Greetings from the CARE Center located at Rainbow’s End Escapee’s RV Resort in Livingston, Texas. I’ll bring you up-to-date in increments–as I have time. I was able to use WiFi for the first time at 5:00 tonight, Thursday, October 10th. It has taken almost three hours to upload pictures from my camera to the computer and from the computer (Picasa) to this blog. At this time, I can’t provide all the information regarding the trip. It was an almost uneventful trip (more about that later). I arrived safely about noon on Tuesday, October 8th. I’m three weeks ahead of my scheduled volunteer assignment but they quickly put me to work pricing merchandise for their garage sale. All day Wednesday pricing, all day Thursday (today) working “the sales floor” while a parade of customers shopped. We have two more days and unquestionably it is a success!!

OK, OK, I need to synchronize my camera with my clock!! Gotcha. ~~ I’m parked on Volunteer Row after two nights in the campground. I’m heading for the trailer–and bed–in a few minutes because it has been a long day, and likewise another long day tomorrow. ~~ THANKS everyone for your prayers and your concern for my well being.

…to say I’m OK. This message will be brief because the only electric outlet (in McDonald’s) is under the TV and it is blasting the program for the whole room to hear. I see no way to turn down the volume. I’ll upload pictures later today because I’m only 100 miles from my destination.  I’ll have time (and no distraction).

It’s 7:50 AM; I am in Leeds, Louisiana. I’m near the Texas state line.

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Five-thirty PM: I’ve been at the Escapee Rainbow’s End RV Resort since noon. I’ve done very little to “set up”; I’ve walked… and explored….

I’ve discovered that there is no free WiFi.  A resident in the Resort took pity on me and let me link-in to his system. I wanted to quickly let the readers know that it may be another day or two before I upload pictures and provide more details regarding my trip.

Pressed for time; I only have a minute. The T@B attracts so-o-o-o-o-o much attention!!  Nice people have stopped to visit with me–in the parking lot of Walmart in Leeds, Alabama (20 miles East of Birmingham). I was invited to attend church with one family. They plan to pick me up at 9:30 (30 minutes from now) so I’m rushing to post this message–while sitting in McDonald’s.  ~~  No weather problems associated with Tropical Storm Karen.

I goofed!! When I got my second cup of coffee, ready to rush back to the trailer, I looked at McDonald’s clock: 8:15. I “thought” my clock (in the T@B) automatically set itself from the satellite. I “thought” my computer automatically adjusted itself. I was wrong; I goofed!! So I have an extra hour to check and answer messages.  ~~  And help an “old-timer” sitting at the next table experiencing problems with his HP laptop. (His… is so much different from mine, I was unable to assist.)

We pulled out of the JAARS RV Park about one o’clock Friday afternoon. We spent the night in a Walmart parking lot in Aiken, South Carolina. At this moment (9 AM, Saturday), I am in a Panera in Augusta, Georgia. ~~ Just thought you’d like to know.

(“We” being T@B, KIA, and Lorraine.)

…but not quite!! I sound like a broken record when I repeat “I’m so tired” but I’ve got to be honest with my followers. First, uploading the remaining few pictures and checking email; second a shower. I’m approaching this hour-by-hour; I’ll pull out when I feel I’m ready.

…but not certain that I’m ready to go. I don’t have any energy!! I was “in bed” for eleven hours (each) the past two nights, not always asleep but resting. It’s 7:10 PM and I hope to finish uploading pictures for “T-Day” blog. The bed is made and waiting for me. If I’m “wide-eyed and bushy-tailed” in the morning, I’ll pull out. I’ve truly wrapped up all the loose ends here at JAARS. I’ve paid for the previous month’s storage (in the RV Park) and for four nights “with hook-ups” (a minuscule amount of electricity for the refrigerator).

Today I washed the rag rug that covers the floor inside the door of the trailer. I ran the three “rugs” (used to cover the cushions) through the dryer using “air” so any dust and dirt was removed. I successfully loaded the back of the KIA (like a jigsaw puzzle) and surprisingly I’m not loaded to the ceiling. I flushed the water tank and filled about half-full with fresh water.

The apartment was cleaned and vacuumed–and keys left on the kitchen counter–prior to 9:30 AM Tuesday, October 1st. The KIA and T@B are partially organized for the trip. This morning I had my last appointment with my wonderful “miracle worker” chiropractor!! I’m using free WiFi at an establishment servicing my KIA so it is in tip-top condition for the trip. Later, some shopping at one of my favorite natural food stores (Earth Fare).
After that (hopefully) an overdue haircut. Eventually, back to the trailer for final pack up, and hitch up. ***If*** I am sufficiently rested, I’ll depart tomorrow morning. ***But*** I’ve been so-o-o-o-o-o-o tired I’ll wait until thoroughly rested.