Monday, July 25, 2016

RVING AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Retirement gives an opportunity to accomplish things that were impossible during hectic working days.  Playing a musical instrument would be one accomplishment that might be worth working toward.   I have had many pianos in my lifetime and played drums long ago, but no longer play.  I wanted to have something to do while camping in my RV besides just camping.  

The problem with music and RVs can be storage.  There are several small instruments that are easy to store.  At first, I tried taking online lessons on the harmonica.  Got to lesson 3 and found that I could not bend a note.  That, and the fact that I just did not have the lung capacity for this instrument, led to my decision to try something else. 

I decided that a Ukulele would be fun to play and small enough to store in the motorhome.  Purchased a pretty blue Soprano Ukulele and a beginner's book and am now on my way to learning.



The first week was rough on my tender fingertips.  I could not practice for long periods of time due to the pain, so learning was slow and I was about to give up.  I couldn't seem to learn and remember the chords.   Making and remembering how to make a simple F chord was impossible.  

I let my fingertips heal a bit and stayed off the instrument for a week.  Then tried again to learn the basic cords.  This time was a little easier.  I learned the basics and followed along with several Youtube videos which were a great help.  Found some sheet music I liked and started to play some easy songs.  

Now into my third week I'm remembering chords and learning how to strum.  The F chord is still hard for me to make as I have short fingers but I am on to harder chords now and learning them at a faster pace.   I can play Three Little Birds, Tennessee Waltz, This Land Is Your Land, Dixie, and What A Day For A Daydream.  I'm still having pain in my fingertips and can't play for long periods of time.  Hoping that eventually will go away. 

I'm looking forward to taking the Ukulele on my next camping trip in the RV.


Friday, July 22, 2016

LAKE END PARK IN MORGAN CITY - SECOND TIME HERE

Loaded up the dogs into the RV with some snacks and drinks and picked up my neighbor Carolyn and her dog Prince and off we went to the park.  It was only for the afternoon but that was enough as it was very hot.

Only a few people on the beach.

We found a place to park the RV in the shade and went for a walk with the dogs in tow.  When I was here last, I did not notice the "No Pets On Beach" sign... but it is posted and we did not take the dogs on the sandy part.  We stayed on the grass right near the beach and enjoyed taking photos of our dogs and the area.

Prince's first time near any beach or body of water.

I think he really wanted to go to the water.

My little girls are hot and thirsty.

After a while it was time for some refreshments.  There is a nice little snack shop right near the beach.  I got some chili fritos and a coconut snowball and Carolyn got a chocolate/coconut one.  Back to the RV where the generator was keeping A/C going and the camper cool.  We all enjoyed our snacks.

We rode around the campground that had about 15 campers as it is a weekday.   There were about 20 or so boats in the marina.



 Although I had already found a favorite spot the last time I was here, I wanted to find a spot with shade and a view of the lake.  Site number 9 is the perfect spot.

#9 spot is a corner site.  Taken facing the lake.  Nice and roomy.

Taken from the road entrance.  Nice big site with 3 shade trees.
  
Looking forward to cooler weather in October and November when I can come back and stay for a week or so.