What was That???

There was a big yellow orb in the sky today!! I wasn't sure what it was; it looked familiar, but I just wasn't sure. And then, I remembered! It was the sun!!! :) Yes, the sun made an appearance today for a little while. It was so nice to see it. I hope it comes back to visit tomorrow.

And that's the big news here in Bonifay. It has been raining off and on, mostly on for the past three days. Not the kind of weather that motivates one to do much of anything.

Yesterday I did get some paperwork done, including the preliminary work on the taxes. Randy had gone with Forrest to some medical appointments, so I had a few hours to myself. I also did some long overdue filing. And I finished my Bible study lesson for today. It was a very productive morning. The rest of the day was spent in our usual fashion – computers, TV, and relaxing.

Today I went to Bible study in the morning, then out to lunch with some of the women in the study group. That was fun. I ended up working this afternoon because Alicia was sick. Randy was pretty busy working on fixing a slow leak we have in the basement. Of course, it's never easy to work in that area. And he needs another part – figures.

We're working tomorrow because we switched shifts with Thursday so we can do our first-of-the-month errands on Thursday.

That's it. That's all I've got. Until the next time . . .

It’s About Time!

I finally got rid of those three pounds I'd gained during the holidays!! I was getting so dang frustrated – it was only three pounds, dangit! But, I just couldn't shed them for some reason even though I was exercising and watching what I was eating. Hopefully, there'll be some more loss coming. But, if not, my blood sugar is staying within the range the doctor wants and I'm not gaining, so I'll be grateful for the little things.

Otherwise, things are going on as usual. Randy & I worked yesterday and today. I felt kinda bad for Randy – the drastic change in weather didn't make going to work a lot of fun for him. Yesterday morning we left the rig and it was 70 degrees out. By the time Randy got home around noon, it was just 62 degrees. The rains had come in and the temps dropped quickly.

This morning was pretty darn chilly – just 42 degrees when I left for work at 9am!! Big change from yesterday! Oh, well. It's still better than being up north this time of year. :)

Not much else to share. From not-so-sunny Florida, until the next time . . .

This and That

Lame title for the post, I know. ;) But, trying to come up with titles can be tough when the post contains more than one topic. So, there ya go.

As I mentioned in Monday's post, on Tuesday Randy & I joined the choir for dinner in Panama City Beach at Captain Andersen's, a well-known local restaurant.

There were more than 20 of us who rode together on the church bus, with several others meeting us at the restaurant. It was so nice for Randy to just sit back and let someone else do the driving. He was able to look around at the scenery and just relax. And considering the drive was almost an hour and a half, he had plenty of time to relax. :)

We had a lovely evening. Randy was able to meet some of the folks I've gotten to know through choir and the women's Bible studies that I attend. And I was able to get to know them a bit better as well. The meal was very good, too!

Wednesday we decided to take drive to Dothan with Forrest & Gail, who workamp with us. We really enjoy their company. There was no real agenda, other than breakfast. :) Since Forrest was driving, we put him in charge of picking the restaurant – he could choose from Denny's, IHOP, or Cracker Barrel. And CB was the winner! You know we didn't fight that decision. :)

After filling ourselves to the brim, the next stop was the tobacco shop. Gail makes her own cigarettes like Randy does, so they purchased their “supplies” for the next month or so. Yes, I know Randy should quit smoking. But, he has no desire, so I say nothing. Wouldn't help. But, I'm grateful that, with the cost of cigarettes now, he takes the time to make his own which saves of hundreds of dollars per year. Gotta be grateful for that.

Our next stop was Camping World. Have you ever known an RVer to pass by Camping World without stopping? Anyway, Forrest & Gail needed a light bulb. We ended up taking home a new outside mat.

From there, we stopped at WalMart (what's a day out without a stop at WalMart!) so Randy & I could pick up a small humidifier.

Then, we all decided we'd spent enough money, so home we went. It was a nice day out with new friends.

Today was our Monday. Randy started working at 8am, and I followed at 9am. The morning went quickly and all of a sudden it was noon and Randy was off work. He brought me some lunch 'cause I work 'til 1pm and was then going to do laundry. I was finally finished with the laundry about 3:30 and I headed for home.

Oh, I'm getting my exercise in, too. About 4 times a week, I join at least one other woman at the clubhouse for about 45 minutes to an hour of walking exercise. Don't laugh until you've tried it. Check out Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home video series. It's a good workout. But, I'll admit it, I do miss Curves. I'll be happy to get back to that when we get to Pennsylvania. Until then, Leslie is my tormentor, er, friend. :)

That's it for now. Until the next time . . .

A Routine

Yes, it's been a week since my last post. Since we've gotten back from our brief trip to Alabama not much has been going on, just our usual routine. And that just doesn't seem to be exciting enough to write about.

I know many folks write every day – and I did, too. But, as I've said before, if I'm bored writing it, I can't imagine how bored you'd be reading it!! And I really write it for Randy & me, as a journal of these years on the road. Don't get me wrong, I love, love that you read our blog!! But, even if you didn't, I would still write it. Thus, my philosophy of writing what interests me. :)

Okay, back to this last week. We have fallen into a routine. Sundays, of course, is about church and worship. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are our days off and we just do whatever comes to mind, or nothing, if that works. Tuesday mornings, though, do find me back at church for a women's Bible study; and then Wednesday evenings I'm back there again for choir. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are work days. Well, work half-days since Randy & I only work to noon and 1pm respectively.

When we first got to the park in January, our days seemed to crawl by. We were a little concerned because we were going to be here for four months and if that was the way time was going to go, it was going to be a looonnggg four months. However, that has changed as we've gotten into a routine. The days slip by and we are enjoying them.

As a matter of fact, we like being here so much, that we've agreed to do it again next winter! You heard it here first, folks. After some discussion between ourselves and then with Andy & Alicia, the owners of the park, we will workamp here at Florida Springs RV again, starting December 1 and continue through April 30. Working one more winter will really help the savings account stay healthy. :) It's no longer starving now, but really wants to be fat!

Andy & Alicia will graciously allow us to have some time at Christmas to go home for the holidays. That was the only sticking point for us. After not going home this past Christmas (the only time that has happened in the more than seven years as full-timers!), I declared that would not happen again. I know. Many of you do not go “home” for Christmas, but for me that was a real sacrifice. So, thankfully, we won't have to do that again this year.

This coming week shapes up to be about the same as usual. Tomorrow night we are going out to dinner with the choir to celebrate the music pastor's birthday. We're taking a bus trip to Panama City, about an hour or so south of here. Captain Anderson's is a well-known restaurant in this area, so we're looking forward to the meal and the company.

So, that's how we're spending our days. It's a good life. I'm grateful for each day.

Until the next time . . .

A Couple of Days Away

About 2:30 Saturday afternoon, we got in the truck and headed west to LA (Lower Alabama, that is). We were going to spend a few days back “home” visiting friends. And, boy, was I looking forward to it.

After two and a half hours on the road, we pulled into Darrell & Judy's site at the Plantation. Mike & Peggy were there,too. We had a nice little reunion, with hugs all around. Judy had fixed her world famous lasagna, garlic bread, and Peggy made a delicious spinach salad. We ate good, laughed, chatted and just thoroughly enjoyed being together. Judy also made a scrumptious raspberry crumb cake for dessert. That topped off the evening just right. :)

We finally said our good nights around 9:30 after having made plans for lunch together on Monday. Randy & I drove to Robbin's house where we'd be staying overnight Saturday and Sunday. Robbin was gracious enough to open her home to us; telling us to come and go as we pleased. Robbin and I first met three years ago when I joined the women's Bible study at Silverhill Covenant Church. Our friendship has grown over the years and she is very dear to me.

Sunday morning the three of us, Robbin, Randy & me, went to church. Oh, it was wonderful to be back in our home church! We were hugged on and welcomed back just as we always are. How could you not love being there when everyone is so glad to see you! :) Pastor Jesse preached a great message, the music was good, and we were happy to be there.

After church, Robbin, Randy & I met Jim & Susan for lunch at Mama Lu's, a local buffet restaurant. This buffet is a good one, with lots of home cookin'. We enjoyed the meal and the friends. It was good to catch up with what Jim & Susan had been doing.

The rest of Sunday was spent being lazy at Robbin's. We just relaxed and chatted and watched TV. Robbin made a crawfish corn chowder for dinner that was just delicious. Finally about 11pm, we called it a night. Gosh, it had been a great day.

Monday morning Robbin had to go to work, so we said our good-byes and thanked her profusely for her hospitality and generosity in opening her home to us. We took our time getting ourselves out the door. We left about 10ish and headed back to Darrell & Judy's for our lunch date.

We visited with Darrell & Judy for a couple of hours (we never seem to run out of conversation!) and about 12:30 Mike & Peggy came over. It was time for lunch! We were going to Panini Pete's in the French Quarter section of Fairhope.

Panini Pete's has been featured on the TV show, Diners, Drive-in and Dives. Randy & I had been there once before and really enjoyed the muffaletta sandwiches, so we were happy to be going back. None of the rest of the group had ever been there.

Needless to say we all enjoyed our lunch! While Mike got their special of the day, a roast beef sandwich with lots of goodies, the rest of us went for the muffalettas.

And they were just as good as the first time we'd had them. So very yummy.

After lunch we walked around the block, enjoying the sunshine and the beauty that is Fairhope.

Back at Darrell & Judy's we said our good-byes, hugged each other's necks, and Randy & I headed east, back to Bonifay and home. Such a lovely couple of days with good friends. Life doesn't get much better.

Until the next time . . .

Pictures – For the Fun of It

Haven’t posted many pictures lately, so here you go.

Just to prove we really are working . . .

This one is our version of the “Green Acres” stance! :) Happy workampers are we!

Thanks to Mike & Peggy for the pictures!

AubreyLynn is

practicing her wrestling moves (no puppy was harmed in this endeavor)

chillin’ in her stroller

Reagan is

showing her fabulousity

hosting her very own tea party

And an older picture of Tommy. Unfortunately, no recent pics of him ‘cause you know almost-13-year-old boys don’t stand still long enough to get their pictures taken!

I love our grandkids!! So very grateful to have the privilege of being their Nana.

Have a great weekend!

Just Havin’ Fun

Yes, two posts already this week and it's only Wednesday! But, don't get used to it, folks; we just had a bit more excitement than usual these past couple of days. :)

Last night we went out to dinner with Jim & Linda to a little restaurant in town. Everyone enjoyed their meals but me. Unfortunately, I ordered popcorn shrimp and it just wasn't good. But, the salad and mashed potatoes were yummy! And the company was fun, too, so I'm not complaining. I just wish I had sent the shrimp back 'cause they need to know. Oh, well. Next time I'll know what not to order. :)

Jim & Linda left today, heading west to our home – the Plantation in Summerdale, AL.

We stopped by this morning to say our “see ya down the roads.”

Then, we took a drive north – to Dothan, AL. Yep, we crossed state lines! Actually, Dothan is the closest “big” city to us. And it definitely has everything we could ask for. Including . . . wait for it . . . drum roll, please . . .

a CRACKER BARREL!!!

We have not been to a CB since sometime in November. I know, I know! I can hardly believe it, either. So, Randy was able to get his CB fix today.

It was really a productive day, too. We found a tobacco shop where Randy could purchase his tobacco and tubes. There was a Ford dealership where we stopped to pick up some fuel additive Randy likes to use. We walked through the mall and bought a couple of pans to replace our old ones. And then, we stopped at Camping World and kicked some tires (as Darrell would say). See, I told you – Dothan has pretty much anything you could ask for!

By then, it was a little past 1:00pm and it was time to head home. We'd had a really nice day. Tomorrow is our Monday and it's back to work for both of us.

Until the next time . . .

This Week’s Off to a Good Start

As usual, we started our week off with church yesterday. And then, like most of the country, we watched the Super Bowl. I was kind of surprised Randy watched it with me because he really doesn't care. It was a great game, and although we really didn't have a favorite team in it, we were glad to see the Giants win.

Today we had nothing much planned except for a trip to GoodWill and WalMart. So, this morning I went for a mani/pedi. I was overdue – hadn't had one since Christmas! It felt so good. When I got back, we ran our errands.

About 1pm, I glanced out the window and there was Jim & Linda, pulling into the campground. They are going to spend a couple of nights here. We'd only met them once a few years ago at the Plantation, so we were looking forward to actually being able sit down and enjoy each other's company. We've read each other's blogs for years, so we already feel like old friends. Jim writes his blog from the perspective of their motorhome, Emrys. It's a great take on writing an RVing blog. Check it out!

After we greeted them and they were registered, Randy escorted them to their site and helped them get settled a bit. Then we left them to finish setting up, with a plan to get together a bit later.

About 3pm, Randy and I walked over to Jim & Linda's site. We got the tour of Emrys,which is a good-looking motorhome. The weather was so nice, we sat outside and chatted – for two hours! The time went by so quickly. That's the way it is with us RVers. :) Before we left, we made plans to go out to dinner together tomorrow night.

Yep, this week is definitely off to a better start than last week ended. :) And we're grateful for that.

Until the next time . . .

A Sad Good-bye

Unexpectedly, today we said good-bye to Blackie, our sweet 16.5 year old pup. He'd been with us for all of his life – since we brought him home as a tiny black puppy. He was Kevin's ninth birthday present. And when you give a nine year old boy a black dog, what does he name him? Blackie, of course!

Last night, during the last walk for the day, Randy said that Blackie collapsed twice. Randy had to carry him back to the rig, he was unable to walk. Randy took him up to the bedroom and placed him on his bed and made him comfortable. Blackie seemed to recognize us, but was even more quiet than usual. Randy felt Blackie'd had a stroke.

Neither Randy nor I slept well last night. We kept waking up and checking on Blackie. He seemed to be resting comfortably. Randy finally just got up around 3am 'cause he just couldn't sleep. I followed about two hours later when I heard Blackie's nails clicking on the bathroom tile floor. He was up!

While that seemed to be good news, it was soon evident to us that something wasn't right at all. Randy had to carry him down to the living room. Blackie slowly wandered around, not seeming to know where he was or what he usually did once he was there and walking was a problem. His back legs didn't seem to work right. Randy took him outside to go to the bathroom, but there was no walking involved. Blackie was able to stand, but very wobbly.

We both had to work today and were okay with doing so because by the time we left Blackie had settled down and was sleeping. That was very normal. :) But, we knew he needed to be seen by a vet.

I called the vet recommended to us by Alicia and he was able to see us at 11am. Again, it was obvious that Blackie was not himself. The staff was so very kind and accommodating. Dr. Johnson examined Blackie and agreed that he did seem to have had a stroke which had compromised his health. Dr. Johnson said he could give him steroids which could strengthen him and give him a few weeks or we could put him to sleep. The consensus was putting Blackie to sleep was the most kind thing to do. Even if the steroids gave him some time, who knew what he might go through during that time.

So, around 11:30, while we held him, Blackie passed away quietly. Yes, it was hard. And we will definitely miss him. But, Randy and I feel we did the best thing for Blackie, He'd had a wonderful life; he had been dearly loved; and we didn't want him to suffer any more.

Good-bye, Blackie. You were a great pup.

Maineiacs are on the Loose!

A little before 2pm yesterday the phone rang. It was Peggy calling to say she and Mike were here!! I looked out the window and, sure enough! There they were, walking into the office to register. Randy and I quickly headed down to meet them and get our hugs. We hadn't seen them since last July and it was so good to be together again.

We showed them to their site and let them set up. The weather was so nice, we set chairs up outside and got caught up with what's been going on in each other's lives. It was easy to do 'cause we read each other's blogs, so we really were pretty much up-to-date already!

After a couple of hours, Randy & I came home to finish getting dinner ready. We had invited Mike & Peggy for a travel day dinner at our house. About 5:30, the four of us gathered in our home for a dinner of crockpot ravioli, salad and garlic toast. The food and the friends were a great combination. :)

This morning Randy & I were out early, headed to DeFuniak Springs for our first-of-the-month errands. We had a great, inexpensive breakfast at a little diner, went to the bank and then to WalMart. We got back home about noon.

Grocery shopping just beats me to death. I am whipped by the time we get home – every time. Not really sure why, but that's the way it goes. So, after we got all the groceries put away and the meat and chicken separated, I plopped in my recliner and vegged. I even got a short nap, which helped a bit.

This evening we went to dinner with Mike & Peggy at the local Mexican restaurant. Again, the food was very good and plentiful. Everyone was pleased with their meals. Afterward, I dropped Randy, Mike & Peggy off at home and I went to choir.

Mike & Peggy are leaving tomorrow, continuing their journey westward. Next stop is the Plantation in Summerdale, AL. Yes, they are going to our home! We're so glad we got to spend some time with them. And we'll see them again soon, as we're planning a short trip home in a couple of weeks. Can't wait for that!

So, watch out Alabama – the Maineiacs are on their way!