All Good Things Must Come to an End

Teresa's son and Grandson (Sean and Sawyer) arrived late Friday night. The little guy slept in Teresa's Aframe BUT Sean slept here BY CHOICE! Oh to be young again!

Here they are chowing down. Sean cooked dinner and breakfast for his Mom. I wish his wife, Kate, and their other two little ones had come--they are as adorable as Sawyer is. They are a good looking family, aren't they?

 I found myself getting a little teary saying goodbye to Molly--took me by surprise. I loved putting my face in her fur and nuzzling her--not just because it reminded me of Lizzie and Jack, but because I love her. I've known her since she was a pup. Teresa is an excellent dog Mom. It's as though they read each other's minds. Molly is losing her hearing, so her eyes are always on Teresa.

As I was typing this blog I got an email from T. I didn't realize she was taking pictures. This is Sawyer and me walking down to my trailer. We were discussing why it's impolite to walk through other camper's sites. He was funny. He went in the trailer and looked at the bathroom door and asked me, "What's that." I told him to open the door. He did and said, "Hmmm. Small." Very cute and polite. Little boy. He knows all about planes and ships. I asked him how he knew so much and he said, "Books."

This is another sneaky shot by Teresa. That's Patricia with the hat. Boy, do I need a haircut! Not today. Bogey and I are lounging around except for about every hour when he wants to go out to play ball.

The next two pictures are pictures from my hike along the river. Pretty, isn't it?

This picture is attributed to Teresa. I watched all week to get a shot of the buzzards. I only saw them high overhead. Teresa has a keen eye and is a good photographer--that's how she got a picture of this guy.

Patricia took this one as we all took a walk, together. Seems funny. When I used to walk with a group of women there was almost always more pups than people.

Take down couldn't have gone smoother, yesterday. Everything from A-Z was easy. The only small problem I had was that I couldn't get my patio mat back into the bag. My old one I could fold up to a very small package. This one is a different texture. I tried it every which way, but it was no go. So, instead of putting it back in the storage area, I had to put it in the trailer. The 3-1/2 hour trip home went smoothly and passed by quickly. Although my radio doesn't work, I took the Bose speaker that my son, John, gave me and I blue toothed it to my iPhone so I had all my favorite music playing the whole time.

Till next time.

It's Been Fun

It's been fun seeing my old camping buddies (Teresa, Patricia, and Jennifer) and meeting yet another for the first time (Beth). Sorry that Terri and Dixie couldn't make it. Patricia, Teresa, Molly and I just got back from a really nice trail--about 2 miles, I think.

Reed Bingham is a favorite roosting place of buzzards. A bunch of them were circling right above my head the other day--I was wondering if they were trying to tell me something or whether they were just hopeful seeing my white hair!

Ever since the screen room went up I've been thinking that it didn't look right and it certainly wasn't as big as I thought it was going to be. The gals noticed it, too, when they arrived. I was down at Teresa's site and I noticed that hers had the poles on the outside. Yep, you guessed it, I had it upside down. Now, at least I know how to do it and it really is as roomy as it was advertised. I wish (thought) I had taken a "before" picture, but I didn't--unless one of the other gals has one.

I found a "before" picture! Pretty sad looking screen room in comparison, huh? Between the screen room, fans, and Thermacells we have kept the gnats at bay.

It was fun getting to know Beth. She left today to babysit for her granddaughter. Jennifer woke up in pain, today, and I hope I'm wrong but it sounds like SI joint pain to me. The good thing is that at least they know to check the joints, now, before doing back surgery. I'm just hoping that after a day of Advil and ice, she'll be able to drive home.

I made a crock pot dinner when everyone arrived on Wednesday. It was good if I say so myself, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. If not, they were very polite and didn't say otherwise. I have two good size sinks so it makes cleanup easier than it used to be, but I think I'd rather have one big sink. 

Teresa and Molly arrived first (late morning). I love Molly. She was the youngest of all the dogs when we first started camping. She's 13, now, and such a wonderful soul, and Teresa is a wonderful friend.

 

We wrap Molly up by the fire in the evenings. I had a blanket for Jack that is very special to me, and I wouldn't let anyone but Molly use it. I brought it to the cabin near Lake Eufaula when T and I met for a weekend a while back. Molly has a raised bed and doesn't like the cold so I love to see her wrapped up in it.

Last night we went to the Catfish house for dinner. It's a restaurant that is practically in the campground. The food was good--had sweet potatoes chips (fries) which I loved. My stuffed flounder was good, but a little cold. We had the sweetest waitress. Her name was Kaitie (spelled correctly). She took a picture of us. From left to right (Teresa, Patricia, Beth, Jennifer, and me). Kills me when people are photogenic. My eyes look like I'm straight out of one of those zombie movies! LOL - I rarely take a good picture.

We have enjoyed a fire each evening, catching up on who's been doing what and remembering good times from the past. I, sometimes, find it so hard to believe that Rich never knew these women.

Patricia took this picture. It got down into the 40s, but we've all been around campfires in much colder weather. The campground filled up, today, because of the holiday. Still, it's very quiet.

This is the extent of my wildlife sightings this trip.

You can see this tree has had a lot of visits from woodpeckers. They do controlled burns to prevent fires, here. North Georgia is having a time with fires, the smoke extending all the way down to near where I live. I think the worst of them is where my sons each owned cabins a few years ago.

Teresa said this is a duck box. I've never seen one before. This is the river where the kayak tour was supposed to take place last weekend. Some of the water was covered with leaves and debris, but some was like the second--black water. The reflection of the trees showed up well.

Along the walk, which is partially boardwalk, there were places where people can sit and rest and just enjoy the wildlife. We only saw turtles, today. I hope to walk it, again, tomorrow.

Many of the women in the Yahoo group (that I belong to) camp in Aframes because it was started by women who only camped in Aframes. I started out in one, but I just couldn't get organized, especially with two big dogs. I believe I was the first to buy another kind of trailer, then quite a few others followed suit--some with Class C's and I think some with Class A's. This is Patricia's Aliner. They are all unique and many decorated and made into very comfortable and homey spaces with all the comforts of home. I thought I took a picture of Beth's (her site was further away), but I can't find it. She had two cute little pups. One was Kramer and the other Maddie. (Not sure about spelling)

Teresa

 This picture was taken on our hike.

This is the other "wild life" that we saw along the way. You can see how different the water is than in the pictures, above.

Teresa's son and grandson are arriving tonight. The little guy is 7 and all excited about camping in "Omi's" camper. Sean, believe it or not, is going to sleep outside in a hammock. Oh, to be young, again!

This week has passed very quickly--hate to see it end. We all get along so well and have so much fun. I am ready for bed so not doing such a great job writing, but I want to have this memory to look back on.

Another Day at Reed Bingham and a Fight with a Screen Room

It was chilly this election day so I lounged in bed for a while. Nice and cozy under the comforter. I decided, after a while, I'd better get up and get myself presentable enough to go outside and tackle the screen room. That dumb thing that's supposed to "spring up an wha laa" wasn't wha laaing! (Yes, I read the instructions) I struggled, cussing under my breath. Then I heard a sweet voice say, "Can I help?" It was Pat, a neighbor across the way. The two of us struggled for a while before she incorporated the help of her husband, Jerry and their friend, Joe. They live in the area, but come over to camp here quite a bit. They both have big motorhomes. Missy, their little white poodle came following after them.

Jerry is one of those men who just knows how to do it. No instructions needed. He said, it wasn't my fault--the poles were stiff because they were new. I think he was just being nice. Rich was like that, and so are my sons. I've always said two more hands feels like a thousand more. Campers are great people. Always willing to help. And now I have three new friends!

Missy wanted to go into my camper. She was on the step so I went over and opened the door and in she went. Pat stuck her head in and called after her and exclaimed, oh my this is nice. You have a couch and everything. Then Jerry and Jo had a look and they all liked it. The slider thing wasn't working on my screen door so Jerry fixed that for me, too. He asked if I had anything else he could help with and I said, "No. I'm afraid to open the awning." He said, "Go ahead open it and let's have a look. It will make things much nicer for you when you sit outside." I did and it worked and they were amazed that it was automatic.

They all sat down for a while after the screen room was up and we chatted and had some laughs--just down to earth nice people. I felt like I had known them a long time. Pat suggested that we exchange phone numbers so next time when I come down I can call her and they'll come over and camp with me. She also mentioned Cotton Hill Campground over by Lake Eufaula. Somewhere in depths of my brain that seems so familiar. Perhaps I camped there with Rich.

The bugs didn't really come out in force, today...the day has been overcast and not as warm as the first two days. Still, since we're going to eat outside I wanted to have a screened room where we'd have peace.

I was hungry by that time so I took a ride into town which has a Wendy's and got a bite to eat, and then went exploring, again. I bet many a happy hour was spent on this front porch when this home was in its hay day. I like taking pictures of old places because I know they won't be here some day. There's such contrast as you'll see in the next picture (taken from far away) in homes along these back roads.

They must grow a lot of cotton.

I've never seen cotton baled this way before.

This house was a neighbor's house in it's day.

This was a surprise. In all the roads I've been on I haven't seen another and have no idea what kind of fruit it is.

So, I got closer to find out. Still had no idea.

Anyone recognize it. I don't unless it's a VERY BIG tomato plant!

 I thought this was cute, clever, and unique. It's a bale of hay or cotton decorated for Halloween (I don't know why I felt the need to tell you as if you wouldn't know). Kids down here have to walk a long way to trick or treat!

This was along side of the bale of hay.

Seems like there are wineries all over the place these days. I don't drink much any more, but I liked the Publix Winery and the Kroger Winery when I did.

I have to go out to the truck and dig out my crock pot and a couple of things so I'm ready to put dinner on in the morning. Can't wait to see my friends. Teresa and Molly will be here early. Molly was the youngest of the pups when we started camping together. Such a sweet girl.

So What Do You See On The Sandy Back Roads of South Georgia?

I ran into town (Adel) about six miles from Reed Bingham State Park to pick up a couple of things from the grocery store that I forgot. Coming back I saw a dirt road. Well, I couldn't resist. I wasn't sure what to expect, but thought I would share what I saw. They must re-sand the roads now and again. One could teach someone how to drive on ice. In places it's thick and you slide around, you turn against the slide and it works just like in snow or ice. Other places your teeth chatter with the bumping.

It called me. I couldn't help myself.

There are lots of old weathered structures that have a beauty all their own. There are also some beautiful homes. I didn't take pictures of them because I didn't want to impose on people's privacy. 

This place was unusual. It stored what seemed to be kindling wood. I thought I got a better picture, but it was all small sticks.

Pecan Grove

This guy seemed friendly. His pals not so much.

This was the white pig's pal. He followed him all around.

This is a river. Would be interesting to kayak. I think this is where the park gives tours every now and then.

Cotton Up Close

There were cotton fields wherever I looked

I started up this road, but had second thoughts and turned around when I could as it was getting more and more narrow.

This is a picture of the lake at the park

Some of my friends may want to kayak and bike when they get here.

This was completely flooded one year when I was here with my friend Teresa. Shows what an awful drought we have here in the south.

My kids will enjoy this. They all Went to UGA and are big fans. Obviously these people are, as well. There was an identical gate right across the drive.

These two characters hang together. They were lounging around my trailer and following me wherever I went. I was thinking, "Oh, no." The host said they know the owner. They must get loose when he goes to work and they come to the park looking for handouts. Whew. Cute pups, but not in my future.