Havre De Grace Maryland

Rain!  All day it's been raining...

I've been walking more and more each day and sometimes I just have to take a picture

Wouldn't you like to stroll through here?  Perhaps have a  picnic or just lay down and take a nap?

Yesterday we took Boo to his grooming at 1130, dropped him off and then headed into Havre De Grace to have lunch on the Susquehanna River at Tidewater Grille.  It was a lovely day to be on or near the water.  Full sunshine and a light breeze.  All the outdoor tables were taken and we didn't want to wait for a free table and chose to eat inside but we still had this nice view.

Over to the left was an Amtrak train trestle and we got to see several passenger trains cross the river in both directions.  Jim saw a big bird (bigger than an Osprey) hit the water and come up with a fish and we both saw him land on a rocky spit of land to eat it.  I think it was a juvenile Eagle.   Big lovely, brown bird.

I had crab cakes, garlic mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for lunch...ate about half of it and brought the rest home to enjoy 

Jim ordered the mixed seafood grille that included Salmon, scallops, shrimp and small crab cake, steamed veggie and fries.  He also brought home some of his lunch.  Not sure why restaurants serve such large portions but we usually get two meals out of it.

We splurged and had a dessert that was wonderful but I don't remember what it was.  Needless to say we left stuffed

One the back to pick up Boo we stopped at Target for a few groceries.  I'm looking for some coffee creamer and apparently the stores only carry the flavored kinds...I may have to give up coffee

Here's Boo with his new doo!  From PetsMart we drove to get fuel and paid $2.19 for diesel

So it was a busy afternoon and we got home in time for Jim to nap.  For about 15 minutes I rested before I had to feed Boo his dinner.

Not sure when this rain is going to end!  Because it was raining we headed to an inside mall to get some walking in and to get me a haircut.  Mission accomplished!  We also stopped in at Jimmy John's for some lunch.  

After lunch we headed to Barnes and Nobles for reading and coffee.  We like spending rainy afternoons this way.

Tomorrow we're on the road again, but still haven't picked a place to stop...how's that for planning?

All is right in our world

Fun, Food Filled Weekend

Have you ever gotten tired of eating out?  Me either!  LOL

Saturday Boo had an appointment for a haircut at 1230.  Alrighty then, it takes about 30 minutes to get there so that didn't leave much time to eat and do dishes before we left.  So after dropping Boo at Petsmart we had a nice lunch at Sake Too.  I managed to bring home some leftovers.

After lunch we headed to a local campground to check it out and decided it was up to our standards if we can get a site.  We still don't know because of the holiday weekend.  All the sites were filled and we have to wait and see if someone leaves.  The main section has sites that backs up onto the swamp (it's a nature preserve).

We headed back to kill time waiting on Boo and got some Starbucks coffee and don't you know they called.  Boo looks ever so much better

Sunday I ate my leftovers for breakfast...The guys had originally planned a boat ride for us on Valentine's Day but cancelled due to the chilly temperatures.  But the four of headed to Osaka for a Hibachi lunch.  It was delicious and again we brought leftovers home.  Still need to eat those!  Afterwards we stopped at Small Cakes for cupcakes which were not needed but tasted oh so yummy.  No dinner for us but I did make popcorn!

Monday was Jim's birthday.  Sonsearae treated him (me too) to lunch at Chili's where he enjoyed some ribs and fries.  We ladies had a black bean burger.  Of course we had some Presidente Margaritas because they were only $5 in honor of Presidents Day.

Then we headed to the theater to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Quite entertaining!  We both enjoyed it.  Now I can't wait for the next one....

We stopped at Publix on the way home for a couple items.  Eggs were needed so Sonsearae could make brownies and Jim needed ice cream for said brownies

Once home she got busy and when the brownies were ready she brought them over, all nice and warm.  That was basically our dinner.  I did have a piece of toast later.

Jim got to talk to Scotty and John.  So all in all he had a good birthday

Today he has a stress test and once that's over we can relax and plan our departure.  Of course it rained all evening and into the night so we are soaked again.  Hopefully it will drain off quickly. As I type this the sun is beginning to come out

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

Shopping and eating

Thursday we had errands to run and we headed out around 1000.  Our first stop was the Exchange to see if I could get a haircut...done!  I got a real nice short haircut and we're both pleased with it.  You see, when we travel it can be difficult to find a good hairdresser. You just take a chance and hope for the best.

By this time we were both hungry so we headed to Santa Rosa Beach and Stinky's Fish Camp.  Sonsearae told us we should check it out and boy was she right!  We want to move to that neighborhood so we could eat there everyday!  Let's just say it's as fattening and as delicious as the food in New Orleans....we may go back before we leave the area.

Next stop wasn't planned but I've been wanting a new pair of walking shoes and Destin Commons has a New Balance outlet store.  Done!  found a pair for less than $50...Oh, we also made a stop at PetSmart for puppy pads, since I can't do laundry here, the pads are needed.

We were going to make another stop at the commissary but since we over ate, all we wanted at this point was to go home, so we did.

Not sure when the rain started but it was raining when we went to bed.

It rained all night!  Sometimes it was torrential and the wind really didn't let up much.  When I got up Friday I checked the Weather Channel on my phone and the shape of this storm looked like a tropical storm, typical comma shape.  It came up our of the gulf and pelted us all night and almost all day.

After breakfast, doing the dishes and making the bed we decided to go to Barnes and Nobles...it's what we do when it rains.  Besides perusing all the magazines and books, you can have a cup of coffee and log onto their website.  We took advantage of this and updated our phones and I updated a couple apps on my iPad. I used a rebate and got another cookbook, Happy Herbivore light and lean by Lindsay S. Nixon.  If you haven't seen her cookbooks they're simple recipes and usually just for two people.  Perfect for us!

And the rain continued....when we left the book store we headed out looking for a place to have lunch and didn't know what to have until we spotted an Olive Garden.  Perfect for this chilly, rainy day....soup and salad.  


And the rain continued.....by this time we'd had enough of dashing in and out of buildings so we just headed home.  Jim took a nap and when he got up the rain had stopped.  The even tried to come out!  Still had a lot of wind but at least the road started to dry.  Of course the puddles are huge!

When we went to bed Friday evening one corner of our duvet was wet.  Apparently with the rain and wind, water was forced in the small window.  Rats!  So I pulled it off the bed and remade it with quilts.
Friday night was a noisy one!  The rain had passed but the wind stay with us all night.  Even when I got up it was still blowing 10-15 miles and hour.

But it wasn't raining and that's a good thing!

We had a lazy morning and before long Sonsearae let us know they were on the way to visit.  We made arrangements to meet them at Acme Oyster house at Baytowne Wharf.  We really didn't think about the fact that it's Saturday,  on an island.  Traffic was really heavy and we were a wee bit late, but no worries as they had secured a table and had some appetisers before we got there.  Chris' daughter Robin joined us (she lives up the road in Crestview). This restaurant is a New Orleans tradition.  I think I read they have five of them and four are in Louisiana.  Jim had a roast beef po-boy, fries and an order of broiled oysters.  I had a bowl of seafood gumbo.  Just like being back in N'Awlins!  Of course we both had Abita beers...

After all this good food we walked down the dock and around the shops at the Wharf.  Then we split up and met them after they checked into their hotel.  There are shops there and we wandered in and out of a few.  The guys usually found some place to sit.


Soon it was time to say goodbye.  We drove a short distance to Starbucks and had some coffee and then headed home.  It's been wonderful seeing so much of Sonsearae and Chris this past year or so as we've stayed put.  But it's time to move on....

Easter Sunday started cold and cloudy but at least the wind has died down.  I slept a little later, getting up at 0740....Jim didn't get up until 0930.  Sure hope the sun comes out today to warm us up.  The temperature is in the upper 50's.  Despite this chilly start I've seen half a dozen boats zipping around in the bay

Made a pasta dish for our midday meal and while it was tasty I won't be making it again.   It was one of those cook everything in the same pot and I'm sure I did something wrong because the spaghetti was clumped and stuck together.  Ended up tossing most of it.

After I cleaned up the kitchen we headed to the grocery store.  I know today is Easter but I was truly surprised to find Publix closed.  So we went to Winn-Dixie and for some reason we bought three loaves of bread, two packages of English muffins and some rolls for Jim's brats.  When they have bogo's how can you pass up buying two for the price of one?


This day has been cloudy and overcast.  The forecaster lied!  It never did warm up ....

Tarpon Springs

After we dropped Boo off at PetSmart for his afternoon at the spa Jim decided we should go to Tarpon Springs.  It's one of the cities we wanted to see while in the area.  Unfortunately, I did not take my camera so I don't have pictures.

We only had a couple hours to kill so we got as close to the dock area as we could.  This section of town is the old part and full of old world charm in some of the shops and restaurants and bakeries.  Mosaic tiles adorn some walls and store fronts.  Sponge diving was started in 1905 when John Cocoris imported divers from Greece and the city now has the largest population of Greek Americans in the US.

Of course all the shops are mainly for the tourist trade and we managed to go into a couple and purchase some goodies. A lot of sponges and items made from olive oil plus all the other tacky tourist items.

Although we had a light lunch before we left home we both decided we had to have some Greek Food.  We chose the Hellas Restaurant and Bakery because it had patio seating in the shade.  We were right next to the sidewalk.  Of course I wanted Greek beer so I ordered a Mithos as did Jim.  Jim had a combination plate of Spanakopita and Tiropita and I had a Gyro...I splurged and boy was it worth it....yum.

Our waiter was good but really wasn't helpful when I asked about pronunciations of Greek words.  You would think they would teach them just so they could inform we tourists!

For dessert I chose Kataifi because I'd never had it and we both had espresso.  Good thing too because this dessert is as sweet as baklava and it helped to cut the syrupy sweetness.

About this time we got the call to pick up Boo.  So we waddled back to the truck and headed out to pick him up.  We stopped and fuel paying $3.99 a gallon for diesel.

Back home we just vegetated until bedtime.  We did manage to stay up until 2200.  After getting up at 0600 we both were tired and slept well

As of this posting I don't know if we'll get our windows today.  If we do it will be late and they've already said we can spend the night and head out in the morning.  Of course Jim told them 'no hurry' and 'we can spend the weekend' so we'll see what happens.

Y'all have a good weekend and enjoy Spring if it's in your neighborhood

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

WOW I've been lazy!

Since last I posted we have moved to Ft Knox Kentucky.  The Army has a campground here, Camp Carlson.  They didn't have a full hook up site so we ended up with this spot on the back row with no sewer and no way to get our satellite dish to find a signal. Next morning they called and said we could have a full hook up, we declined because as you can see it's a lovely site.  And we don't have any neighbors.

Ft Knox as we were driving by

Let's see, what have we done....well we've read books, sat outside when the weather permitted, walked Boo, checked out the Post Exchange and wandered around on base looking for a restaurant that was no longer there.

Today we drove into Louisville to a PetSmart to get Boo some dry food.  Ethyl got us there with no problems.  Then we asked her to find a Panera Bread and we enjoyed our lunch.  Jim had a roasted turkey avocado blt and a peach shake while I enjoyed a Greek salad and water.

When we got home Boo was glad to see us, Jim took a nap and now we're having our afternoon coffee

Life is Good


Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

Mayport

We left Tallahassee with sad hearts....we love spending time with Sonsearae and Chris but it was time to move on.  Our drive to Mayport was quite easy until Jim took us through downtown Jacksonville!  Still we managed to find our way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mayport Naval Station.

Pelican's Roost campground is right on the water and we get to see all manor of sea going vessels pass by.  Night before last, between showers we took a walk

shrimp boat

osprey

 

bath time!

Atlantic Ocean

 

Casino boat heading out to sea

We've had quite a bit of rain since we arrived.  First day here we needed to get some dog food for Boo so we headed out and located a PetSmart.  Then we had a wonderful lunch at Olive Garden, using the gift card Sonsearae and Chris gave me for Mother's Day.  Wine and pasta with salad and bread....


Yesterday we were up early and headed to the VA Clinic. But before we left we were treated to a submarine coming into port!  It was awesome!!!
 The folks in the RGV wanted me to have a follow up on a procedure I had in February.  When they told me, we had already left the valley.  So I've been trying to get an appointment and be seen.  You just can't call and ask for an appointment at a new clinic.  You have to show up and take your chances.  I have to admit they worked very hard to accommodate me.  After being weighed and having blood drawn we had time to kill so we left and found a Chinese buffet type place for a quick lunch.  We think it was a McDonald's at one time, and I'm not sure it was an improvement.

Back at the clinic I was seen quickly and examined.  Then the fun began. After several phone calls and suggestions I have an appointment for the 13th, but only if the films from my mammogram arrive in time!

On the drive home it started raining and boy did it rain!  A real gully washer type of storm but we made it home in one piece just in time for coffee and Boo's dinner.

We had hoped to see Bridget and John but they left this morning.  Hopefully we'll run into them 'down the road'.

Today we've had cloudy skies and gusty breezes.  Even had the windows open all morning.  For our dinner I fixed a  new recipe, Beans Florentine.  Feels good to be cooking again!

from The McDougal Quick and Easy Cookbook 

Beans Florentine

1 onion chopped

1 stalk celery chopped

1 carrot chopped

1 t fresh minced garlic

1/2 cup water

3-15 oz cans white beans

1 cup vegetable broth

1 T soy sauce

1 t dried basil

1 t dried oregano

freshly ground pepper to taste

2 cups chopped fresh spinach

Place onion, celery, carrot and garlic in large pot with 1/2  cup water.  Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.  Add beans, broth, soy sauce, basil, oregano and pepper, cook over low heat for 20 minutes.  Add spinach and cook 3 minutes more.  Serve over grains, potatoes, toast or English muffins.

We both enjoyed this and I'll make it again.  It made quite a bit so I froze some for a quick meal some day.

Lazy Days

When we left Tallahassee we brought some of it with us! Spanish Moss drips from the oak trees and apparently we caught some on our way out of Big Oak RV Park.

This is our set up here at Hilltop RV, Robertsdale Alabama. Nice enough campground, the site are a bit close so wintering here would be ok. Certainly not like where we currently stay in the Rio Grande Valley. But this area of Alabama is very nice. Pensalcola and Mobile are about an hour's drive and of course Gulf Shores and the beaches are just down the road.

Last Saturday we headed into Spanish Fort/Daphne to get some dry food for Boo. The shopping center there has a PetSmart. We also had lunch at Olive Garden with both of us having a glass of wine and an entree. It was very tasty!

After one more stop at Publix for groceries we headed home. The weather has been just gorgeous with slight breezes, sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid 80's.

Monday was bed day so I started early with laundry. We also decided to drive to Magnolia Springs, http://www.townofmagnoliasprings.org/. Perfect day for a drive and I only wish we could have taken some pictures of the homes we saw. Narrow streets prevented stopping, where do you park a big truck? It would have been nice if we had brought our trikes and rode around the area. Along the river homes still have mail delivered by boat!

We had lunch at Jesse's Restaurant http://www.jessesrestaurant.com/ and I was very surprised at the menu. We both enjoyed our lunch, Jim having sweet tea (we are in the south!) while I opted for water.

After lunch we walked down towards the river where you can pick up your meal from Jesse's after calling ahead.

These mushrooms caught my eye

The sun filtering through the trees was very pretty

Today it's a drippy, gloomy day so far. No plans other than getting ourselves ready to head to Louisiana tomorrow. We have a beer tasting to attend!

Birds and shopping

Yesterday I dumped some bird seed on the ground when we came in and this morning some of it was still there. A couple of Steller's Jays were enjoying the seed as was a squirrel

I really like this one, it's like a silhouette

all of these pictures were taken through the dining room window

Later this white breasted nuthatch showed up and entertained me for a few minutes

After breakfast and morning chores Jim and I went for a walk taking Boo. Walk isn't quite right, you see Boo doesn't like gravel and stones so he picks his way slowly and we just meander. But it is nice to be outside and I suppose it is exercise!

This afternoon we went shopping. Our first stop was Walmart to pick up a couple items. Then it was Barnes & Nobles. I took my Nook and we played with it using the web feature and Jim bought a download. We had some coffee and browsed a few magazines. It's a good way to spend a hot afternoon....

From there we headed to Whole Foods and picked up some goodies for dinner then it was over to PetsMart to pick up some food for Boo.

Now it was time to head home. We changed into comfy clothes and I fed Boo then set out our dinner. Chicken Salad, Antipasto, olives and shrimp. I sliced some bread and viola! dinner...I may have to figure out how the chicken salad was made because we both liked it.

Stress is not good!

After posting that Boo was getting back to normal after having his teeth cleaned, everything went downhill. Even dogs can get stressed and he did.

I really don't want to go into gory details but by Friday 'stuff' was coming out the back end. Saturday morning there was some fresh blood from all the straining to go. I called his vet only to discover they are not open on Saturdays. Ok.... I knew not to give Boo any more food to let his system rest. He spent most of the day pacing here and there, very restless.

Late afternoon he threw up and it had dark blood in it and there was way to much for his little tummy, no wonder he was uncomfortable. We called PetsMart as they have vets on site and found out we could bring him in. After a few questions to get him in the system we were placed in an exam room. They took a stool sample, blood and ran tests. Gastrointestinal distress. Not a good thing but at least he wasn't running a fever with something worse! He got a shot to help relax him, some 'pepto bismol' type medicine to take twice a day and some probiotics to get that good bacteria back in his system. And no food for another 24 hours.

He got the first dose of pepto at the vet and on the way home he barfed it up. Not fun cleaning that up while traveling down the highway! Poor Jim, his leg was covered with it.

We slept all night long! Boo and I got up around 0530 and after he took a leak he went back to bed. I stayed up, had coffee and amused myself playing games on the computer. When it was close to Jim's wake up call I made some Pumpkin muffins. The smell was wonderful! It was super way to help warm the house on a chilly morning.

Sunday Boo did much better, no messy incidents. Took his meds like a champ and suffered through a bath. His messy ends needed to be cleaned up. :) I hope it made him feel better. I fed him some rice and chicken for dinner and he scarfed it right up! Then looked for more.

Again we all slept all night long. We've all had breakfast, pancakes and sausage for us while Boo had chicken and rice.

I've done my morning chores, might go to a movie today. Need to pick up some groceries.

It's been chilly the past few days and this morning it's misty and overcast. Middle 50's and it might get 10 degrees 'warmer' by this afternoon.

to all of you who expressed concern for Boo I think you....