Cold morning, stayed in today....

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(all photos taken with my phone)

A cold night again, with a cold damp morning on it's heels, I opted to stay inside this morning and missed the fire crew. The day eventually warmed up to just needing a light coat or a heavy sweater but I felt better staying inside for most of the day with just a short walk around the campground this afternoon. Tomorrow the weather looks to be great and I'm hoping to get back outside walking again. It's been a long time since we've walked and I'm ready.

Breakfast was a quiet affair and the only decision we made was about dinner and that Riley would definitely have it. ~laugh~ I can say that is a decision we carried thru on too. Just so you know Riley didn't miss a meal. ~laugh~ 

Magic the camp cat.....

Spent the morning doing some more research for campgrounds in Canada that we will require a number of times this coming spring and fall. I've located one for our appointments in Southern Ontario and I think one in the Ottawa region for a later date in September. I'll keep doing a bit more research in that area to see what will suit us best. 

Mac came by this afternoon to check on us since we hadn't been seen outside all day, nice of him to do so. I find with the damp, cold weather it's just better to stay inside until it passes, it's a lot less bothersome that way. Like I said, we managed a short walk this afternoon in the warmer sun. 

The pool looks inviting but not heated...

I read a bit today and am enjoying being immersed once again in the world created by Robert Ludlum, he's a fantastic writer and draws the reader into his world with an ease and skill that is flawless. I've always enjoyed his books but not the works that have been co-written or that use his name such as Robert Ludlum's Bourne series by.....some other writer. I think these are story lines he had fleshed out a bit before he passed away and some one else has used his ideas to write a book. They aren't nearly as good. 

Jerry and Carol pulled out today about 2 pm heading for their home state of Michigan. Jerry was originally a Canadian but is a US citizen since he was in his early years, mid twenties I think he said. He was a radio personality in his time and has one of those voices that you always hear in commercials. 

Ron & Sharon's empty spots...now filled with a Roadtrek van.

The park was looking pretty empty with about 8 or 9 spots open but 3 more folks pulled in to help fill the emptiness. One a returning couple that has been referred to as the 'drunk bump' people, and two we've never seen before. 

Again no night time fire as no one seems to be interested any longer. I think it's because there are so few of us here that know each other. 

 

Jerry & Carol's empty spot with the 'drunk bump' coach off to the far right of the pic.

 

On our walk we happened to see Magic the local cat in all her black glory. She was coming from the cabin and stopped long enough for us to scratch behind her ears for a quick second before we left. I think she misses Ron & Sharon a great deal. 

During our walk we happened to go past the maintenance shop to check out the pool area as the temps are heating up maybe Riley will take a dip before we go. We happened upon Swilly once more working his magic with wood, refinishing a china cabinet for the owner's wife. A fantastic job he's doing, he's truly a wizard with wood. An extremely friendly fella to boot!!!

Riley's dinner...looks pretty good doesn't it?

Dinner tonight was inside, having decided to stay out of the cold night air tonight. Chicken breast with friend Roger's BBQ sauce, steamed veggies with orange zest and Long Grain brown rice. Miss Riley said it was very good so we will just have to believe her!! I enjoyed the veggies which was all I felt like eating. 

Clean up and then off to our own interests. So as you can see not a big day but a day all the same. Tomorrow the temps will be better and I'm going to get out and enjoy them!!!! Thanks for stopping by, until next time..be safe, take care...

Cold, blue skies, saying goodbye to friends....

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(all pics taken with my phone)

A cold night brought on a cold morning with temps in the low 40's over night, which for us folks from Canada would translate to being just about 4 degrees C. In other words brrrrrrrrrr, bring the heavy coat and mittens!!!!! About noon the temps were a bit warmer with the heat wave coming in at about 52F/11C, but the wind makes it much colder. We didn't get out of the 50's today but we're holding out hope for tomorrow. ~laugh~

The East Pond here at the park, clear blue skies but cold.

The fire pit crew was Mac, Ron and Jerry at 6:30 a.m. when I wandered up. The wind from the east was cold, we couldn't huddle any closer to the fire or we'd catch fire. ~laugh~ A sad day as our good friends Ron & Sharon pulled out this morning about 8 a.m. for the long drive back to Kansas. Miss Sharon had no complaints about being parked close to the fire but Ron whined about the smoke and the noise. We think he may have lodged a complaint with management. ~laugh~ We wish them a safe journey home and hope to see them again in the fall!!!! The send off committee was pretty big, Riley and I, Mac, Jerry, Carol, Swilly, Robert, and Pete all showed up to send them on their way.

We headed home as their big wheels reached the hardtop. Breakfast was a quick event and after that I defrosted the fridge and freezer as it's been a while since I've done that. Took about an hour from start to finish and can you believe everything fit back in better than before? ~laugh~

Definitely John Deere country, see that green and yellow bird house?

We sorted the laundry and debated about doing it today or tomorrow however today won out as it's too cold to do much else except sit inside looking out. ~laugh~ Loading up the Dogsled we headed off to the coin laundry on Railroad Street! The place was just about empty but the dryers were almost all busy as they also do laundry service there and it seemed they had a lot of 'service' to wash, dry and fold. ~laugh~ We managed to finish shortly after noon and had everything buckled into the Dogsled with the tires spinning in the homeward direction. The Igloo, that place where we hang our hats and call home was waiting for us as patiently as ever when we got there just about 1 pm. We managed to have everything put away and have lunch on the go by 1:30 pm.

The blue skies, bursting shades of green, and the yellow ball in the sky all beckon us to come outside and enjoy but I'm telling you folks, I have the heater running in the Igloo. It's dang well cold. ~laugh~ Friend Swilly says it should warm up by Friday and I hope he's right or I might lodge a complaint with management. ~laugh~

Inside the log cabin here at Magic River

The rest of the afternoon was spent with a good book by James Patterson called 3rd Degree. My next reading adventure will be with Robert Ludlum, one of my all time favourite authors, I'm going to read The Bourne Ultimatum, also a good read. It's been years since I've read it and I know I will enjoy it again.

Keeping an eye on the fire pit I can report that NO ONE ventured up to the place all afternoon or evening. Due to cold or just lack of interest I'm not sure but it's a dark place up there tonight. Ron usually built the evening fire and since he left this morning no one was around to do the honours. I did see Mac and Jerry wandering around looking lost and forlorn. ~laugh~ They had their head inside the engine compartment on Jerry's rig but seemed to spend most of their time just aimless walking. They might miss their buddy, it's hard to know.

The fire pit here at Magic River

Dinner tonight for me was the last of the homemade chicken soup and Riley made herself some turkey tacos which smelled good and according to the cook, they also tasted good. I'll have to take her word for it though, which means you'll have to take my word for it. Or not. ~laugh~

We had a game of Yahtzee this afternoon and I won, I won, I won....~laugh~ by 14 points but I won. Riley thinks I cheated!

The Igloo here at the park.

I chatted with my sister Jan today for a while. She says it very cold up there with some snow but spring is just around the corner. We are mid way thru March and we all know that means April will bring rain to melt the snow, encourage the world to start greening up again. So you see, Spring is coming. Robins are heading north, one was spotted in South Western Ontario just this past week, a sure sign of spring!!

A clean up inside and a we were off to our own ends of the Igloo. So ends another day here at Magic River Park. Thanks for stopping by, please feel free to leave a comment. Until next time...be safe, take care...

Goodbyes, Dinner Out.......

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

A cold dreary night followed by a cold dreary dreary day for Sunday and now again today it's more of the same. The next few days are much cooler than we'd like but hopefully we are finished with the rain. However time will tell, won't it? 

No blog last night as there was nothing to say except some whining, so the less said, the better. I'm sure you agree. 

This morning up at the fire the usual suspects showed up and chatted for a bit. A sad day today as Buzz and Lisa left our little neighbourhood. They are heading home to Columbus, Ohio which will take them 4 days to reach. Hugs and well wishes, they were on the road around 9 am. We wish them a safe journey. 

Today was house cleaning day and we completely took Riley's room apart. She's been complaining about a musty odor and I think we've finally found it. I believe the trundle bed is causing the problem. The trundle bed is a small single, while Riley's is a larger twin. The trundle has a front face plate that reaches from the floor to the underside of Riley's bed and is full length of the opening, thus not allowing any air to circulate under Riley's bed and leaving a 'dead' space between the small single mattress and the wall. I removed the face plate, tucked it flat under the bed and we moved the mattress to the top bunk to see if that would allow the air to move better and get rid of the odor. We shall see if it works, so once again, time will tell. If not, I'll have to keep looking.

No one went for beans and rice today, we think it's because Buzz and Lisa weren't here so the whole thing fell apart or may be we're all just old and forgot. ~laugh~ We did however use some of Buzz's coupons to go to dinner this evening at Sicily's Italian Buffet on Hwy 49 in Gulfport. 

 

Ron and Sharon stopped by to see if we needed anything from Walmart but we declined as tomorrow we need to do a shop there and since they just have small little vehicle I didn't think they'd appreciate having no room to bring home what they were going for. ~laugh~ 

 

I  had a nap again today, and according to Miss Riley so did she. Seems like it was just one of those days when we needed to recharge more than we had thru the night hours. 

 

Up to the fire around 3:30 pm this afternoon chatting with a few folks, Ron, Mac, Riley Jerry, Pete, and Pat it was there we decided to head to Sicily's for dinner. Ron & Sharon came with us, and we met Jerry and Carol at the restaurant. Riley and I had never  been but we enjoyed it a great deal. Many, many choices of pizza, along with a nice salad bar, regular fare such as mashed potatoes, veggies, gravy, chicken, lasagna, etc, then there were the desserts of puddings/custards, pizza, ice cream, brownies and such. I can honestly say I enjoyed the experience and will go again without hesitation. Riley seemed to enjoy it as well. I tried apple pie pizza and rocky road pizza. A first for me but I will have the apple pie pizza again for certain. Coupons were used and new ones given, they have no expiry date so we'll use them next time we are around. Dinner was $14.00 for the two of us!!

 

Light rain on the way home making it hard to tell about daylight saving time as the evening was so grey anyway. I'm sure the daylight hours were longer but ....

 

I started trying to call Dad last night around 7 pm but it was busy until at least 9 pm, then again this morning it was busy. I called Rick this morning to check on the phone at dad's house but just left a message. Tried Dad's again about an hour later, left a message there as was no answered. Finally reached Dad to chat around 6 pm our time tonight, he said they were out but hadn't known about the phone, so maybe Rick fixed it while they were out today. Things are cold up there but everyone seems to be doing well. Talked to Barb last night, she was telling me about Jason & Leah's wedding plans, and the stag & doe coming in May. Nice to chat with her again, it's been a long time. I should call more often but for some reason I just don't seem to. Also called my sister tonight, she's struggling with her depression again, meds are being changed too, so that makes things difficult as does the time of year. I should call her more often too but well, it just doesn't seem like I think of it before it's too late in the evening there to call. Sis and I have made some tentative plans to do some shopping when we get to the island. 

Up at the fire again this evening but the rain came so we moved into the cabin for a bit. Always enjoy chatting with my buddy Ron, he's a character. ~laugh~ I'll just leave it at that!!!

 I have a few business things to handle in the next week in preparation for heading home to Canada in a few weeks. I  need to contact a broker and get the paperwork to them with regards to the truck and getting it across the border. I'm not looking forward to that day, I think it'll be a long one. I've decided to cross the border in Buffalo as we will be staying about an hour from there when we get back to Ontario. I've been looking at a number of options for our upcoming time in Southern Ontario for appointments. I think Fifty Point Conservation area will be our home location while in the area. That will allow us to be close enough to the city to handle all of our appointments with ease. It will also allow us a short trip from the border to our home base should we get tied up at the border crossing for any length of time. 

 

So as you can see we are managing to put get our days in down here in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. We've not walked for 3 days but we'll be fixing that in the near future I'm sure. This will be a week of goodbyes for us as many folks are pulling out. Sad to see them go but we'll see them again in the future!!

 

On that note, I'm calling it a day. Thanks for stopping by, sorry no pics today either. Tomorrow I'll work on that. ~laugh~ Until next time...be safe, take care...

Not feeling so good....

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(pics today from our visit to Beauvoir House a couple of days ago)

Last night was warm again and today while warm had a cool factor to it.

No post yesterday and a short one today as the last couple of days have seen a flare in my arthritis and typing is not much fun. I think a combination of the damp weather and the humid temps have brought about this flare. Normally it's not too humid here at this time of the year but we seem to be ahead a couple of weeks in the timing of things here. 

Rose Garden at Beauvoir House.

We've kind of coasted thru the last couple of days and probably tomorrow as well. We have been out and about yesterday but not doing much of anything, a 10 minute walk due to rain and pain yesterday and today's walk was about the same length as the cool wind and pain once again was a deciding factor.

Pocket doors/room dividers from the front parlour into the back parlour.

No fire pit yesterday at all and only for a short time this morning. Ron came by to check on me yesterday wondering if I was mad at them. ~laugh~ He must have informed the folks at the fire pit of my issues as they all seemed aware of my issues this morning. Considering how long I've been dealing with arthritis I've been fortunate to have as few problems as I've had. 

Grave of Samuel Davis, Jefferson's father in the Confederate Cemetery behind Beauvoir House.

Today we spent the day inside venturing out for our aborted walk, and my short time at the fire pit but otherwise we stayed in keeping warm and watching movies. Two good ones today, the original Magnificent Seven with Yul Breener, Steve MacQueen, Eli Wallach, and James Coburn along with a few others. I preferred the TV series myself but it was still good to watch. After that we watched Jason Statham in Safe, which was a lot of blood, guts and gore but a good story all the same. From there we just kind of did our own thing, I had a nap and I have no idea what Riley did. ~laugh~

This coming week will be a week of goodbyes here at the park with Buzz & Lisa leaving on Monday, Ron & Sharon leaving on Wednesday, Jerry & Carol leaving on Wednesday, Linda leaving on Thursday. Buzz and Lisa stayed a week later than usual which I think they've enjoyed a great deal. Maybe it will be a trend for them. ~laugh~ 

Old time microwaves - food warmers.

The park is pretty full. The guy across the way has two units here, side by side and I heard him saying he's going to put a new roof on one of them so I think it will be noisy. We've paid up to the 20th and I'm not sure what we're going to do from that point on. Time will tell I guess. 

My good buddy Ron came to check on me this afternoon while I napped, and came again while Riley was having her dinner. I'm so fortunate to have such a good friend!! We both ventured up to the fire about an hour tonight, the heat from the fire was nice. I'm going to be sad to see Ron & Sharon leave, such wonderful people they are!! Wish we could have spent more time with them but that's the way it goes.

Hand made quilt by Mrs. Davis

Daylight savings time tonight, hope Poppa remembers to turn his clocks or I'll be calling him late into the night. Would hate to call him too late. ~laugh~

On that note I've typed enough. Thanks for stopping by, have a great evening. 

Busy Monday....

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(all pics taken with my phone)

A much warmer night last night than it has been for a while. This morning was warmer as well and the day followed that lead!! We had no wind this morning, but it picked it up continuously throughout the day and died down a bit during the evening but still hasn't died out yet. A few rain drops tonight sent us all scurrying away from the fire and homeward bound but it stopped before it started. If ya know what I mean...

Rusty Pelican Parking Lot

Usual suspects up around the fire at about 6:15 a.m. and the new guy Jerry showed up as well. He's not new, he's been here many times before and I remember him from before. Mac, Buzz, Ron, Pete, Charles, Linda, Lisa, Jeannie, Jerry, Paige, and myself  were the morning crowd today. Mac baked cornbread and Jerry brought Zucchini Bread for the morning goodies today. 

 

Rusty Pelican Signage at the roadway.

 

Home around 8:15 a.m. and since it's Monday you know it's cleaning day. I try to keep things tidy thru the week and therefore it's not a major deal to actually clean the Igloo as I try to keep the drawers/closets/cupboards neat and often times clean up one or two a day during the week which basically leaves the vacuuming, dusting, washing floors, cleaning bathrooms to Mondays. Of course this morning we had dishes to handle as well and once again tonight I'm leaving the dinner dishes until tomorrow. Strange how I'm able to do that these past couple of nights. 

 

Colourful houses on US 90 West

 

After cleaning the Igloo we both had some breakfast and made plans for the day which included first thing...our walk. We climbed into the Dogsled and headed off to the Sports Complex for our daily couple of mile trek. We started at 10 a.m. and made 2 laps by 10:40 a.m. but Riley opted to call it a day. I took another 20 minutes and walked a third lap before calling it done. 

 

Back home we had about 15 minutes in which to do something before heading out to pick up our friends Ron & Sharon. We all headed to the Rusty Pelican for the Monday special, Red Beans and Rice. Not that everyone got Red Beans & Rice but that's the special today. Along with the four of us there was also Lisa, Buzz, Jerry, Carol, and Mac. I think only Buzz and I managed the special today. 

 

Angel Tree in Bay St Louis

 

On the way to the restaurant the Dogsled seemed to be shifting funny so I convinced Ron that he should drive on the way back home to get a feel for what it might be. He managed to get the thing to do the herky jerky a time or two but didn't think there was much to worry about. However calling the dealership was first on my list when I walked thru the door. The local dealership said this transmission is not the smoothest one and often times the drop from 2nd gear to 1st gear is not smooth. Said I could bring it in and they'd look at it but it's normal. Also told me the warranty is good to 100,000 miles and good for all of North America, so even if I decide to have it looked at I can do that back home in Canada. Good to know!!! 

 

 

Cold, dull and almost ominous 

 

Home after lunch, got my truck seat all back to 'right' for me after a guest driver had moved everything. ~laugh~ Riley and I headed off for a drive shortly after getting home since we needed milk and bagels anyway. US 90 West thru Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis left us with the impression of cold, murky waters that promised to be make a body shiver if they got too close. Taking US 90 East we returned to Walmart to do some groceries!! While we only needed two things we did manage to grab about a half dozen other things as well, our motto is always be prepared. No wait, that's the boy scout motto, our motto is always have lots of food on hand. ~laugh~ 

 

Bay St Louis bridge to Pass Christiam

 

Back home once again we unloaded the groceries and put things away. We had some time to read our books and I started prepping dinner about 4:30 pm. In fact I even BBQ'd dinner early  so we could go up to enjoy the fire with our friends and dinner would be ready to just warm up in the microwave later.  Dinner was Italian Potatoes, Orange Zest Veggies and JD Smoke House BBQ chicken breast. Riley enjoyed it, but I wasn't hungry when I got back from the fire, so mine is in the fridge, one of us will have it tomorrow. 

 

It's not a nice looking body of water.

As you've guessed we also wandered up to the evening fire tonight. Although on my way I stopped a few doors down and chatted with Donna & Malcolm, a very nice couple from Collingwood, Ontario. Leaving the fellow Canucks I made my way to the evening fire. A smaller crowd with just Ron, Charles, Jerry, Mac, Riley and myself for a while and then the deck shuffled with Charles, Mac and Jerry leaving but Lisa, Pat, Pete and Sharon coming to the party. Interesting conversations to be certain. Riley left before I did as she was hungry and came home for her dinner. Chatted with Ron as he noticed Riley has been chatting more the last few days then she did when we first arrived. Riley is becoming much more comfortable with most of the people here and enjoys being more independent and confident within this new lifestyle. I'm so very proud of her for making such enormous strides, it is my hope that she continues to hold such confidence and independence when we return to Canada. I suppose time will tell. 

 

Leaving the fire pit due to rain drops falling on my head I was certain the rain would pick up and we'd have a good downpour but alas by the time I got to the Igloo it was over. ~laugh~ A quick visit with Lisa to thank her for her assistance today and I was back home before 9 pm. Not hungry so I just readied myself for bed and writing this blog. I'm not sure I'll get it finished and posted tonight as I'm tired and having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I may just finish it in the morning. 

So there you have it, our Monday excitement. Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed your stay. Until next time...be safe, take care.....

Almost busy kind of day....

Our Location: Bluegrass Rv Park, Foley, Alabama

Pics taken with my phone

Overnight was very warm, should have kept the windows open but only had the vent open. It was very humid today as well, the fog this morning making the air seem very misty and damp. Warm today but overcast, not nice for sitting outside but nice enough to have the big door open until after dinner tonight. 

After breakfast we immediately loaded up the 'rental' with our dirty laundry, filling the entire rear hatch. It's either a very small hatch or we have a lot of laundry. I'll let you decide which it might be. ~laugh~ From that chore we headed out to S. Pecan Street dead end section to do our daily walk. It was misty and humid but we managed to get our two trips accomplished in just over an hour. 

Entry sign at the Naval Base in Pensacola Florida

It was 9:50 am when we finished up our walk and making a left hand turn onto Michigan Ave we headed about a half mile or so to the laundromat. Once we had our stuff all loaded into the washers I stopped to chat with Carol of Neil and Carol, friends of Ed & Sue, our neighbours. They are all leaving on Saturday to head to Texas to visit with Sue's brother and sister for a month. Neil & Carol, Ed & Sue are real life neighbours in their home state of Missouri, living literally next door to each other. 

It was noon before we finished the laundry and started to load it in the vehicle. A quick trip home to hang up and put away the clean laundry netted us a finish time of 12:30 pm. It was back into the car to head to the train museum as today was the day we were sure we'd manage to get there in time to see everything. Hm.....sign on the door....sorry but we're closed today from 12:30 to 1:30 pm for a meeting. ~laugh~ Can you believe that? Rick Ferroni, Murphy is still here. ~laugh~ 

Portico over the entry way to the Base

We left the Train Museum heading south to the Wally World as we needed a few groceries. We wandered around the store for a bit, picking up a few things, and then a few more, then a few more and before we knew it the cart was half full. Ever happen to you? ~laugh~ You know it does, you just don't want to admit it. 

Home to put away the groceries and settle in for the rest of the day. It was already 1:45 pm. Lunch was eaten inside today as the sun never did make an appearance. Reading, I finished my book and started a new one. Oh no, I've read this one, started another new one, oh no, deja vu, read this one too. ~laugh~ Time to head to the clubhouse to see if I can find some new ones to read, as Riley is using my Kobo. Trip to the dumpster to rid the Igloo of the chicken carcass Riley cleaned for lunch. You know she loves those rotisserie chickens from Walmart.  Stop at the clubhouse to trade some books, managed to sit down and chat with Miss Charlotte and Miss Charlotte for a bit, had a quick hello with Bill and Eileen as well. Yes, there are two Miss Charlotte's here.

Her Royal Highness stretched out after dinner

Left the clubhouse, came home and did a few emails that needed my attention.  I even got out the iron and some starch to make some shirts look like they should instead of all those curled up hems. A couple of pants legs as well needed some attention. After that I read some more, looked up and it was time to start prepping dinner. Within 10 minutes of finishing the prep work it was time to start cooking. An hour later, we're enjoying our meal. 

Tonight we had Santa Fe Rice, Basil-Thyme Veggies, Smokey Bourbon Chicken Breasts. I can tell you from personal knowledge it was excellent. No left overs, so you will have to take my word for it. ~laugh~ 

Dinner was yummy.....

Quick clean up inside and outside, trip to the dumpster, home to read a bit more, and finally head off in our own  direction. 

 

A belated Happy Birthday to my friend Roger. His birthday was yesterday but it slipped my mind until late last night. Roger is a southern gentleman and an extremely nice guy. Happy Birthday Roger!!!

A nice day, nothing major or exciting but still nice. Hope you enjoyed your day as much as we enjoyed our day.

Until next time..be safe, take care.....