Didn't know what to name this blog, but I guess the growing old thing works, or should I say fits! I was thinking of Christmas cards today, we have ours done just waiting on mega dollars in stamps. I'm really not expecting as many this year and it seems for the past few years the number is decreasing, augmented only by those you receive after someone receives yours. It's the internet, technology, cyber cards, e-cards, face book photo cards, cards you can't decorate with as most households of the past did. I remember taping cards up, over and down the large double sliding doors from the parlor to the living room of our first home, and the number of cards increasing as the years went by. In recent years it's been a "Christmas card basket" a nicely decorated sleigh type basket set out for everyone to see, and cards stacked there in. I still enjoy doing Christmas cards and for sometime now we've adopted a Christmas letter mailed along with our cards. The Christmas letter is in our mind a nice touch since we live so far from family, we started doing that oh ten, twelve years ago. Beverly's brother Mark had been doing one and we thought it would be a nice touch too!
So called smart phones, tablets, iPads, etc. have changed lives, the lives of those that rely upon them for everything. Yes, I use an iPad, as a matter of fact I'm typing this on mine with one finger right, but have yet to give in to the "smart phone." Getting old.....yes, but when your family comes over and everyone sits with heads down looking into those phones the size of iPads, or when you get in the car to go somewhere and the passenger or passengers turn to them before you've gone even a mile........borders on rude in this old farts opinion. I still believe in talking to someone when using a phone, I watch family and friends texting back and forth for minutes upon minutes and longer when a 30 second phone call could accomplish the same thing........what's with that? Now we have talk to text, you need not even type but it's still taking up more time than a phone call, what if you're misunderstood by you phone? From early phones to party lines to dial, to touch tone and now "Beam me up Scotty" holy shit I miss the old days in so many ways.
From Christmas greeting cards to over the top technology, I guess in some ways the simple life was at times better, better for family, friends and that closeness through simple conversation face to face. In some ways I wish the last couple of generations could have enjoyed the slowed downed version of life, but I guess an e-card greeting is better than no greeting at all. As you grow older you may miss the old days, each of us have our old days and one you'll miss yours then you might start considering yourself as "growing old." Family counts.....stay close.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Tanks, armored vehicles, full combat wear.....Main Street USA?
I find since my last blog more and more folks and news agencies are talking about the same thing I blogged, the over arming of our local police. We're giving money to our municipalities to arm law enforcement officers but hesitate to help arm the Kurdish (Kurds) in their war against Radical Muslims/Terrorist. If I lived in Ferguson, Mo. or any other city like Ferguson I'd move my family to somewhere far away from any city that might in the future erupt into that sort of violence. Why and how do folks remain in places so prone to that sort of violence, if it's not the nice quiet place you grew up in, hit the road for a more serene place. Roots can be transplanted and we're sure proof of that, and have never been happier. With today's technology you're only as far away from friends and family as you internet signal.
For the past 6 years we've been traveling this country and from North to South and Midwest to far West and who knows where in future trips, only to find multitudes of nice, quiet small communities. We have had so much fun meeting folks, visiting these communities and participating in the many activities available which they open their arms to visitors to be included. We participate in their celebrations, go to the movies with them, dine with them and golf on their courses and always meet the nicest people. If you've done any camping or tenting or RV'ing you know that the folks in the parks, campgrounds and even Wal-Mart (Walmart) parking lots can also be a help or overnight companions.
The visitors to Ferguson and communities like that, going through the problems they now have seem to be visiting for one reason and one reason only.............to cause as much rioting and unrest as possible. Even folks like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson should be included in that group of agitators, all they seem to do is keep the violence going and stoke the fire with asinine comments which they never are force to apologize for. Usually the statements they make have no validity and do no more that rile up their base.........can you tell me why they even have a base, aren't they both criminals? Regardless it should be all over soon, another corrupt dude will arrive Wednesday to put in the administrations two cents.
Oh well that's the opinions from this corner, but do visit your country far and wide whenever possible.........you won't regret it I promise.
For the past 6 years we've been traveling this country and from North to South and Midwest to far West and who knows where in future trips, only to find multitudes of nice, quiet small communities. We have had so much fun meeting folks, visiting these communities and participating in the many activities available which they open their arms to visitors to be included. We participate in their celebrations, go to the movies with them, dine with them and golf on their courses and always meet the nicest people. If you've done any camping or tenting or RV'ing you know that the folks in the parks, campgrounds and even Wal-Mart (Walmart) parking lots can also be a help or overnight companions.
The visitors to Ferguson and communities like that, going through the problems they now have seem to be visiting for one reason and one reason only.............to cause as much rioting and unrest as possible. Even folks like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson should be included in that group of agitators, all they seem to do is keep the violence going and stoke the fire with asinine comments which they never are force to apologize for. Usually the statements they make have no validity and do no more that rile up their base.........can you tell me why they even have a base, aren't they both criminals? Regardless it should be all over soon, another corrupt dude will arrive Wednesday to put in the administrations two cents.
Oh well that's the opinions from this corner, but do visit your country far and wide whenever possible.........you won't regret it I promise.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Police State?
In watching the news lately and with all the protest and unrest in a lot of our cities around the country, I've been noticing the local police departments with much alarm. Is it me or do a lot of our police department look more like soldiers in combat, or like combat troops beating back the enemy with any means at there disposal? At their disposal, the cops just don't have their guns and night sticks anymore, but they now carry full military gear right down to even wearing camo! These cops are now armed to the teeth with assault weapons, smoke bombs, grenades, shields and body armor and our government wants to take our guns away. I find it scary that if the government succeeds with taking our rights to bear arms away this could turn into just that and what some folks fear, a police state!
Have you watched movies and documentaries of different conflicts, Nazi Germany and the gestapo and those type tactics to rule a country, that's what I'm reminded of at times watching our news. It frankly scares the hell out of me when I see local law enforcement officers dressed like military storm troopers beating back civilian protesters like they were the enemy........we pay their salaries, these folks are their employers not enemies. Does the fact that they do look like military and showing the type of force without evening knowing what folks are protesting cause more harm that just looking like law enforcement officers?
Is this what the progressives, far-left liberals and tree-huggers are working for in trying to take our rights away from us? Those of you that don't pay attention to what is happening in your country this maybe hard to believe but administrations like this that are the puppets and controlled and financed by folks that what to rule the world seem to be working towards this end. But back on track, this is most likely how it will start by having the police state and the rest of us as prisoners in our own country. I'll most likely be long gone but I would like my children and especially grand-children to live in a country like I was raised in, family, trusting neighborhoods and looking up to the law to protect us from the bad guys. We can't let groups like the EPA have so much control over our check books and rights, the IRS is in a shambles and our borders are like a sieve. All are welcome, just do it the right way and we welcome you with open arms...........do it wrong and you need to go back and do it right! These are all part of the plans to reduce our independence you can believe that.
Have you watched movies and documentaries of different conflicts, Nazi Germany and the gestapo and those type tactics to rule a country, that's what I'm reminded of at times watching our news. It frankly scares the hell out of me when I see local law enforcement officers dressed like military storm troopers beating back civilian protesters like they were the enemy........we pay their salaries, these folks are their employers not enemies. Does the fact that they do look like military and showing the type of force without evening knowing what folks are protesting cause more harm that just looking like law enforcement officers?
Is this what the progressives, far-left liberals and tree-huggers are working for in trying to take our rights away from us? Those of you that don't pay attention to what is happening in your country this maybe hard to believe but administrations like this that are the puppets and controlled and financed by folks that what to rule the world seem to be working towards this end. But back on track, this is most likely how it will start by having the police state and the rest of us as prisoners in our own country. I'll most likely be long gone but I would like my children and especially grand-children to live in a country like I was raised in, family, trusting neighborhoods and looking up to the law to protect us from the bad guys. We can't let groups like the EPA have so much control over our check books and rights, the IRS is in a shambles and our borders are like a sieve. All are welcome, just do it the right way and we welcome you with open arms...........do it wrong and you need to go back and do it right! These are all part of the plans to reduce our independence you can believe that.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Settled back in or not
Back in Phoenix for 5 days now and it's been hot and now sticky since we had clouds and a storm with rain last night. Shit has been happening and not the the best either, the golf cart seems to have a problem I can't figure out and will most likely cost to get it fixed. The drivers side window on the Durango feel to the bottom of the door as soon as I touched the door for the first time. Spent 2 hours cleaning and blowing and vacuuming the yard and driveway and the entire area around the house just to have it storm, blow, and rain to the point that it looks like I did nothing yesterday! Back still hurts and haven't been to a doctor yet, but soon..........I need to get back on the golf course. We're looking at 102 to 105 degree temps for the rest of the week and I'm still seeing on my home page the temps in Watsonville running 62 to 70 the rest of the week...........why am I back in Phoenix before the end of September?
I need to get the golf cart running or get a another one, I can't be without a golf cart living in a park/community like we live it. Golf carts are so convenient for so many things living hear where jumping in and out of a auto running here and there is just a pain in the ass. Yes, I do need to walk more and I plan on doing just that, but that's not what I'm talking about.........it's all the other stuff that a golf cart makes life so much easier.
I feel for the family of Robin Williams, his three kids must be so heart broken at this time. Depression is bigger than we think and needs to be addressed further, they say 16 million folks suffer from some form of depression in the United States alone, must be so hard for these folks to cope with as it must have been for Robin Williams.......to young and so talented. In my opinion I enjoyed his serious rolls on the big screen far more than his comedy, the man was definitely a talented actor.
There is no doubt as to what is right around the corner here in Phoenix and Arizona and I'm sure the rest of the country. The street corners and by-ways here are being filled daily with signs of politicians running for all the many offices to be filled come November, this is going to be a fun next few months listening to all the bullshit being spewed once more by most of these folks. Yes this blog will have a few opinions along the way so don't stop reading just consider it one man's opinion and take it from there........remember we all have one and are free to express it.
I need to get the golf cart running or get a another one, I can't be without a golf cart living in a park/community like we live it. Golf carts are so convenient for so many things living hear where jumping in and out of a auto running here and there is just a pain in the ass. Yes, I do need to walk more and I plan on doing just that, but that's not what I'm talking about.........it's all the other stuff that a golf cart makes life so much easier.
I feel for the family of Robin Williams, his three kids must be so heart broken at this time. Depression is bigger than we think and needs to be addressed further, they say 16 million folks suffer from some form of depression in the United States alone, must be so hard for these folks to cope with as it must have been for Robin Williams.......to young and so talented. In my opinion I enjoyed his serious rolls on the big screen far more than his comedy, the man was definitely a talented actor.
There is no doubt as to what is right around the corner here in Phoenix and Arizona and I'm sure the rest of the country. The street corners and by-ways here are being filled daily with signs of politicians running for all the many offices to be filled come November, this is going to be a fun next few months listening to all the bullshit being spewed once more by most of these folks. Yes this blog will have a few opinions along the way so don't stop reading just consider it one man's opinion and take it from there........remember we all have one and are free to express it.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Home again...Home again...jigidy jig.
Well we ended up coming home earlier that expect by us and our family. We showed up at grandson Jack's 8th birthday party to the surprise of family and friends attending yesterday. On the way to the party Bev and I both looked at each other and said "you know after a day or two of catching up with family we both will wish to be back on the road" and we will and do each year it seems. The back problems I've been having helped put a damper on the past few weeks, with Bev's knee doing so well and her wanting to get back out on the golf course my back just didn't want to cooperate. It was starting to feel better a bit after leaving the Sacramento area but then while golfing in Watsonville early on I jumped on a 3 wood shot and tweaked it all over again and seems a bit worse. At this point not sure what I'm going to do, I'm leaning towards my joint and back doctor right now to start with. Bev wants me to try her chiropractor first I know, but I'm just not sure about that at present.
I have a grocery bag (the new cloth ones everyone has now) full of mail to go through, you and I both know it will be well over 95% junk, but I'm one of those guys that looks at it all..........you never know you might find a gem in amongst the garbage!
I've got to get down to the motor home today or tomorrow and get it ready to sit a while and then decide when and where I'll be getting this list of a few items taken care of as far as maintenance goes. We've got one of the three slide-outs hanging up a bit when bringing it in, the small closet one in the bedroom and then the handle on the crank up antenna came loose and that I can take care of with a new handle. I'm going to have the tires checked, they look pretty good as of yet but I believe I notice a little wearing on the front tires to one side that of each one....just might be a problem to take care of before leaving next trip. The tires have over 40,000 miles on them and really look good from the laymen point of few but my gut says new tires at least on the front. The coach has 49,400 miles on it now and I replace two very early with cracks on one and a bulge on another around 10,000. We also developed a water leak somewhere when hooked up to city water towards the end of the trip, I believe it's somewhere in a line from the toilet. Going to check with LaMesa who replaced the toilet before we left and were supposed to check lines for leaks at that time, nothing really major I think but very annoying! All in all not a bad punch list for the miles and terrain traveled over the past few years, but it seems now each trip it's something and that gets old. Just hope if it's anything big the warranty takes care of it again.
A lot of debris around the yard to clean up today, the couple of storms they had here the past few weeks did some damage in the park, but luckily all we got was a dusty porch and leaves and dirt in the car-port and patio area. Going to pick the golf cart up from Matt's this morning, gotta get to cruising the park and let the folks know we're back and available for PNP (park patrol) but I do plan on doing more walking this year. Speaking of walking brings me to my weight loss program and how I've been doing. Last year the journey of 2013 cost me 24 pounds, yes in that time I gain back 23 pounds while traveling visiting friends and family. It took me almost until the time to leave this year to get that back off and I did plus a few pounds, and I vowed not to let it happen again this year. Well mission accomplished, I did gain but only 8 pounds and I've already taken 2 pounds of that off in he past two days. It's been hard for me, at my age now and not getting as much exercise it's very hard to lose especially since I really love a good meal especially Italian dishes and good old meat and potatoes as I was raised on. With the help of http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ I've lost 38 pounds and now can continue working on my second goal of hitting 250 before next years journey if not sooner I hope!
OK a bit off track there, but hope you enjoyed hearing about where we had been and what we seen and discovered along the way. As usual we enjoy this journey very much and seen and stayed in some great places once more and had fun with family and friends along the way. That being said we really can't wait to get "back on the road again" very soon, who knows maybe even a winter journey this next year. I plan on blogging more now between journeys and will try to stay away from political stuff but may give an opinion now and again because you know I've always got one of those. See ya around the water cooler..........................
I have a grocery bag (the new cloth ones everyone has now) full of mail to go through, you and I both know it will be well over 95% junk, but I'm one of those guys that looks at it all..........you never know you might find a gem in amongst the garbage!
I've got to get down to the motor home today or tomorrow and get it ready to sit a while and then decide when and where I'll be getting this list of a few items taken care of as far as maintenance goes. We've got one of the three slide-outs hanging up a bit when bringing it in, the small closet one in the bedroom and then the handle on the crank up antenna came loose and that I can take care of with a new handle. I'm going to have the tires checked, they look pretty good as of yet but I believe I notice a little wearing on the front tires to one side that of each one....just might be a problem to take care of before leaving next trip. The tires have over 40,000 miles on them and really look good from the laymen point of few but my gut says new tires at least on the front. The coach has 49,400 miles on it now and I replace two very early with cracks on one and a bulge on another around 10,000. We also developed a water leak somewhere when hooked up to city water towards the end of the trip, I believe it's somewhere in a line from the toilet. Going to check with LaMesa who replaced the toilet before we left and were supposed to check lines for leaks at that time, nothing really major I think but very annoying! All in all not a bad punch list for the miles and terrain traveled over the past few years, but it seems now each trip it's something and that gets old. Just hope if it's anything big the warranty takes care of it again.
A lot of debris around the yard to clean up today, the couple of storms they had here the past few weeks did some damage in the park, but luckily all we got was a dusty porch and leaves and dirt in the car-port and patio area. Going to pick the golf cart up from Matt's this morning, gotta get to cruising the park and let the folks know we're back and available for PNP (park patrol) but I do plan on doing more walking this year. Speaking of walking brings me to my weight loss program and how I've been doing. Last year the journey of 2013 cost me 24 pounds, yes in that time I gain back 23 pounds while traveling visiting friends and family. It took me almost until the time to leave this year to get that back off and I did plus a few pounds, and I vowed not to let it happen again this year. Well mission accomplished, I did gain but only 8 pounds and I've already taken 2 pounds of that off in he past two days. It's been hard for me, at my age now and not getting as much exercise it's very hard to lose especially since I really love a good meal especially Italian dishes and good old meat and potatoes as I was raised on. With the help of http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ I've lost 38 pounds and now can continue working on my second goal of hitting 250 before next years journey if not sooner I hope!
OK a bit off track there, but hope you enjoyed hearing about where we had been and what we seen and discovered along the way. As usual we enjoy this journey very much and seen and stayed in some great places once more and had fun with family and friends along the way. That being said we really can't wait to get "back on the road again" very soon, who knows maybe even a winter journey this next year. I plan on blogging more now between journeys and will try to stay away from political stuff but may give an opinion now and again because you know I've always got one of those. See ya around the water cooler..........................
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Ready to "bug out"
Watsonville, Ca. has been fun and there was so much to do, especially since we were here during their annual Strawberry festival. Right now I'm starting to get a little antsy and after almost two weeks I think I'm ready to hit the road once more, even though we'd be heading closer to home as we travel on.
The cool weather will be missed as we travel south/southeast from our location here, the cool days and chilly nights will eventually be exchanged for warm evenings and hot days. What we normally plan as a mid-September return will most likely be a late August return, Bev has some meetings around the 26th and that will dictate a lot.
The fact that it's been hard to find RV parks or at least nice ones that have vacancies has been a bit of a bummer, so many places need reservations now it's hard to travel the way we've been used to. For the 7 plus years we've owned the motor home we have been "travel by the seat of your pants" travelers and now are finding out you need destinations on certain dates with reservations more often than not. We really enjoy the fact that we don't need to be anywhere on any certain day or by any certain time, but you may just end up in a Wal-mart parking lot more often than not. We've done Wal-mart and it isn't all that bad in a pinch for a night, but it is just there for a one night stand.
We've had to revert to using our on board water and water pump the past few days, somehow it seems when on city water we have a leak under the floor around the bathroom area. I think it may have something to do with the new toilet we had installed before the trip, but when on city water and water in the lines constantly there's a spot on the floor where the carpet gets wet. Using on board water and only pumping when needed there is no leaking or wet areas, something I can't find and need to take back to La Mesa who installed the toilet and did a leak check for me! Oh well, it's seems to be always something..........................
My back has been really hurting and not sure exactly why, will definitely need to get it checked out upon our return to Phoenix. One day it seems better and then the next day sore once more, it has cut us way back on the golfing and that's too bad since Bev and her knee have been ready to go!
Well as far as leaving I think it will be tomorrow we hit the road, Thursday at the latest.
The cool weather will be missed as we travel south/southeast from our location here, the cool days and chilly nights will eventually be exchanged for warm evenings and hot days. What we normally plan as a mid-September return will most likely be a late August return, Bev has some meetings around the 26th and that will dictate a lot.
The fact that it's been hard to find RV parks or at least nice ones that have vacancies has been a bit of a bummer, so many places need reservations now it's hard to travel the way we've been used to. For the 7 plus years we've owned the motor home we have been "travel by the seat of your pants" travelers and now are finding out you need destinations on certain dates with reservations more often than not. We really enjoy the fact that we don't need to be anywhere on any certain day or by any certain time, but you may just end up in a Wal-mart parking lot more often than not. We've done Wal-mart and it isn't all that bad in a pinch for a night, but it is just there for a one night stand.
We've had to revert to using our on board water and water pump the past few days, somehow it seems when on city water we have a leak under the floor around the bathroom area. I think it may have something to do with the new toilet we had installed before the trip, but when on city water and water in the lines constantly there's a spot on the floor where the carpet gets wet. Using on board water and only pumping when needed there is no leaking or wet areas, something I can't find and need to take back to La Mesa who installed the toilet and did a leak check for me! Oh well, it's seems to be always something..........................
My back has been really hurting and not sure exactly why, will definitely need to get it checked out upon our return to Phoenix. One day it seems better and then the next day sore once more, it has cut us way back on the golfing and that's too bad since Bev and her knee have been ready to go!
Well as far as leaving I think it will be tomorrow we hit the road, Thursday at the latest.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Watsonville, Ca. after a week..........
Watsonville has been a great place to base from as it turns out, so much to do and see within 30 minutes from here. In the past six days since the last blog we've done so much it seems but have yet done a lot of relaxing too. Santa Cruz, the board walk along the beach, the pier (longest in California), the quaint little town with all the neat shops but also what seemed to be a haven for what would have been called hippies back in the day. Young people being young people, some needing a bath and definitely a good washing of the hair, but seeming to enjoy the life of doing nothing but hanging out on the streets...........hell this is California they probably make more than most unemployed and on state assistance! Even though a lot of them have the cardboard signs wanting this or that they all seem to have $200 skate boards in hand and 100's upon 100's of dollars in tattoo's. To each his priorities I guess, they do look like they enjoy their lives right now. The famed "Board Walk" on Santa Cruz beach is a great place for the kids, Jack and Dalila would just love it.....rides, games, carnival type games of chance and big stuffed things to win. We couldn't help but wish they were there with us!
Then there's Monterey, Cannery Row and dunes, and all the picturesque views of the ocean from the bay. Sea food, chocolate and fudge shops, shirts and sweat shirts because most tourist don't realize how cool the temps are off Monterey Bay, normal highs upper 60's and most are looking to buy something warm to wear. After being here last year, Bev wore her jacket but somehow and somewhere I lost my nice light weight yellow jacket (I think in Iowa somewhere or at someones home) so I made due. We really like Monterey and the area, but I like a bit of warmth also, and actually miss the heat a bit of Phoenix at times.
Another day trip from Watsonville is beyond Monterey and down highway 1 (pacific coast highway) to Pebble Beach area and Carmel, down where half the money in California resides! We didn't spend much time in the tight narrow community of Carmel and all the resident and tourist shops, I didn't need anything Gucci or Tiffany, or Coach or you name the high end shops along Rodeo drive, yes that about sums up Carmel down town! The have what they call 17 mile drive which takes you all around the Pebble Beach peninsula, they actually charge $10 a vehicle to take this 17 mile journey which goes by each of the six Pebble Beach golf courses and all of the multimillion dollar homes that line this 17 mile stretch. Would love to have played all these golf courses with the boys and then again with Bev but I would need to hit at least two lotteries in order to accomplish that goal or bucket list of items! Green fee's ranged from the cheapest at Poppy Hill of $235 to the most expensive at Pebble Beach Links of $495 plus a $125 caddies fee and one's required. Took a lot of pictures and stood on parts of the course where the big boys play but maybe someday we'll get to spray some balls around the joint. We shall return!
Today it's the annual Strawberry Festival here in Watsonville, there are literally miles and miles of strawberry fields and the smell is wonderful. They grow all year around, picking and replanting over and over and over again. The field next to where we're parked here was being picked when we arrived last week for a few days and yesterday they plowed it under and are preparing it for another seeding. Berries of all kinds, vegetables of all kinds, fruit of all kinds, sweet corn daily at 6 ears for a dollar..............and I must admit we've tasted sweet corn as good if not better than Grimes Iowa sweet corn and our nieces and nephews from Des Moines area swear by Grimes Corn and we've had it too.
You literally drive down the highways smelling as you go by areas the different crops, from berries, to garlic, to the sea and that seafood aroma (that is sometimes good and sometimes not so good) but I must say the smelling of strawberries in the air is by far the best.............time to get ready to head down town to the Festival.
Then there's Monterey, Cannery Row and dunes, and all the picturesque views of the ocean from the bay. Sea food, chocolate and fudge shops, shirts and sweat shirts because most tourist don't realize how cool the temps are off Monterey Bay, normal highs upper 60's and most are looking to buy something warm to wear. After being here last year, Bev wore her jacket but somehow and somewhere I lost my nice light weight yellow jacket (I think in Iowa somewhere or at someones home) so I made due. We really like Monterey and the area, but I like a bit of warmth also, and actually miss the heat a bit of Phoenix at times.
Another day trip from Watsonville is beyond Monterey and down highway 1 (pacific coast highway) to Pebble Beach area and Carmel, down where half the money in California resides! We didn't spend much time in the tight narrow community of Carmel and all the resident and tourist shops, I didn't need anything Gucci or Tiffany, or Coach or you name the high end shops along Rodeo drive, yes that about sums up Carmel down town! The have what they call 17 mile drive which takes you all around the Pebble Beach peninsula, they actually charge $10 a vehicle to take this 17 mile journey which goes by each of the six Pebble Beach golf courses and all of the multimillion dollar homes that line this 17 mile stretch. Would love to have played all these golf courses with the boys and then again with Bev but I would need to hit at least two lotteries in order to accomplish that goal or bucket list of items! Green fee's ranged from the cheapest at Poppy Hill of $235 to the most expensive at Pebble Beach Links of $495 plus a $125 caddies fee and one's required. Took a lot of pictures and stood on parts of the course where the big boys play but maybe someday we'll get to spray some balls around the joint. We shall return!
Today it's the annual Strawberry Festival here in Watsonville, there are literally miles and miles of strawberry fields and the smell is wonderful. They grow all year around, picking and replanting over and over and over again. The field next to where we're parked here was being picked when we arrived last week for a few days and yesterday they plowed it under and are preparing it for another seeding. Berries of all kinds, vegetables of all kinds, fruit of all kinds, sweet corn daily at 6 ears for a dollar..............and I must admit we've tasted sweet corn as good if not better than Grimes Iowa sweet corn and our nieces and nephews from Des Moines area swear by Grimes Corn and we've had it too.
You literally drive down the highways smelling as you go by areas the different crops, from berries, to garlic, to the sea and that seafood aroma (that is sometimes good and sometimes not so good) but I must say the smelling of strawberries in the air is by far the best.............time to get ready to head down town to the Festival.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Pinto Lake, Watsonville, Ca.
Always have the fishing gear packed in the basement (what storage under the coach is called) just in case we're on or near the water and feel like doing some fishing. Usually it depends on the lake or stream and the State we're in and their fishing license requirements. This place looked good and we're going to be here for a week without TV so why not do a little fishing, so I went in town and got a two day license for $23.50. They rent boats, row boats for $10/hr. which I think is a bit steep since by the time I rowed over to a shore line suitable for fishing for some of those big bass it would cost me $10. Talking to the gal at the boat house about all this she tells me and I start to see some signs posted that the lake is toxic! No swimming, and don't eat any fish you catch! Do they fish here a lot and catch big bass, oh yes and there's a wall full of pictures proving that point. So it's a lot of catch and release and that is surely no problem for me, only usually keep what we can eat that day anyway. But then I had to laugh out loud to what she said next, she said "yes it's pretty much catch and release except for the trout...........you can eat any trout you catch"! You're saying I can't eat the bass, crappie, bluegill but I can eat the trout, why can I eat the trout and what makes them any different? To which she replied "because there are not trout in the lake"..............WTF! Just some humor I guess, but she looked dead serious I tell you, I think she meant every word of what she said.
So the yesterday I strolled down to the lake with fishing gear in hand to snag one or two of those trophy bass I seen pictured on the wall. There were a few local lads fishing and in talking to them I asked about the toxic water and the fish not being able to eat, to which they said "ya that's what they say but we eat some of them, no problems"........after reading the sign's I'm now wondering what's wrong with these fellows. You see my first clue was when I purchased my license from the local "Big 5" sporting goods and mentioned doing a little fishing at Pinto Lake his reply was "oh you're going after some of those 3 eyed fish huh." By late afternoon there were a few fathers and their kids throwing lines in all around me, I throwing lure after lure at the bass with no luck but these kids are throwing lines with just a salmon egg and catching bass................3-4 inch bass and having a blast!
I'm forgoing my second day of fishing on my license, who knows maybe late tonight, but hey it was fun talking to the local boys and getting some insight to what's happening at Pinto Lake. Here are some pictures of the signs down by the lake.
So the yesterday I strolled down to the lake with fishing gear in hand to snag one or two of those trophy bass I seen pictured on the wall. There were a few local lads fishing and in talking to them I asked about the toxic water and the fish not being able to eat, to which they said "ya that's what they say but we eat some of them, no problems"........after reading the sign's I'm now wondering what's wrong with these fellows. You see my first clue was when I purchased my license from the local "Big 5" sporting goods and mentioned doing a little fishing at Pinto Lake his reply was "oh you're going after some of those 3 eyed fish huh." By late afternoon there were a few fathers and their kids throwing lines in all around me, I throwing lure after lure at the bass with no luck but these kids are throwing lines with just a salmon egg and catching bass................3-4 inch bass and having a blast!
I'm forgoing my second day of fishing on my license, who knows maybe late tonight, but hey it was fun talking to the local boys and getting some insight to what's happening at Pinto Lake. Here are some pictures of the signs down by the lake.
Watsonville, Ca. on 10,000 year old Pinto Lake
From Morgan Hill, Ca. to Watsonville and Pinto Lake just 45 minutes down the road, that's what we did on Wednesday. Now it's Friday and pretty much just another week of relaxation, not too many big plans for around here. There will be time set aside for laundry because it's down to just a couple of pair of undies for the both of us. Laundry day can sometimes be an adventure, especially at a place like this that doesn't have the laundry facilities needed for 3 big loads at the RV park. We'll go into town as usual and try and find a nice laundromat, but you know how that goes and some of the folks you meet can look pretty surly! We made our trip to the market on the first day after getting set up, picking up what we'll be needing for the upcoming week. This year we're eating in a lot more and better meals for us, last year I gain 23 pounds back of the 30 pounds I lost before taking our journey. This year I lost that back and an additional 12 pounds before leaving and I've vowed not to repeat last year and continue losing more. How's that going you ask.......well as of today I've gained 8 pounds since leaving home, and that was a bit higher when leaving Sacramento. We did a lot of eating out the first month of this journey and that's to be expected I guess with all the friends and family we've been visiting, and the BBQ's while in Sacramento were to die for!
We'll most likely drive back towards Gilroy over the weekend for a taste of the Annual Garlic Festival, yes Gilroy the Garlic capital of the world has what we hear is a pretty lively festival each year. We're living kind of primitive this week, not as far as the camping goes in the motor home but as far as being without TV for the week. For some reason we're getting no satellite reception and they have no cable at this park, and the antenna to pick up local channels only gets Telemundo channels 1-4 and nothing else! Oh well we still have the internet and can stream something every now and then, we at least will stream our soap opera (Young and the Restless) each night and most likely get our news from the web..........nothing new there, that's a daily thing with me anyway.
A nice golf course right around the corner so sometime, probably Monday we'll give that puppy a go. The golf course looks from driving by and down to the clubhouse like it's in great shape and pretty challenging but fair, no matter it'll be fun.
This blog is getting lengthy so I'm closing for now but will be adding another right behind it with a update on the Lake (Pinto Lake) and the fishing.................stay tuned.
We'll most likely drive back towards Gilroy over the weekend for a taste of the Annual Garlic Festival, yes Gilroy the Garlic capital of the world has what we hear is a pretty lively festival each year. We're living kind of primitive this week, not as far as the camping goes in the motor home but as far as being without TV for the week. For some reason we're getting no satellite reception and they have no cable at this park, and the antenna to pick up local channels only gets Telemundo channels 1-4 and nothing else! Oh well we still have the internet and can stream something every now and then, we at least will stream our soap opera (Young and the Restless) each night and most likely get our news from the web..........nothing new there, that's a daily thing with me anyway.
A nice golf course right around the corner so sometime, probably Monday we'll give that puppy a go. The golf course looks from driving by and down to the clubhouse like it's in great shape and pretty challenging but fair, no matter it'll be fun.
This blog is getting lengthy so I'm closing for now but will be adding another right behind it with a update on the Lake (Pinto Lake) and the fishing.................stay tuned.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Farmers Market and then a ride through berry country
The morning started off with a visit to the farmers market, fresh veggies and a lot of peaches, and all the berries you could ask for. We're in the middle of a fantastic growing area of California, a lot of berries, tomatoes, peaches and nectarines all grown right here along with melons and sweet corn. So much organic stuff too and that was nice after reading an article about China and the processing of our food we send to them and they send back.
After buying a few things from the market it was off to breakfast and a little place called "Just Breakfast" and being it was now 11:00 am this was just the place to be. Now it was a ride through all this farm and wine country to Pinto Lake were we'll be setting up camp at the RV park on the lake next week for another week in the area. This is about 45 minutes from where we're at now but on a lake where we can do a little fishing, they say there are some pretty big bass in the lake......catch and release!
Tomorrow it's a ride to the Bay, San Francisco for a nice cool day in and around San Francisco. Can't wait for that, we just love that area!
Tomorrow it's a ride to the Bay, San Francisco for a nice cool day in and around San Francisco. Can't wait for that, we just love that area!
Friday, July 18, 2014
Where in the hell have I been for 16 days?
Where do I start? Last post was when we arrived in Vacaville. Ca. at the only RV park we could find in and around the Sacramento area, should have known with it being the 4th holiday and all. We new Vacaville though, if you all that followed us last journey remember this is the same place we had the rear end replaced in the motor home by the fine folks at Midwest Trucking.
The surprise was a good one, we pulled that one off and the party at Don and Sharon Papers was just as billed, on of the best BBQ parties you'd ever attend. We are so happy we decided to do this and bee line it to California for the happening. Cousins, Don, Bill, Rich and even Jeff from Oklahoma were there and most of their families, it was good to see all of them again. We ended up staying there two weeks, after the party spending a lot of time with Rich, Jeff and Lynn Paper while Don was on a fishing trip to Mexico for that week. We ended up waiting until Don got back so we could spend a little more time with him and Sharon, just at this point regret no going to Modesto to spend more time with Bill and his girls.
The plan all along was to spend that time in the Sacramento area and then head to the coast around Half Moon Bay and get a spot over-looking the ocean...............poor planning once more and it being summer and kids out of school really cost us once again. We checked RV parks from Vallejo to San Jose and ended up here in Morgan Hills, Ca. about 75 minutes south of San Francisco and not over looking the ocean. The park is nice and the town is another one of those quaint little towns with a neat down town and nice little shops, and oh yes a few pretty nice looking golf courses too! We golfed Coyote Creek yesterday and if our backs hold up we'll try one over in Gilroy before we leave.
While looking for this place I spotted another interesting RV park in Watsonville about 45 minutes south of here, Pinto Lake RV Park and it sits on a lake with boating, fishing etc. We made reservations for next week over there and after that who knows what we'll be doing.
We are now planning on taking the "Caltrain" which runs from here into San Francisco each day rather than driving over or up there. It's a commuter that runs from all the small towns from here up to the Bay area, leaves this station 3 times between 6:30am and 7:30 am and if you stay till the last train we'd return around 7:30 pm which will make for a long but fun day I'm sure. Just can't miss the train or we'll be spending the night in hotel in San Francisco..........................oh well.
Yes it's been 16 days of a lot of laughing and fun with cousins and their families and you can't believe the hospitality we were shown and how much we appreciated that. My back has been acting up quite a bit even to the point of having to visit a chiropractor while in Vacaille, it's still sore and hurts on and off but living with it for now. Might have to do something about it when we get back to Phoenix. This week will be a lot of relaxing, like today we did absolutely nothing all day but hang around the motor home, tomorrow a short ride and another day of rest and probably that train ride to San Francisco on Monday. I will try and keep up with this blog more often from now on out, I enjoy it and hope you do too!
The surprise was a good one, we pulled that one off and the party at Don and Sharon Papers was just as billed, on of the best BBQ parties you'd ever attend. We are so happy we decided to do this and bee line it to California for the happening. Cousins, Don, Bill, Rich and even Jeff from Oklahoma were there and most of their families, it was good to see all of them again. We ended up staying there two weeks, after the party spending a lot of time with Rich, Jeff and Lynn Paper while Don was on a fishing trip to Mexico for that week. We ended up waiting until Don got back so we could spend a little more time with him and Sharon, just at this point regret no going to Modesto to spend more time with Bill and his girls.
The plan all along was to spend that time in the Sacramento area and then head to the coast around Half Moon Bay and get a spot over-looking the ocean...............poor planning once more and it being summer and kids out of school really cost us once again. We checked RV parks from Vallejo to San Jose and ended up here in Morgan Hills, Ca. about 75 minutes south of San Francisco and not over looking the ocean. The park is nice and the town is another one of those quaint little towns with a neat down town and nice little shops, and oh yes a few pretty nice looking golf courses too! We golfed Coyote Creek yesterday and if our backs hold up we'll try one over in Gilroy before we leave.
While looking for this place I spotted another interesting RV park in Watsonville about 45 minutes south of here, Pinto Lake RV Park and it sits on a lake with boating, fishing etc. We made reservations for next week over there and after that who knows what we'll be doing.
We are now planning on taking the "Caltrain" which runs from here into San Francisco each day rather than driving over or up there. It's a commuter that runs from all the small towns from here up to the Bay area, leaves this station 3 times between 6:30am and 7:30 am and if you stay till the last train we'd return around 7:30 pm which will make for a long but fun day I'm sure. Just can't miss the train or we'll be spending the night in hotel in San Francisco..........................oh well.
Yes it's been 16 days of a lot of laughing and fun with cousins and their families and you can't believe the hospitality we were shown and how much we appreciated that. My back has been acting up quite a bit even to the point of having to visit a chiropractor while in Vacaille, it's still sore and hurts on and off but living with it for now. Might have to do something about it when we get back to Phoenix. This week will be a lot of relaxing, like today we did absolutely nothing all day but hang around the motor home, tomorrow a short ride and another day of rest and probably that train ride to San Francisco on Monday. I will try and keep up with this blog more often from now on out, I enjoy it and hope you do too!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
July 1st and here we are!
There will be a surprise visit to someone in the next few days, I've basically been a bit vague about where we're headed and exactly where we've been for that reason. This may or may not work or surprise anyone but we're trying while at the same time keep friends and family up to date on where we're at, where we've been and where we're headed. With Face Book and blogs and e-mails it's hard not to let on the direction of our visits and directions we been and are heading from there. I think at times we're hoping some folks don't read or pay too much attention to some of the post we've made, I'm hoping the blog is read by many and if so have been keeping a bit close exactly our destinations and times spent here and there.
Let's change the subject to cost of seeing your country via the highways and the by-ways, it is becoming harder and harder to do in vehicles like our motor home. The price of operating this vehicle has really gone up each year since we've owned out rig. The fact that the United States now has the ability to produce all the oil and gas we need and also can export some to others should mean lower prices. As long as the administration continues to stop us from drilling off shore and in so many other places is ridiculous in my opinion. Since North Dakota and Montana have been producing so much gas and oil we have more than enough and should no longer have to import from foreign countries at outrages prices they set. Hopefully we elect someone and enough Senators to make the much needed changes in order to make our country energy independent, and thus easier on us to continue to see this wonderful country we call home. To let you know we left Phoenix June 30th to $3.20/gal gas and have been steadily going up the entire trip so far, we're finally in a place where the gas is between $3.95 and $4.15 a gallon depending on the station. Anytime we here of more violence in oil and Arab nations our gas price go up and don't seem to ever go back when all is said and done. Why is the fact that Iraq and folks of their neighboring countries that want to and continue to fit each other in civil wars have any control over out gas prices? We don't need them or there oil, we have plenty right here at home, just let us take it from the ground!
Well that did have something to do with our trip, the gas prices are starting to hurt a bit and we like others would like to see some relief in the future, regardless we'll always find a way to make these voyages because we like it so much and enjoy seeing the USA from shore to shore and border to border!
In a day or so the cat will be out of the bag and I'll share where we are right now and why we're here and being so secretive.................stay tuned.
Let's change the subject to cost of seeing your country via the highways and the by-ways, it is becoming harder and harder to do in vehicles like our motor home. The price of operating this vehicle has really gone up each year since we've owned out rig. The fact that the United States now has the ability to produce all the oil and gas we need and also can export some to others should mean lower prices. As long as the administration continues to stop us from drilling off shore and in so many other places is ridiculous in my opinion. Since North Dakota and Montana have been producing so much gas and oil we have more than enough and should no longer have to import from foreign countries at outrages prices they set. Hopefully we elect someone and enough Senators to make the much needed changes in order to make our country energy independent, and thus easier on us to continue to see this wonderful country we call home. To let you know we left Phoenix June 30th to $3.20/gal gas and have been steadily going up the entire trip so far, we're finally in a place where the gas is between $3.95 and $4.15 a gallon depending on the station. Anytime we here of more violence in oil and Arab nations our gas price go up and don't seem to ever go back when all is said and done. Why is the fact that Iraq and folks of their neighboring countries that want to and continue to fit each other in civil wars have any control over out gas prices? We don't need them or there oil, we have plenty right here at home, just let us take it from the ground!
Well that did have something to do with our trip, the gas prices are starting to hurt a bit and we like others would like to see some relief in the future, regardless we'll always find a way to make these voyages because we like it so much and enjoy seeing the USA from shore to shore and border to border!
In a day or so the cat will be out of the bag and I'll share where we are right now and why we're here and being so secretive.................stay tuned.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Interstate 80
An observation, Iowa needs a lot of help in I-80 surfacing and to this point is one of the worst roads in America. Nebraska on the other hand have the paving down so as to be one of the smoothest roads we've ever traveled! Wyoming is trying damn hard to beat out Iowa but still are a whole lot smoother than Iowa interstate travel. I plan on posting some pics on FB of the I-80 from Omaha to Lincoln, you can tell the cornhuskers and there fans have some pull, the smoothest and only 6 lane I-80 stretch I know of.........this stretch of road can rival any in the country in my opinion?
The 28th.....catching up!
We extended our stay in Davenport until Friday morning in order to see Justin, his wife Kasey and son Mason home between duty assignments with the Army. Justin is the son of our nephew and niece Mike and Teresa Hayes, and Teresa made this great salad for a luncheon Thursday so we could have the opportunity to see Justin and meet his family.
Thursday night was a last night out with friends Dave and Marilyn Naab, a nice dinner a visit to the boat (casino) to drop a few bucks then back to the coach for a short nights sleep before breaking camp and hitting the road in the morning. We enjoy our time at West Lake in Davenport, the price is right at $21 a night and it's ideal for doing all we do while visiting the Quads. Like wise Adventureland in Des Moines is the same for visiting our family there, just a bit more costly.
We made a quick stop in Council Bluffs to visit Harrahs there, had a good but naughty meal and with the help of Bev being extremely hot.........we made a nice monetary addition to our coffers. Bev was due and came through in the clutch. Sightseeing here and there through Nebraska and tonight just inside Wyoming, tomorrow will bw a beautiful day in the beautiful state of Wyoming! I think we'll stop by and say hi to Dick and Liz Chaney while checking out Wyoming. We're still not sure how long or which direction from here, but the mountains seem to be calling and a stream of trout is sounding pretty good right too! The closer to the 4th we get the harder to find a place to park or an RV park that's not booked over that weekend......so we're playing it by ear at present, there's always Wal Mart in a pinch.
Thursday night was a last night out with friends Dave and Marilyn Naab, a nice dinner a visit to the boat (casino) to drop a few bucks then back to the coach for a short nights sleep before breaking camp and hitting the road in the morning. We enjoy our time at West Lake in Davenport, the price is right at $21 a night and it's ideal for doing all we do while visiting the Quads. Like wise Adventureland in Des Moines is the same for visiting our family there, just a bit more costly.
We made a quick stop in Council Bluffs to visit Harrahs there, had a good but naughty meal and with the help of Bev being extremely hot.........we made a nice monetary addition to our coffers. Bev was due and came through in the clutch. Sightseeing here and there through Nebraska and tonight just inside Wyoming, tomorrow will bw a beautiful day in the beautiful state of Wyoming! I think we'll stop by and say hi to Dick and Liz Chaney while checking out Wyoming. We're still not sure how long or which direction from here, but the mountains seem to be calling and a stream of trout is sounding pretty good right too! The closer to the 4th we get the harder to find a place to park or an RV park that's not booked over that weekend......so we're playing it by ear at present, there's always Wal Mart in a pinch.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Day one......alone for the remainder!
Well today is the first day since leaving Phoenix on May 31st that Bev and I are traveling alone. As you all know Lisa and Jack took their vacation time to travel with us for the first three weeks across the USA ending up in Iowa visiting old digs and a lot of family. We put Lisa and Jack on a plane back to Phoenix last night, their going back to work for Lisa and summer camp for Jack and of course brother Matt sister Dayani and Jacks favorite cousin Dalila! Our family is so close that some think maybe too much so........not us though. We all enjoy each other and spend so much time together all the time and already can't wait for next year when the lot of us make the trek to Iowa for reunions and all the things we do together. We will enjoy our alone time from here on out, but you can be sure we'll also miss having Lisa and Jack around at certain times along the way.
It rained like hell yesterday, could not believe there was anymore rain in the clouds after all we've had to this point in Iowa. I was a bit worried for the kids and the flight to Phoenix with the storms stretching from Denver to the East coast and right over the Quad Cities, but just before take off time there was an opening over the Quads and some clearing all the way West from here. I guess they had a few bumps but not what it could have been a few hours earlier. They had safe travels and I thanked the Lord for answering all those prayers I bombarded him with all evening until I heard they landed.
It looks like the rain might just let up for one day and that being Tuesday when I'm golfing with brother Russ and his son-in-law Scott, I will get Bev out and back on the course very soon I'm sure. The knee is doing just great and the exercise will be good for both of us after these two weeks in Iowa............wow, so much eating out and it's costing my weight loss program and I need to get back on track ASAP.
I know weather reports are so boring especially to those that live with this weather, but it's dominated out time here to the point that we might consider coming at a different time of the year even if it means missing reunions.................we're used to 6" a year and not each day for two weeks!
Today is laundry day once more and haircut day for Mike, then some shopping and oh yes you guessed it dinner out with brother Russ and his wife Cheryl (a bit of red meat but no potato or bread just meat and veggies would be nice) at the Outback. Then we'd like another evening with friends Dave and Marilyn and then hit the road for parts unknown at this writing.
It rained like hell yesterday, could not believe there was anymore rain in the clouds after all we've had to this point in Iowa. I was a bit worried for the kids and the flight to Phoenix with the storms stretching from Denver to the East coast and right over the Quad Cities, but just before take off time there was an opening over the Quads and some clearing all the way West from here. I guess they had a few bumps but not what it could have been a few hours earlier. They had safe travels and I thanked the Lord for answering all those prayers I bombarded him with all evening until I heard they landed.
It looks like the rain might just let up for one day and that being Tuesday when I'm golfing with brother Russ and his son-in-law Scott, I will get Bev out and back on the course very soon I'm sure. The knee is doing just great and the exercise will be good for both of us after these two weeks in Iowa............wow, so much eating out and it's costing my weight loss program and I need to get back on track ASAP.
I know weather reports are so boring especially to those that live with this weather, but it's dominated out time here to the point that we might consider coming at a different time of the year even if it means missing reunions.................we're used to 6" a year and not each day for two weeks!
Today is laundry day once more and haircut day for Mike, then some shopping and oh yes you guessed it dinner out with brother Russ and his wife Cheryl (a bit of red meat but no potato or bread just meat and veggies would be nice) at the Outback. Then we'd like another evening with friends Dave and Marilyn and then hit the road for parts unknown at this writing.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Reunion of sorts
After what seems like days and days of rain it seems tomorrow will be nice and sunny and last about two days, and we could use the break if not just to dry out the chairs on our patio. Hard to believe it's already been 3 days since I last post/blogged, but rain or shine we've kept pretty busy helping Lisa and Jack have a good vacation. If you also follow us on FB you've seen photos and status updates from the Field of Dreams to the Hawk shop and dinner and lunch here and there. Myfitnesspal program has suffered a bit but we'll be back on track after this weekend, and it looks like even some golf on Tuesday before we hit the road for parts unknown right now.
Do you believe in fate or divine intervention? Well we do and it showed a bit over the past few days............let me explain. How does one go from one of Bev's cousin to one of his neighbors and his buddy on a front porch in Buffalo, Iowa to a phone call to an old friend of mine living in Florida that all culminated in a reunion of three pallies that got hired the same day by a bread company in Davenport 40 years ago? Dave Naab, Mike Thornton and myself all got hired by Peter Pan bread company (Trausch baking co. out of Dubuque, Iowa) on the same day 40 years ago and became great friends and up until I moved to Arizona did so many things together like brothers. We golfed, bowled, worked, dined, partied, and went way too far many times together for the 12 years I worked with them peddling bread in the Quad Cities. When our union went on strike the only time while there Mike and I even became house painters to maintain some income while striking. I've kept in contact with Dave over the years via computer, e-mail and visits but we kind of lost contact with Mike and Patty when they moved to Wisconsin upon retirement. Bev and I visited Mike and Patty in 2010 in Wisconsin and had a great minnie reunion at that time, but the three amigo's hadn't been together for oh so many years. To get back to the fate or divine meeting, we were at Bev's cousins in Buffalo when a neighbor of his stopped by and after a bit of conversation found out it was Mike's brother who was Bev's cousins good friend. We're talking about how I met Mike etc. when he made a phone call............it was to Mike who just happen to be in the Quad Cities visiting his mother. Mike had moved to Florida a year ago and we have been thinking of a trip there to visit in the near future, but holy cow he's in the area and I'm about to talk to him. To make a long story even longer, I made arrangements for Mike and Patty to meet with me and Bev and I was going to get Dave and Marilyn to join us for a reunion of three guys that laughed together way too much but loved it and each other. Last night was just what I planned, a evening of laughs and reminiscing like the Boss's song of the "old days" only we enjoyed it and it seemed as though we didn't want it to end. I miss these guys and realized what good friends they were and how I missed all the good times and troubled times we went through. Mike leaves for Florida tomorrow, and we'll see Dave and Marilyn again before we leave but last night was as good as it gets for three old amigo's. I now look forward to a trip to Florida to play golf with my old friend, Dave no longer plays but we have done so many other things together. Mike is not a computer guy or a text guys or a FB guy so it's hard to stay in close contact other than phone calls, but I'll try and make that happen more ofter from here on out................good friends are sometimes hard to keep over the years but these guys are the best and I miss them already!
Today it's a trek to find a good Iowa Pork Tenderloin and the consensus is the filling station, lunch there and then a Quad City Bandits minor league baseball game if the weather holds tonight. The sun is shining but still some clouds, hope Lisa and Jack's last weekend of vacation here in Iowa stays nice like it is right now.
Do you believe in fate or divine intervention? Well we do and it showed a bit over the past few days............let me explain. How does one go from one of Bev's cousin to one of his neighbors and his buddy on a front porch in Buffalo, Iowa to a phone call to an old friend of mine living in Florida that all culminated in a reunion of three pallies that got hired the same day by a bread company in Davenport 40 years ago? Dave Naab, Mike Thornton and myself all got hired by Peter Pan bread company (Trausch baking co. out of Dubuque, Iowa) on the same day 40 years ago and became great friends and up until I moved to Arizona did so many things together like brothers. We golfed, bowled, worked, dined, partied, and went way too far many times together for the 12 years I worked with them peddling bread in the Quad Cities. When our union went on strike the only time while there Mike and I even became house painters to maintain some income while striking. I've kept in contact with Dave over the years via computer, e-mail and visits but we kind of lost contact with Mike and Patty when they moved to Wisconsin upon retirement. Bev and I visited Mike and Patty in 2010 in Wisconsin and had a great minnie reunion at that time, but the three amigo's hadn't been together for oh so many years. To get back to the fate or divine meeting, we were at Bev's cousins in Buffalo when a neighbor of his stopped by and after a bit of conversation found out it was Mike's brother who was Bev's cousins good friend. We're talking about how I met Mike etc. when he made a phone call............it was to Mike who just happen to be in the Quad Cities visiting his mother. Mike had moved to Florida a year ago and we have been thinking of a trip there to visit in the near future, but holy cow he's in the area and I'm about to talk to him. To make a long story even longer, I made arrangements for Mike and Patty to meet with me and Bev and I was going to get Dave and Marilyn to join us for a reunion of three guys that laughed together way too much but loved it and each other. Last night was just what I planned, a evening of laughs and reminiscing like the Boss's song of the "old days" only we enjoyed it and it seemed as though we didn't want it to end. I miss these guys and realized what good friends they were and how I missed all the good times and troubled times we went through. Mike leaves for Florida tomorrow, and we'll see Dave and Marilyn again before we leave but last night was as good as it gets for three old amigo's. I now look forward to a trip to Florida to play golf with my old friend, Dave no longer plays but we have done so many other things together. Mike is not a computer guy or a text guys or a FB guy so it's hard to stay in close contact other than phone calls, but I'll try and make that happen more ofter from here on out................good friends are sometimes hard to keep over the years but these guys are the best and I miss them already!
Today it's a trek to find a good Iowa Pork Tenderloin and the consensus is the filling station, lunch there and then a Quad City Bandits minor league baseball game if the weather holds tonight. The sun is shining but still some clouds, hope Lisa and Jack's last weekend of vacation here in Iowa stays nice like it is right now.
Monday, June 16, 2014
June 16th p.m.
Well it's been 5 days since a posting so we have a lot to catch up on. This is in a nutshell what has happen, a well attended Anderson reunion on the 14th, man what a turnout we were all pleased. There were about 60 in attendance and that might be a conservative count on my part, it was good to see cousins, nieces and nephews and even some of their kids. No uncles left, but we still had two aunts in attendance....my Mom at 90 years old next month and my aunt Delores at 93 years old I believe. We are now the aunts and uncles and we're even getting up there in age, and here's hoping the nieces and nephews keep this thing going. After being in Phoenix for 20 years and not making many trips back to Iowa except for the occasional funeral, we started making it a yearly thing about 7 years ago. Back then I got with my sister Nancy and had her arrange a picnic reunion of sorts and thus the annual Anderson reunion was once again a yearly event since that time. Also since then Patty my cousin and her daughter Lynn have helped Nancy get things and keep things going, so yes I hope the nieces and nephews continue this tradition because there is nothing better than family and keeping in touch even over the miles and years.
Friday night was local stock car races at the fairgrounds, a real Friday night staple in Davenport and the Quad Cities for years and years. My cousins Darilyn and Robin have been attending since way back when and with Darilyn being in town from Tennessee for the reunion a few of us got together for a night of modified stock car racing on the old dirt track............what a night and oh how loud those cars are. Bev and I and Lisa actually thought the night would never end, "I think this is the last one"...."no this is the last one for sure"......then another group would appear and then it was "OK this is for sure the last one" and then finally there was a last race. Not that we were bored or anything, just it was late and all the cars looked the same after a while. It was fun just being with the cuz's!
Then it was a BBQ here and a ball game there and before you know it we were to Monday night looking forward to Tuesday and more adventures. With Lisa and Jack being with us for this first leg of our journey it's been eat at this restaurant and that restaurant and any restaurant we don't have in Phoenix and this is killing my diet. I will get back to the routine when they head back to Phoenix on Sunday or most likely be for that if I can make it happen...........and I must!
Tomorrow night I have arranged for a couple of old friends and spouses to get together for dinner, Mike Thornton, Dave Naab and myself all started working for Peter Pan (Trausch Baking) the same day way back 39 or 40 years ago. I left after 12 years for Phoenix, Dave left years later with back problems and Mike hung in there until retirement 5 or 6 years ago. We visit Dave and his wife Marilyn each year we come back and enjoy them so much, but only visit Mike and his wife Patty once while they lived in Bagley, WI. in retirement, and since have moved to Florida. I wanted so much to make our way to Florida this year but Bev thought it would be too hot and since we leave Arizona for 3 - 4 months to get out of the heat didn't think Florida was a summer destination for part of this journey. As luck would have it Mike and Patty are in the Quad Cities this week visiting his Mom and I just happen to meet his brother (for the first time) while visiting Bev's cousin in Buffalo the other night............small world and found this out. It's fate, nothing else just fate that I ran into his brother while visiting a cousin and then calling Mike the arrange for the 3 amigo's to once more break break and talk about the old days (glory days if you will) I am so freaking stoked you wouldn't believe it and just hope we have as much fun as we used to and oh the laughs should really be flowing! I hope tomorrow or the next day I have some real shit to put down in this blog........it's just got to be the way us "pallies" were and can pick right back up once more, we'll see tomorrow night!
Tomorrow I'll drop the girls and Jack off at the Machine Shed for breakfast.......I have to stop that stuff...........and I'll go wash the Jeep and maybe even get a haircut, all I know is I can't have a Machine Shed breakfast, not after today's junk!
Friday night was local stock car races at the fairgrounds, a real Friday night staple in Davenport and the Quad Cities for years and years. My cousins Darilyn and Robin have been attending since way back when and with Darilyn being in town from Tennessee for the reunion a few of us got together for a night of modified stock car racing on the old dirt track............what a night and oh how loud those cars are. Bev and I and Lisa actually thought the night would never end, "I think this is the last one"...."no this is the last one for sure"......then another group would appear and then it was "OK this is for sure the last one" and then finally there was a last race. Not that we were bored or anything, just it was late and all the cars looked the same after a while. It was fun just being with the cuz's!
Then it was a BBQ here and a ball game there and before you know it we were to Monday night looking forward to Tuesday and more adventures. With Lisa and Jack being with us for this first leg of our journey it's been eat at this restaurant and that restaurant and any restaurant we don't have in Phoenix and this is killing my diet. I will get back to the routine when they head back to Phoenix on Sunday or most likely be for that if I can make it happen...........and I must!
Tomorrow night I have arranged for a couple of old friends and spouses to get together for dinner, Mike Thornton, Dave Naab and myself all started working for Peter Pan (Trausch Baking) the same day way back 39 or 40 years ago. I left after 12 years for Phoenix, Dave left years later with back problems and Mike hung in there until retirement 5 or 6 years ago. We visit Dave and his wife Marilyn each year we come back and enjoy them so much, but only visit Mike and his wife Patty once while they lived in Bagley, WI. in retirement, and since have moved to Florida. I wanted so much to make our way to Florida this year but Bev thought it would be too hot and since we leave Arizona for 3 - 4 months to get out of the heat didn't think Florida was a summer destination for part of this journey. As luck would have it Mike and Patty are in the Quad Cities this week visiting his Mom and I just happen to meet his brother (for the first time) while visiting Bev's cousin in Buffalo the other night............small world and found this out. It's fate, nothing else just fate that I ran into his brother while visiting a cousin and then calling Mike the arrange for the 3 amigo's to once more break break and talk about the old days (glory days if you will) I am so freaking stoked you wouldn't believe it and just hope we have as much fun as we used to and oh the laughs should really be flowing! I hope tomorrow or the next day I have some real shit to put down in this blog........it's just got to be the way us "pallies" were and can pick right back up once more, we'll see tomorrow night!
Tomorrow I'll drop the girls and Jack off at the Machine Shed for breakfast.......I have to stop that stuff...........and I'll go wash the Jeep and maybe even get a haircut, all I know is I can't have a Machine Shed breakfast, not after today's junk!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
West Lake Park, Davenport, Iowa
We arrived and got all set up at West lake yesterday afternoon, the rain stayed with us most of the way from Des Moines. There was a small window of just a misting while we got all hooked up but then rain the rest of the evening and what seemed like all night, or at least in sounded that way on the roof. I guess they cut grass when they can because their outside the motor home cutting grass and it's wet as hell, guess what will be tracked in for the next few days! I would love to go out and get the outside things set up but not sure of the weather, forecast says rain the next 3 days with sun on Saturday and then clouds for the next 3 days after that. I'm starting to wonder if I'll get any golf in while in the Quad Cities, please pray for the sun and clouds to go away...thank you.
First thing in town called Mom and arranged to have dinner, it was good to see her and she really looked good for going to turn 90 in July. Mom's mind is still slipping and they call what she has "sun downer" because she and her memory which isn't good at all gets even worse as the day grows into evening. We ate at 5:15 pm and sure enough after the meal she got progressively worse even remembering my name, sad very sad but nothing can be done.
Today is supposed to be laundry day and we'll head that way soon, but right now Bev is tackling a couple of work problems and Lisa is sleeping VERY late..............me I'm doing this and watching Chuck Hagel try and wiggle his and the presidents way out of breaking just one more law in a long line of breaking the laws by this administration! What a joke they have turned our country into, the law means nothing to these folks. Oh well that's for another blog but that's what I'm hearing as I type this.
Looks like the rain has stopped for a few minutes so maybe I'll go out and get the coverings on the front window, don't dare put the awning out in case a storm comes up........what a way to live, sure don't miss the continued bad weather they get here in the Midwest. We've had more rain in this week in Iowa that we get in 2 years in Phoenix, guess we need the corn and soybeans and someone has to suffer for that.
First thing in town called Mom and arranged to have dinner, it was good to see her and she really looked good for going to turn 90 in July. Mom's mind is still slipping and they call what she has "sun downer" because she and her memory which isn't good at all gets even worse as the day grows into evening. We ate at 5:15 pm and sure enough after the meal she got progressively worse even remembering my name, sad very sad but nothing can be done.
Today is supposed to be laundry day and we'll head that way soon, but right now Bev is tackling a couple of work problems and Lisa is sleeping VERY late..............me I'm doing this and watching Chuck Hagel try and wiggle his and the presidents way out of breaking just one more law in a long line of breaking the laws by this administration! What a joke they have turned our country into, the law means nothing to these folks. Oh well that's for another blog but that's what I'm hearing as I type this.
Looks like the rain has stopped for a few minutes so maybe I'll go out and get the coverings on the front window, don't dare put the awning out in case a storm comes up........what a way to live, sure don't miss the continued bad weather they get here in the Midwest. We've had more rain in this week in Iowa that we get in 2 years in Phoenix, guess we need the corn and soybeans and someone has to suffer for that.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Good morning Sunday!
Well a good nights sleep after a good evening at Mark and Susan's............it had to be good because not a word of politics was mentioned or brought up, and that keeps things civil with this crowd. When you have a couple of far lefties and a couple of right leanings and a couple of I don't give a shit's or even know what you're talking about it's best to discuss anything but and that is what we did. No offense to anyone and I'm not even sure who's who in the mix but regardless it was a very good evening. Susan being vegan prepared that kind of a meal and it was really good, I could do that without much a problem as long as I could throw some meat or fish in once or twice a week. I'm sure the meal helped me on my weight loss plan or at least didn't hurt too bad since I had two pieces of some wonderful bread.
Today it's get ready early and make a quick 3 hours trip to Buffalo, Iowa for Bev's family reunion and then a quick trip back after a few hours in Buffalo to Des Moines. We'll come back here to Des Moines for a couple of more days and then on to Davenport and my family for a week or so. It really screwed things up a bit when they moved my reunion to the third week in June, it was much easier when both reunions ran back to back on a Saturday and Sunday as far as our travel plans went. Hey but we just had to come from Phoenix, Arizona 1600 miles away and most of these folks had to come from way across town! Oh no...........sounds like sour grapes, oh well we're flexible and have no time table to keep after these events.
California Chrome.........you talk about sour grapes! This cat needs to shut up and go buy another $9000 pony, yea lets change the rules for him so he can win. What's really nuts is this morning he's talking conspiracy and that the powers that be didn't really want another triple crown winner, dude is a bit nuts if you ask me. Horses have done it in the past and no one said it was an easy feat, you aren't the first to lose it buddy and you won't be the last. Suck it up dude and shut your pie hole, put the colt out to stud and make more millions on the fine looking pony.
Gotta go get things ready for a 9:00 am departure.............see ya all later.
Today it's get ready early and make a quick 3 hours trip to Buffalo, Iowa for Bev's family reunion and then a quick trip back after a few hours in Buffalo to Des Moines. We'll come back here to Des Moines for a couple of more days and then on to Davenport and my family for a week or so. It really screwed things up a bit when they moved my reunion to the third week in June, it was much easier when both reunions ran back to back on a Saturday and Sunday as far as our travel plans went. Hey but we just had to come from Phoenix, Arizona 1600 miles away and most of these folks had to come from way across town! Oh no...........sounds like sour grapes, oh well we're flexible and have no time table to keep after these events.
California Chrome.........you talk about sour grapes! This cat needs to shut up and go buy another $9000 pony, yea lets change the rules for him so he can win. What's really nuts is this morning he's talking conspiracy and that the powers that be didn't really want another triple crown winner, dude is a bit nuts if you ask me. Horses have done it in the past and no one said it was an easy feat, you aren't the first to lose it buddy and you won't be the last. Suck it up dude and shut your pie hole, put the colt out to stud and make more millions on the fine looking pony.
Gotta go get things ready for a 9:00 am departure.............see ya all later.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Catching up a bit......
Well it's been a couple of days since the last blog, a few updates on FB but the blog does go deeper into the trip don't ya know. In a nutshell it's been enjoyable to this point for the most part, our host have been as usual great and most hospitable. We thank Bob and Jill, Mason and Kamden for dinner and a evening of good conversation on Thursday, the meal was very good. Friday was a round of golf with Steve and later dinner at Steve and Christina's home. The golf was very good except for my score....my second shots really sucked and cost me big time! The evening was great though, Chirstina's taco's and all the trimmings and we ended the meal with Steve's rhubarb crisp with Whitey's "camo" ice cream! My nieces and nephews really out did themselves once again for our visit to Des Moines, too bad for us that it's only once a year (for now).
Today the girls are headed down town to the farmers market, the Des Moines farmers market is a big one with you name it and it's probably there. Mike...he's staying home this morning to try and free up the toilet, seems once more there has been a bit too much TP or too big a log and I have a slow flusher right now. No problem I'll get it cleared up before the girls and Jack return. This evening and tonight will be dinner at Mark and Susan's and a evening of more catching up. The meal will be interesting since Susan is vegan and will be preparing that kind of meal for us. We're all on some sort of weight or exercise program right now so it won't hurt and may help all of us!
My back has been a real problem lately, it doesn't seem to be getting better with rest and with a pain pill or two I got through the golf but stiffened up bad right afterwards. At this point I'm just not sure what to do about it or when I'll finally actually do something about it. It looks like rain once more today, seems like it's an every other day thing with this weather. There has been no sun today and it doesn't look like we'll see it today, yesterday we had a lot of sun for my golf, and Lisa and Jack's trip to Adventureland. Spoke too soon............it's raining and a lot of thunder with what they say is a bunch more to come. Tomorrow (Sunday) a quick day trip to Davenport for the Ackelson reunion (Bev's family) and then back to Des Moines for another day and then unhooking and moving our home to the Quad Cities for a week or so.
Better get on the toilet repairs before Bev gets back and then it's the science center for children for most of the bunch, Mike may run across the street to Prairie Meadows and place a bet on the Belmont!
Today the girls are headed down town to the farmers market, the Des Moines farmers market is a big one with you name it and it's probably there. Mike...he's staying home this morning to try and free up the toilet, seems once more there has been a bit too much TP or too big a log and I have a slow flusher right now. No problem I'll get it cleared up before the girls and Jack return. This evening and tonight will be dinner at Mark and Susan's and a evening of more catching up. The meal will be interesting since Susan is vegan and will be preparing that kind of meal for us. We're all on some sort of weight or exercise program right now so it won't hurt and may help all of us!
My back has been a real problem lately, it doesn't seem to be getting better with rest and with a pain pill or two I got through the golf but stiffened up bad right afterwards. At this point I'm just not sure what to do about it or when I'll finally actually do something about it. It looks like rain once more today, seems like it's an every other day thing with this weather. There has been no sun today and it doesn't look like we'll see it today, yesterday we had a lot of sun for my golf, and Lisa and Jack's trip to Adventureland. Spoke too soon............it's raining and a lot of thunder with what they say is a bunch more to come. Tomorrow (Sunday) a quick day trip to Davenport for the Ackelson reunion (Bev's family) and then back to Des Moines for another day and then unhooking and moving our home to the Quad Cities for a week or so.
Better get on the toilet repairs before Bev gets back and then it's the science center for children for most of the bunch, Mike may run across the street to Prairie Meadows and place a bet on the Belmont!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Wednesday a.m.
Up early this morning, the sun is shining at least for the time being but a lot of clouds out there. It rained all night, started as we left for a movie around 6:30 and didn't stop until like 4:00 am. I'm just glad the winds that were predicted really didn't come to be or at least as strong as predicted in this part of Iowa. It's not over yet though as the rains are still in the forecast for another day or so, might have a clear day for a round of golf on Friday.
The movie last night was Classic Seth MacFarlane, "A Million Ways to Die in the West" which I found hilarious but Bev not so much. This would be a great movie to get together with the boys, have a few beers and laugh your ass's off until your gut hurt! Nasty, dirty humor for the most part and Seth holds no punches on a wide variety of issue or subjects. A lot of stars taking part in old west history in early 1800 Arizona. A lot of out loud laughing throughout the theater. Next week another very funny movie coming out....22 Jump Street, if you liked 21 after seeing the previews you'll really like 22!
Just to let those who hate my political stands (that of mine and well over 50% of our countries) I may have to comment on this deserter and our illustrious leaders decision to trade 5 high level cabinet type leaders of the Taliban for a military deserter after a bit of additional updates.
One last comment for all you FOX News haters, the other night during the news hour your beloved CNN registered 35,000 viewers, yes that's only 35,000 but still more than MSNBC had. These two biased networks are rapidly losing viewers, you can't keep covering for a corrupt government and leader by omitting the news and expect to maintain a wise viewing audience. If you watch them all only one is truly fair and balanced!
Not sure what all is on tap for today, but as of right now it's clouding up and looks like more rain on the way..............not sure I miss 105 degree temps all that much, but do miss the sunshine that gives one that needed pick-me-up each morning!
The movie last night was Classic Seth MacFarlane, "A Million Ways to Die in the West" which I found hilarious but Bev not so much. This would be a great movie to get together with the boys, have a few beers and laugh your ass's off until your gut hurt! Nasty, dirty humor for the most part and Seth holds no punches on a wide variety of issue or subjects. A lot of stars taking part in old west history in early 1800 Arizona. A lot of out loud laughing throughout the theater. Next week another very funny movie coming out....22 Jump Street, if you liked 21 after seeing the previews you'll really like 22!
Just to let those who hate my political stands (that of mine and well over 50% of our countries) I may have to comment on this deserter and our illustrious leaders decision to trade 5 high level cabinet type leaders of the Taliban for a military deserter after a bit of additional updates.
One last comment for all you FOX News haters, the other night during the news hour your beloved CNN registered 35,000 viewers, yes that's only 35,000 but still more than MSNBC had. These two biased networks are rapidly losing viewers, you can't keep covering for a corrupt government and leader by omitting the news and expect to maintain a wise viewing audience. If you watch them all only one is truly fair and balanced!
Not sure what all is on tap for today, but as of right now it's clouding up and looks like more rain on the way..............not sure I miss 105 degree temps all that much, but do miss the sunshine that gives one that needed pick-me-up each morning!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Arrived in Iowa
Made the Iowa border about 10:00 am and after filling up once more at Lake Side (Osceola, Iowa) we have about 45 miles or so to Adventureland Park where we will call it home for the next 6 days.
I must say the roads and Interstate 35 from Kansas City into Iowa have been the best and smoothest roads We've traveled in a long time. Even the bridges and over passes are smooth or at least as smooth as most states main highways. It has been a real pleasure traveling this morning....I thank you Missouri. But you know me I must ad this observation, what's with a new mile marker every .2 of a mile? Yes the expense to tax payers had to be enormous for a new sign letting me know every 2/10 of a mile the Interstate number, mile mark, the word mile, then either .2 or .4 or .6 or .8 to bro go up the bottom. Making the signs, a crew of at 4 to put them in the ground, another crew of 4 in vehicles flashing arrows and on and on......millions upon millions I bet! Oh we'll more post for the red wing black birds to roost on.
Adventureland/Des Moines we're almost there!
I must say the roads and Interstate 35 from Kansas City into Iowa have been the best and smoothest roads We've traveled in a long time. Even the bridges and over passes are smooth or at least as smooth as most states main highways. It has been a real pleasure traveling this morning....I thank you Missouri. But you know me I must ad this observation, what's with a new mile marker every .2 of a mile? Yes the expense to tax payers had to be enormous for a new sign letting me know every 2/10 of a mile the Interstate number, mile mark, the word mile, then either .2 or .4 or .6 or .8 to bro go up the bottom. Making the signs, a crew of at 4 to put them in the ground, another crew of 4 in vehicles flashing arrows and on and on......millions upon millions I bet! Oh we'll more post for the red wing black birds to roost on.
Adventureland/Des Moines we're almost there!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Monday, early afternoon
Well about 30 miles outside of Oklahoma City at a rest stop foe lunch. We're all being good so far on our programs for fitness and weight lose, hope we can maintain a somewhat healthy trip this year,
One thing I really notice driving over the weekend was the number of trucks, big rigs on the roads. I'll be posting some pics when I get the computer fired up in Des Moines of some shots. Today, Monday it's like 1/3 the truck traffic we contended with over the weekend......not sure why but I like it. If it wasn't for the usual rush to get to Iowa each year we'd be on secondary roads more often.
I've been driving right at 60 mph the entire time so far trying to get the best gas mileage possible, not sure it's doing much good but it's probably safer! It's funny how back in the day it seemed you'd get pissed when someone passed you, so you constantly speed up. I can honestly say to this point as far as passing goes I've only passed two vehicles and don't mind at all. The motor home can cruise at 70 or 75 like everyone else, but why? With a picture window in front of me there's just to much of this beautiful country to see and enjoy! I love this country!
Heading for the Kansas turnpike for a bit then on into Mes Moines via Terribles in Oseola!
One thing I really notice driving over the weekend was the number of trucks, big rigs on the roads. I'll be posting some pics when I get the computer fired up in Des Moines of some shots. Today, Monday it's like 1/3 the truck traffic we contended with over the weekend......not sure why but I like it. If it wasn't for the usual rush to get to Iowa each year we'd be on secondary roads more often.
I've been driving right at 60 mph the entire time so far trying to get the best gas mileage possible, not sure it's doing much good but it's probably safer! It's funny how back in the day it seemed you'd get pissed when someone passed you, so you constantly speed up. I can honestly say to this point as far as passing goes I've only passed two vehicles and don't mind at all. The motor home can cruise at 70 or 75 like everyone else, but why? With a picture window in front of me there's just to much of this beautiful country to see and enjoy! I love this country!
Heading for the Kansas turnpike for a bit then on into Mes Moines via Terribles in Oseola!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Day one, finally on the road again.
We thought about leaving late at night but decided on some sleep and an early departure in the morning. The idea was to not only beat the traffic up the hill to Flagstaff, but also climb the hills when it was a bit cooler on the motor home lugging the Jeep in tow. Turns out Lisa drove the Jeep to Flagg following the motor home and it was a breeze making it to the "top of the world Mom!"
We've made it to Albuquerque in time for dinner, stopped at a Wal-Mart this evening due to the late hour and no need to dump or anything like that after this first day. So far it been peace amount the troops and the start has been enjoyable, Jack is watching Mickey Mouse club and the gals are putting dinner together. The weight loss programs are intact and no cheating going yet!!!
See ya all tomorrow or the next day.
We've made it to Albuquerque in time for dinner, stopped at a Wal-Mart this evening due to the late hour and no need to dump or anything like that after this first day. So far it been peace amount the troops and the start has been enjoyable, Jack is watching Mickey Mouse club and the gals are putting dinner together. The weight loss programs are intact and no cheating going yet!!!
See ya all tomorrow or the next day.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
When will it end?
Can you imagine a Surgeon Generals warning on your cheese burger from the fast food restaurant? Can you imagine an extra tax on the purchase of an order of fries from that local choke and puke down the street? How about a warning on that "Chicago Dog" you throw down from Joey's stating this is a warning, "this dog may cause serious health problems now and into the future"! I didn't believe it when they took cigarette ads off radio and television due to the same reason and the Surgeon Generals warnings, is this too in our future? Can you imagine no McDonald's commercials or Jack-in-the-Box and his giant ping pong ball head? I know that's a lot of questions and I do think this will never come to fruition because of the dollars involved, but it's being talked about. The folks that propose crap like this ought to just plain "butt out" and stop trying to make everyone's like as boring as theirs.
I'm on a weight lose program with Myfittnesspal and have virtually gave up fast food and it's working for me right now anyway and I hope into the future. I've never ate so many salads, chicken and fish and so little red meat and pasta and potatoes but seem to be doing just fine. It's been over a year and a few months and I'm down 35 pounds (doctor always tells me it's better to take it off slowly...yep that's slow) but this is off the subject of this blog. Even though I've basically stopped eating fast food I don't think I should tell someone else they shouldn't and damn sure don't think our government should be dictating what and when we eat what we eat!
You can blame most of this on technology, I feel these problems would not exist as they do if the last two generations lived and played the way my generation did and those before me. If you sit around the house, car, work place, and have your face in a smart phone, tablet, or computer or many other devices like this without adding exercise what else can one expect? We don't need the government running our lives by dictating what we should and shouldn't eat, drink or smoke! Hell what's wrong with folks that even what to stop a person from trying vapor smoking to stop smoking tobacco products because they don't like it. Stop all this over regulating which will cause more over taxing and controlling our lives!
I'm on a weight lose program with Myfittnesspal and have virtually gave up fast food and it's working for me right now anyway and I hope into the future. I've never ate so many salads, chicken and fish and so little red meat and pasta and potatoes but seem to be doing just fine. It's been over a year and a few months and I'm down 35 pounds (doctor always tells me it's better to take it off slowly...yep that's slow) but this is off the subject of this blog. Even though I've basically stopped eating fast food I don't think I should tell someone else they shouldn't and damn sure don't think our government should be dictating what and when we eat what we eat!
You can blame most of this on technology, I feel these problems would not exist as they do if the last two generations lived and played the way my generation did and those before me. If you sit around the house, car, work place, and have your face in a smart phone, tablet, or computer or many other devices like this without adding exercise what else can one expect? We don't need the government running our lives by dictating what we should and shouldn't eat, drink or smoke! Hell what's wrong with folks that even what to stop a person from trying vapor smoking to stop smoking tobacco products because they don't like it. Stop all this over regulating which will cause more over taxing and controlling our lives!
Monday, May 19, 2014
12 Days and counting
I received the call from the La Mesa RV this morning with mixed feelings, I wanted it done and all ready to travel but wasn't anxious to hear what it was going to cost. The usual things cost enough the way it is but we had a few items that needed taken care of over and above the routine stuff. The roof is now 8 1/2 years old and was in need of sealing so that added a bunch, the flush out valve broke and we found the line to the black tank was clogged solid and thus not covered under warranty work. We replaced the toilet in the bathroom with a new higher one (us older folks like the high boys...besides it better on Bev's knee) this all adds up when in addition to oil changes, generator service, jack calibration and those minor things. All in all the coach is ready for the road, the next thing will probably be tires, hopefully when we return.
To tell the truth we probably should be cutting this trip a little short this year, Bev's business has been down and we've been putting away for Christmas at Disneyland with all the kids and grand kids this year. A lot of decisions will be made after the few weeks in Iowa as far as which direction to head after that and for how long in said direction. Last year as soon as we hit the road Bev got busy as hell and pretty much worked a few hours most days we were on the road, I'm sure she's hoping for the same this year but I have mixed feeling on that..........she needs to enjoy also.
We're beyond the point of no return with this home on wheels, but the past years it has cost more than it did the first 7 years. Maintenance is expensive but we know it's a must to be safe out there on the highways and byways! Oh well here's praying the good Lord provides what is needed to enjoy another journey across this great nation of ours.
We'll pick the motor home up tomorrow and then the slow but sure packing starts in earnest, and Mike gets to finish carpet cleaning and a few other chores before we hit the dusty trail.
To tell the truth we probably should be cutting this trip a little short this year, Bev's business has been down and we've been putting away for Christmas at Disneyland with all the kids and grand kids this year. A lot of decisions will be made after the few weeks in Iowa as far as which direction to head after that and for how long in said direction. Last year as soon as we hit the road Bev got busy as hell and pretty much worked a few hours most days we were on the road, I'm sure she's hoping for the same this year but I have mixed feeling on that..........she needs to enjoy also.
We're beyond the point of no return with this home on wheels, but the past years it has cost more than it did the first 7 years. Maintenance is expensive but we know it's a must to be safe out there on the highways and byways! Oh well here's praying the good Lord provides what is needed to enjoy another journey across this great nation of ours.
We'll pick the motor home up tomorrow and then the slow but sure packing starts in earnest, and Mike gets to finish carpet cleaning and a few other chores before we hit the dusty trail.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Budget sequestration in 2013
According to the President, Harry Reid, Jay Carney and literally dozens of Democrats the budget sequester would cost not only 100's of thousands of jobs but according to Harry Reid it would and had already cost 1.6 million jobs. If you'll remember this was automatic spending cuts proposed by the Republicans to try and reduce spending and at the same time reduce the size of government, which needs reducing big time!
It was reported today that in not only didn't cost thousands of government jobs, reduction in military and their pay but in fact ONE yes 1 job was lost due to these automatic cuts in spending. Folks in deed can cut spending, move jobs around and work with a reduced budget. This report came from the GAO which is the Government Accountability Office so you can take this fact to the bank!
This is just another in a long string of incompetence by this administration and scare tactics to sway voters, the transparent administration has had so very dark tinted windows for the past 6 years. One lie after another and one cover up after another has been an embarrassment to their voters if the truth be known.
I'm going to try and keep the blog going once more with not only political news and information and opinions but also with tid-bits of interesting observations by an old fart.
It was reported today that in not only didn't cost thousands of government jobs, reduction in military and their pay but in fact ONE yes 1 job was lost due to these automatic cuts in spending. Folks in deed can cut spending, move jobs around and work with a reduced budget. This report came from the GAO which is the Government Accountability Office so you can take this fact to the bank!
This is just another in a long string of incompetence by this administration and scare tactics to sway voters, the transparent administration has had so very dark tinted windows for the past 6 years. One lie after another and one cover up after another has been an embarrassment to their voters if the truth be known.
I'm going to try and keep the blog going once more with not only political news and information and opinions but also with tid-bits of interesting observations by an old fart.
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