Moving along to Georgia...

Yes, we took our free Amazon t-shirts and moved down the road to Valdosta, GA. Yes, we quit Amazon. Yes. Deciding to resign early became a no-brainer. I didn't need to plead my case, nor did Gerard. It's when you can look into each others eyes and have the same thoughts without speaking a word. The time is now. Saturday, we had been assigned to the flat sorter for half of our shift as the raker, or sweeper. All four lanes remained steady, but really did not require us, as packages did not stick because of the constant flow. Standing most of the time---brutal. Our afternoon would have been on the dock among the craziness. Even though the sorter relieved some of the load from the dock, many things still must be packed in a cardboard box, hence load that sucker by hand into a trailer, one by one. And so the sirens scream relentlessly, reminding you of your inadequacy as an Amazon dock worker. Geeze. We went home at lunch and began packing up. But, we didn't begin packing up until after we had lunch and some quality time in the recliners :)

Campfires with therapy!!!!

Heartland campground provided a Thanksgiving dinner that night, turkey, drinks, and paper supplies. Campers brought delicious sides to compliment the main course. The clubhouse overflowed with people and their stories. We also told our friends of our early departure. Hugs all around with hopes of catching up with each other down the road. It was just time to leave. The most important reason for leaving is Christmas time with kids and the grand-boy! If the Amazon gig had been good, we would have stayed, but it was sorely lacking. Or perhaps our expectations were too high. Or maybe it was our assignment area. Half the campers left (ship-dock). If half the pickers, packers or stowers were to leave, there might be an adjustment on behalf of Amazon! Oh well, not my monkeys, not my circus. As Linda M would say...."If they could teach monkeys not to throw their feces, they would hire them."

Sooooo. We left town in the rain and cold and scooted to Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA. The weather isn't much better, but it is a little warmer. Still gray and drippy. But we are on the way to the sunshine state!  Gerard trained Afghan pilots overseas and now they further their training here at Moody. We visited them on base and learned two will graduate soon. Progress for a country in turmoil.

Mayport Naval Station, Mayport FL

The military has a fam-camp here in Mayport with RV spots right on the corner of the St. Johns’ River and the Atlantic. The river is shared by both the military and commercial shipping into Jacksonville, and probably private boats as well. All of the RV spaces were booked on the river, but we did get a space in another location, ‘in the trees’, also known as Osprey Cove. Pelican Roost is the name for the water sites. There are probably about 100 combined sites between the two. The wind howled most of our time here! And the water was cold, of course.  The grounds are nice and well maintained with laundry and a clubhouse. Many snowbirds camp here for the winter along with a few active military families living in the park, too.

Osprey Cove

Sunshine...on the sidewalk!

We gathered some Christmas décor while in town. I put up a small artificial tree on the dining table. I had purchased an ornament kit a while back and finally finished the three little felt birds. They turned out pretty cute! It took about 3 hours from start to finish. I might attempt to do a stocking for the grand-babies. I enjoyed it, but I am the type person that is on a mission….once I start, I must finish. I can’t work on something from time to time and finally finish a year later! I must conquer it! Quickly!

The Christmas Flamingos are adorned and illuminated for all to admire J Their attire will change with the seasons, holidays, special events, football…..whatever the whimsy may be.

 We ate a local yokel place, very local. The fresh fish was awesome. We were ready for some fresh seafood. We both tried new fish, blackened sheepshead and trigger. Delicious. I prefer the sheepshead. It’s a mild white fish. We ate there twice in a week. The atmoshphere can be scary…orginial, low lighting, they must spend $$ on food only. Seems to be a popular place. We tried to visit the other restaurant, Safe Harbour, but they close early, 6pm. It seems to be a big lunch place and fish market. It seems popular looking at the lunch crowd. Both place are very convenient to the base.

Indoors with a view to the fishing boats

The winds howled and was somewhat dreary for our stay in Mayport....but we still enjoyed the temperature! And the fresh seafood! I have missed eating fish. Fresh seafood in Kentucky just didn't seem right...
I will be glad to be back near the coast...the water...the sunshine...and W!

So....and on we go. Headed to Bushnell, FL for a week. Maybe some manatees, or amusement parks and cocktails of course.