Update from Mississippi

Hi Y'all!  Thought we ought to put out a blog post tonight to let you know that we will be headed tomorrow (Saturday) to Pensacola Florida.  We'll be meeting our dear friends Irv and Elaine (former residents of the Sudden Valley 'hood) and spending a few days sight seeing and visiting with them. Getting all the way to Florida was always with the hope we would get to see them - and Lord willing, we'll make it there tomorrow.  During the time we're visiting, the blog will be on the back burner, but rest assured, when we begin our travels again we will be back to regular posts!  

We've spent four lazy days here in Mississippi at Bay St Louis in the "Hollywood Casino" RV park.  Unlike many other casino RV parks, this one is not just a big parking lot.  We have all the amenities we need and have really enjoyed our stay here, even though we are not exactly leaving here as "big winners". Oh well.  We're not leaving as "big losers" either.  :)  We have a (very) small gambling budget and we keep to it. 

While here, we did spend one of the days driving around the general vicinity and were really impressed with the gorgeous shoreline! 

Two of the days were bitter cold - so cold that our heat pump iced up and we had to resort (again) to our propane furnace. One day we went grocery shopping and I was sincerely aghast when I saw the following item on the shelf:

People EAT this stuff?  I guess I'm showing my "Northwesterness" here, but honestly, I was in shock when I saw it.  We have enjoyed some really tasty Southern cuisine.  Last night we went to the casino buffet (half price for anyone 50+) and tried some regional favorites.... crawfish pie, gumbo, collard greens, black eyed peas, dirty rice, fried catfish, & pickled okra. For dessert we both tried "King Cake" -- 

Lawd have mercy, that stuff is good!!  King Cake only comes around during Mardi  Gras season and always is sprinkled with purple, yellow, and green sugar - the colors of Mardi Gras.  There can be different fillings inside the cake. We had a cinnamon/raisin piece and a cream filled or custard filled piece. DELICIOUS!   One other dessert at the buffet took me back to my childhood.  Southern banana pudding.  OMG. I could eat that every night of my life it is SO good.  It's the one made with vanilla wafers, bananas, vanilla custard/pudding, and whipped cream. I'll insert a photo so we can all drool...

Okay, enough about southern food for this time.  

Jinx the RV cat has enjoyed this park as well.  He's been having daily walks, checking out the squirrels, birds, and whatever may be lurking in the nearby swamp.  This morning I was humming "Polk Salad Annie... gator's got your granny...." while we were circling the swamp.  His ear hair has started regrowing.  Guess we'll never know why it fell out in the first place.  So far, Jinx has set down paw in every state we've traveled through. I told John we need to write a new set of lyrics to the old Ricky Nelson song, "Travelin' Man" and rename it "Travelin' Cat". If we do it, I promise to make a YouTube video of the three of us singing it.  Well, maybe only two of us will sing... one may just yowl.  

We thank you for following along with us, and do be watching for more posts in the very near future!