2/6/2013
University of New Orleans
Campground

We had an interesting 22 mile drive to the Campground.  There are so many hwys here it's easy to get on the wrong one and then I have to find out how to get back to where we should be.  We always make it and we get to see different parts of the area.

Our Mardi Gras rally started today, even though we arrived yesterday when we got here there were already about 15 trailers, today another 35 or so came in.  We had a welcoming dinner of Chili and Margaritas.  There are people here from CA, NV, CO, WI, MN, OH, NY, NJ, FL, SC, GA and a few others, even our neighbors Joe and Sandy from WA.

We had to go back out to the base in Belle Chase where we were staying to pick up our mail package that had been delayed.  Doctor bills have caught up with us so now I have to call our insurance to see what to do.  This was the first time that we have had any illness on the road so not familiar with all the ins and outs.  I did call the insurance way back when Joe was admitted so I guess there are a few things that fell through the cracks.

On the way back we stopped at Salvo's Seafood and Deli for a plate of Crawfish, they were soooo good, a bit spicy so we always have a beer with them.  We later found out that this place is famous for their boiled crawfish, crabs, catfish, etc.  When we left there was a line out the door.

Crawfish

Crack, twist, suck,
crack, twist, suck,
crack, twist, suck and a swig of beer.

And then you start all over again.  This is not just lunch, it's an event.

The end of 2 lbs of Crawfish

Mardi Gras lights, there is a levee to Pontchartrain Lake right behind where I am standing.  I will try to take a picture from up there tomorrow.

The end of a perfect day



















Have a great evening, thanks for stopping by.

Nancy

Again, Some Like it Hot (Not Marilyn Monroe)

Friday, August 17, 2012
Still in Lacey, WA

It's hotter today, Some Like it Hot, but not me, a high of 95 and low of 78 and the humidity is up too.  This heat is getting a little old for me.  This is suppose to be the Pacific Northwest, cool at night and warm during the day, by warm I mean 75 to 80.  And, where is our rain, we need rain at least once a week to water my plants and clean the air.  Our air is getting dirty, it was hard to see Mt Rainier today because of the high pressures holding all the fumes and smog down to ground level.  Now I'm rambling too much.

One of our Airstream groups, North Cascade, was having a rally at Hoodsport on Hood Canal which is in the southwest side of Puget Sound.  This is a little cooler especially since they were right on the water.  So we packed up and drove the Jetta over to Hoodsport, a nice drive about 50 miles away.  The weather was clear and a little cooler with a nice light breeze now and then off the water.

It was great to visit with old friends that we had not seen for a while.  We were only there for a few hours in the afternoon, but they had a full day starting with crabbing and then kayaking, knitting and reading, a real laid back rally.

Taken out the car window

Ron checking out the kayak 

Jerry in his kayak

Marilyn modeling the sweater she had just finished knitting

Looks pretty good, eh!

Joe and Rich discussing holding tanks

Kind of bright out, Karen, Marilyn and Marilyn and Gene

Maureen and hubby Ron

 While there I presented Jerry, immediate Past President of the North Cascade Unit, with a ribbon and certificate that I had accepted for him at our Region Rally in Alberta a few weeks ago.

Yesterday, after a visit to the ophthalmologist I had a new prescription for glasses, I went to Costco on the way home to find out if I could order my new glasses here in Lacey and pick them up in Lancaster, PA, since that is where we will be in about 3 - 4 weeks.  NO! that was not possible.  What is the big deal, you would think that this would not be a problem.  I'm going to do some more checking on this.  While in Costco I found some really cute rain boots, just what I had been looking for.

Cute, eh, $22.95 (US funds)

Just heard on the news that it will be cooler tomorrow, Lo of 65' and High of 75' to 80', now that's better.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by

Joe and Nancy

Potlatch and Salmon BBQ

Sunday 8/12/12

Lacey, WA

This will be a longer blog because I didn't have the time to blog during our 33rd Annual Potlatch and Salmon Rally, but I have notes and pictures.

Everyone looks forward to this annual event because of the fun times and of course the big dinner of Alder Smoked BBQ Salmon.

Wednesday, Aug 8th
and Thursday Aug 9th

We had the traditional luncheon with a fashion show.  This year, for something different the models (our members) shopped at Good Will and modeled their selections.  We were all amazed at what kind of outfits you could get for under $20.00 and several were less than $10.00. One person had a complete outfit of tie-dyed,
he was really cute especially with the beard and pony tail.  There were several that found cute PJ's and bath robe.  Unfortunately none of my pictures came out clear.  I am terrible at taking pictures when the subject is moving.

Part of the kitchen crew

Table mates I was with

Many people enjoyed this annual event

Our MC's Carolyn and Sally, of course dressed in their finest from Good Will

More kitchen help, you know sometimes they just don't get enough recognition. 

 I also worked in the kitchen mostly washing and also serving.

We have an excellent kitchen

Later that day, or maybe it was the next day we had BBQ hamburgers with all the trimmings and entertainment down in the park

L

Joe and I are on the left with a great group from BC and Alberta, next to Joe is Gene, Marilyn, Hazel md Aldolph and standing in the middle is Murray

Later that evening  Paul Che oke ten Wagner entertained us with many stories along with wonderful drumming and the flute.  He is such a talented young man full of stories.

Saturday Aug 11th



Parade Day, anything goes; golf carts, walkers, dogs.  A sumertime parade just for fun.

Molly and Lucy, Lucy has a blue eye

It's so much fun to have a fun and silly day
Next the Salmon Dinner.  This is the 33rd annual Potlatch and Salmon Fest.  We have been waiting for the salmon dinner all week with great anticipation and mouth watering at just the thought of it.

The BBQ Pit before

First you start a good wood fire then spread that out and add the charcoal, 

then the most important item is to use green Alder wood to give it a good smoke and flavor

The salmon is fresh out of Westport, it is put on a grill and sliced and then a light amount of a secret sauce is spread on the salmon, then foil over the top and the grills are then carfully carried down a few steps and placed very carefully on the pit

getting the next grill ready, just needs the sauce and the foil

the tails are all put on one grill

Carefully down the steps

And, now wait until the perfect time, this is quite an art, grilling for over 100 people

It's done, here comes the first one back up the steps

we're ready send in the people

Here they come, can't hold them back now.

They just keep coming

Look at the size of those portions!

I had to take a quick peak at the tails, they sure look yummy/

Every year I say that it was the best salmon I have ever had, but this year I am sure, without a doubt that this really was the very best salmon,  Very moist and tender, I don't remember what else we had but I'm sure it was good too.


Well that's about it for this year's 33rd Annual Potlatch and Salmon BBQ., Sunday was a church service and brunch with left overs and then on Monday a group of us met to do a thorough clean up of kitchen and hall, again a lunch of more left overs.

Everyone had a fantastic time, and anxiously looking forward to next year.

Safe travels to all and thanks for stopping by.

Sorry this is such a long post.

Joe and Nancy