Travel Blog

The Jimersons ON THE ROAD from 11/22/2007 to 11/22/2008

(CLICK HERE to go to 11/23/2008 to present)

22 NOV 08

Took a drive to Eglin AFB to check out the library on base. This one had a marvelously large DVD section BUT the library policy is that only TWO items can be checked out if you're not local and that's two items PER family! We picked out two DVDs and we'll probably go back each day to get more. Made a trip to the commissary afterward and bought our Thanksgiving dinner items.

21 NOV 08

Another really cold day. I worked on my computer almost all day except for doing two loads of laundry at the laundry house. Brad worked on some project outside, with the hood of his sweatshirt on his head.

20 NOV 08

Beautiful 70 degree day, so we took advantage of it by going to town for the day. Did a TON of shopping, getting some more Christmas shopping done and walking my legs off in the process. After that we went to Carrabba's Italian Grill. Got there before it opened so we waited in the truck for a half hour. It was WELL WORTH THE WAIT.

19 NOV 08

Brad and I walked in the late morning. We took the same path through the cabin area and the beach, that I walked on my own previously. Very cold again today so we stayed in pretty much all of the day after that.

18 NOV 08

Got a pedicure today. My worst experience at a nail salon to date. Oh it looked ok when she was done, but the technician was rude and seemed like she was out to torture me! You don't really want to be rude back when someone is using instruments on your feet! Next we ate at PoFolks, which is a chain in the south. Well, we'd never been to one and we probably won't go back. The only thing that appealed to me was the menu - it had funny sayings all through it. We then went on the Eglin AFB again where we both got our hair cut. It was REALLY cold when we got back to the trailer. Hard freeze tonight. I made pot roast for supper.

17 NOV 08

Another OLDTIMER'S moment - I sat in bed listening to the news and heard the DATE mentioned. I yelled out to Brad - Hey! It's my birthday! We'd BOTH forgotten! I don't believe I've EVER forgotten my own birthday before. Don't feel any older than yesterday, but nevertheless, I'm 56. Heard what sounded like BOMBS in the morning - the trailer shook, the concussions were so powerful. I asked at the gatehouse about it and was told that old ammunition was being detonated and that they didn't even think about it because it happens so often. We were glad that's all it was! Later on, we went to town and Brad bought me some accessories for my ipod and took me out to lunch at Logan's Roadhouse. Then we went to the mall. Overheard two women talking - looked like mother and daughter - said the daughter to the mother in her southern accent "Bet those are higher than a cat's back", meaning the prices of the items they were looking at. First time I've heart THAT expression! Cracked me up. Warmer today--almost got up to 70 degrees.

16 NOV 08

Went to town to go to the drugstore and then on to Eglin AFB. UNBELIEVABLY I had lost a day. I kept thinking it was Saturday only to realize later on that it was Sunday! Mighty cold today. Didn't get out of the 50's.

15 NOV 08

Much cooler today. Took a walk in the late morning. Did some exploring; walking under the bridge to the cabin and the dock area and then walked the beach on the way back. I fixed us each a sandwich and some grapes and we sat outside and watched the pelicans cavorting in the water. Brad continued his work outside the trailer and visited with the neighbors. I worked on my computer throughout the day. I thought about my Gramma Kelley whose birthday would have been today.

14 NOV 08

It was 77 degrees at 9am, with short periods of sprinkles in the morning. I walked the beach this morning. It isn't that great- kinda smelly and lots of stuff washed up on shore, but it was nice exercise with a nice breeze. This campground is right off the toll bridge so we hear muted traffic all the time but there is a nice view of the water. It's supposed to cool off this week. Brad is going through all his stuff that is in the storage areas on the outside of the trailer, getting it more organized.

13 NOV 08

Left Pensacola Naval Station this morning, headed for Niceville FL, only a short distance away. We arrived before check-in time, so we went to a nearby shopping center and got a sandwich at Panera Bread. It was an upscale shopping center and Christmas music was wafting through the outside 80 degree air. We're at Maxwell-Gunter Recreation area which is called Mid-bay shores and is right on Choctawatchee Bay. We'll be here for a little over 2 weeks. It's a military RV park but it is not on base. It's near Eglin AFB. It is hot-in the high 70's.

12 NOV 08

Had a massage at the fitness center on base today. This one was more expensive than I've paid for in the past on bases, but it was wonderful. Their fitness center was only a year old, the old one having been destroyed in Hurricane Ivan. It was the nicest, state-of-the-art fitness center I've seen yet on a military base. Did three loads of laundry in the afternoon during a short time of rain. Loretta sent our mail and she sent me an ipod for my birthday so I spent time trying to figure out how it works and downloading songs for it. It was the warmest day we've had while at this campground. Had to use the fan during the evening.

11 NOV 08

The Blue Angels were practicing in the skies right over the campground this Veteran's Day morning, so I went outside to watch the show. Nice and sunny today. Went to another mall in Pensacola. Derrick had sent us a gift card for our 35th anniversary so we ate at Olive Garden and had a wonderful meal.

10 NOV 08

Took it awhile to warm up this morning but when it finally did, Brad and I took a 2 hour walk on the beach. SO NICE! I made a meatloaf dinner and we ate so much that we took a walk to the lighthouse in the evening. About a mile roundtrip. There was a full moon.

9 NOV 08

Went to the mall in Pensacola but we got there 45 min before it opened so we walked the mall until the shops opened and I did some more Christmas shopping. My back was killing me, so we went to Logan's Roadhouse for supper and came back to the trailer and collapsed. They had karaoke at the clubhouse in the evening and you could hear it all over the campground. Seems like the same guy sang all evening.

8 NOV 08

Did 6 loads of laundry and then Brad and I walked .8 of a mile to the National Aviation Museum on base. Stayed there for several hours and rode a couple of simulated rides - Desert Storm and Blue Angels. As we walked back to the trailer a runner appeared from nowhere behind me and I let out the scream of the century. The guy apologized profusely and I felt so stupid but it scared me to death!

7 NOV 08

Left D'Iberville MS this morning, headed for Pensacola FL. We're staying at the Pensacola Naval Air Station RV Park which is right on the gulf. I walked on the 1.5 miles of private beach as Brad set up the trailer. Afterward we took a drive on the base and went to the Exchange and the Commissary.

6 NOV 08

Went to two shopping malls today, in Biloxi and Gulfport. In the evening, Rick took us out to a nice Italian restaurant.

5 NOV 08

Rick went back to work today so Brad and I got an early start and did some exploring on our own in Biloxi. Walked around town visiting a bunch of giftshops, took a walk along the gulf, then took a drive through Keesler AFB. Afterward, we went out for BBQ. A BEAUTIFUL day.

4 NOV 08

Woke up bright and early and got the trailer all spic and span for our stay here. They don't get much rain here so it's sunny most every day. Rick had the day off so he showed us more of the sights so that we could see them in the daylight hours. We're just a few miles from the gulf here. We treated Rick to lunch at a Mexicali Grill in the area. Brad attended Rick's VFW post meeting and I watched the election on TV.

3 NOV 08

Jonell made us a light breakfast and we got on the road early, headed for Ocean Springs MS. Today is our 35th wedding anniversary! We stopped at Olive Garden in the afternoon to celebrate and arrived in Ocean springs, near Biloxi in the late afternoon. The temp was 80 and the skeeters were out when we arrived. We're staying at the VFW that Rick used to be commander of. They have a nice RV park for $12 a day! Can't beat that! And diesel is down to $2.75 a gallon now. To think we were at one time paying almost TWICE that! Rick took us out for dinner and showed us around the town.

2 NOV 08

Jonell made us a scrumptious breakfast and then we went to her Baptist church with her. It was packed with friendly people. After the service we went to the cemetery to visit Jimmy's grave and Brad placed a sphere there that he had decorated with the airborne and B-2/501st symbols. She made us bbq sandwiches for lunch and then later on, Jonell drove us to Starkville and we went to visit some shops that were having Open Houses. We bought a few gifts. Then it was back to her home for a chili supper.

1 NOV 08

Readied the trailer for travel and poor Brad was stung by a yellowjacket on the back of his neck. Headed off to Maben MS to visit the wife of Brad's army captain in Vietnam. Jonell and Jimmy visited us at our home years ago and the captain has since died. Our GPS unit didn't recognize where Jonell lived so it had us driving on dirt roads. We promptly got lost and had to call her, but we finally made it there. She was a gracious hostess and we visited with her and her daughter and they took us out to dinner at Pap's place. YUMMMM! Fried catfish!

31 OCT 08

Did two loads of laundry and then went to a PowWow in Millington. It wasn't very well attended and most of the "Indians" seemed like white people dressed up in Indian clothes.

30 OCT 08

Had my second massage at the base fitness center. HEAVENLY! Then it was back to the trailer to do some cleaning and organizing. Brad got his military haircut and we mailed our absentee ballots in for the presidential election.

29 OCT 08

Drove to Memphis again today. Went to some stores we hadn't been to yet and then to Corky's BBQ for their buffet again. We will MISS that place! Then it was back to the trailer to watch videos.

28 OCT 08

Went to the thrift shop on base again today. Nothing but junk. Brad continued to work on projects and I took a nap in the afternoon just trying to keep warm. Oh, we have two space heaters AND we have a heater in the trailer run on propane, but we don't like to use that as it burns so MUCH propane and that costs too much money! Only in the 50's again today, but tomorrow will be warmer.

27 OCT 08

Brad continued to work on projects. Only got up into the 50's today. We went to town to go to the bank and so that I could get a pedicure but then we came back and I watched VCR tapes.

26 OCT 08

Went to the 8:30 chapel service on base again this morning. This is the second time we've heard the chaplain. He seems not to be comfortable in his role and reads his prayers and sermons from his notes. There were only 12 people present in the service and that was including us and him! After chapel we ate breakfast at McDonalds and then I did three loads of laundry. Brad finished up one of his projects and I watched one of my VCR tapes. Sure was cold this morning, but by afternoon it had warmed up nicely!

25 OCT 08

I spoke too soon about the beetles because one was crawling in the sleeve of my shirt I put on today and I screamed bloody murder. A book I ordered at Barnes and Noble came in, so we went to Memphis to pick it up. While we were there we shopped in several different stores and I bought some things to put together a gift basket for a Vietnam Vet Buddy of Brad's that we're going to be visiting in November. Had supper at a Italian restaurant in Memphis but Brad said it wasn't as good as Olive Garden.

24 OCT 08

Drove to Millington and bought some things to put together a gift basket for a lady friend we'll be visiting soon. We watched more of our movies and Brad worked on a project. Took a walk in the early evening. The sun was out today but it was a little chilly. We haven't seen one beetle for days now. We're hoping we've seen the last of them!

23 OCT 08

Our daughter sent our mail so we spent time going through that. I had a massage at the fitness center on base. A whole hour for only $35 and it was heavenly. Then we went to Memphis again, this time to a part of town that wasn't that great. Went to a mall that was half empty and it gave us the creeps so we didn't stay long. Went to a thrift shop and got a bunch of movies and watched some in the evening. It rained ALL day.

22 OCT 08

Went to Memphis and shopped all day. Got a lot of nice Christmas gifts. For supper we went to Corky's BBQ and had their buffet. YUM! If I had stuck to one plateful I would have been fine but I HAD to have two and then I was stuffed all evening!

21 OCT 08

Brad removed the spare tire from the trailer and we took both tires into Millington to a tire place. They removed the screw from the bad tire and plugged and patched it and then switched rims to the spare tire. We'll use the repaired tire for the spare now. Went to the thrift shop on base and got some wood planks for 50 cents. Brad can use that for his projects. Had lunch at McDonalds, then dropped by the recreation center and got a book and magazine from the "exchange table".

20 OCT 08

Took a drive into the town of Millington, which has seen better days. Came back and puttered around in the trailer, doing some straightening and organizing, then did two more loads of laundry. Took a walk and sat out in the sun and read for awhile, in the afternoon. Brad cleaned out the bedroom closet and found about 50 more beetles. Will we EVER be rid of them?!

19 OCT 08

Attended Calvary Chapel on base. They have two services, 8:30 and 10:30. Think we'll try the early service next week. After chapel we drove to Memphis and went to Corky's BBQ. It was well worth the drive. We didn't leave one morsel on our plate. They have a buffet on Wed and Fri so we plan to go back for that. Brad has a cold and wanted to take a nap (RARE!), so we both took a nap when we got back and then I took a walk in the early evening. It really cools off fast in the evenings!

18 OCT 08

Drove around the base checking things out, went to the Exchange and the Commissary and then I did two loads of laundry at the Campground laundry room.

17 OCT 08

Got an early start unhooking and stowing things away and it was a GOOD THING, as we found that we had a flat tire on the fifth wheel! Poor Brad had to change it in the cold, damp, sprinkly weather but then we headed off to Millington TN, near Memphis. We feel fortunate that the flat tire occured BEFORE we set off instead of during the drive! It's QUITE a drive across the state of Tennessee. Didn't arrive at the Naval Base until 8pm, which for us really was 9pm, since we crossed into the Central Time Zone.

16 OCT 08

Walked a short distance to a craft fair and then poked around in some of the nearby shops. Next we went to a pancake house and then cruised the town of Pigeon Forge, stopping at whatever interested us. Went to a steakhouse for supper.

15 OCT 08

Went to Dollywood again. Another beautifully sunny and warm day. Went mostly to shows and enjoyed watching them. The only ride we went on was the Steam Locomotive.

14 OCT 08

I awoke in the early morning with a splitting headache. After setting up everything last night, we had to unhook and stow everything for our drive to Knoxville TN to Camping World. Ate lunch at Cracker Barrel while our new toilet was installed and then headed back to the campground. Saved the setup for later and headed for Dollywood. Their deal is "go after three and the next day is free" so that's our plan. We tried to remember when we were here last and think it was for our 30th anniversary, almost 5 years ago and there have been quite a few changes and additions. It is quite warm, unseasonably so, the locals say, which is fine by us. (80's) After Dollywood closed we headed for one of our favorite restaurants in this area, the Applewood Restaurant. There is always quite a wait, so we poked around the various gift shops on the grounds until our table became available. Had a wonderful supper and headed back to the trailer to relax. Our new toilet is GREAT! Much sturdier than the original one.

13 OCT 08

Left the podunk campground at Salem VA and after a two hour wait at Camping World in Roanoke VA, we found that all that was wrong with our bathroom outlet was a tripped breaker and that they didn't have the parts they needed to fix the toilet. So we got to pay $125 for that!!!! I guess the tripped breakers need to be pulled pretty hard and Brad was afraid he'd break it. Well, that was an expensive lesson. Live and learn. At least the service guy called Knoxville and there is a really nice service guy there who is also a full timer and he said that it will actually be cheaper to install a new toilet (because of the service charge for the labor) than to order the parts and take everything apart to fix it. I told him that as long as we're going that route I want a better toilet. He says he has one in stock that is like his, which is more like a home quality version so we're going to go with that. It's gonna be a few hundred bucks but I feel that it's worth it. So we headed for Pigeon Forge TN and spent the night there.

12 OCT 08

Yet another perfect day, weather-wise. Went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and then we drove to Bedford VA to visit the National D-Day memorial. It was purposely situated to rise above the community that experienced this country�s severest per capita losses on D-Day. The memorial consists of six components that correspond to events leading to and from D-Day and was quite impressive. The grounds were beautifully landscaped, as well. We spent two hours walking the grounds.

11 OCT 08

Another gem of a day. We drove into downtown Salem and explored the town. Salem VA is nestled between the Alleghany and Blue Ridge Mountains. Afterward, we came back and took a nap and then watched TV. Thought I was going to be able to report that we'd finally gone through a day where we didn't see one beetle, but alas, we killed one in the evening.

10 OCT 08

It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. We went to Target, ate some lunch at Panera Bread and then to the Roanoke Civic Center for an Arts and Crafts Fair. Really enjoyed it and bought a few things. Next, a trip to CVS and Walmart and then back to the trailer to eat supper and relax in front of the television.

9 OCT 08

Woke up to a dark morning and some problems with the trailer that need to be fixed. Called nearby Camping World in Roanoke VA to make an appointment to get our toilet fixed and our bathroom sink outlet. The toilet flushing mechanism is giving us difficulty and the outlet is dead. Couldn't get us in until Monday, which is the day we leave here. We decided to go to Valley View Mall in Roanoke VA since rain is forecast all day. It's Southern Virginia's largest mall.

8 OCT 08

Left Fort Meade MD, driving to Salem VA, staying at a commercial campground that has seen better days. Killed almost a dozen more Japanese beetles inside our trailer when we arrived. How many more are there???? It was a pretty gray day and rainy. Supposed to rain again tomorrow but then it's supposed to warm up. We'll be here for five nights.

7 OCT 08

Went to the library and struck gold at the "free" table. Got a bag full of books and VCR tapes. Did four loads of laundry and rode the exercise bike. Stowed things away for our departure tomorrow and watched some VCR tapes.

6 OCT 08

Went for a walk in the morning and then did two loads of laundry. While waiting for the laundry to finish, I rode the exercise bike and watched TV.

5 OCT 08

Went to Sunday Services at Calvary Chapel on post. It was a contemporary service with a most friendly chaplain who had a contagious smile. We got a free mug for being a visitor. We went to town afterward to do some shopping and to eat a quick meal at Taco Bell.

4 OCT 08

This just wasn't our day. Went to the post thrift shop because they were having a flea market outside. It was so crowded that we just left without buying anything. Next, we drove to Baltimore which was supposed to be a 20 minute drive. Instead, it turned out to be an HOUR drive due to construction and Michael Phelps being honored at an event in the area. We had intended to go to the Flag Museum but the city was so mobbed we decided to turn around and come back to the post, so there was 2 hours wasted. We just came back to the trailer and watched VCR tapes for the rest of the day.

3 OCT 08

We went out to lunch at a mexican restaurant and then saw "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" at the theatre. Afterwards, we walked the mall but just for the exercise. Brad worked on his flag pole, painting it and putting his flag up on top of the trailer.

2 OCT 08

Went to the post pharmacy and got my meds refilled and Brad and I both got the flu mist at the post clinic. Tried to get my mammogram and bone density test but they were booking appointments into November and we sure won't be around this area then! Brad worked on another project making me a more secure shelf in one of the kitchen cupboards. In the low 60's today and WINDY! Still killing beetles.

1 OCT 08

Went off post to Target and did some shopping and then to Panera bread for lunch. That is fast becoming our favorite place to eat. Bread to die for and their coffee is great and so is their soup! Brad went to the post theater in the evening and saw "The Dark Knight".

30 SEP 08

Shopping at the commissary today and a trip to the base library. Got a bunch of books from the "free" table. Still killing beetles. Found a baby one today--oh dear, I hope they're not hatching young!!

29 SEP 08

Laundry day! Finally had some sun today. Am watching the news about the financial crisis with much interest, just like everyone else.

28 SEP 08

Went to the base chapel today. Quite a traditional service. The chaplain's sermon was mediocre at best but blessedly short. The congregation was really friendly and welcoming. It was warm and muggy. It rained about half the day. Went to town after church and did some grocery shopping. Made spaghetti for supper. Killed a handful more beetles today. We sure hope there aren't many more left.

27 SEP 08

Rain again today and killed more beetles. Warmer still today but the grounds are soaked w/rain. Went to Friendly's for a late breakfast. We waited an entire hour for our food to come. We watched as everyone around us were impatient for their meals, as well. When the food DID come they got part of my order wrong but I sure wasn't going to send it back!

26 SEP 08

Rain again today but a little warmer. Went to a nearby shopping mall and then back to the trailer to watch more movies. Killed more beetles.

25 SEP 08

Quite a change in the weather today. It was cloudy and rainy with temps in the 60's. We went to the base library and PX and then into town. Got some good bargains and continued my Christmas shopping. This is the earliest I've ever been able to begin Christmas shopping. It's so great not to have the pressure of working and being able to be in different areas to shop. Brad found 20 more beetles in the trailer today. I hate to think how many more may be hiding. Got a whole bunch more VCR tapes in the laundry room "exchange" yesterday and have been watching them.

24 SEP 08

Another beautifully sunny day. Left today to go back to Fort Meade MD. When we arrived (and my skin is still CRAWLING!) we must have killed about 50 Japanese beetles that had hitched a ride with us from Hagerstown MD. It took us awhile to get rid of the ants we picked up in Jacksonville, so I hope it doesn't take us as long to get rid of the Japanese beetles! We were killing them on the outside of the trailer too as we didn't want to be spreading them here in THIS area. One of the campers stood watching us and finally came over and asked, "Do you have bugs?" If I wasn't so creeped out I would have LAUGHED! One flew in my hair in the trailer and I screamed bloody murder! I'm getting rid of every last one of these suckers or I won't be able to sleep tonight!

23 SEP 08

Did some more shopping again today. Have begun Christmas shopping. I'm convinced that we've been to every store in the area that is of interest to us. Spent the evening nursing a headache and watching TV. Japanese beetles are in the trailer which gives me the creeps. Yes, I know they don't bite or anything but it's not a good feeling to look down at your leg to see one CRAWLING there!

22 SEP 08

Weather has been beautiful here in Hagerstown MD. My legs are sore from all the walking yesterday. We went shopping at a nearby mall in the afternoon and then out to eat at Olive Garden. This area is crawling with Japanese beetles.

21 SEP 08

Did some shopping at the drug store, then went to Antietam Battleground for several hours. Went grocery shopping, then back to the trailer to relax.

20 SEP 08

Left home headed for Hagerstown MD.

10 SEP 08 to 19 SEP 08

Home to see the kids and grandkids for a 10 day visit.

9 SEP 08

Drove 2 hours to Cherry Hill NJ for my follow up appointment at the retinologist. Had laser surgery in the right eye for the retinal tear and now I don't have to go back for 3 months.

8 SEP 08

Went shopping in Harrisburg PA and then came back and just lounged around.

7 SEP 08

Awoke to bright sunshine and temps in the 60's-REFRESHING! HANNA has fizzled out as a tropical storm. Headed to Harrisburg PA today. In the early evening, I became sicker than a dog. I think it must have been food poisoning from a restaurant we ate at.

6 SEP 08

VERY windy and rainy as HANNA passed over us. We decided to ride it out by spending a second night at the Stafford VA campground. Didn't do much of anything except watch TV and movies.

5 SEP 08

Had planned to stay in the Richmond VA area, but campgrounds were full because of NASCAR going on in the area. Camp Meade in MD was also booked. WHAT A DAY! It rain buckets on us almost the entire drive. Finally found a campground with availability in Stafford VA, between Fredricksburg and Wash DC.

4 SEP 08

Feeling a little better today and it's a good thing, as we leave today. Have been monitoring the hurricane situation closely and decided on stopping in a podunk campground in Florence, SC called the SWAMP FOX CAMPGROUND. We won't be back to FL until December.

3 SEP 08

still pretty sick today. Our friends, Lew and Amy, left today due to the prediction of multiple hurricanes in the works.

2 SEP 08

Went to the bank, the drug store and the post office and then spent the rest of the day in bed. I have an upper respiratory infection.

1 SEP 08

Did 7 loads of laundry today but I'm feeling under the weather so as soon as the laundry was done, I took to my bed. Managed to go to BINGO with Brad and Amy in the evening. I came out $16 ahead. That will be our last night to play before we leave so all told from my expenses at each game I came out about $1500 ahead. Sure bought a lot of things for the babies!

31 AUG 08

Brad and I went to the base chapel and then to the mall. Came home and took a nap and then the four of us went to BINGO. Only won $18.75 this time.

30 AUG 08

Went to the mall with Amy while Brad and Lew went looking for trailer parts.

29 AUG 08

Went to the gym with Amy in the morning and rode the exercise bike and treadmill. Next we went shopping together at a few strip malls while Brad and Lew went to Starke FL to get a part for the trailer. Took a short nap and then we all went out to dinner at Shogun, a Japanese restaurant where the chef fancifully prepares the meal at your table. Next Lew took us for a ride around the base. He used to be stationed here. Watched Sherlock Holmes videos for the rest of the evening.

28 AUG 08

Had a massage and then Brad and I went shopping at another mall. Took a nap when we got back and then the four of us went to BINGO and I'll be darned if I didn't win again! This time $1320.50! Brad and I watched more Sherlock Holmes videos until bedtime.

27 AUG 08

Went to the PX with my friend Amy and then we both went to the gym to ride exercise bikes. Next the four of us went to Sweet Tomatoes to have lunch and then we did some shopping - hardware store for the guys and baby store and TJ Max for the girls. When we got back, I took a nap, Lew gave Brad a haircut (he used to be a barber) and later, Amy and I visited. Had supper late and then watched some Sherlock Holmes videos.

26 AUG 08

Went to the PX and then to another mall. Had a wonderful pedicure and then took our camping friends, Lew and Amy out to Outback Steakhouse for supper.

25 AUG 08

Went to the mall and did some shopping and then came back and our camping friends, Lew and Amy invited us over to their motorhome for supper. We decided to go to BINGO on base with our friends and UNBELIEVABLY, between Brad and I, we won $843.75! Never have we won that kind of money.

24 AUG 08

Felt a lot better when I woke up this morning so we went to the base chapel and now have settled down to watch the last day of the Olympics. This is the first day we've seen the sun in a LONG time! Sure looks good BUT it is humid and steamy outside.

23 AUG 08

Still raining when we awoke with a tornado WATCH until 10am. Got news that the campground in Jacksonville FL was open so we left Tifton GA Agrirama RV Park a little before noon. Saw evidence of the storm along the way. Drove in the pouring rain. I did five loads of laundry after we got settled at Jacksonville Naval Air Station RV Park. I fixed us some supper, leftovers for me and a mexican dinner for Brad. I guess the leftovers were a little too old because I was SICKER THAN A DOG all evening!

22 AUG 08

Woke up to rain this morning and it has continued throughout the day, heavy at times. We were under a Tornado WATCH till 10pm and the winds have been pretty strong, rocking the trailer! I've had a headache today which I assume is from the storm pressure. Cleaned up the trailer and then read for the remainder of the afternoon. Went out to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner and to Walmart with our Arkansas camper friends, Joe and Sue. The sky was really dark and full of clouds all day long. Talked to our friends that we were camping with at Jacksonville. They had gone back to the base to check things out and they said the St Johns River has flooded half of the primitive section of the campground--complete with waves and everything! And they said only essential personnel is being allowed on the base--said it looks like a ghost town. They are also under a Tornado WARNING. Twenty electric power trucks came to the campground tonight as a stopover on their way to FL so we had QUITE a bit of company tonight!

21 AUG 08

Brad and I visited the historical village here at the Agrirama today. We spent half the day there and enjoyed it and then headed back to the trailer for lunch and a nap. I emailed the manager of the Jacksonville Naval Air Station RV park and he told me maybe Saturday we could return but that we should call tomorrow or email him again. The wind is really kicking up around here - it seems as though it is following us! The clouds have been awful dark and people HERE are getting nervous. There hasn't been TOO much rain here but they are saying they may close the Agrirama here (not the RV park) tomorrow due to weather conditions. Computer tells us that isolated tornadoes are possible in Northern FL and Southern GA. Watched our Crocodile Dundee VCR tape after supper and then walked the perimeter of the campground twice. Next, we visited with our camper neighbors until dark. There were two other trailers here late last night but they left late this morning.

20 AUG 08

Awoke this morning to see that we are still under a hurricane WATCH. Skies are dark and cloudy and rain is heavy. Received a call around 9:30 am on our cell phone from the RV office that a mandatory evacuation of the RV park is necessary. They want us all to be out by 3pm. Since we have no experience with any of this, it's hard to know where to go. After conferring with some friends we decide to head west on I-10 and then north on I-75. We ended up stopping at Tifton GA at an RV park at the Agrirama which is a Living History Center. Costumed interpreters explain and demonstrate the life-style and activities of the late 1800's in Georgia�s history. We'll stay here until the danger of the now "tropical storm" FAY passes and then we'll head back to Jacksonville, as we are paid up there until Sept 4th. Only one other couple is camping here at the RV park in Tifton GA and we visited with them in the early evening. Nice couple who are also full time RV'ers from Arkansas. We're only about 2.5 hrs from Jacksonville but far enough away that we are safe from the storm. I walked the perimeter of the RV park twice in the early evening to get a little exercise.

19 AUG 08

Awoke this morning to see that the Hurricane had been downgraded to a Tropical Storm and only a WATCH for this area, so we should be ok. Went to the base thrift shop in the morning and then to the nearby shopping center. After that I did my 1/2 hr at the gym. As we were watching TV in the afternoon we saw that now we are under a hurricane WATCH within the next 48 hrs. Brad has started taking down our outside decorations in case we have to take off in a hurry. The evening news tells us we are still under a hurricane WATCH within the next 36 hrs and potential tornadoes. We've pulled our awning in and we have our TV on to watch for any potential problems. Ships are departing from nearby Mayport Naval Station and planes are departing from NAS Jacksonville here, headed to Maine. Kinda scarey.

18 AUG 08

Did a load of laundry. I had an appointment with a trainer at the base gym today where he gave me a routine to follow with the weight machines and after I finished that, Brad and I rode exercise bikes and walked treadmills. Watched a DVD, did some reading and then watched the Olympics until after midnight.

17 AUG 08

Brad and I went to the base chapel today and heard a rousing sermon. It's a different chaplain than last time. Afterward, we went to Super Target and did some shopping. Hurricane is coming to Florida so we're wondering what kind of weather we're in for. Had quite a rainstorm in the late afternoon. Watched VCR tapes in the evening.

16 AUG 08

I did a load of laundry in the morning. Lew and Amy took us out to dinner, their treat, as it was Lew's 65th birthday. Brad and I watched a VCR tape in the evening.

15 AUG 08

Went to the commissary for groceries in the morning, then napped because we hadn't gone to bed till after 1:30 in the morning because of the Olympics. Had Amy and Lew over for supper and then Brad and I went to the gym and rode stationery bikes and walked on the treadmill. Watched a VCR tape in the evening.

14 AUG 08

Got all my med refills at the pharmacy, then had breakfast at McDonalds. Next, Amy and I went to the PX where I bought some Nike running shoes and then we went to the gym and did 30 min of exercise together - treadmill and exercise bike. I needed a two hour nap after that! Amy and Lew had us over for dinner at their motorhome. Roast beef with all the trimmings! YUM! Afterward, the four of us took a walk at dusk and then Brad and I came in to watch Olympics all night again.

13 AUG 08

I awoke with a horrific headache, but two aspirin later it went away. Left Fort Stewart in GA, arriving at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in FL, where we met up with friends we made at Camp Blanding earlier this year. We'll be staying here for three weeks. Bought a bunch of "Damp Rid" to get rid of the lingering dampness on the living room carpet. Don't want to let mildew get a foothold. Walked with my friend Amy and in the evening, the four of us visited outside until the "skeeters" started gettin us! Then Brad and I came in and watched the Olympics until 12:45 am.

12 AUG 08

Left Shaw AFB in SC, stopping overnight at Fort Stewart in GA. We bought a bike rack at Camping World so Brad put that together. Then he came inside to watch a VCR tape with his headphones on while I was in the bedroom watching TV. Well, CASTASTROPHE struck. Brad had turned the faucet on at the kitchen sink and then promptly forgot about it when he went to watch his movie. We didn't know anything was amiss until we heard the propane SafeTAlert go off. Water was EVERYWHERE. It had seeped down into the alarm which is why that went off (THANK GOD! otherwise the water might STILL be running!) The seams in the wooden floor in the living room buckled slightly. The living room carpeting was soaked. Anything that was on the floor or kitchen counter was soaked. Brad had to cut the wires to the alarm because it kept going off intermittently, evidently from water damage. Everything in the lower kitchen cabinets was flooded. QUITE a "whoops". We were both sick about it and worked until well after midnight trying to mop up. Had to use all my freshly laundered towels to do it. We hope there's no other damage done that we're going to find out about later.

11 AUG 08

Had a WICKED thunderstorm n the early morning hours. I got up to check my computer to see if there was a HURRICANE or something in the area, but just a tornado a few counties over. (Just a tornado. *Hehehe*). The morning dawned nice and sunny. Left Fort Bragg NC, stopping overnight at Shaw AFB in Sumter SC. Found a bag full of VCR tapes in the "exchange room" at the office. Did two loads of laundry, went to the PX and then watched VCR tapes and the Olympics on TV.

10 AUG 08

Left Medoc Mountain State Park in NC today stopping overnight at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville NC. This time we saw a bad accident on our side of the freeway which slowed us to a crawl for quite awhile. This campground is on Smith Lake and off post. We visited the huge post which is the home of the 82nd Airborne and one of the largest army bases but it was difficult to navigate, even with a map. Went to Pizza Hut for supper. This campground was an absolute bargain at only $10 a night! Don't know that we've ever paid less. Finally got to watch the Olympics tonight - the first chance I've had to watch anything but the opening ceremonies, due to poor TV reception and gymnastics is one of my favorite things to watch.

9 AUG 08

Left Fort A.P. Hill in VA today, stopping overnight at Medoc Mountain State Park in NC. We passed three bad accidents on the other side of the freeway, which always gives us pause as to how fortunate we've been to remain accident-free. The State Park was nice. We picked our campsite (there were lots to choose from) and then a ranger came by in the evening to take our fee. That's the way they had told us it works.

8 AUG 08

Left Fort Meade MD today, stopping overnight at Fort A.P. Hill in Bowling Green VA. The campground was in a nice grove of shade trees so it was actually cooler here than Fort Meade. There was no cable and only one channel which was CBS which was a big disapppointment because I wanted to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Not to worry, I just took my pillow and blanket and went to the air conditioned RV center to watch it on the TV there, where they had a comfortable couch. I was the only one there. I couldn't hold out any longer than 11:30, when I walked back to the trailer to go to bed. It had actually cooled down to the 60's, so we turned off the fan in the bedroom, opened all the windows and I fell asleep to a symphony of a multitude of tree frogs.

7 AUG 08

Returned books to the post library and hit the jackpot again with a pile of free VCR tapes. We have quite a collection now but as we finish them we leave them on the exchange table in the laundry for someone else to enjoy. Went to the bank and then the mall and I put together a "care package" for a soldier in Iraq who is the son of a man who served in Brad's army unit in Vietnam. It rained this morning but it sure hasn't cooled it down outside. It's oppressively hot. Brad put things away around the outside of the trailer as we are leaving for Fort A.P. Hill VA tomorrow. He went to see The Hulk at the post theatre in the evening and I settled down with a good book and then we watched VCR tapes till 1 in the morning.

6 AUG 08

I had routine bloodwork done today for my regularly scheduled Dr visit at home in September. Gratefully I could get the bloodwork done here on post for free instead of having to go to our hospital at home and pay a FORTUNE! Of course, I'd forgotten my experience at Jacksonsonville Naval Station where I had to be "put in the system" in order to get my prescription meds, and of course, it was the same here. So I went to medical records and got that done and then back to the lab. Then another delay because my Dr wasn't in their system. Next I had to wait for a fax from my Dr's office with all her license numbers, etc and when that was done, I finally got my FASTING lab work done. So two hours later, I got to go back to the trailer and EAT. Found a bunch more free VCR tapes in the laundry room "exchange" so Brad and I watched many movies today and I did some reading.

5 AUG 08

This was a FULL day for us. Started out by going to the library, then went to the bank. Next it was our two hour drive to Cherry Hill, NJ for my follow up visit at the retinologist. My vision was much improved from my last visit. It was 20/70 last time and 20/25 this time. I still have the floaters but the Dr was pleased with my progress and I'm happy because I can READ again. He scheduled me for a revisit in 5 weeks when he might do the laser surgery on the other eye for the old tear in that retina. When we got back to Fort Meade it was "Annual Night Out" at the parade field, so we went to that. There were free hot dogs, chips and drinks and lots of freebies for the taking. Anyone who knows me, knows I love my freebies! There were also lots of drawings for prizes but unfortunately we didn't win any of those. They had demonstrations of the K-9 unit and the Special Force Police Unit, which was interesting.

4 AUG 08

Got a bunch of free VCR movies in the laundry room "exchange" so Brad and I watched movies and read most of the day.

AUG 08

They like to keep this campground full so they juggle people around in order to accommodate the length of stay you desire. So we were two days in one campsite and then we moved to another today. There was a ton of pinecones and pine needles on the new campsite slab so I was determined to sweep it clean even though it was hotter than the dickens. So I got it done but I got two blisters on my hand and a wicked headache. I relaxed and read the rest of the day.

2 AUG 08

Went shopping and to the thrift shop. Don't know why we bother with this post thrift shop. We've never found anything worthwhile but keep thinking we might. Last, we went to the library and I got a good book to read. Took two walks today as this is the coolest day we've had in a long while. It's been raining off and on, so that's the reason. We just got back from our second walk when the rain, thunder and lightening began again.

1 AUG 08

Said goodbye to Derrick, Beth and the babies. They got an early start for their 5 hr drive back home. We traveled back to Fort Meade MD. Had six loads of laundry to do when we got here and then I took a well deserved rest!

31 JUL 08

Beth and Derrick went to the nearby outlet mall and Gramma and Grampa babysat. Then a trip to the pool for more mermaid baby fun!

30 JUL 08

Spent the day trying to stay cool. Did the playground, wagon ride with the babies and just "hung out" together.

29 JUL 08

The 6 of us went to Dutch Wonderland together, an amusement park for children in Lancaster PA. Went on a few rides but soon headed to the water park section as it was another SUPER HOT day. Went to Fuddruckers together for supper.

28 JUL 08

The 6 of us went to Hershey Park together. HOT, HOT, HOT but we all had a good time together.

27 JUL 08

Traveled to Hershey PA, about a 1.5 hr drive. Our son, Derrick, Beth and the twins met us at the campground in the afternoon for a 5 day stay. Went to the kiddie pool with the babies and they are regular MERMAIDS! They bobbed up and down under the water like you wouldn't believe, with absolutely NO fear!

26 JUL 08

Watched DVDs and prepared for our departure tomorrow.

25 JUL 08

Just more of the same today - hot, stayed inside and read and watched TV.

24 JUL 08

A good friend of mine passed away today. She had been ill for quite some time. We had been friends since our kids were in junior high together and had been daily email buddies for years. I will miss her so much.

23 JUL 08

Today was the first day we've had here in the 80's! You could really tell the difference. We went to the commissary, watched DVDs, I read some magazines and we took a walk around the campground in the early evening.

22 JUL 08

Went to the post library again and they had VHS tapes on the FREE table. We picked up several--some were still brand new in the packaging. Also did laundry, read magazines and watched some DVDs.

21 JUL 08

Finished the book that I started yesterday and then went on to start looking through a huge supply of magazines that I have. Can't really do too much outside because it's SO hot! In the high 90's every day and high humidity.

20 JUL 08

Just "vegged out" today. Actually started a book. How great to be able to READ again!

19 JUL 08

Got up early to go to an Indoor Flea Market on post that started at 7am. With all that effort, we only bought one small item. Next we went to the Home Depot, then out to lunch, then to a shopping mall where we also saw "Kung Fu Panda". Got another Red Box movie rental at McDonalds. My eye is actually beginning to get better. I can see out of it much more clearly now and their are fewer floaters swirling around.

18 JUL 08

Worked on a new project today. We bought a linen and mesh screen and we worked on the best way to attach it to our awning to make a little outdoor room for when it's cool enough to use it. IT IS SO HOT! They have DVD rentals at the local McDonalds here, called Red Box. The DVDs are only $1 each per day, so we got two movies and watched them.

17 JUL 08

Took a morning walk and WOWIE was it hot! It was 85 degrees before 10am. Bought a more heavy-duty fan at the PX today. Needed it for the bedroom. Next we went to the library. Extended our stay for the RV park till July 27th.

16 JUL 08

Went out to eat at "On the Border", then went shopping. It's so much fun shopping in new areas. We're getting pretty good at getting around in the area.

15 JUL 08

Today was my follow-up appointment with the retinologist, which is a 2.5 hr drive from where we are. I'm still having quite a bit of difficulty seeing out of the left eye and it's real difficult to read. The Dr said that it is slowly healing and wants me to come back to see him in early August, so it looks as if we'll be stuck in this general area for a while. I want to get this resolved before we start "moving on". The Dr said that if it doesn't clear up on its own, he will schedule outpatient surgery for me to have the blood vacuumed out of the eye. I purposely made the appointment for the afternoon so we could have a leisurely day going out there without having to get up early. We ate at the Steak and Ale restaurant on our way home.

14 JUL 08

Laundry Day! They have a nice air conditioned laundry room with a room across the hall complete with television, exercise bike and books and magazines. Next, we visited the museum on post. It was in sore need of upkeep and renovation, but interesting all the same.

13 JUL 08

It was SO hot today. We had bought some film for our trailer windows to deflect the heat and Brad started installing that today. Our A/C doesn't seem to be able to keep up with this heat. Seems like we will have to make plans to head somewhere a little cooler. Still having difficulty seeing out of the eye that had the retinal tear so we're mostly watching TV and movies. Reading is just about impossible.

12 JUL 08

Spent most of the day in the trailer recovering from our outing yesterday. It was actually decent outside in the early evening so we sat outside for awhile.

11 JUL 08

Drove to Washington DC (a 35 min drive that turned out to take more than an hour in traffic) and went on the Tourmobile which goes to all the monuments and major points around the mall. We visited the Korean War memorial, Vietnam War memorial, World War II memorial, Museum of the American Indian (where we enjoyed some fry bread-YUM), Arlington National Cemetery and the Women in Military Service Memorial. Saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is ALWAYS fascinating. Every time we've been to Washington DC, I remember thinking I won't need to come back HERE again. The traffic is horrendous and the drivers are just SO rude and CRAZY and the parking is SO expensive. We parked at Arlington National Cemetery for the day and it cost us $22! It was in the 90's and very humid so we were just dripping wet most of the day. That said, we enjoyed everything that we visited but that will do us until the NEXT time we decide we need to make this pilgrimage. We left at 8:30am and got back at 9:30pm so that was a FULL day for us.

10 JUL 08

Went to the post Thrift Shop. It's been really hot and humid with rain off and on the past few days but today is rain free. Went to the "On the Border" restaurant off post for supper and then went to a shopping center adjacent to the restaurant.

9 JUL 08

Checked out the post; went to the PX, commissary and library. Brad went to the theatre in the evening and saw a movie.

8 JUL 08

Left Fort Dix around 11am, arriving at Fort Meade in MD around suppertime. Camp Meade is a really nice campground.

7 JUL 08

The Retinology Center called me at 9am and asked if my problem had been resolved with the call I'd made over the weekend. I told them no, that my vision was very poor. They asked me to come in and that they'd work me in. We drove out there and I was seen after not too much waiting. I saw another Dr this time and he told me that the surgery had held the tear well and that what I was experiencing was unfortunately, normal. He said that I would have the swirling blood in my line of vision for weeks to come and if it continued to be a problem after that, the Dr would have to go in and VACUUM the blood out. While it comforted me to know I didn't have any further problems going on, it is a strange sensation being nearly blind in one eye! A follow up appointment was scheduled for me in a week. Had dinner in town and then bought a GPS unit. It's SO much better than depending on the Microsoft Streets and Trips on my laptop.

6 JUL 08

Rested most of the day, worrying about my ever increasingly worsening vision.

5 JUL 08

Went to a nearby laundromat off post and did 4 loads of laundry. My vision was becoming increasingly worse so I called the retinology center's answering service. A Dr returned my call and I told him what I was experiencing but I couldn't make out his response due to interference with my cell phone.

4 JUL 08

At about 10am I started seeing more swirling lines in my vision, which by this time I knew was blood. That rather alarmed me as I didn't expect my vision to get worse after the surgery. I rested most of the day and then we drove to the 4th of July activities on post at 6pm. They had music and skydivers and then fireworks. It rained off and on but we had a big umbrella which protected us from the elements.

3 JUL 08

Saw the opthomologist at 11:30 and by this time besides all the dots and swirling lines, I had very poor vision in my left eye. The optomologist performed tests and sent me to a retinologist in Cherry Hill NJ. The office was full when we got there but they worked me in. Turns out I had a tear in my retina with a subsequent hemorrhage which required laser surgery that they did on the premises. Quite an intense procedure. Not really painful, but along with the super bright lights, there was a pinching and pulling sensation. I had a temporary loss of vision in that eye due to the surgery but when my vision came back, already it was better.

2 JUL 08

After my shower I noticed floaters in my left eye, like lines or wisps of hair. At first I thought it WAS hair in my eye and keep trying to brush it away. The lines got progressively worse so Brad took me to the base hospital at McGuire AFB, which lies parallel to Ft Dix. They didn't have any emergency services so we waited for the urgent care center hours to begin at 4:30 pm. The Dr who saw me suggested I go to the ER at a nearby civilian hospital. Waited 2 hrs to be seen there and the ER Dr referred me to an opthomolgist in a nearby town the next day. By this time I was seeing black dots as well as swirling lines.

1 JUL 08

After breakfast at the Lanzo's house we drove back to the post and checked things out. Went to the commissary and stocked up on groceries.

30 JUN 08

Got an early start after breakfast, leaving Binghamton NY to head for Ft Dix NJ. After arriving, we drove to nearby Pemberton NJ to visit with Brad's Vietnam Platoon Sgt who hadn't seen each other in 40 years. It was a surprise meeting that only his wife and we knew about. Sgt Lanzo was truly surprised to see us. His wife fixed supper for all of us and we spent the night at their house.

29 JUN 08

Brad fixed the indentation in the fiberglass on the trailer and then we spent another day visiting with our friends. They also invited another couple for dinner who Doug had known since junior high. He was also a Vietnam Vet so the men had a good time talking and we women talked about the kinds of things women tend to talk about.

28 JUN 08

We searched for the receipt for the tool box and when Brad found it, we returned the tool box at Lowe's and got a shorter one that fit completely inside the bed and cleared the trailer. Brad got the tool box installed and we spent all day visiting with our friends.

27 JUN 08

Left the Hickory Hill Camping Resort to travel to Binghamton NY to see one of the men who served in Brad's army outfit in Vietnam. Doug served in 69-70 and was blinded by his injuries. He and his wife Trina were gracious hosts to us. For Father's Day, Brad had received a truck tool box that fit in the cab. Well somewhere along the way, during a sharp turn, the tool box punched an indentation into the fiberglass front of the trailer. We noticed it as soon as we arrived at Doug and Trina's house. *Deep Sigh* Another repair that will have to be made.

26 JUN 08

A friend who lives in nearby Hammondsport NY treated me to lunch at the Bully Hill vineyards and then we poked around together in the gift shops. Had a great relaxing day. Found a purse and turned it in and the lady who lost it came back looking for it and was grateful to have it back! Brad finished the repairs on the trailer and it looks just about as good as new! He is getting to be a pretty good handyman!

25 JUN 08

It's been rainy off and on since we left home but today is bright and sunshiny and low humidity. A great day for the outdoor pool.

24 JUN 08

Brad worked on the trailer, repairing the damages as best he could. He did a good job. You can't tell any damage was done unless you inspect it up close. We have to buy a new lamp, however. For now, there's a plastic sherbet bowl adhered to the bare bulb with electrical tape. CLASSY! This is a nice RV resort. They actually have a spa adjacent to the resort so I booked a spa package. Enjoyed a facial, a back scrub treatment and an hour massage. HEAVENLY! They provided a snack with the package. Three little cheesecake squares on a plate with drizzled chocolate sauce. REALLY GOOD! They also served me pomegranite tea and ice water. They even sent me home with a goody bag of samples. Brad and I took a walk in the evening and then played a round of miniature golf.

23 JUN 08

WOW, home for a month! We hadn't intended to be home that long but we had some repairs that needed to be done on the trailer before the warranty expired so now that they've been done, we're ON OUR WAY back on the road again! Drove to Bath NY to spend a few days at Hickory Hill RV resort. Brad "wounded" our trailer for the second time. He hit a wooden electric pole driving into our campsite and bent the rubber and metal siding at the back of our unit and busted the outside lamp. We both felt really bad about it. The only damage we did to the pole was to scrape a little of the wood. We reported the damage to the office and they were real good about it. Doesn't look like we'll owe them any money damage-wise. Went out to supper at Sonora's - a local Mexican restaurant. I had done a little research "on the net" and the locals said it was wonderful. Mistake #1 - don't trust New Yorkers to tell you what a good Mexican restaurant is! It was SO mediocre! Did a little grocery shopping and then settled in for the night.

23 MAY 08 to 22 JUN 08

HOME!

22 MAY 08

Left Wright Patterson AFB in OH at 12:00. Nice day. Sunny and fluffy clouds in the sky. Paid $4.79 a gallon for diesel. Unbelievable! I just wonder how much it will continue to increase!

21 MAY 08

When checking in with Ann at the RV park this morning (and they don't open until 11:30am!) she found our reservation and apologized for J.R.'s mistake, telling us she could not give us a refund. We didn't really want a refund, it was just the PAIN of having to be without sewer the night before and then having to unplug everything, stow things away and move and replug everything in at the new site. Once we got everything squared away we went to the Museum, which was WONDERFUL! Next we went to the exchange mall and the commissary.

20 MAY 08

Left the RV park at Ft Chiswell VA at 9:30. We can tell we're getting near home. It's COLD (56 degrees), GLOOMY, CLOUDY, DRIZZLY--Bummer.... Stopped at the Tamarack Center in WV to look at all the homemade crafts. We've been there many times on our travels. I've got to dig some warmer clothes out. I practically FROZE walking into the center and walking back to the truck! Paid $4.49 a gallon for diesel in Ohio. The highest price we've paid yet! After making reservations and receiving a confirmation number two days earlier, J.R. couldn't find my reservation even though I told him who I made the reservation with (Ann). SO, he told us we had to go into overflow without sewer hookup. After full timing for 6 mos, that's the first time that has happened to us and it was a big disappointment.

19 MAY 08

Left at 10:30am for our next destination. Five F-18's flew overhead, one right after another, as we left the base. Those things are NOISY! Arrived at Ft Chiswell VA at 5:00pm. We had met a couple with the same type of rig as ours at a rest stop halfway here and visited with them for awhile. They are from Nova Scotia. When we asked where they were headed next, turns out they were staying at the same place we had reservations. They pulled up right behind us as we pulled into the RV park and they have a space right next to us. STRANGE! They are nice people. It's COOL here! Only in the 60's. Quite a change from the 80's we left this morning. We're just staying here overnight.

18 MAY 08

Got dressed and went to the chapel on base and turns out they had an earlier service than posted and then had a picnic, so we missed the service. Went to the commissary and then we BOTH went to the theatre on base for the matinee. Had a sprinkling of rain today but temps in the 80's.

17 MAY 08

Did 3 loads of laundry, went to the exchange and took a walk at a memorial park on base. Brad checked out the base library and then saw a movie at the base theatre in the evening for $2. This base has seen better days. Alot of the housing is being demolished.

16 MAY 08

Got up early and as I was emptying our trash I noticed that someone had thrown a brick through the snack machine and there was shattered glass everywhere. Most all the snacks had been taken out of the machine. I called the RV office to let them know. First time we've seen anything like that happen on a military post! We left by 10am which is GOOD for us! Arrived at Shaw AFB in Sumter SC in the early evening. It's a nice little RV park. Only about half full.

15 MAY 08

Had coffee by our open window watching the deer eating grass right outside. How fun. Next we went for a drive through the post visiting the large exchange mall and the commissary. Brad loaded up on Ft Benning "stuff". He hasn't been here since jump training in 1967. It began raining in the late morning and rained off and on all day so we weren't able to go to the pool, as we had planned.

14 MAY 08

Took a morning bike ride. What a beautiful day. It's so peaceful here. Left for our next destination after lunch. Drove on country roads through GA and came close to going through Plains GA. If we'd had more time, I would have liked to have stopped to see if I could see Jimmy and Rosalyn! Paid $4.45 a gallon for diesel. Yowee! As we progressed, what a tiring and trying day! We got lost getting to Ft Benning and then we got lost getting to the RV park. After several calls to the RV office, we FINALLY found it. Looks like it's going to be worth it. This is a LARGE post and Brad saw all kinds of things already that make him happy. The place is CRAWLING w/ airborne soldiers, carrying weapons, backpacks, practice-jumping from an imaginary plane on cables, C-130's in the air, paratroopers skydiving from planes AND the jump towers. The RV park is really nice. There is actually even an outdoor pool in the RV park and we can't WAIT to try it out. It's HOT. There are SKADS of deer in the grassy areas right in the RV park--they were even laying down! How often do you see that?

13 MAY 08

Rode our bikes, the first time since my fall. We rode ON THE SIDEWALK. It really is a nice little base. Went to the exchange and the commissary. The active duty here are quite friendly. The guard at the gate actually remembered us from our stay here in November! I asked when check-out time is at the RV office and the lady said sweetly, "Whenever you get ready to go, ma'am". That's rare! We leave tomorrow.

12 MAY 08

Traveling to Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany GA today. Diesel was $4.44 a gallon but we paid cash so we got it for $4.32 a gallon. More and more gas stations are doing that. Saved a whopping $1.11. WHOOP-DE-DO! Glad we didn't travel through GA yesterday as we see there were numerous tornadoes. It isn't as muggy today with gorgeous sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. Only 3 others in the RV park and it's as nice as we remember. Spacious and tree shaded.

11 MAY 08

Went to the base chapel. Still in the 90's and very muggy, so we're pretty much staying inside to watch tv and read. Got calls from two of my children for Mother's Day and a text message from the other.

10 MAY 08

Went to the mall off base to buy flip flops, visit the bookstore and to walk around.

9 MAY 08

Got my meds refilled on base. Found out refills are supposed to be CALLED in three BUSINESS days before picking up and of course we won't even BE here then. But THANKFULLY, the pharmacist said she would do it for me anyway and in no time, they were ready. WHEW! Then, went to the commissary to buy DIET food! Uggh! I've put on so much weight that I've got to slim down before going home to see the Dr! Did laundry (we've stayed here before and the laundry facilities are free) and then walked a bit. Brad talked quite a bit to our camper neighbor while I stayed inside and read magazines and started a book on the transcontinental railroad.

8 MAY 08

Arrived at Jacksonville FL Naval Station and will stay until Monday. We could only get partial hookup here, so no sewer, but thankfully we have water and electric so we can run our air conditioner. It is HOT and muggy. I had a bad headache so didn't do much today.

7 MAY 08

There are a few squirrels that come to the window, where they are fed peanuts right from the hand. Continued visiting w/Brad's buddy and Brad attended church with him in the evening while I readied the trailer for our departure tomorrow.

6 MAY 08

Had a great time visiting with Brad's buddy. After taking us out for breakfast, Brad's buddy took us out on the Crystal River in his boat. We saw pods of dolphins and all manner of birds and the Indian mounds. It was a very enjoyable ride and a good way to keep cool in the 90 degree heat.

5 MAY 08

Had to leave camp at 11 am & just barely made it. Drove to Crystal River, FL to stay with Brad's Vietnam buddy for a few days. He has a summer residence on a wildlife preserve which is right on the water. He grilled some steaks for supper complete with baked potatoes. We have our trailer plugged in at his driveway.

4 MAY 08

Trying to get myself in the mood to get everything ready for our departure tomorrow. Went to the 2nd day of the Airfest at the point where we left off the 1st day and stayed till it ended. Put an ice pack on my face and head when we got back.

3 MAY 08

Went to the airshow at the Air Force Base we are staying at. There were over 60,000 in attendance. The Royal Canadian Air Force "Snowbirds" performed aerial maneuvers. Very impressive! I slathered up with sunscreen but I had to go back to the trailer at 1:30 and rest for two hours with a cold cloth on my head to recuperate from the 90+ degree high-humidity outdoor temps.

2 MAY 08

Got my hair cut short so that I can spike it up. It's easier for me to take care of AND helps in this oppressive heat. Watched security forces who were practicing for potential riot conditions. They were arm-in-arm creating an impenetrable line with others trying to break through the line. We figure it must be a logistical nightmare preparing for so many civilian visitors who will come to the airshow, in this day and age. This base is the home base of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), the 6th Air Mobility Wing and other units. It is no accident that these vital units have chosen MacDill AFB as the home to the highly-trained personnel that make up these units that protect our nation. MacDill possesses the assets necessary to plan, coordinate and execute missions against any enemy. Due to its unique geography, excellent security, premiere facilities, and its proximity to training areas, interstate highways and deepwater ports, MacDill AFB is ideal for joint air, land and sea training.

1 MAY 08

Went to town and did some shopping. Got my bi-yearly eye exam at Lenscrafters and got new glasses and sunglasses. Because I no longer have insurance for glasses, I paid almost $1000 total and THAT was with a coupon for 30% off because I'm an AARP member! Walked on the beach in the evening. Saw only one horseshoe crab and it was dead, so I guess they've "done their thing" and have gone wherever it is they go.

30 APR 08

Did laundry again today. The weather is heating up to the 90's now and becoming more humid.

29 APR 08

Started out cloudy again today but by early afternoon the sun was shining. Still just a little sore from my fall but the bruises are already fading. Went to town and did some shopping and went out to eat. When we came back home the jets were practicing for the airshow that is scheduled here on May 3 and 4. Fascinating.

28 APR 08

Spent most of the day inside just healing up from my fall. Brad did the dishes for me again. It was cloudy all day and sprinkled off and on. We walked on the beach in the evening and saw SKILLIONS of horseshoe crabs at the water's edge. Most were mating and the females were burying their eggs in the sand and flocks of birds were eating the eggs.

27 APR 08

Went to the traditional service at the base chapel this Sunday. QUITE a difference from the gospel service we attended last Sunday! After services we went to the exchange and bought bike helmets. Went for a bike ride along the road this time. BIG MISTAKE! There we were driving in the bike lane WITH OUR HELMETS and on the ride back, DOWN I WENT! Don't know what made me fall - I just recall wobbling and the next thing I knew I was going down AND HARD. Fell mostly on my hands so they're swollen and sore and scraped up. My shoulder is also scraped up and burns like the dickens! Had capris on and I'm glad, otherwise the abrasions on my knees would have been worse. And THANK GOD FOR THAT HELMET because I also fell on my head. Two cars full of people stopped to make sure I was all right. I assured them I was - just shaky and scraped up and sore, but one of them was an off duty security and he called for security to check me out. He came by shortly and I assured him I was fine so we slowly made our way back to the truck. No more riding on the road for this old lady. I'll stick to the RV park and sidewalks. I rested for a couple of hours and then cooked supper. Brad did the dishes without my even asking him to! Then we walked on the beach for a while and flew our kite, as it was quite windy. We saw quite a few horseshoe crabs in the water and some were mating. Creepy looking things!

26 APR 08

Went for a moonlight stroll on the beach and then for a bike ride. Security stopped us and told us we were not supposed to be riding bikes without helmets. 55 and 60 years old and still getting in trouble.

25 APR 08

Went to the thrift shop on base again and got some NEAT stuff! Brad spent hours going through all his stuff and organizing, integrating the new stuff and I did some computer work. We took an evening bike ride. The mosquitoes were out in force and THEN we saw what I thought was a baby kangaroo run onto the beach! Upon closer inspection, we saw that it was a large racoon! Two of them, in fact. Guess that's why they call this campground "Racoon Creek".

24 APR 08

Laundry day. The coin laundry here is air-conditioned. We haven't seen that before. Chatted with other campers and looked at magazines while waiting for our clothes to wash and dry.

23 APR 08

Took a ride further into town to explore. We got some headlights for our bikes. Brad put them on and then we took a moonlight bike ride.

22 APR 08

I was awakened this morning by the sprayer and had to rush to close all the windows. It's a motorized vehicle that spreads a fog of bug spray everywhere. I remember them as a child when I lived on the Air Force Base in Texas. I have mixed emotions about it. I DON'T like bugs and mosquitoes, but I wonder about the health consequences of the spray. On our morning bike ride I saw a 6" RAT running from the bushes across the beach to another set of bushes. EUWWWWW! Bought a brand new kite at the base thrift shop for 65 cents. Brad and I took it down to the beach to fly it as it was a WINDY day. It was the first time I'd ever flown a kite. FUN!

21 APR 08

Did some bike riding, walked on the beach and walked again in the early evening. During our walk we saw an armadillo and an Air Force plane that was repeatedly taking off and landing. Watched some pelicans dive-bombing into the bay for fish. Met our camper neighbors; 30 year Air Force retirees.

20 APR 08

Went to the chapel on base. Decided to attend the GOSPEL session. (The first session is Traditional Worship.) Quite the rousing service! Not all that many in attendance - maybe 50; most were black and some hispanic and a handful of whites. Enjoyed the choir and the chaplain talked about his recent paratrooper training, tying that into his message, so that was of real interest to Brad!

19 APR 08

Staying at Raccoon Creek RV Park at MacDill AFB in Tampa FL. It's usually full during the winter months, but a lot of spaces are empty now because of the heat. It's in the mid 80's. We're right on Tampa Bay, so it's just a short walk to the beach. Went to the exchange and commissary and Brad got a haircut. Checked out the base and then shopped at a nearby mall off base. Went to dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy. YUM!

9 APR to 18 APR 08

Stayed at the Silver Dollar Golf and Shooting RV Resort Park in Odessa FL. Had a great time with our son and his wife and their twins. Went out to eat several times, walked daily, went to the pool, had dinner with Beth's family in their summer home, went shopping, went sightseeing in St Petersburg. We're getting browner and browner every day. Brad and I bought bikes and began biking every day. Bought a flatscreen TV for our bedroom in the trailer so now Brad and I can watch our own TV shows if we want. Left on 18 APR to go to MacDill AFB in Tampa. The guard at the gate searched our trailer. That's the first time we've had THAT happen.

8 APR 08

Left Naples at 10:30. Sure is an affluent, pretty area. Drove to Odessa where son Derrick, his wife Beth, and their twin girls are vacationing.

7 APR 08

Found out that one of the men next to us fell last night and bashed his face on their concrete RV pad. They decided to go back home. Brad said he looked really banged up bad. Left THE KEYS about 11am. Nice drive through the everglades. Saw many crocodiles in the water as we drove on the interstate. Spent a nice night at an RV resort in Naples. Swam in their swimming pool and did some laundry. A little cooler here than in THE KEYS.

6 APR 08

Awakened at 5am to fierce winds and a short cloudburst. Brad went outside to make sure everything was secure and we went back to sleep. When we awoke again it was BEAUTIFUL outside. Everything was calm and serene and sunny with a perfectly blue sky. Did some shopping and started securing everything for our departure tomorrow. We've been watching "Band of Brothers" about the 101 Airborne in WWII. I also did some reading. We got new neighbors today. Two veterans who came here in a small trailer. I think they're fishing buddies.

5 APR 08

We are completely alone in the RV park now. Everyone else has left. Spent the day watching movies, got a half hour of sun and went out for a ride in the early evening.

4 APR 08

Went to the beach at Bahia Honda State Park. It is supposed to be in the top ten of America's best beaches. I can't see why. The sand isn't very nice and there are very few shells. The water is a beautiful blue-green that you can see through and is nice and warm, so maybe that's the deciding factor. Saw a crane in our camping area when we got back, which was stalking lizards and being VERY successful at it!

3 APR 08

Went to Key West again. Did some shopping along the way, got my hair cut and went out to dinner. Got some movies to watch, from Blockbuster.

2 APR 08

Another day to rest up since we were so tired from the day before. It's quite hot and humid so we are staying inside the trailer with the A/C blasting.

1 APR 08

Well, Brad got me with an April Fool's joke to start out the day. Then we went to Key West and rode the Conch Train. It was an all day excursion showing us the sites of Key West. We did a lot of walking around when the train ride was over. I was so beat that when we got back to the trailer, I went to bed, even though it was only 8:30!

31 MAR 08

Just layed around, napped and took it easy today. Yesterday's walk did both of us in! We both were dealing with a little sunburn and blisters on our feet. We stayed inside with the air conditioning on as it was in the 90's and humid.

30 MAR 08

Did laundry today at the laundromat and then walked the two mile bridge that was the OLD bridge over the Keys. It runs parallel to the new bridge and only a two mile section on each end is maintained for those who want to walk or fish from the bridge. The rest of the old bridge has a section removed so that you can't get to it and the rails are rusting away. It's a haven for the birds who roost on it. Saw several stingray and turtles in the water on our walk across the bridge.

29 MAR 08

Went to Key West today which is at the southern-most end of the Florida KEYS. Drove around scoping out the place and had lunch at TGI Fridays. Diesel was as high as $4.39 a gallon but we filled up at the Naval Base for $4.11 a gallon. Saw several iguanas scampering across the road. Those suckers move FAST! Brad got a haircut on base, washed our truck and we went to the Exchange and bought some things. Checked out their RV park and it is much better. We'll stay there next Winter.

28 MAR 08

We are at a Coast Guard Support Station in Marathon which is in the center of the Florida KEYS. There are only 4 RV pads. It's a strange place. It's like they grudingly accept the campers but they don't want you doing anything or going anywhere on their tiny base. There is water literally feet from our campsite but we're not allowed to go there. Every door is locked tighter than a drum with the words NO ADMITTANCE. We tried to find the caretaker yesterday to ask some questions and one of the coast guard soldiers put his hand on his gun when we approached him. Do we look like terrorists?? Oh well, we're here for 10 more days, so we'll just have to make the best of it. We have one TV station, ABC, but it comes and goes. We got it clearly in the AM and by the PM it was gone. POOF! Used our air conditioning as it is so warm here. Bought a key lime pie from a place that supposedly makes it the best. It was good but now we're wishing we had just bought a SLICE! That would have sufficed. Went to the beach in the early evening. There are so many coral particles in the water and in the sand that is makes walking on the beach a little painful! The water is a gorgeous blue green. The bugs and mosquitoes come out at night. I'm all bit up.

27 MAR 08

Started out for the Florida Keys at 10am. Gorgeous day. Sunny, warm and nice breezes. We are marveling at the homes we see along the way. Beautiful landscaping everywhere. Lots of traffic on the turnpike. Arrived at our destination at 4:30 pm.

26 MAR 08

Walked again this morning. It was warm but a little overcast. Little tiny black bugs the size of specks were biting us. The drive to our next destination, Jonathan Dickson State Park in Hobe Sound FL was fabulous. Such beautiful landscaping and huge houses and lush greenery. We wondered why it was so stark in the park itself and learned that recent hurricanes and a tornado devastated the trees and vegetation. Did some walking and then spent a relaxing evening in the trailer.

25 MAR 08

Awoke to the sun and birds chirping in the morning. Brisk outside. Left at 10:45, heading for Sebastian Inlet State Park near Melbourne Beach FL. Paid $4.19 for diesel along the way and a small fortune in TOLLS. Beautiful drive, though. We have the Indian River right at our back door. Did some walking by the river before turning in for the night.

24 MAR 08

Beautifully sunny day again today. Got on the road early, stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast and then stopped to gas up. Found somebody's wallet on the ground and did my good deed for the day, turning it in to the gas station attendant. Hope they're honest and hope the person it belongs to gets it back. Arrived at Silver River State Park in FL at 6:15. Had a dickens of a time finding it. It's right in the middle of town-strange place for a State Park! But after a couple of phone calls to the office, we got there. It is peaceful and quiet. The park is full of trees w/Spanish moss, pine trees and palms, Kind of scrubby looking in a lot of places, mostly due to their drought, I assume.

23 MAR 08

Did six loads of laundry, went to the drug store and prepared for our departure tomorrow. Seemed like a strange way to celebrate Easter.

22 MAR 08

Our campsite is practically right on Interstate 10. Everywhere we've stayed has been peaceful and quiet, but not this place. Oh well, we leave on Monday morning. At least there is a pool here and laundry facilities charging a reasonable rate. Went to town last night to stock up on groceries and had a good night's sleep. Spent all morning organizing and unpacking from our trip home.

TRAVELING BACK TO FL 19 MAR to 21 MAR 08

Spent the first night in Mason OH and the second night in Mountain Brook AL. Picked up our trailer where we had stored it for FREE at Maxwell Gunter @ Lake Martin in AL and headed to FL. Took a wrong turn on the interstate when close by and the next exit was so far down the road that we ended up burning up 26 miles of gas getting back to where we were supposed to be! Never mind, we are enjoying the warm, sunny weather. Diesel is certainly cheaper down south. We paid over $4 a gallon at home and it's $3.89 here. Had a good time with the kids and grandkids but it went quickly. Spending tonight and the next two nights in Milton FL at a KOA campground.

TRAVELING HOME FOR A VISIT 10 MAR to 19 MAR 08

Awoke with a start thinking it was 10:30 am - how could we have slept in so late? Not to worry, the clock just went haywire! It was only 8am. Had to finish packing and getting things squared away while Brad unhooked everything on the outside. Moved the trailer to the boat storage section where they're letting us keep it FOR FREE while traveling home and back. Got a late start - didn't leave until 11am. Beautiful sunny, warm weather for our drive to Tennessee. Staying at Clarksville TN and Columbus OH on Tuesday. Home on Wednesday for a week.

9 MAR 08

No snow today but not much warmer! Good day to stay inside and get ready for leaving tomorrow.

8 MAR 08

Woke up at 7:30 to see it snowing AND the ground covered with the white stuff! Tell me it's a NIGHTMARE! Only got up to 49 today. We have new neighbors. Our retired Air Force neighbor's kids and grandkids (who we had been told would be arriving on Monday). Walked for several miles and did two more loads of laundry. Watched more movies.

7 MAR 08

Went to Dadeville, a tiny town about 8 miles away, to do some shopping. Watched some movies and walked when we got back.

6 MAR 08

Did two more loads of laundry at the bathhouse and more walking. Went through a pile of magazines and papers, trying to get organized for our trip home on the 10th. Have been watching movies for the past two days from a computer program I recently downloaded. Trying to use all of our refrigerated food up before we leave.

5 MAR 08

Brad went over to the neighbors campfire this morning with his cup of coffee and they had a nice long chat. Did a load of laundry at the bath house. Lots of trailers here but they're mostly all empty. We have most all of the place to ourselves, which has its advantages. Did some walking.

4 MAR 08

Tornado danger is past again but what a wild morning. Woke up before 5am to a terrific thunderstorm. The neighbor's kitchen light was already on. Turned the weatherband radio on and listened to all the warnings, ready to make a run to the bath house, if necessary.

3 MAR 08

Walked for several miles again today. To the marina and to the beach. We used Brad's metal detector and came away with a WHOLE QUARTER! This campground is mainly long term campers. The transient campers like us don't come until the summer months, we're told. Met our camper neighbor today who is a long term camper here. He's retired Air Force. He invited Brad to come over by the campfire for a cup of coffee some morning, adding that he gets up at 3:30 or 4am! The possibility of tornadoes is forecast for tonight. GREAT! Oh well, at least we're across from the cement bath house - we may be heading over there in our jammies!

2 MAR 08

Took a walk around the campground today to get a lay of the land. The staff are all very friendly with that thick Alabam accent! Laundry is 75 cents for washers and 75 for dryers. Now THAT I can handle! Today and tomorrow are supposed to be beautiful and in the 70's and we plan to be outside as much as possible because for the rest of the week the temps are forecast to be in the 50's and 60's until we leave. We are all encircled around Lake Martin like in a wagon train. There is a beach area adjacent to us. Finally found that we have one TV station. It's PBS which I genuinely enjoy, but that means no news except via the radio or internet for the time we're here. There is a lot of walking here. The roads are hilly and numerous and a walking trail too, but we were told there are a lot of ticks and scorpions too so we want to be dressed appropriately and spray ourselves good before we tackle the walking trail. I asked if there were "gators" in the lake and were told that there were "but they don't bother ya none". Hmmm....

1 MAR 08

Started out for Alabama at 11am. Got lost after we got off I-85, thought we had missed our turn, backtracked (backing into someone's MAILBOX in the process - he came out madder than a hornet and we thought we were DEAD!) No harm done though, to the mailbox or the trailer and we went all the way back to I-85 and found that we HADN'T missed our turn--we simply hadn't come far enough! So we had to turn around and we WHIZZED past that guy's house on the way back--didn't want him to see us and come out with a SHOTGUN! I swear, I was thinking we were in the movie DELIVERANCE! After filling up with diesel halfway through the journey, we thought we'd be ok, but this is a rather desolate area, so we filled up in a hicktown paying $3.56 a gallon! OK, wait, the excitement isn't over! We overshot the entrance and had to turn into a business driveway to turn around. I was praying as hard as I could pray because I didn't think we'd EVER get out of there, but 30-40 min later, Brad DID IT! Of course it was PITCH BLACK when we made it to camp and the entrance was CLOSED. So I called the phone number on the building and a nice southern gentleman told us he'd left a passcard key for us in an unlocked mailbox. Got that and had to hold the passcard in the slot because he said the gate came down FAST - well, Brad whizzed past me and I nearly got hit by the trailer! OH MERCY! He gave us directions over the phone to our campsite (blessing my heart in the conversation) and wowie zowie, Brad said it was like driving with a blindfold--I was outside giving directions over the walkie talkie and somehow we got into the site. It's so dark we can't even see what this place is like so we'll have to wait till tomorrow to see. I'm just glad to be ALIVE! Made us some bean soup, watched a DVD (because there doesn't seem to be cable here!) and went to bed.

29 FEB 08

Today is our last full day here. We leave tomorrow morning for Alabama. Went to the Main Deck and had our last free supper. Tonight was hot dogs and hamburgers again, and beans, coleslaw and potato salad. Brad played a bunch more games of pool.

28 FEB 08

In the 50's again today. Walked with our camper neighbors to the mess hall for lunch. Brad finished up a shelf he made for me for my computer desk, putting woodgrain contact paper on it to finish it off.

27 FEB 08

Only in the 50's today. Walked to the post office and the mess hall for lunch and had the cold wind blowing at us on the walk back. Went to town to do a couple of loads of laundry and brought them back to the trailer to hang up. Went to the Main Deck again in the late afternoon. They had sloppy joes and beans for all. Brad actually lost a couple of pool games this evening!

26 FEB 08

Did our taxes online today. Sat out in the swing on the bay for an hour. 90% rain was forecast but it never came, which made me so HAPPY! Brad made me a shelf for my computer desk and a shelf under the kitchen sink.

25 FEB 08

Walked to the post office and finally got our 2 boxes of mail that our daughter had sent last priority mail last TUESDAY! Had fun going through all our mail and read some magazines. Walked with our camper neighbors to the mess hall for supper.

24 FEB 08

Walked to chapel services, then walked to the mess hall for brunch, then walked back to the RV park - we figure at least a 3 mile walk. BEAUTIFUL weather. Visited with some new campers who live in PA. Went grocery shopping. Our camper neighbor showed us that our kitchen dinette turns into a bed! We hadn't known that.

23 FEB 08

Took a two hour walk on the beach - heavenly day!

22 FEB 08

Rain again today. For a state supposed to be having a drought, we sure have encountered a lot of rain! Spent time reading and watching TV. Went to the Main Deck for the free barbeque and Brad won a bunch more pool games. Went to bed with the rain pattering on the rooftop.

21 FEB 08

Rain today. Brad worked on a shelf I wanted made and then he went to get a haircut. I caught up on some reading, webwork and watched television. Made a pot of homemade potato soup. Comforting for this rainy day. We were under a tornado WARNING this evening. Scarey. I had Brad run to the office to makes sure we were not in any danger but they said the danger had passed our area.

20 FEB 08

Went to town and did a little shopping. Found a baggie of what appeared to be MARIJUANA so I opened it up and scattered it to the wind! Time to do laundry again. There was no coin laundry on base so we went to a local one and the washers were $2 each! If that wasn't bad enough, the dryers were $4 each! Well, we decided to bring all the wet laundry back to the trailer and Brad rigged up a clothesline for me! Went to the nearby gulf shore and walked for a bit but it was late afternoon so we didn't stay long. The beach sure is pretty, with white sand and lots of shells. Went to the community center on base where they had free food and drinks and then Brad played several games of pool with a couple of the campters. He started out kind of rusty but ended up winning every game! Brad and a few of the neighbors watched the full lunar eclipse outside. I was out there for a while but was in my nightgown and robe so I didn't want to stay out long. Brad got a good picture of the event.

19 FEB 08

Walked to the post office. Brad was able to straighten out the window frame today. It doesn't look like brand new but better than it did. You have to look close to see any damage. With our slide out, we can't see the mark that was made on the wall, but when Brad can get to it he's going to see if it's something that can just be rubbed out.

18 FEB 08

Walked to the mess hall around 10am for their holiday brunch. Wasn't as good as Sunday brunch. The weather was nice so we went to the beach area at the bay and tried out Brad's metal detector. Didn't find any treasures. Did some reading afterward. Talked with a camper neighbor about last night's storm and he assured us that the MP's would come and warn all of in the RV park if we were in any danger, and that we would be directed to go the Navy lodge directly beside us.

17 FEB 08

We are under a tornado watch until 9pm tonight. It has been windy but other than that, it hasn't been too scarey. We went to the chapel on base. Just a small gathering with a contemporary service but the chaplain was very good. We met a retired couple there who told us about a brunch at the mess hall where retirees were welcomed, so we met them there and had a nice long visit with them. The brunch was only $8 total for BOTH of us and was very good. Very nice couple - he was a retired Presbyterian minister. Afterward we scoped out the base and went to their tiny Exchange and bought a few things. We were under a tornado watch most of the evening. It rained like cats and dogs and lots of thunder and lightening. Scarey! I think the worst thing about it was that we kept seeing the weather alerts on the TV and we had NO idea where we would go if there actually WAS a tornado!

16 FEB 08

BEAUTIFUL weather today. Drove to Destin FL about an hour away, to visit one of Brad's vietnam buddies who was vacationing there. A camping friend we had made in Jacksonville called today and we had a nice chat.

15 FEB 08

Got an early start for Panama City Beach. Beautiful warm sunshiny day. I had a headache most all day. We arrived at Panama City NSA Campground at 4pm and it definitely was not a good experience from the very start. First of all, to go into the campground you have to do a real tight hairpin turn and all of a sudden people started yelling at us - we stopped and found that we had hit a tree (they said it's the second time it's happened this week!) We didn't even hear or feel anything but sure enough, we had scraped along the side of our rig, including our dining area window. Well, that was truly a bummer since we've only had the rig since October. Oh well, I guess it could have been worse. Then it took Brad 40 minutes to get situated into our campsite - with about 7 staffmembers helping! The campsites are so close together and nearly impossible to navigate into. There are cabins in front of and in back of the campsites which makes it all the more difficult. I heard dogs barking and kids squealing throughout the park. You can't keep your vehicle with your rig so Brad had to go park the truck in a nearby parking area. It's gonna be a LONG TWO WEEKS! Took a walk by the bay before we settled in for the evening.

14 FEB 08

Did more laundry today as we are leaving tomorrow. Went shopping and then fixed two dishes to pass at the Valentine's dinner at the clubhouse. Participated in Square Dancing again afterward and then MORE karaoke. Hugged the friends we had made as we'll be leaving in the morning.

13 FEB 08

Bingo at the clubhouse. This time we didn't win anything but we sure had fun. Karaoke AGAIN until 10pm. It has rained for the past two evenings. HEAVY winds at bedtime. The trailer was shaking so much I got up to check my computer to see if there were any weather related advisories. There weren't, so I felt safe enough to drift off to sleep.

12 FEB 08

Took another long walk on the beach and found out that Brad's metal detector he got for his birthday was a DUD. Went to Walmart to exchange it for another one and TESTED this one in the truck before we left to go back to camp. Ate at a Chinese buffet restaurant. GOOD. Sang in a group before Bible Study at the clubhouse in the evening and then karaoke again.

11 FEB 08

Nice sunny day but rather cool and breezy. Brad worked on his projects and I did some laundry and then just stayed inside. Went to the clubhouse in the evening for the weekly Ice Cream Social and participated in karaoke again afterward. Could hardly believe it when 10pm came.

10 FEB 08

Went to church services at the base chapel again. Enjoyed it as much as last Sunday. Toured the USS WASP later with the RV park group. Very interesting.

9 FEB 08

Joined in on the "trash and treasures" sale at the clubhouse and made $8 on my "trash". Brad showed a video of his, Shadow of the Blade" at the clubhouse in the afternoon to some of the veterans. It's a documentary of the helicopter pilots who brought so many of the wounded and killed back in the from the field in Vietnam. Powerful film. Today was Brad's 60th birthday. We went out to eat at Benningans. Had a real nice waiter who even gave us the dessert Brad ordered FREE because we celebrated his birthday there. Next we went to Walmart where we picked up Brad's birthday present - a metal detector. He likes his new toy and can't wait to try it out.

8 FEB 08

Went on a casino cruise ship. Had free transportation, a complimentary breakfast buffet and $5 each in free money to play the slot machines. Brad and I lost. Brad fell not ONCE but TWICE while on the ship. The chair he was sitting at wasn't bolted to the machine and he fell over backward flat on his back. TWICE. Thankfully, he was ok. In the evening I was invited to sing with some bluegrass players in the clubhouse. Guitars, mandolin and harmonica. Someone even loaned their guitar to Brad and he joined in.

7 FEB 08

Had Pat and Brenda over for breakfast at our trailer. Brenda made "fry bread" for us. WHAT A TREAT! We hadn't had that for a LONG time. I made bacon and eggs, sausage and bacon and fried potatoes. Now THAT is a breakfast you wouldn't want to eat every day! A big ship, the "The USS WASP", an amphibious assault ship full of sailors was coming into port. We watched and took pictures and imagined all the wives and girlfriends that were coming to meet their mates. Brad attended a drawing class at the clubhouse and then we went Square Dancing and I did more karaoke.

6 FEB 08

Covered up my sunburn and went for another long walk on the beach. Found a piece of driftwood and brought it back. Went to bingo at the clubhouse and of ALL things, in walks a couple from Salamanca that we knew! Won a doorprize and one game and then the couple that we knew, Pat and Brenda, came back to our trailer and we visited. I had vertigo for the rest of the evening and don't know WHAT that was all about.

5 FEB 08

What a BEAUTIFUL day! Went to the thrift shop on base - JUNK! Oh well. Took a walk on the running track. THIS is the day we should have walked on the beach! I sat out in the sun to read for a while and paid for it in the evening. SUNBURN! Did four loads of wash at the clubhouse. For free! That's what I like! Got a Pizza Hut large pizza for $6 - a Tuesday special for those at the RV park here. Were surprised by a visit from campers that we met at the LAST RV park. They drove 1 hr and 15 min to come visit us. Bible Study night at the clubhouse. Brad was invited to share his Vietnam experience at the end of the Bible Study. The place was full and there wasn't a dry eye in the house when Brad finished. Alot of the campers came up to us afterward and expressed their appreciation. One lady told me that "both of you have done us old people good!" And of course many of them are only 5-10 years older than us, but hey--it's fun feeling like the YOUNG ONES for a change!

4 FEB 08

We had been on a grassy spot since we got here on Saturday, because the park was full. Today we were able to move to a cement slab one row back from the waterfront. Brad and I took a walk on the running track and then we went to the private beach area here on the base. Walked for quite a while, picking up shells. It was so foggy almost all day. We kept hearing the foghorns but couldn't see a thing in the water. At 7pm we went to the Ice Cream Social at the clubhouse. The leader began doing karoke. I happened to be sitting next to him and at one point he looked at me and shoved the microphone at me and I began to sing songs he put in for me. Well, I would NEVER done that on my own, but I tell you, I had FUN. The whole place got quiet and they just kept having me sing one song after another. I had a GOOD time! It was a nice icebreaker for Brad and me. We stayed till it closed at 10pm.

3 FEB 08

Went to church services at the Chapel on base. We enjoyed it and the people were friendly. At one point they asked for birthdays and we announced that Brad's 60th would be next Saturday. There is a clubhouse at this RV park with activities each day. Tonight is SuperBowl night with a huge screen TV. Everyone will bring a snack to share. Brad is going. I'll stay in the trailer and enjoy watching all my many CABLE TV choices.

2 FEB 08

Arrived at Mayport Naval Station RV Park. It's called Pelican Roost. Right on the water. Met our neighbors right after arriving. Another Vietnam vet, his wife and their dog.

1 FEB 08

Getting everything ready for departure tomorrow. It really is pretty here and we've made some friends. Exchanged email addresses with a few.

31 JAN 08

Just a REALLY nice day. Temps in the 70's but overcast and a nice breeze so it wasn't the least bit hot. I sat out and read, we took a walk and then visited with three other couples who were camped around us.

30 JAN 08

Time to go shopping again and did six loads of laundry. We hadn't been to a coin laundry in years and we were shocked to see what we had to pay to get it done - $14.00!

29 JAN 08

Brad met a vietnam vet at Walmart and turns out he was camping at the same RV park as us. He invited us to dinner at his campsite and we went. They had invited two other couples who were also camping at the campground. We had a nice dinner and a nice visit around the campfire.

28 JAN 08

Made reservations for our next camping location in Mayport, FL at the Naval Station there. We'll be there for 13 days beginning February 2. Brad and another camper loaded and stacked firewood for the camp host. I worked on my websites, took a walk and enjoyed the warm sunshine. Our daughter forwarded our mail to us so we had fun going through all of that. I walked with a lady camper friend and then we had a bonfire with two sets of neighbors. Nice day! Supposed to be in the 70's from here on out, this week.

27 JAN 08

Went to the Chapel on post but it was locked up tighter than a drum. Came back to camp intending to take a walk but the neighbors told us about a flea market in Waldo, FL, so off we went to that. Brad bought an embossed eagle belt. I had seen other campers with signs outside their rig, listing their names, military affiliation and location so when I saw a sign maker at the flea market, we enlisted him to create a sign for us. He did a great job! It has an airborne emblem, Brad's time in Vietnam (67-68), our last name and then our first names. Now Brad's next project is to figure out where and how he will hang the sign.

26 JAN 08

Took a walk and saw a cub scout pack who was camping in the area in tents. Brought back memories of our own cub scouts who are now almost 30 and 32 in age. Also brought back memories of our tenting days. We much prefer the thought of being in our fifth wheel trailer!

25 JAN 08

COLD! For being in Florida, we sure haven't been lucky enough to be WARM for very many days! We keep trying to tell ourselves that at least it isn't SNOWING!

24 JAN 08

We have mounds of fire ants outside our trailer. A camper friend told me to put paprika on them, so I tossed the whole bottle on them. A cold day. Went outside when I heard several of the camper ladies visiting. It was in the sixties but windy and I stood outside talking about 30 minutes. Well, after lunch inside I still couldn't get warm so I decided I'd go take a nap. Brad went to the museum on post. I woke up a couple of hours later to a knock on my door. Turns out all my laundry had blown off the line outside and according to our neighbors, we almost lost our awning. They couldn't believe I'd slept through the wind and several of the men coming together to tie down our awning. And every last piece of my laundry had been collected and brought back to me. Now THAT is nice!

23 JAN 08

Brad went to the mess hall for breakfast today with a neighbor. I slept in. Just can't seem to shake this cough! Raining but at least it was in the 70's. Took another trip into town. This time we found a Walmart, Ace Hardware, Walgreens and had lunch at WhataBurger. Brad is working on another project. Rigging up a light for the flagpole he built onto the rig. We see more troop activity on post today. A camper thinks he solved our problem with the shower leak. Something about needing a water pressure valve. He gave us an extra one so that we can try it out. I tell you, we learn something from someone, everywhere we go.

22 JAN 08

Have a leak coming from our shower. It was dripping water into a cupboard where we were storing books. There was only slight water damage to a couple of them. Our neighbor lent us some clear caulk that he had and Brad did some caulking around the lower lip of the shower but it might be a crack in a plastic water tube. Another neighbor lent us his fan so that we could dry the area underneath the shower. Hear occasional cannons going off and troops running to cadence nearby. I'm still not feeling up to par but it was a NICE day with sunshine and temps in the 70's so I sat outside in the sun and read for awhile. We also took a walk alongside the lake and walked out onto a nearby pier. There are herons and the water is VERY clear. We even saw an eagle in flight during our walk. Visited outside for a while with several of our neighbors, in the early evening. Very friendly bunch. Several of them are scheduled to be here several months. I much prefer stays of 2 weeks, so we can move on and check out what each place has to offer.

21 JAN 08

Checked out the post that we're on. It seems fairly deserted. Not much troop activity that we can see. There is a barber shop on post, but it's only open on Thurs, Fri and Sat. Good thing Brad doesn't need another haircut yet. There is no commissary here and only a tiny exchange, which is sort of like an old country store with a little bit of everything but actually nothing that is of any use! Had to drive 11 miles into Starke to get some groceries. It's a very economically depressed area. Lots of shacks and delapidated houses along the drive. There seems to be a church on nearly every block. Still not feeling well and it's COLD outside! We are right on a lake, which Brad heard was created from a meteor, many years ago. The wind is whipping the waves as they come up on the little beach. We have a real nice view of the lake from our living room area.

20 JAN 08

Finally decided that what I have is the flu. So much for the "flu shot". Anyway, it's not a cold like I had before, but a cough, headache and body aches. Left Jacksonville Naval Air Station today. We were supposed to check out by 11:00, but didn't leave till almost 12. There were people waiting for our spot. Right before we left two different campers came over to tell Brad that our TV antenna wasn't all the way down. Oh-oh, that was MY fault. Just an example though, how campers watch out for each other. Just a 45 minute drive to our new destination which is Camp Blanding. It is an Army National Guard post. Our camping neighbors came outside to welcome us as we arrived. Nice people. Have only one TV station here - ABC. It's a good strong signal though and cell signal is MUCH better here.

19 JAN 08

Still feeling under the weather today. Achey and weak. I took a nap and am trying to get into the mood to start "battening down the hatches" as we leave tomorrow. It's not as laborious as it sounds, just putting everything away that is laying out on counters, etc, so that you don't end up with everything strewn on the floor in every direction when you arrive at your next location. We're headed to Camp Blanding FL which is less than a mile away but more inland. The weather report looks promising - they're forecasting temps in the 70's for most of the week, so for THAT I'm GRATEFUL! Will do some more laundry as the laundry facility here is FREE and you don't find THAT very often, so I'll wash everything up before we go. A new camper came in directly across from us and come to find out, Brad and he attended the SAME junior high school! Small world!

18 JAN 08

Feeling under the weather today. My cough has returned and so have the chills and body aches. Got my antiobiotic prescription refilled. Guess I should have done that when it first ran out, but I was feeling better and thought I didn't need any more. Laid around and read and took a nap and I feel a little better tonight. The neat thing about being retired is that I DON'T need to decide whether to call in sick but just rest up and do only what I want until I'm feeling better.

17 JAN 08

Finally warmed up to the 70's. Muggy. Did 5 loads of laundry. Spent some time driving around Jacksonville, stopping at various places to do a little bit of shopping.

16 JAN 08

Holed up in the trailer, staying out of the cold. A lot of campers had left a few days ago and now I see that they knew what was coming and left for parts further south to avoid it.

15 JAN 08

Brad is finishing up some shelving for me in one of the kitchen cupboards. It's a tall cupboard and there was no shelving in it so it'll be much more useful with shelves. Have both space heaters going in the trailer today. It's only in the 50's outside and unfortunately cold weather is forecast all week. I'm doing a lot of cooking from scratch, trying out recipes I never had time to try while I was working. YUM!

14 JAN 08

It's fun to watch people come and go at the campsites. Yesterday a lot of people left and today a lot of new ones came in. A good majority of the campers seem to be Northerners, escaping the cold. Got a phone call today confirming our reservation in the Florida Keys in late March. YIPPEE! It's a hard place to get into as there are only 4 campsites! We're hearing it's a lovely tropical place.

13 JAN 08

Rained "cats and dogs" this morning but then the sun came out. They have a magazine/book exchange near the laundry room (as do most of the RV parks) and once in a while even a cast-off item that is no longer useful. Kinda fun checking it out each day to see what's there. I got a real nice basket the other day.

12 JAN 08

Made an awesome pot roast for dinner today. Roast potatoes, gravy, carrots and onions. The only downside was that I FORGOT that I took the pan out of the oven where it had been for 3 hours and when I grabbed the pan handle to make the gravy, OUCH! My palm burned LIKE THE DICKENS for several hours afterward. Kept a rag on it wrapped around some ice until the sting went away some. Found a nature walk and Brad and I enjoyed that. We're thinking we'll make it a daily thing. Brad continues to do his "tinkering" outside every day. Was 70 degrees today, but cloudy. All next week it's only supposed to be in the 60's and rain is expected.

11 JAN 08

Did 7 loads of laundry today. Was so tired out from doing that, I decided to take a nap. THREE HOURS LATER I woke up! So much for the pot roast I intended to make for supper! Went to McDonalds instead. Our friends the next campsite over, brought us some oranges and grapefruits that they picked. Can't wait to try them.

10 JAN 08

Walked over 5 miles today. Walked to the post office, paid for another day at the RV park, then went on to the Satellite Pharmacy to get my scripts filled. Was told I had to be "in the system" to get the meds, so we walked to the Naval Hospital to do that, then back to the Satellite Pharmacy. FREE MEDS, a sore back and a sunburn.

09 JAN 08

Reading. Nothing much on TV when you only have a few stations to watch. We sure miss satellite TV!

08 JAN 08

Grocery Shopping. Had a massage at the gym. Only $30 for a full hour! She was a little rougher on me than my massage therapist back home.

07 JAN 08

Still organizing. Spent some time just sitting out in the sun in our patio.

06 JAN 08

How wonderful to see the sun and feel the temps in the 70's again! This will be a day of unpacking and organizing. We took some things home that we realized we would never use, so that ought to help getting everything in its place in a more organized fashion. I bought Brad three books for Christmas with tips for trailers and all the things you can do to make full timing more enjoyable and he is having great fun figuring out all the wonderful things he will do. ALSO, the truck is FILTHY from driving back through all the snow, so Brad plans to wash the truck today and get it all spiffy again.

05 JAN 08

Back to our Jacksonville "home" where we'll stay for the next two weeks. Our power had died in the fifth wheel so we couldn't even get the jacks up. THANKFULLY there was a man in the storage area who was working on his diesel truck and he came and helped us. After a while, we were on our way only to find that all the food in our refrigerator and freezer had spoiled while we were gone! WHAT A STINKING MESS! While Brad did all his "outside stuff" getting the rig ready to use, I cleaned out the mess and drug the garbage bags to the dumpster. It wasn't until I got back to the trailer that I realized that the garbage bags had sprung HOLES and there was a trail of my STINKING MESS all the way to the dumpster!

04 JAN 08

Enjoying seeing the weather warm up ever so slightly, as we head toward Newnan GA.

03 JAN 08

Shopped at the Grove City Outlet Mall and spent one of our gift cards and then headed to Mt Airy NC.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 17 DEC 07 to 02 JAN 08

Well, we weren't home more than two or three days and I got a full blown upper respiratory infection! Even so, we shopped, wrapped gifts, babysat, cooked meals, helped the kids with cleaning and laundry and more. I saw the Dr before we headed back down South and I needed an antiobiotic for a double ear and sinus infection. Between the hacking and coughing and chills, we had a nice time with the kids and enjoyed the holidays and first birthdays of all three of our granddaughters.

16 DEC 07

Temps have gone from the 40's down to the 20's as we head toward Dubois PA to spend the night. Saw snow on the ground when we hit PA and then the familiar snow plows. High winds. Glad we weren't pulling the fifth wheel! However, we hear that the area in FL that we were in, is under the threat of tornados! Hope our rig will be safe.

15 DEC 07

Awoke a little after 7am to light rain. Really muggy weather. We were dripping wet w/sweat by the time we were ready to go. Since Brad had cut the power to the rig, I tried to use my hair dryer with the 120 volt cigarette lighter adaptor in the truck. DON'T EVER TRY THIS! We had to go buy a new one! It's a wonder I didn't ruin the truck battery! We were able to find a new one at the auto mall on base but then ran into a talkative older man who wanted to gab the day away. When he asked where we were from I took the opportunity to tell him "NEW YORK and we have a 7 hr drive ahead of us for today". He took the hint and went back to his vehicle. Next we headed to the Atlantic Storage place where we stored our rig. She was MRS FRIENDLY too and just wanted to talk and talk. All we wanted to do was GET ON THE ROAD! We got the rig in the right spot, then couldn't get OUT of the place. We sat at the gate for what seemed like FOREVER, blowing our truck horn. FINALLY the gate opened, but then MRS FRIENDLY proceeded to tell us we needed to have pressed on the keypad to get her attention so that she could open the gate. Never did ask where the keypad was! Just took the first opportunity we could to leave. Stopped at a Cracker Barrel just over the GA line to eat. By this time it was 12:30 and we were starved. Staying at Goldsboro NC tonight; about a 7.25 hr drive. The weather is getting cooler and cooler as we go and we hear that we're headed back home just in time for a BLIZZARD!

14 DEC 07

Packed for our trip home and readied the rig for storage.

13 DEC 07

Mailed off the remainder of our Christmas cards, made a quick trip to the commissary and then drove to Neptune Beach. Took a picnic lunch with us. It wasn't crowded. The day was perfect. There was the familiar smell of salt air, a nice breeze and puffy clouds in the sky. Picked up shells and walked in the surf. I made the mistake of throwing a bit of my sandwich to the gulls and a bunch more swooped over to get in on the handout. I learned my lesson! Brad found three jellyfish.

12 DEC 07

Walked to the post office today - about a mile. Mailed half of our Christmas cards off, then went over to the concession area and had a Sbarro's lunch.

11 DEC 07

Took the rig in for repairs today. It's still under warranty, but little things have started to go wrong (we hear it's TYPICAL!) The furnace was on the blink, the microwave was only working PART of the time and the end of the bed had cracked! It's all being fixed. We had struggled last night with the kitchen sink-thought it was clogged up, but turns out Brad just hadn't DRAINED the galley water! LIVE and LEARN! We're doing some shopping at a nearby mall while the rig is in for repairs.

10 DEC 07

Laundry day! I'm already getting a little color, just from the small amount of time I've been outside.

9 DEC 07

Went to the base chapel for worship services. Saw the children's Christmas program and heard an enthusiastic message from Chaplain Hill. Took a trip into town exploring and promptly got lost, but ended up finding our way and a MALL to do some more Christmas shopping.

8 DEC 07

Drove to St Augustine today, about a 30 min drive. A pleasant drive on a wide, new-looking interstate. Went to Camping World and Cracker Barrel. We should own stock in both, considering the business we give them! The drivers in the area seem to be fairly agressive. We had two near misses today (and if truth be told, they were both Brad's fault) and there wasn't even that much traffic! Got our Christmas letter done today, so the addressing of all those Christmas cards is next on the agenda.

7 DEC 07

Really enjoying the area. It was so nice and sunny and warm and it really elevates my spirits. Kind of difficult to get into the Christmas mood, though. That said, however, we did some Christmas shopping today. We brought our little Christmas tree, decorations and lights with us, but haven't even put it up yet. Supposed to be in the 80's Mon-Wed. What can be more perfect? Went to Moe's Southwestern Grill for lunch. As each customer comes in the door, the staff yell out, "Welcome to Moe's!". It was a crack up! The people are quite friendly and it's a really nice area that seems new. I'm enjoying all the choices there are when it comes to eating and shopping. For a couple who "lives in the sticks", this is a real novelty for us. It feels like we're camping out and on vacation every day and I can't get over how neat this is beginning to feel as we become more accustomed to everything. We hear reveille as the flag is raised and the retreat bugle call as the flag is lowered each day on the base and it makes this military brat feel right at home!

6 DEC 07

We are at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station in FL. This is the third largest Naval Installation in the United States. Military planes flying overhead quite regularly. The RV park is just about full and we have friendly neighbors. A Vietnam Veteran Marine and his wife. There are free laundry facilities just a short walk from where we are parked. Did ALL our laundry last night (5 loads!) The weather is just beautiful. Forecast is temps in the 70's and sunny ALL WEEK. Now that is MY kind of weather.

5 DEC 07

Nice, warm, sunny day; just PERFECT! Headed to Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Florida. Have an rv campsite reserved through the 15th and an appointment at the rv repair place on the 11th and rv storage reserved from Dec 15th through Jan 5th so we're set to travel back home for Christmas and the granddaughter's first birthdays. It is SO cool being able to have a laptop and a cell phone so that I can do anything from anywhere! As we travel through GA, everything is BROWN from the drought. It's amusing to see everyone's Christmas decorations on brown lawns. The highways are littered w/cotton and trash. There is construction everywhere on the interstate. Seeing less and less trees.

4 DEC 07

Real nice camping space at this Marine Base. Only 2 other trailers on the lot. Nestled in the pines with deer scampering around. A nice storage shed, bbq grill & picnic table. The downside is that our furnace stopped working and we can't figure out why. We had to buy a space heater which will probably end up SAVING us money because we're not having to use our propane to heat with. Got our vehicle sticker at the base here so that we'll be able to get onto any other military installation as we go. Tomorrow we're headed to Jacksonville FL so we can get the furnace looked at (it's still under warranty so we need to go to a Forest River Cardinal RV repair facility).

3 DEC 07

Took off at 10:30 am for warmer weather. Headed to Albany GA, where we'll be staying at a Marine Corps Logistics Base. Traffic heavy through Atlanta but getting sunnier as we go.

2 DEC 07

Kind of a dreary day. Went to a Mexican restaurant. Neat inside - murals and authentic looking Mexican village appearance inside but the food was no better than Taco Hut. Ate too much and suffered all night because of it! Brad's nose was running like a faucet - must be allergies. Had rain during the night. Good for the drought conditions here.

1 DEC 07
Lots of ladybugs here. Lots of hispanics in the area, too. Did some shopping today. Thanks to Earl again, we now know how to get more TV stations.

30 NOV 07

Finally cooked our THANKSGIVING TURKEY which had been in the refrigerator all this time. Had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. YUMMMMMMM...... Can't believe tomorrow is December 1st!

29 NOV 07

Took a drive into Woodstock GA. Had breakfast at Cracker Barrel, which, lucky for us, are around every corner here in the South! Went to Camping World, a SUPER Target AND Brad got his hair chopped off! He looks AWESOME! Also, thanks to our camper neighbor, Earl, we now have access to one local station! LIVE AND LEARN - in some campgrounds, you just have to raise your antenna, press your booster button, attach your cable line and VOILA! Television!

28 NOV 07

Time for more organization and little "fix-it" jobs for Brad. Also did our laundry but the little laundry room was so cold, I decided I didn't want to stay there any longer than I had to! Loaded up the wet laundry and headed back to camp to hang it out on a line Brad rigged up for me. We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies, but hey, there isn't anyone here to see us! The only other campers here are gone most of the day as their daughter has breast cancer and they are visiting with her.

27 NOV 07

Arrived at the Lake Allatoona Army Recreation Area in GA today. There was only one other camper besides us, in the entire place! Weather is in the 60's and we see bees, butterflies and ladybugs. No cable TV here - drat! But we're close to train tracks again. We're kind of getting used to the lonesome sound.

26 NOV 07

We had planned to head to GA today but we awoke to rain and figured, "Hey! We're retired. We have nowhere to be, we can just stay here another day!" SO WE DID!

25 NOV 07

Was that a BIRD we heard outside our window as we woke up the next morning? YES! What a lovely sound. Having purchased the cable for our TV the day before, we asked for help at the KOA office and they sent a man right over. He spent forever trying to get us set up--a very friendly man from the Finger Lakes region of NY. He kept at it until he got us set up and THANKFULLY, we now had access to TV!

24 NOV 07

The RV crowd have proven to be a friendly people, assisting us with our many questions and "showing us the ropes". We bid Madison VA goodbye and started traveling further south. Not wanting to spend us much time "on the road" as before, I routed us to Asheville, NC forgetting that much of the drive was mountaineous. We arrived about 8:30 pm and even though the office was CLOSED for the night, two men mysteriously appeared in a vehicle and told us that they worked there and showed us where to park. This time we felt more experienced at setting up camp. We were drifting off to sleep in our comfy bed when a freight train rumbled by. Were we ON the train tracks?? It sure seemed so! Several more trains passed during the night and it reminded Brad of the "I Love Lucy" show where her and Desi got no sleep because of the many trains passing in the night.

23 NOV 07

We had paid for cable TV, but when I couldn't figure out how to get our TV working, I finally determined that probably meant we had to BUY a cable so that we could hook it up to the TV! Cable TV would have to wait, then. How strange it felt to be disconnected from the world and what was happening in it.

22 NOV 07

We finally HIT THE ROAD on Thursday, Nov 22, THANKSGIVING DAY. A weird day to be traveling, to be sure, but with an empty house, we weren't prepared to serve the typical Thanksgiving Dinner! We left about 10:30 am and arrived in Madison, VA at 10:00 pm. I apologized to the campground owner for our late arrival and she didn't look any too happy, but as I explained that this was all new to us, she seemed to relax and become more accommodating. She gave us directions to our campsite and we proceeded to "set up camp" in the dark. It was obvious that the campers in the RVs around us were asleep, so we tried to be quiet. It was cold and dark, but we managed to get the electric and sewage hooked up. The water would have to wait, as we were told not to hook it up that night or it would freeze.

It was far more of an undertaking than we anticipated; packing up all the contents of our house and moving it into the storage barn we had built on our property. The boys and Ward helped Brad move the heavy furniture and Brad and I boxed up and moved all the rest of the contents of the house ourselves. I judged the size of the storage barn we needed PERFECTLY, as everything JUST fit!

~CREDITS~

Country Patch Collections , Graphic Garden ,Graphics by Irene ,
Katharina's Graphic Corner , Mary's Little Lamb ,
Mables Makings ,Rajiv's Graphics