Shopping and Rain

Friday June 19th

No plans other than a run to Whole Foods for my Silk Soy Creamer.  Only place in the city that carries the plain variety.  Once we had coffee and breakfast, caught up on games and dressed we headed to that part of town.  Driving through rain.

Since it was lunchtime we stopped in at 4 Rivers Smokehouse right in the same shopping center.  It was still raining.  Jim had a pulled pork sandwich and I chose 4 sides, fried okra, cornbread, baked beans and Cole slaw.  We left stuffed. Lightly raining.  The parking lot was jammed, there are a half dozen restaurants plus Whole Foods and other shops.  

Jim dropped me at the door and went in search of a parking spot.  He followed me bringing shopping bags.  They didn't have as much creamer as I wanted for both Sonsearae and myself so we'll need to return sometime next week.  Jim has been wanting a 1905 salad that we first had at Columbia Restaurant in St Augustine years ago.  So we got lettuce, ham and Swiss cheese, the other ingredients I have at home.  The dressing is sold in Publix so I don't have to make it!  It has to much oil for my taste.

Saturday June 20th

We had some rain overnight.  Barely heard it.  Not like when we lived in the rig and the walls and roof were slender.  

As promised Lazy Boy called and delivered the chair right at lunchtime.  We've angled it a bit so Jim can recline it all the way should he wish to do so. This angling also allows better TV viewing.  It's a bit darker in real life and I would have preferred a lighter color but it will be used daily

BLT's for lunch with Morning Star Farms Veggie bacon strips.  For fake bacon it's pretty good and I've used it for years and Jim likes it.

After lunch we both had a wee nap and it rained again.  All this rain is bringing out the ants searching for higher ground.  I need to buy more spray!

All is right in our world

Doctor visits

Thursday I had fasting blood work and a dermatologist appointments.  Fasting blood work means no food or drink (coffee) and for that reason, first in line is better.  Since my appointment was at 1030, we left at 0700, for the drive to Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, so I could get in line...it was already crowded at the lab. But only 20 people were in front of me.  It must have taken us over an hour to get there.  Construction and morning traffic slowed us down.  

Finally! My turn and we were sitting in the cafe just before 1000.  What a sad place for food.  I finally settled on a bare biscuit and watery grits that I doctored with salt and pepper.  When you’re hungry, anything will do.  Jim had two overdone fried eggs and a biscuit.   To be sure I could have had my blood work done at the North Central Clinic, my usual place.  Next week I’ll get the results.

Good news! In dermatology, two spots were frozen and I needn’t return for six months.  

On the way home we made a stop at Whole Foods and surprisingly didn’t buy much. Then across the street to Tuesday Morning.  I’ve read on my groups of ladies getting bargains on crafting supplies so I wanted to check it out. Sadly, the area with crafts was very tiny and there wasn’t anything I needed.  I won’t return to that particular store.

We were home around 1300 whereupon Jim took a nap and I settled in with my morning coffee.  

We had bruschetta, olives and pickled beets for our dinner.  We picked up a couple of cookies at WF and had them around 1600.  Have I mentioned Jim has discovered YouTube?  We’ve seen all The Foyles War and Murdoch Mysteries from the library.  So TV viewing is down to....nothing.  Jim watched his YouTube while I amused myself on my tablet.

Friday is bed day and I did laundry most of the morning.  Jim took out the trash and recyclables.  When he got back he tidied up the patio, fed the birds and gave them clean water

Lunch was BLT's. I had carrots and hummus with mine, Jim had a pickle and pretzel sticks.  Fake bacon from Morningstar Farms was used.

Handmade cards because:

No one displays an email on the mantle

or shows off a tweet on the fridge

or saves a Facebook post in a box of treasures

For the year of 2019 I've challenged myself to 500 cards think I can do it?

20 September 2019 210 cards

Just a couple of Nautical cards using Stampin' Up! papers and stamps on the first card.  The ship on the second card is not from SU.  I've had it forever

After lunch Jim took a nap.  I just quietly sat with my tablet playing games and reading.  We both had cheese and crackers tonight.  Mine wasn't real cheese, but just as fattening!

Just had a brief shower....We didn't get any rain from the tropical storm that hit Houston so bad.

All is right in our world

Family Time

Goodness me what a busy afternoon we had yesterday!

Jim and I knew we'd be heading out and shopping with Sonsearae.  She wanted to go to Costco and Whole Foods which is south of here about an hour's drive.  We just didn't know the time for leaving.

I was up just before 0700 and enjoyed my coffee while writing the blog.  Jim was up just after 0800.  I had my breakfast and sent a text asking when we should leave.  Before we know it our lovely daughter is visiting with us and we're making plans.

About this time I noticed a Painted Bunting on the feeder!  First time this season.  Migration must be happening and I look forward to seeing more of the pretty birds

Anyway plans were made and we decided to leave around 1000.  That means I had to dress, make the bed and do dishes in a thirty minute window.  Jim also had to wash the windows on the truck and since he parked under cover he had to remove some Owl poo from the cover on the truck bed.

I even had time to fill the feeders!

We were on the road shortly after 1000.  Beautiful sunny skies with only a few puddles and wet spots to get the truck dirty.

Our first stop was Costco where I restrained myself but Sonsearae managed to buy some dishes.  She's replacing some old dishes so I guess she 'needed' them.  After walking all over this warehouse of a store we were more than ready for lunch.

Cucina, Pizza by Design was the next stop.  Just a few doors down from Whole Foods.  You order the pizza by picking and choosing the ingredients passing in front of the prep station. A glass window/wall separates you from the workers and it's a bit difficult to communicate what you want because it's so noisy and they can't hear you.  Jim and Sonsearae each ordered a pizza while I chose a salad.  The salad is ordered the same way.  You pick the lettuce you want as the base then add ingredients, I built a Greek type salad.  We all had water to drink and we ate everything.  The pizza's were maybe 10-12 inches and my salad was very big and filling.

Next stop was Whole Foods but it was raining a bit and blowing on us so we ducked into a Pier One to browse the colorful displays and wait out the rain.  I found a new rug for the living room!  Bright colors that we both like

While we were in the store the bulk of the rainstorm came and went.  Jim took the rug to the truck while we ladies went to Whole Foods.

I managed to find some new to me items to buy.  More and more you can find vegan options and I have to try them to make sure they're edible!  In this case it was ravioli's made with Kite Hill vegan cheese.

While we shopped Jim had coffee and sat in the lounge, people watching.  We checked out and Jim took the purchases to the truck and we got ourselves some coffee to go with the treats Sonsearae bought.  Chocolate dipped Madeline's and Russian tea cookies.  Yum

The drive home was uneventful.  We have noticed that there is more traffic now as more and more out of state visitors arrive.  There were a few wet spots as we drove, chasing the storm.  Jim's newly washed truck is now spotted with road grime.

We arrived home just a little late for Boo's dinner time.  No matter, he was glad to see us.  I guess Boo likes the rug because he didn't even bark at it when I put it down.

Jim set up the new recorder.  Dinner was a vegan burger for me and Jim had a sandwich.  We spent the evening watching TV

Apparently during the night we had more rain because the picnic table is all wet.  I didn't hear it

All is right in our world

Weekend of Fun

What did you do Valentines Day?  I hope you spent time with the one you love.  We were expecting Sonsearae and Chris for the weekend and decided on a spaghetti dinner at home.  Along with a glass of wine we had a quiet dinner.

Shortly after dinner I rushed to get the dishes done as they were arriving any minute!  As soon as I got that chore done we headed for the cabin they had rented and made ourselves at home....I'm not sure, but I think Chris thought he was in the wrong place!  Sonsearae had sent a King Cake from Gambino's Bakery in New Orleans and we all enjoyed some dessert.  After sending a text, Kathy and John joined us to eat this treat also.

We didn't stay long because both had worked and it was a long day and they looked tired.  Besides, we had an adventure to go on tomorrow!

Saturday the six of us piled into two trucks and headed to Carrabba's in St Augustine to have a wonderful lunch before embarking on the adventure.  So much good food that we all took some home.  Why do restaurants serve such large portions?  We had such a good time talking that we almost forgot the time!  We had to hustle to make it to the Alligator Farm so Jim and Sonsearae could do the zip line obstacle course!

This was Sonsearae and Chris' birthday gift to Jim.  Perfect way to celebrate his 71st birthday!  While they were gearing up and getting instructions (and signing their lives away!) the rest of us entered the park and started wandering around looking at the exhibits.

The whole course is above the ponds and exhibits of gators and crocs!  Not sure who came up with this idea but I'm sure it brought some life back into the Alligator Farm along with a boost of revenue.  

Most of the older gators look fat and happy and I'm sure if someone fell in they'd probably meander away annoyed at the intrusion!

This poor fella didn't even have teeth!  He'd have to whip you to death with his tail.  :-)

There were several varieties of crocodiles and they were in small enclosures, most by themselves.

Here they are getting ready to the first zip...Jim has done this before but it's a first for Sonsearae!

After this adventure we four did some shopping at Target and then headed home. I can't remember the last time I was in a Target!  Kathy and John headed off on their own.

Saturday evening we had tacos at the cabin with all six of us contributing to the dinner.  It was a good way to end the day.

Sunday my dear birthday boy was a wee bit sore!  I put together a pan of French toast and baked it.  Sonsearae came by for a cup of coffee.  Then the three of us headed back to the cabin for breakfast.  I had told Chris I would make it for him.

They lingered awhile longer then they had to get on the road for the drive back to Lake City via Jacksonville for a stop at Whole Foods Market.

The rest of Sunday we just chilled.  Jim was a bit achy and wasn't up for much.  Where's a good football game when you need it?? 

Day Trip and Body Scrub

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day. But it was to cold for us to do anything outside so we drove into Jacksonville for lunch and shopping.  

We tried a new place for lunch and while the food was good we were not impressed by the service.  I never did find out what kind of drinks they had even though there was a bar.  Our waiter just didn't appear to be interested in serving us.  Tablecloths and napkins were on all the tables.  Those already dining looked like office workers.  Groups of 5 or more at some tables.  We chose water to drink. We both had wraps that came with fries and slaw.  

After lunch we made a stop at Ace Hardware for some birdseed and free popcorn.  I looked around the garden center but left empty handed.  Our cold weather has me thinking about flowers and veggies...but our home isn't a greenhouse so I'll have to wait for warmer weather

Next stop was Whole Foods Market.  Didn't buy a lot, spending under $30 but it's fun going and seeing all the goodies I could buy!

We next headed for the Town Center shopping mall.  Only stopped in one store, REI. Jim is looking for a new jacket and while he tried on many he left empty handed.  He says he now knows what he's looking for and will keep an eye out for sales and bargains.

One more stop at Starbucks for coffee and we were soon on our way home.

In the winter do you find your skin to be dull?  Could be you need to remove the dead skin that we humans shed from time to time.  A good way to do this is with a body scrub that also babies your skin.  Coconut oil is the latest product to hit the beauty and cooking scene and I must say as a body oil it's wonderful.  Soaks right in with no greasy residue.

If you bathe in the mornings a refreshing oil like lemon or peppermint would be good.  For nighttime bathing use lavender.  Or choose one that suits your personal mood!

All of these oils can be purchased here Young Living Essential Oils

Brown Sugar and Coconut oil Body Scrub

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups of brown or raw sugar
6-8 tablespoons of organic unrefined coconut oil
15-20 drops essential oil of your choosing 
4 (4 oz) ball jelly jars

If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature, briefly warm just enough to aid in the melting the process. Then in a small bowl combine your coconut oil and brown sugar, blending well enough to eliminate any lumps. Then add your essential oil to the mixture drop by drop, being sure to blend mix after each addition. Once mixed, scrub should be placed in an airtight container or jelly jar and used within six months. 

Apply your scrub to moistened skin, being sure to massage it in using circular motions, then wash.

Makes a wonderful gift when placed in a decorative container!

If you try this,let me know how you like it!

Day of the Dead Dinner

This past week has gone by quickly!  Last Sunday we both worked, Jim cleaning cottages and me doing housework.  I also baked some Lemon Poppy seed muffins

Monday Jim worked but I can't recall if it was all day or just a cleaning day.  When he cleans everyone is off when the cabins are done.  If he works in the office he doesn't get home until after 1700.  Don't have a clue as to what I did...couldn't have been all that exciting

Tuesday we drove to Jacksonville for another eye procedure. This time it was my right eye and it was as easy as the last time.  Jim also had his eyes examined and he ordered new glasses.  I have to go back Tuesday for a followup and with a lot of luck I won't need new glasses.  Maybe Jim's glasses will be ready and we can skip going to Jax for a few weeks!  We also had lunch at Whole Foods followed by  some shopping for groceries.

Wednesday was a slow day.  Jim putzed around outside doing a few things. Nothing strenuous because we had dinner plans!

Because I signed up for emails we learned that De La Vega would have a Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) dinner.  We rarely eat out at night, mostly because it costs more than the lunch menu.  But this was special and we made reservations for 1800.  We both like Latino food and eager to try this restaurant again.





It was a set menu and everyone got pumpkin soup, a pupusa (thick corn tortilla with a queso/onion filling topped with mole sauce), choice of entree and pumpkin flan for dessert.  There were three entrees to choose from, Jim chose the chicken and I chose the chipotle glazed salmon.  All of this was delicioso!  We started with a glass of Merlot from Chile and with our meal I had a Chardonnay and Jim chose Sangria (which turned out to be two for one!).  We also enjoyed the guitar music and singing.  Interesting to hear a Latino singing Neil Diamond and other pop songs.  But he did sing some Spanish love songs and even did a mariachi tune.

It was a lovely evening that lasted over two hours.  We had a good time chatting with the couples on either side of us.  We met and talked with Chef Nora and learned she is from Mexico City.  How she landed in the college town of Deland is  a mystery that perhaps we'll learn another time because I'm sure we'll go back.  She said they plan on doing evenings like this again and mentioned New Years Eve.  Now that would be fun!

Miles and miles on the truck

Monday Jim had doctors appointment at 0930 in St Augustine so we were up a little early, well Jim was, it was my normal rising time.  Quick cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal for me and we were off at 0830 for the drive into town.  Made it with 10 minutes to spare.  You just never know about local traffic and those who are rushing to their jobs.

Good news!  The tests came back negative but he still has some damage to his esophagus and has to remain on Nexium.  Matter of fact, for the next two weeks he's doubling the dosage to see if that helps with the symptoms (coughing, clearing his throat, etc) which seems to have gotten worse since we've been in Florida.  It could be just nasal drip that's causing him to do this.  He's also going to be keeping a food journal to see if foods are causing the symtoms...

After we left the office we headed to Cracker Barrel for some breakfast....Jim had all the items he doesn't get at home very often.....eggs, bacon,ham, sausage, cheesy potatoes, grits, biscuits and gravy and apples!  Oh some coffee with half and half....I must say he did enjoy it!   I had some blueberry pancakes and a glass of orange juice.

Then we headed to Gander Mtn to see if Jim could find a brimmed hat.  No luck and when we came out he noticed a side light on the fender of the truck was missing so we stopped at the Ford dealership right next door for the part.

Still on the quest for a hat we hit the outlet mall and hit a couple stores but again no luck, sooooooooo we just headed home.

During the drive to, from and during, we had rain showers.

Yesterday we had our coffee and some breakfast and it kept getting darker and darker and then the rains came...it poured for the longest time!  

When it rains we like to go to Barnes & Nobles to read maybe have a cup of coffee and just wait it out.  So that's why we headed to Jacksonville.  The drive is a lovely one and takes about an hour and a half.  Of course the rain let up and we could see blue skies ahead.

Once we got there we decided on Panera Bread for lunch.  I had half a Mediterranean Veggie sandwich along with a bowl of chicken orzo soup, both were delicious.  Jim had a turkey avocado blt with chips and a strawberry smoothie.  Because it was so nice we sat outside and enjoyed the gardens and listening to the birds.

We then listened to Ethyl (our gps) who said Barnes and Nobles was 250 feet away...She lied it was a Walmart!  Still on the quest for a hat Jim asked Ethyl to find us a Dick's Sporting Goods.  What luck!  Just a few miles away and across the river at the Orange Park Mall was just the very store we wanted.  Alas no luck with a hat, so after a bit of strolling we left.

Since we were on the west side of the ST John's River we decided to go to NAS Jax....This is where we got married and where I also had the surgery on my back.  We looked around the Exchange but no hat....They do carry Tommy Bahama clothing for men that costs 20-40 dollars cheaper than 'the outside world' and no taxes!  It's good to know in case Jim needs something before we leave Florida next March.

Back across the river we headed to Whole Foods Market, which is my favorite grocery store.  Didn't really 'need' anything but like Sonsearae said I did find some things to buy....spent less than 50 bucks!  Jim sat and enjoyed a latte while I browsed the aisles.

Then we headed home, but wait!  One more stop at Ace Hardware to see if they had hats....they do!  And Jim found one to his liking.  This store was huge and we liked every nook and cranny.  Found a couple of air plants and some bird seed.  Oh can't forget the free popcorn!  YUM

Then it was time to head home.  By this time it was pushing 1700 and I'm sure Boo was starving to death!

We did have more rain during the day and the drive home but we never did find the Barnes and Nobles!

And guess what?  It's raining as I type this...Jim was outside washing the rig and step mats trying to get rid of mildew....oh well maybe tomorrow, if it doesn't rain!

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!

Critters!

We had a cloudy start last Friday and after dishes and bed making we went for  ride and today we got to see some 'wildlife'!

When I first saw this turtle he was sunning himself on the blacktop...I guess I bothered him and on the return trip he was heading off into the grass

Jim was way ahead of me and apparently didn't see this cutie.  I sat ans watched him the longest time.  Jim came back to see what held me up

We went out to lunch at Carino's and I had Angel Hair pasta with artichokes and Jim had chicken Parmesan.  Very tasty!  After lunch we headed west to Whole Foods Market.  From where we are set up it's a long drive and I hadn't planned on going.  Jim decided I needed a 'fix'.   If you've ever been in one of their stores you know they set out goodies to sample.  Truffles!  Luscious chocolate truffles and I had three of them!  Jim put a box in the cart but I removed them....

Back home we just enjoyed the beautiful day, I guess the temperature was in the mid 80's.  We sat outside with our afternoon coffee.  Jim spotted this preying mantis

I'm not sure how long I watched her but she had a good time walking all over the ladder

Even Boo enjoys this place!

Before we headed in the pelicans made an appearance...must have been a couple hundred of them.  Whirling around and filling the sky!  It's a good thing they are quiet...

We watched Netflix again.  Another episode of Downton Abby, have you seen this series?  Quite interesting and entertaining.  We also watched Midsomer Murders...who doesn't like a good murder mystery?

Rain moved in and the temperature started to drop....and we should have put the comforter on the bed.  Both of us got chilly under the quilt.

Saturday when I got up it was 50 degrees outside...we just settled in and watched TV and Netflix.  I baked an apple pie and our dinner was leftovers.  Not sure what exactly, just cleaning out the fridge.

Last Sunday, Mother's Day, we packed up and headed east to Madisonville.  When we travel we try to avoid the interstates as much as possible.  They are boring and tend to make us sleepy.  Interstate 10 through Louisiana can be pretty but the road surface is awful and in need of repair.  We chose highway 190 as we've traveled this road before and it's interesting driving through small towns.  Well there's a section that they're working on and we know why!  Jim got an upper body work out just trying to keep us between the lines.

After two stops, one to stretch and relax from the bumpy ride and one for lunch we finally made it to Fairview Riverside State Park in Madisonville, Louisiana.  Nestled in the pine and live oak trees on the Tchefuncte river it's one of our favorite places to stay.  We always stop here when in the New Orleans area.

home sweet home

As you can see we are among the oaks just dripping with Spanish Moss

our backyard

 We chose this site, back by the boat launch because it's so pretty

bald cypress on the Tchefuncte River

 There's a boardwalk along the river with benches set up so you can watch the river.  We saw some folks water skiing and towing tubes Sunday afternoon.

my fellas sitting on a  live oak

bald cypress on the Tchefuncte river

Jim spent Monday morning cleaning bugs off the front of the rig and the washing the truck.  No matter which road you travel it's springtime in Louisiana and that means bugs!

Tuesday we drove across Lake Pontchartrain and visited a couple of our favorite places.  We found diesel for $3.70 so we filled up the tank.  Then we headed to the Brick Oven for a pizza....but everyone else decided they wanted to eat there too.  So we headed to another favorite spot Deanie's in Bucktown.  We each had a schooner of Abita Amber (we should have split one!) and enjoyed the boiled potatoes they offer as a treat to get you started.  Jim ordered fried shrimp and catfish and I had a delicious bowl of seafood gumbo.  I was so full when we left that it hurt!  And we still had another stop....

As many people know Whole Foods Market is my favorite grocery store in the whole wide world!  That's where we headed next.  We picked up a few necessary items and some not so necessary but delicious items.  I was surprised by our restraint!  But perhaps that was due to the meal we just ate  :-)

Yesterday Jim cleaned up the trikes.  They get nasty riding on the back of the rig.  I've been informed that a weld or two on the rack is in need of fixing so the trikes will be riding on the bed until we can find a welder.

Today is our last day here, we would have liked to stay longer but this state park is a popular place and they stay booked up on the weekends.  So we'll head out in the morning and head east.

Dinner Out with Friends

Saturday evening we went out to dinner with Diana And John. John drove and after a stop at Walmart we headed into rice and crawfish country. We arrived around 1700 in time to get a good table for the entertainment. We had asked around and was told the best Cajun food could be had at D I's http://www.discajunrestaurant.biz/. We started with a bucket of Abita Amber and each of us enjoyed a starter of fried veggies. Quite good! We all ordered a seafood plate. The guys had mixed, Diana had crawfish and I had shrimp. During dinner we got another bucket of beer.

The live music started around 1830 and the locals all knew when to arrive for it! The place filled right up and it was family night. After listening to a few tunes we headed home. Diana had a dessert for us so we went to their rig

The rabbits were having a lay about on the warm rocks

or munching some dinner

the ducks were waddling across the field

Diana brought out some snacks for the dogs and Boo was interested, his tail was going crazy

Jake sat nicely for his treat

It was getting dark when we headed home. After showers we settled in and watched Girls Night Out. Did you watch? Carrie Underwood sang How Great Thou Art and I've never heard it done better!

Sunday we left Eunice around 1000, after stopping to say good bye to Diana and John. We'll see them in the fall when we get to the valley. Our destination was Mandeville on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain.

Our drive was a familiar one as we took highway 190 all the way into Baton Rouge. From there we worked our way onto I-12 making a stop at Camping World only to find it closed on Sundays!

Really odd to see the parking lot empty
We arrived at Fountainbleau State Park just after 1400. I know it was Easter Sunday but the line was long to get into the park. Once we arrived at the entrance center we were processed quickly as we had prepaid.

Our site is in the older section and small but we fit just fine. We're under a big oak tree so we can't use our satellite dish for tv or internet. There is free wifi here but we get kicked off frequently.

Today we went to lunch at la Madeleine and I must say my Mediterranean pasta dish was excellent! Jim had Shrimp Florentine and he cleaned up his plate so I guess he enjoyed it.

After lunch we headed across Lake Ponchartrain into Metairie. We stopped at Lakeside Mall and strolled around noting new stores since we were last here. We stopped in a few of the stores but didn't buy anything.

I was saving that for our next stop! Whole Foods Market!!!!!
:)
This is my favorite grocery store and I looked at ninety percent of it and bought only a few groceries. But we can always go back before we leave the area

For dinner tonight we had leftovers in an attempt to clean out the fridge!

San Antonio, Texas

Apparently writing this blog has not been on my list of things to do! We've been here a few days and we've done a lot of shopping! We went to the North Star Mall our first evening here. Rain? Jim drove through pouring rain in rush hour traffic Friday so we could have dinner at Luciano's. We both like this restaurant and had a lovely meal.

Then we strolled the mall and popped into the Apple store where we purchased not one but two I-Pads. Needless to say we had fun playing with them once we got home.

Saturday morning I was up early enough to view our beautiful sunrise. Jim was too but I think his I-Pad was calling him :)

We spent the morning playing with our new toys and in my case washing sheets and making the bed. After lunch we went shopping! Alamo Quarry was our destination. I needed to have my glasses adjusted and I wanted to stop in at the Whole Foods Market. We had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. The whole area was packed with shoppers and it was bumper to bumper around the shopping area.

Back home we just relaxed with our new toys and had leftovers for dinner. Oh, it rained again.

Today we spent the morning just hanging around and after lunch we went shopping! Well it didn't start out that way, but we did go to La Cantera, http://www.theshopsatlacantera.com/ to stroll the outdoor shops. I figured it would be fairly safe, if it started to rain we could always duck into a store and wait out any showers! Fortunately it didn't rain. But we did find another Apple store and we both got covers for our I-pads.

On the drive home we ran into some sprinkles and made one more stop at HEB to get a newspaper. It's Sunday and I need my coupons!

We had white beans with sausage over rice for dinner and we've been watching football all evening.

So now you know what we've been doing for the last couple of days. We're staying at the fam camp at Ft Sam Houston and it's pretty nice here. I want to take pictures but it keeps raining.

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.