Mama said we'd have days like this ...

Oh yes … it’s been quite a day. Actual physical exertion too. Well not much, but some.

You see my new older, newly adopted brother Jim had a little battery problem so I fooled him into thinking I actually knew something about those sparking little boxes and volunteered to help replace them. (see before poto) His Winnebago batteries were shot so after a couple of days researching on the net, and a little advice from my old friend Corky in Michigan, he settled on three new Optima AGM’s (see after photo when I get around to taking it). First class units but do have a first class price to match. Anyway Jim and I got out our tools, thinking caps, and finished a normal 1 hour job in about two days. We again re-discovered a well known fact that any job worth doing will require at least 7 trips to various hardware and auto supply stores to really do the job right and get all the parts. We could have thought the installation out thoroughly and made only one trip, but we really like kicking around tools and stuff. At least the story we’re sticking to. Success was soon at hand as the engine fired and all the little gizmo lights lit up around his coach and … we could not smell any smoke. Always a good sign.

But all work and no play makes for loose trousers so to stop from buying all new clothes; we accepted an invitation to dinner at the clubhouse tonight. A small group had planned to gather and was kind enough to ask Jim and Carol and Sharon and I to join them. I was expecting steamed shrimp but they added in prime rib, potatoes, salad … the works. Bubba and Mary hosted (and cooked) the affair and several others kicked in side dishes. Carol (Dave’s wife) made a Tiramisu dessert that any restaurant would be proud to serve. No shortage of good cooks at this camp.

So as we wind down our stay at Bella Terra, we’re a little sad about leaving. With so many great people in one spot it has set the bar pretty high in our winter travels. Yes the resort is first class but it’s still the caliber of people we’ve met that made the difference.

We’ll depart this coming weekend headed east then south into Florida. Hopefully finding a little warmer, dryer, and calmer climate to finish out the winter.

But still livin’ the dream in Alabama.

Phil

Back to normal

It finally had to happen.  Everything fell into place.
 

Not a cloud in the sky... temperatures in the high 60's ... little wind.  A dozen Johsonville Cheese Brats, chips, drinks and good friends.  Time to Picnic.  We've been here since the middle of November and it was the first legitimate date we've had to grill out and enjoy the outdoors.  So with the chance of lobsterizing my smooth pate, I fired up the Coleman, set out the lawn chairs, and cooked my little heart out.  Our new friends from Iowa, Jim and Carol joined us and we managed to polish off most of the big tube steaks.  Ambrosia it was.  Nothing like grilling out with good friends on a beautiful day.  We're looking forward to many more as this kind of fun as winter rolls on.  My new friend and, adopted big brother Jim, and his wife, Carol.  They wave a lot in Iowa in case you wondered. 

Talk about a small world.  Our friends from Iowa ran across a couple down here who lives near them backhome. It's always seems good to connect with local folks when your away.  I think there are only three or four dozen families who actually live in Iowa so I thought this was a pretty big deal.  As we were finishing our cookout, another couple were walking their big Weineramer dogs.  Apparently headed over to the local 'drop zone', (if you get my drift) I commented on what a nice day it was to them.  We exchanged pleasantries and soon discovered they were from Michigan.  Not only from Michigan but from our home town ... and to top it off ... he retired from the same place I did.  I began having one of the Rod Serling moments.  As they parted I asked if the dogs would like the two remaining brats cooling on the grill.

At that very moment I knew dogs understood the English language.  Without hesitation or direction from their owners, those cool eyes were riveted on me like a shark on a California surfer as I walked over to the grill. Two 80- pound dogs straining at their leashes, as they were trying to get to me, does not make one comfortable.  I asked the owner if I should throw it to them or perhaps they would take the treat from my hand.  He mentioned something about I might need to count my fingers if I did, so I chose not to press my luck and tossed them.  The little brutes sort of met me half way in a semi lunge that was about waist high.  My whole life quickly passed before my eyes but I quickly re-focused as the brats disappeared instantly into their little white tooth lined mouths.  Nice dogs.

So good friends, frozen Margaritas, Johnsonville Brats, and a blue-sky day.  A perfect mix for 'livin the dream'.

Phil

p.s. ... We can thank Sharon for the photos this episode.  Nice job I'd say.

p.s.s ... On a purely political note ... as I write this there is a caliope of air horns blaring around the park as the results of the election results in Massachusetts are announced.

Gumbo and B-52's

We had a little gathering at the club house tonight.  Sharon and I commented to each other afterwards that one of the neat things about the RV community is meeting new people, trying new things, and seeing new places.  Tonight was no exception.

It was a wine and cheese party followed by a special dinner prepared by one of the lot owners and his friend (a cook) from Louisiana.  Not just any dinner ... but a Louisiana down home cookin, pot of Gumbo.  All kinds of stuff  wonderful  were simmering in this huge pot big enough to wash your Springer Spaniel in.  Sausages, chicken, vegetables, and whatever else from the bayou filled the room with the smell goodness.  The cook forewarned us that he had not spiced up the mix much but if you wanted, he brought along a big bottle of red hot witches brew that would help if you need more 'kick'.  After some wait to reach the caldron of goodness, I peered into the bubbling concoction as the cook scooped two large ladles of the goodness onto a bed of white rice.  The waiting was over and it was well worth waiting for.  Not too spicey but oh so good.  Didn't see one bowl that wasn't that wasn't figurativly licked empty.

When all guest bellies were filled, I noticed out the corner of my eye, the cook making himself up a bowl of the goodness.  Heaped high he showed his Louisiana colors by grabbing that big bottle of red hot witches brew and doused the goodness with the fire and heat percolating in that bottle.  I didn't see the flames but they must have been there. Surely the smoke alarms were on the verge of going off.  He polished off the bowl as if it were Wilford Brimley's oatmeal.  Michigan mortals would have sought medical assistance.  Gotta get that recipe for my South Haven friends.

Conversation after dinner was entertaining.  A perfect example of the variety of people you meet when travelling.  Sitting across from me was a man and his wife who have been married 52 years.  Quite an accomplishment in itself but they have been rv'ing for 50 of those years.  From tents, to pop-ups, to trailers, to 5th wheels, to a motor home ... they'd seen it all ... done it all.  They've camped in every state of the union (except Hawaii) and most of the Canadian provinces.  They'd been on river barge caravans. They been to Mexico.  Name a place and they'd probably been there.  Living enclyclopedias of travel.  He a former B-52 navigator who vividly remembers the ramp up to war during the Cuban missile crisis and she,  a former nurse.  I can only imagine what stories they could tell from living such a rich life.  This is what I wanna' be when I grow up.  Never content to sit and watch life pass by ...  but being a participating member.  I've got a feeling I'll meet more of these types along our path.  And looking forward to it.

So another day that started out cold and windy and ended with spending time with some very engaging people. 

This is what livin' the dream is all about for us. (unfortunately it's still cold and windy however)

Phil

Brrrrrrrrrrr

25 ... 21 ...  20... 32   HIKE. 

No I'm not a quarterback calling a football play on Sunday afternoon folks.  We're hiking up our long johns as these are the expected low temperatures here in Foley Alabama for the next several evenings.  Well- diggers and brass monkeys beware.  Protect what's precious.

It seems like the social director here likes to get everyone together now and again to do a little mingling which usually includes some eating and drinking.  Fortunately two skills we are both good at.  What's neat about these gatherings is that many bring a dish to pass.  Be it something purchased at the store or something from the family cookbook it's all good.  Yesterday's special was black-eyed peas with ham.  My first exposure to these little orbs was indeed a good one.  Seconds were required.  This morning was a pre-football game party beginning with Bloody Mary's, Mimosa's, and a ham, sausage, cabbage, corn, potato, and carrot soup that was very special.  All kinds of other goodies were present with Sharon adding a scrumptious frosted pumpkin bread.  Now that the holidays are over we're now looking another reason to gather and do it all over again.  I think the month of January is national oatmeal, national hot tea, national popcorn, national cheese, and national squirrel appreciation month ... so who knows what will be on the menu.  

Our plans for cooking out on the old barbee are scrapped as the wind keeps blowing out the flame.
I guess we'll have our steaks (tube) in the microwave.  I know our northern friends are having a rougher time of it so maybe I'd better shut up and at least enjoy the much needed sunshine down here.  Now if any of our western friends would like to release any of that heat they're hanging on to and send it east, we'd be oh sooo happy.

Shiverin' in the south but still livin' the dream.

Phil

19.56

Nineteen point fifty six.  Yup.. that's correct ... 19.56.  Do you suppose I'm referring to what it cost to eat at McDonalds the last time we were there?  Nope; no where near that.  Do you suppose that it got that cold here last night?  No: it actually was about 55.  Do you suppose that's the amount left in my checking account after Christmas?  Close, but no.  Do you suppose that's how much rain we've had since arriving here this winter?  Yup. 19.56 inches.  That's 19.56 of rain! 

The ark is full folks, everything and everybody  has sought out high ground, our complexions are mid-Michigan pale and we smell of mildew.  We're wrinking at an alarming rate.  When it will stop is anyone's guess.  We've been here for 6 weeks and we already had more rain than Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming get in an ENTIRE year!  Oh well.  We take life as we receive it.  Happy to wake up each morning and take a breath.

But in spite of all this H20, we're still livin' the dream ... and the thought of dealing with snow is still out of the question. 

Phil

Happy Holidays

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our friends and family.  May the New Year bring peace and prosperity to your lives and that you remain in good health, good spirits and light of heart.

 Thanks for livin' the dream with us.

 Phil & Sharon

One full day

Betcha' didn't know that the city of Pensacola was originally spelled Panzacola. Thought to be descriptive of the local Choctaw Indians; its a word for 'long-haired people' ... (I naturally felt a little uneasy here).  It was actually another field trip for us as our new friends from Maine (Bob and Joanne) and Iowa (Jim and Carol) invited us to join them on an excursion to visit Fort Barrancas.  Sharon whispered to me before we left "no lobster or corn jokes".  Tough assignment, but I agreed.  We need all the friends we can get.

Fort Barrancas guards the entrance to Pensacola Bay.  The 300 year old fortress orginally built by the Spanish, changed hands a number of times (British, Union and Confederate armies), and finally being manned by the National Parks Service today.  You history buffs will noticed how I quickly glossed over the intricate exchanges of ownership and strategic value of this historic place.  It's a truly facinating story but especially comes to life if you visit the fort.  So if you really want to know all that neat stuff you need to join me in reading park historian David P. Ogden's short, but concise book "The Fort Barrancas Story" and make a visit.

Anyway ... the six of us arrived at the visitors center and recieved our maps and guides and headed up the bluff to tour the facility.  Once atop, the view of Pensacola Bay was indeed commanding.  I know the thought of lobbing cannonballs from the various gun positions to the enemy ships below sounds fun but protecting this crucial peice of real estate was no laughing matter.  As years passed, and as Pensacola Bay became a key naval installation, the fort's value increased into the WWII era.  The narrow deep water entrance to the bay is but a 16 pound cannon ball away so the bad guys usually kept their distance.

Location A:

Bob and Jim are positioned looking seaward along the SSE wall of the fort.  You can see small arms shooting positions all along the wall face.

What I found most interesting about the camp was its construction and the logic the builders used when creating it.  As you can see by the drawing below it was sort of an irregular polygon (ask your local 9th grader if you've forgot what shape that may be).  It was then flanked on two sides by parallel walls that held additional firing positions.  Separating these two structures was a moat-like area designed to funnel any invading ground troops into a 'killing field'.  Inward facing small arms firing positions on each side of the moat assured that no one could breach the defenses.  Now why any fool would advance into that area in the first place is beyond me but we all know those silly British had their traditions in battle.

Location D:

Looking South over the 'killing field' between the inner and outer wall.  Note the small arms firing positions.

Once traversing the moat to the inner portion of the fort we headed down into the area below the canon implacements above.  A long, ornately bricked corridor almost fully restored to its original condition.  This four-sided stucture held the ammunition magazines and crew quarters for up to 150 men. The two longest sides of the inner fort was maybe 500 feet long and along each corridor were outward facing small arms positions.  The other two sides were approximately 300 feet long and had identical firing positions.  If you'll notice the image below labeled "C1",  you'll see the intricate interior brick work.  Quad-arched ceilings at the corners seemed to defy the laws of physics.  These 15 foot marvels were made of brick but the ceiling had no center support to the floor below.  The mortar apparently not only supports the bricks but the massive weight of the 5-10 feet of earth above it.  An explantion of how this all came to be is better describe in Ogden's book so if it's really killing you to know let me know and I'll send you the full scoop on it.

Location C: #1

Notice the intricately hand fitted brick.  This view begins about 5 ft off the floor and proceeds up into an arched ceiling.

I couldn't help myself and asked the park ranger if there were any ghosts on the property.  She kinda of hesitated, looked around and quitely told me that several had been sighted or heard by some visitors and staff alike over the years.  Once inside the long corridors I could see the possibilities.  Tortured souls living in these conditions surely must still be here to share their  plight with unsuspecting visitors.  I was armed with my own Canon ready for any encounter.  As luck would have it I got the draw on one of the wiley spirits of the past and  snapped off a lucky image.  What do you think?

Location C: #2

No telling what you'll encounter along these long, arched corridors. 

There was a large furnace in the fort that was used, not to make smores but to heat cannon balls.  They would heat the balls white hot then two strong armorers would pick them up with a large pincher-like tool and carry them to the firing positions.  Nice work on a cold day I guess, but don't drop one on your boot. Some weighed in excess of 200 pounds.  Apparently white-hot canon balls and wooden ships make for less wooden ships. 

In the center of this little known fort, and well below the canon batteries along the seaward walls was the parade field.  Now I'm not too schooled in these matters but if your going to have a parade, this is not the place I'd pick.  None-the-less that's what it's called.  I coralled our three majorettes (Joanne, Sharon and Carol) and tried to get some sort of a parade started but they had other ideas so I captured what they had in mind.  A well deserved rest from tramping around the ruins.

Location B: #1

Location B: #2

Take three majorettes, add in a couple of trumpets, a clarinet or three, two tubas, and couple of drums and now you'd have a real band to march on this parade field. (at least I found the three majorettes)

Not anxious to end this fine day, we made a stop at the Naval Air Museum (we were here in 2008) not a mile from Fort Barrancas.  Ever changing and always first class, the volunteers who run this place and the donors who support it have a real gem here.  Lots of planes (big surprise), great exhibits, a great gift shop, a bar, a restaurant, neat flight simulators, and an Imax theater make any visit, a great visit.

Made a stop on the way home to Lillians.  Jim and Carol had been there before and recommended we all try it.  Now these folks know their pizza.  I didn't even know they had pizza in Iowa, so wherever they got their expertise they got it right.  Lillians is located on Highway 180 heading east towards the Alabama border, not far from that famous, but really run-down watering hole, Floribama.

Another full day that we greatly enjoyed.  Fantastic new friends, a much needed infusion of new sites and sounds, and some very edible pizza.

Still livin' the dream ... one day at a time.

Phil

Grammy? Not!

This is dedicated to all those 'snowbirds' who have landed in this area to escape to the icy grasp of Mother Nature ...

'Oh the weather outside is Drippy'
   ' But our coach's inside are Spiffy'
'And since we aren't in any Pain'
   ' Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain'

'It doesn't show signs of Slowin'
   'And the heater is just a Glowin'
'Our take-out meal tonight is Lo Mein'
   So  'Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain'

Okay...Okay!  I've done enough damage to the old classic.  I guess I'd better leave song writing to the pros and stick to my day job (whatever that is) ...  anyway the sun was shining today and predicted to continue to brighten our lives for the next several days.  Too bad it's still a little chilly.

Our 'camp' is starting to fill up with more and more folks wandering in from around the country.  Christmas decorations are sprouting up and the holiday season is upon us.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

Blub ... Blub ... Blub

That old joke about "it's raining so hard the animals are pairing up" pretty well sums it up here in southern Alabama. 6-14 inches have pounded this area into submission.  Boat and hip boot sales are rising as fast as the local rivers.  If you didn't own waterfront property ... you probably do now.  Thankfully the water knows enough to head towards the Caribbean ... I hope.  Sharon and I are trying to avoid becoming mildewed so we turn the fan on now and again to circulate the air around us.  The real surprise will be tomorrow ... when they claim the sun will appear.  But followed by another 3 or 4 days of cold rain.  We're hoping that pale and wrinkled will be in style this spring.  We're not sure this beats what our 'western snow bird' friends are dealing with but having a dailey coating of nature's 'shake and bake' coating of dust and sand probably has its shortcomings too.  Anyway you look at it ... sure beats shoveling snow. (apologies to our northern friends)

Puckered and pale but still livin' the dream.

Phil

Hodge-Podge

The girl at the resort office called me late yesterday and said, if we were interested, "bring a zip-lock bag with two eggs over to the clubhouse in the morning and have breakfast with us".  I thought about it briefly and relayed the call to Sharon.  She said "two eggs in a baggie?"  I said "yup".  "Raw eggs cracked in a baggie".  "No way .. you must be mixed up again ... you're not supposed to crack them!" she said.  Oh my is this what the aging process is doing to us? ... Arguing about to crack or not crack!  A short but vigorous discussion ensued; but each still sticking to our position ... we headed off to bed resolving to resolve the question in the morning.

Getting around at 9:00am is a little early for one of the inhabitants of this coach but that person managed and off we went with two baggies with two un-cracked eggs inside.  Arriving at the clubhouse we immidiately noticed about 20 people walking around with baggies in their hands ... and within those bags was the runny, gooey mass of semi-scrambled uncooked eggs.  Well that settled that question ... cracked it was...but what in the world were we to do with them?

As it turned out, we had to squash our little bags until they were sort of uniformly mixed.  We then opened up the bag and dumped in cheese, mushrooms,peppers,salsa, or onions ... or any combination presented on a serving tray, closed the bag again and squashed it up again.  We then took our little bag over to the 'Cook' who was in charge of a large pot of bubbling. boiling water.  He said "look at your watch and be back in 10 minutes" then dumped my little bag of goo into the pot with about 10 other little bags of goo.

So ten minutes elapsed and my little bag of goo was apparently completely cooked.  And so it was.  It slid easily onto my plate ready for a little salt and pepper.  No frying pan, no grease, no butter and still one of the best omellets I've had.  Absolutely no mess ... no fuss.  I later learned the Girl Scouts have been doing this for decades ... but since I was never a Girl Scout I think I should be forgiven for my ignorance.

And as you see ... it doesn't take much to please me anymore.

We did have the opportunity to meet some more new people including  Tom Eller, National Vice President Southeast Area of the Family MotorCoach Association. (Whew ... needs almost two business cards to get his title spelled out). Tom handed me a a couple of pieces of paper with about a dozen photos printed on them.  It was pictures his coach, or what was left of it.    Tom and his wife Lorna had just arrived in the area and while passing over one of the beautiful bridges when someone was trying to get his attention.  Getting over the bridge he pulled over and the gent from the car joined him.  They said something to the effect that he had been following Tom for sometime and noticed the rear of his coach was smoking.  Apparently by the time Tom got the coach stopped and he and Lorna got out, the rear of the diesel pusher was engulfed in flames and before it was over, completly destroyed.  A burnt out hulk with all their stuff lost.  Now Tom is one cool guy.  He and his wife are full-timers and not 24 hours earlier their home on wheels was destroyed.  Now here he is...  Sitting down with me eating food out of a baggie and not showing much emotion.  He had gotten a hold of his insurance company and they apparently quickly totaled it out and within a few hours Tom bought a Monaco sight-unseen over the phone with the proceeds and it's being delivered here Saturday.  Now this family is organized!  I guess putting on all those FMCA rallies teaches a guy about organizing things. 

The day wasn't over as there was a Christmas boat parade planned along part of the Intercoastal Waterway between Zekes Marina and LuLu's resturant.  A trip of 5 or 6 miles, the idea was for a bunch of big cruisers and large off-shore boats to decorate their boats with multi-colored lights and other festive things and parade along the waterway entertaining the onlookers.  Probably in good weather there would have been more boats.  Maybe a dozen or so made the parade (my guess about a tenth of the size of earlier years) but the crummy weather didn't stop the well-wishers parked and standing in the rain along the parade route.  There was even a blimp brought in to hover around and entertain everyone.

Damn cold and windy is not my idea of what a snow-bird whould have to endure but ... it's a whole lot better than shoveling snow and bundling up like an Alaskan Eskimow.

Scrambled, chilled but still livin' the dream.

Phil

Wandering East

Out wandering around again...

Today we headed east on 98 to the Destin Florida area.  Including Navarre Beach, Santa Rosa Coastal Park, Fort Walton, and Mary Esther.  Just so you know ... Mary Esther is really a small coastal town somewhere between Pensacola and Destin.

We decided to take a scenic route and spun off on 399 to a slim slit of an island some 15 miles long that paralled 98.  After taking the long arching bridge to the island we were in the beach goer's hotspot (when it's in season).  However not too many bikinis out in this 50 degrees day.  The place reminded us of San Padre Island Texas, only bigger, and I suspect more party places.  Continuing east the civilization melted away to a pristine national park that straddled each side for the road for about seven miles.  At times the Caribbean was a hundred or so yards on either side of us.  No place to be in a hurricane.  The sand was powder white not unlike the snow you unlucky folks in the north are now experieincing.

Towards the end of the island we came across more civilization. At least we think they were civilized.  By the looks at their houses we're not really sure.

Further down the road we found a bevy of houses that definitely had a more Bermuda feel to them.  Bold and bright.

We exited the island over another long arching bridge returning to 98 and continued on to the Destin area.

Lots of shopping spots in the area including two great book stores; my favorites.  "Barnes and Noble" and "Books a Million".  Couldn't help myself and left a little retirment cash here before leaving.

We had a little shrimp lunch at a place overlooking the Destin harbor named appropriately, Harbor Docks.
Under re-construction, it was in a little rough condition but the food was good. Though for lunch, a little expensive.  Anyway we headed home at sundown, enjoying another day of sightseeing and appreciating each other's company.

Day tripping and still livin' the dream.

Phil

Looking Back

In my previous entry I said we were in the beautiful Hard Rock Casino today.  Here's what the place looked like shortly after hurricane Katrina visited.  The casino is in the foreground, completely collasped.

Photo from Google Earth/Street View archives.

By the look of the place we saw today ... Phoenix apparently can rise from the ashes.

Phil

Day tripping

$3.99 lobsters, $7.00 buffet lunch ... What's not to like. 

We re-learned another valuable lesson today.  You get what you pay for.  Kind-hearted me offered to take Sharon to yet another casino in the area.  A scant 1 1/2 hour drive and there we were; Las Vegas South or as the locals call it ... Biloxi Mississippi.  We were last here in early 2008 and even today the aftermath of hurricane Katrina is still present.  Not a lot has changed except the roads are better and more casinos are sprouting up. It's not the most visually inviting town to visit but the docks with their fishing boats and the blue Caribbean are always a draw for me.

We decide to stop at the Isle Casino first, have a little lunch, gamble a bit then move to one of the other 5 or 6 casinos.  Clean and well kept but nearly vacant of players.  Okay it's Tuesday afternoon and probably not the best time or time of year for that matter but it was really quite.  And small.  From the outside it looked quite large but once inside the gaming floor was very compact.  Tight might be a better description ... much like the payout on their slots as we later found out.

We located the buffet and for a mere pittance we had a reasonable lunch.  Not great, but adequate.  And lobsters (small) were really $3.99.  Kind of chewy however.
We then spent about a half hour playing the slots.  Mostly had our pick of the machines as you could count the number of players on two hands.  This casino did disspell my notion that only the Indians had our number as these piranahs down here fed on my money as well as the Indians do up north. 

We jumped ship and headed for the Hard Rock Casino.  Whoa!  This is one nice place.  Very much like its Las Vegas brother.  A great deal of memoribilia on the walls from the legends of rock and roll.  Fun to look at.  Starbucks, several small fast food kiosks, a large buffet area and for those discriminating eaters ...a Ruth Chris Steakhouse.  I've dined at four of these steak emporiums at various places around the country and believe me they are all fantastic.  Not cheap, not inexpensive, not a bargain but you enjoy their legendary prime steak in a fine dining atmosphere.  Since this one is in a casino, you probably don't even need to dress up.  There were considerably more players here so the flight to a quality casino was apparent.  Anyway a very nice place and we will return (probably to eat a little steak).  And maybe get back the little money I lost.

So another day trip is behind us, the good times continue as we are still livin't the dream.

Phil

Jeremiah

Remember the 3 Dog Night tune "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog" ... well I found old Jeremiah today hunkered down under a walkway waiting for tomorrows warmer weather.  You'll notice the toe of my 14ww shoe in the image so you can see old Jeremiah was a 'biggun', as they say down here.  I reached down and touched him but his metabolism was so low he didn't budge, or jump, or do anything.  So I left him alone is his dream state or whatever frogs do when it's cold, and meandered on.

Earlier today we went to Doc's along the Intercoastal road for lunch.  We've been by the place several times but the parking lot was always full.  It was after the normal lunch crowd so we found a spot to park and went in.  Not a coat and tie place for sure and actually a pretty old diner that really needed fixing up.  However after our lunch was served it was apparent that folks didn't come here for the decoration.  We ordered the catfish lunch special and it was fantastic.  For less than 8 bucks we got delicious fried catfish, fries, coleslaw, and the staple of every meal served in this part of the world ... hushpuppies.  Not normally a fan of these little onion and cornmeal (?) bombs, these were really pretty good.  In addition they brought us a piece of chocolate cake... surprise, surprise.  A very friendly staff and we'd probably return... not something we've said with most of the other places we've eaten at so far.  And the draft beer was so cold we could hardly drink it ... but did manage.

Things weren't jumpin' today but were still livin' the dream.

Phil

Hoops

Still getting used to our new surroundings. 

We stopped by a small, out-of-the-way market this afternoon and noticed while browsing around, several pieces of cheese wrapped up and ready for sale atop the deli counter.  It looked pretty inviting.  Wrapped in a red wax similar to a Gouda, the cheese inside was a very bright yellow.  I asked the girl behind the counter what was this "Hoop" cheese, as the label indicated?  I think I caught her a little off guard as the look on her face told me she thought I was pretty dumb.  She was nice enough though to call the meat man over to deal with me.  A slight man dressed as if he were working in a gas station rather than a market,  said "I've been eating this cheese all my life and as a kid we used to grab a chunk of "Hoop",  a bottle of pop and my fishing rod and I'd be off fishin' all day. Great stuff!"  I pushed the question once again as to what was "Hoop" cheese and he said "I dunno what it is but ... well ... I guess cuz we buy it in hoop"  He said 'set it out for a while and let it get warmed up before you eat it... it'll be better that way'.  I'm guessing the cheese comes in a large ring like many cheeses do but I had never heard it described that way.  Anyway he later told me that he sells over 30 lbs a week of the stuff so it must be popular.

I got my 'Hoop" home and grabbed a little bubbly and waited for the delicate yellow goodness to warm up.  Missing the fishing pole,  I cut right to the chase and sampled a slice.  He was right ... nothing like a good ole chunk of "Hoop" to make yer day.  Mild like Longhong and goes well with a fine, though not rare, 2009 Diet Coke.

I've been to a lot of places that sold cheese so I'll add one more variety to my 'most favorite' list.

A little cheesy but still livin' the dream.

Phil

OMG

I turned on the 'tube' a few minutes ago, expecting to hear the latest Tiger Wood gossip but ... was met by an urgent weather bulletin.
WINTER STORM WARNING it said on the crawler creeping along the bottom of the screen.  Thinking that my satellite was somehow receiving a Michigan weather station, I quickly double checked the channel only to discover it was really one from Mobile Alabama.  I turned up the volume to hear the weatherman tell folks that 'if they had never seen snow before, plan on driving about 60 miles north from the coast for this rare event Friday evening'.  This is a big deal down here.  Every station on the hour warning of the coming storm!
 
Expecting upwards to 1 inch  of the white stuff in isolated areas, the local road commission is probably out trying to find a salt truck while the local folks are trying to find tire chains at the local Sears store.  I poke a little good natured fun at the locals but I wonder how us Michiganders would react to one of their all too frequent hurricanes?

But ... one of the reasons we left Michigan some 1100 miles away ... was to avoid hearing these weather bulletins ...  but we just can't seem to escape them.

So here we sit.  The hot water heat system is running, it now gets dark before 5:00pm (Central time here), and it's too darn cold to be outside. 

Shivering but still livin' the dream,

Phil

Old haunts and high water

Headed over to Pensacola today to visit a photo equipment dealer there.  Great guys and very knowledgable.  One a retired Army photographer so we had a little in common.   Sharon and I continue to explore our surroundings and since Pensacola is only about 30 miles away,  we thought we'd return after a two year hiatus.  After jawboning in the camera shop for an hour we decided to have lunch at a spot we really liked the last time we were in this old military town.  McQuire's Irish Pub http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/
has been a staple here since the late 70's specializing in prime steak.  We were just there for a sandwich and salad but the thought of a bone-in ribeye was pretty tempting.  Few steak houses only serve prime grade meat so believe me, this is one of those 'must eat at' places.

We were introduced to this place on our last visit by our friends from Grand Blanc (Linda and John) who winter near here.  If you look back in my blog's older posts (2-18-2008) you'll see some pictures and a little detail on what's plastered all over their ceiling.  Anyway a great lunch with each of us bringing home enough extra for another meal.  By-the-way ... the corn beef and pistrami on rye was to die for.

Now all you folks back in Michigan are probably anticipating a little inclement weather soon ... and just to make you feel better ... so are we.   Apparently the last several days of 75 degree blue sky weather is changing to 'head for the high ground' weather.  Sometime late afternoon tomorrow, we're looking at a weather front moving through that will dump between 4 and 6 INCHES of rain here.  I guess we'll see how waterproof the coach is.  We'll probably have to tie down the barbecue or it may head out to sea.  Anyway we'll keep a close ear to the weatherman and keep our swim fins handy.  However I will need to dash out in the morning for some fresh limes and tonic.  Survivial provisions you know.

Still livin' the dream (no matter how soggy)

Phil

Bella Terra Rv Resort

Just in case you wanted to know what the place we are staying at looks like ...

here it is at sunset this evening.

Maybe a few more images later as the mood strikes me.

Livin' the dream

Phil

Indians, Cotton and Shrimp

I think I now know something about the Native American Indians I didn't fully understand before.  It seems that for years I thought their ways of communicating with smoke signals was pretty crude but ...  I was so wrong.   I found out the hard way that the tribes in Michigan, where we normally gamble, managed to get word to the ones down here (Wind Creek Casino in Atmore AL) that we are indeed fools so take every advantage of them that you can.  This relatively new casino was nice but not many were playing this afternoon.  Maybe spending on Black Friday items ... which was probably better anyway.  We only stayed about two hours and I lost what I had planned to but Sharon did win a little.  For the hours drive, for me was not worth the trip, but Sharon enjoyed it.

Leaving the casino I noticed a field of fluffy white puffs of something swaying in the breeze across the road.  A closer look was called for so I pulled off the road to take a closer look.  My first live cotton bushes/plants.  I'd seen pictures before but in all my travels had never seen them up close.  Up close they weren't quite so fluffy as I had expected but so very white and lots of them.  I cannot imagine ever picking these by hand but they did and I cannot think of a more back breaking job.  They're low to the ground requiring the picker to be bent over all day long.  A real pain.

 Moving on ...

So what to choose?  Will it be the Zydecco Penne (Crawfish Tails, Andouille Sausage,Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Cajun Vegetables, and Roasted Garlic in a cream sauce), or a Seafood Platter (Butterflied Shirmp, Deep Sea Scallops, Extra Select Oysters,Filet of Flounder, and Crab Cakes) or All you can eat shrimp,flounder,tilapia,clams, or chicken and maybe top it off with French bread baked in a sweet cinnamon vanilla raisin custard topped with a Whiskey sauce? 

We found Captain's Galley on County Road 10 west of Foley.  Not anywhere near the main drag but tucked away on on Bon Secur River sort of on the outskirts of town.  We pulled in lot and parked in front of their shrimp boat.  Not fancy by any means but more like a mom and pop operation in your home town.  The Auburn/Alabama game was in the final minutes and most of the patrons were glued to the several screens up around the dinning room as we  made our way to a seat.  We ordered a couple of beers and some onion rings and both decided after reviewing the large menu on the all-you-could-eat shrimp. Our rationale was that we skipped lunch so why not pile on dinner.

In short order our meal was served.  A very light batter covered about 16 shrimp.  How can I describe fresh?  Okay ... how about NOT like most of the shrimp you get up north. Delicately flavored with a batter that was just barely there.  Right out of the frier to our plates in seconds.  Figuring that Sharon couldn't eat all of hers I held off wolfing all mine down; avoiding any redicule later on if I had ordered more.  Whoops ... fooled again.  She put her batch down like a baby Robin with a beak full of worms. So the waitress winked and I winked back and before long another hot batch appeared.  Slathered up will a little cocktail sauce they too soon disappeared but there was absolutely no room for the whiskey drizzled French Bread pudding.  Pretty fine dining for less than $30 and jeans and sweat pants are appropriate.

So Captain's Gallery is officially the first resturant, at least on this trip, that we can finally recommend to others. We're sure there will be more.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

A day of Thanksgiving

Sharon and I have many things in this life to be thankful for.  But our greatest assets are our wonderful family and our fantastic friends, both old and new.  Without them we would have little.  So on this Thanksgiving day we thank all of you  for your love, friendship, and support as we continue to live our dream.

Phil and Sharon