Even though we're back in snow country

I prefer to post this photo I took just before leaving Florida. It will be quite awhile before we see flowers blooming in Maine. But it's been a great trip!

Bayou Country

Staying way south in Bayou Country

After leaving Austin we headed east through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Wanting to avoid the unusual cold and snow in the northern part of these states, we kept as far south as possible. That meant traveling along the gulf coast. It seems our weather luck was all at the start of this trip, for now we have overcast, rain, and sometimes windy conditions. Then we found Ho-Hum RV Park in Carrabelle, Florida (panhandle). They had one spot left! It was so windy that evening, the bark was being blown off the Loblolly pine tree next to us, scaring us with the thuds. It didn't help any that the manager said they have a lot of bear activity here! 

  

In Caravelle, FL - Our Roadtrek is the tiny one where the arrow is pointing!

Anyway, the next day was a bit calmer and I got a few photos before we left. I never get tired of looking at water!

Austin was great!

We rolled into town February 17 for Bonnie's QuiltCon adventure. That's where today's modern quilters convene to show, view, learn, and generally swoon over everything modern quilt related. More info at The Modern Quilt Guild website. www.themodernquiltquild.com

Below is the 2015 Best in Show "i Quilt" made by Kathy York of Austin. Nice job, Kathy!

The 4-day conference left me saturated with color, design ideas, and eager for more! 

Mardi Gras = Serious Bling

It's my impression that Mardi Gras is celebrated along the Gulf Coast all through February. Here is one doorway in the small town of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I was impressed! You will also see Mardi Gras trees (like a Christmas tree, only decorated for Mardi Gras). And, of course, beads. Lots of beads. And, parades. Lots of parades. It's a festive time of extreme partying before Lent. And, New Orleans embraces the partying spirit all year long, but especially now!

Louisiana is a blast! Bourbon Street in New Orleans is debauchery, but we enjoyed viewing it from a balcony table at Le Bayou restaurant, watching the parade of people on the sidewalks below. We had a nice dinner at Deanies and the best part was red potatoes served with butter before the meal, instead of rolls. They cook the potatoes in the spicy low country boil, making them delish! It's all about the food!

We also enjoyed the beignets (French donut/fried dough, heavily dusted with confectioner's sugar) and cafe au last at Cafe du Monde. Iconic. Of course this, and many other treats contributed to Bonnie's Weight Watchers' overage today at weigh-in. Only a couple of pounds up. I'll take it!

New Orleans

We made it to Louisiana and the Big Easy. We are staying in an RV Reaort within walking distance of the French Quarter. What a crazy place. Oh, but the FOOD! I'm a fan. The weather has been kind to us. We chose a good winter to leave Maine for a couple of months. 

On the road again

So, the Roadtrek is repaired.and we are on our way again. We left Bonita Springs Wednesday and stayed overnight in Perry, just into the panhandle of Florida. We are now in Panama City Beach, FL and will be in Mississippi for an informal Roadtrek gathering, I'm so excited about "Shrimpin' on the Bayou" with about 20 other Roadtrek units and 30+ people. We will have a "low country boil" Saturday night. Can't wait!
Meanwhile, back in Maine, our son checked on our condo and sent this picture of the patio view out our back slider. Um. I'm glad we are here!