Pictures of Kevin

I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of our son, Kevin, "at work." We are so proud of him and the service he is providing to our country. He is deployed to Iraq for the next year. If you think of it, please pray for his safety as well as of that of all of our military personnel.

The End of Another Month

Whew! In just a few hours, October 2009 will be history. And we've been in Alabama for a month already. On one hand it is hard to believe we've been here that long already; on the other, it feels like we've been here forever - in a good way. :)

This morning Randy and I got out of the house early and went to breakfast at the Magnolia Blossom Cafe. Doesn't that just sound soooo southern? They have a breakfast buffet; unfortunately I don't think it's as good as it was last year and even then I wasn't enamored of it. But, Randy was happy and it filled the void, so it was fine. From there we headed to the Elberta German Sausage Festival.

Elberta is a small town of less than 1000 people. It was founded in the early 20th century by farmers who had come from Germany. The festival began in the 1970s as a means of supporting Elberta's volunteer fire department.

Downtown Elberta

Town Clock

The weather wasn't the best for an outdoor event. It was damp, chilly and overcast. But, we wandered around the park looking at all the vendors' wares. We didn't find anything we couldn't live without so we left emptyhanded.

Hmmmmm . . . should Terry be worried???

After we left Elberta we went to Tanger Outlets. We were on the lookout for lanyards that we need to hold our Escapee name badges. Didn't find those, either. So, it was time to go home.

It was good to get home and get warmed up. :)

We'd been home for about an hour or so when we had some much-welcomed visitors - Darrell and Judy! They got in earlier this morning and it was SO good to see them. The last time we'd been together was January of this year, so we had lots to catch up on. Even though we follow each other's blogs, it just not the same as being together.

We ended our day with a potluck dinner at the clubhouse. Wow! There had to have been about 80 people in attendance. That's a lot of folks for this early in the season. Made us wonder just how busy the park is going to be this year.

As usual, we had lots of food and lots of fun. We sat with Darrell & Judy and Larry & Glenda, a new couple, at our end of the table. I had met Larry & Glenda previously at the Wednesday afternoon jam.

Food for as far as the eye can see!

Everybody's ready!

Our table

At the end of the meal, we had entertainment! The Chenilles made an appearance and were hilarious as usual. These women (including me) have a good time singing parodies and the crowd is always generous with its applause and laughter.


Another great day in the life . . . Hope your Halloween was just as much fun. Until the next time . . .

A Post for Blackie

This post comes from Blackie's buddy, Buster. Buster's "parents" are our neighbors at the campground in PA. Long-time readers will recall that Buster had written Blackie a letter once before and, apparently, he is missing Blackie, so . . . here's another letter. Just a caveat - Buster's mom is crazy! :)

Dear Blackie,

I know it’s only been a couple of months since you left me and went south but I miss seeing you when I look out my front door. We only have two more weekends left at the campground and then it will be closed up and winterized.

Guess what! I was bitten by a spider at the campground and it took 2 doctor visits (that was not fun – the knife was out again and they drugged me) and 3 weeks for it to heal. So, be careful! That healing part will make you miserable.. I had to wear a bootie each time I went outside to go potty and the rest of the time inside I had to wear that stupid “lampshade looking” collar.

I have been reading your mommy’s blog and noticed all the nice pictures of their music playing concerts, all the eating buffet places where they are meeting other friends, pretty sceneries of mountains and woods – but again - NO Pictures of Blackie having any fun!!! What is up with that?!?!?

I just don’t know about your mommy . . . she needs to take pictures of you walking with your daddy, strolling in these pretty parks (parks – not campgrounds), walking down into the water and laying in the sand at these pretty beaches. So, where are your pictures??? I expect to see some soon!!! Hope so…

Have you met any good walking buddies? You could share all the good sniffs together, enjoy those good spots together, go swimming, etc., and share your biscuits. Hope so... How is the water temperature? Have you gone swimming yet or gone on a boat ride? Hope so… Make sure you put on your life jacket in case you fall overboard. They really do help you afloat – I’ve tried one. Keep in mind that I don’t like to swim but Axl (my adopted ½ brother) and I went swimming a couple years back and I had mine on. It was a good thing to because I HATE the water!!! My mommy did take me into a creek once and I was okay as long as my feet were still touching the ground - but I panic once I can’t touch the ground.

I did notice in your mommy's blog that you are left on your own for 8-9 hours while they are out partying/eating. Guess we should be glad that she doesn’t know about that “hidden trap door” we installed this past summer while they were out partying/eating. You know some campgrounds have dog walkers for a small fee for when your parents are going to be out all day. Has your mommy gotten you one yet? How is your biscuit supply? Still good or are you running low? I can have my mommy send to your mommy a new box of biscuits – you just let me know. Well gotta go – until next time – ruff, ruff, ruff !!!

Buster

Dinner with New Friends & a Reunion

Today was such a good day. Started off with a session at Curves. Came home to enjoy my coffee and computer.

This afternoon I went over to the clubhouse to play music for a little while. Randy was home vacuuming - am I a lucky girl or what! :)

About 2:30 we headed out to The Shrimp Basket to meet up with Paul & Margery for an early dinner. Margery and I "met" through our blogs and they have been in the park for a couple of weeks. Margery came by our place last week and we chatted for a bit. They are leaving for Myrtle Beach tomorrow morning, so we decided to get together for a meal today so we could hear each other's stories.

We had a FANTASTIC time with Paul & Margery!! We laughed, shared our ideas/feelings on so many subjects and just found that we clicked. It was great. They will be coming back to the park in March and we are really looking forward to getting to know each other even better. And I am so bummed that I forgot to get a picture of the four of us!

Once we got back home, we went over to Ron & Connie's to welcome home J & Heidi and Chuck & Jan. We had a little reunion around the fire. It felt great to have the four of them back and to spend time with them. And there will be so many more gatherings around the fire over the next few months. :)

Life is getting back to "normal" here at the park as more friends are coming in every day. We're still waiting on several more - hurry up, y'all!!

Until the next time . . .

The New 'Do

Well, the people have spoken! :) Here's the new 'do:

Now, I don't want to hear any smart aleck remarks; and yes, I DO KNOW THAT I LOOK LIKE MY MOTHER!!! I always have, but even more so when I have a short perm like this. Anyway, I'm getting used to the look and kinda like it. I'm sure I'll like it more as it grows longer. Randy is not thrilled with it at all, but being the great husband he is, he has stayed very quiet. :)

In the rest of the Guiler news, not much going on. I went to my Tuesday dulcimer group and Randy hung out at home. It's been a pretty dreary day for the most part and now it's really humid. Don't know if we've got more rain coming or not, but it sure feels like it.

Tomorrow we're going out to dinner with new friends, Paul and Margery. Looking forward to getting to know them better. Also some more folks are due in to the park tomorrow, so it will be fun catching up with them, too.

Hope you're having a good week! Until the next time . . .

The Jury's Still Out . . .

. . . on my new haircut/perm. Why is it that a new style ALWAYS looks better in my head than it does ON my head??? I think it'll be okay once I get used to styling it, but I gotta admit, I was a little unnerved when the hairdresser turned me around to look in the mirror! I thought I looked like George Washington with dark hair!!

But, we went over to Ron & Connie's to sit by the fire for a little while and they as well as Bob & Pam said they like the new 'do. Of course, friends will lie to you 'cause they love you!

And don't even ask me to post a picture!! Not until I've gotten used to it, at least.

That was the extent of the day. Didn't make it to Curves 'cause I woke up with a nasty headache after a really crummy night of little sleep. But, I did get a cute picture of the birds enjoying the feeder we put out for them. :) Enjoy.

Until the next time . . .

Concert in the Park

We moved slow this morning - just hung around the RV watching the news and reading on the computer. We didn't even go to church! I did finally sit outside for about an hour, totally enjoyed the sunshine.

Finally, around 1:30, I made us a late lunch of scrambled eggs and scrapple. We wanted a big lunch 'cause Randy had another concert this evening. We figured it would be dinner, too, so better make it good. :)

We left for the concert a little after 3pm. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Orange Beach where the concert would be held. The concert was to start at 5pm and Randy had to be there at 4:30, but we're always earlier than necessary. :) It was a great venue; another beautiful park on another beautiful bay. This time we were at Orange Beach Waterfront Park which sits on Wolf Bay. Great setting.


I settled in with my book and waited for the concert to start. Next thing I knew Bob & Pam and Ron & Connie were setting up their chairs beside me! I was so glad to see them. They had talked about coming, but I didn't know if they would. It was nice of them to show up.

The concert was as good as last week. Bob & Pam and Ron & Connie enjoyed it, too. After the concert was over they were going out to grab a bite to eat and asked us to join them. Of course, I said yes! Randy was putting his instrument away so they went on ahead of us to get a table. We weren't far behind.

Dinner was good even though Pam had to send her burger back as it was so well done it was more of a hockey puck than a burger! The second one was much better and she was happy. :) But, the laughter and fun we had was even better than the food! The six of us had a great time.

Friends, food, music; another great day. Until the next time . . .

Good Food, Good Friends, and Good Music!

What a great day we had! We set off about 8:30 this morning with Ron & Connie in the back seat of the truck and followed Bob & Pam down the road. About a half hour later, we met up with Marvin & Linda and continued our trek to the Dogwood Dulcimer Festival in Century, FL, with a little side trip to Ryan's for breakfast. :)

After we'd eaten our way through the buffet line a couple of times, we got back on the road. Less than an hour later we pulled into Lake Stone Campground, the location of the festival. The campground was filled and music was everywhere. We all headed in different directions to greet friends and start playing.

Randy & I went to find Ron & Ruth to let them know we were there and to see how they were enjoying the festival. After catching up with them, we walked around the campground to see if we could find others we knew and then ended up back at the clubhouse to settle in for the open stage session.

Open stage is where folks sign up to play for those in attendance. Both the groups I play with were on the schedule, in the numbers 2 & 3 slots. The first group to play was Jam N Folks; we played Sloop John B with our "dreadlocks" on. Yes, we were quite the sight! Our second song was a medley of Gospel tunes. Then Jubilee Pickers played two songs, Harper's Frolic and Southwind; both went off pretty well, I think.

Don't you just love my dreads!?!?!!

After that, we all sat for the next couple of hours and listened while others entertained us. Some folks are great, while others are not as good, but really enjoy playing. And it's all good fun - enjoyment is everything.

Marvin & Linda

About 3:30, it was time for us to leave. Four of us had puppies at home who were going to need us fairly soon! :) So, the eight of us set off for home, but we did make a stop for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Pensacola. Another good meal with more good conversation. It was there we said our good-byes to Marvin & Linda as they would be taking a different way home. The rest of us got on I-10 and headed west to the Plantation.

We got home about 6:30 and Blackie was glad to see us! :) Actually, I think we woke him up. But, once he was awake, he was glad to see us and get outside for a walk.

Now, we are settled into our recliners and done for the night. Another good day was had by all. Until the next time . . .

Lazy, Laundry, Lazy

After being awoken a couple of times during the night because of the torrential wind and rain, I finally dragged myself out of bed about 7:30 which is late for me. I felt like somebody had beat me up during the night, and Randy swears it wasn't him! :) So, I blew off Curves this morning, but I did walk with Randy & Blackie. Not the same, but better than nothing; or so I tell myself. :)

We spent the morning watching GMA and reading on the computer. Finally, about 12:30, I figured I needed to do something productive, so I gathered the laundry together and went over to the laundry room to do it. I love doing the laundry in laundry rooms! I know, it's easier to have a washer/dryer in your own rig and there are times I would love to have that, but by doing laundry in a laundry room I can do multiple loads at one time and be done in just a couple of hours. So, I'll probably never have my own washer and dryer.

Back at the rig around 2:30pm, I got my book and glass of iced tea, put my lounger in the shade and proceeded to get lazy again. :) I spent the next couple of hours reading and napping.

The best part of the day came just as I was getting ready to settle back inside for the evening. Margery, whose blog I follow, came by for a visit! I knew she and her husband, Paul, were in the park and we've emailed back and forth trying to catch up with one another, but it hadn't happened. So, I was thrilled when I walked outside to find Margery walking up to the rig!

We sat and talked for quite awhile. It was great - we seem to have much in common. I'm looking forward to getting to know both her and Paul better. We're hoping to join them for dinner before they leave next week. One of the best parts of this life - meeting new people!

Tomorrow we're going to Century, Florida for the day to attend a dulcimer festival. Lots of friends are already there. Eight of us are meeting in the morning, going to breakfast then heading to the festival. Looking forward to lots of good music!

Until the next time . . .

Whew! Long, Busy Day

I think this has been the busiest day we've had in a VERY long time! And it was an especially long one for me 'cause I woke up at 4:00 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep!

Randy and I left the house about 8:30 this morning, heading to the first of our stops of the day, dulcimer practice. Randy's hanging in there with the psaltry and enjoying it. That's all that counts, right? We played music from about 9:15 until almost noon. Then, it was on to our next stop.

The Pickers had two gigs today. The first, at Catherine's Place, an assisted living facility, was scheduled for 1:30pm. However, the staff of Catherine's Place is so kind to us; they serve us lunch before we play! Isn't that nice? And it's not just a box lunch, it's a sit-down, serve-you-on-china lunch. Actually, it was more like dinner. We were served pork loin, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables and cheesecake. Not too shabby, huh?

After that delicious lunch, Randy left to drop off prescription refills at WalMart and the rest of us, all eight of us, played for the residents for about an hour. It's always wonderful playing at assisted living facilities and such because these folks are a great audience. They sing along with us and applaud no matter how we play!

From there we walked next door to the Alzheimer's facility. During the next half hour we played for them and encouraged them to sing and clap along with us. Most of these residents were very coherent and engaged with us, but there were a few the staff had to be very aware of at all times. Again, the folks were thrilled that we were there and it makes me recognize how blessed I am that my parents are still healthy and able to enjoy their lives on their own. If I could have, I would have gone around to each person in our audience and hugged them and sat with them for a few minutes. It truly is humbling to know that those 30 minutes brought joy to their lives. I can't wait to go back!

Once we were finished with our gigs, it was almost 3:30. Randy had gotten back during our first gig and we took off for our next to last stop of the day - the eye doctor's office. I had to have the pressure in my eyes checked to see if the drops were doing their job. And, I'm glad to report, they are! The pressure in my eyes have dropped 7 points in one eye and 9 points in the other. That's very good news. Now, I just have to go back two more times before I leave here to go home. Apparently, once it's been determined you have glaucoma, you need to have pressure checks every 3 or 4 months. Yay, more doctor's appointments!

On the way home from the doctor's we stopped at WalMart to pick up the prescriptions and a few other things to tide us over until the first of the month. We finally got home a little past 5:30 this evening - about nine hours after we'd left!

Dinner was a fend-for-yourself deal. Now we are both a little less than comatose in our recliners watching some shows we'd DVR'd and listening to the rain. I'm hoping to sleep good tonight!

Until the next time . . .

Mid-Week Fun

We had a nice surprise yesterday evening when Ron & Connie invited us to their place for dinner! No need to bring anything, just show up. Now, THAT's an invitation we just couldn't pass up! Ron had bought an infrared turkey cooker and wanted to try it out. Hey, we'll be guinea pigs any day for free food. :)

So, we joined Bob & Pam, Clyde & Sarita and Ron & Connie for a delicious dinner of turkey, baked beans, and salad. Yummy. After eating our fill, we sat around the fire for another hour or so. Life at its best!

Earlier yesterday I went to music for the morning, then came home and sat outside in the sun reading for awhile. Ahhhhhhh . . .

Today started with a trip to Curves for me. I really didn't feel like going, but persevered. I'm always glad that I went once I'm there. I'm still not a fan of exercise AT ALL, but know it's good for me.

Randy had worked out in the yard yesterday, edging around our cement pad. He continued that today and also mowed the grass around the RV that Ron can't get to with the riding mower. Our site looks really great!

This afternoon I went over to the clubhouse for a pick-up jam session with Pam & Connie and some other folks here at the park. These sessions are a little tough for me because I don't play by ear - at all. I need to have music in front of me. So, when someone calls a song I don't know, it's hard for me to keep up. But, the only way I'll learn is to keep trying. And I will. If nothing else, I get to enjoy some really good music!

We ended our day with a trip to get some ice cream. Our favorite ice cream place is Bruster's and we were excited to find out there are two here - one in Gulf Shores and one in Orange Beach. Now, it's a good 30 minutes to Gulf Shores and another 15 minutes to Orange Beach, so some may say that's a long way to travel for ice cream, but we think it's worth it! We got to Gulf Shores and that Bruster's was closed! NOOOOOO!!

Well, we had to go to Orange Beach anyway 'cause Randy needed to go to a tobacco shop that is located that, we figured we'd be on the lookout for the other Bruster's. Randy got what he needed at the tobacco shop and we continued on our drive. As we headed out of Orange Beach, I had just thought we'd not find the Bruster's and there it was! We stopped and got our ice cream - a milkshake for Randy and a milkshake with Butterfinger bits in it for me! Perfect. :)

That's it for another great day at the Guiler's. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day. Dulcimer practice in the morning and two gigs in the afternoon. I also have an eye doctor's appointment after that! Big day for us.

I'll leave you with the scene out our back window. Until the next time . . .

More Great Music

Sorry I didn't post last night, but by the time we got home I just didn't feel like it! :)

We started yesterday by going to Faith Baptist Church in Fairhope. I was pretty excited about this church because I checked out its website and it looked to be pretty active with lots of great ministries, especially a women's ministry. Everyone was very friendly; the pastor was the first to greet us. I am always impressed when the pastor of a good-sized church can look at the congregation and know right away who is new. We had a nice conversation with the pastor as well as several others who came by to welcome us.

The music was good, upbeat and inspiring, but the congregation wasn't. :) I just mean they were very stiff in their worship, not what we've been used to recently. And while the pastor was so very friendly and welcoming, his message was less than exciting. It wasn't horrible and I'm sure God uses him to reach people, it just wasn't for us.

So, bottom line? We keep looking.

After church, we went for to Big Daddy's, a local favorite that sits on the Fish River, for lunch. We had decided to have a big meal at lunch 'cause we had to leave for Randy's concert at 4:30 and there wouldn't be time for dinner. We really enjoy Big Daddy's; you got a good meal for a decent price. This was the first time we've been there this season and we weren't disappointed. :)

The few hours we had between lunch and when we had to leave for the concert were spent relaxing in the recliners. :)

The Pops concert was held at Henry George Park in Fairhope. The park is located on a bluff overlooking Mobile Bay. It is an absolutely gorgeous setting. The concert began at 6pm, just as the sun was starting to set. It was chilly, but the wind had died down and if you had a coat on, you were pretty comfortable. The music was great, the band did a good job. A great evening. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Today is just another day around the rig. I did go to Curves this morning, but that's the only thing on the agenda. The weather is beautiful - sunny, mid 60s, and just a slight breeze. This is the weather we came here for! :)

Have a fabulous week, everyone! Until the next time . . .

Grand Festival of the Bay, Fairhope

Well, our weather has changed dramatically! The temperature was 49 degrees when I got up at 6:00 this morning - what a difference! :) The forecast was for sunshine and mid-60s. Perfect, right? So, I thought.

Our dulcimer gig today was part of the Grand Festival of the Bay in Fairhope. Fairhope is a lovely town right on Mobile Bay. The flowers throughout the town are always full of color and arranged beautifully. We were scheduled to play at 10am in downtown under the clock. This location would ensure that we would be seen and heard by all who attended the festival.

In addition to our concert, there were arts and crafts vendors of all kinds set up on the intersecting streets of downtown. There was also a run scheduled for 8:30. We figured we'd get there early in order to get a parking place and just have a leisurely breakfast while we waited to set up. We rode with Ron & Ruth which made it nice.

Ron & Ruth picked us up about 7:45 and off we went. It was chilly, but we expected it to warm up quickly. We got to Fairhope, found a parking spot with little difficulty and went to breakfast. Several others in our group had the same idea and greeted us when we walked into Julwin's. After a great breakfast, Ron & Randy collected our instruments and other paraphernalia while Ruth and I went on to our gig location.

Vendors setting up

Okay, remember I say perfect weather? Well, the wind was picking up AND there was no sun on the corner where we were to set up. Boy, was it COLD! The sun was out, but our corner was shaded and would be through the next hour or so.

WINDY!

Most of us were set up by 9:30 or so, even though we were not to start until 10:00. We decided to start playing just to keep warm! There weren't many people at the festival yet as it didn't officially start until 10am, but we played anyway. As we played, the sun crept over the trees so some of us (not me, of course) began to feel the sun on them. The rest of us just gallantly played on. :)

Setting up

Mary Anne, our leader

As the crowds gathered, we enjoyed ourselves in spite of the wind and chill. It's always fun to play for an appreciative audience! All told, we played for an hour and a half. I had a great time.


Ron & Randy put our instruments away (boy, it's nice to have roadies!) and Ruth & I slowly wandered around the festival. There were some unique things as well as the typical paintings, jewelry, etc. The guys joined us and we finished our meanderings through the festival. At the college there was a birdfest and we saw a Redtailed Hawk. He was anxious to show off for the onlookers!

Walking around the festival

Redtailed Hawk

Before we left, I went into the library to see if I could get a library card. That is one of the few things I have missed being out on the road. But, I'd heard that Baldwin County would issue cards to us intinerants. :) Sho 'nuff, I walked out a few minutes later with my very own Baldwin County library card! YAY! I am so excited. I know, I know. It doesn't take much. But, now I can save a bit of money while I'm here. I love the library!!

We ended our day out by having lunch at Market By the Bay, a great seafood place. Nothing fancy - at all; but the food is delish and plentiful. All of us left very, very full. As a matter of fact, Ron & Ruth couldn't finish their fish. I think they have enough leftover for two more meals! And if you like hush puppies, this is the place!

Once home, I settled into the recliner and very soon found myself sound asleep. Guess all that fresh air tuckered me out. I sleep for over an hour and a half!

Tomorrow the hunt for a church continues. I'll let you know how it goes. Until the next time . . .

I Got the Music in Me!

No post yesterday 'cause there was absolutely nothing to share. Really, nothing. I figure you wouldn't be interested in us walking Blackie a couple of times and sitting inside the rig enjoying the A/C while watching TV and using the computer. So, no post.

Today, however, made up for yesterday! We were up at 6am so we could get out the door and to the lab by 7:30am for Randy to have some blood work done. We got to the lab by 7:15 which was a good thing 'cause there were already several people waiting for the doors to open. One of the lab employees got there early, opened up and allowed folks to sign in and get started. We were out of there by 7:50. Not bad.

By that time, Randy was ready for his coffee 'cause he'd had to fast for the blood test. Off we went to Mickey D's for a healthy (HAHA) breakfast. I know, I know. It's bad for you, but sometimes it tastes soooo good. :)

Next up - Pickers dulcimer practice. Randy is still hanging in there with the psaltry. I'm not sure how much he's enjoying it, but he's still playing. I love having him there with me. After practice, many of us went to the Chinese buffet for lunch. No making dinner on Thursdays! I love that!!

After lunch Ruth & I went to the Pickers' gig at a local assisted living facility. Randy & Ron went on home, after making a stop at the grocery. The gig was successful, as usual. I really enjoy playing at these places because the folks are so grateful that we come. Really, it's so gratifying. I try to be sure to go to each person and thank them for allowing us the privilege of playing for them.

About 3pm Ruth dropped me off at home. I was ready to be home, too. It was a long day. Next Thursday's gonna be worse because we have TWO gigs in the afternoon. But, it'll be worth it as we will be playing at another assisted living facility and then an Alzheimer's facility.

Tomorrow is Curves and laundry. Yes, I am deviating from my schedule, can you believe it? :) Only because I have another dulcimer gig on Saturday and we have to be out the door by 7:45am!

The weather is supposed to be cooling off. I am ready for that! Until the next time . . .

An Uneventful Day

A very laid-back day, today. Ha! I say that like it's unusual! :) I did get myself out of bed this morning and walked for 30 minutes. Well, it was actually just 27 minutes but that's close enough, right?

I went to Jam N Folks today to play music while Randy stayed home to replace the seal in the toilet. Hmmm . . . who got the better deal there, I wonder? :)

The rest of the day was spent in front of the TV and computers. Just the norm around here. Randy's out tonight at Pops rehearsal and I'm watching the Dancing with the Stars results show.

That's it! Until the next time . . .

Successful Shopping Day

Even though the weather has been really hot, it does make for beautiful skies.
The local Tanger Outlets shopping center was having a sidewalk sale and we needed a couple of things so that was the plan for today - after Curves and breakfast!

Now, most of you know that shopping is about the last thing on my list of things I like to do. But, sometimes ya just gotta. Randy needed to get a gray polo shirt for some of the upcoming Pops concerts and I was along for the ride.

Randy was successful in finding a shirt - $7.50 at Old Navy! Now, that's a find! But, I got lucky, too. There's a Crocs store at this shopping center. I didn't even know Crocs had its own stores! Anyway, their sale was a BOGO, so I got two more pairs of flip flops! I've never owned so many pairs of flip flops in my life - FIVE pairs now. :) But, if Crocs really does go out of business, I'm good.

So, we had a successful morning and got some exercise, too. We walked all over that center and it's a big one! After a couple of hours of walking and shopping, both Randy & I were done. It was time to get home and in the A/C. :)

Until the next time . . .

Another Sunday, Another Church

Before I share our exciting day, I have to take a moment and say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jason!!

He is a fantastic young man, husband, and father. We love him very much. Hope you had a great day, J, in spite of the Ravens' loss. :)

Now, on to our day.

There's really not much to share. I was being VERY sarcastic when I used the "exciting" regarding our day. It was just one of our lazy days. :)

We went to another new church, Liberty Church, in Fairhope. This is one of five locations of this church. The worship music was good as was the message. It is not a large congregation, which I like. The usual worship team wasn't there, so I think we'll go back to see what it's like when they are there. We did like this church better than the one we attended last week. I just continue to pray that God will lead us to where HE wants us.

After church we just came home, got some lunch and settled in for the day. Spent time on the computers, watched some TV shows we'd recorded, I cross stitched (and napped) and just generally lazed around. Dinner was Chicken Biscuit Pot Pie, very easy. :)

The local Tanger Outlets is having a sidewalk sale, so we're thinking of checking that out tomorrow. Randy needs a gray polo shirt for Pops concerts, so we're hoping to find one there.

That's it from the Guilers. Hope you had a good weekend. Until the next time . . .

Shrimp Festival & First Fire of the Season

We finally made it to the Shrimp Festival!

Yesterday was daggone hot neither one of us wanted to be outside for any length of time, so we put it off again! The only thing I did yesterday was go to Curves. The rest of the day was spent inside.

We woke up a little before 7am and it was only 68 degrees outside!! Perfect. :) So, we were out the door before 8am so we could beat the heat. Our first stop was Hazel's, a great place to have breakfast. Their buffet is small, but very good and it includes made-to-order omelets if you want one. I am not an omelet person, but Randy really likes them. We thought we'd beat the crowd by getting there before 8:30, but no! We had to put our name on the list - and we were fourth in line! The place was a mob scene. Of course, it's a small place, under 20 tables, I'm sure. The wait wasn't very long, either. :)

Hazel's

We found out from our waitress that there was a shuttle running for the festival. Cost was just $1 per person each way. A good deal since parking cost $5 at the festival - if you could find it AND your vehicle would fit. One of the shuttle pick-ups was next door to Hazel's at WalMart. So, after we filled our bellies with a great breakfast, we drove over to wait for the shuttle. It was 9am.

After we got parked, we found out that the first shuttle wasn't due until 10am! Ugh. The other people left, but we just parked in a shady spot and waited. Randy people-watched and I read a book. That's why I always carry a book - you never know when you'll have to wait. :) The hour went rather quickly because the shuttle came a little early, so soon we were off to the festival.

Waiting for the shuttle - so shady you can't see Randy in the truck!

And we're off!

The festival was pretty much like most: lots of food and lots of arts, crafts, and people. We walked and looked at each of the vendor booths, but didn't see anything we couldn't live without. There were wood carvers, glass blowers, stained glass, jewelry, t-shirts, etc. The food vendors were plentiful. I had to take a picture of one 'cause the presentation was gorgeous. This is for all you chefs out there! :)

Welcome!Lots of folks
The beach at Gulf Shores
This is the food vendor I mentioned

We were done looking in about 45 minutes or so. Yeah, we're fun, aren't we? :) It was heating up, so, we grabbed the next shuttle and headed back to the truck. Spent the afternoon in our A/C. :)

This evening we made another trip to Best Buy to pick up Randy's computer again. Hopefully, it's back to normal.

While walking Blackie this evening, we ran into Ron (of Ron & Connie) and he said he was gonna have a fire tonight since it had cooled done some. So, Ron & Connie, Bob & Pam, Clyde & Sarita and Randy & I sat around the first official fire of the season. And it was a good one, too! :)

A nice way to end the day. Until the next time . . .

Randy Joins the Folk Music World!

That's right - Randy joined me at my Thursday dulcimer group, Jubilee Pickers. While both of the dulcimer groups I play with are friendly, fun and welcoming, this group is different in that they are more informal and laid back. I figured this group would be a better one for Randy to join in his new endeavor. :) And he fit right in, of course. Several folks from our park participate in this group so he already knew lots of people and the others welcomed him with hugs and excitement. They are great people.

I think he enjoyed his first session. He played the psaltry as best he could. He needs the music and often dulcimer music is not notes on a staff, but "tabs." It's different than what he's used to. So, we'll have to get him sheet music for the songs and, of course, his musical ear will be a huge help to him. I just think it's fun to have him there!

Our morning was devoted to music, then we went out to eat with a bunch of the folks from the group. Most Thursday lots of us go to lunch at a Chinese buffet. It was no different today. So, it looks like I won't have to cook on Thursdays!! :)

After lunch we went up to Best Buy and picked up Randy's computer. Then, it was a quick stop at WalMart to pick up milk and bread and on to home.

I couldn't wait to get out of the truck. It is so daggone hot here that the A/C in the truck was barely cooling it off. That sun beating in was atrocious. UGH. Even the "natives" say the weather is pretty bad. I can't imagine what our electric bill's gonna be. Oh, well. I'm not suffering - bring on the A/C!! :)

We were going to go to the Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores today, but since we had all the errands to do, we figured we'd wait. It's going on all weekend. We've talked about going tomorrow, but I'm not sure I want to be out in this ugly heat/humidity. I know, I know. I'm a wimp. But, it's just not fun. Guess we'll see how it goes.

Hope you're having a good week. Until the next time . . .

Warm Wednesday

I'm sure in January or February when I wake up to temperatures in the 30s or 40s, I may want warmer, BUT . . . 80 degrees at 6:30 in the morning is a bit much. When I left for Curves this morning, it was so humid that our windows were all fogged up. I don't think I've ever experienced this kind of humidity. Yucky.

After Curves, the rest of the day has been spent inside in the A/C. Randy was in and out; he did get our lights up as well as the Halloween garland which is our nod to decorating for that day.

Our site

Halloween decoration

I got our finances updated, return address and business cards printed and also printed out my October letter to Reagan. I finished one cross stitch ornament and got started on another.

Dinner was leftovers again. I think we hit a record – other than breakfast last Thursday and lunch for me yesterday, we have not eaten out in over a week! :) With all that cooking, there are lots of leftovers, so they have to get eaten! I had salad and Randy ate up the last of the layered bean dip.

Tomorrow's another music day – Jubilee Pickers. Randy's actually going with me! He's decided he's going to try playing the psaltry. It's triangular stringed instrument that is thousands of years old. It's mentioned in the Bible several times. I'm excited to have him along. :) Pickers is a very laid back group and I really enjoy these sessions.

We also need to pick up Randy's computer from Best Buy. Hopefully, it's fixed and he'll have no more problems. Then we're going to the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. Not sure what to expect there, but I'm sure it'll be fun.

Until the next time . . .