Well, we are approaching the end of March and our time at Rainbow Plantation. It has been a busy month, and the weather finally turned really nice. We had many beautiful sunny days. The spring flowers are all in bloom, the grass is green and the mockingbirds keep us entertained.

       Phil has spent a lot of time working on his tractor engine with Jon LaPointe. There were a few setbacks and interesting turns, but the engine was finally declared 'Done' and reloaded into the truck. We really appreciate the space, help and advice that Jon provided to Phil. This is only the beginning. When we get home there will be more work to do in restoring the old faithful Ford 8N into running condition. However, having the engine rebuilt is a giant step forward. Every now and again Phil would join the Tractor Group with a tractor parade around the park.

    I kept busy with beading, jewelry making and quilting a jacket. In between all of that, we visited with friends, played cards, ate out, went to ice cream socials and so on. It is a tough life, but someone has to do it!
    A few days before we left Summerdale, we traveled back down to Billy's Seafood to stock up on shrimp. Phil bought about five pounds. Billy's cooked them for us and then we brought them home and peeled them all. This is what five pounds looks like, all peeled. Of course, there were a few that were subject to quality control and never made the bowl......

     Tom and Jean Forney left for Maine, we were sorry to see them go. A few days later, Dave and Karen Long joined us at the Plantation. The last Sunday in March we traveled to Biloxi MS to a Chapter 26 Rally. We had a fun filled week of socials, meals and nonsense. During one Happy Hour they picked Ron and Ruth Phinney to be wrapped in toilet paper. This is the final result:

 

     We took a few day trips and drove around Biloxi. It is a pretty city, however it is still recovering from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. Many of the beautiful homes along the waterfront were destroyed. Some have been rebuilt and/or restored, but some have not. There are many waterfront lots that have been cleaned up and are for sale, many by auction. However, the casinos are all back in business and appear to be thriving. The beaches are clean and beautiful.

 

    So, it is almost the end of March and we will be leaving Alabama and heading toward Natchez. After a few days in that beautiful city we start our journey northward. Slowly.....