As the years pass birthdays seem to sneak up on me faster
than ever before. Gosh, yesterday I turned yet another year older. I like to
forget about the numbers and just think of it as another reason to make it a
special day with good food in the company of my hubby. Weather-wise we were rewarded with bright
sunshine, warm temps and a light breeze that didn’t hamper our dinner
preparations on the Weber Q. I took care of the asparagus being barbecued on
the grill mat before Benno put on the rib eye steaks. The mushrooms I sautéed
in the frying pan on the stovetop, as well the caramelized onions.
We do not eat large portions anymore and this was just
enough to fill us up. My special birthday cake, a strawberry and blueberry
torte made with real whipping cream, we ate in the afternoon served with a nice
cup of coffee. That is a tradition from Germany where the dessert pastries are
being served in the afternoon. Also you might know the word: “Kaffeeklatsch”
translated it means you invite friends over for coffee and cake in the
afternoon and gossip.
Because it was my birthday, Benno thought I might want to
have a look around at the “Tanger Outlets Mall” in Foley to pick out a birthday
present. The mall is located near the Exit 44 from the I-10 and close to other
shopping as well. I thought about if I wanted to go and decided I could use a
new pair of Crocs for the garden. The first shoe store I went into didn’t have
any. When I asked about them I was told that there was a “Crocs Outlet” store within
the outdoor mall. Well, wouldn’t you know it, there were hundreds of them Crocs
in that store and I got a coupon for 25% off the already reduced sales price. I
considered it my lucky day.
The RV Park we are at is halfway to either cities Mobile, AL
or Pensacola, FL, so we travel alternately depending what is on our agenda.
Crossing over the Stateline to Florida there is a large welcome center on I-10.
We drive by there so often and have never stopped there this year. A couple of
days ago we decided to exit there for a quick pit stop for the dogs. If you go
into the building you are offered a free sample of pure orange juice. Outside
there is an actual ‘Blue Angles” plane on a pedestal as a tourist attraction.
It’s a busy and popular stopover.
Driving the opposite way on either the Old Spanish Trail, or
I-10, getting off at the Exit 35 or 35A, brings us to many more shopping areas. On the north side across the I-10 is the Bass Pro store. On the south side of the I-10 is one of my favourite stores the “Fresh Market” an upscale supermarket with many
imports and specialty foods. By the way, their almond paste filled croissants
is to die for. Next to this store is a “Hobby Lobby”. We were there last week for
a little shopping as it had been a cooler day and we didn’t want to sit around
the RV. After our purchases we decided
to have a look at the Daphne Gator Boardwalk that is supposed to wind through a
nice conservation area and its starting point is only minutes away from the
shopping area we were at. There is no relationship to the Alligator Alley Farm
in Summerdale, AL. The City of Daphne has right at the exit of the Interstate
10 a river and swamp section provided with a boardwalk and security fence, free
of admission fee to everyone to enjoy the wildlife watching including
alligators. We parked the truck in the empty parking area, grabbed both dogs
and started walking along the designated trail. That trail looks very inviting,
however we were underdressed and with only windbreakers we still felt cold so
decided to return to the truck and to come back on a warmer day.
I am so glad that we returned when we did. There was now a white sedan parallel parked not more
than a foot away from the passenger door of our truck. Two colored younger guys
were sitting in the car. There were no other cars around in the parking lot and
there was no reason to park so close next to us. We had left all our purchases
visible in the truck when we went for our walk. Mobile has a problem with car
break-ins, so Benno pressed the alarm button on our key fob to give a quick
alarm sound as we approached and the white sedan left in a hurry. Hmmm.
Today was another not go anywhere day, but we went to the
fence of the RV Park to feed a nice red apple to a couple of horses. Sorry
horses, I only had one apple left.
What a great day! And Happy Belated birthday, no number needed as long as you had a special day. Love the crocs, best gardening shoes ever! Well, ours are 'knockoffs'. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice Welcome Centre, Bill would love the Blue Angel.
you returned to the car for more than one reason, obviously. Wow, lucky!!
Thanks. I have a pair of "knockoffs" crocs that I really like but can't remember where I bought them to get another pair. At least that outlet store had many different styles and colours to choose from. There are many sites here that would interest guys like ships and planes and army tanks etc.
DeleteHappy Belated birthday to you as well, sounds like a fun day. Love that area so much to see and do.
ReplyDeleteThank you. That is the nice part of staying in an RV Park that is close to larger towns or cities with attractions and shops. Although this park is very quiet in a rural setting.
DeleteHappy Belated Birthday Marlene. Glad you had an Enjoyable Day.
ReplyDeleteWe carry a dark blanket so if we go anywhere with purchases covered on the floor they are not visible from the outside.
Using the Key Fob was a good thing.
Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Thanks. That wasn't very well planned on our side and not very wise to leave things out in the open. I don't even want to go back to that municipal parking spot anymore if we want to do that trail.
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