Lovely Weather

Last Friday we picked up our new rocker recliners from Lazy Boy.  The two of us even managed to get them in the house all by ourselves!  They're a good color  but they don't match our orange speckled rug.  Apparently I have to adjust myself to this change.  I'm sitting in a different location beside Jim instead of the end of the rig.  I can't use my computer table because of the bump from the slide.  We both have our laptops set up on the dining room table and sitting on that chair is awkward for me....my feet don't touch the floor! 


On Saturday we had a rainy day...it rained all day and I'm sure the trees, bushes and plants loved it.  Now we're enjoying mild temperatures and it looks like Spring.

On Monday I went to the VA and was instructed on how to use a Tens Unit.  I wasn't in there long and I left with a four lead Unit.  It comes with batteries, charger for said batteries and the leads and pads. I was also given extra pads that I can get from any VA clinic.  All I had to do was charge the batteries when I got home. 

Which I forgot.  On the way home we stopped at the Post Office to mail a package of Stampin' Up! catalogs to Terry.  Jim then drove to Bed Bath and Beyond  where we bought a gel cushion for me to sit on.  We've contemplated buying one before for traveling.  One more stop at Sam's Club for tomato sauce and we then headed home.  Once we pulled into our site a neighbor invited us to her site for happy hour....first we had a bite to eat because drinking beer was involved!  That's why I forgot to charge the batteries!

This morning, as soon as I thought I could, I asked Jim to 'hook' me up.  Because the pain is on the left side the pads had to be on my backside.  He did a fine job putting the pads on and attaching the leads and after a few minutes of re-reading the instructions I finally was able to turn the machine on.

I've used it off and on during the day and I must say it does work.  It will not take the pain away but it 'masks' it for awhile and I can stand and do chores without to much fuss.  Better than taking addictive pain killers.

We went to HEB this morning and I did well.  Using and wearing (carry in pocket or clip to waistband) this machine will take some getting used to.  I can change the intensity and duration of time.  I have to find what works best for me.

Jim has been wonderful in helping me with my chores and I love him dearly....cuz he stills loves me even when I snap at him.  It's no fun being in pain!

I'm not sure if this pain will ever go away but at least now I can get some relief from it

All is right in our world

Converter not Converting!

Sunday evening about an hour before we went to bed we both noticed the lights were dimming....not good!  I'm sure as Jim was trying to go to sleep he was thinking about how to go about fixing this problem.

Monday after breakfast he tackled the batteries and converter.  Scotty came over and between them figured out the converter was dead.  A new one has been ordered.  Meanwhile, we have no lights, AC or furnace and we can't put the awning out.  Good thing our weather is a bit chilly right now!  Having full sun all morning on the door side makes it get warm when the temperature goes above 75 or so.

Jim had stayed inside all weekend not feeling well.  So this was his first time outside and I'm sure he would have preferred not working.

We have a dear friend, down in the Rio Grande Valley (Texas), who's been under the weather .  On Sunday her husband posted a couple pictures on Facebook and all her friends and family got to see Miss Jeni, it sure was nice to see her smiling face!  She has some rehab to do and we're all hoping and praying that she gets well soon.  We love you Jeni!

The news from Orlando is very sad.  There doesn't seem to be an end to these senseless killings.  Tolerance doesn't seem to be taught. It's only a handful, out of millions of people, who perpetrate these crimes against humanity and it saddens me.  I was taught to accept others for who they are, not their religion, color or country of origin.  I have no solution to offer, but the warmongers would have us fighting against something that will never go away as long as parents across countries and religions don't teach tolerance and understanding.

Monday had us with another gloomy start.  No matter, the four of us drove into Rutland for appointments, lunch and shopping.

Tried a new Chinese restaurant and the four of us had a good lunch.  Of course the conversation was good too!  Scotty stopped at a fabricators for something or other.  It will be used on the building.  Anne and I went grocery shopping and Jim stopped in Bed, Bath and Beyond to buy me a towel.

Got back home shortly after 1600 in time to feed Boo his dinner.  Since it was cold we stayed indoors.  No happy hour, besides I think we were all stuffed from our late lunch!

A quiet evening mostly because I couldn't find anything I wanted to watch on TV.  We occupied ourselves with the internet and playing games. I've only an OTT lamp for crafting and I turned it on after the sun went down.  I didn't fancy sitting around with only the lights from our laptops!

I miss the Great Horned owls we had in the backyard in Indiantown, Florida.  Anne says there are owls here in Vermont, but I've not heard any.

All is right in our world

Dare I say it?  I'll probably jinx us....but I must say it was very nice to be out and about yesterday and it didn't rain on us!  We did drive one area where the road was still wet from a shower but we, personally, didn't see any rain.  It may have sprinkled over night because the picnic table is wet.  As I type this I can see some clear skies but to the east there are banks of clouds obscuring the rising sun.  

It doesn't make much sense to wash the windows when you have to do it daily.  But they are so water spotted it's depressing to look through them.  Last Sunday Jim raised the front jacks to get the water off the slides and it needs it again.

This day was a laundry day.  I stripped the bed and got busy right after breakfast.  I could just remake the bed with clean sheets but then I'd have to launder the soiled ones and fold them.  I find it more convenient to just wash and put them back on the bed.

We had an appointment to get Boo groomed yesterday so we dropped him off at PetsMart just before lunch.  Speaking of lunch that's what we did next, went to lunch at Sake Too.  It's one of our favorite places, they serve Japanese and Thai foods. Jim ordered a Bento Box with tempura and I tried something new, a Thai veggie dish with tofu.  We both had hot green tea and the meal came with miso soup.  We brought food home.

Our next stop was Home Depot.  Jim had been looking for a hose splitter connection for about a month and he needed some clear silicone to redo the Kitchen sink.  I wanted some plants.  Sonsearae has two hanging pots that have hung out front since they arrived.  There was spindly pathos in them that died from lack of attention.  I was tired of looking at them so I replaced them with New Guinea Impatiens.  The purple flowers and dark green leaves look pretty.  I wanted to get some herbs for the empty pots but didn't like the selection.  I'll have to look elsewhere.

Our next stop was Sams Club to fuel up.  What are diesel prices where you live?  We paid $2.24 per gallon.  That's wonderful for this area and Florida in general.  Since we were here we went inside to see if we could find dessert.  And we did!  Coconut cake was being passed out and I must say the sample we got was mighty tasty.  Perfect size and we didn't have to buy it.  Made a couple purchases from my list, then we left.

Headed to Publix next for the remainder of my list and soon we were killing time over at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  We strolled around the store looking for something to buy (Jim's Words).  I get mobile coupons and it was about to expire so I picked up a box of Tazo tea because I was out of it.  Then the call came to pick up Boo!

All of our shopping was done so we headed home.  Took us a bit to get our purchases unloaded and the plants hung.  By then it was time to feed Boo and have afternoon coffee.  Jim did while I abstained.  I rarely have coffee in the afternoon these days.  Sometimes I don't even finish my morning cup of coffee.  I continued with the laundry and eventually made the made.

When we walked Boo and checked the mail I retrieved my camera from the truck.  I try to take it every time we head out because you never know when an opportunity for photos will present itself.  Any way I was wandering around with it in my pocket when I spotted the Painted Bunting on the ground searching for food.  So I filled the tube feeder and he must have been watching because as I put the container away he settled in for dinner.

Not the best photo but you can see the vivid colors this little bird wears.  He definitely is a bright spot in any day

All is right in our world

Scotty

Yesterday Miss Anne and Mr Scotty headed into Rutland very, very early in the morning to check into the hospital.  Hip replacement surgery was on the agenda for Scotty.  This procedure has become quite common but it is still worrisome for those who wait.  I'm pleased to say the procedure went well

We drove to meet up with Anne to share the vigil.  When we arrived Scotty was still in recovery and Anne was hungry so we went to Friendly's for a late breakfast.  We still  had time to kill so we wandered around Bed, Bath and Beyond managing to kill an hour or so and finding stuff to buy.

Back at the hospital they were just getting him into his room so we had to wait a wee bit to see him.  He's in a private room and his nurses were taking very good care of him when we finally entered his room.  Bearing in mind that he was still under the influence of drugs he was in good spirits, smiling and chatting with everyone.  

While we were there two more friends arrived and the party like atmosphere was a bit much for me.  I decided Jim and I should leave.  I could see Scotty was wanting to nod off and sleep.  Anne remained until later keeping him company and keeping us updated.  He was still smiling at dinner time!  If you know Scotty he can manage anything and this is just another bump in the road.

Anne has already driven up this morning and we'll join her later once we get an update.  Scotty could come home today once he's passed all the tests!  They want him up and walking before he can be released.

Not much else happening right now.  Day to day chores and quick meals for now.

A little bit of this and that

Last Friday after we left the Landis Valley Farm and Museum we drove into downtown Lancaster so I could go to the Central Market, the oldest Farmers Market in the country.  But that didn't happen...traffic was bumper to bumper and there wasn't any space to park our big, black beastie.  If we hadn't already been tired from trekking all over the grounds in Landis we might have searched for a spot further away and walked back.  I guess we'll just have to come back and explore more of this area.

We also had plans to stop for some groceries, but that didn't happen either.  Half way home we both agreed to skip it.  We could do it Saturday when we take Boo for his grooming.

Saturday we had a lazy morning and after Jim picked up some propane we headed out around 1130 for Boo's appointment at noon at Petco.  After dropping him off we drove around looking for a place to have lunch.  We ended up at Hoss's Steak and Sea House.  You order at the register and your meal and drink are delivered to your table.  Meanwhile you can help yourself to the salad bar.  And we did.  Nice big salad for both of us.  I think we could have stopped at that.   We both ordered stuffed roasted chicken (full breast) with mashed potatoes and gravy.  Well I only had a few bites of chicken and Jim finished my serving.  We split the stuffing and ate our potatoes.  We brought one home and Jim can have it for dinner.  Jim also had some soft serve ice cream and I had half a cup of soup just to taste it.

We left stuffed!  But it was soooooo goooood!

From there we headed to Bed, Bath and Beyond to get a cartridge for our soda machine.  Walking around helped with our groaning bellies.  So we continued with Pier One for me and Dick's Sporting Goods for Jim.  

I can't remember the last time I wandered around in Pier One.  Did you know they sell jewelry now?  It's just as colorful as everything else in the store!  I got to talking to one of the sales ladies, Julie and she said she wants to RV!  I gave her one of my cards so I hope she's reading.  Hi Julie!

Jim found me talking to Julie so we said goodbye and we both headed to Best Buy but once inside we got the call to come pick up Boo.

Once again we skipped the groceries...Boo always get stressed being poked and prodded during his grooming so we just went home

Here he is recuperating and he sure looks better

Neither one of got hungry until after 1800...I just had some soup and Jim had peanut butter and crackers

Today was the day for groceries!  Jim dropped me off while he went and fueled up the truck ($3.89 a gal).  Now we're all set to travel tomorrow.

Tonight we'll watch a couple shows on PBS

Fort Matanzas

Our destination Saturday was Ft Matanzas but we had to make some stops along the way.  The day was lovely and during the course of the afternoon I heard many people express this many times.

After breakfast and doing the morning chores we dressed and headed to St Augustine.  Our first stop was Bed, Bath and Beyond.  For Veterans they had 20 percent off your entire purchase so we decided to see what they had that we couldn't live without.  I found some serving pieces to go with our new silverware (more on that in another post) and we found a rug that fit the front door entry...have to laugh, we don't have a back door!

Next I dashed into Michael's right next door for some crafting supplies and Horehound drops for Jim.  I picked some up last time we were here and he likes them...

Next we headed to Verizon to see if the screen protectors for Jim's phone were in stock....they were. 

Whew all this shopping makes you hungry! Across the street was a Carrabba's so we popped in for a wonderful lunch.  Jim had Sangria and I had Chianti to drink with the delicious bread and olive oil they supply you with while waiting for our meal.  Jim ordered a shrimp Alfredo dish and I had linguine with tomatoes, mushrooms, artichokes and garlic.  I brought a lot home and they gave me another loaf of bread to eat with it!

Then it was off to Diane's Natural Market for some coffee creamer.  I'm not sure why, but they always give me a hard time with coupons!

Now that the shopping is out of the way we headed for the coast.  Driving south on A1A is always enjoyable and before long we were pulling into Ft Matanzas National Monument By the way, there is no charge to enter



After a short, free ferry ride we disembarked to tour this well preserved fort. I think this is the smallest fort I've ever seen.  It's 50 feet on either side with a 30 foot tower.  Only seven men were assigned here.  One officer, four infantrymen and two gunners.  The brochure say up to 50 men could be here during a crisis...I think it would be standing room only!

 

I have to admit the view from all four sides would keep me entertained.

 

 

 

 

 

After the tour we headed across the street to the beach.  there was a northeast wind blowing and the waves were pretty

 

Continuing down A1A we stopped in at this gallery because of this guy out front.  He is a huge driftwood sculpture

Baliker Gallery

Head here to see more  pictures of sculptures Of course not all of them are at this gallery.  But if we had a yard I'd be tempted to buy one.

After drooling over the artworks inside and outside we hopped back into the truck, heading south and stopped in at Washington Gardens State Park.  No camping here but it's great for gatherings and picnics. Great park on both sides of the highway. Access to the intracoastal waterway on the west for fishing and the Atlantic for the ocean

By now we're about done for the day so we headed further south on A1A to Flagler Beach where it looked like something was happening...cars and people everywhere!  We just kept driving heading west and going home.

Sunday Jim woke up with an infection in his mouth.  It really looked like someone punched him and it would have been comical except he was in pain also. Still he went to work and I planned mushy foods for him to eat.

The Saints played the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football and we watched until they pulled Drew Brees from the game.  We looked and looked but couldn't see Sonsearae and Chris in the crowd!  They went over to New Orleans for the weekend to see the game and to have fun with friends who happen to be Cowboy fans.

122 days

• 10,540,800 seconds
• 175,680 minutes
• 2928 hours
• 122 days
• 17 weeks (rounded down)

Cloudy Days

Monday started out sunny but more and more clouds moved in and by noon it was mostly cloudy.

Jim is working and I am too, kinda...Laundry is almost done and I worked more on updating my blog.  I'm still trying to learn how to add pictures.  I've noticed some folks on blogspot have a picture at the top of their page as part of their title or above it.  I'll take any advice and help you want to offer.

The cloud cover got heavier and by 1500 they covered the sky. But no rain so I guess that's good.

It never did rain and the rest of the day was good, just cloudy.  I made blt's for our dinner and afterwards we both showered and got settled in to watch the Saints beat the Dolphins.  Unfortunately we both went to bed at halftime!  So we didn't know the final outcome of the game until the next day.

Tuesday started cloudy too but we never did find any rain, just where it had rained.  Jim had a doctor's appointment in St Augustine at 1100.  So we had waffles for breakfast and a slow morning of getting ready.  A stop at the post office to mail a couple books and we were on our way.

He was in and out of the office before 1100!  That doesn't happen often....then we hit a couple stores, Bed Bath and Beyond and Michael's.  Then we headed to the beach for some lunch.  We tried a new restaurant:

Typical Pub Grub, Jim had shrimp tacos and I had fish and chips.  Mine was a bit greasy but tasty

After lunch we again headed to the beach and stopped in at Anastasia State Park.  We've been wanting to get a Florida State Park Pass since we got here and now was our chance.  For a non-resident it costs around $120 but there is a discount for military members of 25%.  A bargain if you like to spend time in state parks.  But what we didn't know was there is no charge for Disabled Vets!  Can't beat that price...

We drove around the campground and all of the sites are very nice.  Lot's of trees and privacy in most of them.  Not to many that will fit our big rig and the brochure says nothing over 40 feet.  This time of year there weren't that many campers.

Still have some wildflowers in bloom

the sea oats were looking a bit bedraggled

Northwest we could see the St Augustine Lighthouse

As we were leaving we came across this tortoise munching some grass.  As soon as I got close he froze up

Our drive home was an easy one, it's only an hours drive.

It was an NCIS night on TV

Sunday at Home

Jim is working today so I'm holding down the fort.  We had a thunderstorm roll though last night, just after we went to bed...needless to say Boo didn't like the thunder and lightning and we had a wee bit of trouble sleeping.  But, I do like the sound of rain on the roof.

This morning we have sunshine and the grass glistens with last nights rainfall.  Very pretty!

Yesterday we decided to head out to buy some potting soil and bread.  Jim had dusted off the truck and did some chores outside after breakfast and when he came in he said "I'm Ready!" "lets go"  So we both changed clothes and since it was almost lunchtime decided to stop in Hastings for lunch at a new place for us.  Unfortunately, the restaurant we wanted to check out wasn't open!  So, Jim just kept driving east towards St. Augustine.....you should see the corn fields!  I'd say about three feet high and I'm sure last nights rain helped.

Though it wasn't a new stop for us we decided to have lunch at Panera Bread.  Then we popped into Bed, Bath and Beyond for a soda canister.  And then..........

We hit the St. Augustine Outlet Malls!  First time since we've been in this area. I'm  afraid we went a little bit crazy and spent to much money, but it sure was fun.  I've been looking for a pair of sandals and after several stores I found a pair at Easy Spirit.  Discovered the Corningware Corelle store and picked up some matching microwave bowls and serving, storage bowls that match my new Bamboo http://www.corelle.com/patterns/bamboo-leaf  dishes.  And don't you know, they gave me a coupon for future purchases!  LOL

Jim popped into Crocs and picked up two pair. He just loves these shoes and says they're comfortable....to each his own.

For reasons I can't explain this Outlet Mall is on two sides of I-95 and across the highway Jim spotted the Gander Mountain store.  It's not part of the Outlet Mall but he needed some gun cleaning items and while he was looking in that department I checked out the clothes and managed to find two purses, a pair of shorts and a Hat That Fits!

After all that buying we decided to save shopping at other stores for another time....After all, we'll be here for awhile....we need to pay off the bills!

Apparently we need to stay out of big cities for awhile....living here in Welaka, which is remote, made us go crazy!!!

Last week Jim had a bout of vertigo which is pretty much gone now but it sure makes for interesting days.  When he wasn't working he was sleeping.  Not very exciting for either one of us.

Boo is still battling....I don't know what......but if we keep him dosed up he scratches and licks less.  I've found some scabs but no more fleas.  I'm sure he gets tired of me looking all over his body for new hot spots and fleas.  He avoids me when I come near him :-(

Broth

Do you like to cook?  I do and I try to put tasty meals on the table.  From the weight we've gained I think I'm doing ok   :-)  I make  a lot of food from scratch trying to avoid packaged foods.  I love my veggies which leads me to making broth!  I keep all my scraps until I have about two cups worth and then I cook them.  Of course you can use whole carrots, onions, celery etc but I keep the stems from mushrooms, skins and tops from onions, celery leaves, stems from parsley...whatever bits and pieces to make broth.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients cover with water and add peppercorns, bay leaf, a clove or two and bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for about an hour.   You let it cool and remove all the spent veggies.  Viola!

I use my broth to 'fry' any onions etc for recipes instead of oil.  I also use it in my morning smoothies made with vegetables.  My Vita Mix makes excellent drinks!

We went to St Augustine to go to a Seafood Festival.  the drive was interesting because it was so windy!  The route we take has a lot of farm fields and they were losing a lot of sand? soil? whatever you call it, it was like a dustbowl out there!  Along the way we saw Texas Longhorn cattle, Wood Storks and before we left Welaka, Sandhill Cranes.

As we approached the the area where the festival was being held we ran into traffic and as we drove around looking for a parking spot we discovered everyone was at the festival!  I'm not sure how long or far we searched for a spot to park our black beastie but it was a no go...so we just kept driving and stopped for a pizza and beer for lunch.

After lunch we went shopping.  Stopping at Diane's Natural Market, Camping World and Bed Bath and Beyond.  The drive home was less windy and Boo was happy to see us.  

After everything was put away we settled in with our afternoon coffee and peach pie while Boo had his dinner.  No I didn't make the pie.....it's from Schwan's but it is very tasty.  It's Terry Browns fault!!!  She told me they were good a couple years ago in the Rio Grande Valley.

Beale Street

Wednesday I was up early enough to see the sunrise....I took a gazillion pictures but I won't bore you with all of them.  The sky was just lovely with purples and mauve's, then the sun popped over the trees and started to warm the earth.  Then it slipped behind the cloud layer and I was treated to another sunrise a few minutes later



We had made plans to cross the river and re-visit Memphis, Tennessee.  So after breakfast and morning chores we headed to Beale Street.  After driving around downtown and seeing St Jude  we attempted to find a parking spot for our big black beastie.  Meters were twenty five cents for fifteen minutes...limit of two hours...so we paid five bucks for a secure lot.  Plenty of room there!

Once we got to Beale Street we just walked up one side and down the other.  Checking out shops here and there.  I told Jim to choose a restaurant and after reading a few menus we decided on Rum Boogie's

The place was decorated with guitars!  Plastered with names of the donors

 

Quite interesting!

 

Jim had a barbecue plate while I had catfish, we both had cole slaw.  I had fries and Jim had potato salad.  We both washed our lunch down with a cold beer!

After lunch we headed towards the parking lot and made a stop at Gibson and got to see some lovely, expensive and reasonably priced instruments.  As we exited the building there was a line of beautiful trees sporting some Autumn color

Afterwards we headed east to hit a couple stores.  We needed a soda cartridge so we found a Bed, Bath and Beyond.  I thought the store was a little small...As we drove down Poplar Street we passed the Whole Foods Market so our return trip included a stop there!  It too was a small store.  I guess I'm spoiled....The stores in Louisiana and Texas are much bigger!

Back home the weather took a turn for the worse.  The wind got worse, clouds moved in and then the rain started.  Jim's phone kept warning us with tornado warnings and watches....made for interesting evening.  During CSI we even lost our TV signal.  We decided to bring in the two big slides because the wind was making a horrendous racket lifting the slide toppers up.

Needless to say we didn't rest well....every time I heard a 'train' sound I listened for the horns.  Shortly after going to bed the winds died down and the rain lessened.

We weathered the night and all is right with the world!

Rain finally ends

Yesterday it was still rainy and gloomy when we got up.  During breakfast it was decided we would go out and about instead of sitting and waiting for the rain to end.  Of course the first thing Jim did was locate a Barnes and Nobles.  That's our go to place when it rains.  We sit and read magazines and usually get a coffee.  So that's where we headed once the morning dishes were done and the bed was made.  

Once there we gathered some reading material and I purchased some hot drinks for us and we enjoyed reading while sipping on our beverage of choice.  Jim had boating magazines and I looked at crochet magazines...it's a pleasant way to spend an hour or so.

Then we went to Cactus Jack's for a Mexican lunch.  Nice place!  Staff was all Hispanic as far as I could tell. Our waiter was very good and 'talked' us into ordering 'grande' draft Dos Equis!  LOL  I guess we should have looked closer at the menu...they were 34 oz glasses!  No matter, we did out best to finish them! Each of us had a couple ounces left when we called it quits.  Our lunch was good, Jim had a shrimp taco salad and I had shrimp cooked in garlic with re-fried beans, rice and tortillas with a side of guacamole, sour cream an pico de gallo on a bed of lettuce.  I brought some of my lunch home.

We managed to walk out on our own and we headed to Bed, Bath and Beyond to pick up a bottle of soda mixer for Jim.  We had a coupon for 20% off and while there I found an 'ooooh' 'aahhh' rug for the kitchen.  I used the coupon from my phone for this one.  It was marked down so double savings, I like that.  The rug is cushioned and it's washable.

Once we finished there we headed to Walmart to pick up a few groceries and get fuel.  We had money on the card and fuel cost $3.73 (I think), not bad since everywhere we looked it was running 3.99-4.05.  My grocery list wasn't long and we managed to quickly get out without it costing to much.  Jim even hurried me!  Well his ice cream was melting.  

Once home I put our groceries away and Jim stowed his purchases in a compartment.  Then he came in and took a nap!  I guess the excitement of the trip and the beer wore him out.  :-)

We had our afternoon coffee outside.  The afternoon turned out sunny and breezy. We were treated to a hawk hunting his dinner and of course the herons and pelicans entertained us also.   After Boo had his dinner we went for a walk and I took some pictures.  Met one guy who said they were full timers and make this there home base during the winter.  They have to leave now and then but they just go down the road for a few days then come back.  

The sites here are quite spacious!

 To the right of the above picture is the bath house and in the right foreground is a magnolia tree.  The grounds and landscaping are quite nice and except for the fact they use a herbicide on the vegetation along the lake shore it would be perfect.  Most sites have shade for part of the day.  The sun sets on the front of our rig.  I'm hoping to get some pretty pictures.

Last night it looked like all the pelicans in the region were right outside on the lake.  Hard to get a good picture with all of them.  We also have red squirrels and I've seen scissor tailed fly catchers

We watched TV and had a quiet evening.  That is until they came around and sprayed for mosquitoes!  This campground is very nice and I'm sure it stays busy in the summer months.  We booked for eight nights but who knows, we may stay longer.

Bright Sunny Days

Means the temperature goes up!  As long as the AC works I don't mind.... :-)

We've been just hanging around the campground.  Reading, playing games and doing life's little chores.

Saturday we did drive over to the mall and have to admit it was nice seeing all the stores they had...so many malls we've visited lately have had a lot of closed up shops.  Jim was able to get some coffee at Bed Bath and Beyond so he's a happy camper.  This store has 20% off coupons that you can get by mail, email and now on your smart phone.  Well Jim spent about 30  minutes Saturday morning trying to print one!  We have a wireless printer but sometimes the wireless signal isn't the best and it can take a few attempts to get everything on the same wavelength.

the pond drains across the driveway into the woods
.
After the Mall we headed to Barnes and Nobles where Jim had cheesecake and ice coffee.  We both did some reading then we just drove around and saw some pretty older homes.  This area is quite lovely.  We're both enjoying the hills and curvy roads

I don't think we went anywhere on Sunday.   I do recall a brief rain shower.  I fixed Ginger Bok Choy Stir Fry from the Everyday Happy Herbivore cookbook.  It was real tasty!  I love trying new recipes 

sunrise 16 July


Today I've been doing laundry, I stripped the bed and washed the sheets.  We also took Boo to the groomer for a long overdue haircut and nail trimming.  He looks so much better! 

Boudreaux

We made a run to Walmart for vitamins and then Camping World for a clear, sewer elbow.  

Jim put some bleach in the fresh water tank yesterday and today he's draining it.  We don't use that water much but it's been sot hot lately that I thought it could do with a sanitizing.

As you can see, never a dull moment around here!

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.  ~Doug Larson

Pizza!

We're staying at Weston Lake Recreation area for just three nights here in Columbia, South Carolina.  It's a very pretty complex for military personnel and their families.   Pine trees and undulating roads so it doesn't look like a cookie cutter campground.  The Lake is a good size though we won't be using it.  Fort Jackson is just down the road and we made the mistake of driving onto the base....Supposedly you can drive through and save time...Well the front gate was all blocked off with no detour signs!!!  After driving around for about an hour we finally found an exit after asking....Nice way to see the base and it is quite lovely.

We needed to find a Bed, Bath and Beyond so Jim let Ethyl (GPS on phone) know and she took us right to it.  We got a canister for our Soda Stream and Jim got a soda flavor.  Then we went in search of lunch.

As many of you know we like to search out Pizza, breweries and wineries as we travel.  Yesterday we stopped in at Za's Brick Oven Pizza, http://www.zasbrickovenpizza.com/ for lunch.  I did a search for it and after reading the menu decided I had to go.  You see, they have soy cheese as a topping!  No beer on tap but we both chose South Carolina beers and enjoyed them.  They were new for us.

 South Carolina Beer, mine was the red ale and Jim had the Light Rock

Roasted veggie, soy cheese pizza for me!

I had an 8 inch pizza and almost ate all of it.  Jim opted for a larger one so he could take half home and enjoy it another time.  I did take two slice home and had it for dinner along with a salad

Jim had a Zeus

Shortly after 1900 last night we lost power.  A thunderstorm came rolling though and made some noise and it did rain softly all evening.  We read, played games and tried to shower....I say try because apparently the power is needed to pump water in this campground!  And no we couldn't use our water because there wasn't enough in the tank.

Just before 2130 the power came back on in time to cool off before we went to bed.  Not sure how long it rained but I did hear it at least once during the night

What can I say?

it's been warm here....close to the 90 mark everyday. Once we get our chores done we just try to stay cool. Reading, playing games and watching TV. Not really exciting that's why I haven't posted.

We did go to the beach yesterday. Walked quite a bit in the surf and watched the sunbathers and swimmers enjoying the beautiful Gulf Coast. We brought lunch and sat in the shade of the Pavilion to enjoy it. With the breeze off of the water it was a good way to cool off and enjoy our lunch.

On the way home we made some stops. Publix to pick up dinner and some creamer for my coffee. Bed, Bath and Beyond for coffee. Coleman's has an outlet store so we stopped there just to check it out. And we stopped for fuel $3.85 a gallon is the cheapest in the area. We know Florida will be higher.

We leave on Monday for Panama City. We'll be staying at a Military campground for a week then off to Tallahassee to visit Sonsearae and Chris.

This and That

Yesterday I needed to make a trip to the post office to mail a couple things so after lunch we headed out and managed to find a post office. Then it was off to Sam's Club where we kept our purchases to a minimum.

Across the street we went to Best Buy (nope, didn't buy anything) then next door to Bed Bath and Beyond.....there we did buy some items. A few small things and a big coffee pot! So far we both like it. It takes the pods but also has a filter so you can use your own coffee. Makes mine just fine.

Back home I made some beef stew for dinner, washed all the components of the coffee pot and then we sampled some of the coffee that came with the coffee maker. It makes 4 oz, 8 oz and 12 oz cups of tea or coffee. You can also just use the hot water for other beverages.

By the time I sat down to drink my coffee I think Boo was getting bored or tired of being ignored. I was playing with my camera so I took his picture

Didn't do much of anything after dinner, TV, reading, computing and for me a bit of crocheting. I guess I should take a picture of the baby blanket I'm making and show it to y'all.


This morning we slowly got ready for our drive to Cheyenne and we were on the road by 0945 as far as I can recall. The views on I-25 weren't all that inviting as we left town

The high plains are brownish, grassy pastures. We didn't see any wildlife and really not that many cows either.

the further south we headed the terrain got a bit higher and rocky

but still a lot of fenced in scrubby pastures.

Then it started greening up! But first we stopped so I could walk around a bit and stretch. Not sure where I got it but when I grabbed my left ankle to stretch, my hand got some oil on it. Then I noticed my other ankle had oil too. I must have picked it up somewhere before we left the campground. It was obvious that when I crossed my ankles both of them got oiled! So while I was cleaning up Jim noticed our awning was coming unwound. So he got out the ladder and some zip ties and snugged it up with me holding the ladder.

While Jim cleaned up I fixed us some lunch and we relaxed a bit before getting on the road again.

some of the rocks are really interesting and I'm having fun zooming in, focusing and taking pictures from a moving truck.

Hopefully I'll get better as time goes by<<

I think we arrived around 1400 At Warren AFB just outside of Cheyenne. Once on base we saw some Canadian Geese wandering all over some grassy areas. Then we started seeing antelope, lots and lots of them!

It was amazing to see so many of them. Probably 2 dozen or so. We made it to the Fam Camp, checked in and set up. We have no TV but internet is just fine. We're here for 2 nights so I think we'll live without TV.

Our dinner was this and that. Jim finished off the beef stew and I steamed some green beans, chopped up a tomato and dished up some artichoke hearts for my dinner. After the dishes were done we took Boo for a walk and I found some critters to take pictures of.

this little bunny rabbit poked his head up just in time

train track runs right by and this was a a quick snap....I zoomed to much but the engine did fill the frame

By the office this mom and her twins we munching on the grass, all three of them kept an eye on us but didn't seem to be to concerned as we got closer.

What ever you did today I hope you enjoyed it.

Suite Dreams!