We are back in Jax. Luckily our favorite Jax RV park had a space available for us. I am thinking that they might be paying off the road department in South Georgia to not finish construction on I-95. We remember the same construction from 2006.
You know from a previous blog that we knew there would be delays on I-95 south from Savannah. We have the photos to prove it. However, we did not expect an average speed of 5mph from mile marker 67-62 (it took one hour-do the math), from mm 67 the speed picked up to about 8mph. We observed two construction men in reflector vests and one dump truck. We have to assume that one of the men in reflector vests was a supervisor. All in all, it took us from 12:30, when we got on I-95 to 5pm to get to the RV park in Jax. Average: 30mph.
The other news is that there is no one left in Ontario, but we know where to find them. Honestly, you could invade the Province and no one would be there to report it.
One of the reasons the RV park is full to capacity tonight is the Gator Bowl this weekend. There are groups of Seminoles all over the RV park-interspersed between the Ontarians and Vermonters.
Still, today was light years better for me than yesterday. From 4 am to about 4 pm my best friends were the bed and the toilet. I suspect it was something I ate as Marcia doesn't seem to be the least bit effected. It seems to be all gone now, and stone ground wheat crackers and gatorade have restored my appetite. I was able to enjoy the buffet at Cross Creek tonight.
So, we are back on the road tomorrow morning (knock wood). We are back in the Sunshine State where fleece garments are outdoor-not indoor wear. Tomorrow we pick up the black eyed peas and otherwise prepare for the new year.
Hoping your new year is the best ever!
Kay
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Carriage Ride in Savannah
Dinnah at the Lady and Sons was not to be. Gotta get into town early to get a reservation. No exactly my style. We'll catch them later.
We dined at the City Market Cafe where we also dined several years ago. I had the signature dish, blackened creole shrimp and grits with a side of greens. Marcia got the gumbo and a sandwich. We both declared the gumbo to be Campbell's finest.
Next was our carriage ride with Carol and Sonny and Cher. Actually, there was a carriage load of people and it took awhile to load us up as everybody had definite ideas about where to sit. We opted for the front row with the driver and were not disappointed-like having a private carriage for considerably less price. Carol was quite good-not too much schmaltz and plenty of information.
I remembered from our last ride that Ogelthorpe, founder of the colony in 1733, had three rules. No hard liquor (beer and wine were fine), no Catholics (things were not going well in Europe when Protestants and Catholics were mixed), and no attorneys (Ogelthorpe's own personal experience). He also outlawed slavery, so the colony was slave free till Ogelthorpe went back to England and got himself a romantic interest.
Our driver also pointed out a little shop with the best cupcakes in Savannah, so we found our way there after the carriage ride and scooped up 4 cupcakes just before they sold out. They were out of milk, so we had to settle for the Starbucks for our coffee. Great treat!
It was a cold day in Savannah and tomorrow promises to be colder. We fortified ourselves with a little mall shopping this afternoon. Malls have never been our favorite places and after Christmas not our favorite times for malls. Still, it was a bit shocking to see so few people and stores in the malls. We managed to find what we needed to keep us warm, but these are not the malls that we remember.
It was too risky to take Stella to the beach this morning, so she had an explore of the road by the marsh. She was quite animated about it, so I didn't feel too bad. I anticipate a brisk walk tomorrow wearing several layers of clothes. Luckily the isotoner gloves were on sale for 1/2 price in the mall.
Check the photo blog for some scenes of Savannah.
KG
We dined at the City Market Cafe where we also dined several years ago. I had the signature dish, blackened creole shrimp and grits with a side of greens. Marcia got the gumbo and a sandwich. We both declared the gumbo to be Campbell's finest.
Next was our carriage ride with Carol and Sonny and Cher. Actually, there was a carriage load of people and it took awhile to load us up as everybody had definite ideas about where to sit. We opted for the front row with the driver and were not disappointed-like having a private carriage for considerably less price. Carol was quite good-not too much schmaltz and plenty of information.
I remembered from our last ride that Ogelthorpe, founder of the colony in 1733, had three rules. No hard liquor (beer and wine were fine), no Catholics (things were not going well in Europe when Protestants and Catholics were mixed), and no attorneys (Ogelthorpe's own personal experience). He also outlawed slavery, so the colony was slave free till Ogelthorpe went back to England and got himself a romantic interest.
Our driver also pointed out a little shop with the best cupcakes in Savannah, so we found our way there after the carriage ride and scooped up 4 cupcakes just before they sold out. They were out of milk, so we had to settle for the Starbucks for our coffee. Great treat!
It was a cold day in Savannah and tomorrow promises to be colder. We fortified ourselves with a little mall shopping this afternoon. Malls have never been our favorite places and after Christmas not our favorite times for malls. Still, it was a bit shocking to see so few people and stores in the malls. We managed to find what we needed to keep us warm, but these are not the malls that we remember.
It was too risky to take Stella to the beach this morning, so she had an explore of the road by the marsh. She was quite animated about it, so I didn't feel too bad. I anticipate a brisk walk tomorrow wearing several layers of clothes. Luckily the isotoner gloves were on sale for 1/2 price in the mall.
Check the photo blog for some scenes of Savannah.
KG
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Uncle Bubba's and Ft Pulaski
It was Uncle Bubba's for dinnah today. Those familiar with Paula Deen may also know that her little brother has a restaurant of his own-Uncle Bubba's. We had a taste for seafood today, and it was satisfied at Uncle Bubba's. It is technically called Uncle Bubba's Oyster House, so I had the small raw appetiser. They were quite large so that Marcia suggested that they were the frying kind. However, I found that I could center them on a saltine and garnish with goodies and get them all in my mouth at once-and it was good!
There were little corn muffins which were great all by themselves-not too sweet and little kernels of corn in them. You can have the honey butter which Marcia suggests might just be honey margarine. My shrimp were quite fresh and tasty-great breading. The cole slaw was not made my favorite way, but it was fresh and crunchy cabbage and I managed to eat it all. I just would have left out the bell pepper bits. Marcia's crab cakes were quite good-more crab less bread crumbs. We were brought a sample of the house specialty, charred oysters in half shell with cheese and garlic. I wouldn't order them over the raw, but Marcia might.
We decided to do Ft Pulaski with the remainder of the afternoon. The visitors center provided an excellent historical overview in film and several interesting displays. Basically, the story is this: After the British bout took the young US back in 1812, there were a series of forts built along the southern coast line. Ft Pulaski was one of them-named after the Revolutionary War hero, Count Pulaski who fell in the battle for Savannah. Another fort of this era is Ft Jefferson (named for then President Jefferson) in the Dry Tortugas. With any luck you will get a blog on this fort sometime in January.
So, when the Civil War broke out, the Confederate soldiers of Savannah, 150 of them, sailed to the fort and took it from Union troops without a shot fired. However, shortly thereafter President Lincoln gave orders to secure the coast, so, Union ships headed to the mouth of the Savannah River to get the fort back.
The big problem with these Jeffersonian forts were that they were built before rifled cannons, so it was fairly easy to blast them away. Union soldiers pulled massive rifled cannons through the swampy ground on Tybee Island and aimed them at the fort. I suspect someone had consulted the plans of the fort as they aimed for the magazine. By the second day of shelling they had easy access directly to the powder magazine, so by the afternoon of 11 April 1862 General Olmstead of the Confederate Army surrendered. The fort was used as a prison for the remainder of the war.
You can see photos of the fort on the photo blog.
As for the rest of our day, Stella and I had a lovely sunset walk on the beach. We were warned by a local that the beach is regularly patrolled by the island police and they liberally give $200 tickets for dogs on the beach. We were advised to duck behind a dune if we heard their beach vehicles approaching. Stella and I are not good duckers, so we stayed near the beach path home. We met a night photographer and I got a few tips.
We have two more days here. Gotta get in that carriage ride soon.
KG
There were little corn muffins which were great all by themselves-not too sweet and little kernels of corn in them. You can have the honey butter which Marcia suggests might just be honey margarine. My shrimp were quite fresh and tasty-great breading. The cole slaw was not made my favorite way, but it was fresh and crunchy cabbage and I managed to eat it all. I just would have left out the bell pepper bits. Marcia's crab cakes were quite good-more crab less bread crumbs. We were brought a sample of the house specialty, charred oysters in half shell with cheese and garlic. I wouldn't order them over the raw, but Marcia might.
We decided to do Ft Pulaski with the remainder of the afternoon. The visitors center provided an excellent historical overview in film and several interesting displays. Basically, the story is this: After the British bout took the young US back in 1812, there were a series of forts built along the southern coast line. Ft Pulaski was one of them-named after the Revolutionary War hero, Count Pulaski who fell in the battle for Savannah. Another fort of this era is Ft Jefferson (named for then President Jefferson) in the Dry Tortugas. With any luck you will get a blog on this fort sometime in January.
So, when the Civil War broke out, the Confederate soldiers of Savannah, 150 of them, sailed to the fort and took it from Union troops without a shot fired. However, shortly thereafter President Lincoln gave orders to secure the coast, so, Union ships headed to the mouth of the Savannah River to get the fort back.
The big problem with these Jeffersonian forts were that they were built before rifled cannons, so it was fairly easy to blast them away. Union soldiers pulled massive rifled cannons through the swampy ground on Tybee Island and aimed them at the fort. I suspect someone had consulted the plans of the fort as they aimed for the magazine. By the second day of shelling they had easy access directly to the powder magazine, so by the afternoon of 11 April 1862 General Olmstead of the Confederate Army surrendered. The fort was used as a prison for the remainder of the war.
You can see photos of the fort on the photo blog.
As for the rest of our day, Stella and I had a lovely sunset walk on the beach. We were warned by a local that the beach is regularly patrolled by the island police and they liberally give $200 tickets for dogs on the beach. We were advised to duck behind a dune if we heard their beach vehicles approaching. Stella and I are not good duckers, so we stayed near the beach path home. We met a night photographer and I got a few tips.
We have two more days here. Gotta get in that carriage ride soon.
KG
Aye Matey-The Pirate's House
We stayed home on Christmas. The smells of roast pork permeated the Cronemobile and we had an easy day. I did get a long walk on the beach-no sunshine and occasionally misty rain, and Stella had several walks around the RV park. There were too many people on the beach to risk a walk with her on Christmas Day.
Yesterday we ventured out to Savannah for dinnah. We opted for the Pirate House because it was recommended by the Callahan Cousins and because it was open. We were not disappointed. We were seated next to a window which our server said was one of the most haunted places and featured on YouTube. I have not gone to YouTube to see it. It was a bit more lighted than other tables but a bit more drafty as well. The buffet was quite wonderful for those who love Southern cooking. Vegetarians need not even darken the door of this restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the food. Chicken fried right, fish fried in a thin and crispy corn meal batter, yellow squash casserole, corn casserole, broad green beans, baby Lima's and greens all swimming in their pot liquor with little bites of fatty pork. Potatoes mashed and sweet. Biscuits and corn bread muffins not too sweet. For desert we had the little square of pecan pie warmed and drizzled with caramel-quite tasty.
The restaurant has been there since 1733, so it made me wonder if my/our ancestor, David Cutler Braddock might have dined on the same spot. Grandpa David was called upon by Oglethorpe to keep the colony safe by keeping the Spanish ships to a minimum and looting their cargo. He was a government employee working on commission rather than a free lancer. Still, he might have raised a tankard or two with the indys.
One of the restaurant employees has the job of circulating with the customers and speaking to them in pirate talk. It is not necessary to respond to her, and indeed she probably appreciates not being spoken to. There are many losthsome jobs I would rather have than this one. Even the children do not seem interested. She did make me think of Ed's yearly reminder for "Talk like a pirate day". Maybe an annual convention could be held here-people who would appreciate her talent.
Next we were off to the movies. I have been wanting to see the new Hugh Grant movie with Sarah Jessica Parker. It was a dud. I probably laughed once. It was quite predictable and Hugh Grant couldn't even do himself very well. So, we decided to try again and made a double feature with "It's Complicated". This was better, but I have to say that I prefer Meryl Streep in roles with more substance. Sometime this week we will give "Nine" a try.
I am thinking of a trip to Fort Pulaski and Marcia has a carriage ride in downtown Savannah in mind. The temps are moderate-highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's and 40's. It continues to be overcast, but we are promised to be rain free till the day we leave-Wednesday. The big rigs all around us are moving out. We might just have the park to ourselves for awhile.
We will also make it to Ms Paula's for dinnah some day. Time for a beach walk now.
KG
Yesterday we ventured out to Savannah for dinnah. We opted for the Pirate House because it was recommended by the Callahan Cousins and because it was open. We were not disappointed. We were seated next to a window which our server said was one of the most haunted places and featured on YouTube. I have not gone to YouTube to see it. It was a bit more lighted than other tables but a bit more drafty as well. The buffet was quite wonderful for those who love Southern cooking. Vegetarians need not even darken the door of this restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the food. Chicken fried right, fish fried in a thin and crispy corn meal batter, yellow squash casserole, corn casserole, broad green beans, baby Lima's and greens all swimming in their pot liquor with little bites of fatty pork. Potatoes mashed and sweet. Biscuits and corn bread muffins not too sweet. For desert we had the little square of pecan pie warmed and drizzled with caramel-quite tasty.
The restaurant has been there since 1733, so it made me wonder if my/our ancestor, David Cutler Braddock might have dined on the same spot. Grandpa David was called upon by Oglethorpe to keep the colony safe by keeping the Spanish ships to a minimum and looting their cargo. He was a government employee working on commission rather than a free lancer. Still, he might have raised a tankard or two with the indys.
One of the restaurant employees has the job of circulating with the customers and speaking to them in pirate talk. It is not necessary to respond to her, and indeed she probably appreciates not being spoken to. There are many losthsome jobs I would rather have than this one. Even the children do not seem interested. She did make me think of Ed's yearly reminder for "Talk like a pirate day". Maybe an annual convention could be held here-people who would appreciate her talent.
Next we were off to the movies. I have been wanting to see the new Hugh Grant movie with Sarah Jessica Parker. It was a dud. I probably laughed once. It was quite predictable and Hugh Grant couldn't even do himself very well. So, we decided to try again and made a double feature with "It's Complicated". This was better, but I have to say that I prefer Meryl Streep in roles with more substance. Sometime this week we will give "Nine" a try.
I am thinking of a trip to Fort Pulaski and Marcia has a carriage ride in downtown Savannah in mind. The temps are moderate-highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's and 40's. It continues to be overcast, but we are promised to be rain free till the day we leave-Wednesday. The big rigs all around us are moving out. We might just have the park to ourselves for awhile.
We will also make it to Ms Paula's for dinnah some day. Time for a beach walk now.
KG
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Jax/Nassau to Savannah/Tybee Island
Georgia gas prices.
FHP is working.
Southeast meets Northwest.
St Mary's River-where the ancestors lived. At one time it was the southeastern border of the US.
The good news is that we didn't have rain or sleet or snow to drive through. We do marvel at the fact that there seems to be the same construction on I-95 that we remember driving through Christmas 2005.
However, the trip was smooth considering the construction, and it must be said that I was not driving. Marcia's hands and shoulders and neck and nerves might tell another story.
The RV park on Tybee is about the same-some construction going on. We have a good site-a big site very near the office, so the wi-fi is great. Though we will eventually get rain, it is sunny now. We have all we need-food, wine, wi-fi, books and full hook up.
Stella and I got a nice walk on the beach while chatting with my brother, Danny. Technically there are no dogs allowed, or at least that is how I remember it. I was sooooooooo busy on the phone that I didn't get to read the sign. I did notice that there were other paw prints on the beach and nobody seemed to care. A walk on the beach is what Stella wanted for Christmas. It's what Stella wants every day as well. A full bowl of kibble with gravy, morning shredded wheat and a beach walk-it doesn't get much better.
We have made a plan for eating in today as most of the restaurants we want to go to are closed at 3pm today. They will be ready to go next week, so we will eat our seafood dinners and Paula Dean dinnah then.
My big plan for Christmas Eve-get the laundry done.
Hope your Christmas Eve is as serene.
KG
Monday, December 21, 2009
Short Day-Full Heart
Hello Empty Cage Blogophiles. We are on the road again! Wa-hoo!
Our day began with a bit of running around in circles. We have been orienting our Swiss exchange guests to our house and community and have been bunking in the Cronemobile since Saturday night. So, somehow after giving my house and KIA keys to Birgit, I misplaced my Honda key. The first run around was looking for these keys and giving instruction in all the things I had forgotten to instruct about the day before. Most of you know that morning is not my time, and this kind of morning in particular was not my idea of a good time.
Eventually the keys were found and we got the Cronemobile together. Rene had a good time photographing our departure for his Facebook page, so we are Andy Warhol famous in Switzerland. We got as far as Hawthorne on Rt 301 when the noises from the front wheels and the shaking of the steering wheel and when we got out, the smell from the wheels made us turn around and head to the dealer in Ocala-luckily, in North Ocala. We were able to have a nice lunch while we waited. As Marcia drove the repair man around so that he could listen for the noise, Stella and I went for a walk around the parking lot. I found a $100 bill lying on the ground. I have never found this much money. With visions of little children going without their Christmas, I asked the owner if anybody has reported loosing money. So far, no reports. Now I am imagining a careless someone with a pocket full of $100 bills flying about.
When we got to the Flamingo RV Park in Jax and got all set up, I got a call from Stas on his new cell phone. He continues to do well. He has a cell phone and a laptop and an address. His employer plans to go to India in January and leave Stas in charge of the store. With the money he makes, Stas plans to pay off his court costs and probation fees-one more step towards emancipation from the State of Oregon. He will also move into a newly refurbished apartment above the store where he will have low rent-the same as he pays now for a multi-person apartment share, and a very short commute to work. I'm sure his employers will get the benefit of eyes and ears above the store as well, so it will probably work well for all of them. He sounds good.
Marcia and I had dinner with my Callahan Cousins, and a fine dinner it was. They are all quite dear to me, so seeing them and their families and hearing our family stories is a great gift. Also, Linda's daughter, Amber is expecting a baby in July. More cousins!!!
When I got home and checked my email, there was an offer for a house exchange from a French family. They live fairly close to our Swiss friends, so it would make a convenient addition to our summer exchange plans. It is way too early to tell if this will actually happen, but it was icing on the cake for my already very rich day.
Happy Solstice to all, and I hope your very short day had as much heart as mine.
KG
Our day began with a bit of running around in circles. We have been orienting our Swiss exchange guests to our house and community and have been bunking in the Cronemobile since Saturday night. So, somehow after giving my house and KIA keys to Birgit, I misplaced my Honda key. The first run around was looking for these keys and giving instruction in all the things I had forgotten to instruct about the day before. Most of you know that morning is not my time, and this kind of morning in particular was not my idea of a good time.
Eventually the keys were found and we got the Cronemobile together. Rene had a good time photographing our departure for his Facebook page, so we are Andy Warhol famous in Switzerland. We got as far as Hawthorne on Rt 301 when the noises from the front wheels and the shaking of the steering wheel and when we got out, the smell from the wheels made us turn around and head to the dealer in Ocala-luckily, in North Ocala. We were able to have a nice lunch while we waited. As Marcia drove the repair man around so that he could listen for the noise, Stella and I went for a walk around the parking lot. I found a $100 bill lying on the ground. I have never found this much money. With visions of little children going without their Christmas, I asked the owner if anybody has reported loosing money. So far, no reports. Now I am imagining a careless someone with a pocket full of $100 bills flying about.
When we got to the Flamingo RV Park in Jax and got all set up, I got a call from Stas on his new cell phone. He continues to do well. He has a cell phone and a laptop and an address. His employer plans to go to India in January and leave Stas in charge of the store. With the money he makes, Stas plans to pay off his court costs and probation fees-one more step towards emancipation from the State of Oregon. He will also move into a newly refurbished apartment above the store where he will have low rent-the same as he pays now for a multi-person apartment share, and a very short commute to work. I'm sure his employers will get the benefit of eyes and ears above the store as well, so it will probably work well for all of them. He sounds good.
Marcia and I had dinner with my Callahan Cousins, and a fine dinner it was. They are all quite dear to me, so seeing them and their families and hearing our family stories is a great gift. Also, Linda's daughter, Amber is expecting a baby in July. More cousins!!!
When I got home and checked my email, there was an offer for a house exchange from a French family. They live fairly close to our Swiss friends, so it would make a convenient addition to our summer exchange plans. It is way too early to tell if this will actually happen, but it was icing on the cake for my already very rich day.
Happy Solstice to all, and I hope your very short day had as much heart as mine.
KG
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