Our first destination-Raleigh North Carolina

(Raleigh, N.C.) We have arrived at our first destination as full timers in Raleigh, North Carolina to visit our daughter Jen for about a month.  It was a scary six hours as we maneuvered through the mountains in the snow. John did really well.  I was very nervous!  It was worth all the hassle, however, after we saw Jen.  We were just in time to celebrate her birthday.  

Our campground for the next week or two will be at the North Carolina Fairgrounds.  I'll post some pictures of our site tomorrow.  There are four campgrounds around the fairgrounds.  There is not a front office, and all registration is handled by the security guards.  Rates are $25 per night for a full hook up site which is a little  high but the location is great and very near Jen's apartment.  We were told upon arrival about the new sites recently completed that were very nice and not near the freeway. 

The next day we celebrated Jen's birthday.  She had to work, but afterwards we cooked her favorite meal:  roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots with mint and honey, and Yorkshire pudding.  Here is the picture of the Yorkshire Pudding.  It's really not a pudding, but sort of a bread.  I learned how to make it from my father who was British.  He would have been proud of how well it turned out  It is served with gravy and was a staple during World War II for stretching a meal during tough times.  

Jen's favorite birthday cake is actually cobbler.  This recipe is from a cookbook written by David Letterman's Mom.  It's a birthday tradition.

A birthday would not be complete without candles.  

Rob and Jen

We met her boyfriend, Rob, for the first time.  He is lots of fun and very friendly.  They met at the country club (Carolina) where Jen was first employed in the area. 

Today we left the campground and started to explore the area.  Jen had heard about a hot dog restaurant called the The Roast Grill  recently featured on the Food Channel.  It has been in business for 70 years and serves only hot dogs.  There are a few rules...hot dogs are only served with mustard, onions, cole slaw, and/or chili.  Nothing else!  You can request how "burnt" you want your hot dog to come off the grill.  Don't ask for french fries or potato chips either. It was located near the downtown and it was packed.  It's not the best hot dog we have ever ate but certainly the most interesting.  There are pictures on the wall of one man who ate 24 at one time. I'm sure Tums were probably the dessert.

The Chef-grill is to his right

Hot dog prices

The Roast Grill

Afterwords we went downtown to the Visitor Center to find out more about the area.  We were especially interested in finding out about holiday shows and historic walks and neighborhoods.  The lady at the desk was very helpful and gave us lots of tips on what to see and do.  She also gave us an excellent map and guide. 

We had a nice dinner back at the motorcoach and called it a day. It has been really wonderful being all together and our motorcoach is working out so well as our new home.