The Sign Lied (Cotton Hill COE Campground)

    I'll get right to the point.  This is the sign that lied.

Visitors are not welcome at this campground.  If they were, it would be easier to find.  The sad thing is that we have been here before.  We had problems last time, but not this bad.  Last time the GPS said we had arrived when we were downtown in Fort Gaines, GA.  This time I was sure that we would remember how to get there once we got closer, plus I had my new Iphone guiding us. 

Following the instructions from the phone, we made several wrong turns in Fort Gaines that led us out into acres of farm land.  Early on it was obvious that we needed to turn around, but that is not always so easy when you're pulling a trailer.  We continued to follow the phone's instructions until eventually we ended up on a paved road that abruptly turned into a clay road.  AND there was no where to turn around.  We had to continue bumping along on that clay road.  (If it hadn't been so stressful, I would have taken pictures.)  We went miles down the middle of vast peanut fields.  Finally, we saw a farmer on a tractor chugging to the end of his rows and Bubba got out and flagged him down.  He assured Bubba that the clay road would end up soon at a paved road, but he had never heard of the Cotton Hill Campground. 

We turned west onto a paved road and Bubba kept telling me to call Joe so I did.  So immediately Joe was able to tell us that we needed to be going east.  Again there is no where to turn around.  Finally after several calls back and forth to Joe and with the old GPS and the phone, we made our way back to downtown Fort Gaines and pulled into a busy gas station.  No one in the middle of downtown Fort Gaines had ever heard of the Cotton Hill Campground.  Now if you were in a big city you would not be surprised to find people who haven't heard of a place you want to go, but (really) Fort Gaines??  Finally we saw a sign for George T. Bagby State Park and I remembered that Cotton Hill was on the same road.....and it was!  There were no signs for Cotton Hill until we were actually at the place to turn in.  Now does that sound like a place where visitors are welcome?  I think not.

Note to self:  Next time enter George T. Bagby State Park in the GPS and you will be on the right road.  Also, there should be a lot of peanuts in Georgia pretty soon.

Cotton Hill Campground is a nice place to camp.  Most of the sites are on the water, some closer than others.  A lot of sites have a steep incline that would make backing in a little more difficult. Every site has a sewer hook up and that is great.  That means that you can take nice long showers without worrying about filling up your holding tank.  Another good thing about the park is that it is in the middle of nowhere; that is also a bad thing.  We went into Eufaula twice while we were there.  Once we ate lunch and shopped a little and on Friday night we went to the seafood buffet that Joe had recommended.

One day we went to the Kolomoki Mounds State Park to see the Indian Mounds. 
This park also has a campground but it is really in the boonies.  I don't think I would ever want to camp there.  We watched a short video on the mounds and looked through their museum.  It was interesting, but sort of on a PBS level.  I had no idea that Indians lived in this area 350 to 750 AD.  One of the things I learned was that when the chief died, his two wives and five young men were killed to be buried with him.  No wonder the Indians are responsible for discovering so many of the flowers and herbs that can be used for medicinal purposes.  Those women probably wanted to make sure that their man lived as long as possible.  They definitely had incentive.

We spent a lot of time reading because it was so hot and raining part of the time.  We did two walks around the campground that kept us from feeling too useless.  We kept the air conditioner turned low and stayed covered up.  It was comfortable and relaxing.

We came home after four nights and were able to unload quickly.  We are getting better with the loading and unloading.  Our next trip will be to Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville, FL.  Joe and Judy are supposed to meet us there if their garden doesn't interfere.  It's going to be dark nights and it looks like there might be some floundering going on.  

Fishing, Pedicure, Doctor, Fried Shrimp, Fresh Tomatoes and a Funeral (My Week in Review)

Doesn't that title just make you wish you lived a life like mine?  It was actually a pretty good week.  My goal for the week was to mop and dust the whole house.  That didn't happen.  I just didn't have the energy to do housework, BUT miraculously I felt like doing the things listed above.

Monday we went fishing and it was HOT.  It was so hot that I kept dropping ice cubes down my shirt to cool off.  And we got up early (6:00) and for a long, long time the fish weren't biting.  In fact after over an hour Bubba had caught one nice bream and I caught one nice flip flop.  I was going to pull my Baby Ruth out from the food bag, open up a cold drink and enjoy a snack when the fish started biting.  That trick works every time.  They absolutely know when you are fixing to take a break and who can enjoy a Baby Ruth when you have worm gooey on your hands?  We ended up with 23 scale fish and two catfish.

Tuesday Bubba fried fish and I made potato salad.  We had more than we could eat even after we shared with our neighbors.  Of course, after eating a big lunch we had to take the afternoon off and rest.

A pedicure was on my agenda for Wednesday.  I left Bubba working in the yard and went to P.C. for my monthly treat.  I could have looked around and shopped all day except it was too HOT.  I can't believe that it is not even officially summer yet.

Since I was in need of a refill on a prescription, I had an appointment with the local doctor on Thursday.  I was there a full hour and a half before I saw him.  I told him that I had no energy.  He told me to lower my expectations.  They really aren't that high to start with.  All I want to do is mop and dust.  Then he suggested that I submit to a sleep study.  He said that not getting enough oxygen at night can make you wake up tired.  I told him I would, but I've about changed my mind.  For one thing, I don't think I can sleep knowing that there are people on the other side of the window waiting on me to do so.  Plus, even if I did have a problem I can't see myself putting on one of those CPAP things every night to sleep.  I'm still thinking on it, but I leaning toward not doing it.

After my doctor's appointment, Bubba and I went to Blountstown to eat the Thursday special at Parramore's Restaurant.  You get twelve fried shrimp, two sides, hush puppies, dessert, and tea for $8.00.  You can't beat that anywhere.  Afterwards we went up the road to Grand Ridge and bought a box of tomatoes.  It is just too HOT to pick them ourselves now.

Today we attended the funeral of an elderly man from our past.  Bubba grew up with his sons.  One was his best man at our wedding.  The other was our next door neighbor when we first got married.  It was good to see old friends again even though it was under sad circumstances.  A funeral always causes us to reflect on how fleeting life is and how we should make the most of it.

We will be camping again soon and we have a trip to Branson, Missouri, scheduled around our anniversary so we are looking forward to that.  If that goes well, who knows what might be next? 

Meanwhile, Amy and her family are enjoying Lake Tahoe, Nevada, with Darryl's family.  Amelia got to ride the trolley in San Francisco and they took a side trip through Yosemite National Park, which they loved.  I can't believe my seven year old granddaughter has traveled more than I have, but I'm going to try to catch up.

A Ray of Sunshine (Part Two, After Amy)

Monday was the first real day of Amy and Amelia both being with us.  Amy had requested fried chicken so that is what we fixed for lunch on Monday.  We had fried chicken, fresh corn, fresh peas, and fresh okra.  Amelia prepared her specialty, corn muffins, and we had peanut butter pie for dessert.  We ate a lot and then rested some and ate a little more.  We needed nourishment because we were going on the Pirate Cruise at Panama City Beach.

The Pirate Cruise exceeded all our expectations.  The crew assumed all responsibility for entertaining the children on board leaving the adults to enjoy the boat ride at sunset.  There were water pistol fights, sword fights, contests, dancing, face painting, dolphin sightings and sunken treasure.  This was well organized and so much fun that Amelia asked could we go again the next day.  The souvenirs and refreshments from the concession stand were reasonably priced and we were well pleased with the value we got for our money.

After two hours at sea we were all hungry so we stopped by Five Guys for a late supper.  Even Amelia was hungry and stated about her grilled cheese, "This is delicious!"  I will point out that Amy thought almost until time to go that this was a dinner cruise.  (I think this proves that she doesn't always listen when I'm telling her things.)

The next day we met some of our favorite relatives at Apalachee Restaurant in Bristol for lunch.  Aunt Winifred, Nieces Leigh and Lily, Lily's friend, and Winifred's mother, Ms. Catherine joined us for some fried chicken and fried fatback plus some good conversation.  (If you don't know what fatback is, then you must not be from the south.  Just know that fried fatback will not be on the diet for anyone watching their cholesterol.)  Following lunch, Amy and Amelia spent the afternoon visiting other relatives who live locally.

Winifred and her mother have a beautiful relationship.  Ms. Catherine is in her ninety's and Winifred is her primary caregiver.  Beyond that, Winifred enjoys being with her mother and asked if she could join us for lunch.  I think that is great that they are best of friends as well as mother and daughter.  We were delighted to see her again.  Amelia took to her right away giving her lots of hugs before we left.

Wednesday we had another girls' day and went out for Mexican food and a movie.  We went to see Tomorrowland which was not that great even if it did have George Clooney and Hugh Laurie in it.  If fact it was so blah that I think we all forgot about it by the time we left the theater.  We picked up ribs for supper on the way home.

Paw-Paw made his girl hot chocolate every morning she was with us.  When Amy offered to fix it for her, she refused saying that she wanted Paw-Paw to make it.  When Amy got up the mornings she was here, Amelia told her, "Will you ask Paw-Paw to make me some hot chocolate?  And will you ask him to bring it to me in bed?"  (And he did!)

Thursday as Amy and Amelia packed and readied themselves for the trip home, I fixed pancakes and bacon for Amelia one last time.  And as they drove away, the following song was playing in my head:

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away

Wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away

And I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know,
Hey, I oughtta leave young thing alone
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away.

A Ray of Sunshine (Part One, Before Amy)

Our daughter and son-in-law have been very kind to us by allowing us to have our only grandchild, Amelia, come for visits every summer when school gets out.  This is something we look forward to with great anticipation.  We go back and forth with dates trying to determine the perfect time for her to come and we also made two camping reservations at St. George Island State Park this year so that we would be sure to make one or the other. We finally agreed to meet her dad half way on Saturday, May 30.  The pantry and fridge were stocked with all her favorite foods, drinks, snacks, ice cream, etc.  Fresh sheets were on her bed.  The table she uses for play and crafts was ready in the living room.  It was time!

Amelia seemed as excited to see us as we were to see her.  We got lots of hugs and kisses and she told us over and over that she had come to take care of us.  She talked non-stop during the four hour trip home, but we enjoyed every bit of it.  When we got home, she immediately started playing with all the toys we keep here for her.  She also enjoyed painting the bird houses, I had bought her.

On Sunday after her favorite breakfast of pancakes and bacon, we got ready and went to church.  The church we attend does not have a large membership.  In fact, Amelia was the only child in attendance that morning.  That did not stop her from going down for the children's message.  She answered all the questions and was delighted that she was permitted to hold the microphone.

That evening was a Community Wide Fifth Sunday Sing at the Baptist Church.  Amelia and I went because I wanted her to see the church her mom attended when she was growing up and where she played the piano for many years.  Amelia was interested in meeting everyone.  She enjoyed meeting the pastor who performed Amy and Darryl's wedding.

During the service she observed many people from other churches raising their hands.  She asked me why they were raising their hands and I explained that was a way some people feel like they need to use to praise the Lord.  "Can I do it?", she asked.  "If you feel like you want to, you can", I told her.  It wasn't long until she was raising her hands and swaying to the music.  (Sometimes I wish that I wasn't so inhibited in worship services.)

Help in the kitchen was also forthcoming from my precious granddaughter.  She helped set the table and put things away.  She helped me make brownies for our camping trip and she especially delighted in the making of corn muffins all by herself.

Immediately upon arriving at St. George Island on Tuesday, we rode over to the beach to check things out.  Amelia wanted to wade and before we knew it, she was soaked including her hair.  I don't think that was "on accident".  I had to go back to the trailer to get a towel.  After a shower and dry clothes we went to Bayside Burgers for supper and to the local dollar store to rent some movies.  Over the next few nights, we watched Maleficent and Into the Woods.

The next two days were spent on the beach where conditions were perfect.  There were gently rolling waves and the water was beautiful and clear.  Amelia takes after her mother in her love for being in the water -- not only in it, but under it much of the time.  The days were bright and sunny so it was a challenge to keep enough sun screen on her but we succeeded.  I'm the only one who got a little sunburn.  I stayed in the water with her most of the time.

One day she met Tripp, a ten year old boy from Georgia, and they enjoyed looking for things under the water together.  They found a starfish and had to show it to his parents and to us before they threw it back in.  After Tripp and his family left the beach, she began playing with two other little boys.  She doesn't meet a stranger.

We played Amelia's first game of Scrabble on this trip.  I didn't think she was old enough, but she did really well and held her own.  We quit while she was ahead.

We made s'mores on Wednesday night and Thursday night.  Amelia loves them and I have to admit they were pretty good.

Wednesday was our last beach day.  We came in, showered off the salt water outside, ate supper, got the truck backed up to the trailer, etc.  when Amelia and I had the bright idea that we would walk back to the beach for one last swim.  I emphasized to Amelia that it would have to be shorter than usual and the walk was kind of long, but she was ready to go.  We took a noodle and a towel and set off leaving Bubba watching the news.  The water was nice and the sun was just starting to set.  We were peacefully enjoying the water when I looked up to see Bubba on the shore.  He had walked down to keep an eye on us.


Friday was spent driving home and unloading the trailer.  Amelia amused herself by creating a holiday.  Apparently she thinks that all it takes to make a holiday is writing it on a calendar.  She put "Neighbor Day" on the calendar for Sunday, June 7.  Then she began making various presents for everyone in the family.  She made all kinds of things out of paper and appropriated a couple of items from my jewelry box for her mother and me.  All that was fine, but on Saturday she began to get a little whiny.  She was worried that she was not going to get a gift for "Neighbor Day".  It was a little rough for a while, but I think she had reached the point of being homesick.  That, plus if she was half as tired as Bubba and I were from the camping trip, she was exhausted and needed a good night's sleep.  About this time I asked her if she would like to watch "The Wizard of Oz" and we had popped corn and then followed up the original movie with an animated movie, "Return to Oz".


Note:  One thing I never expected to hear was Bubba saying, "Amelia, take the remote out of your mouth!"  (Kind of funny, I think.)

We visited our neighbors, The Pattersons, a couple of times during the week.  Mr. Patterson's health has declined over the past six months.  He has a couple of tubes and drainage bags attached to him and has to use a walker. Amelia was not intimidated by this medical gear at all.  She went right to him for a hug.  She hugs Mrs. Patterson a lot and I think she eats it up.  She looked over Amelia's head at me and said, "I think she must know how much I need a hug."
Amelia told Mr. Patterson that she was going to get him some of the special bread from the church and that would help him feel better.  She mentioned several times that she needed to get that bread for him.  We didn't go to church the next Sunday, but I convinced her that if she made him some corn muffins that they would probably help him feel better also. So she did.

Sunday afternoon we went to the beach (5th time this week) to give Amelia one last swim for this visit.  After all the beautiful weather at St. George Island, we had to wait for it to quit raining at Mexico Beach.  It was a dreary afternoon, but Amelia didn't care because she was swimming.

Amy arrived late Sunday afternoon and I can assure you that there was a lot of hugging and kissing going on.  That little girl was happy to see her mom!