Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 83 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, scattered showers
Today, we drove down to Lakeland to visit my sister Janie and her husband Wayne. We make this trip every time we come to Florida. Obviously, we're going to see relatives down there, but we also lived there for about three years back in the 1980s. It was a great area to live in, and we always enjoy going back. Having relatives there make's the trip even more special.
Our trips in the past have always led to us eating a scrumptious meal prepared by Janie. She is a very good cook, and she just happens to like the fried chicken from Publix as much as we do. So the meat dish is usually fried chicken, with every thing else being prepared by Janie. Today was a departure from the past. All of us decided that we would like to go out for lunch, and we left it up to Janie and Wayne to pick a place since they know the area better than us. Well, folks, I am here to tell you that they picked a winner. We went to Fred's Buffet, located in Lakeland. They specialize in using locally grown fresh vegetables that are in season. Of course, they also have several choices of meat, a salad bar, and the dessert bar. There were several types of chicken, bar-b-que ribs (big and meaty), beef dishes, fish.....
As good as the different types of meat were, the vegetables stole the show. Everything is fresh and cooked as if it were in someone's kitchen. Squash, pole beans, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, greens..... The absolute winner to me was the fried green tomatoes. I don't think I have had them fixed any better than what we had today. The only problem was that every customer had the same opinion, and I never was able to get seconds. The restaurant couldn't keep them on the buffet. Darn it! I made up for it by having a piece of cheese cake for dessert.
From what I wrote above, it might seem that we spent all our time at the restaurant. Not really. We spent the rest of the time at Janie's house catching up with what's been happening. She and Wayne are going to North Carolina in July, and we may be able to hook up with them when we go up to Tennessee. We hope so.
As we were getting ready to leave, Janie and Wayne gave us a big bag of fresh, ripe tomatoes, along with some peas that she had frozen just recently. When we got home, we had one of the tomatoes sliced on ham sandwiches. It was outstanding!
The trip we made today is usually an all day affair that leaves us tired. However, it always leaves us with a good feeling and we look forward to the next time.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lakeland, Florida: A True Sense of Place
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Family Visits Continue
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 83 degrees, partly cloudy to cloudy skies, intermittent heavy rain showers
Before I forget, I wanted to tell about an e-mail Carolyn received today about the Simmons family tree. She placed the information we have been able to find on the Internet, and a respondent gave her information that may open up a pathway to find more information about the Simmons clan. And the good thing about this is that the respondent lives in Alabama. When we get back up there, there is a good possibility that we will be getting together and comparing notes on my family tree. To top it off, I'll meet a new relative or relatives. We're excited about this development, and we'll post news about it as it becomes available.
We spent a good part of the day visiting with Carolyn's mother. At one point in the day, her mother had six of her children visiting at the house. Early in the afternoon, Carolyn and I went to see my brother Roger and his wife Willa at their home. We had a good visit, and made plans to get together on Tuesday for a cookout. Then it was back to Carolyn's mother's house, where we spent the rest of the afternoon.
When we got home, I called my cousin Faye, who lives in Jacksonville, and invited her and her husband to the cookout on Tuesday. In addition, it looks as though two other cousins and their spouses will also be there. Outstanding! I love to have family gatherings. It brings back good memories of growing up and living here in Ocala.
By the way, today is Roger and Willa's 39th wedding anniversary. Congratulations, guys, and I hope you have many more.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Haleyville, Alabama: Home Of 911
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 83 degrees, partly cloudy to cloudy skies, intermittent heavy rain showers
Before I forget, I wanted to tell about an e-mail Carolyn received today about the Simmons family tree. She placed the information we have been able to find on the Internet, and a respondent gave her information that may open up a pathway to find more information about the Simmons clan. And the good thing about this is that the respondent lives in Alabama. When we get back up there, there is a good possibility that we will be getting together and comparing notes on my family tree. To top it off, I'll meet a new relative or relatives. We're excited about this development, and we'll post news about it as it becomes available.
We spent a good part of the day visiting with Carolyn's mother. At one point in the day, her mother had six of her children visiting at the house. Early in the afternoon, Carolyn and I went to see my brother Roger and his wife Willa at their home. We had a good visit, and made plans to get together on Tuesday for a cookout. Then it was back to Carolyn's mother's house, where we spent the rest of the afternoon.
When we got home, I called my cousin Faye, who lives in Jacksonville, and invited her and her husband to the cookout on Tuesday. In addition, it looks as though two other cousins and their spouses will also be there. Outstanding! I love to have family gatherings. It brings back good memories of growing up and living here in Ocala.
By the way, today is Roger and Willa's 39th wedding anniversary. Congratulations, guys, and I hope you have many more.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Haleyville, Alabama: Home Of 911
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Heavy Rain Showers
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 83 degrees, partly cloudy to mostly cloudy, scattered heavy showers
The weather in Ocala for this time of the year has been a pleasant surprise. When we lived here in the past, we always dreaded seeing the month of June because it seemed like we always saw the hottest and most humid weather of the summer. This year, the weather is cooler with a lot of clouds, and the rain has helped keep the temperature at a bearable level. It's still humid (when is it not humid in Florida?), but the humidity is much more bearable. We hope this weather continues.
We spent more time with Carolyn's mother today. She will be 85 years old in another month, and still has remarkably good health. Her memory is still sharp, and it's enjoyable hearing her talk of her early years. The family is fortunate to have Doris still here and being a vital part of their lives.
I talked to my brother Roger on the telephone this afternoon. He lives here and is working near home for the first time in years. We agreed to talk again tomorrow and set a time to get together and catch up on what's been happening with each other.
It's been a few days since I made a trip to the WalMart Mall. We needed a few things from them, so I made a short drive over there while Carolyn was spending time with her mother. Just as I was coming out of the store, the sky fell open, with black clouds, heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. I made it to the truck with no time to spare. As I was driving slowly out of the parking lot, I noticed that the fuel island was selling diesel. The price was $2.329 per gallon, which is about $0.30 per gallon cheaper than any other place here. I turned in and filled up while the storm was still ongoing. That felt good - saving almost $8.00 on the tank fill-up. I may go back there before we leave.
We went to Sam's Club late in the afternoon to pick up a few more things. While there, we bought a pizza already cooked. That's what we had for supper, and it was good, with enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
So far, we've been busy, and expect it to continue. Several things are planned over the next few days. I'm getting tired just thinking about it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Deland, Florida: The Athens Of Florida
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 83 degrees, partly cloudy to mostly cloudy, scattered heavy showers
The weather in Ocala for this time of the year has been a pleasant surprise. When we lived here in the past, we always dreaded seeing the month of June because it seemed like we always saw the hottest and most humid weather of the summer. This year, the weather is cooler with a lot of clouds, and the rain has helped keep the temperature at a bearable level. It's still humid (when is it not humid in Florida?), but the humidity is much more bearable. We hope this weather continues.
We spent more time with Carolyn's mother today. She will be 85 years old in another month, and still has remarkably good health. Her memory is still sharp, and it's enjoyable hearing her talk of her early years. The family is fortunate to have Doris still here and being a vital part of their lives.
I talked to my brother Roger on the telephone this afternoon. He lives here and is working near home for the first time in years. We agreed to talk again tomorrow and set a time to get together and catch up on what's been happening with each other.
It's been a few days since I made a trip to the WalMart Mall. We needed a few things from them, so I made a short drive over there while Carolyn was spending time with her mother. Just as I was coming out of the store, the sky fell open, with black clouds, heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. I made it to the truck with no time to spare. As I was driving slowly out of the parking lot, I noticed that the fuel island was selling diesel. The price was $2.329 per gallon, which is about $0.30 per gallon cheaper than any other place here. I turned in and filled up while the storm was still ongoing. That felt good - saving almost $8.00 on the tank fill-up. I may go back there before we leave.
We went to Sam's Club late in the afternoon to pick up a few more things. While there, we bought a pizza already cooked. That's what we had for supper, and it was good, with enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
So far, we've been busy, and expect it to continue. Several things are planned over the next few days. I'm getting tired just thinking about it.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Deland, Florida: The Athens Of Florida
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Visiting Carolyn's Mother
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 68 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, scattered showers
As we were out and about today, it was obvious that traffic is as bad as ever here in Ocala. Another thing that stood out was the number of businesses that have closed and the number of houses for sale. This area depends on tourism and construction for the majority of the jobs. The construction jobs come from new residents moving in. The new folks are not moving here like they did before this downturn. So, there are a lot less construction jobs. The tourism jobs come from the tourists visiting to see a multitude of attractions. With the recession ongoing, people are not coming to Florida in the numbers they were before. No one knows when the economy will pick up, but these folks are ready for things to get better.
We spent a good part of the day visiting with Carolyn's mother. While we there, we also saw two of her sisters and two of her brothers. There was a lot of catching up on what has been going on with everyone. I'm trying to set up a get together for early next week with three of my cousins. One of them lives here, one lives in Jacksonville, and the other lives in the Tampa area. I hope it comes together.
Remember in last night's post that I had problems setting up the satellite dish? I mentioned that I was tired and that probably contributed to the problem. After a night's rest, I tackled the problem again. Guess what? Success!!!! We now have a functional satellite TV system.
Late in the afternoon, I wiped part of the RV down to get some of the road grime off of it. I'll try to finish that tomorrow. I've found that doing a little from time to time keeps me from having to spend a lot of time cleaning it up.
Tomorrow will be another busy day, spending time with family.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Charleston, South Carolina: Carolopolis
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 68 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, scattered showers
As we were out and about today, it was obvious that traffic is as bad as ever here in Ocala. Another thing that stood out was the number of businesses that have closed and the number of houses for sale. This area depends on tourism and construction for the majority of the jobs. The construction jobs come from new residents moving in. The new folks are not moving here like they did before this downturn. So, there are a lot less construction jobs. The tourism jobs come from the tourists visiting to see a multitude of attractions. With the recession ongoing, people are not coming to Florida in the numbers they were before. No one knows when the economy will pick up, but these folks are ready for things to get better.
We spent a good part of the day visiting with Carolyn's mother. While we there, we also saw two of her sisters and two of her brothers. There was a lot of catching up on what has been going on with everyone. I'm trying to set up a get together for early next week with three of my cousins. One of them lives here, one lives in Jacksonville, and the other lives in the Tampa area. I hope it comes together.
Remember in last night's post that I had problems setting up the satellite dish? I mentioned that I was tired and that probably contributed to the problem. After a night's rest, I tackled the problem again. Guess what? Success!!!! We now have a functional satellite TV system.
Late in the afternoon, I wiped part of the RV down to get some of the road grime off of it. I'll try to finish that tomorrow. I've found that doing a little from time to time keeps me from having to spend a lot of time cleaning it up.
Tomorrow will be another busy day, spending time with family.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Charleston, South Carolina: Carolopolis
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Arrived In Ocala, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Weather: low 68 degrees in Tallahassee, Florida, high 91 degrees in Ocala, partly cloudy until mid-afternoon, then cloudy with rain showers
We left Tallahassee about 0900 hours this morning. It was another good day for travel, with light traffic and good weather. We were surprised by how light the traffic was on I-75. In the past, we have seen traffic that was bumper to bumper on that highway, with three lanes in each direction. I wonder if the slow economy is affecting travel?
This morning, I spoke to another RVer, who said that he and his wife were going to travel this summer until the fuel prices became too expensive, then they would go home. From the way he talked, it wouldn't take much more in fuel price increases to make them go home. That's a shame, since they bought a new motor home recently.
We found a RV park to stay in just north of Ocala, about three miles outside town. So far, it appears to be quiet, and has some shade to help keep the sun off the RV during the hottest part of the day. Parking and setting the RV up did not take long, but I ran into a problem with the satellite dish. Usually, if there is a problem, it will be with locking onto satellite 110, while 119 is almost always easy to find. Today, it was just the opposite. I found 110 with no problems at all, but couldn't get a signal on 119 that was good enough to watch. After tinkering with the problem a lot longer than I should have, I decided to put everything down and try again tomorrow. It seems I have the most problems with setting the satellite dish up when I'm tired. Maybe I'll be able to set it up tomorrow when I'm rested.
We decided to eat supper at Sonny's Bar-B-Que. Going to this restaurant at least once when we're in Ocala has become a tradition. Over the years, the taste and quality has stayed the same as we remember when we lived here, almost 30 years ago. It was good and there was plenty left for lunch tomorrow. Leftovers!!
We will be busy while here. Carolyn's mother, as well as her sisters and brothers live here. I have a brother and a cousin here, and friends. We'll take the opportunity to drive down to Lakeland to visit my sister Janie and her husband Wayne. We have some other activities planned, so don't be surprised if we take a day to rest.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Orlando, Florida: O-Town
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 68 degrees in Tallahassee, Florida, high 91 degrees in Ocala, partly cloudy until mid-afternoon, then cloudy with rain showers
We left Tallahassee about 0900 hours this morning. It was another good day for travel, with light traffic and good weather. We were surprised by how light the traffic was on I-75. In the past, we have seen traffic that was bumper to bumper on that highway, with three lanes in each direction. I wonder if the slow economy is affecting travel?
This morning, I spoke to another RVer, who said that he and his wife were going to travel this summer until the fuel prices became too expensive, then they would go home. From the way he talked, it wouldn't take much more in fuel price increases to make them go home. That's a shame, since they bought a new motor home recently.
We found a RV park to stay in just north of Ocala, about three miles outside town. So far, it appears to be quiet, and has some shade to help keep the sun off the RV during the hottest part of the day. Parking and setting the RV up did not take long, but I ran into a problem with the satellite dish. Usually, if there is a problem, it will be with locking onto satellite 110, while 119 is almost always easy to find. Today, it was just the opposite. I found 110 with no problems at all, but couldn't get a signal on 119 that was good enough to watch. After tinkering with the problem a lot longer than I should have, I decided to put everything down and try again tomorrow. It seems I have the most problems with setting the satellite dish up when I'm tired. Maybe I'll be able to set it up tomorrow when I'm rested.
We decided to eat supper at Sonny's Bar-B-Que. Going to this restaurant at least once when we're in Ocala has become a tradition. Over the years, the taste and quality has stayed the same as we remember when we lived here, almost 30 years ago. It was good and there was plenty left for lunch tomorrow. Leftovers!!
We will be busy while here. Carolyn's mother, as well as her sisters and brothers live here. I have a brother and a cousin here, and friends. We'll take the opportunity to drive down to Lakeland to visit my sister Janie and her husband Wayne. We have some other activities planned, so don't be surprised if we take a day to rest.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Orlando, Florida: O-Town
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
On The Road
Tallahassee, Florida
Weather: low 69 degrees in Coker, Alabama, high 93 degrees in Tallahassee, Florida, partly cloudy skies
We left Coker shortly after 0800 hours this morning, on our way to Ocala, Florida, and other points to visit relatives. Traveling conditions were good, with mostly clear skies and light breezes. We stopped about 50 miles into our trip and bought a cantaloupe and some fresh peaches at a roadside stand. One guess on what the snack for tonight will be.
The route we usually take to go to Florida from Coker is through Montgomery, Troy, Ozark, and Dothan. Over the years, the congestion around these towns has become so great that we are considering taking a different route back to the Tuscaloosa area when we return. These towns seem to be doing well during the recession, with a lot of construction ongoing. The problem is that more and more traffic lights are being installed, and it seems to take forever to get through all the traffic.
We arrived at the RV park in Tallahassee about 1630 hours. By the time we were checked in and set up, we were ready to rest and relax. Carolyn decided we would have sandwiches so we wouldn't have to go out to eat. Thank God! I was ready to crash.
If I can last long enough, I'll try to watch the NCAA Women's Softball Championship game tonight. Florida is in a desperate situation, having lost last night. One more loss and they are gone.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Troy, Alabama: A Wonderful Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 69 degrees in Coker, Alabama, high 93 degrees in Tallahassee, Florida, partly cloudy skies
We left Coker shortly after 0800 hours this morning, on our way to Ocala, Florida, and other points to visit relatives. Traveling conditions were good, with mostly clear skies and light breezes. We stopped about 50 miles into our trip and bought a cantaloupe and some fresh peaches at a roadside stand. One guess on what the snack for tonight will be.
The route we usually take to go to Florida from Coker is through Montgomery, Troy, Ozark, and Dothan. Over the years, the congestion around these towns has become so great that we are considering taking a different route back to the Tuscaloosa area when we return. These towns seem to be doing well during the recession, with a lot of construction ongoing. The problem is that more and more traffic lights are being installed, and it seems to take forever to get through all the traffic.
We arrived at the RV park in Tallahassee about 1630 hours. By the time we were checked in and set up, we were ready to rest and relax. Carolyn decided we would have sandwiches so we wouldn't have to go out to eat. Thank God! I was ready to crash.
If I can last long enough, I'll try to watch the NCAA Women's Softball Championship game tonight. Florida is in a desperate situation, having lost last night. One more loss and they are gone.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Troy, Alabama: A Wonderful Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Preparing For Travel
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 95 degrees, clear skies
We will be leaving here in the morning on our way to Florida to visit family. That meant we had the usual things to do to get ready to hit the road after sitting in one place for the last two months. Cabinets were straightened, loose items were put away, the basement was straightened (one more time), holding tanks were dumped, tire pressure checked, fluid levels checked on the truck....... We have a check list we use to make sure everything is ready to travel, and over half of it has been checked off as completed. Finishing up in the morning should be fairly easy.
We had supper with Terri and Thomas at the Full Moon Bar-B-Que Restaurant in Tuscaloosa. The food was good and there was plenty of it. The best thing about the meal, however, was the company. We'll do it again when we get back.
A personal note: Last year, we met three of the nicest people we could ever hope to encounter, our landlords Ruth, Marsha, and Chuck. When we were looking for a place to park the RV, they allowed us to rent a space in their little RV park. Over the course of the last year or so, these folks have become some of our best friends. When we came back here a couple of months ago, they told us they were closing the park in October because it had become too much of a burden to keep open. At this time, our RV is the only one still parked here. Since we don't expect to be in this area more than 2-3 weeks the rest of the year, we decided to go ahead and give up our space. This allows them to move ahead with plans for the property. We appreciate everything these folks have done for us, and whenever we're in the area, we will always stop by to visit with them. Thank you, guys, for everything.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: Golden Gate City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 95 degrees, clear skies
We will be leaving here in the morning on our way to Florida to visit family. That meant we had the usual things to do to get ready to hit the road after sitting in one place for the last two months. Cabinets were straightened, loose items were put away, the basement was straightened (one more time), holding tanks were dumped, tire pressure checked, fluid levels checked on the truck....... We have a check list we use to make sure everything is ready to travel, and over half of it has been checked off as completed. Finishing up in the morning should be fairly easy.
We had supper with Terri and Thomas at the Full Moon Bar-B-Que Restaurant in Tuscaloosa. The food was good and there was plenty of it. The best thing about the meal, however, was the company. We'll do it again when we get back.
A personal note: Last year, we met three of the nicest people we could ever hope to encounter, our landlords Ruth, Marsha, and Chuck. When we were looking for a place to park the RV, they allowed us to rent a space in their little RV park. Over the course of the last year or so, these folks have become some of our best friends. When we came back here a couple of months ago, they told us they were closing the park in October because it had become too much of a burden to keep open. At this time, our RV is the only one still parked here. Since we don't expect to be in this area more than 2-3 weeks the rest of the year, we decided to go ahead and give up our space. This allows them to move ahead with plans for the property. We appreciate everything these folks have done for us, and whenever we're in the area, we will always stop by to visit with them. Thank you, guys, for everything.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: Golden Gate City
Not all who wander are lost.
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