February 16, 2020.
22755 miles
7:45 am. We are on our way on an overcast, cold day 23 degrees.
On the road again at 11:05 after a substantial breakfast at Cracker Barrel. That should hold us over until dinnertime.
Very bright sunshine in Indianapolis. 1:34 pm.
I could have finished another cap in the time it took me to untangle an entire skein of yarn. What a waste of time. We switched drivers at a rest stop, but for only a short while. The GPS went haywire whenever Peter touched it. Then I was driving too fast. It's really better that he drives and I navigate. The rest of the ride went very smoothly, light traffic, excellent roads.
We arrived at the Quality Inn at 6:15 p.m., just as Peter predicted. Mexican food appealed to us among the myriad of restaurants to choose from. Plaza Mexican Grill got us seated with some taco chips and hot salsa. We started out with Margaritas then ordered a vegetable fajita for Peter that was very colorful and a fajita taco salad for me that was very good. I got a call from Heather with our condo code, directions and dining suggestions. Beds were comfortable, room was satisfactory. It didn't take me long to fall asleep.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
We woke up at 6:30 am. The shower was very good. We had scrambled eggs that cooled off quickly, sausage patties, toast, an orange, yogurt and coffee. We were on our way at 8:08 a.m., after filling the gas tank.
The day started off very sunny, then became overcast with a light drizzle. We stopped for a light lunch at McDonald's and filled up with gas. The rain got harder the farther we went. It pretty nearly stopped when we got to Island Sunrise. We are very pleased with our arrangements, very spacious and we should be very comfortable. We met Mike and Mary Jane from Eau Claire as we were unloading. I did my unpacking then we headed for Mikee's seafood, a very casual place. We shared one pound of broiled shrimp and baked beans, very enjoyable.
Monday, February 17, 2020
Very foggy, 57 degrees.
We managed to have our breakfast with what we brought from home: oatmeal, milk, cuties, and bananas. We would have had eggs if Peter had remembered if the X on two of the four eggs meant cooked or raw. Neither was right, all were raw.
We found a Walmart and bought our supply for most of our two-weeks' stay. They had everything I needed, but I didn't know how to use the Pay app. By the time we put everything away, it was time for lunch, with the usual summer sausage sandwiches. We rode to Orange Beach and made a loop, exploring the area. I made a pepperoni and cracker platter to take down to the 4:00 pm Happy Hour. The gathering was in a sheltered area with plenty of tables and chairs. There was a nice assortment of finger food. We met a few nice people. Next week will be the last Monday Happy Hour. There was also a trio playing that added to the enjoyment. I even joined in a trail dance.
We didn't think about going out to eat, so I made a big kettle of vegetable soup with Texas toast that satisfied us nicely.
I received a beautiful bouquet of roses from Don and Masako on Valentine's Day, and hated to leave them behind. I wrapped them well and they are gracing our table.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Peter took a walk, I started breakfast. I put the portabella mushroom in the oven to precook. REMEMBER TO OIL THE PAN! I sautéed the garlic, tomatoes and spinach, and when Peter got back and while he took a shower I filled the mushrooms and added the eggs. MAKE A DEEP WELL BY PUSHING THE FILLING TO THE SIDES. I kept checking the eggs for doneness and they came out perfectly. This dish is a keeper.
The day was foggy all day, not a hint of sunshine. I sat on the porch and read a while, but mostly stayed indoors. We warmed up the soup for lunch.
We went to the Drunken Shrimp for dinner, based on the great ratings. It was very low key. Peter's flounder and shrimp were served in a plastic basket, but there were plenty of shrimp that he shared. My crab cake was served on a plate with very good potatoes and so was the crab cake. Only plastic forks were available.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
The day is warm and overcast, with a promise of sunshine. We finished off one jar of juice, sunny side eggs, bacon and yogurt with strawberries. I'm doing some laundry.
The day was very gloomy; we stayed in all day except to get some mushrooms for my pork recipe. We found a nice market similar to Publix and also got some bread. I made two thick cut bone-in chops with fried potatoes and broccoli that turned out very well. We finished the day playing dominoes. Peter won,7 games to 6.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Today was a real wash out. To salvage the day and see something, we drove to Pensacola and the Naval Air Museum. There was a line up of cars that seemed to be turning around. We got as far as the sentry and we had to turn around also. It's closed. Peter said there was some shooting some time ago. We drove through the downtown area and checked out where Peter will get his oil changed on Monday and drove back home, all in the rain, sometimes pretty hard.
It was getting towards lunch time so we stopped at Bubba's in Orange Beach. Peter had grilled shrimp I had a combination dinner of shrimp and crab legs with boiled potatoes and sweet corn. I enjoyed every morsel. We took two pieces of Key lime pie for home. It was good to get into our dry condo. I took a nap until a stupid phone call awoke me and then continued reading Before We Were Yours, excellent reading.
Friday, February 21, 2020
On a cool breezy day, we drove to Bellingrath Gardens. We walked around a while
before taking the 1:00 pm tour of the mansion. We had a great guide that seemed to be a part of the estate.
We did a lot of walking and covered a lot of the grounds.
We shared a ham sandwich and ate it outdoors before heading back home. I made some breaded chicken breasts for dinner.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
We were expecting someone at 10:00 am to look at our unit, but the place is rented for all of February next year so that won't be necessary. We were looking for a place to mail a Birthday card, since there is no pick-up at our condo. I spotted a place on our way to Gulf Islands National Seashore. We passed through Pensacola that was getting ready for the Mardi Gras parade. We'll have to come through here again when we go for the oil change on Monday. The headquarters was closed so we drove to Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island. We were driving along a narrow strip of land surrounded by sand dunes and water.
I showed the Ranger my park pass to get into the fort. We read the posted information and watched a video about the canons and parts of the fort. We headed back to a picnic area by the water. It was pretty cold, since we were in the shade, plus there were kids yelling on the playground equipment. Across the street were many picnic shelters that would have been warmer. I took a few pictures before heading back. I tried taking a nap when we got back, but there is a lot of outside noise. We went to the Oyster House for dinner. We had very good service and I enjoyed my combination of fried oysters and shrimp. Its hard keeping warm.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
We had scrambled eggs mixed with bacon, yogurt with bananas and strawberries, toast and coffee. We were not too early for the 10:30 am mass at Our Lady of the Gulf; we squeezed into a pew, but there were a lot of people standing. We did some grocery shopping at Rouses and picked up a paper at Walgreen's. We finished off the soup and some sandwiches at lunch. The day was getting very nice and warm with a lot of sunshine. We gathered our gear and parked in the lounge area near the sand dunes. There is a wooden bridge going to the beach in order to preserve the vegetation.
I still haven't seen the beach. We are evaluating some of the pluses and minuses of this place
I think it's too noisy, being on the main street.
The pool is poorly located, always in the shade.
There is no bathroom on the main floor.
No mail pick-up
We like the coded entry system
It is near everything.
We were outside until almost 4, when it started getting overcast.
We had pizza for dinner.
Monday, February 24, 2020
We had Cheerios, yogurt with bananas for breakfast before heading for Anderson Subaru for an oil change. Good thing we allowed more time, because we hit a traffic snag and we were at a standstill. A lot of cars were turning around for an alternate route. Peter did the same and we didn't have far to go for a parallel road. We got there with 5 minutes to spare. Very good service got us out in about an hour and a half.
We headed for Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center. On the way we found a Ruby Tuesday and shared shrimp fajitas. We were really pleased to have two apiece with our own container of hot shrimp filling plus toppings. We could have parked closer to the center, as we had a little farther to walk in the light rain. The Temple Mound was closed but we enjoyed the museum. It was compact and nicely arranged with a collection from the area's prehistoric Native American cultures. We stayed until the 4 PM closing and headed back in the rain and heavy traffic. As we approached the high bridge, Peter said, “The rain stopped, Sweetheart”. In less than a minute, the skies opened up and there was a downpour that lasted almost until we got home. We shed our wet clothes while I put together a quick supper of fried potatoes, ham steak and a salad.
Fat Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Cut-up ham in scrambled eggs with toast, yogurt and bananas made a hardy breakfast before we headed to the Mardi Gras parade. We found a place near the curb and I went to the Dollar Store to borrow a shopping basket to invert as a seat; Peter went back to the car for blankets. By the time he came back the crowd had moved close to the hastily erected fences. Some ladies were very kind and offered their chairs while we waited for the parade to start. The day was overcast and warm; we were comfortable in light jackets. We had a prime viewing site as the parade passed
I took pictures as Peter gave high fives to the marchers and caught beads. It was a lot of fun.
We went back for chicken bacon tomato sandwiches. Took naps.
Looking for rentals in this area to take advantage of next year's Mardi Gras, I saw that most condos were rented during those dates. We found a beautiful place in Fort Walton Beach and secured it.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Cold and very windy. I wrote to Annika and we stayed in until it was time to go to the Cobb Theater for the 2:00 pm showing of "The Godfather". Peter never saw it. There was only one other couple in the theater. We got out just after 5, in time for dinner. Fish River Grill was in the neighborhood next to Rouses. I had a shrimp platter with a pint of pineapple Margarita; Peter had blackened catfish.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
The sun woke me up at 6:45, very bright but cold. Peter went for a walk along the beach.
We stopped at the Visitor's Center to pick up their literature, even though we'll be leaving on Saturday. It was a beautiful facility with lots of brochures and attractions. As I was waiting for Peter, the attendant gave me a discount coupon for the battleship Alabama and museum in Mobile. It was only a 55 minute drive so that seemed like a good idea.
We did a self-guided tour of the ship, the museum with many aircraft and a lot of video stations showing various battles and operations, including 911.
Next we boarded the submarine Drum, and I struggled going through a number of passageways where I had to crawl through each doorway.
We stopped at a restaurant, but changed our minds when we had so much food at home. We weren't hungry after Peter polished off his takeout from yesterday, potato salad, kielbasa and fried onions and a salad.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Cold and windy. Stayed in most of the day. Did some laundry, started packing, cleaning up. We bundled up to watch the sunset at 5:49 p.m.. We had to walk up to the water's edge to see it, because buildings blocked the view. There were a few brave souls also out there, but not for long. We had dinner at the Island Grill. I started out with a great martini. I had grilled shrimp with a grilled pineapple slice and other sides; Peter had another shrimp dish. We saved the best for the last. The staff greeted us just great, with high fives and a wonderful service. The bartender jumped for joy when I gave her a dollar for a great martini: people at the bar also gave her a cheer.
Saturday February 29, 2020
7:08 am We are leaving our condo, heading for the Diner, 49 degrees. The diner was very bright and clean. We each had eggs, ham, hash browns and a biscuit with coffee, surrounded by music blasting from the 50s. Now I appreciate my quiet breakfasts even more. Leaving Streamliner at 8:10; 57 degrees, and very clear sunny skies.
The roads are excellent and traffic is light. We stopped at a rest stop and found a sunny spot to have our lunch. We had plenty of odds and ends with some left over. We had only one backup, but once we got passed it we had smooth sailing. We got to the Quality Inn at 5:00 pm, rested a while before deciding where to go for dinner. We could almost have walked to the Rice Box, a cozy Asian restaurant in a strip mall. The Mongolian Beef with two helpings of brown rice that we shared was plenty, along with a pot of tea.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
On the road at 8:08 am, 37 degrees, a mild, clear day. Quality Inn breakfast should hold us for a while. Roads are very good, but traffic is heavier than I expected. We made a rest stop in Indiana thinking we could polish off some leftovers in the 59 degree temperature, but it was very windy. We've had luck with city parks and Google found one in Lafayette, but it looked like it was in someone’s backyard. We settled for a McDonald's and headed back on the freeway.
Before getting home we stopped at the Brat Stop in Kenosha and enjoyed a nice cold beer with delicious hot dogs. Really hit the spot.
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