sand summary

The RV lifestyle appeals to our family, it fits our personalities to a "T". Despite a glitch in getting to Pensacola Beach in time for our welcome home party (we were 24 hours late!) and spending the night in the parking lot of the Hattisburg, MS Firestone parking lot, we enjoyed ourselves. Even when marooned in Hattiesburg (and I was sorely tempted to call a S'Wheaten friend so we could park in her driveway) we were content. We ran out of fuel because the 3rd tank fuel pump wasn't functioning properly. No problem, despite rain and cold the furnace was working and the kitchen was stocked. I prepared lunch and we sat, as a family, and enjoyed lunch. Then rested quietly while waiting for the AAA guy to show up with fuel. Loss, 2 hours; gain, relaxed family. Moving on to Hattiesburg and we noticed the engine was running hot. We had finally turned off the heater in the cab and that put extra heat on the engine. Quick call to my darling brother who is a Ford-o-phile and a decision to seek a mechanic before it was a roadside emergency, thus the overnight at Firestone while waiting for a part for the 1-ton engine. We enjoyed margaritas, DVD's and a warm dinner. Rainy evening and the kids stayed up to watch the antics of city people in parking lots late at night (from the safety of their RV windows). A great breakfast of sausage and biscuits which had the mechanics salivating and then they got the part and started working. We were all happy, warm, dry and relaxed despite not being at the beach.
The week at Renee's was chaotic. Financial, health and personal chaos ensued, but we helped as best we could, stepped back when we needed to and had the oasis of Lindy the RV to escape to at all times. Packing up and going to the RV shop was even pleasant as we got the best service we have ever had in Gulf Breeze Camper World. Again, as we waited and shopped newer RV's, we were able to step to our RV for drinks and snacks and bathroom. Heaven.
We learned we love turtles, with our home on our backs we are able to be safe, comfortable and connected anywhere, anytime. It's probably a testament to our parenting and love for each other that 10 days with 4 people in a tiny space produced no fights! TV, puzzles, games, Xbox, books, knitting and naps. We'll be back May 29th Florida, get ready!!!

Beach Bound!

Not to put too fine a point on it, but we are leaving for ten glorious days in Pensacola Beach, FL! And while the water will be a chilly 70 degrees, the weather will be warmer and sunnier than Memphis...at least part of the time. I'm sure Memphis will get nice and warm while we're gone, but we're still leaving! Photos to come, we're unplugged for the entire time, which should be interesting. Are you jealous?

Family fun on the beach

Ike's effects in Pensacola Beach

Ike was 450 miles south of the beach when we had waves breaching the dunes and flooding parts of the island. Soundside got the bigger hits with flooding in several businesses, apartments and parks. Beachside we had erosion and flooding, but we hope the ocean will leave us lots of beach when the waves finally subside (hopefully Monday)

Gamers on the beach

I swear, within 24 hours of hitting the beach our home is game central. We've told the boys we're limiting the festivities this year to accomodate my decline and to give Ginger more of a vacation. Here are some happy testosterone laden lads with their controls well in hand.

Seeing the ocean for the first time this season

After the 7 hour car trip with 2 teens and 2 dogs, we unload and ritually walk to the beach to view it for the first time each year. This is a sacred month for our family. There's even a special prayer to say when you see the ocean :)

Dainty Bess scarf/stole is FINISHED!

Knit on size 6 Addi turbo 16" circs with KnitPicks Shadow in Campfire. This took me over a year to complete. I have no clue who will ever use it or wear it or even get it as a gift, but it's finally done.

Gamers on the beach

This is just a montage of evenings the boys have spent with friends playing video games. A couple of nights they have had 3 gaming systems going in 2 rooms. The adults retreat to the balcony for wine and conversation because you can't hear yourself think inside the house.

Molly, Fudge and friend visit the beach

Even a dog day in Paradise is great! Fudge, Molly and their neighbor, Charlie girl, went for a stroll on the beach this morning. The surf was too much for anyone to swim, but Molly checked it out.

Surf Burger, Pensacola Beach, FL

Yep, just another day in Paradise. Medium rare with bacon, cheese, jalapenos and surf sauce. Fabulous sticks! (fries)

Flounder's Chowder and Ale House

With Margaritaville radio streaming through the open restaurant, this is often another family favorite. Not because the food is phenomenal. It's good, it's reliable as are the drinks. The weekly drink specials are GREAT. The volleyball scenery varies and can be incredible as can the live music, but eating in the section of the restaurant that is open to the Sound is really why we go. We hopped over for an early and indulgent bite tonight. Two Patron margarita's later we had dinner, were stuffed, but some how I said "yes!" to Key lime pie. I love key limes. And here comes the waiter with this THREE LAYER pie. It's freaking THREE pies stacked on top of each other. They must cut it into 4 pieces per pie and call it done. Four previously stuffed people managed to make a sizeable dent in that pie. Don't think Max did most of it (though he did) he was just the one opposite the camera.