Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 84 degrees, mostly cloudy skies
We were still tired this morning after yesterday's marathon, which meant we slept a little later. A little later to us means we were up by 0600 hours. Since I was tired, I didn't get out for my morning walk until almost 0900 hours.
I have two pairs of sneakers I wear for different uses. One pair is used for everyday use, such as working around the RV or out in the yard. The other pair is used mostly for my morning walks because they are more comfortable than the others. When I was getting ready for my walk this morning, I just put a pair of shoes on without paying attention to what I was doing. When I started my walk, I felt like something was not quite right. After about a half mile, I realized that I had put the wrong shoes on. My normal walking shoes are better quality with better support. By the time I finished my walk today, my feet and legs were yelling at me. Here it is late in the evening as I write this, and my feet and legs are still protesting the treatment I put them through.
I mentioned in yesterday's post that we probably wouldn't do much today, and we didn't. We watched some TV, did some reading, and worked on the computer. Tonight, Carolyn is fretting about the unsettled weather north of us 75 to 125 miles away. There have been tornado warnings and watches all afternoon up there. Luckily for us, everything is either moving away from us or dissipating. Why is it that the bad weather here seems to occur mostly at night?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Oakman, Alabama: A Proud Past And A Promising Future
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Lost Near Jasper
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 64 degrees, high 84 degrees, cloudy early, then partly cloudy
After I returned from my morning walk and ate breakfast, we decided it was time to get out and see a little more of Alabama. And did we ever see a little more of Alabama. By the time we returned home, it was almost dark and we had driven almost 300 miles. In fairness, I have to say that part of the miles driven were done to take Thomas up to the location where his dad picks him up for their bi-weekly visit. We still drove more than I intended, but it was a full day.
We started out headed north on Alabama 69 in the direction of Jasper. The route led us through rolling and wooded countryside where few people live. If we hadn't known better, we would have thought we were in a state or national forest. Carolyn saw some blooming mountain laurel, and both of us saw a lot of honeysuckle, wild roses, wisteria, and many other types of flowers. Traffic was fairly light, which allowed us to take our time and actually see the countryside instead of having to rush through the area.
We had been through Jasper last year, but we took the time today to explore a little. Jasper seems like a nice town, and the heavy traffic indicated to us that the area is doing well. It looks like a good place to raise a family.
When we left Jasper, the real adventure started. We had decided to take some back roads on our return home, and the map indicated some roads that would get us back. Well, not so fast. We got into an area that had us turned around so much that the only thing I could say about where we were was in the state of Alabama. Carolyn kept telling me I should stop and ask for directions. Telling a man to stop for directions is like waving a red flag in front of him. I don't need no stinking directions, I have a map. Right.
She kept after me until I stopped and asked for directions. Hah! A lot of good that did. By the time the fellow finished giving me directions, I was lost even worse than before. You know the drill - "Go down the road to the railroad trestle, take a right, go up the hill to the stop sign, turn right, then left........". Anyway, I think you get the idea. I backtracked to civilization to the point where I could locate our location on the map, found a route home, and took off. We got home about 1530 hours, rested for about a half hour, then took Thomas up to meet his dad. Then it was back home. That is, after stopping at Cracker Barrel for supper.
I think we'll take things a little easier tomorrow.
On yesterday's post, a reader asked how we got the name and motto of the town or city we use for the Today's Town feature. My response was that we only used the names of cities and towns that we have actually been to. If we haven't been there, we don't use it. The mottos usually come from welcome signs or from the city or town web site. Obviously, we have been to more cities and towns than we have used, but many of them do not have mottos. What's my favorite so far? Hico, Texas: Where Everybody Is Somebody.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Jasper, Alabama: Working People Working Together
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 64 degrees, high 84 degrees, cloudy early, then partly cloudy
After I returned from my morning walk and ate breakfast, we decided it was time to get out and see a little more of Alabama. And did we ever see a little more of Alabama. By the time we returned home, it was almost dark and we had driven almost 300 miles. In fairness, I have to say that part of the miles driven were done to take Thomas up to the location where his dad picks him up for their bi-weekly visit. We still drove more than I intended, but it was a full day.
We started out headed north on Alabama 69 in the direction of Jasper. The route led us through rolling and wooded countryside where few people live. If we hadn't known better, we would have thought we were in a state or national forest. Carolyn saw some blooming mountain laurel, and both of us saw a lot of honeysuckle, wild roses, wisteria, and many other types of flowers. Traffic was fairly light, which allowed us to take our time and actually see the countryside instead of having to rush through the area.
We had been through Jasper last year, but we took the time today to explore a little. Jasper seems like a nice town, and the heavy traffic indicated to us that the area is doing well. It looks like a good place to raise a family.
When we left Jasper, the real adventure started. We had decided to take some back roads on our return home, and the map indicated some roads that would get us back. Well, not so fast. We got into an area that had us turned around so much that the only thing I could say about where we were was in the state of Alabama. Carolyn kept telling me I should stop and ask for directions. Telling a man to stop for directions is like waving a red flag in front of him. I don't need no stinking directions, I have a map. Right.
She kept after me until I stopped and asked for directions. Hah! A lot of good that did. By the time the fellow finished giving me directions, I was lost even worse than before. You know the drill - "Go down the road to the railroad trestle, take a right, go up the hill to the stop sign, turn right, then left........". Anyway, I think you get the idea. I backtracked to civilization to the point where I could locate our location on the map, found a route home, and took off. We got home about 1530 hours, rested for about a half hour, then took Thomas up to meet his dad. Then it was back home. That is, after stopping at Cracker Barrel for supper.
I think we'll take things a little easier tomorrow.
On yesterday's post, a reader asked how we got the name and motto of the town or city we use for the Today's Town feature. My response was that we only used the names of cities and towns that we have actually been to. If we haven't been there, we don't use it. The mottos usually come from welcome signs or from the city or town web site. Obviously, we have been to more cities and towns than we have used, but many of them do not have mottos. What's my favorite so far? Hico, Texas: Where Everybody Is Somebody.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Jasper, Alabama: Working People Working Together
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Ten Pounds Of Mail
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 64 degrees, high 87 degrees, mostly cloudy in the morning, then partly cloudy
Like most full-time RVers, we receive our mail intermittently. We have an official address we use for voting and income tax purposes in Livingston, Texas. All of our mail goes to that address, and is forwarded to us whenever we call and have it sent to where we are. Since we don't want to pay any more than necessary to receive our mail, we have gotten rid of most of the mail we used to get. All our normal expenses are paid via the Internet or through automatic deductions from our checking account. Imagine our surprise today when we received our mail, and it weighed about ten pounds. When I reviewed the mail, I found that an investment company had sent us a bunch of unsolicited prospectuses for different mutual funds, apparently in an attempt to drum up some business during this slow economy. As far as I am concerned, this is the worst thing they could have done if they wanted any business from us. How receptive do you think I am to this company now?
It took me about 15 minutes to go through the mail. By the time I was finished, I was really steaming. I found that some information was duplicated, and none of it was of any use to us. I will be calling the company tomorrow to express my displeasure with them and their marketing efforts.
Most people do not know how to read an electricity meter. Actually, it's easy. Now, Alabama Power is making it even easier. In an effort to lower their costs, they are changing out all the meters to the digital meters, rather than the analog meters. The digital meters are really easy to read. Plus, I understand the meters can be read remotely. I guess that means no more meter readers walking through yards, getting the dogs excited. I wonder if this move saves Alabama Power any money? If so, are they going to reflect the savings in the monthly bills? I'm sure they'll do the right thing. Right?
Daylight comes here by 0530 hours, triggering my wake up mechanism. I'm finding that I wake earlier and earlier as daylight comes sooner. The only good thing about waking early is that I get my walk done earlier. I think I would rather sleep longer.
Below is a picture of the Painted Desert in Arizona that we took in 2004. I think beauty can be found in most places, if we take the time to look.
There wasn't much going on here today. It was one of those days where it was just slow. I'm about ready for some adventure. Maybe we can stir up something tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waxahachie, Texas: The Gingerbread City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 64 degrees, high 87 degrees, mostly cloudy in the morning, then partly cloudy
Like most full-time RVers, we receive our mail intermittently. We have an official address we use for voting and income tax purposes in Livingston, Texas. All of our mail goes to that address, and is forwarded to us whenever we call and have it sent to where we are. Since we don't want to pay any more than necessary to receive our mail, we have gotten rid of most of the mail we used to get. All our normal expenses are paid via the Internet or through automatic deductions from our checking account. Imagine our surprise today when we received our mail, and it weighed about ten pounds. When I reviewed the mail, I found that an investment company had sent us a bunch of unsolicited prospectuses for different mutual funds, apparently in an attempt to drum up some business during this slow economy. As far as I am concerned, this is the worst thing they could have done if they wanted any business from us. How receptive do you think I am to this company now?
It took me about 15 minutes to go through the mail. By the time I was finished, I was really steaming. I found that some information was duplicated, and none of it was of any use to us. I will be calling the company tomorrow to express my displeasure with them and their marketing efforts.
Most people do not know how to read an electricity meter. Actually, it's easy. Now, Alabama Power is making it even easier. In an effort to lower their costs, they are changing out all the meters to the digital meters, rather than the analog meters. The digital meters are really easy to read. Plus, I understand the meters can be read remotely. I guess that means no more meter readers walking through yards, getting the dogs excited. I wonder if this move saves Alabama Power any money? If so, are they going to reflect the savings in the monthly bills? I'm sure they'll do the right thing. Right?
Daylight comes here by 0530 hours, triggering my wake up mechanism. I'm finding that I wake earlier and earlier as daylight comes sooner. The only good thing about waking early is that I get my walk done earlier. I think I would rather sleep longer.
Below is a picture of the Painted Desert in Arizona that we took in 2004. I think beauty can be found in most places, if we take the time to look.
There wasn't much going on here today. It was one of those days where it was just slow. I'm about ready for some adventure. Maybe we can stir up something tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waxahachie, Texas: The Gingerbread City
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Rain Maker
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 63 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, light showers
Remember in last night's post that I said the waxing of the truck was finished, and now the folks that live here could expect some rain? Well, the rain happened today, and there is more expected for the next few days. Maybe I should hire myself out as a rain maker. Go to areas where rain is needed, clean up the truck, and get the umbrellas out. Collect my money and move on to the next trouble spot. I wonder if I could adjust the amount of rain desired by varying the amount of truck cleanup?
After the morning walk and breakfast, I borrowed a 10-foot step ladder from Marsha so I could do a little wipe down of the slide-out roofs. When I cleaned the roof of the RV a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't reach most of the slide-out roofs. After thinking about how to get the remainder of the oak stains cleaned from the slide-out roofs, I decided to try a taller step ladder. My ladder is only six feet tall, so it was not nearly tall enough for what I needed to do. Marsha's ladder worked great, and now the entire roof has been cleaned. Thanks for the use of the ladder, Marsha.
The six foot ladder I have works for most tasks, but there are some things I need a ladder for that the current ladder is not adequate for. I have had the ladder for about six years. I'm going to look around for something that I can possibly fold up, yet give me the height I need. Any ideas? Just keep in mind that it needs to fold small enough that I can still carry it with me.
I almost forgot - I mowed the yard today before it rained. Maybe that, combined with cleaning up the truck, tipped the weather scales enough that the rain came today. So, if I had not mowed, maybe it would not have rained. Sounds like some tests are in order. Naaaahh!!
I helped Terri with a task in Tuscaloosa that took most of the afternoon. Without giving any details and respecting her privacy, I have to say it was a successfully completed task. We can only hope that more of her tasks are as successful.
Here's a picture of the Grand Canyon in Arizona that we took in April, 2004. Our first glimpse of the canyon gave us a feeling similar to being in church.
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 63 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, light showers
Remember in last night's post that I said the waxing of the truck was finished, and now the folks that live here could expect some rain? Well, the rain happened today, and there is more expected for the next few days. Maybe I should hire myself out as a rain maker. Go to areas where rain is needed, clean up the truck, and get the umbrellas out. Collect my money and move on to the next trouble spot. I wonder if I could adjust the amount of rain desired by varying the amount of truck cleanup?
After the morning walk and breakfast, I borrowed a 10-foot step ladder from Marsha so I could do a little wipe down of the slide-out roofs. When I cleaned the roof of the RV a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't reach most of the slide-out roofs. After thinking about how to get the remainder of the oak stains cleaned from the slide-out roofs, I decided to try a taller step ladder. My ladder is only six feet tall, so it was not nearly tall enough for what I needed to do. Marsha's ladder worked great, and now the entire roof has been cleaned. Thanks for the use of the ladder, Marsha.
The six foot ladder I have works for most tasks, but there are some things I need a ladder for that the current ladder is not adequate for. I have had the ladder for about six years. I'm going to look around for something that I can possibly fold up, yet give me the height I need. Any ideas? Just keep in mind that it needs to fold small enough that I can still carry it with me.
I almost forgot - I mowed the yard today before it rained. Maybe that, combined with cleaning up the truck, tipped the weather scales enough that the rain came today. So, if I had not mowed, maybe it would not have rained. Sounds like some tests are in order. Naaaahh!!
I helped Terri with a task in Tuscaloosa that took most of the afternoon. Without giving any details and respecting her privacy, I have to say it was a successfully completed task. We can only hope that more of her tasks are as successful.
Here's a picture of the Grand Canyon in Arizona that we took in April, 2004. Our first glimpse of the canyon gave us a feeling similar to being in church.
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.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
NASCAR Fans
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 62 degrees, high 87 degrees, mostly clear skies
The weather is starting to warm up as we get deeper into the spring. In order to get my morning walk out of the way before it gets too warm, I have been walking earlier. As a result, I'm usually back home before 0830 hours, unless I'm acting retired and sleep in a little. Like sleeping until 0630 hours.
It was time to wash our laundry, even though it's only been almost two weeks since we last did it. Just a joke. Actually, we ran out of laundry basket space, so that was our cue to get everything washed. I took everything to the laundry about 1100 hours, and had my choice of machines to use. No one was there except me for most of the time, unlike the other times we have been to that laundry. I'm not sure what caused business to be so slow today.
After I got home, it was time for some meditation. For some reason, I felt washed out. With meditation, I felt refreshed, and took care of some other little chores I needed to do. The last thing I did was finish putting wax on the truck. Folks in this area can get ready for some rain.
After a supper of lasagna and salad, we watched a couple of our favorite TV shows, NCIS and The Mentalist. We find that as we get older, the silly situation comedies hold little attraction for us. We would rather watch some of the cooking or self help shows. Wouldn't it be great if there was an RV show on?
Yesterday, when I was on I-59 going to Coaling, I saw the most RVs on the road that I have ever seen. There must have been 15-20 RVs for every mile I traveled, and all of them were going to the southwest, away from Birmingham. After thinking about where these folks were coming from, I came to the conclusion that they must have been at the NASCAR race held at Talladega over the weekend. Looks like there's still some discretionary income out there.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pulaski, Tennessee: Yesterday’s Charm, Tomorrow’s Progress
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 62 degrees, high 87 degrees, mostly clear skies
The weather is starting to warm up as we get deeper into the spring. In order to get my morning walk out of the way before it gets too warm, I have been walking earlier. As a result, I'm usually back home before 0830 hours, unless I'm acting retired and sleep in a little. Like sleeping until 0630 hours.
It was time to wash our laundry, even though it's only been almost two weeks since we last did it. Just a joke. Actually, we ran out of laundry basket space, so that was our cue to get everything washed. I took everything to the laundry about 1100 hours, and had my choice of machines to use. No one was there except me for most of the time, unlike the other times we have been to that laundry. I'm not sure what caused business to be so slow today.
After I got home, it was time for some meditation. For some reason, I felt washed out. With meditation, I felt refreshed, and took care of some other little chores I needed to do. The last thing I did was finish putting wax on the truck. Folks in this area can get ready for some rain.
After a supper of lasagna and salad, we watched a couple of our favorite TV shows, NCIS and The Mentalist. We find that as we get older, the silly situation comedies hold little attraction for us. We would rather watch some of the cooking or self help shows. Wouldn't it be great if there was an RV show on?
Yesterday, when I was on I-59 going to Coaling, I saw the most RVs on the road that I have ever seen. There must have been 15-20 RVs for every mile I traveled, and all of them were going to the southwest, away from Birmingham. After thinking about where these folks were coming from, I came to the conclusion that they must have been at the NASCAR race held at Talladega over the weekend. Looks like there's still some discretionary income out there.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pulaski, Tennessee: Yesterday’s Charm, Tomorrow’s Progress
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Coaling, Alabama
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly clear skies
Coaling is a small community about 12 miles east of Tuscaloosa. I had heard and seen the name several times, and was intrigued by the name. Today seemed like a good day to check the area out, so I drove over there this morning. Carolyn decided she would stay at home and take care of a couple things that she wanted to do.
Coaling is located south of I-59/20 off US 11. The countryside is mostly rolling wooded hills, interspaced with fields. When I got to the center of the township, I found that it had a town hall, water utility, and a post office. It appears that several housing developments have built built over the past few years to accommodate growth spreading from the Tuscaloosa and Bessemer areas. The town is slow and quiet. Unfortunately, this was one of those excursions that I took that didn't quite turn out the way I hoped. Still, I know where Coaling is, and what the area is like. That's worth something. I tried to find information on the history of Coaling, but was unsuccessful.
When I got back into Tuscaloosa, I stopped by Sears to check out their truck tires. We're going to need new tires soon, and I'm looking around to see what's the best tire and deal. The tires I looked at today were Michelins, which are hard to beat. When I was given the price, I almost went into shock. How does well over $900 sound? Yuck! I'm going to keep looking a little longer.
When I left Sears, I stopped at the library to get more books, as well as some dvds. It's amazing how busy the library is in this time of recession.
After the library, I made a final stop to pick up a few groceries. By the time I got home, I was ready for some rest. As a break, we watched Michael Clayton, a movie with George Clooney. Not a bad choice, and it was nice to watch a movie that was serious instead of a stupid comedy. After supper, I put some more wax on the truck. That little job should be finished tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greenville, South Carolina: G-Vegas
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly clear skies
Coaling is a small community about 12 miles east of Tuscaloosa. I had heard and seen the name several times, and was intrigued by the name. Today seemed like a good day to check the area out, so I drove over there this morning. Carolyn decided she would stay at home and take care of a couple things that she wanted to do.
Coaling is located south of I-59/20 off US 11. The countryside is mostly rolling wooded hills, interspaced with fields. When I got to the center of the township, I found that it had a town hall, water utility, and a post office. It appears that several housing developments have built built over the past few years to accommodate growth spreading from the Tuscaloosa and Bessemer areas. The town is slow and quiet. Unfortunately, this was one of those excursions that I took that didn't quite turn out the way I hoped. Still, I know where Coaling is, and what the area is like. That's worth something. I tried to find information on the history of Coaling, but was unsuccessful.
When I got back into Tuscaloosa, I stopped by Sears to check out their truck tires. We're going to need new tires soon, and I'm looking around to see what's the best tire and deal. The tires I looked at today were Michelins, which are hard to beat. When I was given the price, I almost went into shock. How does well over $900 sound? Yuck! I'm going to keep looking a little longer.
When I left Sears, I stopped at the library to get more books, as well as some dvds. It's amazing how busy the library is in this time of recession.
After the library, I made a final stop to pick up a few groceries. By the time I got home, I was ready for some rest. As a break, we watched Michael Clayton, a movie with George Clooney. Not a bad choice, and it was nice to watch a movie that was serious instead of a stupid comedy. After supper, I put some more wax on the truck. That little job should be finished tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greenville, South Carolina: G-Vegas
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Fayette, Alabama Train Depot
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 58 degrees, high 87 degrees, clear skies
The place where I walk in the mornings has a lot of yellow honeysuckle plants blooming at the current time. Ummmm, what a great scent!
When we were in Fayette yesterday, I took some pictures of their old train depot. The first train to come through Fayette was in 1890. The last trains to come through Fayette were in the spring of 1996 and were believed by many residents living nearby to be Ghost Trains as they came through in the middle of the night and had been rerouted through Fayette bound for Mississippi due to track repairs on the current route.
At this time, there is no train service to Fayette. The train depot is being refurbished for use as a tourist attraction. Even though the depot has not been used for several years, I could see that the town has an asset that can be used to their advantage if the right vision is developed for it's use. It felt strange to see a fully functional train depot with no sign of railroad tracks. Unfortunately, I was unable to take any pictures inside because it was closed.
We have not had much opportunity to ride trains in our lives, but the few times we did, we enjoyed it. When we were in New York, we took the train from Fishkill to the city (New York) several times. What a great experience. We rode alongside the Hudson River, seeing the beauty along that waterway. We passed through old towns that we had heard about in history and legend. And the best thing about the experience was that I could sit back and enjoy the ride, instead of having to be alert while driving. We need to do that more.
We didn't do much today. I read the Sunday newspaper, which is about the only day of the week that I look at a newspaper anymore. In the evening, I put some wax on about one-third of the truck. And that was about it for today. Just a slow Sunday rest day.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Corpus Christi: Sparkling City By The Sea
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 58 degrees, high 87 degrees, clear skies
The place where I walk in the mornings has a lot of yellow honeysuckle plants blooming at the current time. Ummmm, what a great scent!
When we were in Fayette yesterday, I took some pictures of their old train depot. The first train to come through Fayette was in 1890. The last trains to come through Fayette were in the spring of 1996 and were believed by many residents living nearby to be Ghost Trains as they came through in the middle of the night and had been rerouted through Fayette bound for Mississippi due to track repairs on the current route. 
At this time, there is no train service to Fayette. The train depot is being refurbished for use as a tourist attraction. Even though the depot has not been used for several years, I could see that the town has an asset that can be used to their advantage if the right vision is developed for it's use. It felt strange to see a fully functional train depot with no sign of railroad tracks. Unfortunately, I was unable to take any pictures inside because it was closed.We have not had much opportunity to ride trains in our lives, but the few times we did, we enjoyed it. When we were in New York, we took the train from Fishkill to the city (New York) several times. What a great experience. We rode alongside the Hudson River, seeing the beauty along that waterway. We passed through old towns that we had heard about in history and legend. And the best thing about the experience was that I could sit back and enjoy the ride, instead of having to be alert while driving. We need to do that more.
We didn't do much today. I read the Sunday newspaper, which is about the only day of the week that I look at a newspaper anymore. In the evening, I put some wax on about one-third of the truck. And that was about it for today. Just a slow Sunday rest day.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Corpus Christi: Sparkling City By The Sea
Not all who wander are lost.
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