Signs of Spring

We pulled up and out of the Staunton, VA Walmart this morning and had been traveling along smoothly for about 140 before stopping at the West Virginia Welcome Center. It was a very pretty one with a big dog walk, several picnic tables and a large info center where "G" stocked up on more of his "reading" material. It was a convenient place for us to rest and have some lunch. The sun had been out, but clouds gradually began to fill the skies. 

While out stretching our legs, I took a few shots to prove (to myself) that spring is in the air. 

West Virginia Welcome Center

Daffodils getting ready to pop

Yellow crocuses

Purple crocus

After we stopped in West Virginia we were plagued with rain and heavy traffic for about 40 miles due to road construction and a disabled vehicle. "G" mastered the steering wheel like a pro. He will get the official "RV Hero Pilot" Badge when he goes over the George Washington Bridge!

All-in-all, after starting out for the day in Virginia, we travelled through West Virginia and Maryland, each for only a few miles, until I-81 led us into beautiful Pennsylvania, the Keystone State.  We are set up for the night at the Jonestown KOA, which seems to be a very nice place and situated close to Hershey Park.  The KOA Market offers cooked meals and ice cream, in addition to the standard RV supplies, refrigerated items and dry goods. I may splurge on breakfast: bacon, egg and cheese on a roll for $1.85. Although the KOA menu offers grape juice, we don't plan on having any. 

Considering the time of year and the fact that this is a Tuesday, the place is packed, which is a very good sign, for sure. Since we are just ending a harsh winter, we have to envision what this campground must look like in the summer time and it's not hard to imagine how lovely it will be in a month or two. 

I recorded a couple of videos of Lucy during this leg of the voyage. She struggled these last two days with travelling, but I keep telling her, "just a little bit more and we will sit tight for awhile."

Enjoying a bit of sun on the dashboard.

A new spot, mommy's chair. 

It's too late for photos of Jonestown KOA tonight so I'll include campground pics in tomorrow's blog entry, which will be generated on the road to Croton Point Park; our home base for the next five months or so.

Deep thought for the day:  "Don't worry about what time it is....just worry about what day it is. I'm in no hurry. I'm retired." ~ "G"

FYI  For anyone to whom this pertains:  Until our next move, any mail can be sent to us in care of my brother, Will.

Mission Accomplished - 1st Wally World Stop

During this entire journey, I've wanted to spend a night at Walmart, and being two stops away from Croton, I didn't think it was going to become a reality. "G" did some research, and, believe it or not, Walmart over-night locations are rated by the people who take advantage of the free, safe place to spend the night. So, after finding a highly-rated one right off of Route 81, we decided to give it a try.

Maneuvering into the parking lot, with Ms. Parton towing the Sentra, was a little tricky, but we were able to find a great space behind a tractor-trailer that afforded us the opportunity to put our jacks down and our slides out.

We got some exercise in by walking over to the store around 9 pm. We discovered that it was one of the nicest Walmarts we have ever seen, with neatly stacked merchandise on the shelves, polite shoppers and helpful employees. The parking lot was very quiet and peaceful. We would definitely stay overnight here again, especially since the price is right!

Walmart in the distance.

Our "space" for the night.

"Where on earth am I?"

Deep though for the day:  It doesn't matter where or when the rocking and rolling ends, home is wherever my litter box lies. ~ Lucy Lu

Honeybear Campground Farewell

Our long weekend in Boone, NC has come to an end. We got a late start out of the gate this rainy morning. Honeybear Campground is probably a magnificent place in the summer and fall. If it weren't for such a harsh winter and late spring, it would have looked less dreary and cold.

We were parked on Silly Squirrel Trail, which was a big improvement from street we were parked at the last campground. 

Some beautiful shots of Honeybear. The sun wasn't out, so use your imagination. 

Entrance Sign

Site A-15

Looking up at Allie (and "G") from the lower loop

A nice site, but smaller than what we need - no sewer either.

Allie, perched on a cliff.

Cute chairs

Joan, you need these for outside the cabin..... 

The beautiful lake that the chairs and bench were placed near.

The staff were very friendly and the WiFi was the best we've encountered. Except for the ride on Route 421 that takes you up, over and around huge mountains, I'd have no problems staying here again. 

Deep thought for the day: If not for cold, damp and rainy days, how could you possibly adore the warm, sunny ones? ~ Vicki

Snow, cold, wind

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OMG. That's the best way to start this blog. It began to snow around 9 pm last night and the temperatures dipped down to 21°. We had every weatherproofing method in place, but, even with the furnace blasting, fireplace glowing and a space heater set to high, it is still a bit chilly. It looked like about 2" fell overnight,  but with the cold and wind, it looked like a blanket of ice covered the trees and car.

Allie is situated under a copse of tall pines and whenever the snow fell off the branches, it sounded like tennis balls hitting the roof. Lucy did not like it at all. 

I spent as much of the day as I could with the three musketeers, since this would be our last day together in awhile. We went to Tanger Outlets, back up to the cabin for lunch and then back to Appalachian Ski Resort. Those kids (biggest one-my son) really love to snowboard. I got tired just watching them. I especially can't believe how the littlest one keeps up with her big brother and sister. 

After the sun went down, we picked up and headed out to dinner. The first place I tried to get us a table at for a party of nine was a no-go. Joan found another place and "G" and I were so surprised to find out it is one of three restaurants with locations that "G" and I have very recently visited. What a coincidence. Or, what a small world, or what fate found us at "Six Pence Pub." The photo below was recently  taken in Savannah.

The Six Pence in Savannah, GA

Placemat from Blowing Rock, NC

Moo Moo and Pop Pop - the NC grandparents.

Joan and Cooper

Cooper, Savannah, Summer and Glenn

Saying good night was actually saying "so long, until next time." I leave my grandchildren in the very capable hands of their mom and dad, great parents who work so well together to raise independent, free-thinking, individuals.  Not an easy task, especially in these days and times. 

We are back home in Allie now and Lucy is purring softly on the ottoman, happy that her mommy and daddy are home-sweet- home. 

Deep thought for the day:  Grandchildren are like snowflakes - no two are ever alike and you adore each one for their unique individuality. 

NC Crew

Here we are, set up at Honeybear RV Campground in Boone, NC after the shortest haul yet. We found the campground (after a u-turn) and discovered that it didn't resemble the photo from the website all that much, however, in their favor, they are technically not open for the season yet. Next week is the 2015 season's big grand opening and it will be something I'll be glad to miss. 

This place must look gorgeous in the summer when the trees are full of foliage. The sites will be very privately hidden among tall trees and brush. We are in "Loop A," which is the only loop that offers sewer and is reserved for their winter guests and a few full-time residents. So far, we have only dealt with a young man, who showed us to our site and helped us with a water supply issue. We have still yet to formally register and pay. 

Last night, we had a nice little campfire and dessert with Glenn, Joan, Summer, Cooper and Savannah. It was a lovely night, the kids seemed to like the grounds and we all enjoyed the sweet treats that Joan brought. She knows me so well (or she's just that organized) that she even brought a quart of milk for the kids, because we never have milk. 

Today, "G" and I met Glenn, Summer and Cooper at the Appalachian Ski Resort in Blowing Rock, NC. It was COLD and windy with snow flurries. Our bodies were not prepared for the shock of the 34°-36° temps. Thankfully, I unpacked our heavy coats, gloves, hats and scarves. 

The "Snowboarders"

At the ski resort, we were able to watch them all show off their snowboarding skills. I was very proud to see how well they have picked up the sport in such a short amount of time. Glenn always amazes me with how much effort he puts into something he loves, and it's obvious how much he loves this sport. The kids are much more advanced than I had expected. I can't believe the way they jump on and off the ski lift and are not intimidated by the higher slopes.  

Me, FREEZING.

Summer, the most beautiful snowboarder on the slopes.

Warming up by the HOT fire.

Papa "G" and Coop smiling for the camera.

Cooper warming up after several runs.

This afternoon we drove over to Joan's and Glenn's log cabin in the woods. The reason we plan our route home this way was to watch the kids snowboard and see their mountain cabin. It was a spacious, yet warm and cozy home that made you feel warm and welcome. Good job guys!

I prepared one of Glenn's favorite dishes, Broccoli, Cheese, and Rice Casserole. It's a very "trashy" type of meal, but oh, so tasty. We had a delicious meal of grilled chicken, carrots, asparagus, salad the rice dish and garlic bread. 

We played a new card game called 9-Card, and it's a game perfect for all ages. All three kids helped to teach us the the rules. I was warned to not trust my son, and to listen to my grandchildren's instructions. It was fun and s bit sad, because the kids have grown up so much that no one cries if they lose and they understand the strategy of the game so well. So proud of them...aged 10 (almost), 8, and 6. 

We left just as the sun was setting in order to get home before dark. Their cabin is only about a half-hour from the campground, but it's loaded with hairpin turns, steep hills without guard rails and no street lights. Add all that to the unfamiliar terrain, and we were  glad to get in as dusk settled. 

Earlier, "G"  hooked up an electric heater in the basement in preparation for the 26° temperature that is forecast for tonight. Right now he is disconnecting the water line to prevent a blown hose.  Yikes! It's like being back in Croton in December!!!! Burrrr. Elite Resorts, I miss you. 

Deep thought for the day:  I complain when I'm cold and I complain when I'm hot, but it'll never complain when watching those I love doing what they love to do best. ~ Vicki

Fort Mill, SC a one-night stand

"G" wanted to have a predetermined stop to park after a full day on the road, so he booked us a night at Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA. We were just south of the SC/NC border, and about 111 miles from our next stop in Boone, NC. 

It was a surprise when our GPS told us to make a right hand turn into the campground almost as soon as we exited Rt. 77. This KOA is currently under renovations and was pleasant none-the-less. Some sites were level, some were gravel and some had cement pads. It was located within walking distance of a Publix Supermarket that had to have been very new. It was the nicest one I've ever seen. "G" and I walked over after breakfast to pick up a few necessities. 

Thinking back to that Disney ride, It's a Small World, we were very surprised to be parked right next to a couple we had met at Elite Resorts, Kevin and Beth. I think they were even more surprised than us, because last week, another couple we all  knew from Elite had also stayed overnight. What a small world indeed. 

I didn't get any photos of this stop, because after preparing dinner, I was so tired that I just showered and called it a night. 

Lucy is doing great! We have our "travel day routine" and she knows what to expect and settles in quickly for the several hours we are on the road. 

Right now, as I compose this entry, we are rolling down the highway, heading to Boone, NC where we will be visiting our NC crew at their log cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are looking forward to the excitement that three kids and two dogs bring into our quiet little lives. It's good for the blood (and heart). 

Deep thought for the day:  "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making plans. ~ Allen Saunders

Savannah, GA

Last evening, we decided to book a "hop on, hop off" tour of Historic Savannah through Old Town Trolley. Since we were only going to have one full day in Savannah, we decided this would be the best way to see as much as possible. 

Our trolley car

At 9 am our trolley driver, Eric, picked us up right at our campground.  We made about four more stops where we picked up additional tourists who were staying at either other campgrounds or hotels, before we reached the city of Savannah. Once there, we hopped on the first of about nine trolleys that took us up, down, in and out of the streets and squares of Savannah.

We received quite a history lesson while enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the south. There wasn't enough time to see it all, but what we saw was amazing. 

My favorite stop was the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which was the first cathedral in Georgia, and happens to be my paternal grandfather's name - Giovanni di Baptiste.  

St. John the Baptist Cathedrel

Upon entering, the baptismal font catches your eye and took my breath away. It is an 8,000 pound marble font that was carved in Carrara, Italy.  I immediately thought of my nephew, Jack, who will be my second-only, godchild. I would have loved to see him enter the Catholic faith in this magnificent place. 

We had brunch at one of the newer establishments, Goose Feathers, that was terrific. The owner, Beth Meeks, took our orders and rang us up. All baking is done on premises and you can taste it in the buttery croissants, grits and tasty bagels. 

Another interesting stop was the Black Heritage Museum located in the King-Tisdell Cottage. The stark contrast in the way of life for the segregated blacks back in the 1880's was evidenced through the artifacts and information provided at the home.

King-Tisdell Home

The building, itself, is an architectural gem that boasts intricate gingerbread ornamentation on a Victorian center-hall cottage. In the early 1930's, Eugene and Sarah King, both entrepreneurs, purchased the home. Eugene owned a laundry business and his wife, Sarah, operated a confectionery out of the house. 

This photo is exclusively uploaded for Leah (DeSoto) Timmons, my mother-in-law. She never told us that her family was that close to the Hilton's. Live and learn.  

No visit to Savannah would be complete without a purchase of freshly baked pralines. A pound of this sugary treat is sitting in our refrigerator and keeps calling my name. 

One last comment to mention, is something our driver, Eric, kept saying as he dropped each group off at their respective stops at the end of the day. In a sing-song voice, he said "Home again, home again, jiggity-jig." I knew I had heard that line before, so after a quick check on my iphone, I found the words and wonder if he were referring to us as hogs and pigs???? lol  Eric, a great guy, with a terrific sense of humor and attitude.

To market to market to buy a fat pig, home again, home again, jiggety-jig.

To market to market to buy a fat hog, home again, home again, jiggety-jog.

Back at home now, we sit; "G" on his laptop, me on my iPad, and Missy Miss curled up on the footstool. We are very tired, very informed and very pleased with a day well-spent. 

Deep thought for the day:  Pralines are not sugar-free or diabetic friendly. 

Working through raindrops

We pulled in our slides and unhooked from Site 233 between the rain drops, which were coming down quite heavily when we awoke this morning. "G" already had Ms. Parton attached to Allie, so we only needed to load the little Sentra before heading down the highway. We were finally able to get on the road about 11 am. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare penned the famous line, "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Since the weather was so cloudy and wet, "parting" became slightly more bearable.

We will be spending the next two nights at KOA Savannah South, which is located in Richmond Hill, GA. We are both looking forward to checking out the historic city of Savannah, something I've been wanting to do for quite some time. "G" was able to get us tickets for a "hop on, hop off" trolley tour. It will make stops at many of the sights we wanted to see. A bus will even pick us up right at the KOA and drop us off at the end of the day.

Lucy has surprised us by adapting quickly to being back on the road for an extended period of time. She spent most of her time in the bed, in her carry bag or on my lap. She seemed only to get disturbed over rough roads, and I can't fault her for feeling that way, because it disturbed me too.

The weather forecast for Savannah is cloudy with temperatures in the 70°'s. We'll take it over cold and rain.

At 6 pm we finally pulled into KOA Savannah South. It is a lovely campground with paved roads and gravel sites. We were fortunate to have secured a pull-through for the next two nights. There is a nice in-ground swimming pool, but I don't think we will make any use of it. "G" already changed into jeans and a jacket to get us all hooked up and just started up the furnace to get the chill out. Besides the rain, the temp is down to 59°, which for us, after coming off of high 80° weather in Clermont, is chilly. 

The on and off rain that has followed us up I-95 all day has started to become more serious now, thus preventing a walk around the campground. 

Dinner is ready, plans for tomorrow's foray into Savannah shall begin soon and an early bedtime will be the order for the night.

Deep thought for the day:  Home is wherever your bowl of cat food gets filled. ~  Lucy Smith

Last day in Paradise

Sunday, March 22nd was spent preparing to get back on the road after over 11 weeks at our winter home, Elite Resorts, in Clermont, FL. I went food shopping and prepared a couple of dinners for quick meals while "on the road." There is nothing worse than driving all day (even as just a passenger) and then having to cook a wholesome meal once you set down stakes.

Tonight will be a delicious meal of meatballs and "gravy" from Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza located in Brandon, FL. I haven't had such tasty meatballs since I last ate the ones my grandmother made. I actually took a batch of meatballs and sauce "to go," which they packaged up in a signature "Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza" saucepan. Thanks to great Yelp and Trip Advisor reviews, "G" and I decided to met my aunt and uncle there for lunch yesterday. We found out that they have two restaurants close to Orlando, so now we know where one of our first stops will be in the fall!!! Fabulous food and service got a 5 star rating from me. If you are ever in the area of one of their restaurants, you MUST stop by for a fresh, homemade meal.  Everything is cooked just as Anthony's grandmother made it many years ago.

While that meal is simmering, I've already finished a crock pot recipe for French Dip Hogies that will serve as tomorrow evenings meal, chicken for the grill, shrimp for the bar-bee, and some nice baby back ribs for subsequent dinners. That will see us through until we reach Boone, NC, where we will see #1 son and family in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Before we reach their log cabin in the woods, we will spend a "vacation day" in Savannah, GA, taking in the sights and sounds of that lovely southern city. A future blog will document where we went and what we did.

"G" has all the outdoor gear packed and stored, whereas tomorrow, I will finish securing some loose items inside. It is actually getting easier with each trip. I have it ALMOST down to a science. Once I complete this blog entry, my desktop will be stored away until April 1st, when we settle down in Croton.

On December 17, we pulled up stakes in Croton to head south, and here we are preparing to head back. We feel very fortunate to have missed a terrible winter that was wrought with snowstorm after snowstorm. Our area saw snow totals measured by the foot instead of inches. Florida was unusually cool this winter, yet I never complained, because I knew how much worse it could have been.

So, here we are -  a bit sad, at the tail end of "G's and V's First Great Big Adventure." We are hoping for clear weather and smooth sailing as we head due north. The plans for the"Second Great Big Adventure" will be started soon! Go west, young man....Colorado, here we come! Yay!

Deep thought for the day:  "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant..." - Anne Bradstreet  I hope our spring will be "so pleasant" even though we did not experience the bitter winter.

Bitz and PC's

The "contenders"

With only two weeks left at Elite Resorts, I decided to compose a blog of  miscellaneous bits and pieces of interesting, fun and/or informative things. 

One of the most fun things we have participated in while here are the "Gator Races." There are 5 gators and one T-Rex (?) who advance on the table based upon the roll of two dice. So, if the dice toss up a 3 and a 6, those two gators advance one space. The roar of the crowd got pretty loud at times, especially when doubles were thrown. I bet most on Spicy Lime and Sour Grapefruit, but got the biggest payout on Juicy Orange.

It is silly, but boy, a lot of fun. I can't remember the last time I found myself laughing and hollering so much.

Spicy Lime and Juicy Orange helped me to walk away a winner.

"He who hates his picture taken" actually enjoying the crazy crowd and cheering on his gator.

"G" placing a big bet! - Ray causing trouble.

Some of our pavers (and some of our neighbors)

Ironiclly, as we wind down the last five days of our sojourn, work has finally begun on Site 233, which shares a common corner with two other sites. It's sort of like the Bermuda Triangle. All three lot owners are having paving work done and plans are in the works for shrubs, trees, rock border and sheds. Work is almost completed at site 205 and we are supposed to get our base layer and pavers tomorrow. It's going to be very close for us to see the job to completion. It has been quite a task struggling to be patient.

Tuesday, March 17th

My view from the kitchen window.

"G" and I both felt that the lot we decided upon met all our requirements and since it is at the top of the hill, I gave it the moniker "Snob Hill." Not because anyone up here are snobs, but just to distinguish us from the lower section. Everyone says Florida is flat, well, Lake County, where we are located, has the highest elevation "in the peninsula" of Florida (credit for this last statement goes to Ray, who makes sure to let everyone know this fact). So, we do have rolling hills here and the unspoiled acres of land are slowly being transformed from Orange Groves to housing developments. Back in the 1980's, most of the citrus crops were destroyed due to three deep freezes that each occurred two years apart. The third was the nail in the coffin for the fledgling plants and farmers. Some moved further south where most of the citrus is now grown.

 Yesterday, March 17th, we enjoyed a wonderful Irish dinner down at the club house along with a traveling family of six who played many Irish songs and some folk music. They were all very talented, but the 14 year-old son was a spectacular violin player. He, and his 20 year-old sister could definitely be candidates for Julliard. Quite a talented family who each played either one or multiple instruments and sang.

I have no photos of the evening, but did get to enjoy the food, entertainment and company.

Site 71

Our friend (my Man of Honor), Charlie, made a trip over to the site where we will be staying in Croton beginning April 1st. It looks like I'm going to need boots to brave the mud that has already begun to form from all the melting snow. I'm not looking forward to an April arrival, but am looking forward to seeing our families after too long a time.

An update on Lucy will end this blog entry. She has been a real trooper during her adjustment to living full-time in Allie. I "Googled" cats age, compared to human years and found out that she will be turning 70 next year. Considering that, I can only hope that I can hop, jump and play as well as she does when I'm her age - but only if I have "G" to care for me as lovingly as he does her. 

The basket was just to secure my desktop while in motion. When empty, a resting place.

Another new spot that provides a ton of sun.

I just thought I saw a puddy cat....I did! I did!

Bird watching.

Deep thought for the day:  Time, although sometimes it seems, never stands still. Patience is a virtue I am still striving to master.

Walt Disney World Winter 2015

Once "G" and I were able to obtain Florida "resident" season passes to Walt Disney World, we wasted no time getting our money's worth before we have to make the trek back to NY. 

After having visited each of the four parks twice, our consensus is we like Animal Kingdom for the relaxed atmosphere, great directional signs and all the nature paths that change with each visit and Hollywood Studios for the smaller crowds and great entertainment.

Magic Kingdom is always hectic, crowded and difficult to maneuver from section to section. There is also many more crying babies and children who are either extremely over-stimulated or exhausted. I know I get a "tad" cranky by the end of our forays. 

Epcot is always fun and crowded and we need to make a couple of more trips there to see more. I don't think you can actually see "everything," since shows often change and attractions are updated or improved.

The very first time I visited The Magic Kingdom was around 1987. I remember forcing my kids on the "It's a Small World" ride. Needless-to-say, since they were used to day trips to Great Adventure, they didn't handle the experience as much as I had hoped. Epcot had just opened and was still under major construction back then and only two restaurants were built and there were very few rides. 

About four years ago, "G" and I made a trip down with my eldest son and his family. We were treated to the master suite of a condo that we shared with them that was located within the Disney property. On that trip, my son's kids insisted on going on "It's a Small World." Payback is sooo sweet.  Yesterday, "G" and I went on that ride and I am still in awe of the craftsmanship that went into its creation. We waited on line for 30 minutes and my sole reason was to video a portion of the ride so I could text it to my son. I think I enjoyed razzing him more than the ride.

Photos of from some of the different trips we have mad to the Disney World Parks. 

First day visiting "The Mouse."

Our official "resident" passes"

Cinderella's Castle at dusk

Couldn't resist this shot. Notice the wording on the side of the building

A visit to Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom birds.- This is a spoonbill

Saw this one, but couldn't get a good shot. They weave round nests in the trees

Saw this one too, but it was quite elusive.

Mama gorilla and her baby

Main Street Parade at Mickey Land

Entrance to It's a Small World

Click the video below for the "Deep thought for the day:"