You Can Go Home Again!

 Day 65 - September 17, 2022

Avinger Station TX 

Having arrived to Avinger in Northeast Texas, we are greeted by David Simpson, owner of Avinger Station RV Park, who has reserved a special site for us near his office and across the highway from the main campus.  He demonstrates how the picnic table converts from a park bench.  We have never seen an amazing table such as this.

The picnic table also has a very comfortable seat, which is a 'plus' in a campground, and we look forward to having a meal outside in the beautiful scenery.

We take a late afternoon stroll to see the rest of the RV park and admire the site planning and landscaping.   David has also built some cabins to rent.  Each site has a fire pit and cover in case of rain.

Avinger was home to us for many years when we owned the blueberry farm, and this evening we are privileged to again dine at the Catfish & More restaurant, owned by Sterling and Cindy Corbett.  It's great to visit with guests who were once our neighbors.  Children play outside while their parents are waiting to be called in for their reservation.  The restaurant also takes walk-ins.

When the sun begins to get low in the sky, Herb and I return to Sweet Georgia Brown.  In the distance we see Stark Outdoor Advertising billboards, now belonging to a new owner, who has retained our name.  In the foreground of the second photo is a banner for the Avinger Wine Festival, typically held in September.  

This area tugs at our heartstrings as we think of heading south tomorrow toward Sweet Georgia Brown's home in Livingston.  

Thank you, David, for a pleasant stay.  Soon we will begin planning our 2023 Summer Get-Away!

Willie of Sweet Georgia Brown,

   and of Walldog and Willie

   Saturday, September 17, 2022

Paula, Are You Listening?

 Day 64 - Friday, September 16, 2022

North Little Rock, AR to Avinger Station, TX

Herb and I are quite surprised to hear a bugle early this morning and later learn where the street we are on gets its name - Camp Robinson Road.  Camp Joseph T Robinson is home of the Arkansas National Guard and sits on 32,000 acres.  From the active camp down the road a ways, we hear Reveille early in the morning, and also the neighbors' dogs barking in response.

So it seems we should wake up and get on with our day.

From where Sweet Georgia Brown is parked, we have a good view of the goat pen. Three goats seem to be having a discussion, and the lone white beauty appears to be the 'King of the Hill,' even as he is guarded by the faithful 'guard dog.'

As mentioned in the previous post, St. Joseph's Home is now a member of Harvest Hosts, which requests that we patronize the host's store.  We are very happy to do that, and find several items that we could use -- plus a perfect gift for a special friend.  I can't believe when I see it -- a bar of goat soap!  I literally begin to laugh when I see it.  I show it to Herb and tell him we definitely need to get it for our friend.  Giftee or recipient, you know who you are!  Friends lovingly call her 'the goat lady' because she believes in the value of goats, and there may be an inside joke along these lines.  But some people call her Paula.  Everyone loves her, and we can't wait to give her the bar of goat soap!!!

I was too excited to remember to take a piture of it, but I did photograph some of the other items for sale.  Pickles, Jelly n' jam, soup mix, and biscuit mix.  

Besides those displayed they also have meat, mushrooms, cheese (goat cheese?), eggs (from their chickens?), ice cream, milk, elderberry syrup and Mullen syrup.  There is a scale for weighing produce and a sign inviting us to pick our own flowers that are for sale in the yard using the basket provided.

We could spend much more time here, but the time has come to get on the road again for our next special destination.  We leave at 11:35a and take I-30 West out of North Little Rock, Arkansas.  As we near the city of Texarkana we recall that it sits in two states:  Arkansas and Texas.  State Line Avenue is the border separating Texarkana AR from Texarkana TX.  Confusing?  Not if you are from the area.

Texas invites us to drive friendly, but it looks like from the guardrail damage that someone didn't.

At 4:40p  we happily (and safely) arrive  to Avinger Station RV Park to a special site we have reserved.

Willie of Sweet Georgia Brown

   and of Walldog and Willie

   Friday, September 16, 2022