Why Stars Fell on Alabama?

There seems to be a old tradition of Alabama songs. So why invent the wheel to find a "catchy" title for the blog. I especially like this song. I especially like Jack Teagarden's rendition, actually renditions, as you can find others. The tune has been done by a lot of people including, I have read Jimmy Buffett, who was raised in Mobile. If you think Teagarden's vocal has a bit of Louis Armstrongness you're right or maybe Armstrong had a bit of Teagardeness. You will find the two together on duets like "Rocking Chair." They had fun with their music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT7QNFZx76U

It's 78 degrees, go to the BEACH!

It is difficult to get tired of watching the waves roll in. These particular waves are performing in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It is our first visit to the beach and I found no pirate treasure. I have learned to deal with large disappointments. No sea glass or shells for Denise. This probably will result in another visit. There are, however, other amusements.

This fellow seemed quite put out that I was where he wanted to go.

I would pass a regulation of no buildings within sight of the beach. Actually had I taken this shot in the other direction along the beach you would be dazzled by multi-story condo towers.

Denise saw these islands of grass as picturesque. It is different than the Atlantic coast in Florida where there is no vegetation (in our experience) on the water side of the dunes.

Blog the Bog

Settled in enough to go siteseeing or is that sightseeing? Guess it depends. First stop was Weeks Bay Reserve. http://www.weeksbay.org/ As the visitor center was closed we went to the pitcher plant bog.

The lovely pitcher plant traps insects and devours them slowly. Think Morticia Adams.

This looked like a solid flower until the camera brought it up close.

The Fish River feeds Weeks Bay.

A simple but relaxing morning.

Satsuma

In preparing for this winter's expedition I ran across a local favorite, satsumas. Denise thinks fruit is important in a diet and does not think wine counts as grapes. One cannot understand the female mind. Anyway, little oranges by whatever name are convenient and I don't have to wash a dish. The research on these devils was very positive. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrus_unshiu) It proved to be quite accurate. If not the best "mandarin-type" it is a contender.

On Location

It is November 23rd and I am seriously considering "going live" with this blog. The last two weeks are a blur. OK, and a frustration. Andy don't mind waiting but he likes some control over it. This was waiting because of truck break down, delayed repairs, and the Chrysler Corporation warranty policy. Please note, no one was to blame, everyone was just following orders.

Anyway, today and yesterday had temperatures in the 70s under blue skies and it is difficult to complain about that. Those who know me probably realize I would not run from that challenge. Yet, I will remain mellow and if that doesn't work I will add a margarita as a catalyst.

It is Sunday November 20th. We are at Cullman Campground, surprisingly it is in Cullman, Alabama. It is a comfortable, pleasant place, forested and quiet. So far, you can see I am a realist/optimist, the truck is running fine. Well should be at the winter camp in Foley, Alabama tomorrow afternoon.

Interstate 65 is a busy road and I am very happy that we went though Nashville on a Sunday. There is no bypass interstate. South Tennessee is very nice and the late fall colors are still with us the colors muted and soft.

The nights have been below freezing so we are roughing it, so to speak, by not hooking up the water at the campgrounds. Paper plates and such does the trick although the cat is starting to give me questioning looks.

Maybe tomorrow or the next day I will release this stuff to the world or at least the chosen few.

It Has to Get Better, Doesn't It?

It is just shy of 4 a.m., November 17th, and instead of being in Foley, Alabama, where we should have been on November 11th, I am sitting at home writing this (the latter part of that should be obvious). There is still a plan to go south. I will publish this to the blog and let the usual suspects know there is a blog when, and if, the operation gets "on the road again."

We left on November 9th at about 7:30 a.m. and came to a smoking halt in a Milford, Ohio, LOWE'S parking lot, near Cincinnati, around noon. The left rear wheel "area" was smoking. I will not go into the technical aspects of the problem as I am supremely unqualified in that regard. The highlights are, towed to repair shop. Axle seal problem, the goop it seals in was all over. Further investigation prior to repair revealed differential damage. Warranty required work be done a Chrysler dealer. Towed to dealer. Chrysler (corp.) required independent evaluation. Service had to wait for report before they could order parts. We came home Saturday the 12th. On Tuesday, November 15th we were informed that Chrysler had authorized the warranty repair so ordering parts had begun. Estimated availability of repaired truck, next week some time.

The warranty (certified used vehicle) covers the bulk of the cost. Yet, we spent three nights at a Holiday Inn in the mistaken belief that the repairs would be expedited and we had the travel trailer moved to a secure location in an RV dealer's lot. Some of these expenses may be covered by a supplemental repair policy Important word, MAY.

To give credit. The first repair shop, Bob Sumerel (Milford, Ohio) and the service dept. at Jeff Wyler Chrysler (Batavia, Ohio) did what they could. Hertz got us into a car on very short notice and then Wyler provided a loaner. Lowe's let us leave the trailer for a few days and Holman RV (near Wyler's) found a spot for it. Holiday Inn (Eastgate) was very understanding with our on again/off again need for a room. The only person with a bad attitude was me.

So, as I sit and wait I try to develop enthusiasm for continuing the trip south. Interruptions are frustrating, a newly repaired truck can be a question (reliability), and the result of the recent election seems to have "let slip the dogs of hate," especially in the South. Still. if you see this I suspect we are not still in Canton.