Gone To The Park Side

“Centerfield”

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Monica

Auburn, Alabama April 17 – April 24, 2023

Ahhh – back in Auburn again! This stop included our 26th wedding anniversary, plus Auburn softball and baseball games.

As usual we stayed at Chewacla State Park which was wonderful as always. We walked the trails and sat by the waterfall. Ziva had a great time in the park. She absolutely loves when we are on a site with trees, and Chewacla is a favorite.

We went to the Depot for our Anniversary and the food was delicious.

Steve at our romantic table at The Depot

We also went to the Hound for lunch one day and had the bacon flight –A must order item at the Hound.

We were able to go see a baseball game while in town. Auburn played Samford and we won. The statue of Frank Thomas was dedicated a couple of weeks before, so we were able to see his statute.

We love softball, and attended a midweek softball game where Auburn played Jacksonville State and we won.

A short stay in Auburn, but we had a good time. We will return in November during football season. Next up Crestview, Florida to visit my sister.

“Centerfield” by John Fogerty

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“You’ve Got a Friend in Me”

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Monica

Jacksonville, Florida April 13 – April 17, 2022

We made a quick stop in Jacksonville to see friends. On Friday we met my friend Renee at Hawkers Asian Street Food. Our friend Tyrone stopped by as well. The food was delicious and the company was awesome.

We went to see Johnny and Julia at the beach and had a nice evening at their house including Tyrone and a group of friends that Johnny knew from Springfield. On Saturday we met Johnny Julia, Matt and JoAnn at Coop 303. The food was very good. On Sunday, Johnny and Julia met us at Town Hall Restaurant for brunch.

Bloody Mary and Bellini at Town Hall Restaurant

This was a pretty quick stop, but we were able to see a few, but not all, of our friends. We loved seeing everyone. and it looks like we will be back in October for Tyrone’s wedding!

Next stop – the loveliest village on the plains.

“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman

Posted in 2023, Florida | 1 Comment

“Drops of Jupiter”

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Monica

Palmetto, Florida – January 1, 2023 – January 2, 2023
Jupiter, Florida – January 2, 2023 – April 8, 2023
Pembroke Pines, Florida – April 8, 2023 – April 13, 2023

We left Panama City on January 1st to head south for a family emergency in Steve’s family. We canceled our plans to visit the south west and planned to spend at least 4 months in south Florida. After that – who knows?

Our first stop was at The Surf RV Resort in Palmetto, Florida. This was a good halfway stop and our friends (Brian and Bettie Boyd from Birmingham) were planning to stay a month at this new park. The park was beautiful. We went out to dinner, but then packed up and left the next day for Jupiter, Florida. We had a great time with Brian and Bettie Boyd even though the visit was short.

If you have never camped or tried to make reservations for camping in an RV, you problably do not realize how hard it is to make a reservation in South Florida for the winter. We tried to find a park close to Steve’s parents in Hollywood, but no such luck. We were able to find a spot in Jupiter, Florida, which is about 60 miles north. So, Steve traveled south and stayed several days a week and I hung out in Jupiter.

West Jupiter RV Resort had lots of activities. I went to a walking class, three days a week. Steve and I played poker once a week. Steve won twice, I came in second twice and fourth two times. We played in the cornhole tournament. I lost in spectacular fashion. Steve did better, but neither of us won. The resort had a band come in once a week which was pretty nice. The pool was great, and the resort had a couple of pool parties.

The Leafy Greens Band playing at the Resort. They were awesome!

Steve in action at the Cornhole Tournament

Ziva and I hung out together in the park. I have not posted about her in a while, but here are a few pictures from Jupiter. She loved the park.

Ziva (our neighbor brought these boxes for Ziva to sit on) She loved them.

The St. Louis Cardinals are located in Jupiter for spring training. So, we went to a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. I am not a huge professional baseball fan – I have only been to one game and that was in Milwaukee – but it was fun.

Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium during the game

The campground was close to Riverbend Park which had lovely bike trails. We were about 5 miles away and were able to ride our bikes to the park on a bike trail next to the road. We rode down the road and through the park several times. We usually packed a lunch and sat by a small pond and read. I guess this is what retirement is all about – a lot of relaxing!

Where we stopped for lunch. It was heaven!

Since Steve was not in Jupiter full, time we did not eat out much, but we did hit a couple of restaurants.

The Nook (My birthday breakfast was delicious!)

We celebrated the “Week of Monica” while in Jupiter. I had a pretty good week. I received the normal stuff like a card, flowers. I also got a bracelet and sunglasses. I did not get banana nut pancakes but we went out for a delicious breakfast. Steve made cupcakes with almond flour and stevia. They were very tasty. On my birthday, we went to dinner at Taylor Farms. This is a pretty nice restaurant with live music every night. Very Fun!

My birthday cupcake (Steve is not great at frosting)

The highlight of the “Week of Monica” was the “Train” concert at the Hard Rock in Hollywood. Train is one of my favorite bands and I loved it!!

An Old Fashion and video poker before the concert

We also went to Fort Lauderdale and saw Ken Block and Andrew Copeland (main guys from the band Sister Hazel). The venue was small and we were in the first row. It was pretty cool.

Dinner at the Quarterdeck before the concert

For Easter, Steve took me to Louie Bossi’s located on Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale. We had great seats on the patio out front and the brunch was fabulous. I really liked the endless bellinis.

What is Easter without a few decorations?

A mimosa and bellini and a little view from our patio seats

While in South Florida, Steve was able to meet up with friends.

Steve and Jeff (friend from grade school)

Steve and Norman (a friend from high school)

Jeff, Steve, Norman and Billy (a friend from high school)

Up next is a short stop in Jacksonville, Florida to see friends.

“Drops of Jupiter” by Train. I love this song, and we saw Train while here and heard the song!

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“Home Again”

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Monica

Panama City Beach, Florida
December 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023

We ended our 2022 New England travels by returning to Panama City Beach. Our plan was to stay December and January and then head West. While in Panama City, we saw friends, visited doctors (no pictures of doctors visits), and revisited some old haunts.

The RV resort is across the street from Patches (a dive bar and local favorite) and we went there several time to meet friends and to listen to live music. The food is good and the drinks are cheap.

Since we have been on the road, a new brewery opened, so we made a trip into Panama City to have a beer at History Class Brewing Company. The place was pretty cool because it was decorated with out Panama City Signs and things – and the beer was OK. We also visited one of our favorite breweries (Idyll Hounds) in Santa Rosa Beach. The beer was awesome. Unfortunately, my favorite was not served – the Mango Habanero IPA.

Idyll Hounds Tap Room (we drank some before I took the picture, Ooops!)

Mike and Johnny decided to visit us in Panama City. We took them sight seeing: Rosemary Beach, Idyll Hounds, and out to eat several times. Overall, we had a great time and it was great to see them!

We left Panama City early to head south to visit Steve’s family, but we will be back next December!

“Home Again” by Michael Kiwanuka

Posted in 2022, Florida | Comments Off

“Tiger Feet”

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Monica

Auburn, Alabama
November 25 – December 1, 2022

For the last fifteen years, we spent most of football season in Auburn. This was our first year away, but we did manage to make it to Auburn for the very last weekend of football season. We stayed as always at Chewacla State Park with our friends. We had a great time catching up and visiting.

We walked around downtown Auburn and saw Cadillac’s marker (our temporary head coach – whom we love!)

Cadillac’s plaque on the Tiger Trail of Auburn

We went to Halftime Sports Bar to watch the game with Angel and Anita. While, we were not happy with the results, we had a great time.

Steve and I dropped in at the Draft House to watch a little basketball.

Steve (and you can see part of me) at the Draft House

We also caught a women’s basketball game before we headed out to Panama City. The game was fun at we did win!

Now we are headed to Panama City Beach.

“Tiger Feet” by Mud

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“Thank You”

Posted on November 25, 2022 by Monica

Chattanooga Tennessee November 22 – November 25, 2022

We stopped in Chattanooga to spend Thanksgiving with family. We went out to eat dinner with my cousin Todd and his wife Diane, and we had dinner at Aunt Ann’s (wife of my dad’s brother) with Todd, Diane and my cousin Brad.

Thanksgiving day we spent at my Aunt Jo Ann’s (my dad’s sister) and some but not all of my cousins. Joe and John were not there, but Jim, Jeff, Joanie, Jerry, Jay and Jed were. We had a great time and the food was awesome.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving thanks to family!

We are headed to Auburn for a few days before we arrive in Panama City Beach.

“Thank You” by Dido

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“Romeo and Juliet”

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Monica

Bardstown Kentucky
November 18 – November 22, 2022

We left Elkhart as soon as MORryde finished our upgrades to try to get out of the snow. We arrived in Bardstown very late, and while it was not snowing, it was still freezing. Despite the cold, we persevered and traveled the Bourbon Trail.

Bardstown is a very cute town. We found a great restaurant called Mammy’s Kitchen and Bar. We stopped in several times. The Breakfast was delicious and of course, bourbon is served all day long.

We stopped in at the only brewery in town for a beverage.

And of course, we toured the distilleries. We stopped in Preservation for a quick look.

Willett Distillery has a small tasting room, and it was packed with people waiting for a tasting. It was tasty.

We toured and tasted at Lux Row Distillers.

We toured Heaven Hill and also did a tasting. Heaven Hill has a small Museum, which was interesting.

Entrance at Heaven Hill (already decorated for Chirstmas)

Makers Mark has the most beautiful grounds. The tour included a walk on the grounds, through the rackhouse, bottling and labeling facilities, and of course a tasting.

We had an awesome time in Bardstown even though the weather was cold. Next stop Chattanooga for Thanksgiving.

“Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straights. While Bardstown is not named for Shakespeare, I thought a nod to the “Bard” was appropriate.

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“Cold as Ice”

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Monica

Berrien Springs Michigan, & Elkhart Indiana
November 7 – November 18, 2022

Ahhh, finally, the purpose of traveling this far north, this late in the season – Elkhart Indiana. Our purpose was to have upgrades to the RV at MORryde. About 18 months prior, we scheduled this appointment (this was the first available), and MORryde assured us that it hardly ever snows the first part of November. Well that was entirely wrong. It snowed every day while we were in Elkhart.

We did get out a few times while we were in Elkhart. In case you were unaware, 80% of all RVs (trailers, 5th wheels, driveables, etc) are made in and around Elkhart – the RV Mothership. So, obviously, the RV museum is located here. We visited the RV Hall of Fame and Museum. I was a little underwhelmed by the museum. The museum had plenty of actual RVs, but was short on the history of RVs and Rving.

Did I Mentioned that it snowed everyday!

We own a Grand Design Solitude which is a 5th wheel. We toured the Grand Design factory and were able to see the construction of a 5th wheel in all of the stages of manufacture, which was very cool.

While the camper was getting upgraded brakes and suspension at MORryde and its annual service at Lazy Days, we stayed in an extended stay hotel with Ziva. It is was a good thing, since it snowed everyday and it was ccccccccccold!

Out our hotel window on the first day of snow!

We did make one stop at a brewery while in Indiana – Evil Chzech Brewery and Public House. It was OK.

We did get out and about, but had to bundle up because it was so cold.

We are finally headed south, and hopefully some warmer weather. Next stop Bardstown, If it isn’t warm there, then maybe the bourbon will warm us up!

“Cold as Ice” by Foreignor

Posted in 2022, Indiana | Comments Off

“Grand Illusion”

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Monica

Grand Rapids, MI
October 31 – November 7, 2022

Another city, another Presidential Museum. This time we visited the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. The museum was pretty large and had cool exhibits. Like most presidential museums, it was self guided and this museum was very informative. We watched a movie that contained numerous facts about President Ford’s life. Overall, I really liked the museum.

A portion of the Berlin Wall at the museum

Replica of the oval office in the Museum

One of the days we were in town, we took a walk in downtown Grand Rapids. The weather was not very cooperative, because it was cold the whole time we were here.

We stopped in a couple of breweries. The first was a local brewery called Two Guys, which was fun. Of course we visited Founder Brewing Company, which is well known. I liked the beer at Founders.

Our next stop is Berrien Springs, Michigan which is just north of Elkhart Indiana, and then on to Elkhart.

“Grand Illusion” by Styx

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“Old Time Rock & Roll”

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Monica

Cleveland, Ohio – October 25 – October 28, 2022
Toledo, Ohio – October 28 – October 31, 2022

We left Buffalo and headed around Lake Erie to our ultimate destination of Elkhart, Indiana – the RV capital of the world. We stopped in Cleveland for two reasons. Yes – you guessed it – another presidential museum – and of course – the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Our stop in Toledo was short and we relaxed and enjoyed the park.

Outside of Cleveland (Mentor, Ohio), we visited the James Garfield National Historic Site which is located on the property owned by President Garfield during his life. It is also the location of the first presidential library. The tour guide was informative and gave details about President Garfield’s life and his presidency. The home was beautiful, but the library was the highlight.

Here are some pictures in the house.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was huge, and awesome. You may find this hard to believe, but music played all the time! Each exhibit had music and did I mention – it was awesome!