After spending the summer in Hot Springs, Arkansas, we are back in Gulfport, Mississippi for the winter.
The summer was exciting and my son received his PH.D from Penn State, very proud of him for achieving his goal.
We added a new Chevy Malibu to our stable (I know, me with a damn Chevrolet), maybe I am mellowing in my old age. We didn't want to buy a new truck, so the car is now our principal transportation and the truck is mostly used to pull our camper from point A to point B and double as a second vehicle when needed. Plus the new car should last us the rest of our driving lives.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Saturday, March 08, 2014
I wish her the best
I first saw her about two weeks ago parking in a small parking lot connected to the local Wal-Mart. The lot appeared to have been built in hopes of a small business locating there but it never happened and now people living in vehicles use it without being hassled
.
Three days later she had not moved. It was a warm day and she had the sliding door of her mid 90's Dodge (with Florida tags) mini van open and sitting just inside. She appeared to be in her 60's.
I bought a Jr. Whopper and fries and placed the change from a $5 bill in the sack and parked where she could see me approaching her. As I neared the van, she closed the door leaving about a 5 inch opening. I made eye contact when I stopped about six feet from the van. She had a scared look in her eyes and was lightly moving her head side to side. I said "please" and gently placed the bag on the van floor through the small opening as she moved out of my sight to the rear of the van. As I moved back and entered my truck I was seated high enough to she her opening a purse to put the money in it.
It turned colder for several nights with the temps in the mid 30's and I continued to worry about her. On our next Wal-Mart trip I bought her a few items that could be eaten with no preparation, maybe not the healthiest but food is food. Crackers, tuna in pouches, viennas, chicken in a pull top can (like tuna), a jar of peanut butter, banana and some snacks.
Her van had been moved but was parked in almost the same spot. It was still rather cool, so the door was closed. I stepped up to van and looked inside, she was not there. She had part of an old egg-crate mattress pad, blankets, emergency blanket (looks like thick aluminum foil), styrofoam coffee cups on the dash, and in general disarray of living in a van.
Two days later I again tried to delivery the supplies. The van was in the exact spot as before but when I approached the van I noticed nothing on the dash. When I looked inside, the van had been completely cleaned out, no trash or anything left. I checked and the Florida tags had been removed.
I can only assume someone came and picked her up and pulled the tags. I just hope she is now warm of body, heart and mind.
.
Three days later she had not moved. It was a warm day and she had the sliding door of her mid 90's Dodge (with Florida tags) mini van open and sitting just inside. She appeared to be in her 60's.
I bought a Jr. Whopper and fries and placed the change from a $5 bill in the sack and parked where she could see me approaching her. As I neared the van, she closed the door leaving about a 5 inch opening. I made eye contact when I stopped about six feet from the van. She had a scared look in her eyes and was lightly moving her head side to side. I said "please" and gently placed the bag on the van floor through the small opening as she moved out of my sight to the rear of the van. As I moved back and entered my truck I was seated high enough to she her opening a purse to put the money in it.
It turned colder for several nights with the temps in the mid 30's and I continued to worry about her. On our next Wal-Mart trip I bought her a few items that could be eaten with no preparation, maybe not the healthiest but food is food. Crackers, tuna in pouches, viennas, chicken in a pull top can (like tuna), a jar of peanut butter, banana and some snacks.
Her van had been moved but was parked in almost the same spot. It was still rather cool, so the door was closed. I stepped up to van and looked inside, she was not there. She had part of an old egg-crate mattress pad, blankets, emergency blanket (looks like thick aluminum foil), styrofoam coffee cups on the dash, and in general disarray of living in a van.
Two days later I again tried to delivery the supplies. The van was in the exact spot as before but when I approached the van I noticed nothing on the dash. When I looked inside, the van had been completely cleaned out, no trash or anything left. I checked and the Florida tags had been removed.
I can only assume someone came and picked her up and pulled the tags. I just hope she is now warm of body, heart and mind.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Hell No
No this is unacceptable. Ice and snow on the Mississippi gulf coast. Last Friday we had icey roads with hundreds of accidents and they are calling for more today and tonight with the possibility of snow mixed in. Teenagers here have never seen snow.
We are "snowbirds" but do not want to see snow. Maybe I will just sleep though it as great weather is forecasted for the weekend.
Maybe I will make lemonade from the lemons, seems I will have ice for it.
We are "snowbirds" but do not want to see snow. Maybe I will just sleep though it as great weather is forecasted for the weekend.
Maybe I will make lemonade from the lemons, seems I will have ice for it.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Lottery Ticket Job
What is a "Lottery Ticket Job" and where do you find one?
Lottery ticket jobs are EVERY WHERE and available to most EVERYONE. Don't laugh and say that is simply not so.
First off, a lottery ticket job is not one that pays enough to retire after a year or two. It is a job that usually pays a little more than the normal job in your area, with health insurance at a reasonable price, and maybe a 401k with some form of match (FREE MONEY). Should that job have a retirement plan, then you have really hit a lottery ticket job.
Go to work every day and contribute to the 401k and before you know it you can retire with enough income to replace your "take home pay" from work. For a working type man, it doesn't get any better than that.
With the job paying a little more than the norm in your area, you can pay health care, contribute to a 401k and still take home as much as your present job. Now that is a "lottery ticket job".
The job doesn't have a 401k, then open a Roth Ira (open one even if your job has a 401k). Your future will be taken care of. A Roth Ira is a terrific vehicle to save for retirement. "Goggle" it to learn more but a simple answer is:
All monies and any profits they earn can be withdrawn "tax free" at age 59 1/2. Any contribution that has been in the account (but not any profit on them) for five years or more can be withdrawn tax free.
You need to earn a living so why not get a "lottery ticket job" and earn your retirement at the same time.
Even small towns have these jobs, sometimes towns of 2500 or less but 10,000 or more and there will be multiple employers. Just remember you are looking for a "job" and not a position. Most national companies have these jobs and they are in your town.
Don't laugh they are there. Maybe not large manufacturing plants but did you consider a company owned Napa Auto Parts Store, Dollar Store, KFC, Kroger, or even a locally owned small plant or business.
Don't want to work until retirement then at leave any 401k monies in place and earning until you do retire. Work at a lottery ticket job for 5 years when you are young and you will have a much better retirement than you would have had.
"How much does it pay" is not the important question but "what benefits does it have". A quality company takes care of its employees and are hiring.
If you do not do well in live, don't blame anyone but yourself !
Lottery ticket jobs are EVERY WHERE and available to most EVERYONE. Don't laugh and say that is simply not so.
First off, a lottery ticket job is not one that pays enough to retire after a year or two. It is a job that usually pays a little more than the normal job in your area, with health insurance at a reasonable price, and maybe a 401k with some form of match (FREE MONEY). Should that job have a retirement plan, then you have really hit a lottery ticket job.
Go to work every day and contribute to the 401k and before you know it you can retire with enough income to replace your "take home pay" from work. For a working type man, it doesn't get any better than that.
With the job paying a little more than the norm in your area, you can pay health care, contribute to a 401k and still take home as much as your present job. Now that is a "lottery ticket job".
The job doesn't have a 401k, then open a Roth Ira (open one even if your job has a 401k). Your future will be taken care of. A Roth Ira is a terrific vehicle to save for retirement. "Goggle" it to learn more but a simple answer is:
All monies and any profits they earn can be withdrawn "tax free" at age 59 1/2. Any contribution that has been in the account (but not any profit on them) for five years or more can be withdrawn tax free.
You need to earn a living so why not get a "lottery ticket job" and earn your retirement at the same time.
Even small towns have these jobs, sometimes towns of 2500 or less but 10,000 or more and there will be multiple employers. Just remember you are looking for a "job" and not a position. Most national companies have these jobs and they are in your town.
Don't laugh they are there. Maybe not large manufacturing plants but did you consider a company owned Napa Auto Parts Store, Dollar Store, KFC, Kroger, or even a locally owned small plant or business.
Don't want to work until retirement then at leave any 401k monies in place and earning until you do retire. Work at a lottery ticket job for 5 years when you are young and you will have a much better retirement than you would have had.
"How much does it pay" is not the important question but "what benefits does it have". A quality company takes care of its employees and are hiring.
If you do not do well in live, don't blame anyone but yourself !
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Nice place to spend the winter
We are just off I-10 in Gulfport, Mississippi at Campgrounds of the South for the winter. Three miles to the beach and casinos from four to fifteen miles away. Nice quit campground and we are away from the section used for the overnighters.
Wal-Mart, K-mart, movie theater, fast food and casual dining within blocks and far enough off the interstate for it not to be a problem.
We will not have shorts and tee shirt weather all winter but nice mild temps overall. As we are not campers on vacation but fulltimers living in a rv year round, it suits us fine.
All this and only a days drive of about 400 miles if we should have to return to central Arkansas.
Wal-Mart, K-mart, movie theater, fast food and casual dining within blocks and far enough off the interstate for it not to be a problem.
We will not have shorts and tee shirt weather all winter but nice mild temps overall. As we are not campers on vacation but fulltimers living in a rv year round, it suits us fine.
All this and only a days drive of about 400 miles if we should have to return to central Arkansas.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Heading south
We have been in Tunica, Mississippi for about three weeks on our way to the gulf coast for the winter. It has been a great summer but it is time to run for more moderate winter weather.
Had to replace our camper tires as all were starting to separate. I hope that it was just a bad set as they only had 12,000 miles with lots of tread left on them.
Our camper came with a hid-a-bed couch that was not very comfortable to sit on. Finally replaced it with a double recliner love seat. It is electrically operated and VERY comfortable.
Had to replace our camper tires as all were starting to separate. I hope that it was just a bad set as they only had 12,000 miles with lots of tread left on them.
Our camper came with a hid-a-bed couch that was not very comfortable to sit on. Finally replaced it with a double recliner love seat. It is electrically operated and VERY comfortable.
Can't believe we put up with that other couch for so long. I am not much of a recliner man but I do enjoy raising the ottoman part under my legs. Did I mention how comfortable it is?
We are headed to Gulfport, Ms. for a month and if we like it we will spend the winter. If not we will head where we do like it.
It's a tough life but we suffer though it.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Hot Springs, Ar.
Well summer time finds us in Hot Springs, Arkansas for a month, after a three month stay at Steve and Beverly's place in Fordyce. Always a great time visiting them.
While at Steve and Beverly's we welcome a new grand niece into the fold. She defiantly is a cutie pie.
Hot Springs has Oaklawn Race Track and Casino and the casino is closing their Texas Hold'em poker room today. I have played everyday and today will determine my total profit or loss.
Hot Springs is rather small but offers all the amenities we seek. We are staying at Mill Pond RV Park about 4 miles out of town. The park was once owned by Larry Snyder, a jockey for many years and a Oaklawn Park favorite. Older park with smaller rv sites but it is too hot to sit outside anyway.
We are really enjoying our slower pace of moving around. A month long stay seems to fit our old bodies.
While at Steve and Beverly's we welcome a new grand niece into the fold. She defiantly is a cutie pie.
Hot Springs has Oaklawn Race Track and Casino and the casino is closing their Texas Hold'em poker room today. I have played everyday and today will determine my total profit or loss.
Hot Springs is rather small but offers all the amenities we seek. We are staying at Mill Pond RV Park about 4 miles out of town. The park was once owned by Larry Snyder, a jockey for many years and a Oaklawn Park favorite. Older park with smaller rv sites but it is too hot to sit outside anyway.
We are really enjoying our slower pace of moving around. A month long stay seems to fit our old bodies.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Okatoma Resort & RV Park
We have moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi as we make our way back to Arkansas. Okatoma RV Park is a nice park with about 75 rv lots and a dozen or so rustic looking cabins and park model cabins.
There are several "catch and release" small lakes on the grounds with the smaller one surrounded by the rv lots and cabins. A nice swimming pool is also on the grounds.
It is a Passport America park and we are allowed 4 nights with FHU's for $13 a night.
There are several "catch and release" small lakes on the grounds with the smaller one surrounded by the rv lots and cabins. A nice swimming pool is also on the grounds.
It is a Passport America park and we are allowed 4 nights with FHU's for $13 a night.
This is the "foot bridge" across the lake to the the showers and bathhouse. We needed neither so we chose this side of the lake.
This was taken from the foot bridge looking back into the park.
Of coarse ducks go along with the lake.
These are some of the rustic cabins
and some of the park models.
This is taken out our front door. All in all a rather nice campground.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
Judy made oatmeal-raisin cookies to take to our twice monthly pot-luck dinner here at Azalea Acres Campground. Several people bragged on them and one lady wanted the recipe. Turns out that couple is also from Arkansas.
Tonight was Soups, Breads, and Desserts. A lot of Yankees and Canadians here in the campground and the "soups" were a little different to say the least. It's more about the the fellowship any way.
Tonight was Soups, Breads, and Desserts. A lot of Yankees and Canadians here in the campground and the "soups" were a little different to say the least. It's more about the the fellowship any way.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Beautiful Weather
Time for a little maintenance before we hit the road again. I did the monthly check on our "batteries"
and battery box and then I changed the oil in our Yamaha generator.
and battery box and then I changed the oil in our Yamaha generator.
The generator is on the rear bumper and access is through this hole in the box and of course the oil drains out the bottom.
Just remove this blue panel and the oil plug and oil fill is in easy reach. Dang Sam, you need to wipe that generator, it looks filthy.
Everything is now ship shape for a little boondocking is we choose to.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Promised Land
Saturday was movie night ( actually we saw a noon matinee as I don't like to drive after dark) and we saw Promised Land a movie about "fracking" natural gas wells in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region.
I am a fan of Matt Damon and have first hand knowledge of "fracking" having lived in Arkansas and its Fayetteville Shale boom.
The movie trailers depict a more exciting show than it really was. An enjoyable movie that was on the dull side.
I am a fan of Matt Damon and have first hand knowledge of "fracking" having lived in Arkansas and its Fayetteville Shale boom.
The movie trailers depict a more exciting show than it really was. An enjoyable movie that was on the dull side.
Friday, January 04, 2013
Two Years
I can't believe it has been two years since that cold day in January, 2011 since we hit the road.
http://1948model.blogspot.com/2011/01/finally-on-road.html .
That said, it seems that we could not have traveled all the miles and seen all the sights in just two years. Not to mention all the friends we have made.
We have been to the states of Washington to California in the west and Florida to Maine in the east, criss-crossing this vast nation and enjoying our journey.
Our future plans are to continue to travel but to slow down a little.
http://1948model.blogspot.com/2011/01/finally-on-road.html .
That said, it seems that we could not have traveled all the miles and seen all the sights in just two years. Not to mention all the friends we have made.
We have been to the states of Washington to California in the west and Florida to Maine in the east, criss-crossing this vast nation and enjoying our journey.
Our future plans are to continue to travel but to slow down a little.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
What's for Breakfast ?
I am a fan of Banquet pot pies. A chicken or beef pot pie is fine with me for lunch or dinner.
This morning I tried the Banquet Deep Dish Sausage & Gravy. It was very tasty and had more sausage than I expected. 5 minutes in a 1100 watt microwave and "Breakfast is served".
$.88 @ Wal-Mart seems a fair price for a warm breakfast.
OK, now for the part you are thinking about. Banquet also makes "fruit pot pies".
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Winter Home
We are spending the winter at Azalea Acres RV Park, north of Gulf Stores, Alabama about half way between Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.
I have never seem a privately owned rv park with this much room between lots. There could be another rv between the lots. Mostly retired snowbirds and at $315 and change a month for full hookups with 50amps and free "fast" internet, it is hard to beat. $315 will not pay the utilities for most homes.
I started a weekly "Texas Hold'em" card tournament and everyone seems to look forward to it, I know I sure do.
We were really needing to stop for some r&r after a very busy summer.
I have never seem a privately owned rv park with this much room between lots. There could be another rv between the lots. Mostly retired snowbirds and at $315 and change a month for full hookups with 50amps and free "fast" internet, it is hard to beat. $315 will not pay the utilities for most homes.
I started a weekly "Texas Hold'em" card tournament and everyone seems to look forward to it, I know I sure do.
We were really needing to stop for some r&r after a very busy summer.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Utility Trailer/Camper
While camping at Eastbank Campground just over the Georgia line from Chattahoochee, Florida this rig pulled in and you know me. I had to check it out.
Standard 6x10 utility trailer converted into a nice little camper/sleeping unit. A window was added to each side and an A/C unit on the front with electricity being supplied with an extension cord thru a r/v receptacle in the front of the trailer that fed a breaker box on the inside.
Swing out the back door and pull out the "slide-out".
You enter from the two swing out doors in the rear slide out. The white box contains a small 120 volt mini kitchen and used as a step to enter the camper doors.
This is a view from the rear. This unit was used by a couple and their pre-teen son. They were always outside cooking, walking, hiking, or riding bicycles and just used the camper for sleeping.
Standard 6x10 utility trailer converted into a nice little camper/sleeping unit. A window was added to each side and an A/C unit on the front with electricity being supplied with an extension cord thru a r/v receptacle in the front of the trailer that fed a breaker box on the inside.
Swing out the back door and pull out the "slide-out".
You enter from the two swing out doors in the rear slide out. The white box contains a small 120 volt mini kitchen and used as a step to enter the camper doors.
This is a view from the rear. This unit was used by a couple and their pre-teen son. They were always outside cooking, walking, hiking, or riding bicycles and just used the camper for sleeping.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Catching up
After leaving Zac and Sweetie Pie ( both are finishing their Ph.D's in French) in State College, Pa.
We headed for Maine. The Adirondacks and Sararoga, New York (I used to be a big horse racing fan) were great as were Vermont and New Hampshire.
We had to stop at "Mayberry" I mean Mt. Airy, North Carolina hometown of Andy Griffith.
North Wilkesboro, North Carolina is home (closed in 1996) of one of the original Nascar tracks.
We are now on Lake Hartwell, just south of Clemson, South Carolina. We have a nice pull thru site and we didn't even unhook the pickup and we are here for five days and will not be going anywhere. A much needed rest is in order. This was taken from our front door.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Tioga
We are camping in Ives Run Campground near Tioga, Pennsylvania. Another C.O.E. park that is well maintained with nicely spaced spots. We just love C.O.E. parks and we have 50amp, water, sewer at you site plus we have great coverage for our satellite tv, cell phones, and internet via aircard. Life is good.
I walked down toward the 680 acres and turned back for this photo our our camper.
Standing in the same spot, this is facing the lake.
To the right is this empty spot (occupied before we returned from the lake).
To the left was this site. Empty now but the park will be full for the weekend. We reserved the last spot online last night.
Monday, July 23, 2012
My Nittany Lion
We are here at Penn State visiting my son and his "cutie pie". They are both finishing their PhD's in French and we are trying to visit without interrupting too much.
We are in Fort Bellefonte Campground just up the road in Bellefonte, Pa. For a huge football venue, there are only two campgrounds here. The other campground is a KOA. For you non campers, a KOA campgrounds only purpose is to see just how much someone will pay to camp.
We have been here a week and plan to stay until the end of the month.
Saturday I called a friend back in Arkansas and asked to borrow a light jacket. It was 110 in Arkansas and 62 here. I didn't get a jacket but he did warm me with a few choice words. It was since moved back in the low 80's.
We are in Fort Bellefonte Campground just up the road in Bellefonte, Pa. For a huge football venue, there are only two campgrounds here. The other campground is a KOA. For you non campers, a KOA campgrounds only purpose is to see just how much someone will pay to camp.
We have been here a week and plan to stay until the end of the month.
Saturday I called a friend back in Arkansas and asked to borrow a light jacket. It was 110 in Arkansas and 62 here. I didn't get a jacket but he did warm me with a few choice words. It was since moved back in the low 80's.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
There is a Reason
The two main reasons for putting "comments" on moderation are:
Porn: I already know how to find it!! (don't say you never look)
Politics: This time of year I am bombarded with mindless rhetoric. You will not change my mind so don't even bother.
Hope everyone is having a great 4th.
Porn: I already know how to find it!! (don't say you never look)
Politics: This time of year I am bombarded with mindless rhetoric. You will not change my mind so don't even bother.
Hope everyone is having a great 4th.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Paris, Tn.
Not trying to take the thunder from
Paris, Tennessee and their smaller version of the Effiel Tower,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)