Country

Did I mention Red Bay is in the country?
We just returned from "Swamp John's" eatery...an old gas station, with the pumps still outside...and tables inside, where you order your food and pick up your utensils. Communal tables, where you sit down next to whomever is already there and join in the conversation. We had been told that they serve Lewey's sausage, so we wanted to try it before committing ourselves to buying some at the campground. MMMmmm Good! Just like Mother used to make!
Last night some of the locals brought their guitars (and one fiddle) and had a good time picking and singing. It was so much fun...I even knew a few of the songs and sang along. They do this every Thursday, so I'll be waiting till next week.

Speaking of....

Speaking of Red Bay.....it's a tiny haphazard southern town with 4 stoplights.
It also is home to Sunshine Dog Food and Tiffin Motor Homes and a lot of friendly and skinny people. They have a small hospital, a few eateries (specializing in fried chicken, I think), support businesses for the motor home industry, several churches (I haven't seen a Catholic one yet), and lots of one-story brick houses. The streets have no curbs; the lawns are green, except where there are old cars or other special stuff rusting. We are spending Easter here; our guide at the factory, "Red", invited us to his church, so we'll probably go to the First Baptist Church of Red Bay. (There is no body of water here; the town is named for red bay trees

Allegro

What do you think of when you read that word?
Something musical? Ordinarily, that would be my choice.
But this week I am surrounded by Allegros....and they have nothing to do with music. They are motorhomes created, produced, and manufactured by Tiffin Motorhomes in Red Bay, Alabama.
Seeing so many of them coming and going and sitting is practically aswe-inspiring. It's sort of like the swallows coming back to Capistrano...or bumblebees gathering for a reunion.
Times are tough for the motorhome industry, but you wouldn't notice it here.

Required Reading

Remember when you were in school and had a list of books that were required in order to pass the course? How many of them did you actually read, or did you get Cliff's Notes or talk to the one kid in class who read them? Well, of course, that is neither here nor there, except that the book I just read has apparently been read by many many folks. It is quite special.
I'm speaking of Don Piper's personal experience "Ninety Minutes in Heaven".
If you haven't read this, I urge you to do so. It could be life-changing!

Kathy

Spent time yesterday with a friend of 39 years. In 1970 she came to our church as a "summer missionary" and she and her partner stayed with us for the month they were in town. They helped with VBS and such things. We have kept in touch since then through annual Christmas cards. She, of course, married. Had two kids, both of whom are married. Her husband was also a police officer. He has had physical problems, the latest of which resulted in injuries from a motorcycle accident. We went to church with them Sunday evening for Easter cantata.

Tennessee

Yes, we've been enjoying the Volunteer State.
What's not to like...forsythia, cherry blossoms, apple blossoms, dandelions, red buds...and the people appear friendly, too. Of course, my attitutude has improved 100% since the day dawned bright and sunny. We made it through Nashville's traffic slowdown. Seems like every time we come here, there is something that impedes progress. Perhaps that is the way they catch unsuspecting travelers and store them in the outer regions. Could be worse. They could be home to rock instead of country. (Country Hall of Fame program on tomorrow night, for those who care. Vote for George Strait as Entertainer of the Year.) (<

Gas

We travelers (I love that term!!) notice the price of gasoline and diesel. We left home with diesel at $2.49. Today we just filled up at $2.03 a gallon. Needless to say, it was a welcome change. The weather is back to rotten again...well, I guess I should say "seasonal". I'm sure the locals understand the need for spring rain. It's just that it dampens the ardor for the travelers. But enough of my griping. At least we don't have to shovel it. PEACE from southern VA!