Left Connecticut, March 1st  before the snowstorms came!! We usually leave earlier, but had to have retina surgery - surgeon gave me a "get out of jail card" for 6 weeks so we packed up and left heading for Breaux Bridge, LA. One of my favorite places. Got on the highway early (traffic already backed up on I-95-S) into New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (connected to I-81S) and into Virginia. Winds were picking up so we pulled into the Walnut Hills Campground in Staunton, VA for the night. Given Site 68 (up on the hill) - could not get satellite, but for one night, and we were tired it was okay.  The wind was blowing all night long.
     In the morning - cold and windy, we decided to stay another night. Too difficult to drive, and there was no need for us to have to be on the highway. We did move to Site114- out in the open and were able to get satellite.

We went into Staunton for lunch. The ladies at the Visitor's Center recommended the Depot Grille - so we headed there.  As you can guess, the restaurant is located in the old train depot. Also on a cobblestone road.

Afterwards, we stopped at The Wine Cellar - picked up a few bottles of Virginia wine to help get through the windy night. On the way back to campground, saw this big watering can sculpture
     Winds died down so Saturday morning, we were on the road. In Tennessee, we turned on to I-75 S through Chattanooga and into Georgia. Thumper in her favorite spot on dash watching the world go by

    We pulled into Fort Payne, AL at Wills Creek RV Park.Skip called the owner who said they were out, find a site, and we would see her later in the evening. We pulled into Site 8 (our neighbors are from California - visiting her mother in a nursing home recovering from surgery). Perfect place for the night. Exhausted and tired. An early night.
  Up early Sunday morning. Had breakfast and on the road - through Alabama, Mississippi and into Louisiana. At 5:30 p.m. we pulled into Poche's Fish and RV Resort - our home for the next month.  Before pulling into campground, we stopped at Poche's Market and Restaurant and picked up crawfish etoufee for supper.

Had dinner and watched the sunset! Glad to be here!!

Beautiful day!  We headed over to Honeymoon Island State Park. They have a dog beach. Others at the campground said it is not bad. Was not too crowded around dog area. Unfortunately, Thumper is not a water dog. She spent most of the time laying in the sand and digging holes. Water was on the cold side. The following day Skip and I went to Busch Gardens. Definitely overpriced. First you pay $20.00 just to park. The fee was $105.00 per person for he day. Not happy. I was ready to leave, but the manager came over and told us about the City Pass for $99.00 each but lets you into 5 attractions in the Tampa area. We got the pass.
  Not impressed with this attraction. We took the Serengetti Train

which lets you stop off at different areas of the park. A rhino was right next to us as we rode through.  In the wild beast area, we saw tigers (beautiful), hyenas, lions and cheetah among other animals.

There is a large plate glass between you and the lions. It was like you were next to them. At least I got a good walk today.
  Using our City Pass, the following day we went to the Florida Aquarium

in the Channelside area of Tampa. This is where cruise ships dock. This was a great little aquarium. Saw seahorses, sharks, alligators, boa constrictor and other animals indigenous to Florida. We enjoyed this museum.

Afterwards we took a walk around the area. More pics are on facebook.

Drove over to Ybor City (known as Tampa's Latin Quarter) including Cuban cigars and Cuban coffee along with a variety of cuisines. Founded by Vicente Martinez-Ybor as a cigar manufacturing center , Ybor City is a National Historic District in Florida.

Shops to browse through. Many events going on throughout the year per their information guide.  Had lunch at Columbia Restaurant.

Black bean soup one of the best I have had.

  Over the weekend, we drove down to St. Petersburg for the annual Kite festival. It was about a 45 minute drive from our campsite. Parking is difficult. Found a spot behind the Publix's grocery store. We saw a Transformer kite, a scuba diver kite, a large bug kite and many more.

Stopped at Sloppy Joe's on the beach for lunch. Could not get seating outside, so we ate inside.

  On the way back, we stopped at Verizon. Skip was having trouble with his phone. Ended up getting a new phone.
  The following day we were invited over to Chris and Virginia's for dinner. It was nice to get to meet Virginia. Enjoyed our meal and lots of laughs.

Hello everyone - It has been awhile since the last blag - our arrival in Tampa, Florida. First grateful for USC winning Rose Bowl. Granddaughter,Sabrina, goes to USC. An old childhood friend, Chris Maillefert, lives in Tampa and came over for a visit. It has been over 58 years since we had seen each other. His dad went into the foreign service when Chris was 12 and they moved oversees. It was fun to see him and remember our childhood and old friends.

   Few days temps were cool. Once started warming up, we took a ride over to Tarpon Springs (will remind you of a Greek fishing village).

Tarpon Springs is known for their sponges. Our neighbor, Doreen, came with us. Walked around and had lunch at Yanni's

Skip had peel and eat shrimp and I had pasta (still have to be careful because of sore teeth). Doreen had a salad. All was good. On return, Skip decided it was nap time

  The following day, Skip and I took a ride over to Lazy Days RV Center re: getting the motor looked at and fixed. Have an appointment the end of February to bring it in for servicing. On the way back we stopped at Village Inn for lunch (recommended by  Chris and Virginia). Skip had liver and I had spinach salad. Lots of food and good. Since it is Wednesday, everyone is entitled to a free slice of pie. We took ours to go

Happy New Year - 2017 to all!!
   We left Dixieland Music RV Park and continued heading west to Tampa and our home for the next two months - Bay Bayou RV Resort. Upon arrival, I got my feet tangled up getting out of motor home and fell on pavement Great welcome for me! I chipped one tooth and shifted another tooth from the gum. Let's just say, it was not a pretty picture. Have to find a dentist ASAP.

  When we got to our site, Skip had trouble with the electric. Thankfully, our new neighbors for a couple of weeks, Bill and Clairann from Spokane, WA came to the rescue. Bill figured it out and we got full power.  Neighbors on the other side pulled in soon after we did. Doreen and Kathy from New Hampshire.  Ken, from staff and Skip spent time discussing campground

   They also had trouble with electric. Skip helped them out and they are now up and running. I'm doing what I can while keeping ice on my mouth.
  Watched Rose Bowl game - USC v Penn State - YAHOO - USC won!!! Good game.
   After holidays, called an old friend, Chris, that I haven't seen in over 58 years. We were neighborhood childhood friends. Well he recommended his wife's dentist. Called and went in right away. Dr. Chang and her assistant were terrific. Two and one-half hours later, my chipped tooth was filled and they were able to move my other tooth back into position. Great job. Now on easy foods, and have a brace holding teeth in place. Welcome to Florida!!!!
  Have just kept in the area so far. My brother Peter and his girlfriend, Jane, came over from Orlando. Watched some football and went to Cody's for dinner. Good to seem them. Things can only look up from now!!!!

Left for Tampa, Florida after the holidays. After being away on holidays for the past 4 years, it was nice to be home with family and friends.

Got on the road heading south to warmer days and nights. Thumper couldn't get going fast enough. Traffic was not bad across the Tappan Zee Bridge across Route 78W to I-81. We stopped for the night at KOA-Harrisonburg, VA (have stayed here before).

Nights still cold. Up early and on our way still on I-81 to I-77 south. Lots of traffic. All the years on these highways, we have never been in this amount of traffic. We figured it had to be holiday traffic.
   Despite the heavy traffic and construction, we made it through Charlotte, NC into Fort Mills, SC (KOA-Fort Mills) for the night. We are all tired, but at least weather is warming up!!!
  It is now Friday, Dec 30, 2016 - traffic is heavy I-77 to I-95 south. We are crawling into Georgia (I-95 only two lanes each way in southern S.C.); Lots and lots of traffic through Georgia and into Florida.

  Trying to get to the I-295 bypass in Jacksonville was a nightmare. Forgot about football games and snowbirds (Skip and I now officially 2 snowbirds). We turned off 295 bypass onto 301 west to Tampa.
  We pulled inot the Dixieland Music RV Park for the next couple of nights. Nice small campground. Good place to spend New Year's Eve.

Went to local farmer's market for oranges and veggies, Already had a pork tenderloin - good New Year's Eve dinner.
  Happy New Year 2017 to everyone - On the road, heading to Bay Bayou RV Resort in Tampa (North Tampa really) for the next 2 months.

     In August, I traveled to Charleston, SC with my son, Jonathan and his wife Joan. The primary reason was to visit our good friends, Francine Cook (whose lung cancer was now progressing) her son Chris and her son, Berke and his wife, Mary Beth on Daniel's Island. We stayed in a suite at the Double Tree Hotel  in Charleston. Great location for getting around Charleston, and getting to Daniel's Island. We had lunch at Bubba Gump's. We were all hungry and afterwards walked around Charleston.
   Called Francine and made arrangements to go and visit tomorrow afternoon. She tires easily. We had dinner at Hank's which was right next to hotel. We were all tired, so it was an early night.
   Friday had breakfast in the LIghthouse Cafe in hotel. Afterwards, we went over to Fort Sumter National Monument. A 20 minute boat ride gets you to the fort. The ranger gave a great historical commentary; all those who wanted to assisted in unfolding the flag to be raised, took pictures and then back into city.

We went to Magnolia's for lunch (excellent). Afterwards we were in the car to visit Francine. Her home was built last year (she moved in around end of October); on the 8th hole of golf course. Beautiful home with an elevator she had installed to get groceries up to the living area.

While her son, Chris, took Jonathan and Joan over to the clubhouse, Francine and I sat on the screened-in porch and caught up with everything going on. It was good to see her. We have been friends for over 30 years and I have missed her. 
  When we returned to hotel, we walked across the street to Hank's Rooftop for quick dinner.
  Saturday morning out for breakfast, then headed back to Cook house. Jonathan, Chris and Berke were playing golf. Joan and I were having lunch with Francine at the clubhouse. Lunch was great; dessert was a chocolate chip cookie in cast iron skillet topped with ice cream (Francine's favorite). Afterwards, we went back to the house and watched the movie, The Revenant. When the boys returned, we were due back at clubhouse for dinner with Berke and Mary Beth. Francine bowed out - she was too tired. Had an enjoyable time. It was good to see Berke and Mary Beth. 
   Sunday we stayed put in Charleston. Did some shopping; took a buggy ride around Charleston,

and met Chris and his girlfriend, Melissa for dinner at 82 Queen. Another excellent restaurant.

Unfortunately, just as we sat down the sky opened up - ran for cover; had to eat inside. Had a good time. 

They all walked me back to hotel, the four of them continued to one of the bars for a nightcap or two.
   Monday, Chris brought Francine into town for lunch. She had not been into town since she moved down there. Cancer with chemo and radiation had taken a toll, so she pretty much stayed near home, but she did come in for lunch with us. Had cocktails at 22 Grill Rooftop. Great views!!!

Then proceeded up the street to AMEN - yes, that's the name of the restaurant. Seafood was great; their creme brulee not so good. Francine and I have always judged restaurants by their desserts, especially creme brulee. 
  Afterwards, we walked Francine to the car. She was tired and ready to get back home. We said our goodbye's since we were leaving in the morning to head home. 
   Jonathan wanted to go back to Magnolia's for our final dinner. Again, excellent. We discovered there is no bad meals in Charleston. 
   It was a great trip. 
  Unfortunately, yesterday October 11, 2016 Francine passed away.


Jonathan, Joan and  I were glad we went to visit with her. RIP my friend of over 30 years. You are already missed.