RVing Again....... Part 1

Sea Pines Thousand Trails RV Park
Swainton,  New Jersey

May 26, 2019

It's been a while since living in an RV.  And the first time ever having a travel companion.  Biscuit made himself at home the very first day.

He chose a bunk and has claimed it.   This is the bunk our granddaughter usually uses.  She will be joining us later this month and seems to have no problem with sharing.

We left Alabama Sunday morning May 26.   We drove north to Rural Retreat, VA (approximately 410 miles) to near the home of one of my sister's sons Jason and his family.  After finding a near-by parking lot to park for the night, my great-nephew picked us up and took us to my great-niece Emilie's HS graduation party.

This is Emilie and my sister Debbie.

May 27

The next day, being Memorial Day, it was slow moving in some areas.  One area of slow-down was to allow the uninterrupted movement of this group.

Traffic was not really heavy until the Baltimore Beltway.   I dislike in this area, especially when towing.   Not long after getting on I-95 we decided to take Route 40 up to NJ.  Another 400+ miles day of traveling.   Biscuit never complained.

Finally late in the afternoon we arrived at our friends Shirley and Lyn where we Mooch-docked for the night.  We frequent their hospitality when we need a place to park in the area where we once lived.  Shirley pulled out some burgers and salad and fed us well.  Biscuit briefly met their pit Lucy.

May 28

After a good nights sleep we drove the one hour to our current location in the Cape May, NJ area.

May 29

My sister Debbie arrived to spend this time with us.   She works about an hour away but would be here each evening.

May 31

My nephew Norman (JR), wife Vadra and son Ryan came to the campground for a visit.  And their pooch Minie.   Minie and Biscuit got acquainted.

JR and Ryan:

Leonard and Vadra:

June 1

Our grandson Justin and girlfriend Karlie came down from Philadelphia to visit for the day.  Dang.... was so busy talking and visiting I forgot to take a picture.

June 3

Our friend Kathy Clarke has a seasonal site here at the campground and she also works here during the summer months.   She and her late husband Gene, used to live across from us at a small campground for a year prior to us starting our traveling years.   We enjoyed having Kathy at our site last night along with Debbie for Tacos.  Another goof up... no pictures taken then either.

June 4

What would be a trip to the area be without a ride to the bottom tip of NJ... Cape May point.  (Right Betty Barnes?)   We loaded up Biscuit this morning for a visit.

Cape May lighthouse

Passing by the marina

Len and Biscuit on the beach

The Atlantis.   This was one of 11 concrete ships built during WW1.  She broke off from her mooring at Cape May and became stuck where she sits since 1926.  When I was a child this ship was mostly intact and was clearly a concrete ship.  The years have passed and this is all that is left to be seen.

Tomorrow we hook up and travel a bit more.

Until next time.

Big happenings in celebration of recovery.

Cullman,   AL


April of 2011 will long be remembered for the path of destruction from tornadoes that ripped through the south.   It was the 2011 Super Outbreak that hit 216 towns, killed 348 people of which 248 lived in Alabama.   In Cullman the EF4 tornado of April 27, 2011 destroyed or damaged 867 residences, 94 businesses and took the lives of 6 people.   You can see the extensive damage by Googling Cullman Tornado 2011.

We came here to visit our son and family shortly after the tornado.   We saw the damage in town and along highway 278 that was in the path of the tornado.   There are still empty lots with steps leading up to where houses once stood.  Almost eerie.

One year after the tornado, the town held a celebration of recovery.  It was to be a one time event.  However, the celebration has expanded to the point that it has outgrown the original 15 acre site in town.

We travel back roads when we head to the south end of town.  Starting last week we noticed a large plot of ground was having roads laid on it.  Our first thought was a housing development.  Each time we went by we became more curious.  It no longer looked like houses were going there. A few days ago we saw this.

Rows and rows of Porta potties.   Yes, there were lots of workers in the area, but this many?

We also noticed a couple of semi's parked a few miles away that looked to be carrying scaffolding.  We found out they were to construct a stage.

Yesterday we saw large generators sitting in the field.  And electrical work being done.  What is going on?????

Well this morning my friend Stephanie was on Facebook talking about how fast the work is progressing up the road.  I asked her what was going on.   OKAY.... now it makes sense.   Welcome to ROCK THE SOUTH.

The 15 acres no longer can accommodate the crowd so starting this year it moves to this 140 acre field.

We went by the site this morning when taking our Biscuit to the vet for a much needed bath.

They are expecting over 65,000 people to the event next weekend.  (We will be in NJ).  The headliners this year are Kid Rock,  Brooks and Dunn and Florida Georgia Line.  Plus loads of other less well known names.  In past years they had Hank Williams Jr (who used to live in Cullman) and Alan Jackson to name only two.

As of last year the event has raised over $640,000 for local charities.  Want to go?  Can you afford it?

Parking   $50.  For two days of shows:    General admission  $109.00  .   Seating $159.00.   VIP $339. (Gets you closer to the stage).  Ultimate VIP $629,  (private entrance, cocktail server, priority parking)

Want to bring own accommodations?   RV parking $650.    Tent camping  ..... sorry sold out.

Or how about Glamping for 2 people.   $1,700.  (beds, linens, private tent with electric)

Next year if you want to go but want cheaper accommodations, let's talk.  Hey, we could use the cash.

Until next time.

He's changed our lives

Cullman,  AL


When we retired and hit the road to fulltime RV for 7 years, we sold our house in NJ to our daughter and husband.   Along with the house and property came our wonderful Labrador retriever Sparky.   He did not like coming in the house or the truck.   He was not suitable for traveling.   Terri and Steve took good care of him during his final years.  He lived to be 15.

Both Leonard and I agreed we would not have a dog while traveling but when we settled we might get a dog but it would not live it the house.

Something changed our lives!

Late on Easter, after our guests had left, I saw a dog laying on our front porch right up next to the door.   I walked out and he moved and wanted to be petted.   He appeared underfed and was full of ticks.  And he wasn't about to leave.  Except for short times when he would run the woods.

I immediately fell in love with him.  I bought dog food and Frontline.   It killed off the ticks.

 Len would not pet him or interact with him.   I sent pics to various family members.   Granddaughter Abby said his name should be Biscuit.

We found he is very low key and quiet.  EXCEPT the first few times the neighbors peacocks visited.  Howl.    And if he caught a scent of a rabbit.   He got one tapped in a hollow tree and tried for an hour to get it out.

We tried to find whom he might belong to.   We went to the local animal shelter.   They said no one had contacted them about a lost beagle.   I asked about getting him adopted.  They didn't sound promising and would not commit to how long he would be there before being euthanized.  No!

I called neighbors.   No leads there.   I put his picture out on local Facebook pages for missing animals.  Nothing.   Two people said they would take him.   We visited one man who has 4 other beagles.  We asked if he would keep him just while we visited family in the northeast starting next week.   This appeared to be a solution. He could stay there when we were gone.

We wanted to see if he was leash trained.   We got him a cheap halter.  Wasn't on him the next morning.   Got him a good halter.  Put the leash on but no walking.   We had to take him for a drag.  Tried several days. 

But all of a sudden I heard Leonard speaking about him in a different manner.  We took him to the Vet on Monday and had him scanned.   No chip.   So, Len said he needs shots.  Okay then.  He got his shots.  Doctor said he is about 3.   He had loaded up easily into the truck and laid on the back seat.   Yea, I did say that Len had said he could NEVER be in his truck

After the Vet, Len said let's get him a hammock type cover for the back seat.  So off to Pet Depot.  We got a sturdy reflective collar on which to hang his vaccination tags and a truck seat cover that protects him from falling off the seat to the floor.    As Len was paying, Biscuit and I went outside to wait (and him to do his business).   I was wondering what was taking Len so long in the store.   He came out with an ID tag with Biscuits name on it and on the other side LENS NAME AND PHONE NUMBER.    This from a man who wanted nothing to do with this dog.   Biscuit won him over big time.

It was then Len said Biscuit would be traveling with us.   And living in the house.

We gave him a bath last weekend. 

The next morning he was outside.  When he came up on the porch to me he stunk.  Was wet.  Had green gunk on him.   He had gone out to the pond and rolled in duck poop.  Geeze.

On Wednesday we had another appointment at the Vet.  He lost his manhood.  He stayed overnight and we picked him up Thursday.    We also bought a tie out cable as he will have to be tied up in campgrounds when we have him outside with us.   By Friday he had not peed nor pooed.  We called the vet.  They said to give him a tablespoon of pumpkin.    It worked.  Never heard of this before.

He now walks on a leash beautifully.   He knows to do his business outside.  One funny thing.  We go outside and he runs to the truck.  Puts his front legs on the running board.   He loves taking rides.

I had noticed he had what looked like a sore on his side.  This morning there was another and hair falling out around them.  Back to the Vet.  They are old sores where he was scraped.  So old the skin was flaking and hair falling out.   We have meds now to heal them.  Also, he's been licking a certain area since Wednesday.   So the solution.

Isn't that look pathetic?

He is unbelievably good.  Well mannered.  Smart. Calm.   (Unless he catches the scent of a rabbit)

So, we will travel.  I will get my exercise walking several times a day.  We will dote on our new family member.   He's changed our lives.   And also emptied our bank account. 

Until next time.

And everything shook

Cullman,   AL


Late this afternoon I was sitting on the porch watching the dark clouds roll in.   With me was Biscuit, the sweet beagle who thinks he lives here.  I suppose he does.

As we sat there it started to rain.  Hard.  Then lightning.  Then thunder.   Biscuit shook.  I petted and would calm him down then another Boom.  More shaking and shuttering.

He sat close to me as things started getting a bit hairy.   I was sitting in the red chair that you see in the picture above.

As the storm got heavier, I  walked inside to talk to Leonard.  He was stripped down and ready to get into the Jacuzzi.  (no pictures).   I told him that was not a good idea during a thunder storm.   I walked back out to the porch and Biscuit was gone.   Whenever it rains hard he goes under the back porch where he keeps dry.

I sat in the living room as the loudest clap I've ever heard roared, the whole house shook and a flash of light ripped across in front of me.   A picture flew off the wall where the flash entered.  I ran to check on Leonard, he was okay and not in the tub.     I went to the back porch and heard Biscuit crying under the porch.   Then he darted out from under the porch and ran off into the woods.   He's not back yet.  He will settle down and return.  I hope soon.

I went into my office.   No power in there.  Leonard checked the breakers and two had been shut off.  We turned on the TV in the living room.  It comes on but only searches for the satellite.  No signal. We tried the TV in the office.  Same thing.    We will call DirecTV on Monday.

I think now..... I am so glad I told Leonard not to get in the tub.  And I wondered what would have happened to me if I had still been in that chair on the porch where the lightning flashed through the house. 

It is now 4 hours later.  Raining again.   Biscuit still not back.    Tried to upload pictures on this blog.  Took a long time for just the one.  Gave up getting more. 

Happy Mothers Day dear women friends and family.

Until next time.

Visitors ....Humans, Fowl and Canine

Cullman,  AL


I find myself looking for "what next".      I read about how dangerous it is for ducks.  They are faced with so many predators.     We found this to be true as one morning last week  instead of 3 ducks swimming in the pond, just two.   We suspect it was one of the hawks we frequently see on our property.     Every morning I get up and holding my breath look outside.  We still have the two.

Then last week I saw not only two ducks but a pair of Canada Geese.

Cool!   The next day they were still there.  WOW,  no longer two geese but FIVE!

What a joy to see this family walking around near the pond and taking their swims.  The ducks seemed not to bother the geese.  They would be within a few feet of each other.

On Friday our friends Carol and Jerry Wright arrived for the weekend in their Motor Home.  When they arrived, the geese held great interest in what was going on.  Papa and Mama stood still observing as the diesel driven motor home pulled into one of our RV sites.

Once Carol and Jerry were parked and settled, I looked for the geese but they were gone.  I suspect they walked over the levee and into the creek that runs along our property line.  The parents are very protective of their young, too much activity and noise.  Someone told me since they were hatched near the pond there is a likelihood they will return there.  We hope so.

Carol made dinner for us on Friday and  we had a lovely catching-up visit. 

Last weekend while daughter Terri was visiting we drove to the town of Trinity to Roden Surplus Imports where I purchased material for a hanging in our master bathroom.    I got a call during the week that I had won a $100 gift certificate to their store.   So on Saturday we made our way there where I purchased a few items. $100. worth of a few items.  Then we returned to the Amish restaurant that we went to last week.  Every bit as good the second visit.

Easter!    Sunrise service starts at 6:00 am.   It was a wee bit chilly.  Look at Carol and Jerry.

We watched the sun rise above the distant hills.

Daybreak as our Pastor, Paul, gave the message.

After the service it was breakfast at the nearby community center.

Later it was dinner at our house.   Carol provided a lovely pineapple cake.  Daughter-in-law Lois the cole slaw.   And we had ham, mashed red skin potatoes, applesauce, glazed carrots, rolls, pickles.  I kept thinking "what's missing???"    Later Carol went to get the cake from the refrigerator and called me over.    DEVILED EGGS!   I knew something was missing!    Okay ..... desert was the cake, brownies, cookies and deviled eggs.

Following more visiting it was time for Carol and Jerry to pull out.  They had an appointment for the yearly check up of their Tifflin Motor Coach over at Red Bay, AL the next morning.  So... good byes until probably next year about the same time.

It was then I remembered something else I forgot.  A picture of all of us together at dinner.  So here is a picture of Leonard, son Lennie and DIL Lois and Maddie and Jordan.

It was shortly after Jerry and Carol arrived that the geese left.    It was shortly after they left that this sweet boy showed up.

As you can see he needs some good meals.  What you can't see is the many ticks that are attached to him.   I am taking care of both.    Already I am in love with this lovable pup.  This is the 3rd day and he's still here.   I've asked around a bit but no one has claimed him.   I've always loved Beagles.

 Granddaughter Abby named him Biscuit.  Uh oh.... feeding and a name.  He doesn't seem to be in any hurry to leave.

Until next time.....

That's why I had her.

Cullman,  AL

Daughter Terri had business meetings up in Nashville, TN starting last Wednesday until Friday at noon.  She then rented a car and drove about 100 miles down to Decatur, AL where she left the rental and we picked her up.   Decatur is about 45 minutes from our home.

Her plan was to fly back to Harrisburg, PA today.  More on that later.

While here she kept looking for ways to help.    So, after dinner at one of our favorites, Jim and Nicks BBQ she set about pruning our fig and pear trees.   This was OK with Leonard

On Saturday we took a ride of about 40 miles each way to Trinity, AL where we went to Roden Surplus Supplies.  They have a bit of everything there.   I purchase a wooden scoop and some silk flowers.   Later in the day Terri made an arrangement to hang in the master bathroom.

As it was past lunch time we decided to go to a restaurant that I had picked up a brochure about a week or more ago.   It is an Amish buffet only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.   I punched  in the address in the GPS and off we go to find it.   Well, if someone did not know about this place doubtful they would go there.   It was back a dirt road, between a business selling storage buildings and around a few curves.   Aha!  There it was:

Talk about off the beaten track.   Whew!   We will go back.  If we can find it.

Once home it was time to release my ducks.   They spent the last few weeks in a pen Leonard had make under a partially enclosed shed.    Len opened the top of the pen, the ducks ran to the other side, Terri would grab one and hand it to me.   I would drop it into a container.  They lived up to their names Poopsie, Stinky and Craps.

To the pond and freedom!

They love it.   Even though to pond is green with pollen and algae (we are working on that issue) they took to it like ducks take to water.     We just hope they are not sitting ducks, with there being hawks in the area.   Sorry for the puns.

While Len and I porch sat, Terri cleaned out and refilled one of my bird feeders.

Terri had decided I needed some cookies made for Easter dinner.  So she did.  Yum Italian Lemon cookies.

After a busy day we were all sleeping soundly.  UNTIL..... all 3 of our phones went off.  Take Shelter Immediately.    You guessed it.  Tornado warnings.   We got up, dressed, prepared to go to the basement.  I turned on the Birmingham news station.   Cullman was once again in the predicted area.  We were fine.  None came down.   So back to bed.  And try to sleep.  And worry about the ducks outside in the winds.

We got up this morning and all ducks were fine.   After church and lunch it was time to drive Terri to the Airport.   She was concerned as her flight was to Harrisburg, PA with a connecting flight in Chicago.  Chicago was getting hit with snow.   It looked like her flight would be delayed.  We dropped her off, got half way home and she called.  Flight cancelled.  Back to the airport.

So here we all are.   Terri is now scheduled to leave tomorrow.   I sure don't mind her being here another day but I know she was anxious to get home and settled in before work tomorrow.  Not going to happen. 

Well time to close this chapter of our life and make us some supper.   Soup and salad it will be.

Oh, and about the title to this blog.......   Did I really have her to do all these things for us in our "old" age?    It doesn't hurt.

Until next time.

Touring North West Alabama

Tuscumbia, AL

Being a nice day we thought it would be a good time to visit a few (somewhat) local sites.  Also a good time because our friends Jim and Darlene, full-time RVers, were visiting us on their way back from the west coast to Pennsylvania.

Their rig on one of our sites:

This is Darlene and Jim

We started off stopping at our favorite Amish Bakery Dutch Oven for a few goodies.  Biscotti for me, Jalapeno bread for Leonard and chocolate covered pretzels for us both.

Then we drove the 80 or so miles to Tuscumbia to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.  Some of the artists from Alabama:

The group Alabama (of course)

Hank Williams

Hank Williams Jr.     He's from our current hometown of Cullman

Sonny James

William Lee Golden from the group Oak Ridge Boys

Nat King Cole

We found that Tammy Wynette, Jim Nabors, Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores, The Temptations were from Alabama.  And so many others.

Here are the 4 of us

Just a couple of miles away was our next stop.... Helen Keller birthplace and home

Helen was not born deaf nor blind.  She was sick at about 18 months with a virus that left her deaf and blind.    Her parents knew they needed help with her so hired Annie Sullivan age 20 who had just graduated from a school for people with those afflictions in NY.  Annie was with Helen for the next 50 years.

The house was built in 1820 by Helen's grandfather.  At that time it sat on 640 acres.

Most of the furnishings in the house are original.

If you saw the movie The Miracle Worker with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke you might remember the scene with Patty Duke as Helen would walk around the table and take food off anyone's plate.  This is the table and same dishes where that actually occurred.

Annie realized that she could only do so much for Helen with the parents protecting her.  So she and Helen moved into the Birthplace Cottage a small building next to the main house.  Their clothing.

Also if you saw the movie you will remember when Helen first connected the word water when Annie had her use a pump and feel the running water.   This is that pump.

If ever in the area it is worth worth a visit.   A guide will take you through the downstairs of the house and explain various items.  Then you are invited to see the upstairs and other buildings and gardens on the grounds.

By this time we were ready for lunch.   We found a Lenny's Subs.  We've had them once while in Mississippi.   These were good but not as good as the ones we had in MS.

Our next visit was about 20 miles away.

Yes!  A cemetery for Coon Dogs ONLY.

Time to head on home.    Winding narrow roads.  A detour.   Took a while.   But we got here.  Darlenegot busy making chicken and rice and vegetables in her Instant Pot.  When done she and Jim brought that plus salads and Whoopie Pies she had bought at the Amish Bakery to the house for dinner.

We so much enjoy the company of Darlene and Jim.  They pulled out about a half hour ago headed for a few days in Nashville then on to Kentucky and back to Pennsylvania.   We hope to see them sometime this summer when we plan to be in the Hershey area.

Until next time.