if we could get anyone that matters in Washington to listen.
We had a great visit, and look forward to the next one. As I have said before, we always enjoy visiting family.
We arrived home about 1815 hours, and both of us had sinus headaches. We felt better after taking something for the headaches and resting. Florida plays LSU in college football up in Gainesville later on tonight, so I'll be watching it on TV. Go Gators!!
The Met Life blimp is in the area for the football game, and I took some pictures of it earlier this week. Check it out below.
There is a lot of excitement in Florida over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays making it to the baseball playoffs. They lost the first game of the American League divisional playoffs to Boston last night, but they have another chance tonight. Here's hoping they can get a win.
It's almost time for the football game to start, so I'll close for today.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lakeland, Florida: A True Sense of Place
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Horse Capital Of The World
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 73 degrees, high 87 degrees, partly cloudy
We made our first trip to the WalMart Mall since we have been here. It was time to pick up a few groceries, and for me to get my WalMart fix. Before going to WalMart, we had a couple of other errands to run. By the time all of that was done and the WalMart fix was complete, it was almost lunch time. I took Carolyn to her mother's house, where she met up with one of her sisters. Carolyn usually takes her mother and sister out to lunch at least once when we visit. Today was the day for lunch with them, so I left Carolyn at her mother's while I went home and had a sandwich. They went to Sonny's Bar-B-Que for sliced pork sandwiches with all the trimmings.
After I had lunch, I meditated a few minutes, then went to my brother Roger's house. I had not been able to reach him on the phone, but thought I might be able to see him if he was home. Apparently, he is working out of town, so I probably won't see him this trip. That's too bad, because I try to see family every chance I get. At least I'll be able to see my sister Janie tomorrow.
The area around Ocala is known as one of the best places in the country for breeding and raising thoroughbred horses. Many famous race horses have come from the area, including Needles, the first Florida bred winner of the Kentucky Derby, Carryback, and Affirmed, the last horse to win the triple crown since 1978. There are over 200 horse farms in the area. Since the industry is so important to the economy of the area, the Chamber of Commerce commissioned a number of artists to create original full sized abstract pieces of art based on the horses. Some of the pieces are on the old courthouse square, while others are scattered around town. Below are some pictures of the ones on the square.
When I returned home, I watched a little of the continuing drama with the stock market. It's enough to make a person barf. Our leaders told us that passing that big bail out would fix everything. Well, from my vantage point, it looks like it has made things worse. We are heading down a path of moving away from capitalism that appears to be a big mistake to me. And we don't have anyone in Washington or anywhere else that seems capable of stopping this runaway train we're on. On the other hand, there are some great buying opportunities out there.
The RV park we are staying in has about 75 spaces. When we checked in, I was told that they had a rally coming for the weekend with about 40 RVs slated to attend. As of tonight, only about 15 RVs have arrived. And the park is far from full. The busy season in Florida starts October 1, and at this time, it appears tourist related industries are going to have a bad season.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ocala, Florida: Horse Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 73 degrees, high 87 degrees, partly cloudy
We made our first trip to the WalMart Mall since we have been here. It was time to pick up a few groceries, and for me to get my WalMart fix. Before going to WalMart, we had a couple of other errands to run. By the time all of that was done and the WalMart fix was complete, it was almost lunch time. I took Carolyn to her mother's house, where she met up with one of her sisters. Carolyn usually takes her mother and sister out to lunch at least once when we visit. Today was the day for lunch with them, so I left Carolyn at her mother's while I went home and had a sandwich. They went to Sonny's Bar-B-Que for sliced pork sandwiches with all the trimmings.
After I had lunch, I meditated a few minutes, then went to my brother Roger's house. I had not been able to reach him on the phone, but thought I might be able to see him if he was home. Apparently, he is working out of town, so I probably won't see him this trip. That's too bad, because I try to see family every chance I get. At least I'll be able to see my sister Janie tomorrow.
The area around Ocala is known as one of the best places in the country for breeding and raising thoroughbred horses. Many famous race horses have come from the area, including Needles, the first Florida bred winner of the Kentucky Derby, Carryback, and Affirmed, the last horse to win the triple crown since 1978. There are over 200 horse farms in the area. Since the industry is so important to the economy of the area, the Chamber of Commerce commissioned a number of artists to create original full sized abstract pieces of art based on the horses. Some of the pieces are on the old courthouse square, while others are scattered around town. Below are some pictures of the ones on the square.
When I returned home, I watched a little of the continuing drama with the stock market. It's enough to make a person barf. Our leaders told us that passing that big bail out would fix everything. Well, from my vantage point, it looks like it has made things worse. We are heading down a path of moving away from capitalism that appears to be a big mistake to me. And we don't have anyone in Washington or anywhere else that seems capable of stopping this runaway train we're on. On the other hand, there are some great buying opportunities out there.
The RV park we are staying in has about 75 spaces. When we checked in, I was told that they had a rally coming for the weekend with about 40 RVs slated to attend. As of tonight, only about 15 RVs have arrived. And the park is far from full. The busy season in Florida starts October 1, and at this time, it appears tourist related industries are going to have a bad season.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ocala, Florida: Horse Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Marion Theatre
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, heavy showers in the afternoon
We spent most of the day visiting with Carolyn's mother. After lunch, I went to the old courthouse square in the center of downtown Ocala so I could take some pictures of where the old courthouse was. We received our marriage license there in 1963, and the building was torn down in the name of progress in 1965. I have a feeling that if the town had the decision to make again, they would have left the courthouse in place for the sake of posterity and tourism. The community does have a nice park in the center of town. Below is a picture of what the park looks like now.
When I was kid, I spent a lot of time on Saturday afternoons in the two local movie theaters, The Ritz Theater and The Marion Theater. The Ritz was torn down many years ago, and although the Marion is still standing, it is not being used for showing movies. To give an idea how long ago this was, I could go to the Ritz on Saturday for $.25, and only $.09 of that was for the ticket. The rest of the quarter was for popcorn and a Coke. The Marion was the high priced theater, costing $.25 for the movie. At the Ritz, for that $.09, I could see two features, a cartoon, a serial, and previews of the the coming attractions. All of this was before we had TV. Ahh, the good old days. Here's a picture of the Marion Theater as it looks now.
The Marion Theater will always have a special memory for me. When I was about five years old, my mother and I went to the Marion with my Aunt Velma to see Gone With The Wind. The thing that stood out about seeing the movie was when Atlanta was burning. When we came out of the theater, I thought we had entered the movie, because it seemed like all of downtown Ocala was on fire. Several buildings burned that night. Imagine what that was like to me as a five year old child. It seemed like the whole world was on fire.
Both of us have been suffering with sinus headaches since we arrived here. As a result, we haven't felt like doing much. On Saturday, we're driving down to Lakeland to visit my sister Janie and her husband Wayne. I've already asked her to have the biscuits warmed up.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: San Fran
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, heavy showers in the afternoon
We spent most of the day visiting with Carolyn's mother. After lunch, I went to the old courthouse square in the center of downtown Ocala so I could take some pictures of where the old courthouse was. We received our marriage license there in 1963, and the building was torn down in the name of progress in 1965. I have a feeling that if the town had the decision to make again, they would have left the courthouse in place for the sake of posterity and tourism. The community does have a nice park in the center of town. Below is a picture of what the park looks like now.
When I was kid, I spent a lot of time on Saturday afternoons in the two local movie theaters, The Ritz Theater and The Marion Theater. The Ritz was torn down many years ago, and although the Marion is still standing, it is not being used for showing movies. To give an idea how long ago this was, I could go to the Ritz on Saturday for $.25, and only $.09 of that was for the ticket. The rest of the quarter was for popcorn and a Coke. The Marion was the high priced theater, costing $.25 for the movie. At the Ritz, for that $.09, I could see two features, a cartoon, a serial, and previews of the the coming attractions. All of this was before we had TV. Ahh, the good old days. Here's a picture of the Marion Theater as it looks now.
The Marion Theater will always have a special memory for me. When I was about five years old, my mother and I went to the Marion with my Aunt Velma to see Gone With The Wind. The thing that stood out about seeing the movie was when Atlanta was burning. When we came out of the theater, I thought we had entered the movie, because it seemed like all of downtown Ocala was on fire. Several buildings burned that night. Imagine what that was like to me as a five year old child. It seemed like the whole world was on fire.
Both of us have been suffering with sinus headaches since we arrived here. As a result, we haven't felt like doing much. On Saturday, we're driving down to Lakeland to visit my sister Janie and her husband Wayne. I've already asked her to have the biscuits warmed up.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: San Fran
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Throw The Bums Out
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 88 degrees, partly cloudy skies
We had a typical Florida afternoon shower today, which cooled things off a little. The humidity is still bad, but we're more used to it after being in Coker all summer. More of the same is expected tomorrow.
We visited with Carolyn's folks from mid-morning until after 1500 hours. I went to Sears to have the tires on the truck rotated and balanced. After waiting about two hours, I was told they would not have the truck ready for at least another two hours. At that point, I told them if they had told me that kind of news to begin with, I would not have been hanging around. Just another example of poor customer service that seems so wide spread today.
The reason I was having the work performed at Sears is that we bought the tires on the truck from them, and as part of the deal, they perform rotation and balancing for nothing. I'm not sure if I'll try here again before we leave. I need to get the work done, but I don't like wasting my time like I did today. If we have to, we can get the service done in Tuscaloosa when we get back.
I'm sure everyone is noticing what is going on with the stock markets. We were told the $700,000,000,000 bailout was going to fix everything. Our politicians are really a lot smarter than the rest of us, aren't they? I feel better knowing all those smart people are taking such good care of us. NOT!! Let's throw all the bums out of office.
I know everything is not as simple as I have flippantly stated. I also know that it is going to take a lot of hard work to get this country back on it's feet. However, maybe as a nation we'll learn to be more conservative with our finances and spending, and plan more for the future, instead of thinking that we deserve everything right now. Wouldn't that be a new concept?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ocala, Florida: Different Pace. Better Place.
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 88 degrees, partly cloudy skies
We had a typical Florida afternoon shower today, which cooled things off a little. The humidity is still bad, but we're more used to it after being in Coker all summer. More of the same is expected tomorrow.
We visited with Carolyn's folks from mid-morning until after 1500 hours. I went to Sears to have the tires on the truck rotated and balanced. After waiting about two hours, I was told they would not have the truck ready for at least another two hours. At that point, I told them if they had told me that kind of news to begin with, I would not have been hanging around. Just another example of poor customer service that seems so wide spread today.
The reason I was having the work performed at Sears is that we bought the tires on the truck from them, and as part of the deal, they perform rotation and balancing for nothing. I'm not sure if I'll try here again before we leave. I need to get the work done, but I don't like wasting my time like I did today. If we have to, we can get the service done in Tuscaloosa when we get back.
I'm sure everyone is noticing what is going on with the stock markets. We were told the $700,000,000,000 bailout was going to fix everything. Our politicians are really a lot smarter than the rest of us, aren't they? I feel better knowing all those smart people are taking such good care of us. NOT!! Let's throw all the bums out of office.
I know everything is not as simple as I have flippantly stated. I also know that it is going to take a lot of hard work to get this country back on it's feet. However, maybe as a nation we'll learn to be more conservative with our finances and spending, and plan more for the future, instead of thinking that we deserve everything right now. Wouldn't that be a new concept?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ocala, Florida: Different Pace. Better Place.
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
We're In Ocala, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 70 degrees in Tallahassee, Florida, high 90 degrees in Ocala, Florida
Even though we were in a new place last night, we slept well because we were in our own bed. It was 1030 hours before we pulled out, and the first thing we noticed was that the traffic on I-10 did not seem as heavy as it was last year. Another thing we noticed was that the number of RVs was way down. When we reached I-75 and turned south toward Ocala, we noticed the same things: less traffic and fewer RVs. All of this is probably a result of high fuel prices and the economy woes.
We made an easy drive of about 185 miles down to Ocala, my hometown. We were parked and set up by 1400 hours, and rested until about 1700 hours. At that time, we started thinking about supper, because we had not eaten since breakfast. A thick, juicy hamburger sounded good, so we went to the local Back Yard Burgers restaurant. Good choice.
After eating, we went over to Carolyn's mother's to visit her. She is looking well, and says she is doing fine. We had a good visit and left after a couple of hours. Our travels had caught up with us, and we were ready to relax. Tomorrow will be another day to visit, and I'll try to get some pictures of the area.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ocala, Florida: Kingdom Of The Sun
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees in Tallahassee, Florida, high 90 degrees in Ocala, Florida
Even though we were in a new place last night, we slept well because we were in our own bed. It was 1030 hours before we pulled out, and the first thing we noticed was that the traffic on I-10 did not seem as heavy as it was last year. Another thing we noticed was that the number of RVs was way down. When we reached I-75 and turned south toward Ocala, we noticed the same things: less traffic and fewer RVs. All of this is probably a result of high fuel prices and the economy woes.
We made an easy drive of about 185 miles down to Ocala, my hometown. We were parked and set up by 1400 hours, and rested until about 1700 hours. At that time, we started thinking about supper, because we had not eaten since breakfast. A thick, juicy hamburger sounded good, so we went to the local Back Yard Burgers restaurant. Good choice.
After eating, we went over to Carolyn's mother's to visit her. She is looking well, and says she is doing fine. We had a good visit and left after a couple of hours. Our travels had caught up with us, and we were ready to relax. Tomorrow will be another day to visit, and I'll try to get some pictures of the area.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ocala, Florida: Kingdom Of The Sun
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Traveling
Tallahassee, Florida
Weather: low in Coker, Alabama was 58 degrees, high in Tallahassee, Florida was 88 degrees, mostly clear skies
As planned, we left Coker this morning. By the time we had everything ready to go, it was 0915 hours, which worked well with our plan to miss the morning rush hour. Traffic was fairly light all the way to Montgomery, where it seemed like it took us an hour to get through all the traffic lights on the south side of the city. As I mentioned yesterday, we would be traveling on US 231 all the way from Montgomery to Dothan, and it seemed every time we went through one of the towns on the way, all of the lights caught us. It was especially bad going around the east side of Dothan. Eventually, we got past all of that. I don't want it to sound like we didn't enjoy being out again. It was great. When we passed the Chattahoochee River, which is the state line between Alabama and Georgia, we felt a little cheated because the time changed from central daylight time to eastern daylight time, and we lost an hour. Oh, well, we'll gain it back when we go back to Alabama.
Our route from Dothan down to Tallahassee led us through farming country. The thing that interested Carolyn most was the peanuts that were being harvested. She has a hungry on for some boiled peanuts, so I guess you know one thing I will be doing when we get to Ocala.
For about 75 miles, the roadside was dotted with cotton that had blown off truckloads of the freshly picked crop on its way to the cotton gin. Picking cotton sure is a lot easier than it was when Carolyn was growing up. I never picked any, but she did. I don't think she misses that.
We were uncertain how plentiful fuel would be because of the shortage caused by Hurricane Ike. There were no problems finding fuel, and in many places, it was cheaper than in Coker. I paid the lowest price per gallon today since April.
We are spending the night a few miles north of Tallahassee. We went to a longtime favorite bar-b-que restaurant for supper named Sonny's. They have been in Florida for about 40 years, so that says something about their staying power.
We'll drive on down to Ocala tomorrow, and expect to be there about a week. I'll try to get some pictures and relate some remembrances of our time living there almost 30 years ago.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Centreville, Alabama: Flowing With Opportunities
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low in Coker, Alabama was 58 degrees, high in Tallahassee, Florida was 88 degrees, mostly clear skies
As planned, we left Coker this morning. By the time we had everything ready to go, it was 0915 hours, which worked well with our plan to miss the morning rush hour. Traffic was fairly light all the way to Montgomery, where it seemed like it took us an hour to get through all the traffic lights on the south side of the city. As I mentioned yesterday, we would be traveling on US 231 all the way from Montgomery to Dothan, and it seemed every time we went through one of the towns on the way, all of the lights caught us. It was especially bad going around the east side of Dothan. Eventually, we got past all of that. I don't want it to sound like we didn't enjoy being out again. It was great. When we passed the Chattahoochee River, which is the state line between Alabama and Georgia, we felt a little cheated because the time changed from central daylight time to eastern daylight time, and we lost an hour. Oh, well, we'll gain it back when we go back to Alabama.
Our route from Dothan down to Tallahassee led us through farming country. The thing that interested Carolyn most was the peanuts that were being harvested. She has a hungry on for some boiled peanuts, so I guess you know one thing I will be doing when we get to Ocala.
For about 75 miles, the roadside was dotted with cotton that had blown off truckloads of the freshly picked crop on its way to the cotton gin. Picking cotton sure is a lot easier than it was when Carolyn was growing up. I never picked any, but she did. I don't think she misses that.
We were uncertain how plentiful fuel would be because of the shortage caused by Hurricane Ike. There were no problems finding fuel, and in many places, it was cheaper than in Coker. I paid the lowest price per gallon today since April.
We are spending the night a few miles north of Tallahassee. We went to a longtime favorite bar-b-que restaurant for supper named Sonny's. They have been in Florida for about 40 years, so that says something about their staying power.
We'll drive on down to Ocala tomorrow, and expect to be there about a week. I'll try to get some pictures and relate some remembrances of our time living there almost 30 years ago.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Centreville, Alabama: Flowing With Opportunities
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Preps For Traveling
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 87 degrees, mostly clear skies
Tomorrow is the day we are leaving for 7-10 days to visit family in Florida. We finished getting everything ready that we could, including dumping our holding tanks, cleaning up the truck, stowing stuff away inside the RV, and all the other little things we do to travel. In the morning, we'll finish getting ready and hook up the RV to the truck. We expect to leave here about 0900 hours, which should allow us to miss the rush hour traffic in Tuscaloosa.
Our route to Florida will be via US 82 to Montgomery, where we will take US 231 south to Dothan. At Dothan, we will turn to the east and go through Bainbridge, Georgia on our way to Tallahassee, where we will turn east on I-10. We'll stay on I-10 to just north of Lake City, where we will take I-75 to Ocala. Normally, we don't like to travel the interstate highways, but we have been down these roads so many times, we just want to pass on through. We expect the trip to take us two days, because we don't get in a hurry.
We did some calculations to see if it would be cheaper to just drive down without the RV and stay in a hotel. We found that we will save about about half the cost if we take the RV, versus staying in a hotel. And a bonus is that we will have our home with us, with all the pluses that go with that.
We're looking forward to getting away for a few days.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - St. Augustine, Florida: The oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 87 degrees, mostly clear skies
Tomorrow is the day we are leaving for 7-10 days to visit family in Florida. We finished getting everything ready that we could, including dumping our holding tanks, cleaning up the truck, stowing stuff away inside the RV, and all the other little things we do to travel. In the morning, we'll finish getting ready and hook up the RV to the truck. We expect to leave here about 0900 hours, which should allow us to miss the rush hour traffic in Tuscaloosa.
Our route to Florida will be via US 82 to Montgomery, where we will take US 231 south to Dothan. At Dothan, we will turn to the east and go through Bainbridge, Georgia on our way to Tallahassee, where we will turn east on I-10. We'll stay on I-10 to just north of Lake City, where we will take I-75 to Ocala. Normally, we don't like to travel the interstate highways, but we have been down these roads so many times, we just want to pass on through. We expect the trip to take us two days, because we don't get in a hurry.
We did some calculations to see if it would be cheaper to just drive down without the RV and stay in a hotel. We found that we will save about about half the cost if we take the RV, versus staying in a hotel. And a bonus is that we will have our home with us, with all the pluses that go with that.
We're looking forward to getting away for a few days.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - St. Augustine, Florida: The oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Watching Football Games
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 51 degrees, high 83 degrees, mostly clear skies
We knew traffic would be heavy, at least until the football game started, so we decided to stay home for the morning. At least that was the plan. Before the morning was over, I had to go to the library and the WalMart Mall. Surprisingly, the traffic was lighter than I though it would be. I was able to get in and out of town with few holdups.
After lunch, I watched Florida beat Arkansas in a college football game, and then mowed the yard around the RV. After the mowing, I watched part of the Alabama and Kentucky game. At halftime of that game, I went over to the house to check things out, and was amazed at how little traffic there was on the roads. These Alabama fans really love their football team.
While at the house, I trimmed the shrubs and watered the plants. The yard is in pretty good shape, and should be okay while we are in Florida. I'll check it again tomorrow and water everything again so it'll continue to look good.
We decided we'll leave for Florida on Monday. Even though it's only about 500 miles to Ocala, we'll take two days to get there. That's not a problem, since we'll have our little house with us. We like to take our time and actually see the countryside when we travel. We are looking forward to seeing everyone down there.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cheyenne, Wyoming: Capital City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 51 degrees, high 83 degrees, mostly clear skies
We knew traffic would be heavy, at least until the football game started, so we decided to stay home for the morning. At least that was the plan. Before the morning was over, I had to go to the library and the WalMart Mall. Surprisingly, the traffic was lighter than I though it would be. I was able to get in and out of town with few holdups.
After lunch, I watched Florida beat Arkansas in a college football game, and then mowed the yard around the RV. After the mowing, I watched part of the Alabama and Kentucky game. At halftime of that game, I went over to the house to check things out, and was amazed at how little traffic there was on the roads. These Alabama fans really love their football team.
While at the house, I trimmed the shrubs and watered the plants. The yard is in pretty good shape, and should be okay while we are in Florida. I'll check it again tomorrow and water everything again so it'll continue to look good.
We decided we'll leave for Florida on Monday. Even though it's only about 500 miles to Ocala, we'll take two days to get there. That's not a problem, since we'll have our little house with us. We like to take our time and actually see the countryside when we travel. We are looking forward to seeing everyone down there.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cheyenne, Wyoming: Capital City
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Heavy Traffic
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 83 degrees, partly cloudy skies
The university has a football game with the University of Kentucky tomorrow. That means traffic is much worse, with all the motor homes and other types of RVs coming in for the weekend. If we wanted to go out to eat tonight, it would be difficult to find a place that we could get into. Football season is financially rewarding for the area. With the team enjoying their best season in years, it has become a real bonanza.
We rode up to Bessemer with Terri to deliver Thomas to his dad for the weekend. While waiting at a truck stop for his dad, we witnessed a sight that amused us for about 30 minutes. A large motor home towing a utility trailer carrying a golf cart pulled into a dead end parking lot with no way out except the way they came. We watched the people get out, look around, scratch their heads, then start trying to jockey back and forth so they could get out of the fix they were in. What they didn't realize was that it is very difficult to back a motor home with a utility trailer attached to it. After about 30 minutes, a man walked over and suggested they remove the utility trailer. Once they did that, they were able to get out of their predicament. It was good fun while it lasted.
We washed our laundry today, and it was amazing how busy the laundry was. There seems to be quite a few people in this area who work four day weeks, so a lot of them take care of their tasks like laundry on Friday. We'll have to remember to not go back on Friday.
After finishing the laundry, I went out to the house and mowed the yard around the house itself. The grass is not growing as fast as it was, so it didn't take long to finish. In addition, it is dry because we have gotten very little rain since the first of September. A little rain would be good for the yard and flowers.
If nothing changes between now and then, we plan to leave here on Sunday or Monday to go to Florida and visit family. We expect to be gone for about a week.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: Frisco
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 83 degrees, partly cloudy skies
The university has a football game with the University of Kentucky tomorrow. That means traffic is much worse, with all the motor homes and other types of RVs coming in for the weekend. If we wanted to go out to eat tonight, it would be difficult to find a place that we could get into. Football season is financially rewarding for the area. With the team enjoying their best season in years, it has become a real bonanza.
We rode up to Bessemer with Terri to deliver Thomas to his dad for the weekend. While waiting at a truck stop for his dad, we witnessed a sight that amused us for about 30 minutes. A large motor home towing a utility trailer carrying a golf cart pulled into a dead end parking lot with no way out except the way they came. We watched the people get out, look around, scratch their heads, then start trying to jockey back and forth so they could get out of the fix they were in. What they didn't realize was that it is very difficult to back a motor home with a utility trailer attached to it. After about 30 minutes, a man walked over and suggested they remove the utility trailer. Once they did that, they were able to get out of their predicament. It was good fun while it lasted.
We washed our laundry today, and it was amazing how busy the laundry was. There seems to be quite a few people in this area who work four day weeks, so a lot of them take care of their tasks like laundry on Friday. We'll have to remember to not go back on Friday.
After finishing the laundry, I went out to the house and mowed the yard around the house itself. The grass is not growing as fast as it was, so it didn't take long to finish. In addition, it is dry because we have gotten very little rain since the first of September. A little rain would be good for the yard and flowers.
If nothing changes between now and then, we plan to leave here on Sunday or Monday to go to Florida and visit family. We expect to be gone for about a week.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: Frisco
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
RV House Cleaning
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 46 degrees, high 84 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Since we have finished the major work on Terri's house, we have been gradually catching up on our things to do at the RV. Today was a major work day, and we managed to get most of what was left to do completed. After my morning walk, I took the bed sheets, bedspread, mattress pad, and floor rugs to the laundry and washed them. I was glad to get out, because while I was gone, Carolyn did her thing. When she gets on a cleaning tear, I have learned that the best thing to do is disappear. The RV is not a nice place to be when she gets that look in her eye. By the time I got back, she was ready for me to get the carpet cleaner out of the basement so she could clean the carpet. While she was doing the carpet, I finished straightening the basement, lubricated the seals on the slideouts, checked the air pressure in the tires for the truck and RV, made sure the tire monitoring system was working, and on and on and.....
By the time we finished our work, it was mid-afternoon. We took the remainder of the day off to rest. Survivor was on tonight, so we watched that. I don't know if we will watch many episodes of this show, because if it doesn't catch us in the first two or three episodes, we tend to stop watching it. After Survivor, we watched the Vice-Presidential Debate, primarily to see how Sarah Palin would do, and whether Joe Biden would stick his foot in his mouth, as he has a tendency to do. Sarah did fine, and Joe kept his foot out of his mouth. Too bad, because when he messes up, it's usually funny.
The House of Representatives votes on the Wall Street bailout plan tomorrow, and I have a feeling it will pass. As I've said before, I'm not an expert on the issues, but it feels wrong that we are going to give $700,000,000,000 to solve something when even the people pushing it don't know if it will work. Notice how many zeroes were in that number? I feel we are rushing to do something that really deserves a more measured response.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waxahachie, Texas: Crepe Myrtle Capital Of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 46 degrees, high 84 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Since we have finished the major work on Terri's house, we have been gradually catching up on our things to do at the RV. Today was a major work day, and we managed to get most of what was left to do completed. After my morning walk, I took the bed sheets, bedspread, mattress pad, and floor rugs to the laundry and washed them. I was glad to get out, because while I was gone, Carolyn did her thing. When she gets on a cleaning tear, I have learned that the best thing to do is disappear. The RV is not a nice place to be when she gets that look in her eye. By the time I got back, she was ready for me to get the carpet cleaner out of the basement so she could clean the carpet. While she was doing the carpet, I finished straightening the basement, lubricated the seals on the slideouts, checked the air pressure in the tires for the truck and RV, made sure the tire monitoring system was working, and on and on and.....
By the time we finished our work, it was mid-afternoon. We took the remainder of the day off to rest. Survivor was on tonight, so we watched that. I don't know if we will watch many episodes of this show, because if it doesn't catch us in the first two or three episodes, we tend to stop watching it. After Survivor, we watched the Vice-Presidential Debate, primarily to see how Sarah Palin would do, and whether Joe Biden would stick his foot in his mouth, as he has a tendency to do. Sarah did fine, and Joe kept his foot out of his mouth. Too bad, because when he messes up, it's usually funny.
The House of Representatives votes on the Wall Street bailout plan tomorrow, and I have a feeling it will pass. As I've said before, I'm not an expert on the issues, but it feels wrong that we are going to give $700,000,000,000 to solve something when even the people pushing it don't know if it will work. Notice how many zeroes were in that number? I feel we are rushing to do something that really deserves a more measured response.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waxahachie, Texas: Crepe Myrtle Capital Of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
External Hard Drive Crashed
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 76 degrees, clear skies
What a beautiful fall day we had today. Nice temperatures, light breezes, low humidity. Is it any wonder the fall season is our favorite time of the year?
It seemed like I was on the road all day. After taking my morning walk, we were getting ready to scan more pictures for Terri when we discovered that the external computer hard drive we use to backup all our computer files was not working properly. It would start, but we couldn't access the files stored on the hard drive. Eventually, we persuaded it to start up, but by that time, we had decided that we couldn't keep using a piece of equipment that we couldn't depend on.
Since I had to go to Sam's Club for a few things, I decided to check on what they had in the way of replacement drives. Unfortunately, Sam's didn't have any drives, so I stopped at Office Depot to see what they had. They had plenty of drives, but they were all more than $125.00. I decided to look more at a later time.
In the afternoon, Terri told us that Target had an external hard drive on sale that might work for us, and it was priced at $88.00 for a 500 GB drive. I drove over to Target, and they had two of the drives we were interested in. I bought one and brought it home, where I picked up Carolyn to ride out to check on the house. By the time we got back home, I was ready to call it a day.
In between all of the driving, I checked the running lights and tail lights on the RV. Next, I installed the fifth wheel hitch on the truck. After that, I finished painting the rear landing gears. Whew!!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Mobile, Alabama: The City Of Six Flags
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 76 degrees, clear skies
What a beautiful fall day we had today. Nice temperatures, light breezes, low humidity. Is it any wonder the fall season is our favorite time of the year?
It seemed like I was on the road all day. After taking my morning walk, we were getting ready to scan more pictures for Terri when we discovered that the external computer hard drive we use to backup all our computer files was not working properly. It would start, but we couldn't access the files stored on the hard drive. Eventually, we persuaded it to start up, but by that time, we had decided that we couldn't keep using a piece of equipment that we couldn't depend on.
Since I had to go to Sam's Club for a few things, I decided to check on what they had in the way of replacement drives. Unfortunately, Sam's didn't have any drives, so I stopped at Office Depot to see what they had. They had plenty of drives, but they were all more than $125.00. I decided to look more at a later time.
In the afternoon, Terri told us that Target had an external hard drive on sale that might work for us, and it was priced at $88.00 for a 500 GB drive. I drove over to Target, and they had two of the drives we were interested in. I bought one and brought it home, where I picked up Carolyn to ride out to check on the house. By the time we got back home, I was ready to call it a day.
In between all of the driving, I checked the running lights and tail lights on the RV. Next, I installed the fifth wheel hitch on the truck. After that, I finished painting the rear landing gears. Whew!!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Mobile, Alabama: The City Of Six Flags
Not all who wander are lost.
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