Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 73 degrees, high 93 degrees, mostly clear
I got a late start on my walk this morning, and suffered the consequences with bright, hot sunshine. The humidity seemed worse and I was soaked with sweat by the time I had finished my trek. Normally, I try to begin my walk no later than 0630 hours. Today, it was almost 0900 hours before I started. I'll have to try to be more motivated and get started earlier in the future.
After my walk, I had enough errands to take care of in town that we did not get out to Terri's house until 1230 hours. Once there, we stayed busy until we left at 1730 hours. Among the work we did was some watering of plants and a quick run through on house cleaning to make sure it looked good if an interested person wanted to look at it. After that we spent the rest of the afternoon going through miscellaneous stuff, helping Terri sort out what she wanted to keep, what went to charity, and trash. We will finish that task tomorrow, then pack all of it up so we're ready to move it when the house sells. I'll go ahead and move the charity and trash stuff out of the house.
One of the tasks I did was to carry the contract on the house to the Realtor's office. She will probably be back tomorrow to take pictures and put up a sign. We are hoping for a quick sale, but the tough real estate market is tempering those hopes.
After getting home from Terri's, it was time to dump our holding tanks. This is a little task I have to do every two weeks or so. So, open the black water tank valve, flush the black water tank, close the black water tank valve, open the valves for the kitchen and shower tanks, and call it done for another two weeks. Piece of cake.
Just another day in Coker, Alabama.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Post Falls, Idaho: Idaho’s River City
Not who wander are lost.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Tomato Pie
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 87 degrees, showers early, clear after noontime
Rain showers started at the RV about 0700 hours and continued for about two hours. Unfortunately, there was not any rain at Terri's house, where it is really needed.
Because of the rain, I didn't go for my morning walk until about 0900 hours. It was cool for that time of the day, and made the walk easier. At least I didn't have a repeat of yesterday, when I got wet in the rain. After getting back from the walk, we took things easy, and read the paper. Then, about 1300 hours, we made a mistake and went to the WalMart Mall for some groceries we needed. We made the same mistake last week, and thought we had learned not to go there on the weekend. I guess some lessons are meant to be forgotten, because there we were, stuck in a line, wondering why we let that happen again.
After getting through at the Mall, we went out to Terri's so Carolyn could bake a tomato pie. As I mentioned, we are getting all the tomatoes we can eat, so Carolyn decided to prepare a tomato pie. I had heard of this dish for the first time last summer when we were in Charleston, South Carolina. It seemed every roadside store we stopped at was advertising their tomato pie. We didn't buy one because we thought they were overpriced at $12.00 each. We decided we would find a recipe and make one ourselves. Today was the day to make that first tomato pie. Carolyn's grandmother made tomato pie, but it was nothing like what Carolyn made today.
Carolyn used the basic recipe that she found, but made some changes to suit herself. The only problem we had with it was that we didn't have enough time for it to sit after coming out of the oven, because it is supposed to be eaten at room temperature. We were hungry and it was supper time. As a result of it not sitting long enough, it was a little runny. Other than that, it was very good. This dish is something I can see us having again in the future. The tomatoes came from Billy Plowman's bushes, and we shared the pie with him. I hope he enjoys it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Tavares, Florida: Discover Our Waterways
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 87 degrees, showers early, clear after noontime
Rain showers started at the RV about 0700 hours and continued for about two hours. Unfortunately, there was not any rain at Terri's house, where it is really needed.
Because of the rain, I didn't go for my morning walk until about 0900 hours. It was cool for that time of the day, and made the walk easier. At least I didn't have a repeat of yesterday, when I got wet in the rain. After getting back from the walk, we took things easy, and read the paper. Then, about 1300 hours, we made a mistake and went to the WalMart Mall for some groceries we needed. We made the same mistake last week, and thought we had learned not to go there on the weekend. I guess some lessons are meant to be forgotten, because there we were, stuck in a line, wondering why we let that happen again.
After getting through at the Mall, we went out to Terri's so Carolyn could bake a tomato pie. As I mentioned, we are getting all the tomatoes we can eat, so Carolyn decided to prepare a tomato pie. I had heard of this dish for the first time last summer when we were in Charleston, South Carolina. It seemed every roadside store we stopped at was advertising their tomato pie. We didn't buy one because we thought they were overpriced at $12.00 each. We decided we would find a recipe and make one ourselves. Today was the day to make that first tomato pie. Carolyn's grandmother made tomato pie, but it was nothing like what Carolyn made today.
Carolyn used the basic recipe that she found, but made some changes to suit herself. The only problem we had with it was that we didn't have enough time for it to sit after coming out of the oven, because it is supposed to be eaten at room temperature. We were hungry and it was supper time. As a result of it not sitting long enough, it was a little runny. Other than that, it was very good. This dish is something I can see us having again in the future. The tomatoes came from Billy Plowman's bushes, and we shared the pie with him. I hope he enjoys it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Tavares, Florida: Discover Our Waterways
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Cell Phone Shopping
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 87 degrees, showers
We had scattered showers today and they were welcomed with open arms. Terri's yard got some much needed rain, and you could almost see it turning green. By Monday, it'll probably be time to mow again.
When I went for my morning walk, it was cloudy but not really threatening rain. No, it had to wait until I was too far from shelter to help before it started raining. I got soaked, and cut my walk short. I don't mind getting wet, but I really hate that squeaking sound my shoes make when they're wet.
We bought our current cell phone about 3 1/2 years ago, and have been keeping it limping along for the last year. The battery went bad, and we bought a new one for it that did not do the job. In order to keep the phone working, we have to leave it plugged into the charger when it's not being used. We have to keep a close eye on it to make sure it's ready when we need to make a call. Finally, I got tired of working around the problems with the old phone, and we went back to the phone store today in an attempt to find a phone that we liked. Now, keep in mind that we don't need all the fancy gadgets that most of the phones have, such as a camera, Internet access, texting, music downloads. Also keep in mind that this was the third time we have looked for another phone, without finding what we wanted. So, we were a little skeptical that we would find what we wanted, but we knew we needed to do our best to find a phone that met our needs.
We walked into the ATT store, and were greeted by a lady who asked if she could help us. My immediate thought was that this was different - no waiting. Not so fast, I found out. All she was doing was acting as an intermediary. We still had to wait about 15 minutes before we could talk to a salesperson. While waiting, we looked at phones that were available. We were not impressed because they all included the bells and whistles that we did not want or need. By the time the salesperson came to wait on us, I was of the opinion that we should go on down the road. Again, not so fast. We explained what we were looking for, and she agreed that ATT did not have what we needed for sale in their store. However, (BIG However!) she explained that ATT had an Internet special that included a phone just like what we were looking for. And to top it off, she had one in the store that she could let us look at. We looked the phone over, and made sure that all the bells and whistles were not present, and asked her to write the web address down so we could order online. When we got home, I went online and looked at the phone to ensure that it was what we wanted. Everything was perfect and the phone was free if we renewed our contract. So, we renewed, and we will be getting the new phone through the mail next week. If it doesn't work out, we have 30 days to return the phone and cancel the contract. Here's hoping everything is what we expect.
Because of the rain, today was a day of much needed rest. We could stand a few more of these rainy days.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Double Springs, Alabama: Gateway To Sipsey Wilderness
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 87 degrees, showers
We had scattered showers today and they were welcomed with open arms. Terri's yard got some much needed rain, and you could almost see it turning green. By Monday, it'll probably be time to mow again.
When I went for my morning walk, it was cloudy but not really threatening rain. No, it had to wait until I was too far from shelter to help before it started raining. I got soaked, and cut my walk short. I don't mind getting wet, but I really hate that squeaking sound my shoes make when they're wet.
We bought our current cell phone about 3 1/2 years ago, and have been keeping it limping along for the last year. The battery went bad, and we bought a new one for it that did not do the job. In order to keep the phone working, we have to leave it plugged into the charger when it's not being used. We have to keep a close eye on it to make sure it's ready when we need to make a call. Finally, I got tired of working around the problems with the old phone, and we went back to the phone store today in an attempt to find a phone that we liked. Now, keep in mind that we don't need all the fancy gadgets that most of the phones have, such as a camera, Internet access, texting, music downloads. Also keep in mind that this was the third time we have looked for another phone, without finding what we wanted. So, we were a little skeptical that we would find what we wanted, but we knew we needed to do our best to find a phone that met our needs.
We walked into the ATT store, and were greeted by a lady who asked if she could help us. My immediate thought was that this was different - no waiting. Not so fast, I found out. All she was doing was acting as an intermediary. We still had to wait about 15 minutes before we could talk to a salesperson. While waiting, we looked at phones that were available. We were not impressed because they all included the bells and whistles that we did not want or need. By the time the salesperson came to wait on us, I was of the opinion that we should go on down the road. Again, not so fast. We explained what we were looking for, and she agreed that ATT did not have what we needed for sale in their store. However, (BIG However!) she explained that ATT had an Internet special that included a phone just like what we were looking for. And to top it off, she had one in the store that she could let us look at. We looked the phone over, and made sure that all the bells and whistles were not present, and asked her to write the web address down so we could order online. When we got home, I went online and looked at the phone to ensure that it was what we wanted. Everything was perfect and the phone was free if we renewed our contract. So, we renewed, and we will be getting the new phone through the mail next week. If it doesn't work out, we have 30 days to return the phone and cancel the contract. Here's hoping everything is what we expect.
Because of the rain, today was a day of much needed rest. We could stand a few more of these rainy days.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Double Springs, Alabama: Gateway To Sipsey Wilderness
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th Of July
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 94 degrees, mostly clear early, mostly cloudy late in the afternoon
Happy 4th of July. Let's take a moment to reflect on those brave people who risked everything to start this great country of ours.
As I mentioned yesterday, we went up to the Natural Bridge, located in Bankhead National Forest. The route up is located in thinly settled countryside, with rolling hills covered with trees of all types. Traffic was very light. If a person finds his way to the Natural Bridge, it is because he planned to go there. It is not near any towns of significant size.
The area around the Natural Bridge is owned by private individuals. The attraction was opened about 50 years ago, and it doesn't look as though any improvements have been made since then. We paid our admission fee, which was very reasonable, at an old store that was filled with tourist stuff. Following directions we were given in the store, we walked down a path about 100 yards. At that point, we turned around and saw a natural rock formation on the side of the hill that resembled the profile of an Indian man. Uncanny.
Walking about 50 yards farther, we caught our first view of the Natural Bridge. It was created about 200 million years ago when the sandstone under it was washed away. It stays in the air because it is supported by iron ore veins running through it. The bridge is said to be the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains.
As we moved closer to the Natural Bridge, we saw that there was another smaller bridge on the other side. This was an unexpected surprise, since we had not heard about it. 
After tromping around and under the bridge, Carolyn was ready to head back.
The rest of us looked around a little more, then went back to the car, where we pulled out the picnic lunch we had brought with us. Chicken strip rollups, carrot sticks, tomatoes, cucumbers, chips, blueberries. Boy, oh, boy. It doesn't get any better.
As we headed back home, we decided to take a different route. We went through the little crossroads of Natural Bridge, the towns of Double Springs and Arley, and the larger town of Jasper. Eventually, we made our way home, and were glad to get back. I'm wore out.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Arley, Alabama: Surrounded By Beautiful Lake Smith
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Front Porch
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 64 degrees, high 95 degrees, mostly clear
We went out to Terri's house today, but didn't stay all day because we have everything in pretty good shape. The grass is hardly growing because of the dry weather. After getting home, we meditated (at least I meditated - Carolyn went to sleep) and just took things easy. About 1400 hours, Terri brought Thomas over to the RV to stay with us while she went to the doctor. Thomas had some money he wanted to spend on fireworks, so I took him down to a stand near the WalMart Mall. He did a good job of getting the most for his money, with just a little help from me. His plan is to shoot half of them tomorrow, and save the rest for next week, when his cousins Julian and Zoe will be visiting from Texas. He is really excited about seeing their family, as are we.
As I have mentioned before, I go for a long walk every morning. Over the course of the last three months, I have come to know an older gentleman named Bruce Sanders. Bruce is 80 years old, and is out walking almost every day. He has lived in the Tuscaloosa area since the 1950s, and retired in the mid 1980s, when he sold three retail establishments in town. He is not a ball of fire when walking, but makes steady progress along the walking trail. We generally do not walk together since I tend to walk much faster than he does. However, we have started taking a few minutes to stop and talk to each other. He seems to have led an interesting life. At one time, he back packed from northern New Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. Wow! That must have been some trip. Last weekend, he went to New Orleans and had a good time. So good, that when he showed up on the path on Monday, he was moving slower than ever. I asked him if he was okay, and he said he had too good a time in New Orleans. Seeing Bruce out there every day is giving me inspiration to continue what I am doing for my health.
When Terri got back to the RV from her doctor's visit, we spent a little time visiting. All of a sudden, we realized it was supper time, and supper wasn't ready. Now, I wonder if this was planned by Carolyn? No, she wouldn't do that. Would she? Anyway, being the considerate husband I am, I suggested we go somewhere and eat. After kicking around some suggestions, Carolyn suggested the Front Porch, a family style restaurant in Northport. Of course, whatever she suggests, I go along with. Good thing I did, because Thomas and I had chicken and dumplings, while Carolyn and Terri had pork chops. The food was not bad, and was almost like home cooked. We'll have to go there when Lori and her family arrive.
We plan to take a road trip tomorrow up the road about 60 miles to the Natural Bridge. This is an attraction created by Nature over the course of many years. It is located in the Bankhead National Forest, and we hear the area is beautiful. I'll have a report and pictures tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Demopolis, Alabama: City Of The People
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 64 degrees, high 95 degrees, mostly clear
We went out to Terri's house today, but didn't stay all day because we have everything in pretty good shape. The grass is hardly growing because of the dry weather. After getting home, we meditated (at least I meditated - Carolyn went to sleep) and just took things easy. About 1400 hours, Terri brought Thomas over to the RV to stay with us while she went to the doctor. Thomas had some money he wanted to spend on fireworks, so I took him down to a stand near the WalMart Mall. He did a good job of getting the most for his money, with just a little help from me. His plan is to shoot half of them tomorrow, and save the rest for next week, when his cousins Julian and Zoe will be visiting from Texas. He is really excited about seeing their family, as are we.
As I have mentioned before, I go for a long walk every morning. Over the course of the last three months, I have come to know an older gentleman named Bruce Sanders. Bruce is 80 years old, and is out walking almost every day. He has lived in the Tuscaloosa area since the 1950s, and retired in the mid 1980s, when he sold three retail establishments in town. He is not a ball of fire when walking, but makes steady progress along the walking trail. We generally do not walk together since I tend to walk much faster than he does. However, we have started taking a few minutes to stop and talk to each other. He seems to have led an interesting life. At one time, he back packed from northern New Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. Wow! That must have been some trip. Last weekend, he went to New Orleans and had a good time. So good, that when he showed up on the path on Monday, he was moving slower than ever. I asked him if he was okay, and he said he had too good a time in New Orleans. Seeing Bruce out there every day is giving me inspiration to continue what I am doing for my health.
When Terri got back to the RV from her doctor's visit, we spent a little time visiting. All of a sudden, we realized it was supper time, and supper wasn't ready. Now, I wonder if this was planned by Carolyn? No, she wouldn't do that. Would she? Anyway, being the considerate husband I am, I suggested we go somewhere and eat. After kicking around some suggestions, Carolyn suggested the Front Porch, a family style restaurant in Northport. Of course, whatever she suggests, I go along with. Good thing I did, because Thomas and I had chicken and dumplings, while Carolyn and Terri had pork chops. The food was not bad, and was almost like home cooked. We'll have to go there when Lori and her family arrive.
We plan to take a road trip tomorrow up the road about 60 miles to the Natural Bridge. This is an attraction created by Nature over the course of many years. It is located in the Bankhead National Forest, and we hear the area is beautiful. I'll have a report and pictures tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Demopolis, Alabama: City Of The People
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
45th Wedding Anniversary
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly clear skies
Did you notice the low of 56 degrees? I can't remember ever seeing temperatures that low in July in the Deep South. Yesterday, the low was 60 degrees. If this is global warming, keep it coming!
We didn't go to Terri's today, but took a ride up the road to the little town of Brookwood, which is located about 20 miles north of Tuscaloosa. We had passed through there before, but didn't remember anything about the area. Our impression of the area is that the town is small and sleepy, with one red light. There appears to be some building of houses going on, and the area is probably a bedroom community for Tuscaloosa, Bessemer, and Birmingham. As I said, a sleepy little town.
We did notice that there are two Corp of Engineers (COE) recreation areas near Brookwood, and both of them have facilities for RVs. We will keep these spots in mind if we need a place to park for a few days in the future. We like the COE parks because they are usually well kept with plenty of room. In addition, the rates are very reasonable, especially for senior citizens.
This afternoon, we had another visit from the Garden Genie, who brought us some freshly picked blueberries. Can you spell blueberry muffins, or blueberry smoothies? How about fresh blueberries by themselves? Ummmm, ummm! The Garden Genie goes by various names including Ruth, Marsha, and Chuck. Very good neighbors, and we appreciate them.
I did some yard work around the RV late in the evening, and as I was putting everything up, another Garden Genie by the name of Billy Plowman gave us a colander full of ripe tomatoes from his bushes. Man, we are doing all right in the food line!
As I mentioned yesterday, today is our 45th wedding anniversary. Who could have guessed that our marriage would be so fulfilling. We have been through good and bad together. The bad times were made easier because I had someone to share the problems with. The good times were made better because I had someone to share them with. I cannot imagine life without Carolyn. Here's looking forward to whatever the future holds for us.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - St. Petersburg, Florida: Always In Season
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly clear skies
Did you notice the low of 56 degrees? I can't remember ever seeing temperatures that low in July in the Deep South. Yesterday, the low was 60 degrees. If this is global warming, keep it coming!
We didn't go to Terri's today, but took a ride up the road to the little town of Brookwood, which is located about 20 miles north of Tuscaloosa. We had passed through there before, but didn't remember anything about the area. Our impression of the area is that the town is small and sleepy, with one red light. There appears to be some building of houses going on, and the area is probably a bedroom community for Tuscaloosa, Bessemer, and Birmingham. As I said, a sleepy little town.
We did notice that there are two Corp of Engineers (COE) recreation areas near Brookwood, and both of them have facilities for RVs. We will keep these spots in mind if we need a place to park for a few days in the future. We like the COE parks because they are usually well kept with plenty of room. In addition, the rates are very reasonable, especially for senior citizens.
This afternoon, we had another visit from the Garden Genie, who brought us some freshly picked blueberries. Can you spell blueberry muffins, or blueberry smoothies? How about fresh blueberries by themselves? Ummmm, ummm! The Garden Genie goes by various names including Ruth, Marsha, and Chuck. Very good neighbors, and we appreciate them.
I did some yard work around the RV late in the evening, and as I was putting everything up, another Garden Genie by the name of Billy Plowman gave us a colander full of ripe tomatoes from his bushes. Man, we are doing all right in the food line!
As I mentioned yesterday, today is our 45th wedding anniversary. Who could have guessed that our marriage would be so fulfilling. We have been through good and bad together. The bad times were made easier because I had someone to share the problems with. The good times were made better because I had someone to share them with. I cannot imagine life without Carolyn. Here's looking forward to whatever the future holds for us.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - St. Petersburg, Florida: Always In Season
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Brown Yard
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 88 degrees, mostly clear skies
There has not been any rain to speak of at Terri's house for almost three weeks. Pretty amazing when we have had rain at the RV at least twice in the same time. As a result of no rain at the house, the grass in the yard is suffering. It is turning brown and hardly growing. The no growth part is fine with me except for the fact that we are trying to sell the house, and a green yard always looks better. And on top of no rain, I can't get the sprinkler system going.
The wife of the couple who looked at the house about two weeks ago was back today for another tour. The husband expects to come back after the holiday for another tour of the house, and to walk over the property. We'll see whether this goes anywhere. In the meantime, the house should be placed with the Realtor who came last week. One way or another, we hope the house sells soon.
We had a call from a person about buying Thomas's old bicycle. The person is looking at it tomorrow, and seemed very interested. If it is sold, that's one more thing that won't have to be moved. One step at a time.
Before we left Texas, Carolyn had prepared a dish several times that was new to us. That dish was lentils, and we were surprised by how much we liked them. Add some cornbread and a chunk of sausage, and you have some mighty fine eating. She fixed the same dish today, and it was a big hit for supper. Very tasty and filling.
Our great neighbors gave us some fresh cucumbers from their garden. We are looking forward to eating them. There is nothing like fresh vegetables.
Tomorrow is a special day for Carolyn and I. It will be our 45th wedding anniversary, and we do not have anything planned except a day for us. Just imagine, 45 years ago tonight I was still single, about to begin a life with someone I loved. I didn't know if the marriage would last, but was willing to take a chance that it would. Little did we know that our life together would be as good as it has been.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Leesburg, Alabama: Crappie Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 88 degrees, mostly clear skies
There has not been any rain to speak of at Terri's house for almost three weeks. Pretty amazing when we have had rain at the RV at least twice in the same time. As a result of no rain at the house, the grass in the yard is suffering. It is turning brown and hardly growing. The no growth part is fine with me except for the fact that we are trying to sell the house, and a green yard always looks better. And on top of no rain, I can't get the sprinkler system going.
The wife of the couple who looked at the house about two weeks ago was back today for another tour. The husband expects to come back after the holiday for another tour of the house, and to walk over the property. We'll see whether this goes anywhere. In the meantime, the house should be placed with the Realtor who came last week. One way or another, we hope the house sells soon.
We had a call from a person about buying Thomas's old bicycle. The person is looking at it tomorrow, and seemed very interested. If it is sold, that's one more thing that won't have to be moved. One step at a time.
Before we left Texas, Carolyn had prepared a dish several times that was new to us. That dish was lentils, and we were surprised by how much we liked them. Add some cornbread and a chunk of sausage, and you have some mighty fine eating. She fixed the same dish today, and it was a big hit for supper. Very tasty and filling.
Our great neighbors gave us some fresh cucumbers from their garden. We are looking forward to eating them. There is nothing like fresh vegetables.
Tomorrow is a special day for Carolyn and I. It will be our 45th wedding anniversary, and we do not have anything planned except a day for us. Just imagine, 45 years ago tonight I was still single, about to begin a life with someone I loved. I didn't know if the marriage would last, but was willing to take a chance that it would. Little did we know that our life together would be as good as it has been.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Leesburg, Alabama: Crappie Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
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