A Normal Spring at the Plantation?

The last time I wrote, we lived through another Mardis Gras here at the Plantation. Now, all things are back to normal and yes, we’re still dining out, Barb is busy quilting and I am attacking the ‘honey – do’ list. We’re also busy planning, building lists and designing the rooms for our ‘hobby house’ back in Ft Erie. Through some phone calls and further research, we have decided that radiant in floor heating is out of our budget range. We are looking at other options, including wall furnaces and a complete HVAC system sized for our small house.

 

We managed to get a couple of dry days so I could trim the hedge rows on both sides of the rig. We met friends Gerry & Diane for lunch at the Tin Top restaurant in Bon Secour. We were able to sit out under the awning and chat the day away. The food was good, the beer cold and the service excellent.

 

 

We were sitting in the rig having dinner and suddenly we hear a low flying helo coming in over top of the trees. We step outside to see what is happening and it was moving quickly further into the campground and looks like it was about to land. Barb & I jumped on our bikes and hustled down toward the office to see it sitting in the open area east of the entrance and was being met by the local EMTs. The EMT’s were transferring a youngster to the helo for transport to the ER. This sort of excitement gets us oldies out for some exercise.  While watching we met new arrivals, Lois and Harvey from our home Chapter 18, and invited them over for happy hour the next day.

Another major event is the Chapter 26 (The Gulf Posse) corned beef luncheon. Some of the chapter members prepared the corned beef in the backyard on a drizzly morning before the scheduled event. Again, lots of good food, good company and total fun as over 100 of us sit down for yet another meal!  Another cake was raffled off by Bill Coons for a few $100.00.  A good sum of money was donated to the local fire department.

On February 14th, we wandered around the Fairhope annual craft show and sale with Bill, Ann, Tom & Cheryl. We were not disappointed in the quality and quantity of products for sale. It was all there, whatever you could dream of that you might want!

Our weather has been all over the map this spring. We have had beautiful hot days with sunny skies but then a storm rolls through and leaves a blast of cold air in its wake. Everyone is wondering when spring will really arrive and give us the warm days that we love. We haven’t even got the clubs out of the closet or the boat in the water! Yikes!

Gotta run, it’s happy hour here and someone is opening the beverages…..

Mardis Gras 2014 at the Plantation

I know that the last post was mostly about eating, well we’re starting off here with the guys having lunch out while the ladies are on a shopping excursion in Pensacola for more quilting supplies! The guys are not so photogenic so no pictures of us sitting in the sunshine, on the deck overlooking the inland waterway at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores.

The Plantation’s Mardis Gras starts this Friday, Feb 28th. Barb & I are not too much in the party mood so we’re only participating in the opening dinner Friday. This meal is when the King and Queen are selected and after they are sworn in, the party begins. We also went to Fat Tuesday’s dinner, the grand finale. Barb was in a skit on Friday and I was in a skit on Tuesday.

Going with Dick & Mary to the Pensacola parade on Saturday is becoming a tradition. On Friday, we were busy cooking up some finger foods – wings and a shrimp dip, beer and wine for the ‘tail gate party’ as we wait for the parade to start. We had a little mix up at the ‘regular’ parking spot so made do across the street but still had fun. The difference is that before, we could have our tail gate party and do some people watching all the while we snacked. It is more social being right next to the trucks and our lawn chairs that we set up next to the parade barriers. We still had fun, watched a good parade that seems to get bigger each year – over 2 hours long this year! As the parade progresses, people behind us press forward so they can get their share of beads and trinkets thrown from the floats. We usually give the stuff we catch to any kids around us. Here are a couple that were too cute, they kept sharing beads with each other while we kept hanging more beads on their necks. It was a long day, we stopped at Five Guys for a great burger on the way home.

Sunday was a quiet day until we went to the ice cream social (happy now John). The King and Queen are escorted in and to their thrones, ice cream is served and then the skits and stories begin again. Lots of laughs and good times shared. Monday was the Plantation’s Mardis Gras parade and it was a go no matter the weather – it was threatening rain. Many parade floats were not decorated because of the weather threat and the parade was down sized some but still went off as planned.

Fat Tuesday is our Mardis Gras grand finale here at the Plantation. Dinner, skits and the de-throning of the King and Queen – which sometimes is more dramatic than the swearing in ceremony!. After the festivities have subsided and the dust is settling, the theme for next years event is introduced.

Well, that is a slice of our life down here in paradise. Some times we pinch our selves because we can not believe that we have such a great winter perch! Until next time…..

Eat, Drink and Hav’n Fun–Ya’ll

You will notice from the pictures and the following stories, we do a lot of eating here in our piece of paradise. It doesn’t take much to gather a bunch to go for a lunch at one of our many favourite eateries. This particular day was started by someone saying hey, I haven’t had a feast of cat fish lately and off we go to the Fish River Grill II in Foley. This excursion may have only been between 2 couples and the next thing you know, we have a bunch!

I have been busy getting some of the small ‘honey do’ items completed while Barb is continuing to work on some of her quilt work in progress or as a quilter calls them UFOs – Unfinished Object. This one is from her row robin of the summer of 2012 and she has finally decided on which way the rows look their best. She has another one that she is really getting excited to complete that she worked with others from an on-line quilt group at Fandom In Stitches. If you can’t make out the squares, they are from Lord of the Rings.

Pat & Ross, our friends from Lindsey, Ont. are heading on down the road to meet up with other friends and so we all agreed to have another lunch at Felix’s Fish Camp, an up scale restaurant on the causeway to Mobile. The excellent service and excellent food bring us back there often. This trip was no exception, excellent service and food combined with good company create a recipe for fun. The day before they were to depart, we all gathered at their trailer for happy hour and to make sure they were leaving! It was also an attempt to lighten their load by drinking most of their beverages.

The quilt ladies bought some new cabinets for all their supplies and needed help to assemble them. I gathered a couple of other guys – Bill, Larry with supervision by Dick and we had them together and standing in short order. Unfortunately, they did not come equipped with a locking device. I’m sure you can imagine the following conversations that evolved, including a big heavy chain with a very attractive padlock. The predicament was to find a device that is both functional and looks good. You know if it was a ‘men’s’ cabinet, it would have the chain look! Anyway, all is good and secure now.

Phil & Linda, our new friends from Truro, NS came up to view our digs. After the 20 cent tour, we went to Big Daddy`s, one of favourite spots for lunch. It was a beautiful afternoon, sitting on the deck over looking the Fish River, swilling a jug of draft and filling ourselves with Big Daddy`s excellent fare. Just as we were finishing up, our Plantation buds strolled in for lunch too. This is too good, all this fun and no snow to shovel!

 

 

Barb is becoming a professional instructor these days. She taught a fabric flower class last year and was asked to do it again. She had 8 gals huddled in a corner of the clubhouse, trying to learn while the park musicians were there for a jam session. Later in the month, Barb also taught a free motion quilting session. She showed a couple of learning videos and coached 15 gals while 10 others looked on. I`m sure you appreciate the effort Barb would put in to these classes – hand outs, samples and quilt sandwiches for the girls to practice on for the free motion class. Barb doesn't run a fly by night operation!

Bill & Ann’s friends, Cheryl & Tom, from Finger Lakes area of New York, have been here for a month or so and are heading on down the road to Florida for hopefully warmer temps. As a gesture of celebration for their departure, we did something special – went to lunch! Everyone felt like Mexican this time so off to one of our other favourite eateries in Fairhope. Again, the food did not disappoint and the service was fast. I had a little problem ordering but it was probably my authentic Mexican speak that threw off the waiter.

On the way over, we could smell burning rubber and quickly my alternator output went to 0. We were not far from the campground so we turned around and used other vehicles to get all 8 of us to the trough. When we got back, I started the truck again and the voltage reading was back to normal and no smell and all the pulleys were turning as expected. Hummm….. kind of concerning and uneasy about taking the big black beast out for any road trips. I took it into Foley for a look see and they determined that our A/C compressor bearings were clanging around and it probably seized, impeding the serpentine belt from turning the alternator. So much for saving some cash this winter to give us a jump start on the hobby house in the spring.

Well, it is nearing Mardi Gras here and more eating and drinking will be in the cards no doubt. We hope all is good where you are and come back again…..

A Good-bye in Jasper, Ga

It’s a sad time again for us, we’re driving up to Jasper GA to celebrate Jim Decker’s life after his passing to a better place than his recent stay here as Jim fought through pain and suffering these past months. Lydia kindly sourced a cute stay for us at the Woodbridge Inn. The view from the balcony overlooked the Blue Ridge mountains.

Our drive up and through Atlanta was uneventful and we arrived early enough to check in and freshen up before we headed over to Lydia’s. We arrived to warm hugs and a reunion with their kids – we have met most of them from our American Thanksgiving dinners with Jim & Lydia. Soon, food and refreshments were consumed and the celebration and story telling began.

Jim’s service was held at the church that they attended – back in a wooded area. The church was constructed with timber and glass, bringing the outdoors in. It was a beautiful worship centre to hold services for a man that enjoyed nature and his friends and family.

The passing of 2 very dear friends has left an enormous hole in our hearts.

A Surprise 3 Day Vacation

Barb & I arrived back in Buffalo early Tuesday morning with no weather issues and our flight was on time – whew…. at this time we are hoping we can get up to Jasper to see Jim and Lydia then head back to Alabama and our winter home. We are also looking forward to some heat and sunshine to warm these weary bones!

We arrived in Washington DC for a shortish layover. As we wait, we hear an announcement that our flight to Pensacola had been cancelled and we have to check-in with the airline for further instructions. Waiting in line, we learn that Pensacola has been closed due to sever ice on the runways. The flight attendant booked us on the next day flight and gave us a chit with instructions on hotel information with an 800#. We learn that because the cancellation was due to weather, the airline does not cover the costs of accommodations but will help us with preferred rates. We made reservations at the Sheridan Suites in Alexandria, VA, just a few minutes from the airport and they have shuttle service. We spoke with another couple in the same predicament that were flying down for a month of warm weather, escaping out of Truro, Nova Scotia.

Our room was great for the price we paid – the rate card suggested it was a $300/night room but we got it for $80. It was a suite with a separate bedroom, a microwave and coffee pot and a sitting room, we thought for 1 night, it will be fine. We had free internet access in the lobby so as I was checking email, the Truro (Phil & Linda) couple walked past and of course I had some smart ass remark and they stopped to chat. They were coming to Orange Beach for a month of beach time.

 

 

 

 

 

We kept an eye on the airline plane schedules first thing Wednesday morning and found out Pensacola was still closed and we were here for another night. I checked with the front desk about the room rate and found out we had to go back to the airport, check in with the airline and get another chit for the Wednesday night! You might think that the desk staff would know that we are already inconvenienced with the layover and yet they required us to go to the airport again to get a chit for the ‘special’ room rate! So, Barb, Phil & I were back on the airport shuttle to check in at the airline again! So, the three of us are checking in and the attendant says the earliest we can get out is Friday now! Yikes…. We asked the attendant if she could give us 3 chits in case the worst happens and we get to stay beyond Friday and she said certainly, how many do you want? She would give us any amount  whatever we asked for! It took me a few minutes to determine if there was some easy money there but….. nothing that I wouldn’t get thrown in jail for! So, back to the hotel and plan on something to keep us occupied for the rest of the day and Thursday!

 

It was Wednesday afternoon that we found out that our dear friend Jim had lost his battle with cancer and passed away while at home in Tate, GA. We spoke to Lydia and his funeral is set for the following Tuesday, in Jasper, GA. We will make our arrangements when we get back to LA. Again, our hearts are full of sorrow for Lydia and their family which we have been with for a couple of Thanksgivings in Georgia. Jim was another good guy that we shall miss deeply.

There was a small grocery store down the block so the four of us ventured out for happy hour supplies etc. Oh, what do we find next door but an ABC Package store for more goodies! Now we have all the accoutrements for added fun besides hooking up with other Canadians while stuck during our return flights. We hosted the first happy hour and of course, there was way too many treats but we all fought threw it and had a fun time doing it. We also agreed to plan an outing for Thursday, like a city tour etc. Phil & Linda were easy to befriend and we had lots of laughs and a great time. After we devoured the treat trays, we met in the lobby later for dinner.

We needed to add time to our prepaid cell phone so back to the grocery store to purchase a card but they didn’t sell our brand but apparently the 711 a few blocks away did. The clerk was not sure exactly where it was but a lady in line behind us was and she gave us directions. Off we go, walking to the directions she gave us and it was cold! After about 30 minutes of trudging through some snow and ice, we start to think she was somewhat mistaken! We turn around and stop at a couple of gas bars along the return trip but no success. We ended up back at the hotel, cold and empty handed and a cell phone with very few available minutes on it!

Thursday, we met Phil & Linda in the lobby and were off to our city tour of Washington, DC. We saw many of the high lights of DC, The FDR Memorial, MLK Memorial, Lincoln, WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, the National Mall, the Capitol Building and of course, the White House. We were on a double decker bus with a blind lady with her service dog and no one else! Wow, talk about personal attention by the bus driver, it was great! The four of us were seated across the top level in the first row of seats, what a great view. The only thing that could have improved our day was some warmer weather!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The FDR Memorial was most moving. His quotations etched in marble can still ring true today but of course, today’s politicians have their own ideas. The next was the Korean War Memorial. The statues and the pictures in the marble wall were breath taking. The statues were so life like to the looks on the men’s faces as they wade through a field. It was another incredible scene. The last one was the Vietnam Memorial. The wall of names really does cause one to stop, pause a minute and first pay your respects and then consider what lays in front of you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our bus took us right back to the door of the hotel. It was Phil & Linda’s happy hour this evening. After, we couldn’t decide on where to go for dinner but Phil noticed the hotel dinning room was offering half price wings! That didn’t tickle Barb & Linda fancy but we were sure there would be something on the menu they would like – what could be better for the guys? Touring most of the day and then cold beer and good wings! After dinner, we said our goodbyes as they were off very early in the morning and we would not see them but we did agree to get together when we all got back to Alabama. Our plane departed at 1PM and we arrived in Pensacola at 5PM.

Our next challenge will be Jim’s funeral but for now we are ‘home’ and we have some down time before we drive up to Jasper, GA. Hope all is good where you are and come back again…..