Blog update, Monday, May 24

Lisa is at work so Randi and I are alone, mainly catching up on the blog. We truly intended to do much better at staying up to date, but it has become more difficult than we thought. We hope those of you who are following will keep checking in. We will eventually fill in the gaps.

More yard work, Sunday, May 23

Grandson Trent (almost 10), spent the night here with us last night and he is anxious to go out early to help Grammie and Aunt Lisa in the yard. Actually, he was anxious to ride the mower, which took him all of 10 minutes to master. I could see that it would only be another leaf burning, dirt blowing day and decided the best thing for me would be to go shopping. Happy is the man who is not far from Best Buy, Lowe’s and Gander Mountain. While browsing in Gander, I was completely surprised to see Bill's brother in law, Leon. We had a great impromptu visit for about an hour and half. At the end of our visit Leon's wife (Bill's sister) arrived from her shopping and said she was wondering what had happened to leon because he was gone for so long.

Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill brought this happy day to a close.

Mowing, Saturday, May 22

It is good to “stay put” today. Randi has a true love for “mowing” (go figure) and spent 14 years taking care of six acres of land when she lived in Jacksonville. She has taken over the riding mower today and worked along with Lisa (who loves it too). I have enjoyed watching them from inside as they mow, collect and burn leaves, and just get really dirty. They did allow time for pedicures at the end of the day, in preparation for dinner with son Jason and family.

Castillo de San Marcos, Friday, May 21

Curt, Yvonne, Randi and I spent most of the day in St. Augustine, FL, an hour south of Jacksonville. It is the oldest city in the continental United States, founded in 1565. One could spend days seeking out its history. Randi spent a lot of her childhood visiting there, including every New Year’s Day, which was a tradition her father initiated. We had time only for a few highlights, one being the Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish-built fort (1763).

St. Augustine lighthouse, Friday, May 21

Lunch and a stroll down famed St. George Street (only open to pedestrian traffic since the 60’s), still left time to drive to the St. Augustine lighthouse built in 1824. We all climbed the 214 steps to the top, which was high on Yvonne’s list of things to accomplish. From the top, the view of the city and the intracoastal waterway, was awesome.

The "Benches", Thursday, May 20

We visited the “benches”, which are a memorial to our granddaughter, Jordan. Jordan was killed by a hit and run driver in 2007. The bench on the left is engraved with "Jordan R. Williams 4-7-90 12-12-07".

The bench on the right is engraved with "A Life Worth Watching" which is an excerpt from a card Jordan had written on shortly before the accident. The card read…”they say before you die, your entire life flashes before your eyes…make it worth watching!” The magnolia tree was planted at the same time the benches were placed. The benches are located in a public park in Atlantic Beach, FL.

Jacksonville Beach Pier, Thursday, May 20

After visiting the benches we went to the end of the Jacksonville Beach Pier where in 2007 about 400 friends had paid tribute to our little surfer girl after the memorial service which was held in the Fletcher High School auditorium, with over 1000 in attendance. Lisa picked a bud from the Magnolia tree that had been planted at the memorial benches and tossed it from the end of the pier.

Singletons Seafood Shack, Thursday, May 20

Next we went to Singletons Seafood Shack located in Mayport, Fl.. Singletons was reviewed by Guy Fieri from the food channel. The fried shrimp there was great!

The Kingsley Plantation, Thursday, May 20

We wandered the grounds of the Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island in Jacksonville. The long road to the plantation house and slave quarters, situated on the St. John’s River, reveals a great example of “old Florida” landscape. Huge moss covered oaks and dense woods are beautiful. During Florida’s plantation period (1763-1865) Fort George Island was owned by many planters; however, its name comes from Zephaniah Kingsley who was the owner from 1814 to 1837.

Jacksonville, Wednesday, May 19

On to Jacksonville! We are parking our motorhome in Lisa and Bill’s driveway for about 2 ½ weeks. We have seen and will see incredible sights on this adventure, but being with all of the kids is the true highlight. Curt and Yvonne stayed in an RV park only 20 minutes away but enjoyed a few days visiting with our children and grandchildren before heading north to Hilton Head, SC, where their son, Aaron lives. Those few days were filled, as is our normal routine.

Pike’s Landing, Tuesday, May 18

Pike’s Landing, the restaurant where our daughter and son-in-law are managers and co-owners is in Valdosta, Georgia (~60 miles from our campground).

We are very impressed with the building, the staff and the awesome breakfast. Bill manages the growing business (only 5 months young) Mon thru Sat for breakfast and lunch and Lisa is there on the weekends. She still works as the Ambulatory Administrator for the University of Florida’s OB/GYN practices in Jacksonville.

Peach Shed tour, Tuesday, May 18

Bill took us to a friend’s peach orchard where we picked our own peaches. We then went to the “Peach Shed” where we had a personal tour of the washing, inspecting and sorting by size operation. We then had to try the homemade peach ice cream. Yummm!

Suwannee Valley Campground, Monday, May 17

It is hard to leave Carrabelle Beach today, but onward we go! We arrived in White Springs, Fl and park at the Suwannee Valley Campground, a 2 minute walk to the famous Suwannee River. We have begun to experience the rain showers that are so common in of this part of the country. Rain, sun, rain, sun. It’s actually pretty nice. Randi loves it!

Another “kick back” day, Sunday, May 16

This was another “kick back” day. We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect spot to do just that! We took time to walk along the beach and found a huge horseshoe crab that had washed ashore. All of us (especially Randi and Yvonne), thought it would be really neat to dry the shell and take it home for a wall decoration; however, we would not be there long enough for the process and we feared we would never be rid of the smell. Sadly, the crab stayed on the beach.

Dinner at cousins T and Dave, Sunday, May 16

Tonight, we are catered to by cousins T and Dave in their absolutely beautiful home. We were served a most incredible meal. Five star hotels and restaurants are truly, no finer.

Talking with the cousins, Sunday, May 16

It was a great evening with all of the cousins. They all have such extraordinary life stories, experiences and accomplishments we could listen to them and talk with them for hours. The time was just too brief for Randi to share family memories talk of family history. We see how important it is to close the gap between visits.

Saturday Night, May 15

Tonight we had a great time with all the family at Joe and Ruth’s. Joe fried 3 kinds of fish (his specialty), and Ruth’s wonderful hot crab dip was truly a highlight. Several salads and to Randi’s surprise, her favorite family recipe homemade rolls were also on the table. Made especially for her, she brought home a whole bag! Dessert was followed by an amazing sunset and great conversation with the four of us and Ruth, Joe, T, Dave, Gene and Bedford. A wonderful day!

VIP Boat Tour Saturday, May 15

This morning Yvonne, Curt, Randi and I met Dave, husband of Randi’s cousin “T”, for a VIP boat tour of the Apalachicola River. Dave’s friend Dan drove the boat for this tour.

Riverkeepers Saturday, May 15

Most of you know about the oil disaster in the news every day. The Riverkeepers are working hard to protect these waters and beaches which are clean so far, but they think that the spill will eventually make its way here.

Mix of Fresh Water and Ocean Water Saturday, May 15

Dan is Executive Director of the Apalachicola Riverkeepers and Dave is the Senior Policy Director of the Apalachicola Riverkeepers. Their knowledge of the waterways was more complete and accurate than any Google search we could have done. They explained how the mix of fresh water and ocean water is perfect in this area for producing the best oysters in North America.

Cousin Ruth and Joe Friday, May 14

Randi has three first cousins and their husbands who have lived here in Eastpoint for over 20 years. They all have beautiful homes on wooded waterfront lots on the Apalachicola Bay. Before returning to the park for the night, we visited with Cousin Ruth and Joe. It was a treat to find Joe on his dock emptying the crab trap, preparing its contents for the freezer, which is always stocked with fresh seafood.

Cape St. George Lighthouse Friday, May 14

The afternoon included a stop at the Cape St. George Lighthouse and a walk down to the white sandy beach of the Gulf.

Aunt Ebby’s Friday, May 14

This morning we drove ~ 17 miles to St. George Island, connected to the mainland by the third longest bridge in Florida. Our granddaughter, Jordan, loved visiting here and having ice cream at “Aunt Ebby’s” was one of her favorite things to do. We found this brightly painted beach establishment, which has been here for 26 years, and knew why she loved it so. We all had a cone!

Ho Hum RV Park Thursday, May 13

We arrived at the Ho Hum RV Park where we will just have to endure looking at the Apalachicola Bay from our front windows. We are literally feet from the water. “Ho Hum”

Drive to Carrabelle, FL Thursday, May 13, 2010

We left Hammond, LA this morning, planning to spend the night in Mobile, AL. When we arrived at the Alabama Welcome Station, it was only 10:30 AM, so the drivers decided to keep moving and go all the way to Carrabelle, FL today. It was a long day 465 miles.

Hammond, LA Wednesday, May 12th

This is a “real” down day. We have no plans and will spend the day cleaning house, re-organizing, computing and relaxing. We leave Thursday for a one nite stay in Mobile, AL, before moving on to Florida’s West Coast.

You may have noticed that I always have on my blue shorts.....well....they are not always the same ones. When I find shorts that I like, which are far and few between, I buy lots of them. I must have 30 pair of these. I loved Flares and wore them for 10 years after they were out of style. OK so I have a little problem with change.

Houmas House Tuesday, May 11

At #5, Houmas House, we had a delicious lunch in the café, before Randi, Curt and Yvonne took the inside tour. They thoroughly enjoyed it, while I preferred to spend the time taking pictures and walking through the 12 acres of gardens, ponds and fountains.

Oak Alley Plantation Tuesday May 11th

Our drive through the New Orleans Plantation Country was great. Along the Mississippi River back roads, we stopped at 4 homes to stroll and take pictures. You may reconize the Oak Alley Plantation from some movies.

New Orleans St. Paul #1 cemetery Monday May 10th

What a fun place…New Orleans. We spent the day being tourists and had a great time. Our day began at the information center, which is one of the nicest we’ve seen. It was quite elegant with marble floors even in the bathroom. Across the street we toured the St. Paul #1 cemetery, which in like most of the ones in New Orleans, the graves are above ground. A number of movie scenes have been filmed there and we even found the grave of Marie Leveau, the infamous voudou queen ( 1801-1881). The interest in that kind of stuff, even today, is pretty spooky.

New Orleans Bourbon Street Monday May 10th

We spent most of the day walking around the French Quarter, taking in sites that you can only find on Bourbon Street.

New Orleans Acme Oyster House Monday May 10th

We had lunch at the Acme Oyster House and of course, had oysters. How can you not? We visited Pat O’Brien’s, home of the famed Hurricane Drink, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, founded 1718, designated a Basilica in 1964.

Hammond, LA Sunday May 9th

Today we drove to Hammond, LA. It was a short drive for us (only a few hours), so we arrived at the Harbor Oaks Campground before noon. It was nice to settle early in the day and relax for awhile. We did a little shopping at Target and Best Buy, then came back to cook steaks on the grill, the first since we started the trip.

Avery Island Saturday May 8th

Visited the Tabasco Factory on Avery Island. Took the tour of the factory.





Visited their country store where you can sample all of the Tabasco products.

Friday, May 7, 2010

We are in Louisiana! Settling in at the RV park, we decided to do a real Cajun Swamp Boat Tour. It was quite a intresting 2 ½ hours in a small skiff, captained by “Butch”, who was born, raised and still lives on the banks of this bayou. He took us to “another world”, through swamp with cypress trees hundreds of years old.

We saw so many species of heron, including the great blues, and many other birds. He even took us deep into the trees to show us birds nesting high in the trees. We could even see tops of the heads of the babies peeking over. It was a real special treat……

then we went on the gator hunt. There were so many, we stopped counting. Some 6-7 feet long, but mostly huge ones at least 9-12 feet. We had a great time and know that this will be at the top of the list of things enjoyed on this trip.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Nine days in and around Lockhart, TX has really been a great time, visiting with friends and soaking up the history in this part of the country. We could use a few more days, but must move on. Today we will drive to Beaumont, TX for one night.

Randi will take advantage of sitting by the pool while catching up on the laundry, but Curt, Yvonne and I are more interested the historic sites here. They visited the historic Sam’s Club, while I chose historic Lowe’s, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Best Buy and Taco Bell. A good time was had by all.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

A “down day” today until 4:30 when we left for Austin to our friends’ home for dinner. Jay and Brent moved from California to Austin 5 years ago, bought an old home in the historic district and have transformed it into a real showplace. Randi and Jay have been friends since their time at Hoag, where he was a Radiation Oncologist. He retired at a very young age to pursue his first love…architecture. It was a treat to share the evening with them and to see their incredible home, an awesome display of their expertise in design and workmanship. Yvonne and I are envious of Brent’s grand workshop, which includes every tool imaginable. We blew it no pictures.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

I stayed at the park today to nurse an eye infection and take a much needed bike ride. Randi, Curt and Yvonne spent the day in the Hill Country. They drove to Fredericksburg, a charming town reflecting the cultural legacy of the German immigrants who first arrived in central Texas in the 1840’s. They couldn’t resist having lunch at a local biergarten before starting the drive back to the RV park. Randi said, the most significant stop along the way was a tour of the Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch, which is quite impressive with its massive acreage and extremely modest house, occupied by Lady Bird with the original furnishings, until her death in 2007. They thoroughly enjoyed the day, even though Curt drove about 240 miles in the car. I was happy to “cool it”.

We all met for another wonderful dinner with Jack and Elfriede at their house. I cannot express how warm and inviting they have been.

Monday, May 3, 2010

We were on the road early to visit Austin. Jack is leading the way in his car, leading us to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, which houses 3 floors of Texas history. We all loved the Imax movie of the 2009 space project to repair the Hubble telescope. In “Elton John” mode, we donned our big red 3-D glasses and took that awesome trip through the stars. I rode back to the RV in Jack’s car, stopping at a bicycle shop to buy a new tire.

Curt, Yvonne and Randi headed for a local eatery before touring the Texas capitol building and other historic sites in Austin.

Early in the evening, Randi and I, following a tip from our neighbors and park hosts, decided to drive 14 miles to Luling and try the bar-b-que at the City Market. It was a pretty drive and they were right about the food.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

This morning we moved back to the state park for 4 more days. It was great fun to share the afternoon with Jack and Elfreide. We gathered at our campsites and each made tacos with Yvonne’s (now famous) chicken and salsa.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Today has been “sort of” a down day. Yvonne and I spent most of the morning working on her “Pinnacle” program on her computer (this stuff is of great interest to both of us). Curt and Jack went to an antique car show and Randi worked on her trip log and walked.

This afternoon, we all walked around Historic Lockhart, toured the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches, the oldest library in Texas, the Caldwell County jail, built in 1909 (Randi was a bit rowdy which resulted the picture at right) and the Caldwell County Courthouse, completed in 1894. Pictured above, it is the most photographed courthouse in Texas.

Friday, April 30, 2010

We were unable to get reservations at the State park campground for 2 of the nites in Lockhart, so we moved to an RV resort just 14 miles away. It is a beautiful place with nice amenities which include canoeing, volleyball, paddle boats, pool and Jacuzzi. We, of course, were too busy to engage in those activities, but pictured is the view from our front window.

I was interested in a century bike ride tomorrow which will start in Austin and end in Shiner (home of the brewery). I decided to do a short practice ride only to discover a cut in one of my tires. Disappointed! We’ll have to find a bike shop in Austin so that I will be ready if the opportunity arises again.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

We drove to San Antonio today and spent the day touring the Alamo and taking in the beautiful Riverwalk.

It is quite an experience, walking the boardwalk lined on both sides of the river with shops, hotels and restaurants. We had lunch alfresco, then the barge ride along the river. We visited the cathedral where the remains of the heroes of the Alamo battle are entombed. We drove through the King William neighborhood of historic homes, some built as early as 1856. They are gorgeous mansions! The 60+ mile ride back to the campground takes us right by a Dairy Queen. We were weak….had ice cream….it was worth it!