[A/S] Tifton, GA - May 10, 2005

[hhamp5246@xxxxxxx]

Hi Gang,

I was sad leaving the farm yesterday, leaving Patti, the animals and Brady.
I'm proud and happy to report I did finish the kitchen remodel in Patti's
house, a big job and I must admit I was a bit worried was in over my head, but in
all humility I must say I was very pleased with the end result. It also saved
my life because it gave me something to do to take my mind off losing
Brady...without question the worst thing that has ever happened to me.  If
anyone is interested I put a few before and after shots on a webpage.
http://members.aol.com/iluvbrady/kitchen2005.htm

Traditionally I always go to my friend's Greg and Liz's mule farm in north
Florida on the first day and the final day of my summer trip, and this year was
no different.

First I had to stop in Ocala and get some work done on the Airstream before I
set out. Wheel bearings repacked, some paintings screwed to the wall and a
vent cover installed, so I got to Greg and Liz's later than usual.  After saying
hello to the four leggers, dogs, cats, mules etc we had a nice dinner and a
nice visit.

I left and drove all 89 miles to Amy's RV Park in Tifton, GA.  Amy isn't the
owner; she was the owner's dog, a Black Lab, who passed away. I like it here,
the lady who owns it is quite nice, she remembered me from last fall, and the
few campers that I've spoken to are all nice too.  Tucker likes it because he
has special permission to play Frisbee in the open areas.

The drive up I-75 was tedious.  For about fifteen miles from Valdosta north
all I saw was billboards. Huge billboards making what appeared to be a solid
wall.  Days Inn, iHop and Magnolia Plantation were the biggest offenders. In one
of a mile I counted 7 billboards for Magnolia Plantation alone.  There was
some relief when the highway went through woods too dense for billboards, but
they started up again when there was an opening.

I did stop at the Flying J after crossing into Georgia though, and got diesel
for 2.07 a gallon. In Florida it was 2.29 to 2.49. I limped in on fumes
because I didn't want to have to buy gas in Florida. The first time I ever drove
to Florida and was headed north again I passed a large sign saying, "Last
chance to buy gas in Florida" so, not wanting to pass up the opportunity I bought
gas only to discover I had been hornswoggled and it was much cheaper in
Georgia.

So, here we are a peaceful little Amy's and I was walking Tucker when I heard
the sound of a heavy truck going by, then brakes squealing and tires
screeching leaving rubber on the road.  I whipped around and saw a very large yellow
dump truck trying to stop, then veer hard left across the road and up and over
a steep grass embankment. It looked for a moment like it was going to go over
on the driver's side but somehow righted itself and stopped next to the fire
house.  People all went running to it, police cars showed up and eventually an
ambulance.  Some men helped the driver walk to the ambulance. I don't know
what happened but I'm pretty sure he had to change it shorts at the very least.

I don't know what happened, but I do know if it happened 50 yards sooner that
dump truck would have ended up plowing over my truck and trailer which are
parked near the road. I parked here to be close to the wifi signal antenna next
time I come I'll park in the back. There's way too much excitement for me up
here.

So, Tucker, Cody and I are hunkered down watching House, MD. The aromas
coming through the window are intoxicating. I forget what kind of shrub the little
white flowers are but the whole place smells wonderful.

Hunter