And The Beat Goes On - #119

 I am sitting, waiting for our new RV tech to arrive! So glad to finally be getting those repairs taken care of! 

Today is Halloween and is a nice sunny day! It had been really windy the past two days. The temperature cooled down quickly- low 50’s and 40’s at night ( 70’s during the day) and we’ve had to put the heat on to take the chill out of the trailer. I much prefer it warm. I find it hard to get out of bed when I’m cold. Anyway, I am ready for some trick or treaters; not many kids in the park but there are some!

I had my dermatologist appointment yesterday and everything is AOK. One less thing to be concerned about. 

Today I made a reservation for Charlie and me to travel with a bus tour next June, leaving from Massachusetts. The trip’s ultimate destination is Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota with stops along the way in Iowa, Indiana. Ohio - to and from. We agreed it’s probably our only opportunity to visit this monument and glad to have someone else drive and not have to deal with flying. I’m excited - this is something different for us!

There has been a lot of activity in our campground. The new owners, Kim and Steve, are doing a lot of work. Some of their upgrades have been great; some are questionable. The good stuff are the wonderful shower heads, the solar panels and the plan to install fiber optics to each individual pedestal. The questionable are the addition of new sites and roads to make all sites drive through. Initially new sites were completed at the end of our row where the land was cleared and pedestals were already present- the pads just needed cleaning and gravel. That looked great! But now, new sites are being made in areas where big trees are coming down, the woods are being cleared. Don’t get me started on this! While I know this is not my property or decision to make - it just seems to all of us here -  a big rush to do these major renovations and not enough managing of the park and learning about the area. The new owners are from California. Which leads us here to believe their goal is to flip the park. It definitely will be interesting to see how the snowbird season goes. I had been assisting Kim with activities and producing a calendar, but I think I will step back and let them handle this. I go back and forth with how I feel about Kim and Steve. I am not the only one who feels this way. Don’t get me wrong- they are nice people; there’s something that feels off. Over the past three years, this campground has been home to us and as near to perfect (for us) as could be  We love the location, the park itself. I hope we will still have the same vibe after all this work is completed. But we are looking into other options for campgrounds in the area should we become really unhappy with the direction things go. There are always options  

We have lots of plans on our agenda this week. Keeping busy! Painting, casino, revisit to the Infinity Center and the Mermaids Arts and Crafts Show ( which had been canceled last year due to weather).

I refurbished a pair of snack tables we have used for many years; they came out pretty good and have given me just the incentive and ideas I needed for finally redecorating the inside of the trailer. Starting in the bathroom, I tried removing the border paper in a tiny corner using a hair dryer. Although that did work, it also lifted the wallpaper  - that is now out. So I will cover over the existing border with a new and fun border- a great beach scene which will definitely lighten and brighten up our space  I’m excited! 

Second Summer - #118

We are having a second summer! It is hot during the day! We have never spent so much time in our bathing suits and the pool! As soon as the sun sets, the air cools and it has been a delightful low 60’s for sleeping with the windows open. Though we’ve has a few sporadic nights when it doesn’t drop below 75 and you really need the a/c. Luckily, ours seems to be working again! 

We’re getting our activities schedule together and there’s a lot to do. For example we go to the Silver Slipper Casino on Tuesdays and Fridays for casino free play and the 1/2 price ($8.00) buffet lunch ( which is our dinner too) Last week I received a total of $30 free play; Charlie received $20. It’s been enough to keep us happily playing at no additional cost to us; we roll our winnings over from week to week and it often pays for lunch too. It’s not for everyone but it’s something we both really enjoy!

We are definitely walking more and exercise regularly at our campground’s fitness room. We have been eating better and I’ve lost 8 lbs since we arrived. I’m really working at it now. 

We are currently signed up for a painting classes in both Diamondhead and now Waveland; we participated in our first class last week painting turtles! They came out pretty good! I’ve also been having fun working on some craft projects - the latest is my Day of the Dead skulls.

And I’ve been reading! Nothing serious but I’m on my second book already! 

We’ve been revisiting a lot of our favorite places - Ground Zero Hurricane Museum, antique and thrift stores and are looking forward to several arts and crafts shows we’ve visited in previous years. I’d also like to revisit the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi and there are some new places -  Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum also in Biloxi and a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Ocean Springs we plan to see this year. 

Charlie finally completed setting up his HAM radio but still needs to tweak a couple of things to get better reception. He tried a couple of different set ups and hopefully he will get it the way he wants. 

Facebook can be a really big help in finding out what events are going on in the area. There are many localized little theatre groups utilizing local talent as well as larger venues at the resort hotels. I just ordered tickets for us to see the show “A Christmas Story” which will be running for a couple of weeks at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi. We planned an overnight stay as well. I also have my eye on some smaller productions in our area.

This coming week I have a dermatologist appointment; I couldn’t get one at home for 6+ months; I had much better luck down here. 

We also finally have an appointment for a new RV tech to service our trailer. I gave up on our regular guy who could never commit to a day - despite the fact I contacted him a month before we left, and the day before we arrived to get on his schedule. Disappointing to say the least. 

I’m also been toying with the idea of redecorating the inside of our trailer - again. My main priority has always been maintaining but after 14 years, no matter how much you take care, the original design gets outdated and tired. Charlie replaced a piece of delaminated molding yesterday with the help of a friend; it looks so much better! It’s often hard to get parts for RVs in regular box stores. This “ molding” was actually threshold but worked perfectly and was just the right color!

Yesterday evening, I made a dinner inviting a few friends from the park. We had all met in previous years and they are such nice people! As luck would have it, after 3 weeks of not a cloud in the sky - it rained! So we decided to have our meal up at the pavilion, which worked out fine - just a lot more work schlepping everything over there and back! 

I’ve also been getting messages of concern from snowbirds who will arrive the end of December - about the park - specifically the new owners.  We had similar concerns before we arrived. While things are different and there will definitely be less “ hand holding”  - the park is still beautiful and many new upgrades are being made. I do agree with the disappointment - the new owners have not reached out to longtime campers- introducing themselves, talking about their vision for Bay Hide Away. But- this is all very new to them and I guess we have to give them some slack this first year. For us personally- although we do enjoy the park activities- we don’t need to be entertained and I have no issue organizing an activity myself. 

Today will be raining all day - in fact, pouring out! Typical Mississippi rain. We have a good campsite with no flooding. It’s been a long while since we’ve had rain, so we don’t mind a relaxing day. Next week looks wonderful! 

Don’t Know What It Is About This Place - #117

Today, Thursday 10/9 is mid 80’s, less humidity ( thank goodness) and beautiful blue skies! Doesn’t get much better than this! 

We arrived just about a week ago - last Friday - and spent our first two nights in the cottage at the campground. It’s such a charming-beachy little place - and oh so comfortable. Our travel south was long and tiring; we were glad to have a place to just relax. The travel trailer had been moved to our new site by the park staff but we still had a lot to do. I knew I made the right decision to stay at the cottage- giving us a couple of days to get the trailer set up and cleaned, stocked before we moved in.  But, boy - I was really glad to spend that first night in our own bed! 

Our trailer did great over the summer! Much better than sleeping through a New England winter where is was always invaded by ants and assorted critters- always a mess! The inside was practically pristine and Randy, former park host, thoughtfully ran an ozone machine inside -which gets rid of any lingering odors- there were none! While I do think our covering the camper helped to protect it, it was a little dirty underneath- but it wipes right off ; I’ve been gradually cleaning the outside.  

We are also really loving our new location within the campground. Our front door faces a big green area and beautiful live oak tree; we are at an end and a very short walk to the pool and all amenities. It feels very private. It has been hot and humid here; we’ve really enjoyed using the pool several days already. We’ve also gotten into a routine exercising in the fitness room as well. We are making a concerted effort to get stronger and in better fitness. We both have trouble walking; Charlie from his diabetes and me, arthritis in my left knee. I used to love doing laps around the park; I just can’t do it anymore - at least for now. I’m working on it  

The park is currently filled with mostly locals participating in Cruisin’ the Coast - a week long antique car event spreading from Bay St Louis to Biloxi. They had record registration of over 10,000 vehicles parading through the streets, on display, taking part in events - such as “ burn outs”.  We did not see as much as we planned - but we’re okay with that. Our neighbors at the campground are very friendly, talkative and kind.  There are a handful of regulars who live in the park year ‘round and it’s been great reconnecting with them. We are the first of the “ snowbirds” to arrive; others will gradually be making their way here. 

 

We like the new park owners very much and they are working hard, trying to do a good job. So far, so good. We will definitely miss Randy and Lea but happy for them as they move on to a new, exciting phase of life.

No one deserves it more!

Of course, with all the good and fun stuff going on - we have a couple of problematic issues. Firstly, repairs needed on our trailer. We knew we wanted to get a new awning, have our outdoor shower disconnected and capped as it leaks ( we don’t use it) and have our thermostat checked; we have some funky stuff going on. This was all stuff we knew about. When I was cleaning, I discovered the cold water faucet in our shower would not turn; it was totally frozen. And we tried everything! So that now needs to be replaced. ( we just shower in the bathhouse )None of these things were a big deal until last night; we were eating dinner inside with the a/c on and all of a sudden we heard a loud “clunk” - and the air shut off. Lucky for us, last night was cooler temps and a/c wasn’t needed; we’re okay for the next few days. The RV tech will be coming sooner. But boy, if it had happened a day or two before- it would have been stifling inside our trailer.

 

We are looking forward to continue to visit a lot of or favorite restaurants, venues, casinos and check out some new places. It’s going to be a great winter!

On The Road- #116

We departed Monday, September 29th. To friends and family we were not able to get together with before heading south again - our time home was shorter than usual and I apologize for not reaching out. But here’s a thought (and invitation) come visit us on the Gulf Coast!

Today, Wednesday, October 1st, we’ll be slightly more than halfway to Bay St Louis, stopping later today in Knoxville, TN. We will arrive at our destination on Friday. 

It’s been an uneventful trip so far. Sounds a bit boring but always a positive. Basically just driving and overnighting in a hotel. While it is much easier driving without pulling the trailer and our gas mileage is about 6-7 mpg better, I do miss some of the good perks of having our house with us.

Sometimes, we encounter fun things while driving down the road that just make us smile. 

As we drive from state to state, I am reminded of all the different areas we have stayed and visited over the past 4 years. While I am glad on this trip to “just get there”, I do miss taking our time and exploring a little along the way. It is difficult to do having Minnie with us. We’ve been sneaking her into the hotels. She’s very good but has been a little vocal in the mornings so we’ve had to sneak her out and put her in the truck, while we have breakfast and check out. She’s pretty chill while driving. 

             Minnie after a hard day driving.

Driving

We’ve been staying at Tru Hotels. They are part of Hilton, one of their newer brands. I highly recommend if you’ve never stayed. I brought food with us; usually I prepare pbj sandwiches for lunch on the road at rest stops, although today I made bagels with cream cheese from the breakfast buffet. Tonight, we’ll be having soup or tuna salad for dinner. We keep it very simple. After 6+hours on the road, we just want to relax. Little cats can get anxious in new surroundings so we don’t like to leave her. 

Charlie and I both started wearing compression socks during really long travel. While we’ve never had any circulation problems to date, we figure better safe then sorry. So many days in a row, so many hours.  However, we do have various aches and pains from traveling and sitting so long. We’re getting to be a pair of old coots. At any rate, it won’t be long now! Gulf Coast see you soon!

Nothing Stays The Same - #115

It’s 3 a.m. and I can’t fall back to sleep. We received some surprising and disappointing news today. Our campground in Bay St Louis has been sold. 

We really like ( former) owners Lea and Randy, the wonderful way they ran the park, their knowledge of the area and of camping, RVs, and the “lifestyle”. They know what makes for a great campground and really enhanced our time at the park. Our biggest concern now  is “ the unknown”. Though I’m sure things will be relatively the same for a while, the new owners, from my understanding, have no RVing experience and are new to the area relocating from California.  This leaves us with a lot of uncertainty, questions.  

-what changes will be made?  -will the price increase?  -will storage still be offered?  - will there still be activities? 

So, the first change we have been forced to make is now to drive our truck down south instead of my car. Not tragic, but I really was so happy and looking forward to taking my car and now…  we need to have the ability to move our trailer.  

I’m obviously overthinking about all the what ifs; they are keeping me awake. 

On the other hand, everything could work out great. I guess I just need a backup plan to access my comfort zone.  

I realize nothing in life stays the same. I talked about change in my very first blog entry years ago. I guess I prefer change on my terms though, when it’s been my decision, when it’s going in a direction I want and not unexpected. 

I thought I handled change pretty well but I’m having a hard time reconciling this. Again, overthinking or perhaps mourning the possible changes to come as well.  I feel sad. I want to stamp my feet like a little kid and scream “NO”!  And I’m usually one who looks at the positive in the future; I just feel a bit off balance. 

I think I need to get out and do something positive and constructive. Today I’ll get out there and start cleaning the truck. Luckily, it’s not too bad and we just went through the capped bed the other day.  I think that will help. On the upside, we’ll definitely have more room for the stuff we’re bringing down.  It will work fine. I also switched my car service appointment to bring the truck in, instead.  

It will all work out, I’m sure! I feel a little better.  

It’s That Time Of Year Again - #114

The forecast for the first 10 days of September in Massachusetts look spectacular! The cooler ( mid-70’s) temps are much more conducive to outdoor activities. So gradually, I’ve been spending time cleaning my car. Next week it goes in for service; today I replaced the windshield wipers and fluid. I’ve cleaned all the vinyl with Armorall and swept, vacuumed the carpets in the hatch and back seat; still have to do the front. That’ll be another day. I am excited that we are driving my little car to Mississippi this year and glad to have a vehicle we can now take additional passengers in the back seat! 

We will be heading down south to Bay St. Louis MS in 22 days. We are leaving earlier than usual for a couple of reasons. Mainly, it’s to participate in Cruisin’ the Coast ( classic car event than spans a week beginning 10/5 this year). The second is to see how our trailer faired spending the summer down south in heat and humidity. We have some service needed we put off until our return, including replacing our awning. We are also excited about our new site location at the end of a side row - closest to all the amenities. We’ll have a lot more space now, too! 

I’ve already mapped out our driving route; about 5-6 hours per day on the road. This is usually enough for us and Minnie; it will be 5 days of driving. We’ll be staying overnight in Hilton Tru Hotels along the way. I fell in love with the Tru brand since our first experience. They are funky, contemporary hotels; very reasonably priced, include breakfast, Wi-Fi, allow pets and have a variety of fun amenities. While each one is slightly different, all are decorated like an IKEA display room - so what could be more fun! 

Labor Day was the perfect day to clean out the back of our truck. It can get intolerably hot in the capped bed on a sunny summer day- today was nicely overcast and we went through the few items we transferred to my car to take with us and found yet another bag of clothes and things I thought I left in Mississippi. ( I knew I took them home!!) That is now done! I also finished cleaning the inside of my car. No doubt, it will still get dirty over the next few weeks but it should be easier to keep up now. 

This past week, Charlie has a checkup for kidney stones, Minnie had her checkup with a new vet up our way. I had follow up bloodwork for my Babesiosis to see where I stand. The last few days I have felt particularly good.  I haven’t talked about this previously but I was apparently bitten by a black tick a couple of months ago and contracted a parasitic disease. My main symptom was crushing fatigue. I’m actually doing pretty well considering how it affects a lot of people.  

                               ————

Fast forward several days - we all checked out fine! All my bloodwork was good including a glucose test I saw my doctor had included which was 97! Now we probably just need flu shots and we’re good to go!

Today is a rainy Sunday. Feels like it hasn’t rained like this in a very long time! I am enjoying sitting in my chair, sipping my morning coffee and listening to the rain through an opened window. Maybe today is a good day to go through my closets and pull out stuff I’m taking to Mississippi. 

Summer Family Adventure - #113

It is now Labor Day weekend, the official end to the summer vacation season; how did it go by so fast? 

We ended our summer with a wonderful family trip. It had been years since my immediate family were all together; not easy when we’re separated by an ocean. We planned this adventure a year ago; the time always seems so far off but then it arrives…passes - but leaves wonderful memories! 

Originally, we had discussed visiting an island - but quite frankly, I’ve had enough of those.  I do love the ocean, but I get my fill during our time in Mississippi and even at home when we visit Plymouth.  But, I hadn’t visited any of the northwest states or National Parks in that area - so we decided on Yellowstone. I heard a lot of great things about Bozeman, Montana, too. And so it was decided! 

We arranged to meet up at the Bozeman Airport on Saturday 8/16; Charlie, me, Brooke, Rakib and the kids on our flight from Boston; Holly and Greg from Paris via an overnight stop in Seattle, since Paris does not fly into Bozeman. We picked up our spacious and comfortable 15 passenger van and the eight of us, along with lots of luggage, headed to our Air B&B house in Big Sky.  

If you’ve never been to this corner of Montana, it is absolutely stunning! 360 degree views of mountains, lakes. The population is small, houses are spaced far apart, roads are great and traffic is null. The air is sweet but the higher elevation of 6-9000 feet we experienced can be a little taxing especially when your norm is sea level. For people who love the outdoors and still young enough to participate, this is a great place to live! The downside is the cost.  Even though there is no sales tax, it is very expensive. And winters are laden with snow - but if you are a skier - I guess that’s a good thing!

We ate at several restaurants and had great meals - the best hamburgers, barbecue! At our rental house, we prepared our breakfast and lunch daily; one night we broiled hot dogs for dinner.  

Our activities included ATVing ( which I did not do as little Wally could not participate so he and I hung out), lots of hiking, archery, shopping and taking in that glorious scenery! Our house also had a hot tub and was extremely comfortable with four bedrooms and 4-1/2 bathrooms.

                                  Lone Peak 

After our 5 day stint in Big Sky, we headed to West Yellowstone for our 3 night stay at Parade Rest Guest Ranch. We rented two log cabins and arranged for the all inclusive package - which provided for all meals at the dining hall, cookout, hayride and horseback riding. The whole family rode - though at different times.  

We arrived Wednesday 8/20 which happened to be Wally’s 6th birthday. With dinner that evening, the ranch provided a delicious homemade birthday cake to celebrate! 

Well in advance of our trip, I hired a private guide to take us through Yellowstone.  This was the best money I ever spent! Amy was fantastic - extremely knowledgeable, passionate, kind and caring. She met us at 9 am at the ranch; we took off in our van to the “Park”. Yellowstone National Park is amazing! The unique geological features, wildlife, people communing with nature including an eventual E.L.E* percolating below- it is a truly spiritual experience! The ranch packed us lunch and water to go in a cooler which we munched on while waiting for Old Faithful to blow! We visited geysers, hot springs, mud springs, lakes, waterfalls, canyons  - endless beauty! Definitely a once in a lifetime event! We returned to Parade Ranch after 6 pm just in time for dinner- it had been a full day!

                            Old Faithful 

Horseback riding at the park was fun! I was so impressed with Deena and Wally’s ability to ride with no fear! They did great!

We also enjoyed a cookout one evening which included a hayride for some of us ( others went riding) and entertainment. We really had a great time at the ranch!

Eventually it was back to Bozeman for an overnight near the airport and then we all went our separate ways the following day - the six of us to Boston; Holly and Greg back to Seattle and then Paris. They really had some major travel and time changes.  

So what’s in store for next year? Well- we’re thinking about meeting up in France! Hopefully we can make that happen! 

*E.L.E - Referencing movie Deep Impact.