Back and Forth

We're back, back home that is. Decided we needed a little lovin' from the "father" and hub and momma (not to mention the teenager). We snuck back into town yesterday afternoon. Total uneventful drive, which is gud.

Our norm is to have beignets before we leave the beach. This area has a lot of New Orleans' influences, including their foods, since they're right across the Bay from us. You can find cajun food mingling in the menus with the seafood dishes and several Creole restaurants scattered about. Yum. Our favorites along the Gulf Coast were knocked out by Hurricane Ivan a few years back and only a few have returned. A mainstay is the Beignet Cafe in Orange Beach. It has been our tradition to get our beignets and cafe au lait before heading home. Since the kid and I wasn't sure when we were leaving, we went on Friday, deciding to spend a day at the shore. Oh my. Nothing like adding a few pounds to the already fat, bathing suit clad woman! They were soooooooo good!

It was actually too hot to make it to the beach, so we drove around looking at all the new construction happening along the shoreline. Amazing. Like I mentioned, so much had been lost during Ivan. (These pics were taken by the kid through the back window in the spring of 1995--a full six months after the hurricane hit--dead on.) It was truly sad to see the devastation throughout Orange and Gulf Shores; but I'm here to say, they are gung ho on building the place up. Which actually is kind of sad. All of the sweet houses that were flattened are being replaced by these huge high rise monstrosities, of course. You can see where they were, completely demolished, only sand and debris where houses once stood. Today, there are cranes everywhere rebuilding. Here is out tranquil setting as we sat and ate lunch at one of our favorites, Bahama Bob's. Looks delightful, but it was hot out on that sand, let me tell you! We stayed in the shade where a nice breeze blew through as we ate.

We then high tailed it back to Fairhope where we found a public pool in town. It was nice. We spent all day floating about until we became waterlogged. It was just perfect.

Friday night, we found a new restaurant where the locals go. It is off the beaten path and it had a lot of cars in the parking lot. That was a sure sign that it was good--my daddy always taught us that. "If there's no cars in the parking lot, pass it by!" As soon as we walked in, it reminded me of a restaurant my parents used to frequent, faithfully, every Saturday night when we were teenagers. I guess they figured we were old enough to stay at home and they had their "date" once a week. It was at least an hour's drive towards the Chesapeake Bay in Wayson's Corner, Maryland, where the blue line ends. (You can also see the Rod 'n' Reel Club on the map, that's a whole other haunt or ours growing up!) I had almost forgotten about the place until the kid and I entered The Blue Marlin. OMG! Talk about another flashback--this time a good one, thank goodness. The smells, the tables, the old wood panelling, the saltines on the table! hehe. I could never understand why my parents would drive that far for a hole in the wall, I mean, that's about all that was there, the restaurant, a gas station, etc. But they would, and I now know it was for the fresh seafood. I remember a few times, I had to go. You know the age, where you're almost old enough to stay at home alone but not quite. (Actually, when I think about it, I was pretty darn old! Maybe 9 or 10, gee, I just don't remember. I've left my kids alone a lot younger than that!) Anyway, not being a big seafood eater, I would always choose something from the landlubber section, probably fried chicken or salisbury steak--I doubt it even had a children's menu. My parents would always get the Captain's Plate consisting of a piece of every fresh fish caught that day, ew. Ha, I remember if they got home late, my mom would inevitably forget and leave her extra fish, always wrapped neatly in a paper napkin (before all these styrofoam containers, folks), in her purse. Our cats would drag it out before daybreak and have a feast and she would wake up grumbling about it in the morning. Aw, what fond memories. Anyway, a little off the beaten path there but worth mentioning just the same. The kid had fried shrimp and I had boiled. I miss the steamed shrimp from the Chesapeake area. Pout. Up there, they steam them with Old Bay spices which make them absolutely delish. In Bama, they just boil or steam them plain. I'm going to have to start carrying my own Old Bay with me, grin. Ya think I would embarrass the kids? I want MY OLD BAY!

We got back home, stuffed to the gill, and we made the decision that we would sneak back home on Saturday, not tell a soul. Which we did. I had a short meeting with the carpenter about 10:30 and then we were out of there. We waived goodbye to Riverside and headed North. (More of the kid's photos above.) Made it home about 6 p.m. Sigh. Good to be home with our loved ones. Mom is well, very happy to see us, the hub was amazed to see us and I think the teenager was confused when he heard my voice coming from the kitchen. Oh yea, you can tell we're home! Look at all the junk!


Now we await my niece's arrival (the cuz) on Tuesday! Yippee! She'll be with us for the summer!! CanNOT WAIT to see her! We are all beside ourselves.

Ribbit

Photo by the Kid

Heloooooo.

All in a Day's "Work"

It all started last night when the kid and I left to watch the sunset over the bay. There were several big boxes waiting for us under the house. I wonder why they didn't want to carry them up all those stairs? Grin. I had ordered yet two more bed frames for the twin beds. I wasn't happy with the first ones. Seemed too flimsy on the extra-long twins. And I couldn't get the headboards attached, even with an adapter. Always sumfin. I also ordered a drip-dry rack to hang over the sink in the laundry room. That is a must! Of course, everything came in at the same time.

We continued on our mission, checking the mailbox as we drove off. All my Gladys Taber books arrived. What a day for packages! Whoohoooo. Normally, we go to the pier but we thought we would be more like the locals this evening and find a quaint spot along the shoreline. There was a cute little park just calling our name, complete with picnic table. As the kid explored the beach, I began my first, of four, Stillmeadow books. I have to admit, it is delightful right from the get-go. How can you go wrong with the salt breeze blowing your hair as you begin your summer reading? Can't. It was just perfect.

The kid found some beautiful pieces of driftwood to add to our collection; I have it outside ridding it of any sand fleas or other unwanted creatures. Ew. Look at the lovely Spanish moss that grows here. I just love it. I remember the very first time I ever saw Spanish moss was in the bayous of Louisiana as we were driving toward New Orleans around 1973. I remember the year well because we went back and forth about even going due to the recent gas rations. We trudged on, of course. You couldn't keep my dad home during the summer months. It was always another route through to Georgia (my mom's home) and Texas (his home). Always an adventure, of course. Anyhoo, that moss draped across the old oaks just mesmerised me. It was just so beautiful. Now I'm fortunate enough to have it so close by. We don't have any on our trees, I don't know why. But it's around and about for us to spy whenever we feel the urge.


Yesterday, I got my ATC of the Month out and washed my new vintage hankies that I will be using as a valance in my desk window. I found them in a little shop in Foley for a buck or two each. I made a make-do ironing board (magazine, newspaper and flour sack) on the counter after finding a $15 iron at Big Lots in town. Will probably never use the thing again while we're here. Let's hope. I got the drip-dry rack hung, after a conniption when I got the first screws set too close to the wall--grrrrrr. Sorry kid. Now I'm using it to dry the life preserver and he kid's trunks. One thing about the river, you definitely need to wash things out once you take them off. It's a tad too humid to hang things out to dry; so the rack is p-e-r-f-e-c-t ! Work? I guess you can call it work.

We're watching the Ghost Hunters re-runs before the new one tonight! Woohoo! Too much fun, we're having.

Trouble Found

I went out today to find some flowers for the back door. Of course, I drove for-EVER looking for the Hobby Lobby I KNEW was towards Gulf Shores. Wrong. But, as I was turning around, I read a billboard advertisement for a scrap booking shop. Trouble with a capital T! I found it alright. Oh yea, I found it. I have a couple ATCs to make and get out and have no supplies here. So, it's a good thing, don't ya think? hehe. (As you can see, above, I did find a basket and flowers for the back door.) The place is coming along.

Yesterday, the men went into Mobile to see the exhibit "A Day in Pompeii." They said it was fabulous (no cameras allowed--boo hiss). After finishing there, they went to the USS Alabama. They had missed it last weekend due to spending too much time at the beach. Again, they said they had the best time. I was amazed at the photos the kid brought back. I especially loved the one through the cross hair. Quite the little photographer.

The hub is back home, yep, up at 4 a.m. to get him to the airport. Fun. Now that we have the place to ourselves, the kid and I will start our scary shows tonight and get spooked. I'm thankful for the big dog and alarm system--our security blankets. Why is it we like to scare ourselves to death? Oooh, I can't wait 'til dark! hehe. The season premier of Ghost Hunters is on tomorrow night. And, so tonight we'll have to catch up on the reruns. Mwahahahaaaaaaaa.

A Day in Fairhope

We spent the day in Fairhope today. It's just so pretty in town. The street scapes are gorgeous this year! I don't remember the stargazers in years' past.

We started with a casual lunch in one of the little sandwich shops and moved on to the book stores. The hub is in search of a specific history book (he's prepping for his great American novel, did I tell you?). I was looking for some Gladys Taber books after everyone has been suggesting them. In fact, I have ordered several off Amazon but no harm in asking around. The used book store had her Cocker Spaniel book, which I wasn't interested in. They looked for another they thought they still had but couldn't locate it. (I couldn't see any rhyme or reason as to how they had everything shelved or stacked!). Guess I'll just have to wait until my order comes in the mail. I'm dying to start my summer reading. I need to learn how to sit back and relax. I'm hoping one of her stories will do the trick. I'm a Rosamunde Pilcher fan but have already read all her goodies. Anyhow, the hub was able to find a couple books, of course, and I found some stationery, of course. We both were fascinated with the reprint of the old Sears & Roebuck catalog from 1908, what fun to sit and skim through this giant!


We stopped off at the sweet shop and I had an iced latte and the men had these huge dishes of Bluebell ice cream! Look at the size of that cup! Lordy. We then went down the street to Mobile Bay and looked over the beautiful waters. A short drive later, we ended up at Weeks Bay and then hooked back around to our neck of the woods.

One more pit stop was the local nursery where I had my eye on a couple of lily pads for the reserve. I had asked the biologist yesterday if it was okay to introduce such a thing to the reserve and he gave the thumb's up. Well, those things aren't cheap! Man! So, froggies will have to enjoy the one and only pad in the place. I picked out the Jack Wood because I love the fuchsia, of course. We'll see how well it does in a natural habitat. You can barely see it at the bottom of the picture. I'll keep records of it's growth (or lack thereof) through my blog, like I do everything else. This aquatic planting is all new to me so we'll see. Also picked up a bird feeder and some seed. Can't wait to see what birds I can attract!

The hub had his eye on some binoculars. Guess what he got for an early Father's Day gift? Uh huh. You got it. hehe. He said he was going to use them for bird watching--wink wink--yea maybe the blond variety going by in boats! ha. He and the kid got a kick out of that. Ew, after I took this picture, I noticed how dusty they were. Did they sell us the floor model? How wude. Guess it doesn't really make a difference now does it?

Everyone is off in their little corners doing whatever. Think I may just mosey on out to the front and watch the boats go by.

Life is Gud

The men are floating along the river. Just getting over my cold, I'm a land bound for a few more days. I actually felt my cold coming on as I was floating last Monday. Hmmmmm. Roo dog is dying to get out there with them. She's not a great swimmer, actually afraid of the water, so I'm keeping her inside. She's already fallen in this morning and the hub had to pull her back up on the dock. Geesh. Must be hell being a dog and afraid of the water. Poor ting. She whines the whole time you're out there. She jumped in with me last week but popped the raft as she was flailing to get on with me! hehe. What a sight.

Yesterday, the kid and I went to the Weeks Bay Reserve Foundation. It was fascinating and beautiful and lots of fun. I wanted to know if I could plant some water lilies in the reserve by the house. You know, something for the froggies to sit on, hehe. They said that was fine and they told me what else can be put there. There's a long boardwalk that goes around the grasslands and wetlands right out to Weeks Bay.

You can see here where Weeks opens out to Mobile Bay through the channel in the middle. So beautiful.

There were lots of hand's-on exhibits. Here, the kid is playing with the hermit crabs. The hub and kid were telling me about Magnolia Springs (via boat) and how their mailboxes are on the water. Here it tells us it is one of the last places in the United States to still have this way of mail delivery. Isn't that marvelous!

Here are what the osprey look like (stuffed--ew) that nest across the river from us. Aren't they beautiful? I haven't seen as many as in the early spring. Guess the babies have flown the coop. They are magnificent to watch glide through the air; and to hear the woosh of their wings against the air is simply magical.

Here is a tree with some moss that reminded me of an atlas. Isn't it amazing? I can't wait to go back and learn more next time. We forgot to pick up a guide before we went on our little adventure. Next time.

Making a House a Home

We've been kind of home bound with a lot of rain the past few days (Tuesday and Wednesday). The land needs it here, so I'm not complaining. Well, just a little because Tuesday was the day I wanted to paint the front door. Humidity and paint don't mix; but you know me. I just had to do it. Normally, I would have loved the dark red door. Kind of my trademark--black shutters, red door. But, I'm trying to liven the place up a tad so I went with a brighter color. The kid and I chose Sherwin Williams' "Ablaze." Yes, this is at coat two--and four coats later and it still needs yet another coat. I think I'm going to give it a few days and see if it truly needs another coat (maybe it will look better if it sits a day or two, giggle). I was so glad to get that old yucky hardware off! The back door gets the blazing sun all afternoon. That with the humidity wreaks havoc on that stuff. Since I've been painting it for three days with no door knobs, we haven't been able to leave the house! Duh. Today, I decided, no more layers and put the hardware back on. I'm on the lookout for an old basket that I can fill with flowers to hang under my tree frog doorknocker. Oh oh oh! I also added an old fashioned brass door bell. You know, the kind you turn the key and it rings the bell. Too fun! As soon as that little project is done (the back door), I'll photograph it for ya.

I got all my pegs hung in the laundry room for towels and swimsuits, etc. I love it. Put a light in the closet under the stairs, just piddling around getting little things done when I see it needed.

As I mentioned above, we've had so much rain that Tuesday I heard some warnings for flash flooding in areas. Since I don't really know what "area" we're in, the kid and I took it upon ourselves to move everything into our little "bunker" under the house. Lord. Didn't want to see our chairs and hammock floating away! And then I thought, well, I'm going to move all the wood that the guys have painted for the decking, don't want that to float away either! Of course, it didn't flood. Poor carpenters probably thought someone had taken everything! hehe. I guess better safe than sorry. I'm still a novice at this coastal living.

Speaking of decking, the ramp is coming along. Got the screen door and all the surrounding screening up today! Yea! That means we can again spend time out on the porch without getting eaten alive. Life is gud. Some critter came up the ramp and into the porch and strew trash everywhere last night. My own fault for putting trash out there, I know. Aha! Wait 'til the little buggers try getting in tonight! (I won't put any more trash out there anyway, promise.)

The hub is flying in tonight for the weekend. Wooohoooo! He has a kazillion air miles and it will come in handy for little jaunts like this. Momma was still quite confused until yesterday. I spoke with her today and she is finally back to normal. Gee whiz, I won't do that again. I threw her whole life into a tailspin bringing her down here. I guess her mind is so fragile these days, I just need to keep that in mind. I was trying to do right by giving her a wonderful place by the river to relax since she loved the water in her younger years. Guess that's not her comfort zone any longer. Live and learn. I just thank God that she is happy at home. I thought maybe I had scarred her for life! Phew! What an absolute relief!

Well, the weekend is beginning on the river. The boats are starting to appear every once in a while along with an occasional jet ski zipping by. I hope I can relax this weekend. I have just been beside myself worrying about mom that I couldn't focus on much else--that and having a cold that hit me on Tuesday didn't help matters any either. Now that I spoke with her, she is herself again and my cold is leaving my body, I'm breathing a little bit easier, literally!

This is the little wetlands reserve by the house--home to our tree frogs. Click here to listen to our evenings on the front porch. Gotta love 'em!