Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Marksville, LA - Paragon Casino

Yep, I've been absent again. Good reason, my Verizon wifi didn't work in Marksville, LA and the campground wifi was very slow so didn't even attempt to post.

We arrived at the Paragon Casino in Marksville this past Thursday. It was iffy if we were going or not. Terry, Dean's oldest son was hospitalized on Monday with a mild heart attack. He's the same one that 5 by-passes two years ago. He was released on Wed. and his doctor gave his blessings on his trip to Marksville so plans were back on.

We drove Louisiana Highway one from Port Allen(area) to Marksville. It is a really pretty drive with part of it right along the Mississippi River. Another part of the highway was on the levee and across a dam. The road itself was pretty good two lane with the exception of a few rough spots. It's a drive I recommend.

I'll interject here that the RV park at the Paragon Casino is really nice. Full hook-ups with cable. The wifi you have to pay for but it's reasonable. ATT works in the are but Verizon is on roaming. Best of all it's a Passport America Park!

We had a really good time on Friday and Sat. with Terry & Teresa. I cooked dinner on Friday and we had the buffet in the Casino on Saturday. That night Terry, Dean and I went to hear T. Broussard Zydaco Band. It was really good cajan music, just a bit to loud for my liking.

Sunday we met Tim, Cheryl (who had arrived late Sat. night due to delays in airport departures) and Terry & Teresa for a late breakfast in the buffet. Had fun catching up. Of course there was some time spend in the casino where I certainly spent to many $$. Oh well, it was fun and I'm not looking back. Terry & Teresa left mid-Sunday afternoon. Cheryl and I went back to the casino and Tim and Dean went to the motorhome for some relaxation and chat.

We bid farewell to Tim & Cheryl on Monday morning and drove to Gulfport, MS for a week. We are now parked at the CB base in Gulfport. While here we are planning visiting with some old fiends and had planned on seeing Dean's daughter Krystal. Unfortunately, I don't think that is going to work out this time due to previous plans they had. Oh well, there is always another time.

We found a old favorite restaurant that had been wiped out by Katrina today. The Dinner Bell used to be in D'Iberville and has relocated to Woolmarket. I love their dressed and pressed ham po'boys and that is what I had. Dean had the fried pork chops and said they were delicious. Another place I recommend if your in the Biloxi area. Tomorrow is Blow Fly Inn - yummy!!!

I'm posting some picture on Picasa of both Marksville and the Dinner Bell. Go take a look but don't drool when you see the po'boy or at least sit back from your computer if you do :-) Till next time - Stay Safe!

Monday, April 19, 2010

TRVN Rally (Tiffin Owners)

A funny thing happened on the way to.....

A week ago today we were getting ready to depart from Coastal Haven RV Park in Fairhope, AL to make the long drive (30 miles) to Gulf Shores, AL for the TRVN Rally. Well, the motorhome had other ideas! Everything was going great until I started the jacks retracting. The right rear decided it wanted to stay put! Would not retract. Finally, after about a half hour of prying with boards it went up. When we drove off I pointed the front end toward Pensacola and Carpenters Campers. We've had some issues with that particular jack since we purchased this motorhome and it now convienced me it was time to have a professional look at it.

Two days later and a empty wallet, we left Pensacola for the rally. Fortunately we had planned on arriving early and the official start date was Wednesday so we didn't miss anything.

This was our first TRVN rally and we really were not sure what to expect. It began Wed. evening with a meet and greet. The moderator asked how many first time rally attendees there were and almost half of the 200 raised their hand. Wow! There were a bunch of us newbies here so that made me feel better already.

Other activities included a couple of seminars, coach tours to see how some have made modifications, bingo, a delicious pot luck dinner, a garage/craft sale, a BBQ pork dinner and a hot dog supper. There was also a golf game set up for those who like to chase the little white balls around acres of land. Brannon from Red Bay, AL, who used to work at Tiffin, was on hand to do work on coaches. He installed air conditioner covers to match our new lights in our coach. They really finished off the look! There was also a detail company to wash and wax your rig. We had ours washed but not waxed since it was waxed just over a month ago. Great work and good prices.

I have to say I was impressed at the way this rally was put together, lots of free time but plenty of activities. We have met a lot of new people and I'm sure we will attend another one of their rallies.

Friday afternoon my daughter Suze drove down from Montgomery for the weekend with us. We spent Saturday afternoon shopping and then had lunch at Lulu's, her favorite place. The TRVN group welcomed her with open arms to the activities of the rally, which was really nice.

The only down side was that because there were so many Tiffin motorhomes here, the park had to separate some from where most were parked because of prior reservations from other people. We were one of those. It wasn't bad until Sat. night when the group beside us in a 5th wheel decided to invite their whole family to spend the night - four car loads. Out came the beer, the loud music and the loud talking and swearing. I called around 11:30 pm and the park sent someone over. Well, it didn't make much difference since it basically continued off and on till 2 am except they did turn the radio off. I got very little sleep. I did talk to the gal in the office yesterday and will see the manager this morning before we leave. Fortunately, the "white trash" left Sunday morning. I use the term that was used by the gal in the office but I have to agree after seeing the way the left the campsite!

Today we are on the road again, heading toward Marksville, LA with a two night stop in Bay St. Louis, MS. Dean's two sons, Terry & Tim and their wives will be meeting us in Marksville for the weekend. We are really looking forward to this time with them.

That's about it for now. Check back in from time to time as I will be back with more posts. Till next time...God Bless and Drive Safe

Monday, April 05, 2010

Happenings

OK, several weeks have passed again! I just can't believe how fast time flies and how often I think "I need to update the blog" but don't do it! Well, here goes again.

We are back at our favorite campground here in S. Alabama, Country Haven. We prefer it over Rainbow Plantation because we are parked on a concrete pad with patio, there are no oak trees overhead therefore no acorns to drop on the roof at night and none to crunch under our feet when we are outside. When it rains the water runs off and we don't have to wade in several inches of water to get to the car. Enough said! I do miss a lot about Rainbow but....

We have taken care of a couple of doctor appointments since our arrival. Dean saw his nephrologist and his creatin numbers were back up, so now praying for them to go back down again! Nothing needed at this time, but not good news if the number continues to climb.

I saw a dermatologist (this morning actually) for a rash on my breast. She did a biopsy, which surprisingly didn't hurt! Should get results in a week or so.

Now to the fun stuff. Henry and Anne are in the area working their Trailer Life job of checking out campgrounds. We have tried not to bother them during the week, but when the weekend rolls around, well that's a different story. All work and no play...you know what I mean?

We met them at Lamberts just over a week ago for what was their first time there. They really enjoyed it! Just way to much food, as always. The wait staff has also stopped with their cute little jokes because someone complained! One bad apple, or sour puss, is all it takes!

Saturday we drove to The Heritage, a motorhome Resort in Orange Beach. It is beautiful. One thing they did there that impressed the four of us is to have everything finished before they opened the gates for selling. None of the empty promises that a lot of these type resorts throw at you when you visit. I'm sure a lot of you have heard them - we're gonna do this and that stuff after we sell ## lots! Hah! Don't you believe it! We are not looking for a permanent place but I can really recommend The Heritage to any of my readers that maybe looking. You can google their name and then check out their web site.

After a two hour visit at The Heritage, all four of us were starved. Franco's Italian won out and we all had a delicious meal. When we lived in Robertsdale, we used to go to Franco's and it was good. Well, I can tell you it hasn't changed one bit!

Anne served us pie for dessert when we took them home. What a nice afternoon we had!

Henry & Anne decided they wanted to go back to Lamberts (guess they didn't get enough the first time)on Sunday which also happened to be their 44th Anniversary and Easter! Of course we said we would go along, unless they wanted to be alone. The answer was no way, they wanted us to join them!

Dean and I went to church in the morning. It being Easter Sunday, it was very crowded but no problem because service was held in the new building and there was room for everyone. It was a very nice service and Bro. Jake delivered a great sermon.

Mid-afternoon we picked the Goldman's up and off to Lamberts we went. I had my camera along this time so there are pictures posted at Picasa - go check them out!

After dinner I decided they should see some of Baldwin County and drove to the Grand Hotel by Marriott at Point Clear. We had a great time walking the grounds, taking pictures, playing croquet and horseshoes and waiting for a sunset. We then went on up to Fairhope pier where we walked part of the pier and saw some people fishing and catching!

On our way home we stopped at McDonald's for sundae's for dessert. After all, we had walked our dinner off by now!

It was a beautiful day with good friends, good food and good times. Thanks for allowing us to share your special day with you Anne & Henry. You are really two special people!

Well, there you have it - caught up again. Will I be back soon? I don't know, but I hope so. I know we will be with Henry & Anne again sometime this week and next week we will be attending a Tiffin owners rally in Gulf Shores. After that we are off to Louisiana to visit with Dean's two sons, Terry & Tim. With all this coming up, surely there will be something to write about :-). Catch ya later!