One Of Those "Do Nothing" Days - (Lake Charles, LA)

Today was one of those "do nothing" weekend days where we let the crowded campground have their fun while we hung out in the rig.

Actually, we had quite a time with our new Hamilton Beach Toastation combination toaster/oven.

Surprisingly, we've had a lot of questions about this thing.  It's still a bit early, but so far we like it a lot.

We've re-heated pizza and quesadillas to get a more crisp result than using the microwave and without having to light the propane oven.  We've also used the oven part to make cinnamon toast and toasted deli sandwiches.

We were wondering whether we just bought this because of the novelty of the two-in-one feature.  But Linda says the toaster part makes better toast than the oven, while the oven part allows toasting/baking of things with fillings and toppings.

Our only complaint thus far is the cord is too short.  :)  It's not as wide as other traditional toaster ovens, but there is plenty of space inside for what we need.

Now we've only had this about a week, so take all that for what it is worth - not much.  :)

Linda messed with the computer and made a bracelet while I returned emails and watched football.  We also watched the Breeder's Cup while watching the marathon of "Parking Wars" in between races.

"Parking Wars" is about the Philadelphia Parking Authority and what they go through each day citing people for parking violations, booting vehicles for unpaid tickets, and dealing with people trying to get their vehicles out of the impound lots.  It's pretty amusing.  :)

Speaking of horse racing and "Parking Wars", that took us back to the only time we attended the Kentucky Derby.  Churchill Downs doesn't have enough parking for its biggest days, so people around the track park cars in their yards for $10 - $20.  We've done that several times.

However, the one time we did that for the Derby, the guy that was collecting money and parking cars in a yard didn't own the house.  Oops!  We came back to find our car and everyone else's car in that yard had been towed.

Fortunately, someone gave us a card for the towing place so we at least knew where the car was.  It would have been tough to figure it out if not for that.  We were wondering if the guy parking the cars and the towing company were running a scam.  Guess we'll never know.

We called the impound lot to make sure the car was there and to get directions.  We were with another couple, it would be a walk of several blocks, we were all dressed up including uncomfortable shoes, and it was hot.  To make it worse, the shortest route was blocked off because of a visit from the Vice President at the time.

Now Churchill Downs isn't located in the best part of town, so the four of us didn't really want to split up.  We all walked together.  Eventually, we found a guy with a beat-up SUV to give us a ride.  Of course the impound lot was an even worse part of town.

We weren't sure about our driver or the people running the impound lot.  There were some tense moments as we certainly looked like easy targets that probably had some cash.

Fortunately, everything worked out and we got the car the same day without it costing too much.  Derby is always on the first Saturday in May, so we were pretty lucky to get the car in the evening on a weekend.  Compared to what the folks in Philly were going through on the TV show, we had it easy.  :)

See, we even had weird adventures back in that other life.  :)

We watched excitedly as the filly, Zenyatta, made Breeder's Cup history by winning the $5 Million Classic.  It was an exciting race as the filly came from way behind to beat the boys and remain undefeated for her career and to become the first filly ever to win the Classic.

The only other thing we did today was keep an eye on Ida, the tropical storm turned hurricane moving into the Gulf of Mexico.  It looks like it will weaken and make landfall well east of us, but we are still ready to make a quick move if necessary.

That will probably delay our move east by at least a few days.  Hopefully, there will be little affect on the places we planned to go and we'll just get there later than we thought.

Well, I've rambled enough.  Just another stream-of-consciousness Journal entry for another "do nothing" day.  :)

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Comments

[Andy (Jassson007) Grimes]

Hey Howard you missed a good tailgate and alot of good food yesterday. I would say you missed a good game but it you saw the score (63-41 McNeese) you would know it was certainly an offensive game...lol! We had nearly 1000 yds in offense before we lost about 5 yards nealing the ball at the end of the game. Again we enjoyed visiting with yall friday night and hope our paths will cross again soon.

[June]

Howard, I don't know how you made a fun read out of a nothing day but you do and in fine style too. Thanks for the entertainment for today.

[Jason Baze]

Please, ramble on. Sounds just awesome. It was a balmy 45 and rain here yesterday, so a little escape is well recieved! Jason

[Harris]

Hello again,

Keep your good eye on that hurricane...
FYI
Several things to consider:
When the storm comes ashore:
Wind - are you or will you be in a heavily treed area?
Rain - If the storm dumps lots of rain, are you or will you be in an area with good drainage?
Twisters - Be careful of your location due these kinds of splintering storms...
We lived in hurricane territory for more than 25 years...on the Texas Eastern Gulf Coast.
We only sat through 1 small hurricane (1963) and when I saw my little car rocking in the wind and rain, I said, never again...from that point on, for future stoms, we packed up our stuff and the kids and left...
Blessings,
Fran and Ken

[Connie]

You should be fine staying east of Ida's landfall prediction. Right now we are flooded in, tidal floods from a low pressure located just offshore from us. Ida is pushing a lot of water toward the eastern GOM shorelines but as long as you stay inland you'll be fine.

Water out for gators and enjoy your stay!

[Lynne]

We've used one of the Toaster Ovens at home for many years and love it. We bought another one for the RV knowing that it works well for a mini-oven and toasting bread and bagels in the slots. Plus one appliance does all!