Blogs from Crossville, Alabama, United States, North America

Wow...BOTH kids and grandkids came to visit for a week. It was exciting, fun-filled, exhausting, rewarding, and ought to be repeated at least semi-annually. Kim had finished her summer classes for her MBA and had a 4 week break. Her visit had been in the works for a while and she wanted to be here for Trish's birthday (Aug 2). Josh wanted to bring the boys to visit, go to Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, and catch fireflies. He told us this spring he hoped to come at the end of July. Finally, both kids talked to each other, worked out details, and Kim, Kris, and Sophie (chocolate lab) arrived Sunday, July 30. Lots of excitement, dog running around fields, suitcases up to guest room, hugs, dog finding other doggie friends from across street, and stretches. Then ... read more

YEA!!! Our son was going to drive up from Florida and bring our grandsons Drew (5) and Xander (3) for a week. Biggest draw (bigger than seeing Ji-san (Grandpa) and Ba-san (Grandma)) was fireflies. The lightning bugs were coming out in force and there are none in Florida. Drew had gathered them 2 years ago and was excited for the chance to catch them again. Also, the kids wanted to a)go to a cave, b) go to a waterpark, c) ride the tractor, and d) swim in a lake. Lots to do and we'd try to fit it all in. First full day was a trip to Cathedral Caverns State Park. Basan opted out because she had been there before and knew it would be a long walk. With her bad knee, she decided it wasn't ... read more

Well, it was finally time to leave Tucson and get on home. New TV cabinet looks great, we understand the slides and levelers and how to use, and we are getting anxious to get going. So on Saturday, we drove to the maintenance office and "all" they needed to do was put a hitch on to match our car. OPPS! They were supposed to have come an measured it during the week but never did. So now, at noon on Saturday (shops out west seem to close at noon) we learn they do NOT have the appropriate size hitch. This was the first real screwup by Lazydays. But it kept us from leaving. So back to the campground (at a reduced rate) and wait until Monday. Not happy campers....literally. First thing Monday morning I go to ... read more

I realize I have previously explained where we retired and when, but I keep getting asked WHY? (Not as in why did you retire—duh—but as in why Alabama?) Every time we are introduced or meet someone here in Alabama, they ask, often with a touch of incredulity, “You mean, you actually wanted to move here?!” So I thought, now that we have been here for almost 3 full months, I’d try to explain. First, I began to seriously consider where to retire back in 2000. We have always lived east of the Mississippi and in the north: Ohio, NH, NY, MA, WV, and VA. So it would be logical to presume that would be our choice. Weather is a factor and though we both loved the snow, went cross country skiing, and knew how to cook ... read more

We arrived back in VA on April 18 and the cats were very glad to be "home". They walked the yard, checked out smells, and seemed very happy to be back. Our big job was to finish packing, clean the house, and prepare to move out. I had contracted with a moving company to move us for what seemed a reasonable fee. They would not pack (except for furniture and a few other items) so we had to make sure it was done right. After 7 moves with the government and another 5 on our own, we felt comfortable and competent that we could get it right. I had contracted with Mayflower moving in January and the move coordinator, Tyrone, came to the house, gave us a binding estimate, and walked us through what was expected. ... read more