A Short Shakedown Trip

We haven't been anywhere since the beginning of the year. Our MH was still winterized. We had reservations to go to the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster, PA and needed to check it out, clean it up and get ready to roll. So, we drove over to the storage facility in Soddy Daisy to get to work. When we got there the steps didn't come down when the door opened. HUMMM.. The lights inside didn't come on. HUMMM We didn't have 12 volts that power those things. David called Northgate repair to have them look at it. We dropped it off the next week and they called to say that out inverter had caught on fire. The fire had burned itself out, but the inverter was toast, along with the wiring and our 2 batteries. UGHHH.

David spoke with our insurance company, and they said we were 100% covered. The repair was $4000. Yikes. In a week they called to say it was all fixed and we could come and get it. When we picked it up it looked all better. We made reservations to go camping for 2 days in Cleveland just to check it out. We went over on Friday and discovered we still had no 12volts. UGHH Monday we took it back to Northgate and they called us to say; they had forgotten to put in the converter. The original one had both together, but since they don't make that one anymore, they had to order two separate units. They apologized, put in the converter at no charge and we picked it up and made new reservations.

We were leaving on Sunday and coming back on Tuesday. Two nights, 7 miles from our house, but we needed to check everything out before such a long trip. The good news was we didn't need to take much with us and if we had forgotten anything we could just drive back to the house and get it. Since David would have to drive the MH near our house on the way to the campground, I drove home, picked up the kitties and met him near the campground.

We bought new carriers for the kitties, and they are big. Plenty of room for the kitties, but hard to manage with a 17 lb cat. They come with wheels that move smoothly, but they are of no use when we have to carry them. Riley cries in the carrier so I took him in the Cat In A Bag in the front seat next to me. As long as I am petting him or rubbing his ears, he stopped crying.

Once in the MH and the slides were open, they made themselves right at home. Molly and Riley have only been in there one time before, but they quickly checked everything out. They had their food, toys and poop box. What more could they want? They loved sleeping with us too.

                                     Riley liked laying in the lower bunk, next to his poop box.

                                                                 Molly liked the top bunk.

                                                  And Abigail loved hiding under the bottom of the bed.

This was a very nice campground. The internet was the best we've ever had in a campground had. We could stream off of 2 TVs with no problems. Parked next to us was the biggest 5th wheel we had ever seen. It was a FULL HOUSE, Grand Design. It must have been 46 ft long and was being towed by a Peterbilt diesel truck that could have towed a tractor trailer. I did take a picture or two and a video of them leaving the next morning.

Here's the video.    https://youtube.com/shorts/GkD8SaLdv98

All went well on our 2-day sleep away.  We went home on Tuesday, and the kitties enjoyed being back home. Hopefully, our trip in a couple of weeks will be uneventful.

OUR LAST DAY IN ST. AUGUSTINE.

 On Sunday, the weather was warmer, but not great. At least it wasn't raining all day. The kitties took turns in the strollers. The little red-haired girl in the next campsite just loved looking at the kitties. Riley was very accommodating with all the attention, and Molly, not so much.

Ryan and the family went for a walk in the morning. Najla is practicing for a marathon, so she tries to get in as much running in as possible. They all came over to the MH for dinner about 4PM. We ordered pizza and had a good time talking and just hanging out. Najla really had a good time with Riley. He's just so cuddly. She picked him up and put him in her lap and he just melted into her, along with his catnip pickle.

The kids had a good time playing with Molly and Riley with a feather on a stick, as they tried to catch the feather.  Riley is ferocious about it. When he caught it, he didn't want to give it up for anybody.

On Monday, we left for Kingsland, Ga which was just over the Fla/Ga line. We made reservations at the RV Self Park, which was not really a campground, but an overnight place to park. It was right off I 95 and Highway 40, a great location. They had full hook ups and the best wi-fi we had for the whole trip. No real amenities, but they had live security cameras all around. 

We only stayed overnight, as we wanted to go through Atlanta on New Years Day, when the traffic was better. We also met Debby and Tom for dinner. It was good to see them again and we had a nice visit.

Our next stop was in Forsyth, GA at the KOA, South of Atlanta. We have stayed there many times on our way back home. Check in time is 2pm and we arrived about 3 pm to find the mangers had closed the doors at 2pm (check in time) and left the paperwork outside for us to find our site. The site was not the best. It was very unlevel and the Wi-Fi was terrible. It did however, have squirrels. The kitties loved it.

On New Years Day, we headed for home. The traffic going through Atlanta was good, no accidents, and no stops at all. The kitties are always scared when we are riding due to the noise and motion with all the bumps and jostling. They usually all stay together under the end of the bed. When it gets to be too much, Riley runs, crying from the back of the MH to the front. He loves cuddles and fell asleep in my arms like a baby.

We have a very nice, uneventful trip back home. We had a really good time and a nice rest. It's going to be hard to get back to work, but the kitties will be so happy to be home.

AFTER CHRISTMAS TIME IN ST. AUGUSTINE

 The kitties got a chirping and flapping bird for Christmas, and they loved it. They all played with it.

On Thursday, we rode out to Murabella area in World of Golf community where The Meyers have one of their vet practices. Najla had told us about a new Publix grocery store that was built right across from the one already there. In spite of the competition, they were both plenty busy. The new one was unique. It has an upstairs with a sitting area and a bar called POURS. You can go upstairs, get a beer and take it with you while you shop. It even has a beverage holder in the grocery cart. What will they think of next. 

I stopped by the Outlet Mall to visit a couple of stores there. I really only go to Talbots and Vera Bradley stores, since I usually find something I need there.  At Talbots it was great timing as they had a major markdown on prices and then 40% off that markdown price. I needed some thinner sweaters and a couple of new long-sleeved T-shirts. The Vera Bradley outlet was awful. The fabrics were terrible, and the styles were bad too. Last time, I found a couple of nice wallets that I am still using, so I didn't buy anything there. 

In the afternoon, we hung out with the kitties. They had a wonderful time looking out all the windows at the people, dogs, birds and squirrels.

 Later Ryan texted and said they would be over for dinner, and we could order out or we could cook. We didn't bring our grill this time, so we make beef enchiladas, bean enchiladas, beef tacos and Mexican rice. Najla is still eating vegetarian, so that worked for everyone.  They came over about 4 and we had such a great time, talking, eating and laughing all night.

On Friday, the weather was rainy and cool. Ryan and Najla made reservations for dinner at The Boathouse. It was previously known as the Fish and Oyster House. It's in a beautiful setting with a outdoor eating area in the back.. They also have updated their menu. I ordered the shrimp and pimento cheese grits and it was the best I have ever had. The sauce over it was incredible. YUMMMMMY.

On Saturday, it was rainy all day long. It was a good day to relax and just chill. I worked on my hexie quilt and the kitties spent the day looking out the windows.  Molly was obsessed with the trees and bushes behind the MH. She loved watching the squirrels go up and down this tree.

And Riley spent a long time trying to catch raindrops with his big old feet. We just found out his father's official registry name is Backwoods Alabama Big Foot Bronson. That explains it.

Abigail just enjoyed sleeping on our bed and begging me for cat grass.

David realized he had a prescription to pick up at Walmart, so away we went to the store. Since we were already up and out, we went to the local quilt shop, which we found had changed hands. It is no longer Bees Quilt Shop. She must have retired and sold out to the people that own Cut Up and Sew which is another shop in Palm Coast. They had reorganized and it looked much better and the people there were friendlier.

We were pretty hungry at that point, so we took a chance to go to get a hamburger at Gas Full-Service Restaurant. We had never eaten there, but heard it was very good. It is very near the Bridge of Lions on the Anastasia Island side. It looked like a dive, but the food was fantastic. We didn't have to wait for a table since we were so early. David had a regular hamburger, and I had a Black and Blue burger. Too bad I didn't take pictures. They were perfectly cooked and delicious. However, the man at the next table had a Jalapeno Popper burger and it was a mouthful!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

It was a busy, drizzly day, but we were in warmer weather and that was nice.

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CHRISTMAS 2024

  We got up early Christmas morning (4:30am), to make a couple of fresh quiches to take for breakfast at The Meyers. After the quiches were baked, we put on our Christmas gifts, the Polar Bear PJ's and drove to their house. Thank goodness we weren't stopped by the police, or anyone else. We had to sneak into the car in the campground and out of the car in front of the house. At least we weren't the only ones. Randy, Najla's father was also there in his Polar Bear PJs.

Everyone had a great time opening gifts. The kids were so much fun and got a lot of stuff. Most of them were small items, but they enjoyed every single one.

                                                   Emma and Ellie

                                                     

                                                      Trevor got a new robe for Christmas.

After gift openings and some quick breakfast, we went back to the MH and let the kitties sit out in their strollers for a little bit. They loved looking for squirrels. Molly's head is like on a swivel. She is constantly scanning the area, looking for whatever she can find. She is the most curious kitty. 

                  I made another attempt to get Santa hat pictures of the kitties.

    For dinner we cooked a small ham, potatoes and veggies. We thought Glynda might call and come over since she was visiting in New Smyrna, but it seems she was watching dolphins with her friend. So, we had a nice quiet night with the kitties. It was a great Christmas.

VISTING ST. AUGUSTINE FOR CHRISTMAS

 On Monday, the 23rd, we drove to St Augustine. We had reservations again at our preferred campground, Sun Outdoors. We like to stay in the back in the Oasis section, because the sites are not cramped and they camping site has pavers, so it's pretty clean as far a tracking in dirt. We couldn't get out favorite site in the corner, but it was nice any way. The campground was really full of kids and people on vacation during school break. 

Ryan texted pictures of Emma making special Christmas treats. I can't believe how big she is now. Almost as tall as me. 

                                 She made pretzels dipped in chocolate with sprinkles. YUMMM.

                 After we got settled into the campground. Molly & Riley started the squirrel hunt.

                             Molly's favorite place is sleeping on the ledge of the back window.

Monday night, we went met Ryan, Najla and the kids at Seafood Kitchen for a great seafood meal. Seafood Kitchen is right around the corner from their house and the food is always great.

On Christmas Eve, we hung out at the MH during the day and went to The Meyers for a great Bar B Q dinner, with pulled pork, broccoli salad, rolls, potatoes and other fixings. Najla is a great cook and everything was so good.

For an early Christmas gift everyone got a pair of microfiber Christmas PJs to wear on Christmas day. So, David and I had to wear them and drive over to The Meyers on Christas morning. 

ANOTHER QUIET DAY

 We had another quiet day with the kitties. It turned cold overnight, so we didn't have any go out time. Friday night was Fried Haddock at the Bistro, so we went there for dinner. The Chef there is excellent. Everything we had there was so good. I could swear I smelled someone cooking chocolate in the campground that afternoon. And the Bistro does have chocolate cake on the menu. Could be the smell of that wafting over to our side of the property. Anyway, we both had the Haddock and it was great.

                                            The sun was going down and the sky looked so calm.

The next day was David's 82nd birthday. I gave him a couple of small items. A Brit toothbrush holder that kills bacteria was one gift. We've wondered how many times Molly has gotten on our bathroom counter and sucked on our toothbrushes. She is so curious. It's also handy in that small bathroom in the MH. The other gift was an electric cutter, kind of like an electric rotary cutter. He cuts up a lot of boxes at home and I thought it might be useful.

The next day, we had some bialys for breakfast and picked up a bit in the MH. Then in the afternoon we needed to get a few groceries and a few small last minute Christmas gifts. 

The Villages have these big signs over some of the roadways. It's kind of like you are going to Disney World for the elderly. Everyone here is OLD. We felt right at home.

When I took this picture of the Spanish Springs sign over the road, I had no idea that it was in fact a golf cart overpass leading from the shopping centers to the opposite side which is more rural. WHO KNEW??? How neat.    https://www.facebook.com/reel/572849522322920

We went to Kohls, Publix and I needed a couple of small items from Joann's. Afterward, we went back to Darrel's Diner for lunch. David was hankering for a tuna melt and I had a hamburger. They certainly give you large portions at Darrel's. We were so stuffed; we didn't even eat dinner. Just a couple of Oreos for dessert.

I had bought a Santa hat for the kitties at PetSmart and forgot about it. I tried it on them, but I see I'm going to need help getting a good picture.

                                          It would help if they held their heads up. LOL

          

                          Molly didn't cooperate at all, but she wanted to supervise everyone else.

                                                  I love little Abby's face. She is the sweetest girl.

       Today will probably be another quiet day. I need to do some laundry and some serious cleaning, as  

we leave tomorrow for St Augustine.

A QUIET DAY, JUST DOING NOTHING

 We decided to go to Darrel's Diner for breakfast. It was close by, a small diner at one of the malls. There is no shortage of breakfast places here, and the food was delicious. We both ordered the corned beef hash meal. 

Our fireplace needed repair, so we went to Home Depot for wires, etc and David worked on it while I sat outside with the kitties. They had a good time, but there weren't many animals to get them excited.

Molly looks and analyzes everything. She is so curious about anything she sees or anything we are doing. She wants to be part of it all. They love getting on the dashboard in the morning to look our over the fields. Sometimes, there is a horse and carriage going by.

The property here is so nice. It looks like trails going through the woods.

I can't believe I forgot to post about our dinner at The Bistro. It is a restaurant here at Grand Oaks and they are only open Wed-Sat. We didn't make reservation since we went at 5:30 and figured they wouldn't be busy yet. What we didn't realize was that they had an event here in their dining hall, A Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner. It started at 6PM, so the kitchen and waitress staff were busy taking care of that. We waited quite a while for the one waitress to take our orders. I ordered the beef medallions and David, the Salmon. Our meals were excellent!!! We were in no rush anyway; except we were hungry. Everyone was very nice here. They happened to have a bake of hay in the dining room. I guess if we got really hungry........

During the day people like to sit outside and eat on the patio for the nice views. It was very nice at night too.

When we were headed to the Bistro the other night for dinner, we passed the camp hosts. They were riding around on their garbage pickup vehicle with a Christmas tree strapped to the back. Later we saw them with the tree all lit up and riding around the property. Very cute. 

I decided in the afternoon to lay in the bed and watch TV while I worked on my hexies. The kitties decided to join me. 

They love sleeping with us.

We had a quiet dinner and no plans. Very relaxing. So much for today's antics.