We're Not in Kansas Anymore

  Champagne Cajun Swamp Tours is one of the most unique experiences we will ever encounter! As a member of Harvest Hosts , Champagne Cajun Swamp Tours allows RV guests to stay overnight in the empty field across from the dock. In exchange for the free campsite, RVers agree to support the small business in some monetary way. While they have a few T-shirts and mugs for sale in the gift shop, the most popular purchase is the one-hour alligator Swamp Tour. Now, I knew Geoff would jump at the chance to take a boat ride through alligator-ridden waters, but I wasn't quite so sure I was up to the task. However, one of the reasons we chose the RV lifestyle was to partake in new experiences. When would I have another opportunity to come face-to-face with an alligator (in a relatively safe environment)?  We checked into the site around noon (an hour later than originally planned due to an unfortunate wrong turn that required us to complete a 180 degree addjustment in the middle of a na...

  It's hard to believe that this snowbird adventure is coming to an end. In total... We spent eleven weeks on the road  Traveled approximately 3,400 miles Visited a dozen different states Stayed at fifteen separate RV Parks ... from family farms to upscale resorts and everything in-between Experienced some mechanical mishaps Made a few problematic wrong turns Settled into a daily rhythm Discovered we LOVE the RV but are not fond of the dolly. We plan to trade in my car ASAP for one that can be flat-towed. We have lots to discuss regarding future plans, but for now, we are focused on returning home. Lessons Learned The trip to Florida taught us the value - and necessity - of spending two nights at an RV campground between each travel day. While we "can" power through and travel several days in a row, we don't want to. We prefer to rest upon arrival ... leisurely wake up the next morning ... take time to double-check the rig to ensure all is running well ... enjoy a hot...

Five years ago I decided to trace my ancestors back to their country of origin. I figured this would be a good weekend project (ha!) Little did I realize I was embarking on an all-consuming passion that would last throughout my retirement years. Both my parents shared little about their childhoods. I knew a few details but no specifics. For example, Mom told me that she grew up on a farm in Franklin, TX and her father died when she was eight years old. I had no idea that Mom grew up surrounded by dozens of cousins.  And Dad told me his father left his mother before Dad turned two (and his younger brother less than six months). His mother contracted tuberculosis and eventually, the family moved to Alabama. An uncle owned a farm there, and they hoped the fresh air and sunshine would remedy the disease. Unfortunately, his mom died in 1941 when Dad was thirteen years old. I have a funeral notes document that tells me the church where her funeral was held and the cemetery where she is b...