After living in Alabama since November 1, I feel tempted to call us transplanted Alabamians.
We have learned to love the beaches here in southern Alabama especially and are tempted to stay even longer.
Alabama State Flag
I learned that the Alabama state flag is a red x on a white background. It is supposed to resemble the crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white. We see a lot of these state flags flying.
Since we have already been here for nearly two months and are planning to stay another month, I thought it would be nice to learn more about the great state of Alabama.
Alabama State Bird
According to Wikipedia, the Alabama state bird is the Northern Flicker.
The Alabama state flower is the camellia. It is a gorgeous flower and I have yet to see any of them.
Being here during November, December, and January is the ideal time for them to bloom, but I have yet to find any.
I guess I will need to be more observant of some of the blooms we see as we drive down the road.
Alabama State Tree
The Alabama state tree is the longleaf pine. We have seen a lot of these all the way from the northern part of the state down here to the southern tip. We even found bald eagles nesting in them.
The capital of Alabama is Montgomery and the oldest city is Mobile as it was founded in 1702. I hope to explore Mobile in the coming weeks, but we haven’t ventured that way yet.
A couple of interesting points —
Alabama has some of the strictest laws in the nation surrounding abortion. All abortions after the point of conception–the fertilization of an egg–is illegal. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.
Marijuana is only legal for medical purposes in Alabama.
Patients eligible to buy weed in Alabama can only do so at licensed marijuana dispensaries.
As of August 2023, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission just awarded licenses to four medical marijuana dispensaries and five integrated facilities with approved dispensary locations.
This means that the legal sale of cannabis will likely begin in late 2023 or early 2024. When sales begin, consumers will not be allowed to buy smokable cannabis flower, marijuana paraphernalia, hash and concentrates.
Sales of recreational marijuana remain illegal in Alabama.
Sometimes we don’t wake up until late morning and then we just sit and relax and drink coffee until noon.
By that time one of us is hungry. The first one to mention food is usually the one who cooks something for both of us.
Dishes might get done or not. We have been known to binge-watch a show on a streaming service and barely move from our spots for an entire day.
We have also played cards or board games all day long while listening to music.
We don’t always go somewhere. We actually stay home quite often. When the weather is comfortable we sit outside and don’t talk for hours.
Living in an RV is much the same as living in a house. Except that we move around to new places and do a lot of sightseeing and exploring.
Yesterday and today were those kind of boring days where we stayed home and did nothing.
We need our rest because tomorrow we get some family visitors for three days. Our daughter and three grandchildren are flying down from Ohio. Let the fun begin.
I promise to take lots of pictures and write all about it. Stay tuned for our family adventures.
Rich and I have lived in a lot of places since we met in 1985.
We both grew up having lived in the same house our whole lives. Rich may have moved one time when he was a young child but doesn’t remember much about the house before.
My mother still lives in the same house my dad was born in. He died in that house and so will she. She says that no other place could ever feel like home to her.
It’s not that I don’t have a home mentality, it’s just that I like change and so does Rich.
We started out in an apartment and then moved to a mobile home in a trailer park. We went to Florida and lived with friends for a few months before renting our first house. We rented a second house in Florida before moving back home to Ohio.
We bought our first house in Ohio after our first child was born and lived there for five years.
Having outgrown that house with three children, we bought a larger one. We lived there for sixteen years when we had to declare bankruptcy and give it up.
At that time we moved to a town twenty miles away where we both worked and rented a house. When they sold the house we were renting, we lived in three separate apartments until we found the house we were living in when we decided to become full-time RVers.
We lived in that house for nine years and now have been in the RV since April of 2022, not quite two years.
Since moving into the RV we have lived in many places. Each place is different but our home is the same. It’s really great to just close up and take our home with us wherever we go.
It is comfortable, and it is home. As long as we are together, we are happy with whatever type of dwelling we live in. I can make any place feel like home. I wonder where we will live tomorrow.
On the southern Alabama and Florida Panhandle Coastline
The Gulf Islands National Seashore on the southern coast of Alabama and the Florida panhandle is a magnificent area to see with its sandy white beaches and emerald blue waters. I didn’t realize there were so many different areas designated as national seashore and protected. We were fortunate to find so many wonderful parts to explore.
The first section we found was the Rosamond Johnson Beach area. This section is located east of Perdido Key, Florida. We are staying in Foley, Alabama and it is a straight drive south to Gulf Shores, Alabama. From there we simply drove east on Beach Blvd for about 15 miles until we entered the gate.
Rich and I have the National Park Pass which gets us into the National areas for free, but if you don’t have one, it will cost you to enter. $15 per person or $25 per vehicle.
Sadly, the road past the entrance going to Fort McRee is closed for repairs and won’t reopen until March 1. The furthest you can drive is to the Johnson Beach parking lot.
The second area we found was the Fort Pickens area. Fort Pickens is one of four military forts that was designed to protect Pensacola in the 1800s and is located west of Pensacola Beach on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The drive back to the fort is filled with protected dunes.
Fort Pickens was the largest of a group of pentagonal-shaped fortifications designed to defend Pensacola Harbor in the 1800s.
It is located at the western tip of Santa Rosa Island, just offshore from the mainland. Fort Pickens guarded the island and the entrance to the harbor.
It was built with over 20 million bricks and was completed in 1834. I love exploring these old forts and imagining what it must have been like for the soldiers to live and work there.
Fort Pickens defended Pensacola Harbor along with Fort Barrancas, Fort McRee, and the Navy Yard. It guarded the island and the entrance to the harbor.
Today the fort is slowly being reclaimed by nature. Grass and weeds grow where soldiers once stood, and stalactites are forming as water drips through the bricks of the ceilings.
Fort Pickens is another pay area to visit. It will cost you $15 per person or $25 per vehicle unless you have a national park pass.
The next area we found was the Santa Rosa Area east of Pensacola Beach. We drove the road past Opal Beach to the end at Navarre Beach.
There are numerous parking areas along this road to stop and see the ocean.
I always search these beach areas for shells and just don’t find many.
Navarre Beach Marine Park is at the end of the road and is free to enter and park.
This is where most of the beach scenes were filmed for the movie “Jaws 2.”
The sand is white and the water is emerald green. It is breathtaking.
The next area we found was the Naval Live Oaks Area.
The Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve is another part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is near Gulf Breeze, Florida.
Notice the osprey nest in the photo in the top of the tree in the distance.
This is one of the most wooded areas in the park and features several miles of hiking trails, as well as a group campsite. The visitor center located at the park headquarters on the south side of Highway 98 is permanently closed.
I love that we stay in one area for such a long time and have plenty of time to see and explore all of the beautiful places. Staying in one place for at least a month at a time has been the best option for us. I hope you enjoyed seeing these many areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore along the Florida and Alabama coastline.
I had to find out what it is about the beach that is so calm and relaxing so I did some research and this is what I discovered.
The beach’s calming and relaxing effect is a combination of several factors, both physical and psychological.
Physical sensory experience:
The rhythmic crashing of the waves is a form of white noise, which masks distracting sounds and promotes relaxation. Studies have shown that listening to these sounds activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response.
The vastness of the ocean, the gentle sway of nearby trees and tall grasses, and the sun’s warm glow create a calming and peaceful scene. Nature has a restorative effect on the mind and body, which reduces stress and anxiety.
Walking barefoot on the warm sand is grounding and stimulating. The pressure on the feet releases tension and improves mood.
The scent of the salty air, with its negative ions, improves mood and well-being. Additionally, the ocean breeze is refreshing and cleansing.
Physiological effects:
Sunlight exposure increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes happiness and well-being. Additionally, vitamin D from the sun strengthens the immune system.
The warm sand and air promotes muscle relaxation and reduces stress.
The beach offers an escape from pollution and allergens, providing cleaner air that improves breathing and energy levels.
Psychological factors:
Many people associate the beach with positive memories and experiences, creating a sense of nostalgia and happiness.
The beach environment is often less demanding and stimulating than everyday life, allowing for mental rest and relaxation.
The natural environment encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment, reducing worries and anxieties about the future.
The vastness and power of the ocean instill a sense of awe and wonder, leading to a feeling of peace and insignificance.
Overall, the beach offers a multi-sensory experience that engages our physical and psychological senses, creating a calming and relaxing effect. This escape from the stresses of everyday life allows us to recharge, rejuvenate, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
I woke up this morning with more energy than normal and decided to do some baking. I haven’t done much in recent months and listening to old-fashioned Christmas songs like “Frosty the Snowman” reminded me of my childhood and put me in the mood. My mom and I always did a lot of baking when I was young and lived at home. Especially during the holidays.
I got out my homemade recipe book filled with family recipes and picked out a few things to bake.
First on the list was one of Rich’s favorites, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
I love having these recipes. This is a photo of the original written in my mom’s handwriting. I never get as many cookies out of a recipe as it says I should. I guess I make them too large.
Next on the list was one of my favorites, the buttery snickerdoodles.
The recipe below is written by me when I was maybe ten years old and took a baking project in 4-H. I had to write out every step. I think I remember getting a blue ribbon for my cookies.
They turned out great. I stuck most of the cookies in the freezer so we don’t eat them all at once. I’m so happy with the new stove and oven we put in the RV. It cooks and bakes perfectly.
Third, I made some chocolate syrup brownies.
These are heavenly delicious. You simply must try them. I would recommend Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup but today I had Clover Valley from Dollar General on hand. They tasted just as good.
While I was baking, Rich walked the laundry down to the free facility provided here at the campground and washed two loads of laundry.
We have never found free laundry anywhere else. This is a wonderful service and we are thankful for having it. There are only two washers and two dryers but it has not been very busy when we wanted to use them.
After all that work it was nap time for Rich and Medium time for me. I still want to make one more kind of cookie, but it can wait until he wakes up.
While Rich was sleeping I went ahead and stirred up a batch of Chocolate Crinkles and a batch of easy peanut butter fudge and put them both in the refrigerator.
The cookie dough needs to be refrigerated for a couple of hours before baking it.
The easy fudge recipe I use is just one 18 oz. jar of creamy peanut butter and one container of Cream Cheese Frosting. Whipped or Regular both work fine. Put them both in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together well. Microwave another 30 seconds. Stir and put in a 9×9 square pan lined with wax paper. Then refrigerate for a couple of hours.
I just can’t get real fudge to set up right when I try to cook it on the stove, but this one is fool proof.
After all that I sat down in the recliner and put my feet up and closed my own eyes for a while.
Overtop of the extremely loud ringing sound that is constantly in my ears, I listened and heard large jets taking off and landing, the small aircraft pilot was giving flying lessons again today but it wasn’t as steady as yesterday was. A few vehicles pulled in and out of the campground and the manager was mowing the grass in several of the empty lots. A bird was chirping incessantly and I wish I knew what it was. I need to download an app that can identify bird sounds. And one of the neighbor’s little dogs was barking at something.
After an early supper, we drove to Gulf Shores Beach and watched the sunset with a great blue heron.
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird common near the shores. They are beautiful birds.
He wasn’t bothered a bit by us and allowed us to watch the sunset with him.
It was another great day in paradise. Thanks for coming along with us as we see America and photograph gorgeous sunsets like these.
Storms rolling through the area during the night were fierce. The bright lightning followed by loud thunder woke us both up around 2:00 am. The wind was strong. We lay in bed hoping the lawn chairs sitting outside would still be there when we got up in the morning.
And yes, everything was still there. The much-needed rain did no damage here in the campground. But I saw on the news that there were tornadoes in Georgia. Thank goodness we were spared from that.
It was a boring yet relaxing morning drinking coffee and listening to the radio. I did some writing and reading on Medium.
About lunchtime, Rich started his usual rummaging through the cupboards, the refrigerator, and the freezer, and said, “Let’s go grocery shopping.”
We drove to the nearest Dollar General and loaded up on some goodies. When we came back home we settled for toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Do you call it toasted cheese? I know a lot of people don’t. Everyone calls it something different. I blame my mother because that’s what she called it so that’s what I learned.
The only interesting thing that happened today was when we were sitting outside. The neighbor’s camper started rocking and pretty soon we heard a female voice begin to ooo and aaa. We could only assume one thing was going on inside that camper and listened as we pretended not to. After about 15 minutes the air conditioner turned on. I guess they were too hot. Then we heard some more ooo’s and aaa’s and just smiled at each other.
We spent the rest of the afternoon inside playing cards and games. It might seem boring to some people but we had fun. Maybe not as much fun as the neighbors did, but fun just the same.
The temperature is dropping and is supposed to get as low as 34 overnight.
Thanks for following along with us. See you tomorrow.
Today was a beautiful warm day in Foley, Alabama. The temperature was 79 and humid. We turned on the air conditioning for the first time this month.
We stayed home today for the most part and relaxed outside. We are parked at Alabama Coast Campground and as of now plan to stay put until the end of January.
We played a few games of Sequence this afternoon. It has become one of our favorite games. We have quite the competition and always play at least the best out of five games. And I painted my fingernails a pretty coral green.
The neighbors across the way put up some Christmas decorations today. It was fun watching him put the Santa up.
We left home at 4:00 pm and headed to the Portage Creek Canal and parked the car on E. Canal Drive with tons of other vehicles to watch the annual Christmas Boat Parade.
With a perfect view of the canal, we set up the lawn chairs and relaxed until dusk. The boat parade begins at Lulu’s Gulf Shores and ends at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
The neighbors sitting beside us were extremely nice and conversational. We visited with them and listened to Christmas music together. They informed us that there will be fireworks on the beach on New Year’s Eve.
The first Christmas boat parade we ever saw was last year in Florida. Having lived in Ohio our whole lives we didn’t know there was such a thing.
Fog started to roll in just around dusk as the parade started due to the warm temperature of the air and colder water temperatures.
It was a wonderful parade with a lot of fun decorated boats playing loud Christmas songs. The boats here were much larger than the ones we saw last year in Florida.
We were back home by 6:00 pm and it was already dark. We aren’t allowed to have fires here, mostly due to the statewide burn ban. It would have been a nice night to sit outside around a fire.
Thanks for traveling with us and reading about our adventures. I hope you had an enjoyable day today like we did.
You don’t have to miss out on the winter holidays just because you live in an RV full-time and travel south to warmer weather. There are many creative ways you can spread Christmas cheer and feel cozy at home while on the road. Here are ten ways we have found to spread holiday cheer while living in our RV.
1 Place a huge Christmas wreath on the windshield
Most RVs boast huge spacious windshields, providing an ideal canvas for showcasing your holiday spirit. A vibrant and cheerful holiday wreath will serve as a warm welcome to guests and passersby, instantly infusing your RV with the essence of the season. Craft stores offer an extensive selection of wreaths to suit every taste and style. From classic evergreen wreaths to more contemporary designs featuring twinkling lights and intricate ornaments, you’re sure to find the perfect wreath to complement your RV’s exterior.
For those seeking a more hands-on approach, embarking on a DIY wreath-making project offers an opportunity to unleash creativity and personalize your RV’s holiday décor. You can gather an assortment of natural materials like fragrant pinecones, glistening berries, and colorful bows, and let your imagination guide you as you weave them together to create a unique and cherished wreath. Whether you opt for store-bought convenience or embrace the DIY spirit, hanging a festive wreath on your RV’s front windshield is a simple way to spread holiday cheer and transform your mobile abode into a beacon of warmth and welcoming spirit.
2 Hang an additional wreath on the RV door
Extend the festive cheer to your RV’s entryway by adorning the door with an additional wreath, adding another layer of warmth and welcoming spirit to your mobile abode. Wreaths specifically crafted for RV doors offer a convenient and secure solution, ensuring that your holiday decoration remains in place even during blustery winds. These specialized wreaths often feature sturdy wire frames and durable attachments that can withstand the rigors of RV travel.
Alternatively, you can breathe new life into a traditional wreath by adapting it for use on your RV door. Employ suction cups or wreath hangers designed for exterior surfaces to affix the wreath securely to the door, transforming it into a charming focal point that will greet guests with festive cheer. Whether you choose a specialized RV door wreath or adapt a traditional wreath using suction cups or hangers, the addition of this item will undoubtedly enhance your RV’s curb appeal and spread holiday cheer throughout your campsite and the entire campground.
3 Hang strings of Christmas lights inside and out
Transform your RV into a mesmerizing spectacle of light and color by draping strings of twinkling lights both inside and outside your RV.
Indoors, you can let the warm glow of string lights illuminate your RV’s interior, casting a cozy and inviting ambiance. Most RV slides feature a convenient lip around the edge providing an ideal perch for string lights to gracefully cascade down. Draping the lights along the slide’s edge creates a harmonious blend of festive cheer. You can even wrap string lights and garland together to hang them on the slides.
Next, venture outdoors and continue the enchanting display of lights by strategically placing them around your RV’s exterior. Let the lights trace the RV’s awning, or slides, outlining the shape with a luminous embrace. Or playfully trail the lights along the ground, creating a mesmerizing pathway that guides guests to your RV’s entrance. For an extra touch of creativity, consider wrapping strings of lights around the trunk of a nearby tree and up the lower branches. As the lights intertwine with the tree’s branches, they’ll transform the foliage into a shimmering beacon of holiday cheer, adding a touch of magic to your campsite.
You can select from a captivating array of light options to suit your festive preferences. Multi-colored lights offer a vibrant and playful touch, while white lights exude a classic and elegant glow. Alternatively, you can embrace a monochromatic theme by opting for strings of single-colored lights such as blue or red, adding a bold and impactful accent to your RV’s exterior.
4 Hang oversized Christmas ornaments outside
Transform your RV campsite into a captivating winter wonderland by adorning it with an array of oversized Christmas ornaments, suspended gracefully from the RV’s awning or nearby tree branches. These enchanting orbs, available in a myriad of designs, can be readily found at most department stores, offering a plethora of options to suit every taste and style. From classic glass bulbs to whimsical plastic round ornaments featuring playful characters and patterns, you’re sure to discover the perfect oversized designs to complement your RV’s exterior and infuse your campsite with holiday cheer.
Zip ties provide an ingenious and convenient solution for temporarily securing them to the awning. Their durable construction and simple application make them ideal for this task, ensuring that the ornaments remain securely in place. If placing them on nearby tree branches, select sturdy enough tree branches to ensure they can safely support the weight of the ornaments if they are heavy.
5 Use strands of Christmas garland
Transform your RV into a festive wonderland by adorning it with vibrant garlands. These decorative touches will infuse your RV with warmth and cheer, making it a cozy haven during the holidays or any special occasion. Drape garlands gracefully over windows, doorways, and cabinets, allowing their vibrant hues and intricate designs to enhance your RV’s interior.
Extend the festive spirit outdoors by wrapping garlands specifically made for the outdoors around the awning and along the exterior of your RV. Let the twinkling lights and cheerful ornaments interwoven within the garlands illuminate your RV, creating a mesmerizing display that will surely delight and captivate. With a touch of creativity and a dash of holiday spirit, you can transform your RV into a festive masterpiece that will bring joy to all who pass by.
6 Decorate a mini-Christmas tree
Put up a mini-Christmas tree inside. This is a fun way to add a festive touch to your RV. You can find small artificial trees at most stores as well as many types of mini ornaments. Even if you don’t have a lot of space in your RV, you can still enjoy the tradition of having a Christmas tree inside. If there is a window near the table, set it on the table and open the window for others to see the lights and enjoy your mini tree too.
7 Adorn the windows with Christmas window clings
Deck out your RV windows with an array of festive Christmas window clings. These delightful adornments, readily available at most retail stores, come in a captivating assortment of designs, featuring jolly Santas, playful snowmen, and prancing reindeer. The application process is delightfully simple and requires no special tools or adhesives. Simply peel each cling from its backing and gently press it onto your RV window. The static cling will securely adhere to the glass, allowing you to easily reposition or remove the clings as desired. With their effortless application and temporary nature, Christmas window clings are an ideal choice for adding a touch of holiday magic to your RV without any fuss or commitment.
8 Utilize holiday yard flags
Let your RV campsite radiate holiday cheer with a vibrant display of Christmas-themed yard flags. These cheerful banners, designed to withstand the elements and proudly proclaim your festive spirit, are an easy and fun way to enhance the curb appeal of your RV retreat. Yard flags offer a versatile and adaptable approach to seasonal decoration. With each holiday and season bringing its own unique charm, you can effortlessly swap out your yard flags to reflect the changing seasons and holidays.
From the whimsical charm of Easter bunnies and vibrant hues of spring to the splendor of fall foliage and the heartwarming glow of Christmas lights, your yard flags can seamlessly transition to match the spirit of the season. You can choose from classic designs featuring Santa Claus, reindeer, and snowmen, or opt for more modern interpretations that capture the essence of the holiday season. With a plethora of designs and sizes available, you’re sure to find the perfect yard flags to complement your RV’s exterior and spread holiday cheer throughout your campsite.
9 Use Christmas pillows, blankets, and knick-knacks
Decorate the inside of your RV with Christmas pillows and throws. These personal touches add comfort and style to your RV. You can find pillows and throws in a variety of Christmas designs, such as snowflakes, reindeer, and Santa Claus. This will make your RV cozy and inviting for the holidays. You can also set a few small decorations around if you have extra counter space.
10 Play Christmas music
Fill the air with Christmas music and let the joyful strains drift through your RV and beyond, inviting neighbors to share in the holiday spirit. You can open the windows if weather permits, to allow the harmonious notes to warm the hearts of all within earshot. Whether you prefer the timeless classics or embrace contemporary renditions, Christmas music can transport you to a realm of joy and anticipation, evoking cherished memories and igniting the holiday spirit within.
If you live in an RV full-time, I hope these ideas help you have a great Christmas season. Even though you may not have a traditional home, you can still make your RV feel festive and cozy for the holidays. With a little creativity, you can transform your RV into a winter wonderland that will be the envy of all your neighbors.
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy decorating your RV, camper, or motorhome this holiday season.
Exploring the Gulf Coast of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle is exciting. Not only have I been able to photograph the ocean and several water birds, but I have been seeing a lot of butterflies.
I’ve never seen this kind of butterfly before that I remember. The Gulf fritillary, also known as the passion butterfly, is quite common here.
I watched this pair for quite a while and took several photos.
Did you know that seeing a Gulf fritillary butterfly has spiritual significance for many cultures? It carries with it the spiritual significance of transformation and the resilience to overcome obstacles. It reminds us to have faith and focus on our dreams instead of our fears.
It is a beautiful creature with its bright orange color and black markings. I was mesmerized watching them flutter around.
The article above says that seeing this butterfly can be a sign from the universe urging us to welcome changes and evolve.
I wonder what the universe is trying to tell me.
* * * * *
We also saw several monarchs in the same area feeding on the small white daisies. I wasn’t able to get a photo with his wings fully opened.
This beautiful orange and black butterfly symbolizes hope, rebirth, and transformation.
The Monarch is in trouble. Its population has dropped significantly in the past decade. There are many concerns about its future.
“The monarch butterfly is considered to be the king of butterflies and the most beautiful of all butterflies in the world,” says Cristina Panescu, spiritual healer and psychic.
The third species of butterfly we saw today is a Common (or Gray) Buckeye.
I am not a professional so I don’t know for sure if this is a plain common buckeye or a common gray buckeye. I think there is a difference. At first, I thought this was a moth.
Two separate ones were flying around together. The second one appears to be a little darker than the first one. But it could be the lighting. Once again I watched them for a long time. Thank goodness Rich is patient.
This butterfly is also associated with transformation as well as endurance.
In various cultures and spiritual beliefs, the butterfly, including the Buckeye, is considered a powerful symbol of metamorphosis and transition.
I feel a change or transition is in my future. I have seen several of these three butterflies in the past week. With the new year just around the corner, I wonder what 2024 is going to bring.
