Better late than never - Memories of 2021

As I open this draft that I began over two years ago, I try to convince myself that I must stop procrastinating and "git er done." I almost thought of ending my blog since it is a lot of work, but I don't want to lose the memories, so I will be brief as I go way back to 2021 to recap what I remember before they fade like a well-worn pair of jeans.  

I am including descriptions of the photos below to make this huge process a little less daunting. This will be a "Photo Novella" and each photo brings back all the memories....the good, the bad and the ugly.

PHOTO BELOW: In July, we were at Black Bear Campground. 

We got to spend a day with cousins Lisa and Maurizio 

(who makes the most amazing pizza). We are NOW ready to plan our visits for 2023!  

While still at Black Bear, a great day was spent with my dear friend, Berni, her husband, Ron and Charlie. I think our smiles explain it all.

Most of the summer we were parked at Croton Point due to its proximity to our NY house. There is always something to do to a house you don't live in - although there is a lot to do in an RV when you full-time, so, the summer was twice as busy.

Some of my time was spent caring for Georgia when her mom and dad had events to attend 

Not many memories remain of 2021, except for those in my last blog written about my dear friend, Laurie. 

Our northern visit ended and we made several stops to break up the monotony of the I-95 boredom. We had planned an extended stay in Myrtle Beach, so we looked forward to relaxing for a couple of weeks.

Below  Stella checking out campground 1. 

Here is campground 2.

Myrtle Beach, SC was finally a reality. We stayed at three different campgrounds, Lakewood Camping Resort, Ocean Lakes Family Campground and Myrtle Beach Travel Park. I liked all three resorts for different reasons.  Lakewood was older and dustier, but it had very easy to access to a rather empty beach. Ocean Lakes' beach was very crowded, yet it was a bit more physically appealing. Myrtle Beach Travel Park was the most modern with a lovely pool. We didn't have the best weather, but we enjoyed whatever sun we received.

 

We took a day trip to deserted, yet gorgeous Pawley's Island in South Carolina. Since George was a good boy, he got an ice cream. Unfortunately, the Ice Cream wasn't that good. 

While in Myrtle Beach, we were able to meet up with friends, Shirley and Tom Kelleher. We spent a lovely lunch together chatting about our kids and of our years working together. 

The time at the beach ended without the weather improving that much.

As the photo below will attest, we finally made it to our first Buc-ee's! If you haven't been to one, imagine a Cracker Barrel on crack. It's an upscale Truck Stop where no trucks are allowed. This Buc-ee's housed 104 gas pumps and 1,000 parking spaces.  You really need to see it to believe it.

Beautiful Big Bertha at Buc-ee's.

We arrived back at our home base in October and Big Bertha was treated to a hot shower and wax by Jose, the only person allowed to touch Bertha besides George. He asked us where she got all the sand! He did such a great job making her sparkle and shine.

We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in Oldsmar with the Tampa Crew. 

December brought slightly cooler nights. I got to bake "Grandma's Cookies," with some help, and they were a hit.

We all went to the Tampa Convention Center for the "Enchanted Lights" show. The photos didn't come out all that well, but the night was a great way to get in the mood for Christmas.

Still masking-except for photos. My lightbulb cup is still working!

COOKIES

My mom's Pecan Sandie recipe

Grandma's Cookies the lazy way, but still as good.

Christmas dinner minus the cook.

Our baby!

The year 2021 ended quietly. Neither George, Stella or myself were able to remain awake, but at midnight, the crazy Florida tradition of fireworks woke us in time.

Finally...2021 is completed. The next blog entry will be full of many different places and memories. I hope it doesn't take me as long to get it composed and posted. 

Deep thought for the day: If you've gotten this far, choose your favorite "Deep Thought" from below and let me know in the comments your choice for the Deep Thought.

1. "Tis a lesson you should heed Try, try again. If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again"......Popularized by William Edward Hickson (1803-1870)
2. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it." W.C. Fields' Legendary Counter quote.
3. "If at first you don't succeed, you may be at your level of incompetence already." The Peter Principal (Dr Laurence J. Peter)
4. "As my old Pappy used to say, 'If at first you don't succeed, try something else." Pappy Maverick's Wisdom, as per Bret Maverick (James Garner-see below).

Such a handsome guy.

THE END. For now.