Grayton Beach State Park

Sunday afternoon saw us with the camper loaded and pulling out for a new destination, Grayton Beach State Park.  We had originally planned a trip to a Corps of Engineers park in Alabama with Joe and Judy, but Joe's shoulder surgery and Judy's broken foot have put them out of commission for a while.  We will surely miss them, but will save some of the more adventuresome trips until they can go with us.

We arrived at the park and were checked in by 3:00.  The newer section of the campground has full hook-ups which means I can have my long hot showers without worrying about filling up our holding tank -- that is definitely a plus.

We were looking forward to the weather being warmer so that we could enjoy some time in our chairs soaking up the sunshine.

For the first time ever, we stayed in a park with no wild life -- no squirrels or deer.  We can't figure out why but we missed them.

Grayton Beach consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.  

We were able to make a two mile walk on Monday and Tuesday just walking down to the beach and back.

You know that this summer this beach will probably be covered with umbrellas, coolers, beach towels, and lots of people.  Today it was just Bubba and me.

All that walking was making me thirsty.  I'm glad we stopped for a break.

Across from our campsite, we could see a bridge that seemed to have a steady stream of traffic all day long.  We decided to ride that way and see where everyone was going.

We discovered the communities of Watercolor, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach.  I had heard of these places before but had no idea what a big deal they were.  This is obviously where the rich and famous live.  There were lots of people walking the streets and riding bicycles.  There was shopping and restaurants.  The houses were large and impressive.  After returning home I "googled" the area and found that people like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Amy Grant and Vince Gill, Bette Middler, Goldie Hawn, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods to name a few have homes there.  I should have paid more attention when we were passing people; I might have spotted a celebrity.

Downtown there were a number of food trailers.  The one that caught my eye specialized in Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

I would have enjoyed having lunch there, but unfortunately Bubba and I were not dressed in "resort wear" so I don't think we would have fit in.

On Tuesday we went into Destin to do a little shopping.  (What camping trip is complete without shopping?)  We ate lunch at Chili's because I got to choose.  We had Chicken and Ranch Quesadillas and they were delicious.  I may have converted Bubba.  He said he would like to eat there again.  We picked up steaks to grill for supper and headed back to our campsite where we enjoyed reading and taking it easy until time to cook.

I liked the park and would definitely be interested in going there again.  The tv reception was good and we were able to watch the Olympics each night.  If you want a more secluded campsite, I would advise that you get one in the older section.  Be warned that the road in that section is full of potholes.  It was great to get out after all the cold weather and made us excited about future trips in the spring and summer.

A Tale of Two Sisters

Valentine's Day plans were temporarily set aside as we had the opportunity to attend the funeral of our sister-in-law Winifred's sister, Delia.  We've always known Delia through Winifred, but for several years after Bubba's dad died, we attended the church where Winifred and Delia were raised.  During that time, we came to know Delia as a gracious, friendly woman who was an integral part of the church.  She had an amazing musical ability that she passed down to her children -- how fitting that her little granddaughter is named "Melody".  It was obvious that Delia and Winifred were beloved by the congregation of that church.  Both had been actively involved in the music program playing the piano and organ and singing ever since they were just girls.

Many years ago when Delia's children were little, she had cancer.  While she underwent the required surgery and treatments, many times the care of her children was entrusted to her sister.  These children grew up loving Aunt Winifred like a second mother.

Delia's family and Winifred's grew up not far from each other.  The families enjoyed many vacations and special occasions together.  Sometimes their mother, Ms. Catherine, would go with them.

Then one day that hateful disease returned.  Delia required surgery to her cheek that created a hole all the way to the inside of her mouth.  The site of her surgery healed so slowly.  She continued to attend church and participate in the music program with a bandage on her face.  Then she faced radiation and eventually was only able to take nourishment through a feeding tube.  She attended all the family get togethers and church fellowships never partaking of any food, but always bringing her special recipes for others to enjoy.  During this time she was able to attend the weddings of two of her children as well as the weddings of both of Winifred's boys.  She was able to know her little granddaughter Melody and her grandson Silas.

Following a fall that fractured her hip, Delia continued to decline.  By this time Winifred had retired and devoted herself to helping Delia any way she could and at the same time tending the needs of their aging mother.  For three years Winifred has been her mother's principal caregiver.  She told me that she was going to miss Delia so much because even though she had not been able to help physically with their mother, she was always there to help make decisions and give encouragement.

Then there was a second fall and another hip fracture.  Following that surgery, Delia developed pneumonia and although she tried she did not have the strength she needed to overcome and recover.  She died peacefully with her children by her side.

There was probably no one more devastated than Winifred.  Not only was Delia her sister, but she was Winifred's lifelong friend.  Winifred has told me stories about how they grew up together with seldom a cross word between them.  They made washing and drying the dishes fun by singing while they worked.  When the time came to attend college, they lived together and enjoyed it.

Today there was a parting of those two sisters.  Delia has gone to her heavenly home where she is free from the suffering she endured here on earth.  Those who knew her were blessed.  The large number gathered to pay their respects is witness to the life she lived.  Winifred is going to greatly miss Delia.  There is no doubt about that.  But I suspect like many years ago when she tended Delia's children for that first time, she will be there for them now and I think that is what Delia would want.  How blessed they were to have shared such a close relationship for so many years.  

The Spirit of Valentine's Day

I like Valentine's Day.  It's a time when we're reminded to express to the person we love most how special they are to us.  For whatever reason it seems that women are usually on the receiving end for this occasion.

In looking up the history of Valentine's Day, there are several stories about its origin.  One is the story of St. Valentine of Rome, who in opposition to an edict that soldiers were not to marry, performed secret wedding ceremonies and ministered to Christians who were being persecuted.  Legend says that he healed the daughter of his jailer and before he was executed wrote a farewell letter to her which he signed, "Your Valentine".

That's not a very auspicious beginning for the holiday we celebrate today.  The morning shows are full of special gifts.  Restaurants are offering "romantic" menus.

This particular small town restaurant is offering complimentary champagne, fresh flowers, menu specials, and to top it off - violin music.

Other restaurants are offering special prices on selections for two to conclude with sharing dessert.

The local grocery store is advertising "heart shaped ribeye steaks".  (Nothing says love like a slab of meat in the shape of a heart.)

I'm sure that you are wondering how Bubba and I intend to celebrate Valentine's Day.  We're going to a movie, which if you know us you know that only happens about once a year.  Then we are going out to eat and I get to choose "even Olive Garden" I was told.  That, my friend, is a sacrificial offer in the true spirit of St. Valentine himself.  I'm looking forward to this even though I probably won't pick "even Olive Garden" because I have a little bit of the St. Valentine spirit myself.

Bubba and I have shared 48 Valentine's Days together.  Cards, candy, jewelry, roses, dinners, trips.  We've done it all, but I've discovered that it is the little every day things that express the spirit of Valentine's Day best.

• Making my coffee and bringing it to me (multiple times) every single day;
• Tucking the cover around my feet;
• Changing the towels without being asked;
• Keeping my favorite hibiscus alive;
• Warming up the car for me;
• Baking sweet potato pies;
• Cleaning out my car;
• Looking at furniture with me;
• Taking a book when we go shopping and telling me to take my time;
• Keeping my "electronic gadgets" plugged in and running;
• Taking my fish off the hook;
• Telling me I look "pretty" before we go out.

These are just a few of the little things that carry the spirit of Valentine's Day.  I hope he will always know that I love and appreciate him.  I also hope that I'm doing enough of the "little things" for him to make his life as special as he makes mine.  Happy Valentine's Day, Bubba!

For the tens of you who read this blog, "May the Valentine's Day spirit fill your heart with love and joy on this special day." 

The Doldrums

The dictionary defines doldrums as "a state or period in which there is no activity or improvement".  So I can definitely say that applies to the last few weeks.  It started with the week of extremely cold weather.  Several days were some of the coldest temperatures experienced in many years.  On those days we stayed inside, mostly in our recliners watching tv, reading, surfing the web and viewing shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime.  Bubba watches documentaries or news shows and I have watched all the seasons of "Hart of Dixie" and more recently all the seasons of "Downton Abbey."  Don't judge me for my choices.  I've got to say that many times on a cold day at work, I longed to be in my recliner, all covered up watching tv or napping.  I've been very grateful to have the opportunity to do that.  I'm continuing to walk on the treadmill at least 30 minutes every day and I try to go 45.  I'm having trouble getting the right combination of socks, shoes, and gel insoles but hope to walk even longer when I get those situated properly.

We're crossing our fingers that the weather will improve soon so that we can go camping.  In the meantime the recliner is not that bad.