Food! Glorious Food! - #123

It’s interesting how unique one region of our country is to the next. From accent, local expressions, culture, foods, architecture…. I appreciate the differences and learn something new every year! 

But let’s face it - the most enjoyable difference is experiencing local foods. Eating, afterall, is one of the great pleasures in life!

There are many wonderful eateries wherever you roam and the Mississippi Gulf Coast is no exception. You can’t beat the bar-b-que, shrimp dishes, traditional Southern cooking, Mexican… I also do much of my own cooking and like to incorporate southern flavors.  Spending time with locals due to my activities at the library as well meeting many campers from the area, I learn a lot. 

Last year, I was given my first satsumas. This is a little mandarin fruit- juicy,  but not quite as sweet as what I am used to. In doing a little research I found out they originated in Japan. What makes them really unique is the trees don’t require cross pollination to bear fruit.

I’m a big fan of blackened shrimp and cheesy grits - though I haven’t found any place to get it just like this lately. I’ll keep looking. Charlie has been brave enough to try alligator, but me - I’m not that adventurous. He said it was good. We both love our beignets ( pronounced ben-yays) which are little doughy pillows doused in powdered sugar. (We get them free on Thursdays at the Silver Slipper but usually only go once a month.)

We’ve enjoyed homemade gumbo in the past and although probably the number one popular food down in these parts, it’s not a dish I would gravitate to if given a choice. (unless the other choice is alligator) Macaroni and cheese is a big deal in the south-  

and who doesn’t like mac and cheese! I have tried fried green tomatoes, collard greens as a side - but I guess familiarity influences my choices and again, they are not my first choice. 

I recently learned about a new type of squash. It is called mirleton or chayote (and someone else told me a third reference - alligator squash) I’ll have to pick one up at the supermarket to try. Looks like a cross between a pear and an avocado. 

Southern cooking also uses a lot of pork in everything. That is something I don’t care for as much.  I don’t like bits of ham in my green beans, creamed spinach, cooked cabbage and many other dishes they just seem to sneak it in. 

My favorite is smoked brisket. It is just so delicious, especially with a good bar-b-que sauce. I asked Charlie what he liked best - “ the buffet” was his answer! 

Other things I haven’t tried: traditional sweet tea - because I don’t like sugary drinks. Crab legs are a very big deal as well but personally- I can’t be bothered; too much work for little reward however our buffet has a fab crabmeat salad that I adore! 

Surprisingly, deviled eggs are very popular here. It is a traditional appetizer brought to almost every gathering.

We were introduced to boudin years ago in Texas and given a few pieces by a camping neighbor back in October. It is a mixture of spicy sausage meat and rice. I actually cooked it with eggs and it was really tasty! 

Our RV park sponsored a “Friendsgiving” for Thanksgiving. It was a really nice get together and we were glad to share the day with new friends. Conversation and food is always a great combination.  

Namaste - #122

A calm, peaceful aura has returned to our lives. We have restarted our season with positivity; looking forward to the many things we have planned as well as now being able to enjoy just hanging out at our campsite. 

Besides the view and open sky, there are many other benefits we’ve been enjoying since we arrived at Lake La Croix. (And we actually arrived a day earlier - on the 14th - than originally planned.) Really good and consistent, fast WiFi, for one thing!  It’s nice not having our TV shows constantly buffering or not being able to access certain apps that required Wi-Fi.  I have been taking advantage of the free laundry. First thing I washed was my comforter! Although there is only one washer and dryer up at the south bathhouse- it had been all the park needed to service the small amount of extended stay guests; within the next month or so, another set will go in the north bathhouse, which is where we are located.  

And let’s not forget the concrete pad on which we are parked! It’s nice having a “patio”; we left about 10 feet of space behind us when we parked the camper to eventually set up the tent and create another sitting area. We have a picnic table also on the pad. Overall- it’s just a little nicer, cleaner, more comfortable surface. 

Last night, I used our little electric heater for the first time. Although it’s been in the 60’s the last couple of nights, a dense fog rolled in and that damp, chilly feeling filled the trailer ( we usually have all the windows open). The heater was just the ticket to take out the dampness; I didn’t even bother to close the windows. It feels a little decadent using electric and not having to worry about a meter… however, I’m sure we’ve more than paid for it in our higher monthly rent.  We also love the bathhouses. Each has 4 separate bathrooms - just like in a residence- so it is very private and individually heated. Charlie and I can now shower together, too!  This is a big benefit for me as Charlie doesn’t mind using these showers and this will allow me to convert our shower inside the trailer into additional closet space! I want to be able to spread out our clothes a little more, not feel so cramped! 

The pool is large, right off the open pavilion ( drop down enclosures and heaters are forthcoming for the colder months) and is a nice, friendly gathering area.

We are just 8 miles north of where we previously stayed; still easy access to all our favorite spots but closer to I-10 and actually, more centrally located to towns we frequently visit. This morning, we went to the Kiln Library for an exercise class now just down the road; then later, painting in Diamondhead. 

Charlie ordered a new tent which should be arriving this week; the other literally fell apart. He is very excited about the new one; it has sides and “ windows”. I have been gathering materials for my interior redecorating project. So far, I purchased new border paper, “ tiles” for a new backsplash and burlap which I will use to cover my valances and make a new curtain for Minnie’s space. I also have my eye on a very bright colored rug that will cover the whole floor in the living room area and a slipcover for the couch. I have been crocheting new pillow covers too. Photos of the the before and after to follow.

The park is managed and owned by a younger generation and is very family oriented. They have a lot of great ideas and energy so I have decided to just sit back and let others lead the way. Not sure what is actually planned and will follow through. It is their first year and the park is pretty sparse. But Charlie and I know how to keep busy. Right now, we’re happy to just have a lovely, quiet space.  

The lake is truly special here; there is nothing better than being able to see the sky, it’s colors, clouds, moods. Charlie has his fishing poles set up and he drops a line in whenever he has a free moment. We are both really happy with the decision we made to move on.

Finnegan, Begin Again - #121

Next Saturday, 11/15 - Charlie, Minnie, me and all our stuff will be packed up and headed just a short distance to Lake Lacroix RV Resort in Bay St Louis. This is a new park, recently opened Memorial Weekend. Although still getting its footing, it is managed by seasoned and active RVers. We will be there 5 full months; feels like we will be beginning our season again. We are looking ahead. I have grieved hard for the place I once loved, but it’s hard to love something that no longer exists. We have wonderful memories and hopefully will be able to share and implement some of our ideas with our new campground hosts. But for now, I just want to find my new happy place - both outside and inside my heart.

Our first impression of Lake Lacroix:  It is a short distance off a main road; the whole park is visible from Bayou Lacroix Road - like a big open mouth. It lacks the privacy and coziness of roads guiding you into a park, then opening up to a little RV haven. Lake Lacroix is the centerpiece of the park and offers kayaking (free) and fishing (ocean fed) steps from your door. All campsites are arranged around the lake; everyone has a water view. Everyone has full hookups, level concrete pads, access to nice bathhouses, laundry, huge pool, pavilion and high speed Wi-Fi. The extra bonus is all utilities are included and laundry is also free. We can now use our little electric heater as a supplement on those chilly nights. The staff is planning a Thanksgivings pot luck and other activities. I appreciate the attempt for community engagement.  We are paying substantially more but some of the benefits will offset the cost. On site storage will also be available to us in our off season- this makes our life much easier! 

We were able to choose our own site and picked #27. It is in the back of the park, against the woods on the other side of the lake which is our preference.  It’s a good location and I’m sure we will be happy there. I will definitely miss our little fitness room, but I have my weights and stretchy bands. There’s a Planet Fitness we might consider joining just a short drive down the road. All our regular hangouts are just a bit further and there are some new areas I’ve been wanting to explore we’ll be closer to.  The more I think about it, the better I feel. 

In the meantime, back at Bay Hide Away- we had a major fire by the pond Sunday night. This was right behind our trailer and could have been much worse if the wind kicked up. Luckily- we had some good people who knew what they were doing. The smoke still hangs in the air days later. 

Construction (aka devastation) at the park continues. Currently, the road next to our site is being cut in. We try to be away as much as possible not to watch. It makes it hard to sit outside and relax with the noise of chain saw and excavator right next to our trailer. But, we are calm now, knowing we have made the decision to leave. Every time a tree is cut, hole dug - we are more sure.  

Yesterday

     Before    

Paradise Lost - #120

In 2021, the year after COVID had stopped the world in its tracks, we finally were able to begin our RVing life dream. Our maiden year was a month long trip to Texas where we stayed at a wonderful campground for 5 mos and met wonderful people! Year two, we decided to cut down on the travel distance ( Texas was 2200 miles +) and try a southern coastal area. ( we love the ocean)  And so we found and fell in love with Bay St Louis and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We also discovered Bay Hide Away Campground - as near to perfect (for us ) as an RV park could be and a place we wanted to continue to spend our winters.  

This is year three in BSL. I couldn’t wait to get here this fall; we left earlier than normal to arrive the beginning of October. 

I knew there would be changes with different owners now in charge. We still loved the area and the campground location itself; if there were less activities, a few changes here and there, we could definitely live with that. But gradually- over the month we’ve been here, we’ve seen that the vision for the park is not what this campground was all about. It is apparent the new owners see the land in this park as an opportunity to “develop” every square inch of it into income producing sites at a frenzied pace. Community and campers seem to be way on the back burner. Besides cutting down trees and excavating in the woods and by the pond, I was informed the other day they would start digging up the area behind the pool to put in even more sites. This is a big green area where many people liked to walk their pets, Charlie would set up his archery equipment and we could just enjoy the green space.  This put me right over the edge!

The former trail entrance by Site 1

Excavating by the pond

Right by our site; cutting in a road

Green space behind the pool area

There has been so much work going on in different areas everyday, with heavy, noisy equipment. But the worst part is the lack of communication on what is going on, what we can expect. It’s like the guests don’t exist or matter. I think I could definitely adjust better if I knew what was planned or happening at a particular time instead waking up to the sound of chain saws or excavators. For example, over the course of two days, the “in and exit “ roads were repaved with asphalt. We were never notified in advance this would be happening nor on the days this was taking place were the roads “ detoured” while they paved. . It wasn’t until you drove almost all the way down did you find out you had to back up and go down the other road to either get out of the park or back to your site. A simple notification of text or a sign or placement of cone to block the road was all that would have been needed. 

I have been so upset I have been complaining and venting a lot to everyone who will listen and I realize I need to shut up. So these are my final thoughts. 

I have just been so sad and angry. But I am adjusting. 

Personally- and I’m not the only one who feels this way - we think the goal of the owners is to expand this park as fast as possible and flip it for a profit. 

The beauty of RVing is being able to move your home. So Charlie and I have made a list of three prospective campgrounds in the area we are going to tour. On one hand, I want to finish this winter out here - we are settled and comfortable in our site; but on the other, it is heartbreaking to see. So we have some decisions to make for our future winters. Life goes on. 

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!