Well, we are now officially a "wireless" household. The neighbors and the traffic on I95 saw an actual "Geek Mobile" driven by the Geek Squad at our house for several hours today:) We have one desk and 3 computers which only one could be on the internet at a time. So it was kinda squashed and stacked as well as annoying to say the least. It isn't like we can just close the door and ignore the mess either!!
Well, anyhow, Agent Dianna showed up this afternoon to bring us into the 21st Century. She was really dismayed when she saw the 8 year old Compaq sitting next to the laptops!! I'll say one thing for her - she absolutely tried her darndest to get the Compaq on 98SE to network - it just wouldn't happen. Not only that, she kept getting the same error message on bootup that I did - and couldn't get rid of it either (something else to do with Norton - which I'm becoming real disenchanted with) - which is why I quit using it altogether. Now we have to run it only for the wireless port - for whatever reason. The DSL is hooked into it somehow and if it's turned off, the wireless stuff doesn't work. But it's really nice to sit over here by myself and type without feeling like I'm holding someone else up. Works for me!! But they actually do zoooom up in a little vw that says Geek Squad right on it. Dressed in a black suit, white socks, and black shoes - and introduced herself as Agent Diana. I had a terrible time keeping a straight face while she came over and shook my hand. And when she said upon leaving - "back to the shop - a Geek's work is never done" I thought I would die!! She did a great job with what she had to work with - but the sense of humor was an extra. Good Job!!
Other than that - life with the kids has stayed busy and I'm trying really hard to keep them entertained - because they are soooo good at entertaining themselves when I'm not watching. I was talking to Agent Diana while Nick pulled all the stuffing out of the couch pillow that I thought I'd sewn up earlier. It's hard to believe that the boys haven't even hit the terrible two's yet - Not until next month.
Finally getting my laundry caught up and things back somewhat to normal after the holidays. Keith asked to leave the decorations up until "next year" so they are still around - but not really bothering anything. Getting ready to get organized - that's what I'm doing!!!! Just hope the bottom doens't fall out of the box when I've finally got everything in the right ones!!
Happy New Year all. Lots of good luck and love to all!!
Diane
December 30, 2005
December 27, 2005
The Christmas Stacks
It's Christmas Eve and we've gone to Church for the Candlelight service. The kids were not at all impressed and did not want to sit/stand/mind at all, nor were they inclined to be quiet, peaceful or anything close to what I would call nice. Pastor said to stay, not let them win - so we did - we've left before and the kids "won". It wore us both out but we didn't give in to them - so we stayed - I've apologed to the entire congretation for the service - I will be for years everafter!!! Now we are home, kids are in bed, all the gifts are wrapped - what do you do with them when you are a Monkish
organizer? Why, you put them into individual piles so the kids can just sit in the middle of them and rip!!! That's what Papa did - and friends & family can see on Flickr "the rest of the story". I really tried to see exactly which gift was from who - but it got kind of tough. Nick got thru his stack and "helped" Willy get thru his. This is Papa and I after the ripping and tearing was done. Sierra is in her "Cinderella Dress" which will rot on her little body if she has her choice!! She loves it. The boys were impressed with the boxes and twist ties that held their trucks in but they also got their fair share of puzzles and books. Even a Children's Bible was in the mix :) Life is good for all of us.Our Christmas was complete with a trip back to Church to celebrate Jesus' Birthday and the kids sat with us so quietly that Willy went to sleep and Nick almost did. Sierra got a little antsy but soon calmed herself down. I know they learn fast but I don't even understand how the Lord managed that one :) It was a great service by Pastor Burt. A wonderful message that related to today in ways that I'd not realized before.
We then went to the Truck Stop for our usual Sunday lunch as we have no family here to join or have join us - so the rest of the day was almost just Sunday as usual. But that isn't a bad thing either. Life at a slow pace. . . It's the Florida Way!!
Papa spent most of Boxing Day repairing the toys that have already been broken and putting up shelving to hold the loot from the day before. The twins are rather "hard" on things. Everything, all things. They will eventually find a way to search and destroy. But they keep me from getting bored!! Constant!! Entertaining!!
Enough for today,
Have a happy happy,
Diane
December 24, 2005
April's Visit
April and kids arrived on Monday (19th) and Keith happily met them at the airport in Orlando. The kids here were so excited that they were having company they just didn't know what to do with themselves :) Not long after the "arrival" Elizabeth insisted it wasn't to cold to go to the swimming pool - so swim she did. It was chilly to us - definately not swimming weather- but it was 16 when they left St. Louis so she was ready. They had a busy few days going to the beach and doing some shopping and everyone was ready for bed early at night. April was so tired that she didn't sit up after the kids went to bed - she was out like a light too. I tried to split the "playroom" into two seperate spaces so that 
they could have some privacy - it didn't work really well - but the thoughts and intentions were good. April fixed us Keith's favorite tacos one night - and I don't think we had any leftovers at all. We all loved them. I fixed Spaghetti once and Brennan was so tired that he didn't even stay awake for dinner - slept all the way thru' it :)
On Thursday we headed for Orlando!! in the "bus"!! Had a good trip, made real good time. April fixed lunch while Keith and I hooked up at the RV Park and then we headed out to Disney's Magic Kingdom! April had joked that we wouldn't get there until 4 pm and we made it by 1 - so we were 3 hours early.
April, Elizabeth, and Brennan went on to the rides while we stayed behind to watch the parade. It was wonderful and the boys loved all the cartoon characters. AND most especially SANTA, HIS ELVES, and even the REINDEER! After the parade we caught up with April and went on a couple of rides. The boys aren't good at lines (which are long and tiresome) so we stayed with the short ones. We rode on Small World - which is one of my favorites - even at Disneyland it was a favorite. It brings back the memories of long ago when I took Jeremy thru. He was more excited that the twins - but they to were in awe. The Carousel was also a must and we did the 3D movie before they were hungry. We fed our kids while April and grandbabies went on another ride -then they ate some and it was time to call it a night.
April chose to rent a room rather that to try and stay with us in the RV - so Keith dropped us off - then took then to their motel. We parted ways for Friday - all going back to Magic Kingdom but to different parts. We tried the line thing again with the boys and it was a total nightmare - so we went back to characters, stories, and magic music. All in all, I think (I'm pretty sure) the kids enjoyed their trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth"!!
Love and happiness to all,
Diane
they could have some privacy - it didn't work really well - but the thoughts and intentions were good. April fixed us Keith's favorite tacos one night - and I don't think we had any leftovers at all. We all loved them. I fixed Spaghetti once and Brennan was so tired that he didn't even stay awake for dinner - slept all the way thru' it :)On Thursday we headed for Orlando!! in the "bus"!! Had a good trip, made real good time. April fixed lunch while Keith and I hooked up at the RV Park and then we headed out to Disney's Magic Kingdom! April had joked that we wouldn't get there until 4 pm and we made it by 1 - so we were 3 hours early.
April, Elizabeth, and Brennan went on to the rides while we stayed behind to watch the parade. It was wonderful and the boys loved all the cartoon characters. AND most especially SANTA, HIS ELVES, and even the REINDEER! After the parade we caught up with April and went on a couple of rides. The boys aren't good at lines (which are long and tiresome) so we stayed with the short ones. We rode on Small World - which is one of my favorites - even at Disneyland it was a favorite. It brings back the memories of long ago when I took Jeremy thru. He was more excited that the twins - but they to were in awe. The Carousel was also a must and we did the 3D movie before they were hungry. We fed our kids while April and grandbabies went on another ride -then they ate some and it was time to call it a night.April chose to rent a room rather that to try and stay with us in the RV - so Keith dropped us off - then took then to their motel. We parted ways for Friday - all going back to Magic Kingdom but to different parts. We tried the line thing again with the boys and it was a total nightmare - so we went back to characters, stories, and magic music. All in all, I think (I'm pretty sure) the kids enjoyed their trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth"!!
Love and happiness to all,
Diane
December 17, 2005
'tis the week before the week before Christmas!
It's been a really busy week. Finally got my Christmas (yearly) newsletter printed and Keith signed all the Christmas cards. I'm not sure but I don't think he wrote in each one like I usually do. I've just not had as much time as I did last year! We've been to 2 Christmas parties for the kids. It's a good thing we have them - or we wouldn't have had a party to go to. Tom and Nancy decided not to have a party this year, the Clubhouse isn't put back together from the hurricanes yet - so no Party here at the Village, Keith nor I have an employer - so no work Parties. It's just a good for us to have the kids. The American Legion Post #39 here in Vero put on a party that was totally amazing. Santa arrived on the Fire Engine - with bells and whistles all going! Then Santa gave out the most amazing gifts! The kids got piano, globe, ride 'em toys, stockings, cookies, hot dogs, sodas, pizza, and many, many Christmas songs. The funnest one for me to watch was the "hokey pokey" (and I know that isn't Christmas) but my kids had a wonderful time Hokey-pokey-ing around the dance floor. It was precious.
Nick seems to think that he is going to use the potty - whenever he wants - the only problem is that it isn't all the time! He'll be potty trained before Sierra even gets over her "accidents". As soon as he is a little more on the potty instead of the diaper - or after the holidays are over (whichever comes first) - I MIGHT try scivvies on him. I'm still a little leery of the idea - but I might!
Our friends here at the Village have gone back up North to spend Christmas and New Year with thier families. Sure wish we could spend it with ours .. .whaaaa. But April, Elizabeth, and Brennan will be here on Monday for a few days - I'm so looking forward to them being here. I think the kids will have a blast - there is enough for them to do this time. The last time they were here - there wasn't much as far as activities - but there is much more this time. And we know our way around a little more.
Enough for now. If I don't get back before, I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A VERY, VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not Xmas - CHRISTmas.
Nick seems to think that he is going to use the potty - whenever he wants - the only problem is that it isn't all the time! He'll be potty trained before Sierra even gets over her "accidents". As soon as he is a little more on the potty instead of the diaper - or after the holidays are over (whichever comes first) - I MIGHT try scivvies on him. I'm still a little leery of the idea - but I might!
Our friends here at the Village have gone back up North to spend Christmas and New Year with thier families. Sure wish we could spend it with ours .. .whaaaa. But April, Elizabeth, and Brennan will be here on Monday for a few days - I'm so looking forward to them being here. I think the kids will have a blast - there is enough for them to do this time. The last time they were here - there wasn't much as far as activities - but there is much more this time. And we know our way around a little more.
Enough for now. If I don't get back before, I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A VERY, VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not Xmas - CHRISTmas.
December 12, 2005
Farmer Johns
Boy have we had a week!! Nicky has decided he was going to do the "Terrible Two's" all in one week! The story behind the Farmer Johns for CHURCH: Nicky has learned to completely undress himself. I know this isn't a big huge deal. Boys can easily get their pants and shirts off - and Nicky takes his diaper off too!! Anyhow, I put his clothes on him 3 times before Church yesterday morning and 3 times he came running at me with a big grin and nothing else, ahold of himself just beaming with delight. Well, I didn't want the nice folks at Church to wonder just what kind of Nature Retreat we have here - so I put overalls on him. Well, Willie had to have some to - and I decided that Sierra could match also!! When I checked Papa out, he to had his dungarees and 'spenders (bought custom made in Canyonville, by the way!) on ready for Sunday Go Ta Meetin'! I laughed so hard!! I just had to have pictures. Of course, I didn't have anything even close, so I was odd man out - as usual!! Anyhow it was definately cute. Pastor had a good laugh and we drew quite a few amused smiles (rather unsure but amused anyhow). Not everyone knows why we arrived in our "Farmer Johns".
All is getting better! At least I keep telling myself that. They continue to wear me out to the point that I am sound asleep as soon as I put my head down!! Unfortunately, I don't stay asleep for long, but I do sleep. If anything is left down (or even put down) for a matter of seconds one of them has found and destroyed whatever it was. They seem especially fond of my fake flower arrangements. Not one is complete :-( I know that I'm old and they are young - I try - and believe it or not - my wish and prayers are mostly for patience - and in large quantities, please.
Another day in, and with grace, lots more to go.
Diane
All is getting better! At least I keep telling myself that. They continue to wear me out to the point that I am sound asleep as soon as I put my head down!! Unfortunately, I don't stay asleep for long, but I do sleep. If anything is left down (or even put down) for a matter of seconds one of them has found and destroyed whatever it was. They seem especially fond of my fake flower arrangements. Not one is complete :-( I know that I'm old and they are young - I try - and believe it or not - my wish and prayers are mostly for patience - and in large quantities, please.
Another day in, and with grace, lots more to go.
Diane
December 7, 2005
St. Augustine, FL
The kids have stayed plenty busy while we have been here. We have spent most of our time at the playground and seeing the sights around the lake. The ducks come right up to our campsite every time they hear voices outside. Nik keeps them away pretty well. Here is him and Will doing their duck quack quack imitations while chasing them back to the lake. I didn't get to go see Maximo at the alligator farm today. The kids slept in and Keith got home from his meeting earlier than planned. I did get to talk to Jeff for a few minutes before he took off. He is going to see his Dad, who lives close before heading back to Missouri. Then the propane gas wouldn't work for the stove or hot water heater. So we wasted a bunch of time figuring out that the battery was weak - one of the kids )most likely) turned on the engine heater and pulled the battery down. If the coach battery isn't charged the propane doesn't work. And we figured this out all by ourselves!! Didn't cost a dime. We turned the generator on, charged the battery, lit the stove and cooked dinner!!!
All is quiet now, except for the rain. Kids in bed, Keith watching TV. I'm about worn out so I think I'll crash early. The sound of the rain is almost hypnotising.
Love ya'll,
Diane
All is quiet now, except for the rain. Kids in bed, Keith watching TV. I'm about worn out so I think I'll crash early. The sound of the rain is almost hypnotising.
Love ya'll,
Diane
December 5, 2005
St. Augustine, FL
Well friends, we got ourselves packed up and picked up. We are in the RV with all 3 kids. They are having a wonderful time. They are behind me in the table/bed and watching TV in thier jamies and think they are getting away with a big coup. I guess they don't know that I know what they are doing!!
We got early (really about the same as always!) and didn't get gone from home until noon or so. By the time I emptied the house (except of course, my camera) and put everything in here (including the tricycles in the van) and we (Keith) got the van on the dolly, it was later than I'd planned. Then we decided to go ahead and feed them lunch so they would take their naps while we were driving. Which they did. They woke up just as we were coming off of I95 so there was only about 20 more mile to go. Needless to say, these kids are not easy riders. They want OUT! I'm thinking of installing carseats at home. That way I could take a whole shower without one of them emptying something or another while I wasn't watching. We got here about 4 and got set up. I was rather upset. Keith asked which campground I wanted to stay at, I said whichever is the furthest from the water! Well, we didn't stay at the beach (which we could have) but we are right on the LAKE, with lots of ducks, and no beach to it. Straight drop-off to the water. They have sites over by the playground - when we pulled in I told Keith "I want one of those" - away from the lake and next to the fenced play area - nothing doing - they are blacktopping those areas tomorrow and Wednesday. Sure wish they'd told Keith that when he called and made the reservation. We not only have the lake - but asphalt smell for 2 days on top of it. I would've gladly stayed at the beach if I'd known that!
Well now that I've had my vent session, hope all is well out there and I'm sure we will have a good time once I convince the kids that the water is not where they are going!!
Have a good one!!,
Diane
We got early (really about the same as always!) and didn't get gone from home until noon or so. By the time I emptied the house (except of course, my camera) and put everything in here (including the tricycles in the van) and we (Keith) got the van on the dolly, it was later than I'd planned. Then we decided to go ahead and feed them lunch so they would take their naps while we were driving. Which they did. They woke up just as we were coming off of I95 so there was only about 20 more mile to go. Needless to say, these kids are not easy riders. They want OUT! I'm thinking of installing carseats at home. That way I could take a whole shower without one of them emptying something or another while I wasn't watching. We got here about 4 and got set up. I was rather upset. Keith asked which campground I wanted to stay at, I said whichever is the furthest from the water! Well, we didn't stay at the beach (which we could have) but we are right on the LAKE, with lots of ducks, and no beach to it. Straight drop-off to the water. They have sites over by the playground - when we pulled in I told Keith "I want one of those" - away from the lake and next to the fenced play area - nothing doing - they are blacktopping those areas tomorrow and Wednesday. Sure wish they'd told Keith that when he called and made the reservation. We not only have the lake - but asphalt smell for 2 days on top of it. I would've gladly stayed at the beach if I'd known that!
Well now that I've had my vent session, hope all is well out there and I'm sure we will have a good time once I convince the kids that the water is not where they are going!!
Have a good one!!,
Diane
November 30, 2005
New Teeth!!
Sierra got her "two front teeth" today - and it isn't even Christmas yet. I should teach her that song. But she already got them - so what good would it do? She wanted them OUT when she first got home and the novacaine was wearing off. I gave her one shot of the pain Medication the dentist sent home and she has been fine ever since. She ate a really good dinner - which I wasn't expecting. She also is showing off her "pretty dress". She's a dress girl. She'd wear them every day if she could. Maybe Santa will bring her some more for every day. That would really excite her. She likes clothes and bows - a girly girl :)
Got news from Aunt Sharen that Caleb has become engaged. They've set a date but not a place. She is supposing it will be in Oregon. Mitch is signing books again, so they will go down towards Dads (Laughlin) and spend some time with him while she is on vacation. They are hoping to visit the Grand Canyon and boy, do I hope they like it half as much as I did. It was soooo awesome. I still haven't thought of the right words to describe it.
We are getting ready for a little road trip. Keith has a meeting he wants to attend up in St. Augistine so we are taking the RV out and going up there for 3 days next week. I'm looking forward to some different scenery also. Not that I don't have enough to do :)
Just found out today that April is bringing Elizabeth and Brennan down for a few days the week before Christmas - I'm so glad that they are coming. I love having family around. I guess I don't even care whose family it is. I'll adopt them !! We plan to take the RV up to Orlando while they are here and do something up there. Don't know just what. April and Keith will think of someting :) So that is 2 road trips between now and Christmas that we have planned. Hope they pan out. I'm all excited about it.
Enough for tonight - I'd sure like to hear from all of you.
Amah
Got news from Aunt Sharen that Caleb has become engaged. They've set a date but not a place. She is supposing it will be in Oregon. Mitch is signing books again, so they will go down towards Dads (Laughlin) and spend some time with him while she is on vacation. They are hoping to visit the Grand Canyon and boy, do I hope they like it half as much as I did. It was soooo awesome. I still haven't thought of the right words to describe it.
We are getting ready for a little road trip. Keith has a meeting he wants to attend up in St. Augistine so we are taking the RV out and going up there for 3 days next week. I'm looking forward to some different scenery also. Not that I don't have enough to do :)
Just found out today that April is bringing Elizabeth and Brennan down for a few days the week before Christmas - I'm so glad that they are coming. I love having family around. I guess I don't even care whose family it is. I'll adopt them !! We plan to take the RV up to Orlando while they are here and do something up there. Don't know just what. April and Keith will think of someting :) So that is 2 road trips between now and Christmas that we have planned. Hope they pan out. I'm all excited about it.
Enough for tonight - I'd sure like to hear from all of you.
Amah
November 27, 2005
Holidays!
Well, Thanksgiving is over. Most have put the Turkey and Dressing to rest after having the "Big Meal" with families and friends. We went to Keiths Club for dinner. Boy, talk about dine and dash - Dinner was at 1 and by 2:00 we were almost the last ones there! I've really never seen such a thing. We hang out longer after a Board Meeting swapping news than that:) Afterwards we took the three dirvishes to Tom and Nancy's for awhile. Tried real hard to keep the three out of the way of the horseshoe game. No one could beat Tom. Keith even swapped out with someone to try and beat him. He was on a roll. The kids were fairly well behaved. I attribute that to them being so tired that they couldn't run as fast or as far as usual. We got home to late for naps, so they just went to bed at regular time. They were still so tired on Friday, their naps were extra long. There was a Christmas Bazaar with Santa landing at the dock downtown at 3 and they slept right thru it. So we didn't go. I don't know if I really wanted to or not. The honeymoon period is over. They are really showing their bottoms. Sierra is getting real good at a real snide little face and talking back. The boys can't even talk but they are baby-talking in sour voices too. Nick even threw his bowl of noodles at Papa tonight - so maybe it's a good thing they were sleeping on Friday.
I've had a rather bad week. I know that S'te has been ill and the babies are taking their turns also. I really feel for her. It's hard taking care of family when everything is going well - it's even harder when things are not going so great.
I got a call last Monday that my Mamogram had "something there" that the Dr.'s wanted a better look at - ASAP. Scared the crap outta me - it did. I've been feeling badly off and on ever since I got that yucky virus or whatever in San Diego anyway and then this!! Oh, no. Anyhow they scheduled me for "diagnostic x-ray and ultrasound" on Wednesday. So, it actually turned out to be a "see you next year" thing. No one told me what it was that they thought they saw - but they did call Wednesday afternoon and let me know that they didn't see what they thought they saw - or couldn't find it again - whichever or whatever it was. Which was nice. Now all I have to do is get over whatever it is that I do have. I'm hoping that when I get well, I will find a way of relating to these children. There has to be something that I'm not trying. As I type this both boys are sitting in time out for not eating (more for throwing their food on the floor) and Sierra is still at the table - not eating either. Papa is in charge of that. He was the one that got upset with the boys too. And you know that Papa doesn't lose his cool very often, but when he does - he sticks to his guns!!
My hand seem to be getting worse again. Today alone I've broken a glass and a plate - dropping things on them. Guess I'll become a lefty again for awhile. My whole right upper quadrant is still pretty achy - maybe because I'm lifting the boys instead of infants. Don't know, don't care, just want it to stop.
Got some yard work done today. It seems wierd to be pruning Hibiscus in December because it is still growing so quickly. The mowers kinda trashed our yard when we were gone - scalped it in several areas - so there is really lots to do. Gotta get it cleaned up so we can do our Christmas decorations. Papa actually went out and put up one string of lights - he wanted to see how far it would go - not far on the Loquat Tree. I want to get a couple of lawn ornaments also, but not sure yet what kind of "budget" I have for Christmas.
Joe had his surgery a few days ago, I am praying that it went well. I certainly hope to hear good news from him as soon as he is able. Because of his news, I "suspended" smoking on October 31, it took me that long to think it all the way thru. I don't want to say quit - I've done that so many times before. I've failed at keeping my word to myself so many times before that this time - I'm not quitting - I'm just not smoking.
Anyhow, enough rambling -
Diane
I've had a rather bad week. I know that S'te has been ill and the babies are taking their turns also. I really feel for her. It's hard taking care of family when everything is going well - it's even harder when things are not going so great.
I got a call last Monday that my Mamogram had "something there" that the Dr.'s wanted a better look at - ASAP. Scared the crap outta me - it did. I've been feeling badly off and on ever since I got that yucky virus or whatever in San Diego anyway and then this!! Oh, no. Anyhow they scheduled me for "diagnostic x-ray and ultrasound" on Wednesday. So, it actually turned out to be a "see you next year" thing. No one told me what it was that they thought they saw - but they did call Wednesday afternoon and let me know that they didn't see what they thought they saw - or couldn't find it again - whichever or whatever it was. Which was nice. Now all I have to do is get over whatever it is that I do have. I'm hoping that when I get well, I will find a way of relating to these children. There has to be something that I'm not trying. As I type this both boys are sitting in time out for not eating (more for throwing their food on the floor) and Sierra is still at the table - not eating either. Papa is in charge of that. He was the one that got upset with the boys too. And you know that Papa doesn't lose his cool very often, but when he does - he sticks to his guns!!
My hand seem to be getting worse again. Today alone I've broken a glass and a plate - dropping things on them. Guess I'll become a lefty again for awhile. My whole right upper quadrant is still pretty achy - maybe because I'm lifting the boys instead of infants. Don't know, don't care, just want it to stop.
Got some yard work done today. It seems wierd to be pruning Hibiscus in December because it is still growing so quickly. The mowers kinda trashed our yard when we were gone - scalped it in several areas - so there is really lots to do. Gotta get it cleaned up so we can do our Christmas decorations. Papa actually went out and put up one string of lights - he wanted to see how far it would go - not far on the Loquat Tree. I want to get a couple of lawn ornaments also, but not sure yet what kind of "budget" I have for Christmas.
Joe had his surgery a few days ago, I am praying that it went well. I certainly hope to hear good news from him as soon as he is able. Because of his news, I "suspended" smoking on October 31, it took me that long to think it all the way thru. I don't want to say quit - I've done that so many times before. I've failed at keeping my word to myself so many times before that this time - I'm not quitting - I'm just not smoking.
Anyhow, enough rambling -
Diane
November 19, 2005
Survived!!
I survived the week!! All the way from Monday mid-morning to Friday afternoon. It was quite a week too! I even got brave on Tuesday and took the kids grocery shopping and then on Thursday we ran an errand and stopped at Lowe's. I was looking for those little white pretend-a-fences that would maybe help the Hibiscus stay upright after our winds. But they were painting and we couldn't go back there. So we bought some weed-n-feed and some geraniums and a couple of rosemary bushes (I found 3 of them here in a year so I brought 1 all the way back from CA). We happily took our purchases and put them in the van - talking about how we needed to plant our froers in the ground so they can grow - like 2 & 3 year olds talk - Got all loaded, everyone strapped into car seats, put my purse and cell phone on the floor on the passenger side, and THE VAN WOULDN'T START. But being the ingenious person that I am - I figured that I could go and 1/wiggle the battery cables and see if they are loose and/or 2/ use my hammer and pound it into submission (I have found this method to work!!). So I grabbed the hammer, pulled the latch on the hood, jumped out of the van. Well, the person parked next to me had parked awful close, so I had to close my door to get around it. I opened the hood, grabbed the cable and I heard a "click" - OH, NO I recognize that "click". I dropped the hammer and ran for the door. It was locked. Now, I didn't know that if the battery wasn't connected and it gets connected, the automatic door locks - lock. So here I am in the parking lot at Lowe's, 4 kids strapped into carseats, and I can't call AAA because my cell phone is locked in the van with the keys. The lady parked next to me returned to her car and volunteered that if I call AAA they will look up my number if I can't get to my card. The problem was - I couldn't get to my phone, I can't leave the kids there to go back to the store, I can't do anything but try to talk the oldest one (3) into unbuckleing herself so she can push the button for me - but she won't! She gets in trouble for letting herself out of her seat!! Finally, years later (actually about 3 minutes) one of the ladies who were parked near me asked if I was locked out of my car and what the problem with going into Lowe's and using the phone was. When I explained, she went in and they sent a Lowe's security man out - he called the Sheriff's office. So withing a few minute 4, yes 4, police cars come screeching into the lot, lights flashing, and following them were the paramedics!! Up to the point the kids thought I was playing with them - you know how you do- with your face against a dirty window singing stupid songs like - the wheels on the bus go round and round. . . But when the sirens arrived and the cops started crawling all over the car and the paramedics had their faces pressed to the glass, they came UNGLUED!!! Now I've go 4 screaming kids, police everywhere, and a huge crowd of old women whispering. I don't know if they thought I'd left them in the car to go shopping or if they thought I'd kidnapped them, but there sure were a bunch of dirty looks and lots of pspspspsps. I wanted to crawl under the car. And stay there!! Seconds later, I heard that familiar "click" and knew that they had already unlocked the door - I crawled in - found cups and scooby snacks, and wiped everyone's noses and wiped the tears and then the paramedics climbed in and checked them all and found that they were not overheated or anything. Everyone was fine - except me!! I was sweating, embarrassed, red-faced and highly stressed! So anyhow, no one ever even asked what happened - not even the cop that stayed while I got the kids calmed down. I just had to sign a paper saying that I owned the car and they had my permission to break into it!! No license, no registration, just my signature. I guess that he figured, if it wasn't mine, I must've been outta my head to want to steal that particular vehicle!!
Thank the Lord that Papa got home on Friday. I don't think I was still quite over it. I took the little car and had my mammogram done Thursday night. Grammy kept the kids cause they were having a board meeting I wanted to attend right after the mamo appt. I wasn't getting back into that van just yet!
The Church had the Adams Family Trio as guests, bringing us some of that good old Southern Gospel music Friday night. I'd been looking forward to it all week. It was my reward for getting thru the week. The kids misbehaved so badly that we left after only 1/2 thru. I'd had it, couldn't take it any more. And neither could the people around me. They didn't need that either.
So Papa kept them today. Bev and I went over and cleaned the little house for the renters. I had HOURS without them. I cleaned everything I could think of. Bev even rearranged the furniture until she liked it better. I opened the back door and a frog jumped in!! I screamed so loud that Bev thought I'd hurt myself. We chased the stupid frog under the bed, up the wall, and over the headboard before SHE caught it and put it back outside with the warning not to come back. So I had a productive but relaxing morning and when I got home Keith had them all down for naps, so that worked too. Wonderful timing. Now all are in bed and I'm about ready to head that way too.
Diane
Thank the Lord that Papa got home on Friday. I don't think I was still quite over it. I took the little car and had my mammogram done Thursday night. Grammy kept the kids cause they were having a board meeting I wanted to attend right after the mamo appt. I wasn't getting back into that van just yet!
The Church had the Adams Family Trio as guests, bringing us some of that good old Southern Gospel music Friday night. I'd been looking forward to it all week. It was my reward for getting thru the week. The kids misbehaved so badly that we left after only 1/2 thru. I'd had it, couldn't take it any more. And neither could the people around me. They didn't need that either.
So Papa kept them today. Bev and I went over and cleaned the little house for the renters. I had HOURS without them. I cleaned everything I could think of. Bev even rearranged the furniture until she liked it better. I opened the back door and a frog jumped in!! I screamed so loud that Bev thought I'd hurt myself. We chased the stupid frog under the bed, up the wall, and over the headboard before SHE caught it and put it back outside with the warning not to come back. So I had a productive but relaxing morning and when I got home Keith had them all down for naps, so that worked too. Wonderful timing. Now all are in bed and I'm about ready to head that way too.
Diane
November 14, 2005
Am I ready??
Am I ready for this? Keith left this morning to work in NJ for this week. While getting ready to depart, he packed his bag, his computer, checked for milk and bread (my staples) and decided to go to the store. In the 15 minutes he was gone the boys got into his 1. computer case and got his wires all tangled for him, I'm sure they wanted to make sure that he thinks of them while he is gone and 2. emptied the pockets out of the front of the suitcase - his toothbrush, paste, comb, extra change, work badge, etc. so that he got to repack it before he could leave. I'm sure that this was because they wanted him to stay here longer before he could leave.
He has been gone for 15 minutes. Right now both boys are in time out and the girls have barbies that they are playing with. That is why the boys are in time out - they went momentarily insane and decided to raid the barbie "party" and throw everything into the next universe!!
It should be a fun week. I'm sure I'll have more later, if only out of sheer boredom and lonliness. At least I'll stay fairly busy and won't be heading for any bars or taverns - unless they cater to toddlers also!!
Diane
He has been gone for 15 minutes. Right now both boys are in time out and the girls have barbies that they are playing with. That is why the boys are in time out - they went momentarily insane and decided to raid the barbie "party" and throw everything into the next universe!!
It should be a fun week. I'm sure I'll have more later, if only out of sheer boredom and lonliness. At least I'll stay fairly busy and won't be heading for any bars or taverns - unless they cater to toddlers also!!
Diane
November 11, 2005
Veteran's Day
Today was beautiful here in Vero. Not to hot and not humid either. Not often that we get the blessing of both!! We dressed the girls in red, white, & blue and the boys wore grey onsies with the flag on them. Believe it or not, I still have my "Navy Mom" t-shirt that S'te brought to me while
she was in the Navy. We went to a dual dedication. Many in our Village are "Winter" people from Canada and we had a Memorial Service for both the US Veterans Day and Canada's Rememberance Day. We honored our Veteran neighbors as well as the Canadian counterparts to them. As we are an older group, there were no Veverans in attendance from the Gulf War, or the ones we are now involved in. We had a moment of silence for the memories of those lost as well as to send blessings and wishes of good luck and God Speed for those now in action. We sang both National Anthems and then had a huge picnic. It was a really nice time. And it was great for us because 
we got back home before everyone got tired and cranky - so naps were close to regular time.After that I just relaxed while the kids and Keith were sleeping. It is a nice break. The one little girl came with a warning about not having a onesie on her at bedtime - and I forgot. Guess what! When I
went in to get her up - She had 'her' blanket over her and she didn't just stand up. So I pulled the blanket back and there she was! in all her glory!naked as a jaybird!and as wet as if she'd been swimming! I stripped her bed down and the others decided their beds needed it too. - So all the beds are now clean (except for mine, of course)!!The four of them are presently doing thier own things - one with a Barbie, one carrying around sand buckets (empty ones), and the twins trying to outscreech each other. I think they are going to bed really soon.
Anyhow, that was my day - how was yours?
November 6, 2005
Typical Sunday?
We were joined early - oh, so very early - this morning by a little voice that announced "I'm scared" and promptly took up the middle half of our bed. By about 2 another voice said "wook" and a toy schoolbus got shoved almost into my nose. Then he also got into bed and took up his half of her half which was also my half - so after they went to sleep - and it only took minutes- I went to the couch and couldn't go back to sleep. I read, watched TV, did crossword puzzles, etc until almost daylight when I made an executive decision - they - at least one of them were going back to their own bed - it worked for about an hour before the schoolbus was back in my nose!! I don't know why I needed to smell it but - oh well.
So we were up at six for breakfast. By the time we were ready to go to Church - all three needed naps - badly! By the time the 3-5 group went to Children's Church - the 3 year old was sound asleep, stretched straight out between us. She slept the whole time. The twins kept Grammy and Zoe busy in the Nursury. They were both tired after the hour was up!! Then we went to lunch!!! I made a statement to all of them - Keith included - I'm not leaving until I've FINISHED my coffee. Well, that kinda fell thru too :-) But next is naptime - I'll get a cup then.
I put them all down, Keith got into his recliner, I went out to pick up a couple of weeds that I saw in the flower bed - a big recycle bin later and another pile of clippings later, I return for that coffee (I'd left it in the nuke) and Keith was sleeping like a baby - but she wasn't. What fun she had been having! She was really demanding in wanting to know where I'd been - never mind that she shouldn't have even known I was missing!! Anyhow, she got so loud with her questions that she woke the boys up. Now, they've not got their nap out, been asleep only about 45 minutes = but by golly - they were not going to lay still and go back to sleep!! What's a person to do????? So I fixed them - I opened a can of Ravioli for dinner - stripped them - fed them - bathed them- and they are all in bed. I'm not taking the gate down yet - even tho' it didn't stop 2 of them. It may have slowed them down a little - I'm not taking any chances!!
So it's an early night for me. I check everyone elses Blogs for new news several times a day!! Don't quit on me!
Diane
So we were up at six for breakfast. By the time we were ready to go to Church - all three needed naps - badly! By the time the 3-5 group went to Children's Church - the 3 year old was sound asleep, stretched straight out between us. She slept the whole time. The twins kept Grammy and Zoe busy in the Nursury. They were both tired after the hour was up!! Then we went to lunch!!! I made a statement to all of them - Keith included - I'm not leaving until I've FINISHED my coffee. Well, that kinda fell thru too :-) But next is naptime - I'll get a cup then.
I put them all down, Keith got into his recliner, I went out to pick up a couple of weeds that I saw in the flower bed - a big recycle bin later and another pile of clippings later, I return for that coffee (I'd left it in the nuke) and Keith was sleeping like a baby - but she wasn't. What fun she had been having! She was really demanding in wanting to know where I'd been - never mind that she shouldn't have even known I was missing!! Anyhow, she got so loud with her questions that she woke the boys up. Now, they've not got their nap out, been asleep only about 45 minutes = but by golly - they were not going to lay still and go back to sleep!! What's a person to do????? So I fixed them - I opened a can of Ravioli for dinner - stripped them - fed them - bathed them- and they are all in bed. I'm not taking the gate down yet - even tho' it didn't stop 2 of them. It may have slowed them down a little - I'm not taking any chances!!
So it's an early night for me. I check everyone elses Blogs for new news several times a day!! Don't quit on me!
Diane
November 5, 2005
Church Picnic
Keith is standing in line at the Church picnic today. It is so hard to believe that just 2 weeks ago everyone was boarding and buttoning up waiting for the wrath of Wilma. We were sitting in Georgia and I was bored to death and just waiting to get home!
We've had the 3 new children just over a week - and what a week it has been! They are not used to anyone giving them boundaries - so they've had some new experiences. Sierra has learned to ride a trike and her brother is trying hard. He gets his feet on the pedals and actually balances standing up - but he doesn't go anywhere yet. The other brother still just uses his toes to go where he wants on it. It has been a busy week setting up all the appointments that Keith needs to catch up on with his doctor, opthamologist, and dentist. I've had some good luck with the freecycle here as far as getting some pretty nice clothing for them.
S'te has certainly worked hard getting the Condo ready to rent. If it doesn't rent in a month we will go ahead and put it on the market. I am a little gun-shy after the last go around with Tornado Robin. As each item is fixed or replaced, it seems that S'te finds something else that is missing or broken. Last it was the garbage disposal - they had poured the candle wax down it - while they were using candles for light since the power had been turned off for non-payment!!! Landlords beware - she hasn't found a place yet
Well, kids are up and getting hungry, so I'll sign off for now.
Diane
We've had the 3 new children just over a week - and what a week it has been! They are not used to anyone giving them boundaries - so they've had some new experiences. Sierra has learned to ride a trike and her brother is trying hard. He gets his feet on the pedals and actually balances standing up - but he doesn't go anywhere yet. The other brother still just uses his toes to go where he wants on it. It has been a busy week setting up all the appointments that Keith needs to catch up on with his doctor, opthamologist, and dentist. I've had some good luck with the freecycle here as far as getting some pretty nice clothing for them.
S'te has certainly worked hard getting the Condo ready to rent. If it doesn't rent in a month we will go ahead and put it on the market. I am a little gun-shy after the last go around with Tornado Robin. As each item is fixed or replaced, it seems that S'te finds something else that is missing or broken. Last it was the garbage disposal - they had poured the candle wax down it - while they were using candles for light since the power had been turned off for non-payment!!! Landlords beware - she hasn't found a place yet
Well, kids are up and getting hungry, so I'll sign off for now.
Diane
October 30, 2005
Home
We got home!! Just before we left Georgia I noticed a drip coming from the A/C vent in the ceiling. I'm almost sure that the A/C is a closed unit so it will have to be replaced. I bought some sealant for the rubber roof and crawled up there in case it was something else. It wasn't. So Keith is going to try and talk to the dealer that we bought the RV from to see what excuse they have for all the trouble we had - after they thouroughly inspected the entire home. He even took it back once because he didn't like the way the brakes felt. And it was there for several days getting a steering "something" installed. So if he doesn't get any satisfaction from them, we will go to the dealer in Ft. Pierce and have him do the little adjustments (one speaker doesn't work, one mirror keeps vibrating out) and of course, the A/C. Then we will winterize - maybe - or maybe we will just use it thru the winter. It stays very nice here until May or so!! I must say, after the stay at the mechanics in San Diego, we didn't have any more trouble with it! Got clear home from there without any unscheduled stops!!! HOORAY!!
The weather was wonderful for our drive, not like it was the day before when Wilma came thru. Vero "only" got the edge of her but there was still quite a bit of damage. There was no power from Sunday evening until about 5 PM on Tuesday. We came off of I95 and when we were the second vehicle from the stoplight - it came on!! Talk about confusion! People didn't know whether to honor the 4 way stop signs or the traffic lights that suddenly started working!! We had power here (our home) by the time we got inside but didn't get power to the little house in the "A" section until yesterday.
Today my industrious daughter and her husband are working on the condo that "Tornado Robin" finally left. Tomorrow there will be more workmen and on Tuesday the new appliances (to replace the ruined ones) will be delivered. The kitchen faucet and garbage disposal were even ruined - and they were new!! There has been more damage to it than was done to either home in Florida thru 3 hurricanes - and she didn't pay any rent for several months either!! go figure>>> And people wonder why it is so hard to find nice rentals!!
There have been few changes made here at the Village since we left except for a few more new homes. The damaged ones from Francis and Jeanne last year are slowly being either removed or the owners are being dragged along to get them repaired. Several of the "snowbirds" have made their way back and some have decided to sell and winter elsewhere. It is a hard decision to make - everywhere has it's own "quirks". I do my fair share of complaining about the heat and humidity in the summer, but I've been watching Pakistan and I've got heaven right here. A roof over my head, A/C in the summer, heat in the winter. Even the tragedy of New Orleans doesn't hold a candle to those poor people trying to winter in a TENT. So we all should count our blessings, whatever ones we do have, and quit complaining about our minor discomforts!! At least this has become my opinion of the moment!!
Since returning we have increased our family, for awhile, it is only 3 more. We now are the proud caregivers of 18 month old twin boys and their 3 year old sister. They are quite the bunch. So I believe that I will close this blog for the time being and begin a new one. I haven't decided just what to call it as yet, but my lovely and hardworking daughter will think of something for me.
thanks so much for the comments that I've received and for all the feedback on how I should have done this. I know I mixed family with the actual RV news, but family is my life - the RV was a way to be able to spend more time with them - and see the wonderful country that God created for us to enjoy.
I will post again to let you know what I will be "blogging" next, so be sure to check back.
Thanks all,
Diane
The weather was wonderful for our drive, not like it was the day before when Wilma came thru. Vero "only" got the edge of her but there was still quite a bit of damage. There was no power from Sunday evening until about 5 PM on Tuesday. We came off of I95 and when we were the second vehicle from the stoplight - it came on!! Talk about confusion! People didn't know whether to honor the 4 way stop signs or the traffic lights that suddenly started working!! We had power here (our home) by the time we got inside but didn't get power to the little house in the "A" section until yesterday.
Today my industrious daughter and her husband are working on the condo that "Tornado Robin" finally left. Tomorrow there will be more workmen and on Tuesday the new appliances (to replace the ruined ones) will be delivered. The kitchen faucet and garbage disposal were even ruined - and they were new!! There has been more damage to it than was done to either home in Florida thru 3 hurricanes - and she didn't pay any rent for several months either!! go figure>>> And people wonder why it is so hard to find nice rentals!!
There have been few changes made here at the Village since we left except for a few more new homes. The damaged ones from Francis and Jeanne last year are slowly being either removed or the owners are being dragged along to get them repaired. Several of the "snowbirds" have made their way back and some have decided to sell and winter elsewhere. It is a hard decision to make - everywhere has it's own "quirks". I do my fair share of complaining about the heat and humidity in the summer, but I've been watching Pakistan and I've got heaven right here. A roof over my head, A/C in the summer, heat in the winter. Even the tragedy of New Orleans doesn't hold a candle to those poor people trying to winter in a TENT. So we all should count our blessings, whatever ones we do have, and quit complaining about our minor discomforts!! At least this has become my opinion of the moment!!
Since returning we have increased our family, for awhile, it is only 3 more. We now are the proud caregivers of 18 month old twin boys and their 3 year old sister. They are quite the bunch. So I believe that I will close this blog for the time being and begin a new one. I haven't decided just what to call it as yet, but my lovely and hardworking daughter will think of something for me.
thanks so much for the comments that I've received and for all the feedback on how I should have done this. I know I mixed family with the actual RV news, but family is my life - the RV was a way to be able to spend more time with them - and see the wonderful country that God created for us to enjoy.
I will post again to let you know what I will be "blogging" next, so be sure to check back.
Thanks all,
Diane
October 24, 2005
Homeward bound (I hope)
We have been blessed again! I've received word thru the "Palm Frond Telegraph" that most is well at Lakewood Village. No electricity yet but our homes are intact! So we hope to be leaving here first thing in the morning so that we can make it home before the 8 PM curfew. Bev and Dave are over on the Alabama border waiting to go back to the Village also. I understand that there was some damage to a couple of homes and several carports went - but for a hurricane - with the number of older homes in the Village - this is great.
Now for my observations of McRae, GA. We've been here since last Wednesday. I've found NO signs of any type of tavern, bar, lounge, coffee shop, Starbucks, etc.
that have any sign of people gathering for any thing. Here is the closest thing we found to a city park.
We found the 2nd Mexican Restaurant today and actually bought a few groceries from a fruit stand 
and sweet potatoes from out of the bed of a pick-up. We drove all 4 directions from town in 10 mile stretches just to see if there was ANYTHING going on. Found nothing:))))
We did see a little stand that we wondered about so we stopped there. Guess what we found! The only Burger place in town, and it was closed!!When the lady at the post office said that McRae wasn't "much for entertainment", she sure wasn't kidding. I've talked to 3 campers, the camp host, and the golf host here (who told us about the great seafood buffet at the lodge on Fridays - he told us that about 8:30 Friday night). I catch the campers as they are leaving the bathroom and head thru (or around) our space to go back to their own sites.
To be perfectly honest, they have a beautiful golf course and the 19th Hole has the most friendly 80 +/- or more year old woman. Keith knew her name - he'd seen her name before - somewhere - and she was so tickled she blushed and told us we could sit over on the sofa and watch the game - make ourselves comfortable. She was very, very friendly!! I think she was mostly bored and lonesome. I know that feeling!! She said she's had that spot for 12 years and it took "lots and lots" of years to get it in the first place.
Now that the hurricane is over - all 3 other campers have left for Florida. Keith decided to wait until tomorrow to leave - that way we don't have to set camp up again before we get home. So this should be the next-to-the-last entry on this subject. I'll have to find a new name (he he)
Diane
Now for my observations of McRae, GA. We've been here since last Wednesday. I've found NO signs of any type of tavern, bar, lounge, coffee shop, Starbucks, etc.
that have any sign of people gathering for any thing. Here is the closest thing we found to a city park.
We found the 2nd Mexican Restaurant today and actually bought a few groceries from a fruit stand 
and sweet potatoes from out of the bed of a pick-up. We drove all 4 directions from town in 10 mile stretches just to see if there was ANYTHING going on. Found nothing:)))) 
We did see a little stand that we wondered about so we stopped there. Guess what we found! The only Burger place in town, and it was closed!!When the lady at the post office said that McRae wasn't "much for entertainment", she sure wasn't kidding. I've talked to 3 campers, the camp host, and the golf host here (who told us about the great seafood buffet at the lodge on Fridays - he told us that about 8:30 Friday night). I catch the campers as they are leaving the bathroom and head thru (or around) our space to go back to their own sites.
To be perfectly honest, they have a beautiful golf course and the 19th Hole has the most friendly 80 +/- or more year old woman. Keith knew her name - he'd seen her name before - somewhere - and she was so tickled she blushed and told us we could sit over on the sofa and watch the game - make ourselves comfortable. She was very, very friendly!! I think she was mostly bored and lonesome. I know that feeling!! She said she's had that spot for 12 years and it took "lots and lots" of years to get it in the first place.Now that the hurricane is over - all 3 other campers have left for Florida. Keith decided to wait until tomorrow to leave - that way we don't have to set camp up again before we get home. So this should be the next-to-the-last entry on this subject. I'll have to find a new name (he he)
Diane
Refer after 2 months of no electric
Poor S'te. Shows what happens when you rent a perfectly good, nicely kept condo out!! No wonder people don't like to rent anymore. Not to mention the rest of the damage, dirt, months worth of unpaid rent, eviction and lockout costs, among the rest of the headache and stress. A security deposit won't even begin to cover how much this particular renter cost us!!
October 23, 2005
Still in Georgia
We're still here!! Trying to outwait Wicked Wilma. By Tuesday, we will be so rested that we'll be able to push the RV out!! We have done nothing but watch TV and eat. We've been to the only Mexican Restaurant 3 times in 3 days, drove by Winn-Dixie (the grocery store) but never went in. Drove up the highway 14 miles to the American Legion that turned out to be the VFW that is only open on Saturday nights for a dance. That is rumor only - we saw no signs or posters. We heard this from the man at the building supply store where we did actually stop - and that was only to get some blocks sawed for leveling. The cedar blocks that we highgraded from Canyonville are slowly disintigrating. So they needed to be replaced. That's pretty good really, they made it 3,000 miles!
Now that there is NO news and nothing going on, I'll tell my refridgerator story. We sat in Powers and Keith found out that my nose and ears are heredity. There is my Aunt Nita whom Uncle Jim swears can hear a "fly land on soft cotton and smell it when it @#$#'s". The others of the family gathering had to share the stories of how bad the Bland line (of which I am one) is on the hearing and smell. Now with that out of the way, those of you that know me well remember that I had to completely replace my fridge at home after the hurricanes last year because I couldn't stand the smell. I tried Mom Judy's suggestions about the vanilla and charcoal, I tried rubbing all the plastic surfaces with lemon, I tried spraying bleach. I ran bleach thru the water and ice intake for the auto stuff. The fridge was sparkling clean, but every bottle, piece of ice, leftover, carton or candy bar had a slight moldy smell - to me. Keith couldn't smell a thing. I couldn't even drink the water from the double FILTERED fridge or use the ice because of the smell. Keith finally took pity on me and bought me a new fridge. Oh, so much better. We took the other one to the rental and no one could smell or taste a thing - so it was just me.
Anyhow, the camper was in the shop for the whole 3 weeks that we visited S'te in San Diego. Keith stopped by every couple of days to make sure the fridge light was on and there was plenty of propane - as I had just bought one of those meat-packs that the guys come around selling- and the freezer was pretty well full of beef steaks and ground beef. The fridge had the normal condiments in it - relish, salsa, tortillas, mayo, etc. Well, we got the camper back on Saturday, October 1. I didn't rush down to see it, I've seen it and I was more interested in looking at the bill than the camper! Sunday morning Keith comes into the living room - very early- and says "which light means the fridge is working" - I KNEW something was wrong!! Right then and there, I knew it. So I just got my shoes on and went down to the camper. The "check" light was lit - which means the fridge was not getting lp or electric. I was afraid to open the door without protection. Whatever had had the chance to grow might have matured by then!! To make a longer story short, the meat was very,very,very rotten, and everything that could grow anything - DID. And STINK, boy there are few things that stink that bad. And I only had Sunday to get rid of it enough to be able to sit in it and ride on Monday. Well, Keith cleaned it out. At least a hundred dollars worth of steaks and pre-pattied burgers. That's what I get for not taking it into S'te to start with. Keith's reasoning was it was all packed for 2 and with us, there were 11 - so we probably had enough for 1 or 2 meals there. We could just buy that as we went along and not have to restock for us. Boy was he wrong!!! So with S'te's help, alot of elbow grease, charcoal, lemons, bleach and more scrubbing, we got enough of the smell out to use it. I was really afraid that it was going to have to be replaced. But in Arizona, Dad came up with another thing to try - and after (or with) everything else - It seems to have worked. I put small tubs of water with a squeezed lemon in both the freezer and the fridge. I change them often but I barely get a whiff every now and then - so maybe this one can stay!
Then, we get gone, we are gone for 2 weeks, S'te gets the tenant out of the Condo which has had no electricity since before Katrina. See where I'm going with this? She gets possession and does a short walk-thru with the deadbeat tenant and opens the fridge door. The child says "so that's where my drink went" before S'te immediately slams the door - to keep the stink in and the child out. In her words she politely told the child that even though she isn't his Mom, he wasn't getting ANYTHING out of there. I was watching them shrink wrapping and picking up the appliances from Katrina in New Orleans - maybe this fridge should be shrinkwrapped before they try to take it out. Of course, we have to replace it. I suggested that S'te not even try to clean it. Just close it and leave it. She has had to do so much with the mess the renters (this is why renters have such a bad name) she doesn't have time for that.
So that is my fridge story, what do you think?
More later (if I can think of anything to tell)
Diane
Now that there is NO news and nothing going on, I'll tell my refridgerator story. We sat in Powers and Keith found out that my nose and ears are heredity. There is my Aunt Nita whom Uncle Jim swears can hear a "fly land on soft cotton and smell it when it @#$#'s". The others of the family gathering had to share the stories of how bad the Bland line (of which I am one) is on the hearing and smell. Now with that out of the way, those of you that know me well remember that I had to completely replace my fridge at home after the hurricanes last year because I couldn't stand the smell. I tried Mom Judy's suggestions about the vanilla and charcoal, I tried rubbing all the plastic surfaces with lemon, I tried spraying bleach. I ran bleach thru the water and ice intake for the auto stuff. The fridge was sparkling clean, but every bottle, piece of ice, leftover, carton or candy bar had a slight moldy smell - to me. Keith couldn't smell a thing. I couldn't even drink the water from the double FILTERED fridge or use the ice because of the smell. Keith finally took pity on me and bought me a new fridge. Oh, so much better. We took the other one to the rental and no one could smell or taste a thing - so it was just me.
Anyhow, the camper was in the shop for the whole 3 weeks that we visited S'te in San Diego. Keith stopped by every couple of days to make sure the fridge light was on and there was plenty of propane - as I had just bought one of those meat-packs that the guys come around selling- and the freezer was pretty well full of beef steaks and ground beef. The fridge had the normal condiments in it - relish, salsa, tortillas, mayo, etc. Well, we got the camper back on Saturday, October 1. I didn't rush down to see it, I've seen it and I was more interested in looking at the bill than the camper! Sunday morning Keith comes into the living room - very early- and says "which light means the fridge is working" - I KNEW something was wrong!! Right then and there, I knew it. So I just got my shoes on and went down to the camper. The "check" light was lit - which means the fridge was not getting lp or electric. I was afraid to open the door without protection. Whatever had had the chance to grow might have matured by then!! To make a longer story short, the meat was very,very,very rotten, and everything that could grow anything - DID. And STINK, boy there are few things that stink that bad. And I only had Sunday to get rid of it enough to be able to sit in it and ride on Monday. Well, Keith cleaned it out. At least a hundred dollars worth of steaks and pre-pattied burgers. That's what I get for not taking it into S'te to start with. Keith's reasoning was it was all packed for 2 and with us, there were 11 - so we probably had enough for 1 or 2 meals there. We could just buy that as we went along and not have to restock for us. Boy was he wrong!!! So with S'te's help, alot of elbow grease, charcoal, lemons, bleach and more scrubbing, we got enough of the smell out to use it. I was really afraid that it was going to have to be replaced. But in Arizona, Dad came up with another thing to try - and after (or with) everything else - It seems to have worked. I put small tubs of water with a squeezed lemon in both the freezer and the fridge. I change them often but I barely get a whiff every now and then - so maybe this one can stay!
Then, we get gone, we are gone for 2 weeks, S'te gets the tenant out of the Condo which has had no electricity since before Katrina. See where I'm going with this? She gets possession and does a short walk-thru with the deadbeat tenant and opens the fridge door. The child says "so that's where my drink went" before S'te immediately slams the door - to keep the stink in and the child out. In her words she politely told the child that even though she isn't his Mom, he wasn't getting ANYTHING out of there. I was watching them shrink wrapping and picking up the appliances from Katrina in New Orleans - maybe this fridge should be shrinkwrapped before they try to take it out. Of course, we have to replace it. I suggested that S'te not even try to clean it. Just close it and leave it. She has had to do so much with the mess the renters (this is why renters have such a bad name) she doesn't have time for that.
So that is my fridge story, what do you think?
More later (if I can think of anything to tell)
Diane
October 20, 2005
from Indiana to Georgia
We've gone as far south as we think we should. What a time to try to go home!! After 3 months - you'd think we'd pick a better weekend! We left the campground in Tennessee yesterday morning about 10. I was hinting to stay there. It was real close to Lookout Mountain (where you can see 7 states) and a BUNCH of the Civil War memorabilia. But Keith wanted to come down a day closer. He figures that we are a day away from home - so when the coast is clear we can head home.
We woke to squirrels throwing acorns at the RV. I got a picture of this one right outside our window. In another tree was a wild cat watching the squirrel. As soon as I said kitty, kitty it ran away.
This is the same campground that we stayed in on our way north so we have made a complete, if somewhat crooked circle now.
We hope to be able to go home on Sunday, I'm ready.
Look at the Money Pit site for all the work that S'te has had to do with the rental in San Diego. We are leaning toward selling - but she wants to try renting again - we'll see.
More later,
Diane
We woke to squirrels throwing acorns at the RV. I got a picture of this one right outside our window. In another tree was a wild cat watching the squirrel. As soon as I said kitty, kitty it ran away.
This is the same campground that we stayed in on our way north so we have made a complete, if somewhat crooked circle now.
We hope to be able to go home on Sunday, I'm ready.
Look at the Money Pit site for all the work that S'te has had to do with the rental in San Diego. We are leaning toward selling - but she wants to try renting again - we'll see.
More later,
Diane
October 18, 2005
Civil War Battlefield
We left Charlestown this morning about 10. Keith got us loaded up and ready to go early. Heather came over to see us off. Melody had a Dr. appointment early so we said our goodbyes to them before they left. We got a few little things done , mini blinds hung and valance rods put up. Keith put the headboard back on Melody's bed so that should be good for awhile. We had Chinese food, Mexican food, Baked Chicken and Stuffing, and some great Chicken and Dumplings that Heather cooked. It seems like most of what we did was eat, eat, eat.
I drove thru the little bit of Indiana and all of Kentucky before lunch. During lunch I talked to Chuck and he is now in New Orleans. He says it is horrible. Unimagineable. We can only be feel blessed that this disaster happened in the US - not Pakistan. Look at those poor people and be thankful for what we do have. After lunch Keith took the wheel and drove thru Tennessee. We are 333 miles closer to home. We are parked in the Best Holiday Trav-L-Park and I was reading the literature. This is a battlefield from the Civil War. All the little lanes are named after Commanders and Generals and they even have a historical video about the part this area played in the Civil War to watch. We got here about 6 and immediately turned the Weather Station on to get an update on Wilma.
We had planned to be home by Thursday - but now Keith is debating going straight there until we know where Wilma is headed.
More later - I'll let you know if we are actually headed straight home or not.
Diane
I drove thru the little bit of Indiana and all of Kentucky before lunch. During lunch I talked to Chuck and he is now in New Orleans. He says it is horrible. Unimagineable. We can only be feel blessed that this disaster happened in the US - not Pakistan. Look at those poor people and be thankful for what we do have. After lunch Keith took the wheel and drove thru Tennessee. We are 333 miles closer to home. We are parked in the Best Holiday Trav-L-Park and I was reading the literature. This is a battlefield from the Civil War. All the little lanes are named after Commanders and Generals and they even have a historical video about the part this area played in the Civil War to watch. We got here about 6 and immediately turned the Weather Station on to get an update on Wilma.
We had planned to be home by Thursday - but now Keith is debating going straight there until we know where Wilma is headed.
More later - I'll let you know if we are actually headed straight home or not.
Diane
October 16, 2005
Cardinals Game
April and I went to the mall today. Noah and Brennan went with us. It really was a nice afternoon. We had lunch - I had fish tacos and Noah wouldn't even try a bite. He is very picky about what he eats. I got a couple of pictures with his "metal mouth" now that he has his new braces. He is doing very well in school, as is Elizabeth. She still hasn't decided if she likes me or not but I think she is realizing that I'm not all that bad a person. Brennan is a happy little boy, and smart as a whip. I really enjoyed our visit. It was nice and homey. As always, April and Rick made us feel welcome and at home. But the big news is:
We went to the Cardinals / Astro's baseball playoff game on Thursday!!
It's to bad that we lost but it was a great game. April got tickets for us
and Lori and Jeff were very excited to be there. I've never been to a playoff game before and they said they hadn't either. If the Cardinals don't win the next game - that will have been the last game at Busch Stadium as they are tearing it down to complete the new stadium they are building. After the game we went to Panama Red's and had Nachos before going home. It was a truly great evening. Thanks April for finding the tickets for us!!
Yesterday we packed up and left right after the kids did. The little ones had soccer games to go to and the big kids were headed for a football game.
So the Novices headed out for Charlestown. Again we had beautiful weather and enjoyed our drive. We got here to Charlestown about dark last night. Mom Beatty had a big pot of Chili ready for us and we totally pigged out. It was great. We went to Church with her this morning and then went to the Chinese place for lunch. We tried to go to the Mexican place but it is now closed on Sundays. Dolores came over to visit this afternoon and we had a nice time. Even Faith stopped by with her baby to see Uncle Keith. She begins work at McDonalds soon so she won't have as much free time for visiting. I'm glad that she made it by today. The new door and bathroom are great and Mom Beatty is very happy with all of it. I'm so glad. She is such a sweet lady. She was going thru things for a bazaar and found a china plate that has my name on the back of it - so she says it has to be mine. It is beautiful.
We had a real nice dinner while watching the Cardinal game on TV. Melody watched Andy Griffin in the kitchen while she ate. She isn't much of a baseball fan I guess.
So today was a nice peaceful family day. Just like in the movies. Family being together. To bad we all live so far apart!!
Enough for tonight. It has been a long day. Nice but long.
More later.
Diane
We went to the Cardinals / Astro's baseball playoff game on Thursday!!
It's to bad that we lost but it was a great game. April got tickets for us
and Lori and Jeff were very excited to be there. I've never been to a playoff game before and they said they hadn't either. If the Cardinals don't win the next game - that will have been the last game at Busch Stadium as they are tearing it down to complete the new stadium they are building. After the game we went to Panama Red's and had Nachos before going home. It was a truly great evening. Thanks April for finding the tickets for us!!Yesterday we packed up and left right after the kids did. The little ones had soccer games to go to and the big kids were headed for a football game.
So the Novices headed out for Charlestown. Again we had beautiful weather and enjoyed our drive. We got here to Charlestown about dark last night. Mom Beatty had a big pot of Chili ready for us and we totally pigged out. It was great. We went to Church with her this morning and then went to the Chinese place for lunch. We tried to go to the Mexican place but it is now closed on Sundays. Dolores came over to visit this afternoon and we had a nice time. Even Faith stopped by with her baby to see Uncle Keith. She begins work at McDonalds soon so she won't have as much free time for visiting. I'm glad that she made it by today. The new door and bathroom are great and Mom Beatty is very happy with all of it. I'm so glad. She is such a sweet lady. She was going thru things for a bazaar and found a china plate that has my name on the back of it - so she says it has to be mine. It is beautiful.
We had a real nice dinner while watching the Cardinal game on TV. Melody watched Andy Griffin in the kitchen while she ate. She isn't much of a baseball fan I guess.
So today was a nice peaceful family day. Just like in the movies. Family being together. To bad we all live so far apart!!
Enough for tonight. It has been a long day. Nice but long.
More later.
Diane
October 12, 2005
Back in St. Charles
Here is the falls that we visited in Oklahoma. 
Another tribute to the amazing way that God put our world together. The more I've seen of His work, the more impressed I am. To have planned for all this to work the way it does, its just awesome!
We left Oklahoma early yesterday morning and arrived here at April's last night about 6. We thought we were supposed to park in her yard, so I pulled right up into the grass next to her house!!! OOPS. Now they have huge ruts because of the rain and soggy ground. We moved the camper this morning - over into the driveway and across the sidewalk. It would take another 2 blocks in the front to level it front to back and that's to scary high!! So - what happens if the back end is higher than the front? Being a NOVICE - I just found out that the gray water doesn't drain. So after I finished cleaning the tub and shower - I have an inch of water sitting there - oh well - it's clean now.
April and the kids were glad to see us. Elizabeth and Brennan came running out with Papa's birthday present. They were so excited!! They went to the "Zebra" (I don't know where that is) and Brennan made Papa a piggy bank and Elizabeth made him a skateboard. They did real good jobs on them too. I will add them to our collection of precious "stuff" when we get home. April got Keith a Cardinal Shirt that has all the bright colors that he loves. If I put it in the dryer a couple of times - I'll have a Cardinal shirt HEE! HEE!
Right now Keith, April, Rick, and kids are all gone doing thier respective things so I'm all alone right now. That doesn't happen very often. Keith called and said he has Cardinal Tickets for tomorrow night - so we get to go to a play off game!!! Great timing!!! We will be going with Jeff and Lori and I am looking forward to having a wonderful time.
S'te says we should have the keys for the Condo tonight so that saga is almost over. Now we can just put a for sale sign on it and get over it. It is people like this renter that makes things so hard for the good people. I just am hoping that it sells quickly - I haven't had rent on it since June and we are a ways from then! Another chapter to close - that of a landlord in San Diego!!
So all is well here in Bounderland. More as more comes!
God Bless everyone,
Diane
Another tribute to the amazing way that God put our world together. The more I've seen of His work, the more impressed I am. To have planned for all this to work the way it does, its just awesome!
We left Oklahoma early yesterday morning and arrived here at April's last night about 6. We thought we were supposed to park in her yard, so I pulled right up into the grass next to her house!!! OOPS. Now they have huge ruts because of the rain and soggy ground. We moved the camper this morning - over into the driveway and across the sidewalk. It would take another 2 blocks in the front to level it front to back and that's to scary high!! So - what happens if the back end is higher than the front? Being a NOVICE - I just found out that the gray water doesn't drain. So after I finished cleaning the tub and shower - I have an inch of water sitting there - oh well - it's clean now.
April and the kids were glad to see us. Elizabeth and Brennan came running out with Papa's birthday present. They were so excited!! They went to the "Zebra" (I don't know where that is) and Brennan made Papa a piggy bank and Elizabeth made him a skateboard. They did real good jobs on them too. I will add them to our collection of precious "stuff" when we get home. April got Keith a Cardinal Shirt that has all the bright colors that he loves. If I put it in the dryer a couple of times - I'll have a Cardinal shirt HEE! HEE!
Right now Keith, April, Rick, and kids are all gone doing thier respective things so I'm all alone right now. That doesn't happen very often. Keith called and said he has Cardinal Tickets for tomorrow night - so we get to go to a play off game!!! Great timing!!! We will be going with Jeff and Lori and I am looking forward to having a wonderful time.
S'te says we should have the keys for the Condo tonight so that saga is almost over. Now we can just put a for sale sign on it and get over it. It is people like this renter that makes things so hard for the good people. I just am hoping that it sells quickly - I haven't had rent on it since June and we are a ways from then! Another chapter to close - that of a landlord in San Diego!!
So all is well here in Bounderland. More as more comes!
God Bless everyone,
Diane
October 11, 2005
Oklahoma
Here is a picture of Keith with a Navy buddy of his. 
Master Chief Ozzie. He was introduced to me as Ozzie and Keith kept calling him Master Chief - So that's what it is as far as I'm concerned. The other man is Master Chief's son D. We had a wonderful visit with them in W. Siloam, Oklahoma. We got to the Dripping Falls State Park about 8 pm on Sunday. It turned out to be about 3 miles from Master Chief's house - so they came over to the camper Monday morning and visited for awhile before they had to go to an appointment. Keith and I then went for a little ride in the little car - next thing we knew- we were in Arkansas! We went back to the park - found the falls - took some pictures and then we met them for dinner at - just guess - ! ! A la Hacienda. I found out what a Fajita taco is - they are really good too!! It is the same way that April makes her tacos with all the goodies. After dinner we stopped at their home and I bookmarked this blog for them - so now they can follow us too - if they want to.
We left Oklahoma early Wednesday morning. On to the next entry!!!
Diane
Master Chief Ozzie. He was introduced to me as Ozzie and Keith kept calling him Master Chief - So that's what it is as far as I'm concerned. The other man is Master Chief's son D. We had a wonderful visit with them in W. Siloam, Oklahoma. We got to the Dripping Falls State Park about 8 pm on Sunday. It turned out to be about 3 miles from Master Chief's house - so they came over to the camper Monday morning and visited for awhile before they had to go to an appointment. Keith and I then went for a little ride in the little car - next thing we knew- we were in Arkansas! We went back to the park - found the falls - took some pictures and then we met them for dinner at - just guess - ! ! A la Hacienda. I found out what a Fajita taco is - they are really good too!! It is the same way that April makes her tacos with all the goodies. After dinner we stopped at their home and I bookmarked this blog for them - so now they can follow us too - if they want to.We left Oklahoma early Wednesday morning. On to the next entry!!!
Diane
October 7, 2005
Arizona to New Mexico
Odd place for a Tepee, don't you think? We left Williams this morning at 9:30. We lost an hour and parked at 5:00. Kind of a short day for us, only 280 miles. It will take us 4 days to get to Ozzies!! We watched more awesome scenery along Route 66, including petrified wood, dinosaurs, Native American wampum signs and much more. The most awesome is still the natural beauty of the Painted Desert. We've dropped to 5000 ft altitude and have gone back up to 6500. We are now parked at Grants, New Mexico and Keith is getting ready to bbq our dinner.
A neat story about the Raven in yesterdays post - While I was trying to get a better picture of him - he stole a bag (the whole unopened bag) of chips from our picnic table - and flew off with it. I was laughing to hard to get that picture - but I sure wish I could've. It was halarious.
That's the story for today. Miss you all.
Diane
A neat story about the Raven in yesterdays post - While I was trying to get a better picture of him - he stole a bag (the whole unopened bag) of chips from our picnic table - and flew off with it. I was laughing to hard to get that picture - but I sure wish I could've. It was halarious.
That's the story for today. Miss you all.
Diane
October 6, 2005
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is AWESOME, ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY UNBELIEVABLE. We took an all-day van tour and went to several viewing points and took lots of pictures - which I can't download until we get somewhere with a landline - still. But if you ever, ever have a chance to visit this totally awsome place, be sure to. And if you take one of the tours, you get all the history, facts and even some of the myths of the Canyon. We could've drove up there on our own but we definately would've missed many of the places that our American Dream Tour took us to. It was a little spendy but I felt it was definately worth it. We were with another couple from Florida, a family with 2 young boys from Tennessee, a young man from Singapore, and another couple from British Columbia. Definately a mixed group so we had lots of fun. Our tour-guide was Joel and he was very knowledgable about the canyon, the mountains around it, the areas we drove to get there, high and low desert stuff, and all sorts of trivia that makes seeing a place really interesting.
Papa found a wounded squirrel and gave him the banana that he had in his pocket. Several people stopped and took pictures - including me!
Other than that, we got home, had leftovers and are ready to kick back and get ready for our drive tomorrow. We are headed to Oklahoma but I think it will take several days to get us there!!
More to come,
Diane
October 5, 2005
Dad & I at Bullhead City
I know you have been waiting for a picture of Dad and I FINALLY got it uploaded. I don't know why I had such a hard time getting this one done. Anyhow here is a pic of Dad and I taken just before we left Bullhead. The wind was blowing like a big dog and we don't exactly look our best!! There are a few more on Flickr.
Lemon Grove to Williams, AZ
We really did leave Lemon Grove. I know Keith thought we'd never get out of there. We didn't leave until almost 11:30 - and I wasn't ready to go then. I just really dislike driving off and seeing my baby standing there waving good-bye. I never know for sure when I'll see her again. It is always to long between visits - and I get to visit way more than others that live so far away. But anyhow - we left.
I never knew there was so much desert in the US. We drove up the 15 to I40 and headed east. Just outside of San Bernadino we hit desert again and stayed in it for days! We saw amazing mountains of bare rock and little towns built out in the middle of nowhere. In several places we crossed the old historic Route 66. We didn't hit any bad traffic and had a really nice drive to Bullhead City. The gas prices in Needles, CA was $3.59 but it dropped as soon as we crossed into Arizona. In Bullhead we paid $2.93 and it took $150 worth of gas. We are still averaging about 6 miles to the gallon - almost .50 a mile. And we have a long, long way to go before we are done!!
We got to Bullhead City - to Dad's - just after dark and it was a trip trying to get this monster parked! The Silver Creek RV park where he lives is re-doing their septic/sewer lines and we can't drive around to pull straight thru - and the spaces are facing the wrong way to even back into them. It was comical. Dad couldn't believe that I was the one to back this up, go in circles, turn it around and pull into our space :). He had reserved one for us right across the road from him so we were nice and close. It was a great visit for me. Not a lot of sightseeing - the only thing we did besides eat was to go over to the Avi Casino in Fort Mohave where he works. He and I went over "to eat" about 11 the night we pulled in. Keith was tired and had gone to bed. When we got there - the buffet was closed - so we gambled. He made more than I lost - so all was good. And I didn't lose but a few dollars - so it was great. We played blackjack for awhile and a couple of the dealers were a real kick. Of course a couple of others were just as personable as wet dishclothes - but we didn't stay around them for long!! I got a couple of old photos from Dad, we ate Mexican food 3 times in a day and a half so Keith was happy as could be. Dad enjoyed telling all the war stories about our childhood, his and mine both - and Keith heard things that I'd as soon he didn't - but that's what family is all about. Dad looks really good and stays busy. He went to the Dr. on Monday and is being scheduled for a sleep study. He can return to work on the 11th - if the Dr signs the release. He still has more "projects" than ever going on. I am really glad we got to spend time with him. The one thing I did for him was to hook his VCR back up so that he can use it. We met some of his friends and neighbors and a co-worker that will be living next door to him soon. The Woo (wind) was blowing pretty hard so we spent a lot of time inside. He has made a nice life for himself there. I envy the way he can connect with people whereever he is. I don't have that knack.
Anyhow, we stayed there until this afternoon. Finally, after having another trip to the Mexican Food, Keith decided that the Woo had died down enough so we headed out. It was blowing pretty hard and I wasn't sure I wanted to drive in it but it really did die down so it wasn't bad. Only when you come out of a canyon into the open the gusts hit pretty hard but I managed for awhile. Keith drove about the last 60 miles. My arms were tired and my knee was totally on fire. We were either going straight uphill, or straight downhill. When we get to a landline, I'll be able to upload the AZ pictures that we took. We didn't have far to go today and arrived here in Williams about 5. We have a tour of the Grand Canyon booked for tomorrow and I'm really excited about it. I was beginning to think that we were going to miss all the "tourist" wonders of the world - but we made it to the Arch and now the 1st Wonder - the Grand Canyon. Keith is watching Star Wars on video - we don't get TV here and I think soon we will hit the hay so that we can be ready for a great time tomorrow.
Congrats on your new pick-up Sharen, and S'te - I sure hope you've found your kitty by now. I miss all you kids already. I've shown pictures (the ones that I FINALLY got) to everyone. I really like the one with the paint all over S'te and the one of me babysitting Saturday morning :) I love my babies.
Will update more as something or another comes up to write about.
Diane
I never knew there was so much desert in the US. We drove up the 15 to I40 and headed east. Just outside of San Bernadino we hit desert again and stayed in it for days! We saw amazing mountains of bare rock and little towns built out in the middle of nowhere. In several places we crossed the old historic Route 66. We didn't hit any bad traffic and had a really nice drive to Bullhead City. The gas prices in Needles, CA was $3.59 but it dropped as soon as we crossed into Arizona. In Bullhead we paid $2.93 and it took $150 worth of gas. We are still averaging about 6 miles to the gallon - almost .50 a mile. And we have a long, long way to go before we are done!!
We got to Bullhead City - to Dad's - just after dark and it was a trip trying to get this monster parked! The Silver Creek RV park where he lives is re-doing their septic/sewer lines and we can't drive around to pull straight thru - and the spaces are facing the wrong way to even back into them. It was comical. Dad couldn't believe that I was the one to back this up, go in circles, turn it around and pull into our space :). He had reserved one for us right across the road from him so we were nice and close. It was a great visit for me. Not a lot of sightseeing - the only thing we did besides eat was to go over to the Avi Casino in Fort Mohave where he works. He and I went over "to eat" about 11 the night we pulled in. Keith was tired and had gone to bed. When we got there - the buffet was closed - so we gambled. He made more than I lost - so all was good. And I didn't lose but a few dollars - so it was great. We played blackjack for awhile and a couple of the dealers were a real kick. Of course a couple of others were just as personable as wet dishclothes - but we didn't stay around them for long!! I got a couple of old photos from Dad, we ate Mexican food 3 times in a day and a half so Keith was happy as could be. Dad enjoyed telling all the war stories about our childhood, his and mine both - and Keith heard things that I'd as soon he didn't - but that's what family is all about. Dad looks really good and stays busy. He went to the Dr. on Monday and is being scheduled for a sleep study. He can return to work on the 11th - if the Dr signs the release. He still has more "projects" than ever going on. I am really glad we got to spend time with him. The one thing I did for him was to hook his VCR back up so that he can use it. We met some of his friends and neighbors and a co-worker that will be living next door to him soon. The Woo (wind) was blowing pretty hard so we spent a lot of time inside. He has made a nice life for himself there. I envy the way he can connect with people whereever he is. I don't have that knack.
Anyhow, we stayed there until this afternoon. Finally, after having another trip to the Mexican Food, Keith decided that the Woo had died down enough so we headed out. It was blowing pretty hard and I wasn't sure I wanted to drive in it but it really did die down so it wasn't bad. Only when you come out of a canyon into the open the gusts hit pretty hard but I managed for awhile. Keith drove about the last 60 miles. My arms were tired and my knee was totally on fire. We were either going straight uphill, or straight downhill. When we get to a landline, I'll be able to upload the AZ pictures that we took. We didn't have far to go today and arrived here in Williams about 5. We have a tour of the Grand Canyon booked for tomorrow and I'm really excited about it. I was beginning to think that we were going to miss all the "tourist" wonders of the world - but we made it to the Arch and now the 1st Wonder - the Grand Canyon. Keith is watching Star Wars on video - we don't get TV here and I think soon we will hit the hay so that we can be ready for a great time tomorrow.
Congrats on your new pick-up Sharen, and S'te - I sure hope you've found your kitty by now. I miss all you kids already. I've shown pictures (the ones that I FINALLY got) to everyone. I really like the one with the paint all over S'te and the one of me babysitting Saturday morning :) I love my babies.
Will update more as something or another comes up to write about.
Diane
October 2, 2005
Ready to go
It's late Sunday night and all is quiet here. We are mostly packed and ready to continue our trip. We got the RV back out of ANOTHER shop yesterday so we are running a couple of days late on our plans. This trip to the shop was almost $4,000 so the RV has been really gone thru this time. At least I hope all the seals, sensors, gaskets, air bags, brakes, and air conditioner systems are all finished for the rest of this trip! And far beyond :) Oh, and the fridge didn't get kept on, so I had a freezer with old stinky meat and mold in the fridge to deal with when we got it back - YUK YUK YUK. And it is stinky. I've got charcoal, vanilla, and air fresheners all in it and I am hoping that it will help enough that we can still use it. I knew I should've gone down and checked it out myself. Keith said the light was still on - but it was the wrong light!! Live and learn - that is why we are NOVICE's.
It has been a busy couple of weeks. I haven't felt as well as I would have liked for the last week so we didn't get to do much of anything. I would've never believed that we wouldn't even make it to a Padre game. And they have done so well this year!! We did make it up to Channel 1 to see Janet, Debbie, Judy and the rest of the gang on Friday, but we didn't stay long there either. I was supposed to go see Liz for lunch and never made it to do that either. Today is Debbie's birthday and everyone got together for a party but I couldn't make it. Had to clean out the fridge in the RV. We've been here long enough that I should've been able to spend lots of time with everyone - it just didn't work out that way and I really regret it. All these great friends and I didn't hardly get to spend any time with them at all. I did find out that all are doing really well. Chuck is now in Louisiana working with an insurance company to help get those people help - and I'm sure he is working hard - it has to be a miserable place to be right now.
S'te and I power washed the house during the week and they realized just how bad the paint was, so they decided it was time to get going on that. Especially since Rod may be deployed when his new orders come thru and he may not be here to help. On Friday S'te and I got the upstairs all scraped and primered while Papa entertained the 4 babies. And on Saturday Rod, S'te, Tyrique, and LaDaria got busy and did the entire rest of it. It has been a big job, but the prep is all done. It sure looks huge being all primered in white. They have picked out a beige color to paint. I don't know just how they are going to accomplish this since we plan to be leaving in the morning. Mr. Tim has offered to come help, but S'te hasn't called him yet - so we will see about that part.
We bought the little boys new "suits" at WalMart and they loved them. They had them on first thing this morning for church. I got pictures of everyone except for Rod and S'te - they should've said something - I can't be expected to keep track!! One of their little kittens was hit by a car late this evening - so that service was performed for the kids to come to terms of how short life can be. They have also watched a lot of what has been happening in the South with the poor people copletely wiped out with the hurricanes. Hopefully the next few months will be kinder to everyone. I know it is God's will - but it sure is hard to accept sometimes. As old as I am - I don't understand.
My knee is feeling better and I look forward to seeing my Dad, which should be our next stop, and then on to the Grand Canyon and then on to Ozzie's in Oklahoma. From there we will see how things go and how we feel as to the rest of our trip. We would like to be able to go back up by April's and Mom Beatty's - but if things don't go better with my health and hurts, we may have to head straight back to Florida so that I can see our Doctor. My knee comes and goes as far as what I can do with it - so as long as I still have good days - we are good to go.
We got the judgement in our favor on the condo renter and she should be vacating it withing the next week or so - then our plans are to just put it on the market. This rental stuff from far away just didn't work. It costs to much to keep a place up when the renter decides that she has paid enough rent and refuses to leave without going thru the whole system arguing that she shouldn't be evicted and she shouldn't have to pay rent either. Go figure ! !
I've put pictures of the kids and the house on Flickr - so by my guest and look at them.
More later,
Diane
It has been a busy couple of weeks. I haven't felt as well as I would have liked for the last week so we didn't get to do much of anything. I would've never believed that we wouldn't even make it to a Padre game. And they have done so well this year!! We did make it up to Channel 1 to see Janet, Debbie, Judy and the rest of the gang on Friday, but we didn't stay long there either. I was supposed to go see Liz for lunch and never made it to do that either. Today is Debbie's birthday and everyone got together for a party but I couldn't make it. Had to clean out the fridge in the RV. We've been here long enough that I should've been able to spend lots of time with everyone - it just didn't work out that way and I really regret it. All these great friends and I didn't hardly get to spend any time with them at all. I did find out that all are doing really well. Chuck is now in Louisiana working with an insurance company to help get those people help - and I'm sure he is working hard - it has to be a miserable place to be right now.
S'te and I power washed the house during the week and they realized just how bad the paint was, so they decided it was time to get going on that. Especially since Rod may be deployed when his new orders come thru and he may not be here to help. On Friday S'te and I got the upstairs all scraped and primered while Papa entertained the 4 babies. And on Saturday Rod, S'te, Tyrique, and LaDaria got busy and did the entire rest of it. It has been a big job, but the prep is all done. It sure looks huge being all primered in white. They have picked out a beige color to paint. I don't know just how they are going to accomplish this since we plan to be leaving in the morning. Mr. Tim has offered to come help, but S'te hasn't called him yet - so we will see about that part.
We bought the little boys new "suits" at WalMart and they loved them. They had them on first thing this morning for church. I got pictures of everyone except for Rod and S'te - they should've said something - I can't be expected to keep track!! One of their little kittens was hit by a car late this evening - so that service was performed for the kids to come to terms of how short life can be. They have also watched a lot of what has been happening in the South with the poor people copletely wiped out with the hurricanes. Hopefully the next few months will be kinder to everyone. I know it is God's will - but it sure is hard to accept sometimes. As old as I am - I don't understand.
My knee is feeling better and I look forward to seeing my Dad, which should be our next stop, and then on to the Grand Canyon and then on to Ozzie's in Oklahoma. From there we will see how things go and how we feel as to the rest of our trip. We would like to be able to go back up by April's and Mom Beatty's - but if things don't go better with my health and hurts, we may have to head straight back to Florida so that I can see our Doctor. My knee comes and goes as far as what I can do with it - so as long as I still have good days - we are good to go.
We got the judgement in our favor on the condo renter and she should be vacating it withing the next week or so - then our plans are to just put it on the market. This rental stuff from far away just didn't work. It costs to much to keep a place up when the renter decides that she has paid enough rent and refuses to leave without going thru the whole system arguing that she shouldn't be evicted and she shouldn't have to pay rent either. Go figure ! !
I've put pictures of the kids and the house on Flickr - so by my guest and look at them.
More later,
Diane
September 23, 2005
Sick
Vacations never seem to go as planned. We were going to go down to Rosarito Beach while we are here but - - I got the flu and spent 2 days not getting any further from the bathroom than the living room couch. Now I think that Keith has it. He won't admit it but he is looking a little pale and isn't feeling doing anything either. Not good!
Rod and S'te are really busy with their family. They've joined a new church and we accompanied them to one of the services. They have been wildly welcomed and are getting very involved with the Awana program and Rod has joined the Choir. LaDaria and Tyrique are still active with the AIM for Faith (the mime group) at their old church and S'te still attends the MOPS (Mothers with PreSchoolers) group there. I went with her once and it is a wonderful way for Moms to relate to each other. I wasn't feeling well enough to go to the last meeting but I know I would've enjoyed it as well. Rod is still involved with the Foster Parent Association Board and they are both hosts at monthly meetings for their own group of FP's. The kids are enjoying going to public school for the first time and are learning that all teachers aren't like Mom in that they don't have unlimited time to be distracted during (hee hee). I can't help but feel that this is being very good for them. It is a madhouse when they return from school daily with each of them wanting to tell Mom and each other all about their day. Sometimes I have to go into "our own room" just until it calms down and the noise is down to a dull roar. :) But I am loving our visit.
Keith has gone down to the RV Shop to see how the repairs are coming on it. I am hoping that they will be completed so that we can continue on with our "schedule" for our return to home. We have been following the progress of the newest hurricane on TV and contunue to pray that all will be as God wills.
Keith talked to his Mom and the work Keith arranged on her home has been completed and she is liking the finished product. Of course when the workmen tore into the bath area, there was more than met the eye to be done - but it is done and should last her a long time. Her new carpet and door have been installed in the family room - and she said she is enjoying that also. We haven't had much news from April but I'm hoping that Brennan's birthday went well and life for them is good also.
That's about it for now - will write more as something comes up to write about.
God bless all,
Diane
Rod and S'te are really busy with their family. They've joined a new church and we accompanied them to one of the services. They have been wildly welcomed and are getting very involved with the Awana program and Rod has joined the Choir. LaDaria and Tyrique are still active with the AIM for Faith (the mime group) at their old church and S'te still attends the MOPS (Mothers with PreSchoolers) group there. I went with her once and it is a wonderful way for Moms to relate to each other. I wasn't feeling well enough to go to the last meeting but I know I would've enjoyed it as well. Rod is still involved with the Foster Parent Association Board and they are both hosts at monthly meetings for their own group of FP's. The kids are enjoying going to public school for the first time and are learning that all teachers aren't like Mom in that they don't have unlimited time to be distracted during (hee hee). I can't help but feel that this is being very good for them. It is a madhouse when they return from school daily with each of them wanting to tell Mom and each other all about their day. Sometimes I have to go into "our own room" just until it calms down and the noise is down to a dull roar. :) But I am loving our visit.
Keith has gone down to the RV Shop to see how the repairs are coming on it. I am hoping that they will be completed so that we can continue on with our "schedule" for our return to home. We have been following the progress of the newest hurricane on TV and contunue to pray that all will be as God wills.
Keith talked to his Mom and the work Keith arranged on her home has been completed and she is liking the finished product. Of course when the workmen tore into the bath area, there was more than met the eye to be done - but it is done and should last her a long time. Her new carpet and door have been installed in the family room - and she said she is enjoying that also. We haven't had much news from April but I'm hoping that Brennan's birthday went well and life for them is good also.
That's about it for now - will write more as something comes up to write about.
God bless all,
Diane
September 17, 2005
We're Here
Here is Jaleel, Tyrique, Brayana, and LaDaria leaning over the fence watching the Harbor Patrol putting on a show at the San Diego Yacht Club. We had a blast sailing on a 50+ foot sailing yacht. The air and the sun totally wore me out. The kids were still good to go. They never run out of energy :) For some reason Makkiah, Destini, and Taniyah didn't get into this picture. I'll have more soon. Here is TeeTee all dressed
for the water. She is crawling up a storm and getting cuter by the day. We cut some of her curls off yesterday and she has a real healthy head of dark hair. She seems to remember me but was shy with Papa until he got a cracker and fed her. Now she wants a bite of anything that he has.We spent the first few days this week with small projects around the house. We hooked up sinks in 2 bathrooms, installed a closet system in the master bedroom and sorted lots of stuff out. I have to congratulate them on the progress they have made on their home. I never pictured it coming this far along. They have redone all the walls in the living room and 2 of the bedrooms as well as carpeted and moved doors and windows to more appealing spots. It is looking really good!
On Monday we took the RV back to the shop to get the air bag fixed and asked that they service it for the trip back home while they have it. There seems to be a couple of other problems that they found - but we'll see if that pans out. As long as we get it back for the return trip.
By Tuesday my right knee was popping and grinding with every step I took and by Thursday - I couldn't handle the pain any more. I couldn't bend it to walk up steps or stand up from a chair - total agony!! So Keith spent the morning trying to find a urgent care place that would take TriCare from Florida - no luck at all so he took me to the ER at Sharp's at Grossmont. By 3 I was starving and pretty thirsty too. I asked if we had time to go to the cafeteria before it would be my turn. Guess what! At 3:20 they called me back = thru hallways clear to the other side of the building! By then I was ready to shove someone off of one of those gurneys and have Keith push me! It was all I could do to keep tears from running!!!! They had taken x-rays at noon so they knew that nothing was broken - thank the Lord for that. They did all the medical stuff and then came back and gave me a couple of vicodin - then they came back and put a full brace on my leg. Then they came back again and gave me a pair of crutches. They had me practice a little with them and I was leaned agains the wall when the meds started to kick in - the nurse asked nicely that I SIT DOWN SOMEWHERE. So I sat down in a wheelchair!! Keith then crawled onto the bed and covered up. The Dr. came back to talk to us and give us the discharge papers that said what they did and that they didn't diagnose anything and found Keith in the bed all covered up. It was quite comical-by then I thought everything was quite funny :(
So off we went, we got MORE pain pills at the pharmacy, got a McD's cheeseburger and came home. I was worn out and I'd promised to babysit so that they could go to meetings! With Ty and Darie's help, we made it work. I just asked and they did for me. It was uplifting to know that they can do that - when they choose.
Anyhow, I'm now waiting to see if TriCare with authorize a visit to the Ortho that the Hospital wants me to see on Monday. Keith says it HAS to get better - It's my DRIVING leg.
We went down to the Serra Mesa Community fair and sat at the beer garden while I saw all my old neighbors and friends. Didn't happen to see my deadbeat non-paying tenant, but had a great time. I hobbled around and looked at all the crafts and exhibits, Deb went on the Round-up and was looking for a partner for the swings = but I didn't think I'd better. I drank 2 cherry cokes and it was time to come home. My knee hurt and if I wanted home before Keith went to his Double A I had to do it then. It has been nice being here by myself for my 2 hours. I'm not left alone much anymore. SO I HAD TIME TO WRITE THIS BOOK!! He's back now so I'll sign off until next time.
Diane
September 10, 2005
Made it to California!!
We left Coos Bay by 9 am!! And Papa didn't think I could get it together in time to do that!! We went down I-5 to my Mom Judy's. We got there about 5 and relaxed for a bit. We were unloading the car and setting up the RV when Keith noticed that steel was showing thru the tread on the car dolly tires. He made arrangements at Les Schwab for new tires to be installed tomorrow. Meanwhile, lots of coffee and catching up got done. Then we went to dinner at a really nice Mexican place before she took us on a mini-tour of Anderson. We also met her neighbors who just bought a Bounder and are planning a cross country trip in the other direction! They are going from Anderson to Alabama and back with several stops along the way to see family. Mom and I stayed up as long as I could getting caught up - since we only see each other once a year - there is plenty to talk about. Keith gave up early and crashed.
We got up early on Wednesday morning and Keith drove the red car down to the shop while I followed in the RV. They didn't have a pull-thru area so I got to try my hand at a three point turn with the trailer attached!! It took more like 6 points, but I got 'er done!! We got the tires installed in just a short time and then stopped by the VFW to say good-by. We actually left there at ten forty five and made pretty good time since we stayed right on I-5.
We spent Wednesday night at Coalinga, CA in a Good Sam campground. We know we aren't "preferred customers" as we got the spot right in front of the dumpster and right next to some big pipes that made it so the picnic table was clear at the other end of the spot. And it wasn't like they were full up either. Anyhow, there was a great little fruit stand that had cold watermelon slices and fresh cantaloupe - so we were set for that. It was really nice and refreshing after being so warm all day. The San Joaquin Valley is beautiful when it is in full bloom :) I wonder sometimes if the weather changes don't come from the vast changes than mankind has made in changing arid areas into irrigated farmland like we've done. The California aqueduct system is massive and made a plentiful farmland out of arid semi-desert areas.
We left Coalinga Thursday about 10 and went down I-5 almost to Bakersfield and then cut over to Hwy 99S. We went over the Tehachapi Mountains and saw the San Andreas Fault, parts of the high desert and the edge of the Mohave Desert. It is a beautiful country to pass thru!! We also passed over the San Bernadino area (just around the edge), came down I-15 to San Diego and made it to S'te's about 7 PM. The kids were all outside to meet us and were anxious for the hugs and kisses that they are so free with. I was so very glad to see all of them. Then Papa and I went to Mrs. Rodriguez's with Rod and S'te and had more Mexican food!!
We spent most of yesterday just getting the RV cleaned out and last night we went out to search for friends. We found many of them and had a great time catching up since our trip to Cancun where we saw many of them.
Today we went to the Sailfest 2005 with the entire family. They left their 2 little foster girls with a babysitter as we were going out on yachts and they don't tend to listen well. It was great. The San Diego Yacht Club members take the family members that have children in the "Specialty Clinics" out for a ride and then there is a BBQ afterward. We drew a skipper that had a 52' sailboat that could handle this family of 11. Makkiah finally wound up attached to a bulkhead via a heavy blue rope that curtailed his wanderings, Brayana spent most of her time with the mate that was doing the steering - and she did quite a bit of it herself - by herself. He showed her how to use the GPS and watch for the other boats and bouys. The boys asked lots of questions and I just held on to Taniyah and enjoyed watching my family have a great time. It is really nice of the Club to do things like this for the kids. Some of them are so chronically ill that they really enjoy doing outdoor activities. Anyhow - thanks for donating your time and your boat for the afternoon - it was great.
As I write this - I am watching the news with Ophelia on the horizon for the Carolinas. Let us all cross our fingers and pray for those who will weather this storm within the next few days. And keep the survivors of Katrina in our hearts and minds - and be thankful that we are safe and sound. We also have the 9/11 Anniversary tomorrow.
We plan to be here until approximately October 1st before we start heading to the east again. It will be to short a time - but we've also been away from home for quite awhile too.
More later
We got up early on Wednesday morning and Keith drove the red car down to the shop while I followed in the RV. They didn't have a pull-thru area so I got to try my hand at a three point turn with the trailer attached!! It took more like 6 points, but I got 'er done!! We got the tires installed in just a short time and then stopped by the VFW to say good-by. We actually left there at ten forty five and made pretty good time since we stayed right on I-5.
We spent Wednesday night at Coalinga, CA in a Good Sam campground. We know we aren't "preferred customers" as we got the spot right in front of the dumpster and right next to some big pipes that made it so the picnic table was clear at the other end of the spot. And it wasn't like they were full up either. Anyhow, there was a great little fruit stand that had cold watermelon slices and fresh cantaloupe - so we were set for that. It was really nice and refreshing after being so warm all day. The San Joaquin Valley is beautiful when it is in full bloom :) I wonder sometimes if the weather changes don't come from the vast changes than mankind has made in changing arid areas into irrigated farmland like we've done. The California aqueduct system is massive and made a plentiful farmland out of arid semi-desert areas.
We left Coalinga Thursday about 10 and went down I-5 almost to Bakersfield and then cut over to Hwy 99S. We went over the Tehachapi Mountains and saw the San Andreas Fault, parts of the high desert and the edge of the Mohave Desert. It is a beautiful country to pass thru!! We also passed over the San Bernadino area (just around the edge), came down I-15 to San Diego and made it to S'te's about 7 PM. The kids were all outside to meet us and were anxious for the hugs and kisses that they are so free with. I was so very glad to see all of them. Then Papa and I went to Mrs. Rodriguez's with Rod and S'te and had more Mexican food!!
We spent most of yesterday just getting the RV cleaned out and last night we went out to search for friends. We found many of them and had a great time catching up since our trip to Cancun where we saw many of them.
Today we went to the Sailfest 2005 with the entire family. They left their 2 little foster girls with a babysitter as we were going out on yachts and they don't tend to listen well. It was great. The San Diego Yacht Club members take the family members that have children in the "Specialty Clinics" out for a ride and then there is a BBQ afterward. We drew a skipper that had a 52' sailboat that could handle this family of 11. Makkiah finally wound up attached to a bulkhead via a heavy blue rope that curtailed his wanderings, Brayana spent most of her time with the mate that was doing the steering - and she did quite a bit of it herself - by herself. He showed her how to use the GPS and watch for the other boats and bouys. The boys asked lots of questions and I just held on to Taniyah and enjoyed watching my family have a great time. It is really nice of the Club to do things like this for the kids. Some of them are so chronically ill that they really enjoy doing outdoor activities. Anyhow - thanks for donating your time and your boat for the afternoon - it was great.
As I write this - I am watching the news with Ophelia on the horizon for the Carolinas. Let us all cross our fingers and pray for those who will weather this storm within the next few days. And keep the survivors of Katrina in our hearts and minds - and be thankful that we are safe and sound. We also have the 9/11 Anniversary tomorrow.
We plan to be here until approximately October 1st before we start heading to the east again. It will be to short a time - but we've also been away from home for quite awhile too.
More later
September 6, 2005
On the Road Again
Well it is up early today for me. I'm doing this while I wait for the coffee to perk!! We plan to leave Coos Bay today and head for Anderson. Hopefully the Labor Day traffic all went home yesterday:)
We spent most of the weekend at Clint and Sallie's. She is quite the kitchen kitten. On Friday she "put up" several jars of strawberry jam, Sunday she cooked a great Salmon dinner which Lucy and Art came by for, and yesterday she put up - I don't know how many jars of beans. She had said that she hadn't been able to find any blackberries this year and guess what! We found some for her. She drug her 'equipment" out and made us 6 jars of blackberry jelly!! And then cooked us a great meatloaf dinner. So we are definatly set up for jelly this year. I tried to 
help, but even I know better than to get in Sallie's way when she is 
on a mission!! I did dishes for her and stayed out of her kitchen. Keith and Clint watched several shows as Keith did his channel surfing thing, and told lots of stories. :) A really great visit.
Now ready to head out, will catch up again soon.
Diane
We spent most of the weekend at Clint and Sallie's. She is quite the kitchen kitten. On Friday she "put up" several jars of strawberry jam, Sunday she cooked a great Salmon dinner which Lucy and Art came by for, and yesterday she put up - I don't know how many jars of beans. She had said that she hadn't been able to find any blackberries this year and guess what! We found some for her. She drug her 'equipment" out and made us 6 jars of blackberry jelly!! And then cooked us a great meatloaf dinner. So we are definatly set up for jelly this year. I tried to 
help, but even I know better than to get in Sallie's way when she is 
on a mission!! I did dishes for her and stayed out of her kitchen. Keith and Clint watched several shows as Keith did his channel surfing thing, and told lots of stories. :) A really great visit.Now ready to head out, will catch up again soon.
Diane
September 4, 2005
Coos Bay to Powers
Okay folks, here is the rest of the story!! Friday we hung out at Clint and Sallie's almost all day. It was great getting to just relax and get up-to-date on all the "stuff" that I've missed. We made it to the "Cabin" for Happy Hour and I got to visit with many old friends. It is amazing how things change - but don't change- over a year's time. People are the same but many have moved on - both in body and in soul. We really didn't stay there long, we were back home before N3mbers came on at 10. I really can't say I remember what it was about - I think I was asleep before the commercials were over.
We slept in on Saturday and got to Powers about noon - We were late, I
told Aunt Nita we'd be there about 11 - so it wasn't to bad. They had a big BBQ and almost everyone was there. Susy and her boyfriend (and his daughter with her family), Debbie and Nick, Linda, and several others that I 
didn't even get names of. Of course, my family is so camera shy that I didn't get any pictures. Linda stayed the latest, she didn't leave until almost 7. Keith went to bed shortly after and Aunt Nita and I stayed up until almost 11 looking at pictures and visiting. We had a good visit. Aunt Nita gave me a Bean Pot that survived the 93 flood at my grandmothers house in West Alton.
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/floods/papers/oh_2/great.htm
We got up this morning and went to Jacks Fountain for breakfast before we packed up and got back on the road. Powers is a really small town up and down a curvy, windy road only about 20 miles from Myrtle Point but it seems much further to the unknowing. Linda says she can drive it in about 20 minutes - it took us 35 minutes to do the drive :) I didn't even ask Aunt Nita how long it takes her - or Uncle Jim either!!
http://www.oregoncities.us/powers/
We are supposed to go to Clint and Sallies this evening for a salmon dinner. She does wonderfully with salmon. I can cook it but it never tastes quite as good as Sallie does.
Right now I am just getting this updated while Keith talks on the phone. You all have a great weekend and I'll update more when we get ready to leave. Which should be on Tuesday morning. The plan is to get as far as Judy's in Anderson California Tuesday evening. I know that is directly in opposition with her days off, but at least we may get a chance for a short visit between her shifts.
Take care all,
Diane
We slept in on Saturday and got to Powers about noon - We were late, I
told Aunt Nita we'd be there about 11 - so it wasn't to bad. They had a big BBQ and almost everyone was there. Susy and her boyfriend (and his daughter with her family), Debbie and Nick, Linda, and several others that I 
didn't even get names of. Of course, my family is so camera shy that I didn't get any pictures. Linda stayed the latest, she didn't leave until almost 7. Keith went to bed shortly after and Aunt Nita and I stayed up until almost 11 looking at pictures and visiting. We had a good visit. Aunt Nita gave me a Bean Pot that survived the 93 flood at my grandmothers house in West Alton.http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/floods/papers/oh_2/great.htm
We got up this morning and went to Jacks Fountain for breakfast before we packed up and got back on the road. Powers is a really small town up and down a curvy, windy road only about 20 miles from Myrtle Point but it seems much further to the unknowing. Linda says she can drive it in about 20 minutes - it took us 35 minutes to do the drive :) I didn't even ask Aunt Nita how long it takes her - or Uncle Jim either!!
http://www.oregoncities.us/powers/
We are supposed to go to Clint and Sallies this evening for a salmon dinner. She does wonderfully with salmon. I can cook it but it never tastes quite as good as Sallie does.
Right now I am just getting this updated while Keith talks on the phone. You all have a great weekend and I'll update more when we get ready to leave. Which should be on Tuesday morning. The plan is to get as far as Judy's in Anderson California Tuesday evening. I know that is directly in opposition with her days off, but at least we may get a chance for a short visit between her shifts.
Take care all,
Diane
September 3, 2005
Coos Bay, Oregon
I've been both busy and lazy. Both at the same time but I'll try to catch up a little bit now. I'm in the dining room at Aunt Nita's. Keith and Aunt Nita are watching CNN and the telethon for the Katrina survivors. Uncle Jim gave up and went to bed.
We made reservations for Seven Feathers 50's Show for Wednesday night and took Sharen there for her birthday on Wednesday. Keith got her a cake that had Happy Birthday 50-1 written on it. She was both delighted and took the joke well. While at the show, I made arrangements for them to pick on her - for her birthday. And they did - she was part of the show a couple of different times - the pictures will be on Flickr shortly. She already has them on her website which is under Knuckles Knoll to the left of this post.
We left Canyonville on Thursday morning about 10 and made it to Myrtle Point for lunch at the Spruce Street Grill right on Main Street. We pulled into the Green "something or other" RV park down in the "gulch" to park the RV so we could just leave there and drive the red car up to Powers. Keith wouldn't let me drive the RV up the Powers Road. (I think I scared him on the Diamond Lake Road!!) But there is no office. We asked a resident there how/where we needed to know to rent a spot for 2 nights and she said there was no one on-site and gave us a phone number to call. While we were eating lunch I ran into Norm Parrish and he has been around forever - so I figured that he would know what we should do. He said - go hook up and someone will be there eventually!! Keith didn't really like that idea so he decided we didn't need to stay in that "hole" anyway so after lunch we drove on over to Coos Bay.
We went to the "Lucky Logger RV Park and got hooked stopped at the Grange and talked to Sally and made arrangements to see her on Friday. We stopped in at the Cabin (my old stomping grounds) and I only saw one person I even recognized - and we went back to the RV. I fixed dinner and we turned the heater on and went to bed. We were both COLDDDDD!!
It's getting late so I'll continue the update tomorrow. I promise that I will get back up to date soon!!
Diane
We made reservations for Seven Feathers 50's Show for Wednesday night and took Sharen there for her birthday on Wednesday. Keith got her a cake that had Happy Birthday 50-1 written on it. She was both delighted and took the joke well. While at the show, I made arrangements for them to pick on her - for her birthday. And they did - she was part of the show a couple of different times - the pictures will be on Flickr shortly. She already has them on her website which is under Knuckles Knoll to the left of this post.
We left Canyonville on Thursday morning about 10 and made it to Myrtle Point for lunch at the Spruce Street Grill right on Main Street. We pulled into the Green "something or other" RV park down in the "gulch" to park the RV so we could just leave there and drive the red car up to Powers. Keith wouldn't let me drive the RV up the Powers Road. (I think I scared him on the Diamond Lake Road!!) But there is no office. We asked a resident there how/where we needed to know to rent a spot for 2 nights and she said there was no one on-site and gave us a phone number to call. While we were eating lunch I ran into Norm Parrish and he has been around forever - so I figured that he would know what we should do. He said - go hook up and someone will be there eventually!! Keith didn't really like that idea so he decided we didn't need to stay in that "hole" anyway so after lunch we drove on over to Coos Bay.
We went to the "Lucky Logger RV Park and got hooked stopped at the Grange and talked to Sally and made arrangements to see her on Friday. We stopped in at the Cabin (my old stomping grounds) and I only saw one person I even recognized - and we went back to the RV. I fixed dinner and we turned the heater on and went to bed. We were both COLDDDDD!!
It's getting late so I'll continue the update tomorrow. I promise that I will get back up to date soon!!
Diane
August 29, 2005
Pioneer Days
We've h
ad a great weekend here in Canyonville. People from miles around come to the big "doins" that is an annual event here. Canyonvill is one of the three oldest towns in Oregon. It was a way or supply station for the pioneers heading north, south, or further west after they came thru the mountains. We walked down thru the park on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. We've had homemade Blackberry Cobbler, hamburgers, jambalaya, ice cones, ice cream, fry bread, and that was only Thursday and Friday. It is a very interesting and friendly town. We've had a wonderfull visit with Sharen and Mitch and met many of their friends. It has been warm but a breeze seems to always be drifting thru and the green and mountians make it really nice. It has been so very laid back and peaceful that it will be hard to leave.
Saturday Mitch noticed that our front tires on the RV had worn down badly, so he got on the phone for us and found the right tires, a place to align the front and for the work to all get done on Saturday so that he could go with Keith to show him where to go. After all, this is their area, we know nothing!! After they got the new tires on they called us from Roseburg and we (Sharen & I) put the top down on the "little red car" and met them. We had lunch at Sharen's favorite Chinese restaurant, walked thru the historic main street, found the Information Center, got our history lesson, and napped in the grass. We were having an ice cream at Dairy Queen when the call came in - it was done!!
Mitch and Sharen hearded it back to Canyonville for us while Keith & I just had a nice drive in the little car! We then attended a Potluck on Saturday night! MORE FOOD! There was everything from BBQ'd Chicken to the biggest wild blackberrys that I have seen in years!! All was right with the world!!!
Sunday we went to the Canyonville Cafe for breakfast before attending part of the Pioneer Days Sunday Church Service right at the Pavilion.
Mitch knows everyone and Sharen is meeting them. After the Service we all came up and took a very nice nap on the new deck that Mitch has just finished building. In the shade with a breeze - does it get any better? Then we woke up and BBQ'd. MORE FOOD!! We have a good joke going because we barely finish one meal before we start talking about the next one!!!
This morning I made a visit to the Chiropractor and he also was a very warm and friendly person. He made the necessary adjustments for my week-long headache and the "driving knots" that I developed coming thru the mountains. I feel wonderful now. Mitch and Sharen are both back to work so Mike is hanging out with Auntie for the day. Unfortunately we won't see Mitch again this trip as he works rather far away for now. Sharen will be back for dinner and since Wednesday is her birthday - I'm trying to think of something unique - other than us being here. But we all know - unique isn't my strong suit!!
ad a great weekend here in Canyonville. People from miles around come to the big "doins" that is an annual event here. Canyonvill is one of the three oldest towns in Oregon. It was a way or supply station for the pioneers heading north, south, or further west after they came thru the mountains. We walked down thru the park on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. We've had homemade Blackberry Cobbler, hamburgers, jambalaya, ice cones, ice cream, fry bread, and that was only Thursday and Friday. It is a very interesting and friendly town. We've had a wonderfull visit with Sharen and Mitch and met many of their friends. It has been warm but a breeze seems to always be drifting thru and the green and mountians make it really nice. It has been so very laid back and peaceful that it will be hard to leave.Saturday Mitch noticed that our front tires on the RV had worn down badly, so he got on the phone for us and found the right tires, a place to align the front and for the work to all get done on Saturday so that he could go with Keith to show him where to go. After all, this is their area, we know nothing!! After they got the new tires on they called us from Roseburg and we (Sharen & I) put the top down on the "little red car" and met them. We had lunch at Sharen's favorite Chinese restaurant, walked thru the historic main street, found the Information Center, got our history lesson, and napped in the grass. We were having an ice cream at Dairy Queen when the call came in - it was done!!
Mitch and Sharen hearded it back to Canyonville for us while Keith & I just had a nice drive in the little car! We then attended a Potluck on Saturday night! MORE FOOD! There was everything from BBQ'd Chicken to the biggest wild blackberrys that I have seen in years!! All was right with the world!!!Sunday we went to the Canyonville Cafe for breakfast before attending part of the Pioneer Days Sunday Church Service right at the Pavilion.
Mitch knows everyone and Sharen is meeting them. After the Service we all came up and took a very nice nap on the new deck that Mitch has just finished building. In the shade with a breeze - does it get any better? Then we woke up and BBQ'd. MORE FOOD!! We have a good joke going because we barely finish one meal before we start talking about the next one!!!This morning I made a visit to the Chiropractor and he also was a very warm and friendly person. He made the necessary adjustments for my week-long headache and the "driving knots" that I developed coming thru the mountains. I feel wonderful now. Mitch and Sharen are both back to work so Mike is hanging out with Auntie for the day. Unfortunately we won't see Mitch again this trip as he works rather far away for now. Sharen will be back for dinner and since Wednesday is her birthday - I'm trying to think of something unique - other than us being here. But we all know - unique isn't my strong suit!!
Mitch and Sharen have done soooo much work since we were here last July! Flower beds, paths, new arches, new deck. . . . busy, busy. It looks great! Congrats on the new Grandson too!!
We've also been keeping track of Hurricane Katrina as it has made it's way over Florida and is now tearing up the Gulf States. I'm praying hard for those people. I remember vividly what our Lakewood Village was like after Francis and Jeanne blew thru last year. We all need to keep those people who've lost homes, cars, lives, and family close in our thoughts.
Enough for now, everyone take care!!
Diane
August 25, 2005
Canyonville, Oregon
We are still recovering, I guess. The town is busy setting up for Pioneer Days which is quite the thing for Canyonville. It started at 4 pm today and ends on Sunday so I'll have some good fun to write about. Lots seems to be going on down the hill with the set-up and we got a schedule - it is so close that we can walk to it. Canyonville is a sleepy little town about 30 miles south of Roseburg, where the people have never met a stranger:) All have been so very friendly it's like I've been here 2 years instead of 2 days. At the very edge of town is Seven Feathers Indian Casino and a very large truck stop is located across Interstate 5. I've not made it to the Casino yet but maybe next week when Sharen and Mitch are working. We talked about going up to the Belknap Springs area this weekend - but with so much activity here - why travel some more (it's not like we never go anywhere::)).
Mitch became a Grandfather for the first time yesterday but you'll have to read about that on Knuckles Knoll. Needless to say, they have been gone since last night - and should return shortly. Yesterday we did laundry and cleaned up a little, today so far we walked to the post office and thru town a little. We took Mike with us where he got doggie treats at the Ace Hardware Store (he really got 2) and at Molly B's. Keith didn't take him into any other stores, didn't want to ruin his dinner since he isn't our Dog and we only are babysitting. The Rexall was really nice when Keith asked what we would have to do if my prescription from Walgreens didn't make it in the mail by Monday. Don't believe it when they say there is a Walgreens everywhere, there isn't one listed for the entire area here. I should've listened to Dr. Anthony when she said she would write me an extra paper prescription. Another lesson learned!! Boy, I learn them constantly.
Sharen put Carne con Chili in the crockpot before she left and I can hear the loudspeakers from the Park. The flag raising will be held in just a few minutes - gotta go see what I can see.
Have a good weekend all - I know I will!
Diane
Mitch became a Grandfather for the first time yesterday but you'll have to read about that on Knuckles Knoll. Needless to say, they have been gone since last night - and should return shortly. Yesterday we did laundry and cleaned up a little, today so far we walked to the post office and thru town a little. We took Mike with us where he got doggie treats at the Ace Hardware Store (he really got 2) and at Molly B's. Keith didn't take him into any other stores, didn't want to ruin his dinner since he isn't our Dog and we only are babysitting. The Rexall was really nice when Keith asked what we would have to do if my prescription from Walgreens didn't make it in the mail by Monday. Don't believe it when they say there is a Walgreens everywhere, there isn't one listed for the entire area here. I should've listened to Dr. Anthony when she said she would write me an extra paper prescription. Another lesson learned!! Boy, I learn them constantly.
Sharen put Carne con Chili in the crockpot before she left and I can hear the loudspeakers from the Park. The flag raising will be held in just a few minutes - gotta go see what I can see.
Have a good weekend all - I know I will!
Diane
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