I'm still married

[DD]

or....the DD's Summer Vacation....

Friday, August 7

I packed early, watered all the dying crap in the yard, went to work for a few hours and then came home to load up the car and say goodbye to our sweet Lexi, who was leaving for Kuwait on Tuesday. It was a tearful goodbye (especially for Mr. DD). She was babysitting Jackson for the day and when we told him we were leaving for Florida, he said, "ok...see ya later."
On the road..my first journal entry was in Ferris, Texas. I kept seeing billboards for this place. Sadly, we didn't stop, but I think Kitty should on her way back from Houston some time. I sure seems there's tons of devoted Beaver Nugget fans out there!

Buc-ee’s Beaver Blog
Buc-ee's | Facebook

Along about Corsicana, (thought about you, poodleone), DuneLaker calls. I tell her I'll call back when we get closer. I'm sure all y'all read her thread. So, we get on down the road and I call her back. She says she's gonna take Hwy 105 from Beaumont to Conroe. I tell her we're doing the same in reverse! I hang up and tell Mr. DD we should meet in Cut N Shoot. She calls back and says, "why don't we meet in Cut N Shoot"! The plan is hatched. We talk a couple of times. Mr. DD and I are the first to arrive in CNS. We pull over at a place called the CNS Souvenier shop and Recreation Center. Actually, it's two buildings, but what the hey.
DL calls and says, "hey, we just drove by the CNS Recreation Center....oh wait!! there you are!!" We meet. It's love at first sight for me!! She is DARLING!!! Along about the time I'm developing my undying affection for her, the pucking fire ants decide to have a picnic on my foot!! Dammit! I can't even tell y'all how much I hate those little mother effers!
Anyway, she posted a pic...here's another one.




We bid the DL's goodbye with plans to meet up in SoWal later in the week.
Along about this time, we see a beautiful rainbow. Jdarg, I thought of you. No unicorns in sight though. This was also about the time that my boss called and said "I hope you're having a pucking wonderful vacation!!! We've been so busy I haven't even had time to breathe!!" (Welcome to my little world, Teri)
We arrive in Sulphur, La. at my uncle's house around 7:30. He has a spread waiting for us consisting of boudin , home made eggrolls and home made Pad Thai. It was Casian night!! Mr. DD took care of all the boudin and I began the downward spiral of over indulging.
Fell into bed knowing that SoWal awaited the next day. More later, I've got emails to answer/send.

[DD]

Before I begin Saturday, let me just say that I may have to see a doctor this week. Whiplash. Mr. DD slamming on the brakes every couple of miles will do that to ya. Saturday was also the day that I seriously began to think of calling jfunn from about Mobile to come get me. If he drove any slower, we'd have gotten the driving finger from more people than we did.

Saturday, August 8

Uncle has raspberry coffee cake, sausage and some good old thick cajun coffee waiting for us at breakfast. Yum. We bid farewell and got on the road. Somewhere around Lafayette, a truck had a blow out. This is when I sustained the whiplash. It was not as serious as Mr. DD's reaction, but I saw a pattern developing. I knew there had to be a reason we don't take road trips together much any more. Yep.
We pass Don's--Mr. DD's favorite boudin place in the world. He loves it so much that we have a case of the crap in our freezer as I speak. I think he wanted me to genuflect when we passed.
We cross the Henderson Swamp. For some reason, I think this place is mezmerizing.


Next...just this side of NOLA...you guessed it. Rain. Lots of rain. Mr. DD drives slower.
Finally, we arrive in SoWal!! We're greeted by jfunn, Shooter and Sadie.
Just time to freshen up and then on to Sally's for the continuation of scooty's birthday celebration. We see Skunky and Punzy, Allifunn, the SWGB's, Franny and Ralph, CORK!, Scooterbug and I finally get to meet closer2fine.
Jfunn, mr. DD and I had dinner at the bar. Redd sang. I think I had drinks. Good times.

On the way to Sally's we saw a fox on the side of the road. Very cool. I don't recall ever seeing one in the wild. He shoulda come to Sally's with us.

[Miss Kitty]

Heaven...pure hysterical Heaven.

[Mermaid]

Heaven...pure hysterical Heaven.

Yea! Only DD could say "I think I had drinks" with a straight face. This is funnier than a freezer full of boudin!!!

[DD]

Sunday, August 9

I'm up early, hoping to catch a glimpse of jfunn in some red silky pj's, but , she was fast asleep and when she did get come downstairs, she was dressed and ready for the day. Man, little did I know what the day would hold. The original plan was for the pontoon boat to Crab Island. But, after reports of jellyfish from the day before, we decided that our money would be better spent on alcohol.
Red Bar for breakfast. Good. I don't want to say cheap, so I'll say economical. I had a bloody mary and continued the downward spiral of overindulging. We were just beginning to enjoy our delicious breakfast when a guy with a cockatiel shows up. He proceeds to join us on the patio and sets up the bird's perch just behind us. And then, y'all, he brings out some clippers and starts clipping the birds claws!! Well, jfunn about lost it!! She excused herself and went inside. Shortly after that, the waitress speaks to him and he quits the clipping and moves the bird. He was extremely apologetic when the bird took a stroll down the rail right up to jfunn.
Just about this time, my friend Fran, from Cleburne, Tx. walks out onto the patio!!!!!!! Now, mind you, we live 40 miles apart and we have had some embarrassingly drunk days in our past, but I haven't seen her in FOREVER! I tell her I have to drive all the way to Florida to see her. She's with a whole group of girls that I also haven't seen in FOREVER! It was quite a reunion!!



And before you make any wise cracks, no, I do not know why my hand is over my crotch.
Shortly after this, jfunn runs into some friends of hers and suggests we all go to the Outpost. I say I'm game-not even knowing what the Ootpost is. Jfunn knows this about me.
Mr. DD declines and we take him home. Jfunn and I follow her friends to the Outpost. All I can say is a picture is worth a thousand words and if she posts HER pics, I'll kill her.
Here's mine.


I think I drank a lot of beer and I met these ladies...


Don't know who they are, but they were a hoot, and I think Kitty and I need these hats. Hope they don't mind I posted their pic. Somehow, I think they won't mind a bit.

We leave the Outpost and stop at Publix . They'd been wondering where I was. We run into hnooe. I speak, but I get the feeling he thinks I might be a little too fluffy. LOL!!
We go home and enjoy a smorgasbord of snacks. It is about this time, that we remember we told my friends we were going to Pandora's for drinks (like I needed any more) and dinner.
We load up Mr. DD, bid the dogs good evening and head for Pandora's. Not one freakin' sole on the patio!
But, we had a great dinner and I think I had more vodka. Jfunn swears my whole issue that night was quantity, but I beg to differ. I am sure it was the fusion of vodka and beer.

[sunspotbaby]

thank God, there are no pics of the beer sluts. whew! from the looks of the parking lot, this is a slow Sunday for the OP. I soooo wish I had gotten your call.

[DD]

thank God, there are no pics of the beer sluts. whew! from the looks of the parking lot, this is a slow Sunday for the OP. I soooo wish I had gotten your call.

Me too! No, I didn't take any pics of the beer sluts. I was too much in shock that their butts were...ah...exposed. Sorry RO.

[Lynnie]

Funn, funn, funn and more to come! I digg Outpost, too~~~~~~always some groovy characters there!

[Mermaid]

I love DD and her Traveling Road Show.

[DD]

I love DD and her Traveling Road Show.

It's more like a freak show.

[DD]

Monday, August 10

Up early...again. Shooter and Sadie are my morning companions. I can't tell y'all how much I love these dogs.
It's my son's 30th birthday!! Wow, do I feel old.
Red Bar for breakfast. Do you detect a pattern developing here?
I think I had a hangover. Go figure.
Went to the beach. Water was great! Had lunch on the beach with Mr. DD. Just enjoyed the day.
Made plans to meet BeachSi02 for the dog off at Jambones. (See Hot Dog! thread). He was so darling.
I think I had drinks.


Tuesday, August 11

Breakfast at...you guessed it. RB.
Walked out to Grayton and met ssb and her darling family. It was funn seeing them and getting a hug from ssb.


Aren't they precious?

Met Franny and Ralph for lunch at Seagrove Market. Mr. DD and I split the grouper sandwich. Last time I'll do that. He can get his own from now on. YUM!
Then, we looked at houses with F&R. I saw a couple I could definitely do, but I the purpose of the trip was to get Mr. DD as in love with SoWal as I am. I think it might be working.
Stopped at Publix ....bought stuff for dinner.
Cooked dinner for jfunn, R&F, etc. Over indulged.


Wednesday, August 12

Up early with S&S.
Mr. DD played golf with Ralph.
Went on a funn field trip with jfunn to some of the galleries. Saw lots of funn and gorgeous stuff. Inspiring for sure. Then, we lunched at Shorty's. I had the shrimp po-boy. DELISH!! Saw Allifunn & Redd.
Kinda rainy/thundery.
Talked to Tootsie. Made plans for dinner at Allifunn's. Went to Publix
Made mac & cheese. Took that and some banana pudding from the night before.
Had funn with some funn people!!

[Lynnie]

Lots o funn, food and libation! Groovy and yes, precious pic of SSB and her girls!

Cheers to All Y'all having funn with DD!

[cheesehead]

Look's like you got outta dodge at the right time.

[Jdarg]

Hey DD- way to plan a vacay- you left just in time to avoid Claudette (and me- got home last night).

[shakennotstirred]

This is the bestest trip report. It sounds like you had a blast. I am laughing that "you think you had drinks". I can't wait for the next installment.

[DD]

Look's like you got outta dodge at the right time.

No kiddin!!

Hey DD- way to plan a vacay- you left just in time to avoid Claudette (and me- got home last night).

I know. Can you please be home the weekend of Oct. 24? I'd stay through a Claudette to see you.

This is the bestest trip report. It sounds like you had a blast. I am laughing that "you think you had drinks". I can't wait for the next installment.

Well, it's comin' up!

[Teresa]

DD - I'm laughing out loud, and I'm loving your trip report complete with pix. wonderful!

my absolute fave so far...

We pass Don's--Mr. DD's favorite boudin place in the world. He loves it so much that we have a case of the crap in our freezer as I speak. I think he wanted me to genuflect when we passed.

crack me UP. I'm a boudin lover too. I love the genuflect statement, I can just see it, add the sign of the cross.

[DD]

Thursday, August 13

Up early with S&S.
Reading the book Julie & Julia.
Mr. DD discovers nail in tire. Not flat. Call jfunn to find out where to get it fixed. PCB. We're off!
Get tire fixed in record time. Mr. DD announces he just HAS to go to Ron Jon's Surf shop for a sticker. We pass the teeny tiny little sign in front of Pier Park for RJ Surf Shop. We then wander around for about 15 minutes looking for RJ SS. He buys a sticker and a wooden sign. I stay in the car and talk to DL. We make plans for us to stop by her place on the way back. I buy bread at Panera for lunch. We arrive at DL's wonderful home and are totally facinated with all her stories, pics and her fabulous view!! She offered to take us in the boat, but after her wonderful lunch, I know I wasn't up to rowing! LOL!
If y'all haven't met her, make it a point to do so. She is so gracious and wonderful that I can't stop talking about her! I think I drank wine.
We bid a sad farewell to DL and head to the Watercolor store to buy stuff. 30AFunn stuff. Jfunn exhibits her patience with a rather annoying lady.
We talk about going to dinner.
Stop at SGM for their wonderful iced tea. Chill for a while and play what seems to be endless ball/fetch with Sadie.
Jfunn comes home. We decide on left overs.
Off to bed early. Last day tomorrow.

[Teresa]

insert comment:

DD's mac and cheese - superb!!!!!!
and her nana puddin' - delicioso!!!

thanks for sharing these treats with us! I hope both of these dishes are in our SoWal recipe collection...

[cheesehead]

All I know is, I thought I was going to have to get the decibel meter out, with all that partying going on. Guess my invite got lost in the mail.

[DD]

DD - I'm laughing out loud, and I'm loving your trip report complete with pix. wonderful!

my absolute fave so far...


crack me UP. I'm a boudin lover too. I love the genuflect statement, I can just see it, add the sign of the cross.

insert comment:

DD's mac and cheese - superb!!!!!!
and her nana puddin' - delicioso!!!

thanks for sharing these treats with us! I hope both of these dishes are in our SoWal recipe collection...

The pudding is for sure. Will try to post the mac & cheese soon.

[Sheila]

The pudding is for sure. Will try to post the mac & cheese soon.

DD, next time you are so staying a week at my house. Pudding and mac and cheese?!? Sunkist can freeze her tongue at my house any ol' day!!!! I'll even buy her posion, and yours, and Mr. DD!!!!!!

P.S. Guinness fell in our pool today, attempting the fetch his frisbee. Poor Guinness, what a bafoon! We do him though.

[kathydwells]

Love the trip report DD. Love that you had such a funn time. Sure wish I could have been there, we would have both been "thinking" if we drank or not. Glad you are home safe!

[kathydwells]

DD, next time you are so staying a week at my house. Pudding and mac and cheese?!? Sunkist can freeze her tongue at my house any ol' day!!!! I'll even buy her posion, and yours, and Mr. DD!!!!!!

P.S. Guinness fell in our pool today, attempting the fetch his frisbee. Poor Guinness, what a bafoon! We do him though.

I'm sayin'...sounds so yummy, huh?

Poor Guineess...did he swim?

[DD]

Friday, August 14

Up early. Only one S home. Sadie.
Off to the beach by myself. Took a sheet load of stuff. Rain came about 45 minutes into it. There was me and one guy left on the beach. He had a canopy. I had an umbrella that kept blowing away. Sat through the rain. Sun comes out. Beautiful day!
Lots and lots of dolphins!! Dolphins swimming, dolphins jumping...oh what a sight!!
Mr. DD comes to the beach. No place to park, so he rides bike. He gets bored in about an hour. Heads back. Big black cloud comes with lightning. I call for a ride from Mr. DD. Carry all that crap up the stairs--no ciggie for me for at least an hour!! Here's a cloud shot..I love me some good clouds.


No rain/storm comes. Sun comes back out. Dammit.
Go to Seaside to stroll around. See Bobby J. Buy a Peach Fizz Cocktail at the trailer. Y-U-M!!! It has Prosecco in it. Y-U-M! I shoulda bought two!!
Bud & Alley's for sunset. I think I drink 3 cosmos waiting for jfunn. Sunset comes.





Pizza Bar for dinner. YUM! But, Pizza Bar, please, please give us more than two pieces of bread with the cheese appetizer. Gorgonzola..fab, fontina....delish, mozzarella...unbelievable...bread...what bread? LOL!
The plan was to go to Pandora's after, but we were stuffed, a little tipsy and tired. Went to pick up Shooter and then we were off to bed.

[DD]

DD, next time you are so staying a week at my house. Pudding and mac and cheese?!? Sunkist can freeze her tongue at my house any ol' day!!!! I'll even buy her posion, and yours, and Mr. DD!!!!!!

P.S. Guinness fell in our pool today, attempting the fetch his frisbee. Poor Guinness, what a bafoon! We do him though.

Poor Guiness!! He's a fetcher too, just like Sadie!
Ok..if you twist my arm, I'll come stay and I'll make you mac & cheese and puddin.

Love the trip report DD. Love that you had such a funn time. Sure wish I could have been there, we would have both been "thinking" if we drank or not. Glad you are home safe!

I know!!! We coulda had some funn--we need to plan better next time.

[kathydwells]

Poor Guiness!! He's a fetcher too, just like Sadie!
Ok..if you twist my arm, I'll come stay and I'll make you mac & cheese and puddin.



I know!!! We coulda had some funn--we need to plan better next time.

June 19-26, 2010.

[DD]

June 19-26, 2010.

Got it!

[Mermaid]

I'm so glad you ate at the Pizza Bar! Jdarg took us there in June and that has to be the coolest thing ever, sitting outside with all the dunes around you and the beach pavilions. Plus the food is good.

[DD]

I'm so glad you ate at the Pizza Bar! Jdarg took us there in June and that has to be the coolest thing ever, sitting outside with all the dunes around you and the beach pavilions. Plus the food is good.

Yeah, it was pretty darn delish! And you're right about the ambiance. It's a hit with me for sure!!

[TooFarTampa]

Just reading this now! What a great report! I hope to one day be this funn.

[Jdarg]

Just reading this now! What a great report! I hope to one day be this funn.

I know! My goal in life too. this trip report.

[Allifunn]

insert comment:

DD's mac and cheese - superb!!!!!!
and her nana puddin' - delicioso!!!

thanks for sharing these treats with us! I hope both of these dishes are in our SoWal recipe collection...

I was quite sad that there was not a container of mac & cheese in my refrigerator the next day I ate peas for breakfast and would have killed for some M & C

DD, it was so much funn knowing you were in SoWal! Hope to see you MORE next time!
I don't like your trip report...............................I LOVE IT!

[Miss Kitty]

Just reading this now! What a great report! I hope to one day be this funn.

I know! My goal in life too. this trip report.

Just keep thinking of these two words...empty nest. That's when the real funn starts!

[Mango]

One day, when I can, I am going to have a liquid vacation, too! Thanks for letting me imbibe with you, DD.

I'll be at Ron Jon's SS in about 2 weeks. Could have picked up the sticker for MR. DD then. Let me know if you need anything else.

[Franny]

What a trip report! We miss you guys! See you in October!

[DD]

All y'all! There's one more installment, but it'll have to be tonight. I am back in hell this morning.

[Beach Runner]

Sunday, August 9

Red Bar for breakfast. Good. I don't want to say cheap, so I'll say economical. I had a bloody mary and continued the downward spiral of overindulging. We were just beginning to enjoy our delicious breakfast when a guy with a cockatiel shows up. He proceeds to join us on the patio and sets up the bird's perch just behind us. And then, y'all, he brings out some clippers and starts clipping the birds claws!!

Love your trip diary! You are so funny!

My guess is ths is the cockatiel you're talking about. The owner is nice and offered to let me hold it. I was scared.

[Lynnie]

Those look like claymation figures.

[DD]

Departure day.

Up early with S&S.
Guess where for breakfast with jfunn.
Rain. Clouds. Who knew it was a freakin' tropical storm?
Tell our sweet little hostess goodbye and hit the road.
Buy Lottery tickets in Gulf Breeze.
The plan is to drive to somewhere around Vicksburg and spend the night. Mr. DD says he can't do the whole drive anymore.
We get to V'burg. 3:30. I say what the hell are we gonna DO all night? He drives on. We get to Monroe and he asks if I wanna keep going. I say yes. He drives to Shreveport (Shrinkiport) and we switch drivers. It is during the switch that he sets his cooler on top of his newly purchased wooden sign from RJSS. It breaks. He cusses and slams car door. Cusses some more.
I drive. 80 mph. He tells me numerous times to slow down. I do, then back up to 80. Then 85. He yells at me to slow down. 80. I'm trying to make up the time he spent driving 60!!
We briefly discuss stopping in Shreveport to gamble, but I decline.
We get to the outskirts of Dallas. Still 80--he's still yelling.
Then, Grapevine. He tells me he's got to "make a stop". I say, "you can't wait til we get home?". He says no. I stop.
We finally pull into our drive way at 10:00 pm. A mere 13 hours from when we left.
Then, I think I had a drink.

[Miss Kitty]

Those look like claymation figures.

...no sheet! I thought they had pantyhose on their faces!

I am ready for another installment.

JINX...there it was! Oh, to be a fly in the car with y'all!!!!!! Why in the heck did he have to stop in Grapevine????

Can you go back and write some more? Loved it all.

[DD]

...no sheet! I thought they had pantyhose on their faces!

I am ready for another installment.

JINX...there it was! Oh, to be a fly in the car with y'all!!!!!! Why in the heck did he have to stop in Grapevine????

Can you go back and write some more? Loved it all.

Well, he had to tinkle. Couldn't wait.
I will try to think of some more to bore y'all with. But, now I'm tired, confabit!

[Beach Runner]

...no sheet! I thought they had pantyhose on their faces!

I am ready for another installment.

JINX...there it was! Oh, to be a fly in the car with y'all!!!!!! Why in the heck did he have to stop in Grapevine????

Can you go back and write some more? Loved it all.

I just didn't want to post someone's face without their permission.

Loved your trip report, Darling DD.

[Mermaid]

That was a speedy trip home! What I think would be funny is to hear you read that last installment at 80 mph. With intonation and facial expression.

[DD]

That was a speedy trip home! What I think would be funny is to hear you read that last installment at 80 mph. With intonation and facial expression.

I'll describe it to you in person when I see you.

[Mermaid]

I'll describe it to you in person when I see you.

I'll be there! I want to hear the Mr. DD cussin' bit first.

[cp]

love your trip report DD!

[BeachSiO2]

Awesome Trip Report. I am just glad our trips overlapped and we got to meet! Hopefully we will catch up in sowal another time, but until then, we always have the dog off...

[aggieb]

i love reading this, it puts me in a happy place.

[BeachbumAggie]

Cracking up! This brought smiles to my face after a couple of sh!t weeks at work!!