The Truck

You want to know the hardest part about writing a blog?  The darn title!  It will come to me.....hopefully

Monday came and went.  It was a very nice day and we both got a few things done, inside and out.  Jim worked on the truck, then had to stop because he misplaced a bolt.  We both searched on our hands and knees.  I'm sure it was very frustrating for Jim.  

During all that time he did not eat even though I fixed our meal and told him.  It was also reheatable so that's what he did around 1700 because he wanted something to eat.  I get cranky if I don't eat on schedule but Jim can go for hours and hours. And lately he hasn't had much of an appetite.

He finally gave up looking for the bolt and started researching this bolt.  You know, what can I use to replace it? Who sells it etc. Found out you have to buy it from Ford. Ok....found a dealer who had it.  Now, get a ride to the dealership. He also looked into rental cars and tow trucks.  Jim is good at research!  

My goal again this year is to make 500 cards.  

7 January 2020 4 cards

Handmade Cards Because:

No one displays a email on the mantle

Or shows off a tweet in the fridge

Or saves a Facebook post in a box of treasures

Stampin' Up! supplies...mostly.  Some items are other brands.  The first card is a full size card

These two cards are the same size but the only part that opens is the middle square.  Not more normal card but they are cute!

Tuesday was a pretty day maybe a bit cooler.  Jim had a rough night and after getting up around 0700 he was back in bed by 0900.  He had a date later with Jerry to go pick up items for the truck.

Laundry and dishes occupied our morning.  Jim didn't want lunch when he got up so I had a huge salad.  I also spent some time making cards morning and afternoon.  I do it in stages....idea, gather supplies, cut paper, stamp, die cut and assemble.  Sometimes it takes a few minutes to an hour for each process.  

Depending on what time I get up I can get in an hour before Jim gets up.  If he naps I pull my kits out.  While he was away I worked on cards....after I did the dishes because I work on the kitchen counter.

Not sure what we watched other than car shows.  I/we forgot NCIS was on so we missed most of that show.  

All is right in our world

Tomatillo Salsa

Do you like chips and dip?  

What kind of chips?  

What Kind of salsa?

A favorite around here is Guacamole but pico de gallo comes a pretty good second, especially if it's made by me!  My daughter brought this delectable dish to our attention several years ago and it's quite easy to make.  A bunch of Roma tomatoes, red onion, jalepeno pepper, lime juice and a dash or two of chipotle pepper sauce.  I like mine with cilantro, Jim does not.. Just chop all the tomatoes, onion and pepper as big or as small as you like.  Enjoy

I also like a good tomatillo salsa.  But I don't make it, I buy it.  Salsa Verde is made by everyone!  Just do a search and the recipes will pop up....here are a couple:

Tomatillo Salsa Verde at All Recipes

Another one by Rick Bayless, Salsa Verde

Our day started early with a visit to see Jim's dermatologist.  It was a follow up for his pre cancerous skin lesions....Whew that's a mouthful.  Anyway the cream medicine he used cleared up all that was targeted.  She froze a couple spot on his head which look painful and will take a few days to heal up.  He also has to go back for a biopsy on a mole.

Then it was off to the mall for a brisk walk.  The heat is back and it was already warming up to the 90 it reached today.  

After our stroll we headed to Tony Roma's for lunch.  We left stuffed!  We each had soup, salad and half sandwich and a draft beer.  The beers were some we'd never had before, mine was good but nothing I need to repeat.  Jim had a porter that he enjoyed.

After lunch we headed to the McAllen Library on Nolana that used to be a Walmart!  Wonderful use of the building.  I liked the way it was set up with both English and Spanish sections.  Of course it has books but also magazines, videos etc.  Media Rooms and places for folks to sit and read, study rooms and internet.

Back home we changed into comfy clothes and relaxed a bit.  Around 1600 we headed to a party with a bunch of our friends and some strangers!  We had a good time and though neither of us was very hungry Jim managed to try quite a few tasty dishes and I had some chips...with and without salsa.  Jim brought some wine but I had water.  Though I did manage to down a few tequila shots.

CBS is our choice for TV viewing on Tuesday.  NCIS, Bull and NCIS: New Orleans

All is right in our world

Victoria Texas

We left Livingston yesterday around 0930 and it was raining!  Not heavy but enough to make it messy.  for the first hour or so on the road we kept driving in and out of showers.  After that it was clear skies and mostly uneventful.  

Once we reached Houston it was another story!  We took I-610 around the west side and south and I (we) were amazed at the traffic.  In some places it was 4-6 lanes, all busy, all going in the same direction!  Jim managed to navigate it quite well and we picked up Highway 59 south and started looking for a place to stop and have lunch.  We were both hungry and needed a pit stop.

We pulled into Lazy Longhorn RV Park in Victoria Texas sometime after 1400 and set up in 90 degree heat.  Of course I was inside and Jim did all the outside stuff.  For some reason he couldn't get our satellite dish to work so we're using the free cable TV that is offered here.  They also have free WiFi but it's very slow and sometimes not worth the trouble.

Once we relaxed a bit we headed to the hot tub and soaked for awhile then I took a dip in the pool.  Jim skipped the pool.  The hot tub has a waterfall feature that he sat under while the water washed over his head and shoulders.

I offered beans and rice for dinner but Jim didn't want that, so after we showered we headed out to Taco Bell and brought home tacos for our dinner.  Then we watched NCIS and Bull.  Jim went to bed while I did computer things until 2200

This morning was routine.  Breakfast, bed, laundry and dishes.  Then we headed to the mall to do some walking and Jim bought a new Fitbit so he's a happy camper

We drove to the Riverside Park to check it out.  From what we saw it's a nice park.  We passed a campground and the zoo.  Then we drove out into a posh part of town.  Big houses and lovely, huge old oaks.

Then it was downtown to seek out the old county courthouse built in 1892.  We walked around the square and then it was off to lunch.

Our destination was back the way we came so we could have lunch at Carino's.  Italian food is always good to have.  We both enjoyed a cool, refreshing beer.  Jim had salad and a pasta dish and I have soup and sandwich.

We both laid down for a bit then headed to the hot tub and pool!  Good way to spend a hot afternoon.

Saturday morning we'll leave and head to Mission Texas our destination for this winter.

All is right in our world

Traipsing around Stuart

Tuesday turned into an errand day.  I mentioned to Jim that I wanted a haircut.  I decided the Treasure Coast Mall would be the place because Jim could walk while I got groomed!

Once Jim got up I started my chores.  I always do a load of laundry while we both have breakfast.  Once my food was gone and I had checked emails etc I headed up to get dressed and made the bed.

Then it was over to visit with Sonsearae.  She had me watch a segment of Ellen that had a very young James Bond fan.  He was so cute dressed like Bond.  He was also a very lucky fan because Ellen sent him to the Premier in Mexico to meet Daniel Craig and watch the  new film.

Back home Jim was shaving and getting dressed while I did dishes.  We discussed all the places we wanted to visit and the list kept getting longer.

First stop was the mall.  Master Cuts was empty, perhaps I was the first client of the day.  In any case I got my fur removed and I look much, much better.  Jim managed to do two circuits of the mall before calling it quits.

Next stop was Chili's for some lunch.  We had a gift certificate that covered our meal.  We both had water to drink.  From the lunch menu Jim ordered a couple of pork tacos and he had a bowl of soup.  I ordered a chipotle chicken bowl and went with a green salad for starters.  We brought home most of my chicken.

Next stop was Target where I dashed in and paid my bill.  I have one of the cards so I can save 5 percent when I shop there (which isn't much).  I pay the balance off each much.

Then it was off the the Humane Societies thrift store where I scored a Serape, two regular size pillow cases and a book of postcards for only 6 bucks.  The Mexican Serape was $2.50 and for some reason they called it a beach towel, I suppose it could be used as such.

I also popped into Habitat for Humanity's store across the street.  I don't recall ever going into one and I wanted to see what they carry.  This particular store had a lot of big furniture with bits and pieces of construction stuff.  Alas I left empty handed because the tub I had my eye on would not fit in the rig!

Our final stop was Nobile Shoe Shop.  Jim wanted to see about getting some inserts for his shoes.  We've stopped in before and they are most helpful with matters of the feet.  While we were there they built up his new insert to support his arch better.  I hope this helps his foot and his painful Plantar Fasiitis.

What are you reading?  I'm re-reading the Outlander Books.  Kindle offered them up for $1.99 awhile back and I snapped them up!  Having all 7 books makes me very happy.  Didn't get any reading done on this day

Back home Jim had to get the pine sap (remember I said the truck was parked outside?) off the truck and ended up washing it.  It's been parked under cover again.  It was 83 degrees outside when he did this task.  

We watched a few recorded shows.  Trying to catch up because we have to replace the DVR which arrived yesterday.  I guess the shows are IN the box and not IN a cloud.  I don't know.  We also watched NCIS,  Gibbs sure is looking scruffy not like his former Marine self.

During the night we had a rain shower.  Nothing heavy but it woke me and lulled me back to sleep.  When your roof is only a few feet above your head to tend to hear it when it rains.

All is right in our world

Lazy Sunday

How was your weekend?  We spent Sunday at home.  I did laundry, Jim tidied up outside.  He also spent most of the afternoon playing the Wii...it's been a long time since he's done that.  So long, in fact,  that he had to set it up again.  He bowled, golfed and something else...Oh he hung up a couple bird feeders and we have a pair of goldfinches stopping by a few times a day.

For dinner I fixed enchilada bake and a salad.  I know we watched some NCIS and played games.

Memorial Day was spent quietly.  Our flags are flying proudly.  It's the first of our anniversary dates.  We've been together for 40 years.  Not many people thought it would last, but what did they know?

The weather has been perfect but sitting outside is a bit of a problem, we have to time it right to avoid the gnats! We lasted about 20 minutes today with our coffee before they found us.

For dinner tonight we're having sausage and pancakes.  Jim will cook the sausage outside while I stay inside (and bug free) to cook the pancakes.  We need to get a metal turner to cook pancakes outside on our grill.

I hope you took the time to remember those who have given all so we may enjoy our freedom.

Time

What is it about time and how it affects your body?  I don't mean aging that's a whole other problem...we expect the wrinkles and sagging skin because we've seen our parents go through it.

I mean time zones and daylight savings time.  Why does it alter our inner clocks so much?  It shouldn't matter what the clock on the wall says.  Get up when you wake up, go to bed when you're tired.  

We passed into the central time zone yesterday and driving can wear you out.  Our trip wasn't all that long, just over 100 miles.  But we were both ready for bed early.  Had our showers and got into our pajamas so we could watch the NCIS shows last night (1900/2000).  Jim was bushed and headed to bed around 2230 and I followed 30 minutes later.  Now I realize this is later using the eastern time zone our bodies are used to.  BUT!

I was up at 0430!!! and Jim got up at 0515!!!  He never gets up that early....he did say he slept well, as did I...but why did our inner clocks want us out of bed so early?

Time is an odd thing...we don't have to be  up at any particular time and certainly not that early.

I did have all my morning chores done before 0800 and Jim got the rig washed by then too.  He then shaved and we headed out.  Our first stop was the base so we could extend out stay but reservations wasn't open yet.  But at least they know of our plans.  Then we hit the Exchange for couple items.

I had mentioned Starbucks before we headed out and Jim found one at Pier Park although he didn't realize it at the time.  He just talks to his phone and follows Ethyl's (GPS) directions.  We're driving and driving and I asked if we were going to Pier Park and he said no...

Any hoo that's where we ended up...we got us some coffee and cinnamon crumb cake. Had to wait in line to get it.  Spring break is upon us and everyone was wanting hot coffee to warm up.  You see all the tourists were wearing shorts and short sleeves.  I guess they were waiting for the sun to come out.  It was foggy and overcast!

After we finished our cake we took our coffee and strolled the mall down to Front Beach Road, stopping in shops and looking at menus.  Then turned around and strolled back on the other side to do the same thing making our way back to Starbucks.  This part of the mall is all about tourists.  The rest of the mall has regular shopping like department stores etc.  I'm sure we'll go back because we've extended our stay here and leave the 15th.

We had one more stop at Publix for groceries and I found it funny that it wasn't even noon!  Once we got home and I got everything put away Jim decided he needed a nap.

That's been our day so far....  

 After our afternoon coffee we took Boo for a walk but couldn't go very far because of the wet conditions.  Behind us is a wetlands area and because of the rain recently the path was a bit mushy.

So we walked back and turned Boo loose in the dog park.  All he wanted to do was sniff and pee!  We found a tennis ball and played keep away for a bit until we got bored and then we came home.  Now he's passed out in his bed

Since we ate lunch at different times I don't think we'll have dinner...and I'm really beginning to feel worn out...

After a dismal, foggy start to our day the sun finally cleared away the clouds and it warmed up to the mid 70's....it's nice wearing shorts again.

Have you noticed the crosses on the pine trees?  Happens before Easter every year...

Winter has come to Welaka

First off let me apologize for these pictures.  For some reason Picassa won't allow me to upload using the 'blog this' tab.  I get 'service unavailable error 503'. If you know how I can fix this, let me know.

Last Sunday we sat outdoors and enjoyed the wildlife feeding at our hanging feeders.

The Squirrels are amusing but won't let the birds land to feed

Not sure what this little guy in the center of the picture is, but there is a flock of them that come by daily.  Only a couple inches big and fast!

See the notch in the tray?  Jim managed to hit it with his sling shot!  Not sure if it was marble or steel shot but it scared the squirrel....but not for long...

My patio plants are colorful!

This black cat belongs to one of our neighbors and his entertainment is chasing the squirrels and annoying Boo.  When Boo spots him he barks up a storm to let me know we have an intruder!

While watching these critters we enjoyed a cold beer.  Mine was Thomas Creed, Up the Creek...unbeknownst to me this beer is 12.5% alcohol!  My nose and lips were getting numb when I checked the bottle for alcohol content.  Reminded me of margaritas at Jorge's!

Because of this beer, I didn't feel like fixing dinner so we walked over to Shrimps R Us for dinner.  It was beginning to cool off and I'm glad I brought my jacket.

For our evening entertainment we watched Downton Abby, thus our Sunday ended.

Monday brought rain the beginning of the cold front that gave us winter.  Jim worked all day and as the temperature dropped I got the plants all covered and bedded down for the freezing temperatures.  Jim put water in the fresh water tank and we used the pump...or so we thought.  Not sure what happened but the pump sounded funny...and during the night the hot water tank emptied and now it doesn't work along with the pump.  We can heat the water on gas but not electric.

Boy did it get cold!  Not sure about the freeze watch but with clear skies the chill factor was enough for us.  

Tuesday we headed into St Augustine to replace our Soda Stream canister and get another soda mix for Jim.  Then we went in search of a place to have lunch.  We heard Caps on the Water was good so we went in search of it up the A1A.  Found it!  We wended our way through a nice neighborhood and found it located on the intracoastal waterway....but it was closed! As we got back on A1A we noticed on the sign that it would reopen on January 22!  I guess we'll have to wait to see if it's any good.

So we still needed some lunch and stopped at The Reef Restaurant, right on the Atlantic ocean.  We enjoyed a lovely lunch overlooking the crashing waves.  Hard to believe it was only 34 degrees outside. Of course, once we stepped outside, wham!

We made it home and Boo was glad to see us. We watched NCIS and the new show that followed it

Once again freezing temperatures were predicted so we left the plants covered and left water running in the kitchen sink.  We stayed nice and warm under the duvet after setting the furnace at 50 degrees.  It did come on, so I guess it got cold.

Wednesday I took some laundry down to wash and stopped by to see Kathy and John...we decided on this cloudy day we needed to find a mall in Ocala so we could walk and keep from being so bored in this nasty weather.   I put my clothes in the dryer,Jim put away whatever it was he was working on and within an hour we were on the road!

The drive is nice but not much to see driving through the Ocala Forest.  We chatted, discussing various trips we've made over the years and our mishaps while camping.  Once we got into Ocala I think we were all hungry so food was our first option.  We finally stopped at Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille. Right in the town center.  Christmas decorations we still up and on every corner of the square there was a painted pony.

Couldn't help but notice the Mardi Gras beads as soon as we stepped inside. Then looking around the decor was like New Orleans!  We've been to one before in Tallahassee with Sonsearae and Chris.

And the menu!  It was hard to restrain from ordering everything!  If you like Cajun food and come across this restaurant give it a try.  I gar-ron-tee you won't be disappointed.  When we left we made a stop at Starbucks for coffee.

The drive back was looong! Not really but we were tired and ready to get home. We arrived just before it got pitch dark.  Once again Boo was happy to see us

During the night I heard some rain and once again our day was overcast and yucky.  The rain only lasted during the morning and around lunch time Jim took two loads of laundry to be washed.  We've spent most of the day just sitting....around 1500 we took Boo for a walk.  Although not cold, it was windy so we didn't go all the way down to the river

Sure hope this stretch of winter is over...

65 days

• 5,624,578 seconds
• 93,742 minutes (rounded down)
• 1562 hours (rounded down)
• 65 days (rounded down)
• 9 weeks (rounded down)

Getting up way to early!

Monday I was up around 0530.  I just woke up and could not go back to sleep...does this happen to you?  As I tossed and turned trying to go back to sleep I kept thinking of things to do, the people in my life, writing this blog, Boo....etc

So I just got up.  It's really dark and quiet at that hour of the morning.  But I was treated to an unfamiliar sound, that distinct hoot of an owl.  Sounded quite close

It was a dreary day with more and more rain as the day wore on.  I stripped the bed and laundered the sheets.  Jim was going to work outside but that didn't happen. 

We went to Belle's Bistro in Crescent City for lunch and enjoyed a nice meal.  We both had sandwiches which came with a side and we both chose salads.  Mine was a garden salad and Jim had a pasta salad
After we got home Jim took a nap and I caught up on emails and did some reading.  I also checked my eyelids for light leaks while listening to the rain fall.  It was coming down so hard it reminded me of the gully washers we enjoyed in New Orleans

Just some soup for dinner and our TV was tuned to NCIS.  Kind of anticlimactic after all the hype about Zeva leaving.


This picture is from a year or so ago when we were traveling through the south during fall.  So far I've not seen much difference in our foliage.   It doesn't get that cold here until later in the year. But we do have Rain Trees!  
http://toptropicals.com/cgi-bin/garden_catalog/cat.cgi?uid=Koelreuteria_paniculata
Haven't noticed seeing any since we left New Orleans.  Quite lovely!

Today I've been up since 0445!  Not sure what's going on but I know for a fact I won't be late for my 0815 appointment to have my blood drawn.

What time do you usually get up?  And is Autumn color showing up near you?

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

Rain

Jim worked Sunday and that evening we has some sprinkles and during the night more gentle rain fell upon us.  Not even loud enough to hear in the bedroom.

Monday I got up to overcast skies and drizzly rain. Jim is working today also.  Meanwhile at home I did laundry and baked blueberry mini loaves.  First time trying my new mini loaf pan.  It make 4 little loaves. They turned out well.  The two center ones browned more than the other ones so my baking time has to be tweaked.

Tuesday I was up around 0600 having slept quite well. I've been having trouble sleeping thee past couple of month's.  My back and hips don't seem to like my mattress.  Could be caused by lack of exercise, age, poor posture, etc.  So I've been working on it.  Started walking every day but that hasn't happened lately.  Last week there were two days when we had to be somewhere early, then last Thursday I got bit, not once, but three times on my left foot and couldn't get a shoe on.  Now it's raining...

We left around 1100 for Jacksonville.  My followup appointment was at 1450. It takes about an hour and a half to get there.  The rain had moved off and we followed it to Jacksonville.  By the time we got to the restaurant it was just a fine mist.

Jim found a Japanese restaurant for us to try, Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse in the St John's Town Center. We sat at the hibachi grill and enjoyed a lovely lunch.  We both had green tea and miso soup for starters.  Jim ordered steak and shrimp while I ordered just veggies.  Both meals came with fried rice, vegetables and sweet carrots. Everything was tasty and we'd go again.  We both recalled Hayashi's in Mission, Texas where we've shared many a meal with our friends.

After lunch we had time to kill before my appointment so we headed to Barnes and Nobles just across the street.  This shopping center has a lot of restaurants and stores that we're familiar with.  Even a BJ's Brewhouse!

Jim settled in with magazines while I wandered around looking at the new Nook tablets and cookbooks.  I did find a couple magazines to bring home.

My appointment went well and the Doctor thinks I should have my right eye cleared up before new glasses are bought.  He will send that recommendation to the VA and we'll see what they say.

The drive home during rush hour traffic on I-95 was interesting.  Once we got on Highway 207 the traffic was less but we ran into some heavy rain.   All of this activity and rainy weather made for a long day.

Boo was quite happy to see us when we got home around 1830! I got him fed and then showered just relaxing in the warm water.  Then it was Jim's turn.  We each had a warm beverage and some blueberry bread and settled in for the evening watching both NCIS shows.

By 2200 we both were ready for bed and looked forward to sleeping well.  But Boo had other plans....I think he slept all day and wasn't the least bit sleepy so it took awhile for everyone to settle in.

During the night I heard the gentle rain and this morning when I got up at 0700 it was still rainy and drippy outside.  I guess I won't be walking again...

Sunsets

Wow!  It's December already and you know what?  In one week I'll be 65 years young....I don't expect gifts but give me a mention on Facebook...

Tuesday we started and ended the day with rain.  We stayed in and read books on our iPads and played games on the computers.  Don't recall what we ate but Jim did dishes for me all day...He also took a nap, not sure if he was tired or bored.  :-)
Of course Tuesday is NCIS night.  We're in the Eastern Time Zone and I went to bed at 2200 my normal bedtime.  At this rate I'll miss some late TV shows, but they'll be on again in re-runs.

Wednesday was still damp and chilly so we stayed in except for a run to pick up some groceries.  Since there wasn't much to watch on TV we watched The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movie that Sonsearae lent us.  What a good movie!  I hope I got the title right.  If you haven't seen it, check it out.
The skies cleared and we had a beautiful sunset



Don't remember the exact day, but I made some delicious vegetable soup with my home made broth.  I don't think Jim has tried any, but I do have some frozen for future use.  Thursday we decided to go for a drive.  This are is quite lovely with all the pine trees and the lake is huge! 376 miles of shoreline.  We didn't go all the way around but we did check out some of the other COE campgrounds and just enjoyed being out of the house.
Again, we had a lovely sunset

Yesterday the temperature was in the low 70's and Jim spent some time outdoors cleaning the windows on the truck and cleaning the trikes.  Apparently this wore him out so he took a nap...

For dinner I made a veggie stir-fry with onions, celery, garlic, yellow bell pepper, broccoli and button mushrooms served over white rice.  For me this is comfort food.
Friday's sunset was gorgeous!

This morning I was up at 0630....I think I may have adjusted to this time zone...time will tell

Florida!

We were up early Monday, not sure why but it did come in handy.  We knew a storm was heading our way so we packed up and hit the road.  Can you believe we were rolling by 0930?   That's early for us!  The drive was pleasant and on highway 85 most of the trip.  Farmland, cotton fields and old derelict buildings...

We arrived at Eglin AFB around noon having gotten sprinkled on only a little.  After setting up we sat and enjoyed a cold beer just enjoying the view



As you can see, it's a bit overcast but no matter, we're almost on the water and that's heaven to us.  This base has two campgrounds, one nestled it the pine trees with all the sites lined up in rows.  This one has about twenty sites on  a peninsula.  The only drawback is no sewer hookups...

The afternoon was cool and a slight breeze was blowing. We took a little walk with Boo in tow and as these pictures show a few people were out and enjoying the Boggy Bayou.  There are a pair of Blue Herons that I've enjoyed watching

We stayed here a few years back and my memory of that stay involves a fall on these rocks and a nasty cut on my hand.  But I didn't get my camera wet!

The pelicans have been showing off too...and we saw a couple dolphin fins.  Not sure how many there were but they churned up the water catching dinner.

Jim said he needed a seafood fix so we headed out to Valparaiso just outside the east gate across the bayou to The Boathouse restaurant.  We sat outside on the deck so we could watch the boats

While we were waiting for our drinks it started sprinkling...so we went back inside and it's a good thing we did because the rain started pouring down!

No matter we enjoyed our seafood dinner and arrived home in time to enjoy our coffee at the usual time of 1600.

We settled in for the evening of rain and wind watching Bones, DWTS and Castle.  Sleep was a bit troublesome because of the wind and those darn slide toppers...

Yesterday the skies cleared and we had sunshine.  But we also had a sick fridge...Had to call out a repairman and hopefully today the problem will be resolved.  After he left we headed to Destin because that's where the nearest Petsmart is.  Boo needed some dry food and a new toy  :-)

We also made a stop at Destin Commons because I wanted to shop at L'Occitane but I had the wrong mall.  We popped into Bass Pro Shop for a bit then headed home.  Sure was nice seeing the sand dunes again!

Back home in time for afternoon coffee.  Tuesday night is NCIS night.  We've also been watching the new show Vegas...it sure is fun seeing all the old cars!  Not sure about the show

Tupelo, Mississippi

Tuesday was a busy day for us.  After breakfast Jim was outside cleaning bugs off the truck and rig.  I stripped the bed and started doing laundry before I even got dressed. Boo has been needing a grooming for weeks so Jim found a local place and they said bring him in!  So we did.

After dropping him off we headed downtown to see the sights



This old courthouse was lovely and dotted about on the grounds were monuments to various groups.  The main one CSA was a huge thing that defied my camera, it was just to tall.  We strolled up and down the main street but honestly there wasn't much to see.  We did stop in at the hardware store where Mrs Presley bought her son his first guitar.  The store was awesome!  We like old stores like this. One of the guys was just dying to tell us all about Elvis but we didn't stop to hear his story.

Since we were being tourists and killing time before lunch we drove out to see THE house where Elvis was born.  Didn't go in but Jim had to take a picture

Quite small but we can live in small spaces now.  After that drive by we headed out to Elvis Presley Lake and campground.  What a lovely drive!  Of course the Autumn colors are beautiful but the drive to the campground was on a winding road and it's hilly here.  We passed some homes in a rural setting and finally reached our destination.  The campground is small and there were a couple sites we could fit in, but mostly it's an older one suitable for travel trailers and small pop ups.  No sewer hook ups.  As we were tooling around seeing the sights we got the call that Boo was ready.  So we headed back into town to pick him up.  He looks ever so much better!  

After dropping Boo off at home we headed out again...we were already dressed nicely so we headed to Vanelli's, http://www.vanellis.com/ for lunch.  We were told they had good pizza.  And they do!  I also ordered a Greek Salad and we both loved it.  Loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions, green peppers and dressed with olive oil and lemon juice....Yummy!  Of course we had to wash it down with a beer....

Back home after lunch we just relaxed...well one of us did, I still had some laundry to take care of and a bed to make.  We sat outside enjoying this lovely weather

Boo also got a new halter with bling!  Doesn't he look handsome?

We took a walk around the campground and I took pictures of the decorations and plantings

In the field next door we have a blue eyed horse

 

We had leftover pizza for dinner and since it's Tuesday it was CBS and NCIS for TV<<

I love the cool starts we're having for our days.  Yesterday was beautiful and I did turn on the fireplace to take the chill out of the air.  My phone was dead again...can't figure out why it does that.  When I go to bed I turn it off with a full charge.

Jim slept in but once he was up I got busy making the bed and throwing a load of laundry in the washer.  Breakfast dishes done and I defrosted the freezer.  After lunch we made a trip to Sam's Club.  Dinner was soup and salad...

Our evening was spent watching Son's of Guns and Mythbusters followed by CSI