A couple of uneventful days

Can't believe I've skipped the blog for a couple of days, can't say it's because I was too bushed at the end of the day. Tuesday I visited Mom and spent an hour or so with her. Russ was there and so was Noah, didn't get to see Mandy while I was there I think she just left us alone or enjoyed a little while away from Mom. It can be trying and tiring constantly answering the same questions and/or explaining the same things over and over again all day, and Mandy and Noah are truly troopers when it comes to this. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. This pretty much sums up Mom at least for the short term, long term memory isn't quite as bad and she still recognizes everyone by sight and even voice on the phone. I think, no I know she gets scared now and again and talking to her Tuesday she knows something is wrong with her mind but doesn't understand it. It's not good to watch and sad in so many ways and we're lucky to have a family member with the skills and willingness to take care of her. We visited with our good friends Dave and Marilyn Tuesday evening and night, had a little dinner a lot of conversation lost a couple of bucks at the boat and are looking forward to our next visit.........no boat just dinner and a lot of good conversation. Wednesday was laundry day, about every two weeks on the road it's that time. Wednesday was a good day it seems, we were the only ones in the laundromat and it went quick. We had a few items we normally hang dry and brought those back to the motor home, there was a breeze so I hung them outside and an hour later they still were wet......humidity! For example in Phoenix hanging those same items outside to dry would take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to dry if that, here after an hour still wet so we brought them in to day overnight. We went to our Godson's son's pony league game last night, it was a make-up game from an earlier rain-out. I guess they have many games to make-up because of weeks of rain before we arrived, and it's not over yet. Anyway Ryan was pitching last night and after 3 innings had a 5-1 lead and an RBI to his credit when the ump seen lightning and that was that, game was called. A major storm was rolling through the Midwest and fortunately skirted the Quad Cites for the most part, we had some of the winds but according to the radar some folks northeast of here really got hammered, we thought we saw a funnel on the ride back to the motor home and prayed it was still upright! No plans today except a trip to Wal-Mart for some curtains for a couple of our windows and then maybe some cleaning of the basements and outside of the coach. Hope someone invites us to dinner soon...................

Started the day off by finding I left my phone in the Jeep overnight and Russ had called last night and twice this morning letting me know him and Scott had a tee time at Emis golf course for 8:00 a.m. and it's 8:15 when I find it. As I look down at it Russ calls once more and clues me in on the situation and I'm totally unprepared, wearing jeans and a long sleeve sweater type shirt. It was freaking cold this morning and that's how I was dressed when he called, I said that I was in jeans and he said it was OK to wear jeans so off I went. I felt warm since it was so cold (to me anyway these dudes all wore shorts and T-shirts) but I felt like a slob and not a golfer in this get-up, we couldn't wear T-shirts and jeans in Phoenix to golf. Anyway it remained chilly in my opinion until about the 13th or 14th hole when the sun made an appearance between all the clouds and warmed it up a bit along with a touch of humidity. All in all it was fun because golfing is always better than working or chores but I remained uncomfortable in my attire and it showed in my game....did not score well at all. Got back to the RV park and decided to move the motor home because in the site we were at the ground was soft and I couldn't get the rig leveled to my liking. We ended up moving to what Cousin Robin and Johnny called the "Bettendorf annex" and I'm guessing for those back in Arizona this could only mean or be compared to us calling something the "Scottsdale annex". I think folks consider Bettendorf the Scottsdale of the Quad Cities made up of snooty folks or something like that, I disagree as far as comparing Bettendorf to Scottsdale it's just a suburb of Davenport and always will be. I did do a lot of hanging out there when in High school and beyond due to the fact that my girl friend at the time lived there and I hung out there most of the time. Called my good friend and buddy Dave Naab about hooking up a few times while we're here, Dave and Marilyn are very good friends and we enjoy our visits with them. Hopefully Marilyn is feeling better soon so we can get together, she's been under the weather for a few days now. We ended the night with a trip to BAM (a book store in an old Borders location) so Bev could pick up a couple of books to read and then made a brief stop at the Isle of Capri river boat to play a bit, not much luck and prefer Jumers because that's were Bob plays! It was too late to eat anything if we were sticking to our weight loss program, but a Maid-Rite sounded tasty so we thought we stop and have one on the way home............Wrong! We discovered once more that the majority of these types of things upon many others close very early compared to what we're used to. Maid-Rite closed at 9:00 p.m. but we did find a Steak N Shake up all night long for us night owls and were bad, very bad by having a double with cheese and a bowl of chili......yummy! Tomorrow going to see Mom again with Russ, still not sure about our standing with our niece Mandy and that situation. We were hoping to see her at lunch Friday with Mom but she decided not to come, really this whole thing needs to be resolved because life's too short. It's unfortunate but I'm already trying to figure out what to do for two weeks here, going to have to play more golf and we're praying for more sunshine. Need that sunshine in the morning to get that uplifting start to the day like we're used to!

Rainy reunion day #2

We woke up to dark and very overcast skies this morning and that threat of rain for the Ackelson reunion. Yep it rained but it did wait until after we ate but the very small group that attended didn't stick around long after we ate. This was probably the smallest showing yet for this reunion and we discussed ways to get those who continually skip this old fashion gathering to start attending in the future. Lets hope something is done before this family tradition is lost forever, and that would be too bad for the younger generations in my opinion. The eats at Russ' BBQ which took place after the Anderson reunion yesterday in the evening were outstanding, beer brats and burgers didn't help me and my weight loss program but a cheat now and then isn't too bad is it? It was good to see Holly and Scott their children and James and Andrea, some good conversation and the girls even played some spades after dinner. Pictures on FB. If the freaking rain doesn't stop soon we're going to wonder why we decided to spend two weeks here. Home town or not these are the reasons we moved to Gods Country............no don't give me that "is this heaven" crap, we don't feel this is our heaven anyway. We're just hoping to get a few rounds of golf in and not sure if that will even happen, might try tomorrow in the a.m. before the rains start again with Russ and Scott. We've even talked about a day or two trip up to Chicago and this is starting to sound better each time we discuss it, hell mayb e a day at Arlington park wouldn't be a bad idea! Bev's brother Mark stopped by the motor home before heading back to Des Moines, we had a nice chat for an hour or so but then he had to head back home. Susan our sister-in-law is dealing with some issues with her mother and couldn't make the trip or the reunion, we hope and pray things work out for her, her mother and the family. Sure is nice Bev has been a bit lucky at the casino when we've stopped in, helps with the boredom and helps with the gas and expenses too. Normally I have most the luck and usually win a few bucks but so far this trip it's been just the opposite, but when needed I'll be there. Hmmmm wonder what we should do tonight?

Lazy, do nothing day.

Today was kind of a slow, lazy start to a couple of weeks in Davenport. Got together with my brother Russ, sister Nancy, sister-in-law Cheryl and Beverly..........oh yes and my Mother! It was good seeing them all, especially my Mother who's been having short term memory problems now for a couple of years and not getting any better. I guess we're lucky she has her health and still knows everyone by sight and voice even at 89 years old. Anyway we all met at this pizza joint they like called Happy Joe's and as far as my family is concerned it's the taco pizza that makes it worth eating there, for me it's not really that big of a deal. We had a nice chat for about an hour and a half and discussed the next days reunion and who all we might see there and not see there and just some catching up talk. Nancy had to go to work, and Bev and I had to go to the market for a few things and items to prepare for both Saturday and Sunday's reunions. Exciting day so far don't you agree? After the market we just sat around the motor home while Bev did a little work and I paid a couple of bills (on-line) and before you know it 5:00 p.m. rolled around with a knock on the door. Bev's cousin Olin and wife Cheryl stopped by and while we were chatting there was another knock on the door...........holy shit it's cousin Darilyn and Ed from Tennessee! This was a big surprise because they hadn't planned on coming but at the last minute hoped in the car and hit the road for a 12 hour drive to the Quads for the reunion. Very happy they made the trip because even though it's been many years with only the visit a couple of years ago here and at their place in Bristol, TN. we sure to enjoy being with them. We do have to make the trek to Bristol for the NASCAR race real soon, they party hardy for a week up to and including race day and I'm we'd enjoy hanging around the camp with them and their friends. After everyone took of I told Bev about "Gumbo ya-yah" down at what the call the "District" in down town Rock Island, Ill. just across the river. New Orleans music, New Orleans food, drinks abounding, and some crazy folks dressed for the occasion it real goth/voodoo garb even vampire looking at times. I just love a good gumbo so I tried some from two different booths in the food area of this festival, and the first was by far the best, not just the best but real top notch stuff......I loved it and was very disappointed with the stuff from the vender across the street. We met a couple of sisters from Chicago who come down each year for this festival, we had a nice chat about a number of things and parted way. Since we were so close to Jumer's (We all know that's where Bob plays) we decided to give them a few bucks but as it turned out Bev was hot once more and we walked out replenishing the gaming kitty with another net $800......now if we could only win together! Once again we had to sneak in the exit between the gate and the fence with the Jeep which just barely fits since they lock the main gate at 10 p.m. Bev and I just can't seem to make that at anytime or at any night while visiting on these trips to Davenport, other wise it would be a walk in the dark from the outer parking area to the motor home. For our ages we really are a couple of night owls that's for sure! Tomorrow is the first of the two reunions, we have things ready and look forward to a lot of catching up and then Sunday the reunion for Bev's side of the family. I'll be taking the ipad so we can facetime with the kids back in Phoenix and share them with some of our family here.

Finally arrived at out first destination on the trek

Sorry for the absence yesterday but things got a little hectic at times. Between the wind, rain, lousy weather all around we made it to Council Bluffs at about 7:30 p.m. and set up for a short evening. I say short because with the need to get to our home for the next couple of weeks, West Lake park, we needed to get up early and bust ass to Davenport in the morning. We had heard from a few folks that were already at the park that it was filling up fast and the place takes no reservations to camp or hook-up. We called an old friend(Wally Branquist who worked for me at Dal-Tile about 25 years ago)that lives in Council Bluffs, he had just finished his golf league play so we met for a quick dinner. Last year we stayed a day or so and played some golf with Wally but this year the damn schedule kept us from that form of leisure we so longed for. I had planned on getting up at about 3:00 a.m. and hitting the road, but when the alarm went off Bev didn't have the heart to wake be beings I was so freaking tired.....thanks for the extra hour and a half Bev. We ended up hitting the road about 6:00 a.m. and had coffee and an egg sandwich on road, thanks again "B"! We filled up a Flying J on the way out of Council Bluffs and actually beat the semi's on the road, the rest area's were packed as we drove by each until about 7:00 a.m. We ended up having a call from two different cousins with reference to the sites at West Lake due to our concerns with making it there in time to land one of those remaining sites, they figured arriving before noon would help. All turned out just fine and we thank God for that. After the first hour of setting things up, hooking things up, and cleaning things up(I've been told I'm a bit annal that way)we were pretty much set my about noon. I showed, and didn't even get dressed, just hoped into the bed and took a much needed nap for about two hours..........yes I miss my naps when on the road. Woke up fresh made a couple of calls while Bev prepared a good dinner and now catching up here, it will be a quit night, but called Mom and will be picking her up for lunch tomorrow. We're sorry we couldn't at least stop in Des Moines on the way through to Davenport, but we'll see them on Sunday at the reunion and then after this time in Davenport we have a week or so planned for out time in Des Moines with our family there. We had company tonight, Robin and Johnny(cousins)stopped by to welcome us and we chatted for a couple of hours. Their camping across the way for the weekend and to be here for the reunion this weekend. It will be nice to see what family decides to attend, hopefully we have a great turn out and the weather turns for the better. By the way I'm hoping and praying I can maintain the weight loss program I've been on, trips like this where there is a lot of eating out with friends and family can be brutal on these sorts of things. So far so good but I'm sure there will be prices to bay especially at "pot luck" family reunions!

Denver Sucks!

Today was a bitch in many ways, but productive as far a miles traveled and days almost caught up after delays in Albuquerque. We ended the day up in Fort Morgan, Colorado about 73 miles north east of Denver, that would be 551 miles traveled and a 13 hour day. Things were going well but running low on gas so I usually top off around a half a tank and no less than a 1/4, unlike my family who all seem to enjoy testing the gauge and seeing how long they can go on the "E". We us a Pilot/Flying J card when traveling because of it ties to Good Sam and discounts on gas and most any item you can buy there. Not only that but they have separate pumps for trucks and RV's so we don't have to try and jockey around the pumps for auto's, very convenient that's for sure. Well I totally went against everything I'm made of and figured I'd try and make a Flying J just outside of Denver since the on board computer indicated I had the miles left in the tank to make it with 50 miles to spare. Bev looks up the Flying J and puts it in the GPS and Sammy is going to take us there. It's not only a bad idea but it's 5:00 p.m. in Denver and the freeway is a parking lot, Mike get frustrated, pissed, and believes we'll run out of gas in the middle of this mess and goes into panic mode (the kids can just picture this I'm sure). I'm following the GPS turn for turn and it's looking more and more like this station is going to be right smack dab in the middle of down town Denver, and the more I drive and the more the computer is telling be "low on fuel"......."low on fuel" the more panic stricken I become. Shit who wants to run out of gas let alone right down town Denver during rush hour? As it turns out I had the GPS set earlier for just Denver and when Bev plugged in the Flying J to make it a via point something went wrong and it kept the destination as Denver! Yep we're thinking we are heading to a Flying J and instead we're being taken right in the middle of down town Denver and no stations in sight! After a bit of the blame game back and forth we finally get to a station (the only one in down town) and have a bitch of a time just getting to the pumps but finally fill that bad boy up and head out of town ASAP! All turned out well I guess but it could have been a whole lot worse that's for sure.......even in between my potty mouth here and there the good Lord must have been watching over us, thank you Jesus! Best news that came out of the ordeal was by traveling like the tortoise by that I mean nice and steady at between 55 and 60 mph we managed 7.45 mpg on that tank of gas. Towing the Jeep and getting 7.5 mpg is a record I believe, but tomorrow I'm trying 65 mph and seeing we get with that speed. First tank (mountains and hills) we got 5 mpg and slight hills and flat land we got 7.5 mpg, looking forward to Nebraska and Iowa a couple of pretty flat places. On a totally different subject, I was thinking about thumbs today earlier. Watching Bev sit in the co-pilots seat and working on her phone in e-mail and texting I notice it's the thumbs doing all the work. Before these phones and hand help items like the ipad etc. the thumbs were pretty much useless, oh sure they were used to hitch-hike back in the day, used to stick into a pie usually plum, and even sucked on by some. We used to hunt and peck (I still do because I have a dump phone yet and pecking is easier for me on the ipad) but other than giving your critique on a movie with one or two up or down what the hell were they good for before texting? Now the thumb is probably the most important and most used digit folks have these days, the younger generation would be lost and confused without a thumb. Hell they don't even know what the hell "hitch hiking is" or what the word critique means............their all thumbs if you ask me. By the way the folks in Denver are the rudest, selfish, bad driving folks I've ever ran into on the road. They worry about themselves and nothing else when driving these inadequate streets and freeways, just plain rude.

Monday, June 3rd and stuck in Albuquerque, NM

Well thanks to Olivia(service tech that helped us)at Camping World in Albuquerque the motor home is being taken care of. A black water tank flush, replace one of the A/C units on the roof that has a bad compressor, and fixed short in wire for bedroom reading lights and closets. A/C unit falls under extended warranty but $500 deductible still hurts, bill was right at $1400 and ended up costing us $885...........my fault on the black water tank so my bad on that $119. I still learn something everyday and sometimes that learning experience cost in more ways than one! It was 5:20 p.m. before we departed Camping World with the motor home and Jeep in tow, decided just to spend the night here in Albuquerque and get a start in the morning. We now have 3 days to get to Davenport and hopefully can get a good spot at West Lake to park for a couple of weeks, got some driving to do the next few days. The winnings from the first Casino stop took care of the $885 that was are share of the ticket for the repairs, so thank God we had that so the Ouch wasn't as bad as it could have been. Won't be making too many more casino stops now that we're virtually a good day and a half behind schedule or at least what was kind of our schedule. I'm not too keen on driving this rig at night anymore, not like it was "back in the day" when I could drive all day and night if need be..no can't do that anymore. God willing and the creek don't rise we'll have smooth sailing from here on out and no problems, I love my motor home and enjoy the hell out of it but this kind of shit makes one wonder if it's all worth it. Let me answer that question right now, you bet it's worth it, we really enjoy this life and style of traveling. By the way a lot of hills and mountains getting to this point, I've topped off the tank twice not and the first yielded 5 mpg and a bit flatter since entering NM and the second was 6.5 and that's towing the Jeep...we'll be back up to 7 or 7.5 before too long especially going through Nebraska and Iowa. It's late and we have an early morning, life is good and tomorrow will be a better day!