Baldwin County - Again!

We left the recovering Mississippi Gulf Coast yesterday heading to Baldwin County, AL. A stop at the Freightliner Service Center in Mobile got the bus some new oil and her parts lubed. Everything is fine, we were told. Now all that is left is the genny - it needs serviced as well.


Dean decided he wanted to come back to Coastal Haven RV Park in Fairhope instead of going to Rainbow Plantation to park. I would have preferred Rainbow, but sometimes he gets his way! He likes it here because of the nice concrete, level sites. We actually got the same site that we had in November so it was like coming home, in a small way.

NOW, for those of you who have poked fun about the Blow Fly Inn in Gulfport, MS (and you know who you are - LOL), it just happens to be one of the best eating places in Gulfport and even though tourists do occasionally wander there, it is very popular with the locals. True to their name, every plate served, from salads, soups, sandwiches to full meals, comes with a Blow Fly - plastic of course. You can read more about the tradition etc. at their web site http://www.blowflyinn.com/

This little fella was served with my delicious crab cakes!

All I can say is that if you haven't enjoyed a meal at the Blow Fly Inn, you don't know what your missing! Oh yes, one more thing, they were featured on Food Network - Diners, Dives & Drive-In's.

Till next time, be safe and enjoy life where ever you are.....

Around Biloxi, MS

We are staying at the Seabee Base in Gulfport, MS in their brand new Famcamp. It is very nice with paved sites, nice wide streets and grass between sites. Full hookups including extended cable TV and free wifi. The wifi could use some improvement though. Not the best signal.

Friday we visited with Dean's youngest daughter Krystal and her husband Ed. It was a nice visit as always and a time for catching up with each other's lives. It seems like Ed had a son from 20+ years ago that he had never meant and they found each other on Facebook. Plans are now being made for them to meet the end of next month. Without going into detail, Ed knew about his son, but was never able to have a relationship, until now. I'm so happy for him. We went out to eat and decided on Catfish Charlie's, one of my favorite places here on the coast. But I have so many "favorite" places it was hard to choose! Dean and I have been hungry for good catfish and were not disappointed, we had our fill.

Yesterday was a relaxing day. Dean wasn't feeling great so I took off to take pictures of the dead tree sculptures in Biloxi. I've posted pictures of them and more at Picasa, go check them out. You can go to http://biloxi.ms.us/Katrina_and_Biloxi/treesculptures.htm for more pictures and information. I also took a few pictures of a new museum being built and some of the remaining destruction. There is so much left to do in Biloxi/Gulfport to bring it back to "normal" but everywhere you look there is construction going on. The only thing that I don't like is the trend of replacing single family homes along with beach front with condo's. I'm afraid that Biloxi will end up looking like another Ft. Walton, Gulf Shores etc. It's so very sad to know that the old homes facing the gulf will never be there again. I tried to get a picture of Jeff Davis home but there was a large construction sign in front, but I did notice that it is now open for tours again and the main house has been repaired.



In Biloxi there was a high rise retirement building that was evacuated during Katrina and it now stands as it was when Katrina came through. Missing windows with curtains hanging out. I'm not sure what they are going to do with the building, but it sure is a eyesore and a reminder of what happened.

I followed my picture taking drive with a stop at my favorite casino, Boomtown. Didn't do to bad and had a couple of hours of entertainment.

Today Dean and I are going to church where we went years ago when the kids were small - Handsboro Baptist Church. We haven't been in that church for many years as there was a very bad conflict between the former pastor and half of the congregation and before it got really ugly we left and went to another church. I am wondering if there is anyone that we knew still going there - we'll see.

Our friends, Jim and Emily, are coming over this afternoon and I'm sure we will go out to eat. Blow Fly Inn maybe? That's another one of my favorites!

Tuesday we will move to Rainbow Plantation after a stop in Mobile to get the oil changed and chassis lubed. Will come back when there is more to report so till then .......

Last Day In Louisiana

Today ends a four day stay here in Mandeville, LA at the state park. It has been an enjoyable time with a chance to catch up with family we haven't seen in quite awhile.

Yesterday my aunt and I spent the afternoon going over a stack of very old family papers. Some of them dates back to the 1800's and we discovered that my great-grandmother's father (or was it her brother, OK, so the mind is slipping), fought in the Civil War. We even have the regiment he was assigned to. We found a deed to a cemetary plot in Philadelphia, PA and believe it or not, the company is still in business. I called and subsequently email them for information on who is buried there. My aunt had been working on the family tree and our fun yesterday has inspired her to get back to it! We have been told that our ancestor came over on the Mayflower - a Hopkins and that Stephen Hopkins who signed the Declaration Of Independence (he's the one with the hat) is a grandfather a few times removed. This new information will hopefully help my aunt tie the gaps that link us to them.

Today we got to meet our newest great-granddaughter, McKenzie. Oh what a sweetie she is. She is 7 months old and so active and happy. Her mother, Amber is such a good mother to her and her sister Macey who is four and a half, as she says. Ambers's husband Derek had to work so we will have to wait till the next time to see him again. We had a nice visit and caught up with each others lives and family.

Tomorrow we are off to our old home ground, Gulfport, MS. I still don't like going there because of the Katrina damage. I would really rather remember it like it was, but at the same time I look forward to seeing the changes and growth taking place. We will also be visiting with Krystal, Dean's youngest daughter and her husband Ed. Her mother and step-dad live with them so will visit with them as well. Yes, we all do get along.

Till next time - safe travels and enjoy the pictures I posted today.

Fountainbleu State Park, LA

Yesterday we moved from New Iberia, LA to Port Allen to visit with our son Terry (Dean's oldest son) and his wife Teresa. I had called the only campground in the area and they had no site big enough for us, so we did our first night of boondocking at a Wal-Mart.

The visit with T & T went fine. We enjoyed a lunch on Mexican fare then went to their home and sat on the front porch for hours just talking. It's been a long while since we had been with them and there was much catching up to do. Terry drove us back home around 8pm. It was a very enjoyable visit and I hope it's not so long till the next one. Again, I forgot my camera, so no new pictures : (

Our night at Wal-Mart was fine. This lot was big and level and they had us park by a fence so we were able to put our bedroom slide and one living room slide out without being in any one's way. By 10 pm we had two Wal-Mart trucks join us.

This morning we headed east on I-10 (making it through Baton Rouge without any problems) and arrived at the state park around 11 am. After setting up we went to the Country Kitchen in Mandeville for lunch. Dean had one of his favorites, Red Beans and Rice and I had a Cheeseburger Po-Boy. My one mistake was not ordering a half! My eyes popped out of my head when the waitress sat my Po-Boy in front of me. I wasn't sure that I could eat it, I felt like I was at one of those restaurants where if you can eat the whole thing it's free. Well, it wasn't quite that bad but it was BIG! I wish I would have had my camera with me so I could share it with ya'll. Anyway, yep, I finished almost all of it. The waitress was to funny, she kept walking by and saying "you'll make it", "it's our best seller", and the best was "did you want fries with that". Oh, my tummy is now very full.

While parked here we will be visiting my Aunt, some cousins and our granddaughter and her two little girls. I will remember my camera!

Next Friday we move to the Mississippi coast for a few days so come on back and see what's new.

Back In New Iberia, LA

We spent Wednesday and Thursday night at one of my favorite campgrounds, Red Shoes at the Coushatta Grand Casino in Kinder, LA. This campground has full hook-ups with wifi and cable TV on paved streets w/paved sites and grassy areas. All that for only $13.00 a night with the Escapee discount! Of course we had to visit the casino so I guess that made up the difference in price between this campground and others that cost more. The difference though is I look at the little bit of money I spend in the casino as entertainment. This time the entertainment didn't last long as the slot machines were the stingiest I've sat at in a long time. And then there is the buffet - very good! The only problem this stop was it was spring break time in LA and the park was loaded with kids! It wouldn't have been a problem except the parents just let them run wild, not only on foot, but on four wheel drives and golf carts! I'm talking about 8 - 10 year olds driving this things in the campground among moving RV's and the casino shuttle. Talk about really dumb, stupid parents!!! Of course if anything happened it would be the casino's fault. Unfortunately we live in a time were more and more people do not want to accept responsibility or I'm just getting older and it's always been this way, but I think not. OK, off the soapbox. Our stay was nice.

We moved to New Iberia, LA to the KOC Campground yesterday. We come here at least once a year to visit our son (Dean's youngest) Tim and his wife Cheryl. Our visits are always enjoyable and Cheryl and I try to fit in a evening at the local bingo hall. Of course I never win but I do enjoy spending time with her.

Tomorrow we are going to Port Allen, LA and will overnight at the local Wal-Mart (our first stay at a Wallyworld). Our reason for stopping there is to visit with another son, Terry and his wife Teresa (Dean's oldest son). Our relationship with them has been a little on edge recently and I'm hoping to rectify this and get it back on track. I really miss the relationship that we had. Pray for us about this please.

On Monday we will move to Fountainbleu State Park near Slidell, LA to visit with more family. Will be there for four nights. I will come back and update the blog with news on our visits with family and any interesting sights we may see while we are there.

So for now, have a great weekend!!!

Athens, TX

We left Beaver Bend in the rain on Monday morning on our way to Athens, TX with a detour to McKinney, TX to MCD Innovations to have one of our blinds fixed. The roads we traveled were great and we made good time.

MCD was expecting us and had a "Welcome Schultz's" in the lobby. They sure know how to make you feel good! We unhitched the Jeep and went for lunch while they worked on the blind. When we returned they were done and bid us safe travels. Off we headed to Twin Lakes RV Park in Athens.

We arrived at the park, got our site and set up around 5 pm. I called my best friend from my high school days and she came out and picked us up to go get a bite to eat.

Today she came back and we went to lunch, then she drove Dean to get a haircut. We made a run to Gun Barrel, TX to Lowe's and ended up at her house. I've been anxious to see her new house here since it is on a lake and I'd heard about it. Well, it was so nice. Especially the back porch that overlooks the lake. If we could only find a spot like that to park the motorhome!

We had a very nice visit this afternoon. Dean went in to take a nap and Nat and I sat on the porch talking, catching up etc. It was really great to spend time with her. I hope the next time we visit her husband John will be there. He is still working in Illinois but is planning to retire in January. If I had that house waiting for me, I don't know if I could wait.

Nat drove us back home this evening after stopping at Braum's for a sundae - oh my, the pounds I gained off of that - it will take hours on the Wii Fit!!! I hated saying goodbye, but I believe that we will be back to visit her again.

Tomorrow we are headed to Kinder, LA to the Coushatta Casino RV park. It's one of our favorite places to stop when in the area. We will spend two nights there before heading to New Iberia, LA.

I will be posting pictures from our stop in Athens soon.

Easter Sunday @ Beaver Bend

Easter morning came with dreary skies loaded with rain. We had hoped for at least a semi-clear day but it wasn't meant to be. The gang had planned a Easter dinner of ham and all the trimmings and the question of the day was where we were going to eat. Dean and I offered our motorhome as we had already figured that we could sit everyone somewhat comfortably.

That is what we ended up doing as the rain continued off and on all day and it also got very cool - well to Dean and I it was cold! Anyway, all 10 of us had Easter dinner in the motorhome and it all worked out very well. We had a great time hosting and would do it again anytime.

The picture below was taken by JoElla. I took a couple of pictures but they didn't turn out very well. This one is good and we were all "thumbs up" for the good food!

Dean and I bid our farewells at the campfire in the evening and are looking forward to seeing everyone down the road someplace.

Many memories will remain with us of our time at Beaver Bend State Park with our friends....

More Beaver Bend

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are fine - the tornado's passed to the north as did all the bad weather. We had a little rain on and off all day yesterday but that was all.

I've posted more Beaver Bend pictures for your enjoyment. Going to do laundry so this post will be short!

Till next time.....

Another Day At Beaver Bend

It was another beautiful day here at Beaver Bend after a rather cold night. We really didn't do much today other than sit around the campfire, check emails, watch TV and eat. We had a community meal this afternoon of delicious fried fish that Gary and Wes had caught in Texas. Several side dishes rounded out a very good meal. For sure, no one went away hungry!

Jim and Jo Ella entertained us this afternoon with music - both of them play guitar and sing. Gary got back from fishing in time to sing a couple of songs also.

This evening we just sat around the campfire talking, watching several species of birds come down and take the peanuts we had put out for them and enjoying the fire. We did roast some hot dogs and marshmallows but of course we didn't eat them together - LOL! There is nothing better than a hot dog cooked over a open fire, that's for sure.

I have added more pictures at Picasa so go take a look. See ya later, getting ready to retire for the evening. This retired life is sooo tiring - hahaha.

A Cold But Beautiful Day

Yesterday was a beautiful day with clear blue skies but the temperatures stayed in the 50's with a cool northerly wind all day long.

We took a drive to Broken Bow to pick up a few supplies. Their Wal-Mart is a old one, not a supercenter but had just about everything we wanted. We then had lunch at a mom & pop restaurant in town. The meal was good but the dessert was delicious. I had homemade coconut cream pie and Dean had the lemon. Yumm, it was sooo good.

I took a walk around the campground in the afternoon and got some pictures of our campsite and some of the rest of the gang. I was talking to Jo Ella and looked out her window and saw deer heading our direction so went out to get pictures. These deer are small in stature and not at all shy. I was surprised just how close I could get to them. They started walking toward our motorhome so I followed. I got Dean to come out to see them and they came within about 20 feet of us. They are so cute!

Later in the evening I gave Jo Ella and Jan a demo on the Wii. Then they bowled a game. Now Jo Ella wants a Wii - no surprise! Then Gary came over to check out the fishing game (he's quite the fisherman) and also checked out the golfing. I think he's sold as well.

Wes got a bonfire going and we sat around it for a little while roasting hot dogs and marshmallow's. Another day of good times with friends! Ahh, gotta love this retired lifestyle.

Oh yea, I've posted some pictures at picasa. Now go check them out! ;-)

Beaver Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK

First Report: No cell phone service, but I do have Internet and TV - hooray!

Yesterday morning we left De Queen for a relatively short drive (about 55 miles) to Beaver Bend. The drive here was uneventful, good roads and quick. We were following Wes and Jan who know where they were going. After getting to the campground I was really glad to have someone lead us in. This park is really pretty. Deep in the woods along a stream with lots of wild life. I haven't taken any pictures yet but will be doing so today. Anyway, Gary and Jo Ella where here already and directed us to the sites that they were holding for us. The afternoon was spent getting dishes for internet and TV up and running. Early evening Wes built a campfire and we all sat around until one by one we drifted off due to being cold.

One surprise was a phone call I received from Terry and Dale while enroute here. They were going to join us for the night. We gave them the general directions, as much as I knew at the time and then drove to the spillway and met them to lead them to the campground. It was great to see them and sad that they could only spend the night. I got up this morning to see them driving off. Didn't even get to say so long, but I think we will probably see them this summer somewhere in Indiana or Michigan, at least I hope so. Be safe Terry & Dale! Hugs.

So there it is, the first report. I'll be back later with a update and some picture - this promises to be a fun week.

The Good and The Bad - COE's

We left Montgomery, AL on April 1st and drove to Clinton, MS without any problems. Stayed a a campground overnight that was just OK. The sites were not real level and they were very close together. It was like a parking lot with hook-ups. In case your wondering, the name is Springridge RV Park. For overnight it was OK as it was just off the interstate but wouldn't want to stay there any longer.

Thursday morning we got on the road around 8:30 in the morning hoping to get far enough west on I-20 to avoid a cold front that was heading east and would meet up with a warm from somewhere around the LA/MS state line. We found the cold front around Monroe, LA with a lot of rain but no hail thankfully. Driving wasn't to bad as the rain was not the blinding kind. Then around Shreveport, LA the wind came. Later we heard that the gusts where 50 - 60 mph! We kept wind with us almost all the way to Lake O' The Pines, TX where we stayed at a beautiful COE park overnight.

We had a reason for going to this COE park. Our friends, Wes and Jan where there and we thought we would surprise them and we did! It was really great getting back in touch with some of our rv'ing friends. They look great!

Friday we followed them to where we were supposed to meet, De Queen, AR COE park on the lake. What a difference between parks. We were directed to two spots which ended up being "pull-throughs" that are just an extension of the road. In other words, asphalt parking. We do have a view of the lake looking down the hill which is pretty. The biggest problem we have with this park is the extremely high voltage. Dean got a reading of around 133 amps which could be trouble to electronics etc in the motorhome. Jan and I went and looked at two other sites on the other side of the lake, but for some reason that I'm not really sure of, we stayed on the asphalt. Maybe it was because no one could make up their mind - LOL! I'm sure the amps would have been just as high over there as Dean did check a couple other sites near us and they were the same.

Dean spent a good bit of the afternoon trying to get me on the internet. He wasn't having much luck because of the trees. We finally took a break from trying and had dinner with Jan & Wes. She invited us over for hamburgers and I made some mac-n-cheese, plus we had sliced tomatoes and other veggies to munch on. A really good meal which we ate outside and enjoyed the view and did some more catching up. After, Dean got back to attempting to get me on the internet. After moving the dish three times he finally hit paydirt!!! As you can see : )

We are staying here tonight then we will move over to Beaver Bend, OK. I'm told the trees are thicker there so the chances of getting internet will be slim. We are meeting up with several couples from the '05 Graduating Class and they are planning on two weeks. I don't think that we will stay two weeks - I'd be bonkers without internet for that long! Probably a week then we will move on. There are a couple of 1000 Trail Parks I'd like to check out in TX. and then we will head toward LA and family visits.

Pictures are now available for viewing at: http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos2009

P.S. We drove into De Queen this afternoon with Wes and Jan for lunch and some shopping. Had a delicious Mexican meal and shopped for glass rocks and then Wal Mart. While at Wal Mart, two women decided that they wanted the same parking spot and their vehicles where nose to nose and neither one would budge. The manager came out and finally the police arrived. One finally did move but there where a lot of loud words exchanged afterword. What is this world coming to??? I also have a couple of pictures that I took of the exchange. Thank goodness it didn't get physical!

Till next time....