What The Bug

In Hattiesburg Mississippi I went out to retrieve something from the basement. I opened the door and came face to face with a bug. When I looked around I noticed that a few of his buddies were in there as well. I grabbed a stick and carefully removed all them. I made sure I put them on a tree branch because they belong there and not in my basement. A couple days later I opened the door to my basement again and they were back. Once again I moved them to a tree branch. Since I was in a hurry, instead of placing about them about 10 inches apart I just put them all together and it was total bug mayhem. Obviously they were not buddies and I wasn’t about to get involved in a bug brawl. I checked my compartment for any holes and closed the drain. I don’t want them back. My patience was wearing thin and I was considering Raid. On the day I left I opened the compartment where my water and sewer hookups were and guess what. They were back. Obviously they all didn’t die in the bug brawl but I did notice one was missing. Maybe he was lunch, maybe he didn’t survive the bug brawl, or maybe he just got smart went elsewhere. Once again I removed them, making sure to place them further apart than the last time. When I pulled out of the park I was thinking it would be the last time I would be see those types of bugs. Guess what? I was wrong. Does anyone know what kind of bug this is?



Location:  Hattiesburg Mississippi

Po-Boy

Here in the south they eat Po-Boy sandwiches. I realized that to people not familiar to the Po-Boy sandwich will think they are just a sub sandwich. What makes a po-boy special is the bread. A po-boy isn't a po-boy unless it's made with good quality, fresh French bread. New Orleans French bread has a crunchy crust with a very light center. The loaves are about 3' in length, and are about 3-4" wide. Roast beef and shrimp are the most popular fillings for a po-boy, but just about anything can be put inside a loaf of French bread and taste good. I ordered a po-boy with ground beef, onions, and cheese so any filling can work. Those sandwiches are huge. I now know now not to order fries. In case someone says "Darlin', you want that dressed, or what?" A "dressed" po' boy has lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Non-seafood po' boys will also usually have mustard, but the customer is expected to specify whether they want "hot" or "regular. If you are ever in the south make sure you order a po-boy sandwich and don’t order fries with it.

The Gulf

Even though Hurricane Katrina hit over a year ago the scars are everywhere. When we were driving down the road we would see signs advertising resturants, gas stations and the only thing left is a vacant lot. The live oak trees that grow along side of highway 90 are stripped bare. The branches no longer drape but there are leaves and that means life. They are also dredging the gulf for cars, household appliances, and whatever else that was pulled into the ocean. There are a few damaged buildings, hotels with the exterior wall peeled off exposing the rooms. A gentleman that I spoke to said he went out right after the storm and the trees were covered in plastic bags along with cars and boats but what stuck in his mind were the plastic bags. It was a little strange driving through Biloxi because you immediately feel sorry for the folks that lived there but then you are in awe of them as well because of their spirit. They are coming back and like the signs say "the best is yet to come."

The RV park we stayed at had the majority of the lots rented to FEMA workers. From the looks of their RVs they have been there since the beginning. They made their little houses on wheels as comfortable and homey as possible. It was kind of neat.

It was a wonderful experience at the gulf. I was able to see the beach and spend 10 minutes on it. The casinos are all open and providing much needed revenue so we had fun taking our $40 and spending it like big wheels. Sorry kids I didn't win big but won enough to have a lot of fun.

Location:  Biloxi Mississippi

Biloxi Mississippi

My last day at Biloxi was a dismal failure of running around in a circle. I checked online for what parks were open to the public. The first park was completely blocked off so I drove to the second. I was stopped at the gate by a Ranger. He said “I’m sorry but we are only open to daytime campers. I asked him what a daytime camper was and I was told it was a camper that spends the day at the park and leaves when the park closes. I told him then I was a daytime camper and he told me I didn’t have any equipment. I asked him what kind of equipment I needed to become a daytime camper and he asked me to leave. I need to know what is a “daytime camper?”. I know that a daytime camper needs equipment but what kind of equipment does a daytime camper need?

After being turned away from the parks, I decided to try the beach. I put Surely on the leash, grabbed my rubber gloves and camera equipment and took off. I was shown a sign “no dogs allowed on the beach.” I tried to explain that she was a day camper disguised as a dog…. Just joking. Surely and I left the beach and went home. We curled up on the couch and watched a wonderful old movie.

This morning I was taking out the fuse and I dropped it in the motor of the car. When I tried to pick it up, I dropped it again only it went a little further in the motor. Mom handed me two kitchen knives. Using them as tweezers I was able to drive the fuse deeper in the motor. So taking one knife I very gently nudge the fuse to where I can grab it without using my thumb. I need to stay away from slot machines for a while.


Location:  Springfield Mississippi

Ocean Springs MS

Today mom and I drove to Ocean Springs. Beautiful town, with lots of galleries. I was introduced to Walter Anderson and became a fan.

Today - Ocean Springs

Scott, Rusty,and Hannah - Presents will be arriving, please watch your mailbox. I don't have Robert's address so I am sending his to you Hannah.

We are on the beach. Its colder than a well digger's whoops. I am being punished for teasing and tormenting those that live north of where I am. Tomorrow Surely Not and I will be on the beach waiting for the sunset.

There is still a lot of destruction at the Gulf. It is overwhelming. You see it on the televison but to see it over a year later.... There is so much that needs to be done. We drive down the road and see signs, bent and twisted advertising a resturant. There is nothing there but an empty lot. I will be getting out to take photographs.

I have been busy with Christmas. I am finishing up tonight come hell or high water.

Right now I am listening to Cynthia Clawson. She has such a beautiful pure voice and the one song that can bring me to tears is Softly and Tenderly. I highly recommend her highly.
See I am ecletic, slightly strange I go from "Boys Want Sex In The Morning" by the Three Weird Sisters to Cynthia Clawson. Off to finish up playing Santa Claus and give the old credit card a beating.

Moving On Day

We are heading south today. We enjoyed Hattiesburg and I did fix the leak. It seems my water regulator was defective. I replaced it and it hasn't leaked yet. Now I just have to figure out the ice maker.

Once again internet will be iffy. I know the RV park we are going to doesn't have wireless internet. If you don't hear from me tonight I will be talking to you all in a week.

My baby turned 21 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH

Remember this?
Hannah Banana Girl
You Give my hear a whirl.

I love you and Happy Birthday.

Surely Not

This is my demonic dog. She has that get the camera out of my face look.

They could not find what is causing the leak. They tightened all of the clamps and I changed out the water doo hickey. I know what it is. It is a device you put on your hose to regulate city water. I just totally brain farted the name away. We will see what happens.

Other than that it has been a quiet day. Hope you have a quiet day as well.

Location:  Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg

Tonight on the Public TV Station they were featuring the Do Wop groups. It is a wonderful show if you can tolerate their begging for money. I sat thru and sang along with several great musical groups. Guess who came on?

Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl

As I walk through this world
Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl
And-a you, you are my girl
And no one can hurt you, oh no

Yes-a, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh
Come on let me hold you darlin'
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl
So hey yea yea yeah

He came on - the consummate performer, with cape and top hat. Just made my little heart go pitter patter. The only complaint I have is I will have the song stuck in head for the remainder of the night.





Thinking of the Dollar General makes me think of Jill. She was a tiny little thing. She kind of reminded me of a nervous wren. She kept that store clean from top to bottom. She might have been in her seventies but she could unload a truck with the best of them. I tried several times to get her to work the cash register but she’d managed to slip pass me. It was basically the two of us running that store. She would always greet me with a hug. She was the kind of person that can aggravate the hell out of me one minute and make me feel warm all over the next. She was a rare find.



I also want to say one thing. I mentioned in an earlier post that I found people in Mississippi rude. I take it back. I have met some very nice people that reside in the state of Mississippi during our stay here. We will be staying in this town longer than normal because we have a leak. Hopefully they will get it fixed next week.

Today was flop day. We went to Wal-Mart and that was the most exciting thing that happened. The park we are in has the sewer connection a mile away and I had to buy hose and a connector. My afternoon was spent wrestling with that. Then I cleaned out the basement, leveled the picnic table, and scrap booked the rest of my time away. It was a productive, non productive day. Later.

Hattiesburg

Thanksgiving turned out to be a warm day so after eating our Thanksgiving feast, mom and ,I along with Surely walked a small part of the Long Leaf Trace. There was no way we could walk the 41 miles. We did conquer a mile and a half until Surely pooped out. It was a beautiful walk; people were skating, or riding their bikes. Some, like us, were walking.

The pines are majestic. I am always amazed by the silent struggle in a forest. Plants pushing their way to the sunlight, the ones that do not make it and the one that do are there as testimony to this struggle.

We also decided to go to Hattiesburg Zoo. It is a very small zoo and they don’t have a lot of animals. Mom and I enjoyed it. I saw the Howler Monkey and the Tapir.  I was surprise to see that they didn’t have any elephants. Mom and I were singing the Bobby Goldsboro tune “Me and The Elephants” and we were pumped to see one. The most fun though was watching the Prairie Dogs. Someday when we trade our little house on wheels for one with a foundation I am going to have a prairie dog town in my backyard. They can keep me entertained for hours.

No plans for tomorrow, we take each day as it comes.

Pepper Has A Recipe

We stopped today at a roadside stand and bought boiled peanuts and cracklin. We thought we died and gone to heaven. Surely is still sniffing around hoping that she missed a crumb. This was the first time Mom and I had boiled peanuts, pronouced "bald peanuts." It is a southern delicacy. If you want to give it a try here is how you boil peanuts. I don't think you want to know how to make cracklin.


Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Judging from the many variations on recipes for boiled peanuts, there appears to be no wrong way to boil green peanuts. The important thing is the many tastings needed to determine when they are done. You must taste test the boiled peanuts for saltiness and firmness, as some people prefer soft nuts to firmer ones.

4 to 5 pounds green (raw) peanuts in shell
4 to 6 quarts water
1 cup plain salt

Wash unshelled peanuts thoroughly in cold water until water runs clear; then soak in cool, clean water for approximately 30 minutes before cooking.

In a large pot, place soaked peanuts and cover completely with water. Add 1 cup of salt per gallon of water. Cook, covered, on high heat for 4 to 7 hours.

NOTE: the cooking time of boiled peanuts varies according to the maturity of the peanuts used and the variety of peanuts. The cooking time for a 'freshly pulled" or green peanut is shorter than for a peanut that has been stored for a time.

Boil the peanuts for about 4 hours, then taste. Taste again i 10 minutes, both for salt and texture. Keep cooking and tasting until the peanuts reach desired texture (when fully cooked, the texture of the peanut should be similar to that of a cooked dry pea or bean).

Remove from heat and drain peanuts after cooking or they will absorb salt and become over salted.

Peanuts may be eaten hot or at room temperature, or chilled in the refrigerator and eaten cold, shelling as you eat them. For long-term storage, freeze in airtight containers.

Location:  Hattiesburg Mississippi

Stupid Things I Do

When we pulled into the park we are currently residing, I was concerned about the slideouts. A fellow RVer said that if I put my back against the RV and stretch out my arm that is where my slideout will be. I did it but still was not convinced. I just knew when I pushed that button it would hit the post. I sent my mother out to watch and I pushed the button.  VICTORY

I then went outside to hook up the RV. The water hookup is located directly under the slideout.

I hooked up the water, then raised up in my usual hurried fashion and WHACKED! Yes siree I hit the bottom of the slideout with my usually hard head. When contact was made (head to slideout) I dropped to my knees. The world was spinning, I was seeing stars, and a few pink elephants.

I couldn't cuss, I couldn't scream, I couldn't show any emotion because of the audience watching me hookup through their blinds. I picked up my dignity and staggered into the house. I plopped down on the couch and immediately went to sleep. I woke up (thank god) and I had a headache, nausea that lasted all that evening, the next day, and this morning I woke up perky as ever.

Now I bet you all are thinking "I bet she has a knot on her head." Oh no.... I have an indentation. Unfortunately it didn't knock any sense into me at all.

Now be honest. How many times have you raised up only to have your head hit the corner of a cabinet or something quite hard? What was your reaction?

At least I know now HOOK UP FIRST BEFORE PUTTING THE SLIDEOUTS OUT! Maybe it did knock some sense into me.

Location:  Hattiesburg Mississippi

Smart Ass

I never considered myself a "smart ass." I thought I would rank as nice on the quiz and I was surprised to see I didn't make it as "nice."

Yesterday I saw the smart ass side of me. I went into Pizza Hut with my mother and was greeted by the waitress by this statement.... "what do you want." Unfortunately I opened my mouth and through out my meal I kept getting mean glances from the rest of the employees. I was their bitch customer.

How would you handle such a greeting at a resturant? Am I being a smart ass because someone doesn't know how to greet and meet potential customers? Am I a smart ass because employees don't realize they represent the company? Am I a smart ass because I expect to be greeted in a friendly manner? Geez I was taught from a very early, early age that every customer that walks in is my paycheck. That lesson was a major part of my work ethic.

I guess I am a smart ass.

Location:  Philadelphia Mississippi

I Ran Away From Home For This

We will be rocking and rolling tonight in our little house on wheels. Lets hope we don't end up in the Merry Ole Land Of Oz. Surely would not be a pleasant ToTo.

Location:  Philadelphia Mississippi

Tupelo Mississippi

A lot of people would go to Graceland if they were in Memphis Tennessee but I am not one of the masses, so to speak. I like to go to the beginning, where it all started and that is where we headed off today. Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. I like Elvis’ music but I always felt he was a nice person surrounded by manipulative people who did not care for his well being. Something similar seems to be happening with a celebrity in the Bahamas now but I won’t go into that at all. It was an interesting stop to say the least. I think there were some people who were disappointed because it was a small three room house. A chapel was built and dedicated in 1979 adjacent from his childhood home and even though it is pretty little chapel there is a sadness radiating from it. Of course there was an Elvis Presley gift shop for those who wish to buy a souvenir. I didn’t go into the home nor the museum because I felt enough people profited from him who shouldn’t. My little act of rebellion you could say.

For more pictures of Elvis Presley’s home click on the photograph tab. For those interested in Elvis Presley’s childhood click here - Elvis Childhood Home

All in all I didn’t care for Tupelo Mississippi. We went to Wal-Mart’s there and I had enough of people pushing and shoving. Rudeness was running amuck at the Tupelo Wal-Mart’s and Pepper was about to blow. I don’t like crowds and when in a crowded situation and people are rude I get very frustrated and angry. If we didn’t need dog food I would have walked out. We ate lunch in Holly Springs where once again I was amazed by people’s rudeness. Our waitress was not happy to see us. She wasn’t happy to see anyone for that matter so I don’t feel singled out. She flipped our plates and pizza on the table by the toss of her wrist as she was walking by. It was like here is your food, now get out. She did the same performance for the other customers as well and I can assure you she was not tipped well for it either. I told mom when we got back in the car that I have no desire to see the rest of Northern Mississippi and was happy to get back in Arkansas.


Tomorrow is laundry and I have a truck wash to check out. Our little house is getting very dusty from the dirt road and is in need of bath. If I can get the coach in the car wash without taking out the building I will drive it up there on the day we leave for a much needed bath. If not I will let Hannah and Scott the honor when we return home to be tortured by our doctors. Let’s see if they read this.

On The Road To Tunica Mississippi

It was really strange to drive down a long stretch of highway on the way to Tunica and see billboards on every side of the road. Big fields of cotton with billboards sprinkled in. Mom and I decided on the Grand Casino based not on the slots but on the “Grand Buffet.” If given a choice of food or slots I am afraid we would chose food every time.

And Oh what a buffet it was- BBQ, Asian, southern fried food, and a dessert section that made your mouth water. I watched the World’s Biggest Loser last night and decided to follow their advice when it comes to eating at the buffet. First you walk around, drooling, looking at all that food, and then you make your choice……. I settled for Asian and no desert.

You know what is sad? I come home all excited and happy. I stop at the office to see if my mail arrived and it did. I received a box of bills. Reality really sucks.

Surely and I took a walk this evening and she got the bejesus scared out of her. She is nearly blind, hard of hearing, and there are moments when she is just not with it. This dog, standing on a tree stump let out a woof that would curl the hair on your toes. I thought Surely was going to turn inside out. Of course when she was at a safe distance she let him know who was boss. All small dogs have the heart and soul of a lion.

I am happy to hear that I made my sister a “Three Weird Sister” fan.” Again I will add to my blog lyrics to another song by them. I especially enjoy the song “My Karma Broke Down.” If you are interested go to their website. Three Weird Sisters


Time for bed. Tomorrow will be an adventure. We have to find a Wal-Mart in Memphis. I have a feeling that it will be like finding a needle in a haystack. I will do the Google search thing and pray the directions are right. Until then, enjoy the pictures and the lyrics.



Mama's Hands
By Brenda Sutton©
Today while clutter gathering I glanced into a mirror
And I had to look again a long, long while
For the woman staring from the glass was somehow not just me
But the moment that she grinned I knew her smile.
Those are my mama's hands on my mama's arms
Those are my mama's eyes looking at me
And from my open mouth her laughing voice comes out
And I'm sounding just like her when I was three
"Did you get a boo-boo, Baby? Let me drink those tears."
"There might be a bogey man, but he'd have me to fear."
"Oh, I could grow potatoes from the dirt inside your ears!"
When did my mother slip inside of me?
I remember as a teenager I swore that when I grew up
I would never say the things Mom said to me
But I find my mother's phrases popping out in crazy places
And what's more, they sound like sensibility
That is my Mama's stance and my mama's stare
I even seem to walk with Mama's stride
I'm getting more like her, do I snore like her?
And am I feeling now the things she felt inside?
"You're too young for make-up, Sweetie. Wait 'til you're sixteen."
"I'm not Janie's mother. I don't do this to be mean."
If those clothes fit any tighter, you would bust out every seam!"
When did my mother slip inside of me?
Mama, oh Mama
You never were this smart when I was young
But Mama, oh Mama
It seems the older that I get, the wiser you become
I'm told that there's a mother's curse that every mother places
Upon the head of each child at her knee:
Someday when you grow up you'll have children just like you,
And they'll do the things that you have done to me.
That is my mama's sigh and my mama's nod
I even have her hair, it's turning gray
She gave much more to me than I'll ever know
But I'm finding a new gift with every day
"Worked my fingers to the bone! Now please tell me for what!"
"You're not too big to be spanked. That's why God made your butt."
"We're putting on a little weight around our little gut."
When did my mother slip inside of me?
Those are my mama's hands on my mama's arms
Those are my mama's eyes looking at me
And from my open mouth her laughing voice comes out
And I'm sounding just like her when I was three

Billboards and Cotton - The Staple of Tunica Mississippi



A Beautiful Arkansas Sunset


A Big Dog With A Big Woof