Monday Feb 28 2011
On President's Day weekend we took things easy...caught up on laundry...watched some movies we have with us. We enjoyed the sunny weather when it came out after the usual morning fog.We drove to Bay St Louis and walked about seeing more of the town. We also had a good dinner at a Mexican restaurant called the Three Amigos.
The beginning of the week was a holiday...there were some fireworks on Sunday night and some heavy fog Monday morning. We also got mail on Monday.
Tuesday, I held another story circle in the rv camp which was fun and very satisfying. I love listening to stories and encouraging others to tell.Oh yes and telling stories too!
Wed was very hot...we posted some mail at the Post Office and had lunch at the Mockingbird Cafe in Bay St Louis. A fab cafe...very relaxed, comfortable setting in an old building with art work hung all about and an area with wifi available. The food was excellent...fresh and delicilous. Afterwards I popped over to the building beside the Mockingbird cafe called Century Hall where there were stores and an art Gallery on three levels. This building was established in 1909 by Woodmen of the World as a benevolent secret beneficiary fraternity. I wanted to tell the lady in the jewellery store that we had returned to the town to explore some more.We ended up chatting about many things and I discovered that she (Vicki Niolet) is the author, photographer of the book I had purchased called 'Parting Shots of Old Town Bay St Louis' which contain her pictures taken just after Hurricane Katrina.Her humour and love of her town shine through the photographs of the scenes that greeted her after the storm.She is also a mixed media artist using found items in her creations. http://www.vickiniolet.com/ We then dropped into the Tourist information center at the old but restored train depot and talked to a lovely lady there about the area. As we drove out of town we passed the Community theatre which had been used to film "This Property is Condemned" and we saw the notice for their latest play...'Rabbit Hole'.
The next day was foggy and rainy...we did tasks about the rv and then went to the rec hall for a fantastic homemade dinner...one of the campers made his special meatballs (whew they were huge! and mmmm good) plus there were many other dishes to feast on.People gathered at tables and talked about their outings and the sites they went to. It was a wonderful way to end a grey and rainy day.
The next day, Fri, we drove into New Orleans for the day...planning to sample some of the nightlife.We parked near where we hoped to end up at night. It was a beautiful sunny day which was almost ruined when I stepped into a small hole as we crossed the street to see the Market! It was scary that I could have sprained an ankle so easily...luckily my ankle was tender for a short while and we could continue walking...which we did all over the French Quarter and along the river.We planned to lunch and listen to Jazz at the Two Sisters but when we approached they were having a private party. We were disappointed and frustrated because there had been no notice on their web site...I had to eat by this time...being diabetic we set off looking for another place...maybe with some music.We ate at Mr B's Bistro a lovely, elegant restaurant on the edge of the French Quarter with marble tables and great food and good service. Only jazz on Sundays. Afterwards we walked about, people watching,alley watching and looking up at the tops of the buildings...the crazy quilted buildings that have stood for some many hundred years were amazing to see. The Mardi Gras decorations were everywhere and sparkling in the sunlight..the streets were bustling with people.
We made a dinner reservation at Antoine's which has been operating for 169 years!This is the restaurant that we had had a tour through and we wanted to dine there. Then we stopped into a shop called "Love It" on a whim...I could see feathers and hats in the window.The owner(Danna Lea Designs) creates leather fashion accessories and hat accessories. She was wonderful to talk to and I bought a feather cluster for my hat which she said makes me ready for the Mardi Gras spirit.We then walked a long way to Cemetary 1 which is just outside of the French Quarter where my husband wanted to find the tomb for musicians. As we approached the cemetary we noticed many groups of people dressed in black...the women in veils with black parasols...a line up of cars along the entrance. People were just coming out of the cemetary and we were trying to be respectful...then I realized that some of the people were tour guides for the cemetary. However when we were walking about in the cemetary...we did see a tomb that looked 'dressed' for a funeral.There were all sorts of people wandering about and many types of stones and tombs from the earliest days of New Orleans. The age of the place...the names evoking the history people lived through all soaking into me as strongly as the hot sun. We did find the tomb for the musicians...donated by a family in support of the artists who had died.
We walked back towards the restaurant...stopping on Bourbon street to watch people ,mostly tourist like ourselves,walking about and to listen to music from many sources spill onto the street...this was at 5:30 in the afternoon...people were carrying their drinks...others were watching the street from the balconies...over all a sense of waiting for something naughty to happen. We didn't stay long...we changed for dinner and enjoyed eating at Antoine's where we could look out at the street and watch people coming into the restaurant for private parties in other rooms. It was a good feeling to know that we had seen the rooms upstairs and the famous wine cellar and other corners of this famous place. We enjoyed our meal and the service and atmosphere.
Afterward we walked about stopping into a gallery of Alex Beard's work on Royal street... http://www.alexbeardstudio.com...enjoying/ his creations. We continued on to Frenchmen Street where we walked up and down the street listening to the jazz coming from the clubs. We stopped into Snug Harbour and had a drink at the bar listening to the group playing in another room...the concert was sold out and we just couldn't stay for the later one. It was a neat bar and the people were very friendly and the music was very good. On the way back to the car we stopped and listened to some street musicians and more jazz from the clubs then we departed the city about 9 pm.
Sat.it was very humid to me so I just couldn't be too active in the daytime...I will definitely read a Tennesse William's play with more understanding now. We went to see the play at the Bay St Louis's new community theatre building, the John F. Holmes Playhouse. What a wonderful job of restoring this fine building which was the setting for the film"This Building is Condemned". It was a good theatre evening...a fine cast and a good play. The group, http://www.bsllt.org/ , has been doing community theatre for many years and since Katrina have had to search for a 'home'...doing plays in many and various settings. This is now their home and they are so happy and justly proud and have many wonderful plans for the future.
As we drove back to the rv park, we noted the many pick up trucks and cars parked in readiness for the next day's Mardi Gras parade in Waveland. There were even people camped out at their vehicles already!
Sunday was again very humid so it was good to get into the air conditioned car and drive north to Wiggins, Mississippi. We were going to a storytelling and book signing at the 'Over the Top Ice Cream Shop'.Kathryn Lewis, the State storyteller liaison, had told me about this event and I was looking forward to hearing some local stories by Len Blackwell from his days of being the Perk Paperboy in nearby Perkinston. The ice cream shop was designed with the old fashioned soda shop in mind and I couldn't resist ordering a banana split which I did split with my husband! I met Kathryn Lewis and she introduced me to some other tellers from the area. The shop was filling fast! Then Len Blackwell told some stories of his youth delivering papers...he created the small Mississippi town so clearly and the unique people that he got to know on his route. After his telling there was more talk of stories and telling with the other people there. Lorraine Craig has invited us to their gathering this Tues (tomorrrow) in Poplarville so we hope to attend. It was a wonderful afternoon listening and sharing experiences with 'story' people. On the way back we stopped at a place called 'The Pecan House' which we noticed on the way north. We were advised to stop and go in...the outside of the building is made from the wood that was used in the local pickle making vats. The store is gem and the young lady at the counter was patient with all my questions. I do love pecans! There are many other products there as well. Watching a glorious sunset,we continued back to the rv camp...surprised in Waveland at the post parade mess on the streets that was being cleaned up as we went through.Back at the camp we gathered at a neighbour's campfire with others who were sharing their tales of their day. A good ending to a great day.
Today we have had humidity (!!) and rain so we finally put the air conditioning on!
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Fri Feb 18th continued
On Valentine's Day the weather was sunny and warm. We took the tape off the outer windows...I showered...I then prepared for an event on Tues.We had a pleasant day and lovely dinner. Then watched a new to us movie.
Tues aft I held a story circle in the rec hall...there had been an announcement in a notice that goes out weekly inviting ladies to a story circle. It went well and was fun for all. Everyone got to tell some stories and learn about storytelling.Good beginnning.
Wed Peter worked on the rv after a grey morning but sunny and warm afternoon.
Thurs, Feb 17 we visited New Orleans for the first time! I was so nervous and excited. New Orleans had been my focus for months...again I didn't know what to expect ...if I would like the place or not.We departed very early for me...8:30 ish in the morning. We took Hwy 90 and then took a back road turn off to New Orleans which on the map stays well south of Hwy 10 and goes through Bayou Sauvage N.W.S.It was lowlands with houses on the water's edge in places. We turned at Chalmette to go South, taking the bypass route along the Mississippi River to Bohemia then took an unmarked road back north along the river to Phoenix. We saw small orchards of oranges or maybe tangellos (note) I had purchased some at a local market the other day. There were a variety of places from very big and fenced to small with a big garden patch.From Phoenix we took hwy 39 to a ferry which took us to Belle Chasse then we drove across Terrytown to another ferry....please note that we like to take ferries when we travel...driving through the historical district of Algiers point (just across from downtown New Orleans) to a ferry which deposited us in New Orleans at Canal St! It was such fun to enter the city this way which is what my husband planned all along.The Mississippi river is truly brown and strong and busy! As I drove down a street following our GPS to parking I saw a lot with empty spaces and we just parked there.We got out and walked into the French Quarter...away from some very loud calliope music. Lunched at Chartres House Cafe where we ate in the courtyard to the sound of running water.We walked about after soaking up the light and sounds of the streets. We got a wonderful tour of the restaurant Antoine's ...famous for hosting the Mardi Gras groups who run the parades...and a huge wine cellar and fine dining.We stopped into 'Razzle Dazzle' which is so colourful and filled with decorations and masks and jewellery.I was caught up in the mask display right at the start while my husband went through the whole store and came back to find me trying on masks!He took me through the store and we found some great items...I was purring.We continued walking and I saw a wonderful necklace in the window of'Meilleur Joaillerie'. I tried it on. There are masks and Mardi Gras symbols and sparklies!So pretty and fun and my dear husband bought it for me.We walked some more...the light had changed to late afternoon light that brought out the dusty reds on the bricks and highlighted the shadows with bright sunlight...there was the music created by individual artists beckoning you to stop and listen ...each shop had a unique scent that was not like a perfume which can be annoying and overwhemling but these scents I found engaging of foods and spices and flowers...they were enticing. SO when I noticed I was getting thirsty and SMELLED coffee and fresh baking...I followed the smell through an archway and into a narrow courtyard...and I continued right back into a small cafe called Royal Blend Coffee & Tea House. Before I knew it I had ordered an iced coffee. Let me point out to those of you who don't know me...I used to drink coffee in big amounts years ago but I am now a tea drinker! But I had to have an iced coffee and I did...it was exquisite!!! We sat in the courtyard just soaking up the peace and atmosphere of the place. It really looked as if the locals use it often. It is tucked back from the street. There were about three layers of balcony...all very small.Looking straight up I was reminded of a Tennesse Williams stage set...why of course!It was a very pleasant stop. We continued walking about...enjoying the buildings and the sun beginning to set as we headed back to our car...smiles on our faces and caffeine pulsing through my veins. As we drove out of New Orleans a very full bright, moon shone across the waters silvering everything. I was talking a mile a minute! A magical end to a wonderful first visit to New Orleans.
For now
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
On Valentine's Day the weather was sunny and warm. We took the tape off the outer windows...I showered...I then prepared for an event on Tues.We had a pleasant day and lovely dinner. Then watched a new to us movie.
Tues aft I held a story circle in the rec hall...there had been an announcement in a notice that goes out weekly inviting ladies to a story circle. It went well and was fun for all. Everyone got to tell some stories and learn about storytelling.Good beginnning.
Wed Peter worked on the rv after a grey morning but sunny and warm afternoon.
Thurs, Feb 17 we visited New Orleans for the first time! I was so nervous and excited. New Orleans had been my focus for months...again I didn't know what to expect ...if I would like the place or not.We departed very early for me...8:30 ish in the morning. We took Hwy 90 and then took a back road turn off to New Orleans which on the map stays well south of Hwy 10 and goes through Bayou Sauvage N.W.S.It was lowlands with houses on the water's edge in places. We turned at Chalmette to go South, taking the bypass route along the Mississippi River to Bohemia then took an unmarked road back north along the river to Phoenix. We saw small orchards of oranges or maybe tangellos (note) I had purchased some at a local market the other day. There were a variety of places from very big and fenced to small with a big garden patch.From Phoenix we took hwy 39 to a ferry which took us to Belle Chasse then we drove across Terrytown to another ferry....please note that we like to take ferries when we travel...driving through the historical district of Algiers point (just across from downtown New Orleans) to a ferry which deposited us in New Orleans at Canal St! It was such fun to enter the city this way which is what my husband planned all along.The Mississippi river is truly brown and strong and busy! As I drove down a street following our GPS to parking I saw a lot with empty spaces and we just parked there.We got out and walked into the French Quarter...away from some very loud calliope music. Lunched at Chartres House Cafe where we ate in the courtyard to the sound of running water.We walked about after soaking up the light and sounds of the streets. We got a wonderful tour of the restaurant Antoine's ...famous for hosting the Mardi Gras groups who run the parades...and a huge wine cellar and fine dining.We stopped into 'Razzle Dazzle' which is so colourful and filled with decorations and masks and jewellery.I was caught up in the mask display right at the start while my husband went through the whole store and came back to find me trying on masks!He took me through the store and we found some great items...I was purring.We continued walking and I saw a wonderful necklace in the window of'Meilleur Joaillerie'. I tried it on. There are masks and Mardi Gras symbols and sparklies!So pretty and fun and my dear husband bought it for me.We walked some more...the light had changed to late afternoon light that brought out the dusty reds on the bricks and highlighted the shadows with bright sunlight...there was the music created by individual artists beckoning you to stop and listen ...each shop had a unique scent that was not like a perfume which can be annoying and overwhemling but these scents I found engaging of foods and spices and flowers...they were enticing. SO when I noticed I was getting thirsty and SMELLED coffee and fresh baking...I followed the smell through an archway and into a narrow courtyard...and I continued right back into a small cafe called Royal Blend Coffee & Tea House. Before I knew it I had ordered an iced coffee. Let me point out to those of you who don't know me...I used to drink coffee in big amounts years ago but I am now a tea drinker! But I had to have an iced coffee and I did...it was exquisite!!! We sat in the courtyard just soaking up the peace and atmosphere of the place. It really looked as if the locals use it often. It is tucked back from the street. There were about three layers of balcony...all very small.Looking straight up I was reminded of a Tennesse Williams stage set...why of course!It was a very pleasant stop. We continued walking about...enjoying the buildings and the sun beginning to set as we headed back to our car...smiles on our faces and caffeine pulsing through my veins. As we drove out of New Orleans a very full bright, moon shone across the waters silvering everything. I was talking a mile a minute! A magical end to a wonderful first visit to New Orleans.
For now
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Fri. Feb 18th from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Our last full day in Mexico Beach FL had us rising to thick fog outside and no heat in the rv.Peter was up in a rush to check the camp itself...they were fine. Meanwhile I ate breakfast and drank orange juice instead of my tea.The campground attendent thought we were using too much power on our site but we are always careful to use less...so we pull 25 amps in a 30 amp site. Peter reconnected things and there was a 'pop'. When I smelled burning...I began to panic! It was a horrible smell...Peter unplugged everything again and spent the next 3-4 hrs testing and searching out the problem.As usual in these type of situations, you can't tell how serious a problem it is.Peter finally got it narrowed down to 2 outlets...he kept at the search and then found the melted plastic cover over some wires that had burned.Not an exspensive repair and he drove off to the local hardware store for fixings.
During this time I had been packing the rv and my car for travelling the next day.
Fri morning I walked the Mexico Beach with Dave...feeling the cold and damp but enjoying the sounds of the waves and Dave's company...
Fri evening Carol Ann gave us a fine farewell dinner...we shared stories and food and laughter.When we left their place the rain started to come down very heavily. I was glad Peter had brought the car over earlier because the huge puddles and driving rain were nasty. It seemed appropriate 'goodbye' weather. That night I kept waking up to gusts of wind rocking the rv and the sound of rain pounding down as well as having some nerves about travelling the next day. It had been a wonderful visit with our friends who took us all over a beaautiful area of Florida and renewed our friendship.
We were awake early Sat morning Feb 5th. Packed up the last items in the rain and departed at 8:35 am...gassed up in Panama City and decided to try to drive along the shoreline for as long as we could ...hoping the wind and rain wouldn't make us head north to an interstate highway.Such emerald green waters and white sand beaches.We finally turned at Hwy 85 to head to hwy 10...the sun came out but the wind was cold.We stopped a couple of times and arrived here (Bay Hide Away camp) at 4pm but didn't get settled til 6pm.
Our first night was cold but we slept warmly. It was odd to look out and see mostly darkness in a full camp! But it is peaceful and usually the sun warms up later in the day. We have met many people here...many northerners trying to escape the cold of winter. Settling in here we drove around and explored the nearest place, Waveland. It was a shock to see the signs of damage from Katrina which happened 6 yrs ago.More on this later.We also bought groceries and then joined other campers in the rec hall to watch the Superbowl Football game.Good to meet people but I returned early to the rv...noise levels were loud...understandably.I nested and unpacked some things..hung a painting up. Noted the various birds we have seen and a whole herd of robins!There was a crescent moon.
Our first week here was a combination of settling into the area and getting some work done on our car at Preston's Auto,LLC at 610 Faith Street, Waveland. We had excellent, timely service there.The days were cloudy with some rain and the nights were cold. But we were getting to know the ins and outs of the camp...getting a picnic table for the site and some firewood. We took a drive to a beach in Waveland and stopped at a hardware store...Peter was looking to buy some wood and our GPS kept getting us to empty lots or empty buildings...again due to Katrina. So the hardware store looked busy and we like to go through them when we travel.Hubbard's Waveland Hardware on Nicholson Ave has been in business since 1954 and was a delight to me to look through...they also had some local maps available AND they were the local lumber store.After walking on the beach and seeing many concrete slabs with no houses on them and braving the cold winds on the beach we decided to drive a back road on our return to the camp. The local map was useful and the drive was full of interesting French and Spanish street names.
On Fri Feb 11th we drove to a Camper's World about an hour away...stopped at the Louisiana tourist info...it was great to walk in and hear French being spoken. The guides at the desk were very helpful and we collected brochures and booklets.Driving back at night, we had set a resturant into our GPS...It took us off the highway...through an industrial area. I was not comfortable with this and there were no streetlights...again the restaurant had moved as we noted when we ended up under a bilboard telling what exit to go back to. In the daylight that would have been a totally different experience! So a good dinner and back to a cold night which had a weather freeze warning!
On Sat Feb 12th, we drove into Bay St Louis for their "2nd Bay St. Louis Art Walk" which happens on the 2nd Sat of each month.Artists and musicians are at their studios or on the street. Store owners have wonderful nibbles and goodies to share. There was so much to see and listen to.We enjoyed the Bay Books bookstore (http://www.mybaybooks.com/), Bay Breeze was a delight with many many items for coastal living. As we walked up and down Main Street we drifted into some stores that were all joined in some way and the art displays went on and on. We stopped for some food at The Buttercup on North Second St run by Jamie Temple and George Cossitt. Bright and cheery and decorated for Mardi Gras season. We were warmly welcomed and the food was excellent.We walked about some more as the sun set...going into more galleries and stores.I liked Bay St. Louis at once. We were very warmly welcomed.As I learn more about the community from a book I bought (Under Surge Under Siege by Ellis Anderson) I respect and like them even more.
The 'later' part: I have learned that Waveland and Bay St Louis were hit very hard by the surges during Katrina which explains the blank slabs where houses stood...the broken and bent thick live oaks...and the many businesses that are gone because many people did not return.But I do have to say that in driving around we see many construction sites and new buildings...small businesses continuing to serve their community needs.
On a different note: Sunday, Feb 13th Peter & I went with a group from this rv park to see our first Mardi Gras parade in Slidell, Louisiana. We left early with our chairs and food...water bottles and hats.I didn't know what to expect but listened as others told their stories of other parades.There was a long time of sitting and waiting...then long times of people watching. When the parade got started there were big speakers pounding out music...marching bands and yes some floats throwing out beads. I did note that not too many parade participants actually looked glad to be in the parade. I continued to people watch. The sun was shining and there was a washroom close by.Later that day we lit a fire in our campsite and enjoyed a beer.
Posting this for now. Will continue writing up this past week in a while.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Our last full day in Mexico Beach FL had us rising to thick fog outside and no heat in the rv.Peter was up in a rush to check the camp itself...they were fine. Meanwhile I ate breakfast and drank orange juice instead of my tea.The campground attendent thought we were using too much power on our site but we are always careful to use less...so we pull 25 amps in a 30 amp site. Peter reconnected things and there was a 'pop'. When I smelled burning...I began to panic! It was a horrible smell...Peter unplugged everything again and spent the next 3-4 hrs testing and searching out the problem.As usual in these type of situations, you can't tell how serious a problem it is.Peter finally got it narrowed down to 2 outlets...he kept at the search and then found the melted plastic cover over some wires that had burned.Not an exspensive repair and he drove off to the local hardware store for fixings.
During this time I had been packing the rv and my car for travelling the next day.
Fri morning I walked the Mexico Beach with Dave...feeling the cold and damp but enjoying the sounds of the waves and Dave's company...
Fri evening Carol Ann gave us a fine farewell dinner...we shared stories and food and laughter.When we left their place the rain started to come down very heavily. I was glad Peter had brought the car over earlier because the huge puddles and driving rain were nasty. It seemed appropriate 'goodbye' weather. That night I kept waking up to gusts of wind rocking the rv and the sound of rain pounding down as well as having some nerves about travelling the next day. It had been a wonderful visit with our friends who took us all over a beaautiful area of Florida and renewed our friendship.
We were awake early Sat morning Feb 5th. Packed up the last items in the rain and departed at 8:35 am...gassed up in Panama City and decided to try to drive along the shoreline for as long as we could ...hoping the wind and rain wouldn't make us head north to an interstate highway.Such emerald green waters and white sand beaches.We finally turned at Hwy 85 to head to hwy 10...the sun came out but the wind was cold.We stopped a couple of times and arrived here (Bay Hide Away camp) at 4pm but didn't get settled til 6pm.
Our first night was cold but we slept warmly. It was odd to look out and see mostly darkness in a full camp! But it is peaceful and usually the sun warms up later in the day. We have met many people here...many northerners trying to escape the cold of winter. Settling in here we drove around and explored the nearest place, Waveland. It was a shock to see the signs of damage from Katrina which happened 6 yrs ago.More on this later.We also bought groceries and then joined other campers in the rec hall to watch the Superbowl Football game.Good to meet people but I returned early to the rv...noise levels were loud...understandably.I nested and unpacked some things..hung a painting up. Noted the various birds we have seen and a whole herd of robins!There was a crescent moon.
Our first week here was a combination of settling into the area and getting some work done on our car at Preston's Auto,LLC at 610 Faith Street, Waveland. We had excellent, timely service there.The days were cloudy with some rain and the nights were cold. But we were getting to know the ins and outs of the camp...getting a picnic table for the site and some firewood. We took a drive to a beach in Waveland and stopped at a hardware store...Peter was looking to buy some wood and our GPS kept getting us to empty lots or empty buildings...again due to Katrina. So the hardware store looked busy and we like to go through them when we travel.Hubbard's Waveland Hardware on Nicholson Ave has been in business since 1954 and was a delight to me to look through...they also had some local maps available AND they were the local lumber store.After walking on the beach and seeing many concrete slabs with no houses on them and braving the cold winds on the beach we decided to drive a back road on our return to the camp. The local map was useful and the drive was full of interesting French and Spanish street names.
On Fri Feb 11th we drove to a Camper's World about an hour away...stopped at the Louisiana tourist info...it was great to walk in and hear French being spoken. The guides at the desk were very helpful and we collected brochures and booklets.Driving back at night, we had set a resturant into our GPS...It took us off the highway...through an industrial area. I was not comfortable with this and there were no streetlights...again the restaurant had moved as we noted when we ended up under a bilboard telling what exit to go back to. In the daylight that would have been a totally different experience! So a good dinner and back to a cold night which had a weather freeze warning!
On Sat Feb 12th, we drove into Bay St Louis for their "2nd Bay St. Louis Art Walk" which happens on the 2nd Sat of each month.Artists and musicians are at their studios or on the street. Store owners have wonderful nibbles and goodies to share. There was so much to see and listen to.We enjoyed the Bay Books bookstore (http://www.mybaybooks.com/), Bay Breeze was a delight with many many items for coastal living. As we walked up and down Main Street we drifted into some stores that were all joined in some way and the art displays went on and on. We stopped for some food at The Buttercup on North Second St run by Jamie Temple and George Cossitt. Bright and cheery and decorated for Mardi Gras season. We were warmly welcomed and the food was excellent.We walked about some more as the sun set...going into more galleries and stores.I liked Bay St. Louis at once. We were very warmly welcomed.As I learn more about the community from a book I bought (Under Surge Under Siege by Ellis Anderson) I respect and like them even more.
The 'later' part: I have learned that Waveland and Bay St Louis were hit very hard by the surges during Katrina which explains the blank slabs where houses stood...the broken and bent thick live oaks...and the many businesses that are gone because many people did not return.But I do have to say that in driving around we see many construction sites and new buildings...small businesses continuing to serve their community needs.
On a different note: Sunday, Feb 13th Peter & I went with a group from this rv park to see our first Mardi Gras parade in Slidell, Louisiana. We left early with our chairs and food...water bottles and hats.I didn't know what to expect but listened as others told their stories of other parades.There was a long time of sitting and waiting...then long times of people watching. When the parade got started there were big speakers pounding out music...marching bands and yes some floats throwing out beads. I did note that not too many parade participants actually looked glad to be in the parade. I continued to people watch. The sun was shining and there was a washroom close by.Later that day we lit a fire in our campsite and enjoyed a beer.
Posting this for now. Will continue writing up this past week in a while.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thurs. Feb 3rd
Hello from Mexico Beach, Florida. The time has been flying by as our friends, Carol Ann and Dave show us around the area of Northern Florida called the Forgotten Coast.
Last Friday they picked us up in the morning when we piled our kites and hiking packs in their vehicle. We drove out to Eastpoint and turned to take the long causeway bridge over to St George Island ( seestgeorgeisland.com ). Stopping near the light house museum, we asked a local woman where we could go for a lunch...as one place we had stopped at wasn't open. She directed us to a couple of places within view and we went over to lunch at Firehouse No. 9 Bar & Grill. There was a large motorcycle inside the door sitting near two pool tables...the settings were simple and clean...the service was friendly, quick ( due to my diabetes) and freshly made on the spot. It was a good lunch stop.
Next we drove along the beach...and what a beach!!! Miles and miles of beach with the big waves smacking the shore and foaming in crests as they approached the white sand beach.There were many places to park with rest stops and wooden walkways over the dunes to protect them. The wind was strong and the sun was out...so we played with our kites! I put up my larger parafoil kite and let it sail to a good height.... I could see the some of the bottom of my winder! I also wore one of Peter's extra socks because I hadn't packed my gloves which really help to prevent the line burning my hands. Peter had his big stunt kite up and it sang loudly. Our friends got to see the kites and Carol Ann tried mine for a bit. The wind was quite strong...and cool...there were only a few people on the beach....a glorious beach with long swells of waves coming in ...laying patterns on the sand. It was great to play and yes we took pictures which I hope to add soon. My arm got a work out winding the kite down...it really didn't want to land.
I walked the beach and saw a good sized Jelly fish on the sand...our friends found some neat shells and told us about them. The sound of the waves was constant and I found soothing...the sand good to walk on for my aging back and knees. As we left the shore line to return to the car, the sounds changed as we went over the dunes...the wind was less and the sounds lower and the sun warmer.
We then drove to the St. George Island State Park which has 9 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes and covers 1,962 acres of the east end of the island. A wonderful place where we saw a Bald Eagle, Monarch Butterfly and many other types of birds. Various landscapes from small ponds to coves to salt marshes. There was a busy but peaceful rv park nestled among the pines.
We drove back over the causeway bridge to the town of Apalachicola which is famous for its oysters and for preserving many homes and buildings each with its own detailed story to tell. Our friends wanted us to see the Dixie Theatre which is starting its 14th season. A delightful old building with lots of character to enhance the various productions presented. http://www.dixietheatre.com/ We then wandered about downtown...stopping in stores...in one I bought some Tupelo honey!!! and the Gibson Inn, circa 1907... http://www.gibsoninn.com/ ...we also walked down to the harbour. A beautiful town with so much to see.
Our friends drove us to a pier at Port St. Joe to take pictures of the sunset. It was cold and getting colder with the sun setting. Peter was determined to get the whole show on camera. The brown pelicans didn't look all that comfortable but they were concentrating on a fisherman in a boat working his nets. The rest of us went back to the comfort and warmth of the car.
We then had a lovely dinner at Provisions Restaurant in Port St. Joe...good food...good service and good friends.
The next day, Sat, Peter & I drove into Panama City Beach to attend a concert of stories and music. We went in early to explore a bit. At one point we were very confused...parked the car because the signs all said that we couldn't continue on this road unless we were invited (?). There were gates over the road but they were up and unmanned. Being law abiding people, we parked and walked to where the retail area was...past all the forbidding signs and gates. There were not any houses just a huge lawn area with a pond and then the retail outlets we were looking for. We did see an interesting restaurant...so we walked back and drove through the gates to the restaurant which is called Bone Fish where we had a delightful dinner.
Our storytelling event was not far away and we arrived early...the chairs were just being set up and we helped to put them out. I learned from Jim Barr, one of the organizers, that this was the first such event in Panama City Beach. He works for the Gulf Coast Community College and is from Jonesborough, Tenn home of the U.S. National storytelling Festival. He is very supportive of storytelling and what it can do for a community. So he contacted Pat Neese, an active Florida Storyteller, to run the idea by her. She was very supportive and pointed out that at this time of year a few tellers gather for a retreat at her house, I believe, and they would be in this area. Would that do for tellers if they were willing? This obviously took much more work but it happened and I was there with many many other people! There were six tellers...each unique and accomplished tellers and flutist Paul McAuliffe. This was a good storytelling event with many types of tales told...much laughter and wonderful music. I do hope that this becomes an annual event for this area.
Sunday was a peaceful day...doing some domestic duties after a morning walk on the beach....spending part of the afternoon and dinner with our friends.
Monday was grey and rainy but warm...we went into Panama City to shop and get some pictures developed. Then had dinner with our friends.
Tues was Feb 1st which marked 2 months living in the rv! I still feel that there is constant need for adjustment. Some things are getting easier to do and others need to be worked on. Storage and clothing placement is one for me. So dealing with things a bit at a time.
Tues was warm and grey at times. Carol Ann cooked us a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings!! Quite the treat and as usual great company in the evening. As we went home (rv) there was fog and a storm coming in...our cb weather alarm sounded and we listened to the watches and warnings noting the areas mentioned and discussing what we should do if we had to seek shelter from a tornado.
Wed was a quiet day...walk on the beach...slate grey coloured waters and strong wave action. The new moon happened. We went to a beach restaurant called Toucans on the Beach to try out some sea food and try to see a sunset. The clouds were thick so we mainly saw the light change. The food was very good though we still have to work on adjusting to seafood.
Today is the start of the Chinese New Year...the year of the rabbit. We are going to celebrate with our friends tonight.
Our wifi here hasn't been too reliable so my next entry will most likely be from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!
Last Friday they picked us up in the morning when we piled our kites and hiking packs in their vehicle. We drove out to Eastpoint and turned to take the long causeway bridge over to St George Island ( seestgeorgeisland.com ). Stopping near the light house museum, we asked a local woman where we could go for a lunch...as one place we had stopped at wasn't open. She directed us to a couple of places within view and we went over to lunch at Firehouse No. 9 Bar & Grill. There was a large motorcycle inside the door sitting near two pool tables...the settings were simple and clean...the service was friendly, quick ( due to my diabetes) and freshly made on the spot. It was a good lunch stop.
Next we drove along the beach...and what a beach!!! Miles and miles of beach with the big waves smacking the shore and foaming in crests as they approached the white sand beach.There were many places to park with rest stops and wooden walkways over the dunes to protect them. The wind was strong and the sun was out...so we played with our kites! I put up my larger parafoil kite and let it sail to a good height.... I could see the some of the bottom of my winder! I also wore one of Peter's extra socks because I hadn't packed my gloves which really help to prevent the line burning my hands. Peter had his big stunt kite up and it sang loudly. Our friends got to see the kites and Carol Ann tried mine for a bit. The wind was quite strong...and cool...there were only a few people on the beach....a glorious beach with long swells of waves coming in ...laying patterns on the sand. It was great to play and yes we took pictures which I hope to add soon. My arm got a work out winding the kite down...it really didn't want to land.
I walked the beach and saw a good sized Jelly fish on the sand...our friends found some neat shells and told us about them. The sound of the waves was constant and I found soothing...the sand good to walk on for my aging back and knees. As we left the shore line to return to the car, the sounds changed as we went over the dunes...the wind was less and the sounds lower and the sun warmer.
We then drove to the St. George Island State Park which has 9 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes and covers 1,962 acres of the east end of the island. A wonderful place where we saw a Bald Eagle, Monarch Butterfly and many other types of birds. Various landscapes from small ponds to coves to salt marshes. There was a busy but peaceful rv park nestled among the pines.
We drove back over the causeway bridge to the town of Apalachicola which is famous for its oysters and for preserving many homes and buildings each with its own detailed story to tell. Our friends wanted us to see the Dixie Theatre which is starting its 14th season. A delightful old building with lots of character to enhance the various productions presented. http://www.dixietheatre.com/ We then wandered about downtown...stopping in stores...in one I bought some Tupelo honey!!! and the Gibson Inn, circa 1907... http://www.gibsoninn.com/ ...we also walked down to the harbour. A beautiful town with so much to see.
Our friends drove us to a pier at Port St. Joe to take pictures of the sunset. It was cold and getting colder with the sun setting. Peter was determined to get the whole show on camera. The brown pelicans didn't look all that comfortable but they were concentrating on a fisherman in a boat working his nets. The rest of us went back to the comfort and warmth of the car.
We then had a lovely dinner at Provisions Restaurant in Port St. Joe...good food...good service and good friends.
The next day, Sat, Peter & I drove into Panama City Beach to attend a concert of stories and music. We went in early to explore a bit. At one point we were very confused...parked the car because the signs all said that we couldn't continue on this road unless we were invited (?). There were gates over the road but they were up and unmanned. Being law abiding people, we parked and walked to where the retail area was...past all the forbidding signs and gates. There were not any houses just a huge lawn area with a pond and then the retail outlets we were looking for. We did see an interesting restaurant...so we walked back and drove through the gates to the restaurant which is called Bone Fish where we had a delightful dinner.
Our storytelling event was not far away and we arrived early...the chairs were just being set up and we helped to put them out. I learned from Jim Barr, one of the organizers, that this was the first such event in Panama City Beach. He works for the Gulf Coast Community College and is from Jonesborough, Tenn home of the U.S. National storytelling Festival. He is very supportive of storytelling and what it can do for a community. So he contacted Pat Neese, an active Florida Storyteller, to run the idea by her. She was very supportive and pointed out that at this time of year a few tellers gather for a retreat at her house, I believe, and they would be in this area. Would that do for tellers if they were willing? This obviously took much more work but it happened and I was there with many many other people! There were six tellers...each unique and accomplished tellers and flutist Paul McAuliffe. This was a good storytelling event with many types of tales told...much laughter and wonderful music. I do hope that this becomes an annual event for this area.
Sunday was a peaceful day...doing some domestic duties after a morning walk on the beach....spending part of the afternoon and dinner with our friends.
Monday was grey and rainy but warm...we went into Panama City to shop and get some pictures developed. Then had dinner with our friends.
Tues was Feb 1st which marked 2 months living in the rv! I still feel that there is constant need for adjustment. Some things are getting easier to do and others need to be worked on. Storage and clothing placement is one for me. So dealing with things a bit at a time.
Tues was warm and grey at times. Carol Ann cooked us a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings!! Quite the treat and as usual great company in the evening. As we went home (rv) there was fog and a storm coming in...our cb weather alarm sounded and we listened to the watches and warnings noting the areas mentioned and discussing what we should do if we had to seek shelter from a tornado.
Wed was a quiet day...walk on the beach...slate grey coloured waters and strong wave action. The new moon happened. We went to a beach restaurant called Toucans on the Beach to try out some sea food and try to see a sunset. The clouds were thick so we mainly saw the light change. The food was very good though we still have to work on adjusting to seafood.
Today is the start of the Chinese New Year...the year of the rabbit. We are going to celebrate with our friends tonight.
Our wifi here hasn't been too reliable so my next entry will most likely be from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!
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