Thu., 14 Feb 13

Up and out by a little after 9 a.m.

The new printer ran out of ink (black) because I print out copies of the blog each day. It would not recognize the replacement cartridge. I took it back to the closest Best Buy in Spanish Fort, AL about 15 miles away. We arrived about 15 minutes before the 10 a.m. opening. It only took a few moments to make the exchange for a new printer. I really like the printer. It is called the “Small –in-One” as it does everything; yet it is very compact which is great for travelling. If this one has a problem I will have to look for a different printer.

We returned using Historic “Old Hwy 98” which is also called “Alabama’s Coastal Connection”. This brought us back through Fairhope, AL where we watched the Mardi Gras Parade. We continued to the B and B Pecan Company just south of the town.

I always thought a pecan was a pecan. I guess, like many plants, there are many varieties as information on the wall explained.  We also learned many facts about pecans that we did not know. Pecans will keep for one month at room temperature and up to 2 years in the freezer. Unshelled pecans will keep up to 4 years.

Pecans have no cholesterol  or trans-fats and are high in antioxidants which helps heart health and lowers cholesterol. One ounce has the fibre of a medium sized apple. They are salt free; but, contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals. So as they say; “Go Nuts, Your Body Will Thank You!”

We bought a large bag of salted pecans that had been prepared in their almost century old roaster as well as a pecan pie.

Our next destination (we were getting hungry) was lunch at Lambert’s Cafe in Foley, AL. We have previously eaten at Lamberts in Ozark, MO when visiting Branson, MO. We were looking forward to doing it again – it is a unique experience.  The line wasn’t too bad – only about 40 folks in front of us when we arrived just before noon. The restaurant is quite larger and we were seated in minutes.

Lamberts is the home of “the throwed roll”. They ask who would like a roll – then throw them to the folks who raise their hand.  The servers are amazingly accurate. Can you find the bun in the air in the photo? Follow the end of the servers hand (45 degrees) and you will see the bun in the air (above picture).  The “hot from the oven” rolls are larger than giant muffins and have a similar shape and they are soooo good! There is huge basket of whipped butter spread containers (several dozen) on the table ready to meet your needs.

They serve the “home style” meals with two sides. Charlotte had the Chicken Pot Pie with applesauce and cottage cheese; I had liver and onions with sweet kernel corn and a baked potatoe. The also bring “Pass Arounds” to the table. We sampled fried okra, boiled cabbage, home fries w/onions and black-eyed peas. They also brought apple butter and sorghum (molasses) to top the buns.

We could not believe the size of the meals. We ate until we were stuffed and still took home more than what would be a serving in an average restaurant. Unbelievable!

Now that we ate - we had to work it off! Next stop the Tanger Outlet Mall just up the road. This is one of the largest outlet malls we have been to – including those in Florida. It was also one of the busiest.  Charlotte would walk and I would follow in the car. If she entered a store I would park. If she remained in for a few minutes I would then go in. Usually, I would return to the car, put the purchase in the trunk and repeat the procedure. Again, as I often say, we found things we didn’t know we needed.

Part way through shopping we went to the food court for a refreshment. On the large screen TV the “Carnival Triumph” story was unfolding on local TV. The cruise ship, with over 4000 on board, lost power (engine fire) while returning from the Yucatan (Mexico) to Galveston, TX. It was now being towed to Mobile, AL at 5 mph and was passing into Mobile Bay a few miles from here.

Virtually nothing was working on the ship. No washrooms, no regular food (we heard onion sandwiches were on the menu) and the smell of rotten food and sewage everywhere. Passengers with inside rooms had taken their mattresses to the decks to escape the heat and odour. They did helicopter a portable generator onto the ship and managed to get a few toilets and some lights working. With only 1 elevator unloading at the terminal would take several more hour after docking.

After the break we continued our shopping routine and then headed for the RV. It was now a lovely sunny and warm afternoon. We would have taken the top off; however, the trunk was full of purchases. About 15 minutes later we were back unloading at the RV.

Needless to say we did not need supper. A snack in the evening included a small piece of the pecan pie – what a treat! Our pecan pie was the traditional style one on the left - the one on the right was Chocolate Pecan Pie (maybe next time)

Charlotte received a single long stemmed Rose for Valentine’s Day. I managed to sneak it back to the RV without her knowing. 

It was a busy day again, tomorrow we will rest.

Pictures to follow if and when Wi-Fi improves? (Now included)