Rain, Friends and Natchez

I'll begin with Saturday, April 29th. The day started off cloudy and damp with the threat of rain in the air. The weather man had predicted rain for all day and it was just a matter of time before it began!

Early in the morning I happened to look out at the river and saw the River Barge Excursion coming up river, but unfortunately couldn't get to my camera and outside to get a good picture. Since the rain hadn't started yet, at least not a hard rain, we later drove to the Vidalia Riverside park where I took a couple of pictures of the "Barge". I haven't sailed on it, but have heard it's quite nice.



You can see by the pictures, especially the one looking across the river how cloudy it was!

Later that same morning, our neighbors left and I decided to walk to the office to see if our friends, Mickey and Patti could park in that spot when they arrived. I was about half way to the office and here they came, over the levee. What a surprise as I didn't expect them until early afternoon. It was so good seeing them again, especially Frosty - LOL!! He nearly clawed through the window of their truck trying to get to his "Aunt Janice". Patti said that they decided to leave Kinder early to try to beat the bad weather or at least stay ahead of it. Lucky for them, they managed to get set up before the rain began. After they finished, they came over for "chili" lunch.

Saturday afternoon was a total washout. It rained and rained then rained some more. At times I couldn't see the river as the rain was so heavy. We didn't have much lightning or thunder, but we certainly had some strong wind gusts. I never heard what they were but I'd guess about 40 mph.

Saturday evening, after the stormed passed, we went to the Ivey's for a friendly game of Rummy Cube. It was nice being able to spend the evening with them again and even though I won the game, we all had a good time. (I just had to mention my winning - LOL).

Sunday morning dawned a beautiful day, with no wind, bright sunshine, cool temps and a clear blue sky. We decided it was a Shoney's breakfast buffet day, so off we went. Please, those of you who know Mickey, remember this.

Sunday afternoon we drove to Longwood, one of the antebellum homes in Natchez. Longwood is unique in that it was never finished. The basement is the only inside area of the home that was ever completed. The reason for this is the Civil War. The carpenters that were working on the home were from the north and when the war started, they went back home to bare arms. If it had been completed, it certainly would have been one of America's showplaces. If you are ever in the Natchez, MS area this is one home that you should take the time to go see and hear the story about Haller Nutt and his wife Julia, the owners.

Here is a view from the front veranda.

Longwood, the largest octagonal house in America.

Two guys on tour. Don't they look like their having fun??

A wild magnolia and wild roses at Longwood.

After touring Longwood we made a stop at Walmart for some supplies. On our way back to the campground we stopped at the local Dairy Queen for some afternoon delight, our version anyway. This is where those of you who know Mickey need to remember that we had Shoney's breakfast buffet this same morning! Two meals out in one day - a record for Mickey!! We waited the rest of the day for something to happen, but it ended up a relaxing quiet afternoon and evening. Mickey says no more eating out for ??? We will humor him for a day or so!