Getting to Mt. St. Helens with Jeff and Bev proved to be a two-day effort. We only got to the RV dealer and the quilt shop the first day, so had to save the mountain for the next day. We looked at the Winnebago and Alpine coaches again, and again assured our saleman that we have no money, but that didn't seem to slow him down. We are not especially serious about a new coach, but it is fun to look.
Bev was duly impressed with Sister's Quilt Shop in Chehalis, and I think it is the best in the area. Quilt shops are like book stores, one just can't walk out without buying something, even if you have no immediate use for it. Ken and Jeff found the bakery next door to the quilt shop and that is where they whiled away the time while we shopped.
Mt. St. Helens is always a fascinating visit, and I learned more about the dome building process which is continuing inside the crater. There are several ridges that have emerged and over time they build, collapse in on themselves, and then begin the building process again. The movie shown at the visitor's center is very powerful, and when it ends, the curtains open on a windowed wall that looks right out on to the mountainside.
I drove to Spokane on Sunday to continue a family tradition of visiting the Colfax cemetery where Mike's and my family is buried. I remember as a youngster that this was an annual outing combined with visiting some family while in town for the day. When I was young, the 70 mile round trip to Colfax seemed like a major outing. Sheila, I thought of you yesterday because the Palouse Hills were breathtaking with their blanket of green ranging from the light pea green to the winter and summer wheat hues of green. I remember you thought that countryside was quite lovely.
Mike and Mary go to the cemetery every year, but since Mary was in Texas visiting Becky, I said I would go with him as did Joel. After purchasing flowers in Spokane, we got as far as Spangle (about 15 miles south of Spokane's city limits) when I decided we should stop for a snack. Since it was now about 11:30, we opted for breakfast!! Then back down the road.
As with most rural cemeteries, this one sits atop the highest hill overlooking the town, and as usual, it was a bit windy and cold! In talking to a local resident, I learned that the FFA group makes and sets the holders for the veterans flags, and then the VFW places the flags. These are the flags from the coffins that the family has turned over to the VFW, and each of the flags is identified with the veteran's name. It is quite moving to see the 200+ flags flying at this relatively small cemetery.
Unfortunately, my brother Pat was not represented, and I suspect no one has made contact with his kids to ask for the flag. So I will follow up. Uncle Paul's flag was flying.
I have created a pretty tasty inexpensive roadtrip menu for the drive to Spokane. McDonald's coffee is very tasty and a junior hamburger at Wendy's with lettuce, tomato, and onion is plenty ample. So two drive-through windows, and I'm on my way. I was feeling pretty smug over my low-cal dining-stay-awake experiences. My other constraint was to set the cruise control at 65 mph even though everyone including the semis were passing me. That is my path of resistance against the gas prices, but I forgot to save my receipt so have no idea if there was any appreciable savings.
Now for the next week we will focus on getting the motor home ready to go to Mt. Home for Brian's change of command and farewell party. Ciao
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
It's a long way......
from Pike Place Market to Pioneer Square and back when loaded down with recently purchased books from Elliot Bay Bookstore!!
Bev and I had a great day in Seattle today. We drove in with Colleen and she dropped us off on First Street just a block or two from Pike Place Market. On a whim, we headed for the doors of the Seattle Art Museum and waited just four or five minutes until the doors were unlocked for the day.
SAM has just undergone a year-long renovation, and we found the museum to be top-notch with several collections available for viewing. It was interesting to realize how similar Bev's and my tastes are................realism all the way. We saw works that ran the gamut from Andy Warhol to John Singer Sargent (both of which we appreciated). And of course a number of pieces that didn't do a thing for us. One of the most beautiful and fascinating was a small room devoted to porcelain - with all the walls covered with lighted glass-enclosed floor-to-ceiling cabinets full of beautifully displayed porcelain.
By the time we had finished at the museum, it was time to meet Colleen at Cafe Campagne on Post Alley for lunch. This little cafe was even rated by Zagats, and it was wonderful. Bev treated Colleen and me and we enjoyed grilled goat cheese, mixed bitter greens salad, heavenly quiche and some quite exceptional wine. I had a white burgundy and Bev had a rose. Alas, Colleen had to go back to work, so she had sparkling water.
In the afternoon, Bev and I hiked down to Elliot Bay Bookstore, which is a must when one is in Seattle and we both found some books we just couldn't live without. But now with purchases in hand (in shopping bags), we had to hike the eight or ten blocks back (partly uphill) to get north of Pike Place Market where Colleen was to pick us up. But a rest stop for coffee and a sweet helped us to reach our destination.
So now after dinner and some more wine, I am off to bed. We are going to drive south to Chehalis tomorrow to look at some motor homes and a quilt shop, and then we are going on to Mt. St. Helens. Ciao
Bev and I had a great day in Seattle today. We drove in with Colleen and she dropped us off on First Street just a block or two from Pike Place Market. On a whim, we headed for the doors of the Seattle Art Museum and waited just four or five minutes until the doors were unlocked for the day.
SAM has just undergone a year-long renovation, and we found the museum to be top-notch with several collections available for viewing. It was interesting to realize how similar Bev's and my tastes are................realism all the way. We saw works that ran the gamut from Andy Warhol to John Singer Sargent (both of which we appreciated). And of course a number of pieces that didn't do a thing for us. One of the most beautiful and fascinating was a small room devoted to porcelain - with all the walls covered with lighted glass-enclosed floor-to-ceiling cabinets full of beautifully displayed porcelain.
By the time we had finished at the museum, it was time to meet Colleen at Cafe Campagne on Post Alley for lunch. This little cafe was even rated by Zagats, and it was wonderful. Bev treated Colleen and me and we enjoyed grilled goat cheese, mixed bitter greens salad, heavenly quiche and some quite exceptional wine. I had a white burgundy and Bev had a rose. Alas, Colleen had to go back to work, so she had sparkling water.
In the afternoon, Bev and I hiked down to Elliot Bay Bookstore, which is a must when one is in Seattle and we both found some books we just couldn't live without. But now with purchases in hand (in shopping bags), we had to hike the eight or ten blocks back (partly uphill) to get north of Pike Place Market where Colleen was to pick us up. But a rest stop for coffee and a sweet helped us to reach our destination.
So now after dinner and some more wine, I am off to bed. We are going to drive south to Chehalis tomorrow to look at some motor homes and a quilt shop, and then we are going on to Mt. St. Helens. Ciao
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Trains and Rain
Since I have been asked by two different people, it would appear I have failed to follow up on Brian and Sheila's move as to where they are moving!! It will be the Pentagon in Washington D.C. For a while it looked like he would get orders to Lakenheath, England (and we were all excited and checking our passports), but that was not meant to be. This will put them very close to Sheila's mother and sister and family, and they will be about 1 1/2 hours from Keith and Janet in Columbia. So for us, one trip allows us to see all four of our grandchildren and their parents. Brian and Sheila will probably stay with her mother in northern Virginia for a while until they decide where to settle in.
I finally talked to brother Mike last night to wish him a happy birthday, and he said he is going to retire the end of June, as is Mary. I know they already have a trip in mind for the summer to drive to Iowa to see Martha, but beyond that I think they are just looking forward to calling their time their own.
There was no way to get in touch with Brian, so we will make up for that when we see him next month.
Bev called last night to say she was looking forward to some wine and cheese and crackers and perhaps a bit of knitting and/or sewing while here next week. She and I are going to drive in to Seattle with Colleen on Tuesday and spend the day browsing some of the neighborhoods such as Fremont or Belltown. Of course we will meet Colleen for lunch.
Jeff called to see what his and Ken's schedule would be because he needs to be available for a conference call on either Monday or Tuesday with regard to the train at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital where Bev works. Once a delightful energetic train layout that drew hundreds of eager children, it recently has fallen into disrepair so Jeff and his former boss, Bob Herendeen, have volunteered to keep the train running and the tracks open.
The reason for the call is that there is a major remodel going on at the hospital, and Jeff and Bob want to make sure the woman back east who is designing the new train layout knows what she is doing and what she needs to do! So while Bev is involved in the design and creation of new operating room suites, Jeff and Bob are making sure the children will have the train to entertain them. Good going guys.
It is a dark, drizzly, cool western Washington day. But the dark and the drizzle cause the rhodies and other blooms to shine. Ciao
I finally talked to brother Mike last night to wish him a happy birthday, and he said he is going to retire the end of June, as is Mary. I know they already have a trip in mind for the summer to drive to Iowa to see Martha, but beyond that I think they are just looking forward to calling their time their own.
There was no way to get in touch with Brian, so we will make up for that when we see him next month.
Bev called last night to say she was looking forward to some wine and cheese and crackers and perhaps a bit of knitting and/or sewing while here next week. She and I are going to drive in to Seattle with Colleen on Tuesday and spend the day browsing some of the neighborhoods such as Fremont or Belltown. Of course we will meet Colleen for lunch.
Jeff called to see what his and Ken's schedule would be because he needs to be available for a conference call on either Monday or Tuesday with regard to the train at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital where Bev works. Once a delightful energetic train layout that drew hundreds of eager children, it recently has fallen into disrepair so Jeff and his former boss, Bob Herendeen, have volunteered to keep the train running and the tracks open.
The reason for the call is that there is a major remodel going on at the hospital, and Jeff and Bob want to make sure the woman back east who is designing the new train layout knows what she is doing and what she needs to do! So while Bev is involved in the design and creation of new operating room suites, Jeff and Bob are making sure the children will have the train to entertain them. Good going guys.
It is a dark, drizzly, cool western Washington day. But the dark and the drizzle cause the rhodies and other blooms to shine. Ciao
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Spring in all its glory
The dogwoods in front have been in full bloom for the past week, and the rhododendrons are just now beginning to open. We have one lilac bush on the west side of the house, and it too performed beautifully these past two weeks.
Today Ken is working on planting a snowball tree that the kids gave me for Mother's Day. I shared with Colleen that I remembered, as a youngster, someone whom we would usually visit over Memorial Day (Anna Taylor), and there would be her snowball tree in full bloom. We found one at a nursery in Tumwater and it is going to reside at the edge of the lawn nearest the driveway and close to the sidwalk. This has all been easy for me since I didn't pay for it and I am not the one planting it!! I did however pick it up and bring it home. The tree is about ten feel tall, so on its side it ran the full length of the Jetta, and I had to go through some interesting gyrations to shift gears.
Sunday was very enjoyable with everyone remembering me and pampering me. Colleen started the day with homemade banana bread, spinach quiche and mimosas and then Craig, Cassie and Greta joined us for the annual Mother's Day dining experience: KFC! Phone calls and flowers rounded out a very nice day. I really don't have a very demanding schedule at any time, but Mother's Day is fun to indulge myself and do just exactly what I want to do.
I have several sewing projects going - most of them for quite some time, but now I have ventured back into trying my hand at making myself something to wear. The jury is still out on that one, especially since I am using a pattern that I have had forever, and needless to say, it isn't quite big enough. More challenges.
We are on track to drive to Mountain Home on June 7 and 8 to be present for Brian's farewell and change of command. Then we are going to leave the motor home for them to use while moving out of quarters and they will drive up here with it about the first of July.
Brian's birthday is this coming Friday, May 18, and we have three other relatives who share the birthday as well as at least two people outside the family. Happy birthday to Brian and Mike - the two who read this blog.
Jeff and Bev are coming up for a visit next Monday. Jeff is a season ticket-holder for the San Jose Sharks, so as long as they were in the playoffs, we figured we wouldn't see them. But alas, they were eliminated, so travel plans could be made. We have nothing in particular planned, and if the weather stays as lovely as it has been, I'm sure we would be content to sit on the patio and swap war stories. Ciao
Today Ken is working on planting a snowball tree that the kids gave me for Mother's Day. I shared with Colleen that I remembered, as a youngster, someone whom we would usually visit over Memorial Day (Anna Taylor), and there would be her snowball tree in full bloom. We found one at a nursery in Tumwater and it is going to reside at the edge of the lawn nearest the driveway and close to the sidwalk. This has all been easy for me since I didn't pay for it and I am not the one planting it!! I did however pick it up and bring it home. The tree is about ten feel tall, so on its side it ran the full length of the Jetta, and I had to go through some interesting gyrations to shift gears.
Sunday was very enjoyable with everyone remembering me and pampering me. Colleen started the day with homemade banana bread, spinach quiche and mimosas and then Craig, Cassie and Greta joined us for the annual Mother's Day dining experience: KFC! Phone calls and flowers rounded out a very nice day. I really don't have a very demanding schedule at any time, but Mother's Day is fun to indulge myself and do just exactly what I want to do.
I have several sewing projects going - most of them for quite some time, but now I have ventured back into trying my hand at making myself something to wear. The jury is still out on that one, especially since I am using a pattern that I have had forever, and needless to say, it isn't quite big enough. More challenges.
We are on track to drive to Mountain Home on June 7 and 8 to be present for Brian's farewell and change of command. Then we are going to leave the motor home for them to use while moving out of quarters and they will drive up here with it about the first of July.
Brian's birthday is this coming Friday, May 18, and we have three other relatives who share the birthday as well as at least two people outside the family. Happy birthday to Brian and Mike - the two who read this blog.
Jeff and Bev are coming up for a visit next Monday. Jeff is a season ticket-holder for the San Jose Sharks, so as long as they were in the playoffs, we figured we wouldn't see them. But alas, they were eliminated, so travel plans could be made. We have nothing in particular planned, and if the weather stays as lovely as it has been, I'm sure we would be content to sit on the patio and swap war stories. Ciao
Friday, May 04, 2007
Alpines, Rose of Karen and Rainbows
I need to get with the program with this blogging - I am way behind!!!
We had a brief interlude in Steilacoom before going to Spokane for the opening of fishing season. The greatest accomplishment was to hire a gardening service to spend 2 1/2 days getting the FRONT-YARD-ONLY under control. Craig's affectionate name for the Asian families who do the gardening is Ninjas, and his description of their mode of operation is that they come in and prune everything and what they don't eat they haul away. I found it humorous - and not true. They were three hard-working souls who loved coffee. I put both coffee and tea out for them and one cup of tea was consumed, but the coffee thermos was empty as was the cup of milk and cup of sugar!
They topped the evergreens that are on our neighbors' property (with their permission) and the view we have reclaimed is spectacular. It had been several years since any pruning had been done, so we had lost about 90% of the view of water. Colleen has been edging stepping stones and flower beds and Karen and I worked on the back patio.
We met Rod and Karen in Chehalis a week ago last Sunday and oohed and aahed over big beautiful Alpine and Winnebago motor coaches. And we did manage to come away without doing something foolish like buying a new one. Uhlmans in Chehalis is the only dealer for Alpine coaches in Washington and Karen and Rod are always looking. When we parted ways, Rod headed for Ft. St. John in Canada and we brought Karen home with us.
I am a container-gardener only, and a pathetic one at that, so I seized my chance when Karen came to visit last week. We shopped for mostly flowering annuals such as petunias, snapdragons, and others that I don't know intimately, and as soon as we got home, she was up to her elbows in potting soil. Everything is looking very perky and happy and I can't wait for all of it to fill in with glorious color. Following Karen in the garden store is as befuddling for me as it is for her when I drag her into a kitchen store or gourmet grocery. We do make a good team.
She and I made a road trip back down to Chehalis so I could take her to Sister's fabric shop which is where any quilter would want to spend her every breathing moment. Ten thousand plus bolts of fabric in tight formation shoulder to shoulder, color by color, for as far as the eye can see to the back of a very small shop. After the frantic shopping we were in need of sustenance, and found a delightful bakery where we supped on quiche and creme brulee. I detected a definite German influence and learned of the couple that owns it that one is German and the other Icelandic.
We returned last night from the annual fishing trip to Spokane. Ken and Bob fished three days straight: Lake Sacheen, Waitts Lake and Liberty Lake with some nice fish, mostly rainbow trout, from all three. The weather was as nice as I've seen it for opening week end and I remember one year when they came home covered in snow.
We caught up with Mike and Mary last Saturday at a neighborhood garage sale in north Spokane, so we chatted and shopped and then had lunch together. Their lives are currently taken up with pending retirement and the anticipation of a grandson. Becky is expecting a baby in July, to be named Benjamin. Now that I know it is a boy, I need to be thinking about a quilt perhaps? She lives in Texas, and Mike and Mary were there to see her in April, and Mary is going back down for a few days the end of May. We haven't had a baby in the family for quite a number of years!
Sharon and I had lunch last week in the restaurant at the new Davenport Towers in Spokane which is just across the street from the original restored hotel. The decor of the entire hotel is a safari theme with two life-sized, gold-leafed rhinoceroses greeting you at the entrance. Once inside, animals and jungle abound with a beautiful stuffed tiger looking at you from above. It was beautifully done, and I was very impressed.
And night before last we spent with Jerry and Lois. We had not seen them since last November, so we had a good time catching up. Jerry is recovering from a pulled hamstring, and Lois was her usual perky self. She had a one-man art show in Spokane recently and has enjoyed some good successes with her work. She is so talented. But the shows are hard work. Not only the creating of new pieces, but the matting and framing, and loading, and hauling, and unloading, and hanging, and "un-hanging". I have helped with just one or two and I was worn out.
It is gray and cool today; a typical Puget Sound spring day. I am off to figure out what it is that I need to do for the day. Ciao
We had a brief interlude in Steilacoom before going to Spokane for the opening of fishing season. The greatest accomplishment was to hire a gardening service to spend 2 1/2 days getting the FRONT-YARD-ONLY under control. Craig's affectionate name for the Asian families who do the gardening is Ninjas, and his description of their mode of operation is that they come in and prune everything and what they don't eat they haul away. I found it humorous - and not true. They were three hard-working souls who loved coffee. I put both coffee and tea out for them and one cup of tea was consumed, but the coffee thermos was empty as was the cup of milk and cup of sugar!
They topped the evergreens that are on our neighbors' property (with their permission) and the view we have reclaimed is spectacular. It had been several years since any pruning had been done, so we had lost about 90% of the view of water. Colleen has been edging stepping stones and flower beds and Karen and I worked on the back patio.
We met Rod and Karen in Chehalis a week ago last Sunday and oohed and aahed over big beautiful Alpine and Winnebago motor coaches. And we did manage to come away without doing something foolish like buying a new one. Uhlmans in Chehalis is the only dealer for Alpine coaches in Washington and Karen and Rod are always looking. When we parted ways, Rod headed for Ft. St. John in Canada and we brought Karen home with us.
I am a container-gardener only, and a pathetic one at that, so I seized my chance when Karen came to visit last week. We shopped for mostly flowering annuals such as petunias, snapdragons, and others that I don't know intimately, and as soon as we got home, she was up to her elbows in potting soil. Everything is looking very perky and happy and I can't wait for all of it to fill in with glorious color. Following Karen in the garden store is as befuddling for me as it is for her when I drag her into a kitchen store or gourmet grocery. We do make a good team.
She and I made a road trip back down to Chehalis so I could take her to Sister's fabric shop which is where any quilter would want to spend her every breathing moment. Ten thousand plus bolts of fabric in tight formation shoulder to shoulder, color by color, for as far as the eye can see to the back of a very small shop. After the frantic shopping we were in need of sustenance, and found a delightful bakery where we supped on quiche and creme brulee. I detected a definite German influence and learned of the couple that owns it that one is German and the other Icelandic.
We returned last night from the annual fishing trip to Spokane. Ken and Bob fished three days straight: Lake Sacheen, Waitts Lake and Liberty Lake with some nice fish, mostly rainbow trout, from all three. The weather was as nice as I've seen it for opening week end and I remember one year when they came home covered in snow.
We caught up with Mike and Mary last Saturday at a neighborhood garage sale in north Spokane, so we chatted and shopped and then had lunch together. Their lives are currently taken up with pending retirement and the anticipation of a grandson. Becky is expecting a baby in July, to be named Benjamin. Now that I know it is a boy, I need to be thinking about a quilt perhaps? She lives in Texas, and Mike and Mary were there to see her in April, and Mary is going back down for a few days the end of May. We haven't had a baby in the family for quite a number of years!
Sharon and I had lunch last week in the restaurant at the new Davenport Towers in Spokane which is just across the street from the original restored hotel. The decor of the entire hotel is a safari theme with two life-sized, gold-leafed rhinoceroses greeting you at the entrance. Once inside, animals and jungle abound with a beautiful stuffed tiger looking at you from above. It was beautifully done, and I was very impressed.
And night before last we spent with Jerry and Lois. We had not seen them since last November, so we had a good time catching up. Jerry is recovering from a pulled hamstring, and Lois was her usual perky self. She had a one-man art show in Spokane recently and has enjoyed some good successes with her work. She is so talented. But the shows are hard work. Not only the creating of new pieces, but the matting and framing, and loading, and hauling, and unloading, and hanging, and "un-hanging". I have helped with just one or two and I was worn out.
It is gray and cool today; a typical Puget Sound spring day. I am off to figure out what it is that I need to do for the day. Ciao
Monday, April 16, 2007
Ah Steilacoom
We found ourselves back home on Saturday afternoon and were welcomed by Colleen and Skyla along with an immaculately clean house and dinner! Who could ask for more? But all that wine tasting must have worn me out because I grabbed my toothbrush out of the motor home and was in bed by nine. Wine tasting is hard work.
We do have plenty of wine to show for our efforts; about 8 cases, so we should be in good shape for some time to come. Ken concentrated on the big reds and I went for the summer sipping wines such as riesling, light reds, and chardonnay. It is amazing to see the growth in wine country. Prosser seems to be the hub and not only are there lots of new wineries, but some of the established wineries are relocating to Prosser. We continue to seek out and support the smaller family-owned businesses rather than the likes of Chateau St. Michelle and Hogue, both of which are now owned by some huge, out-of-state conglomerate.
The weather here is quite all right, but I can't get warm since we have the usual clouds and threat of rain with little blue sky and sunshine.
I am excited that Karen is coming to visit for a few days. We are going to meet her and Rod in Chehalis next Sunday (at the Alpine/Alpenlite dealership), and Karen will come home with us while Rod goes on to Yakima for some work on the trailer and then on the road to Ft. St. John, BC for some business. We will take Karen to Spokane later in the week when we go over for the opening of fishing season. I hope Karen and I get more sewing done this time than we did all the time we were down south. I think I had my machine out just twice the entire winter.
I hear my bed calling me. Ciao
We do have plenty of wine to show for our efforts; about 8 cases, so we should be in good shape for some time to come. Ken concentrated on the big reds and I went for the summer sipping wines such as riesling, light reds, and chardonnay. It is amazing to see the growth in wine country. Prosser seems to be the hub and not only are there lots of new wineries, but some of the established wineries are relocating to Prosser. We continue to seek out and support the smaller family-owned businesses rather than the likes of Chateau St. Michelle and Hogue, both of which are now owned by some huge, out-of-state conglomerate.
The weather here is quite all right, but I can't get warm since we have the usual clouds and threat of rain with little blue sky and sunshine.
I am excited that Karen is coming to visit for a few days. We are going to meet her and Rod in Chehalis next Sunday (at the Alpine/Alpenlite dealership), and Karen will come home with us while Rod goes on to Yakima for some work on the trailer and then on the road to Ft. St. John, BC for some business. We will take Karen to Spokane later in the week when we go over for the opening of fishing season. I hope Karen and I get more sewing done this time than we did all the time we were down south. I think I had my machine out just twice the entire winter.
I hear my bed calling me. Ciao
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Here are the photos that were promised in my last blog!! Is that awesome or what?
We are now in Prosser after having spent several days with Sheila and the boys in Mt. Home. She didn't tell them when/or if we would be there, so it was a fun surprise to show up at their door to take the boys to the MH for dinner. They are both turning out for track this spring and Warren is still busy creating his Space Chicken saga. Nolan spent Saturday hiding Easter eggs with the church youth group and then went to church with us Sunday.
Sheila treated us to Sunday brunch at the club, and on Saturday night she invited the Hoovers for dinner. She and I prepared beef kebobs and she made an awesome Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, and peppers and feta cheese; that served along with rice and freshly purchased bread with angel food cake for dessert. All washed down with some good wine!!! Yum yum.
Our Sarah has been working in the restaurant at the golf course at the University of Maryland ever since she started school there and is now a manager. Now as she is finishing her second year, she was nominated for the Emma Powers award which recognizes one of the 500 individuals who work in dining services at the UofM..................and yes, she was the chosen employee. We are so proud of her for all of her hard work as well as keeping on track with her grades, and along with the recognition is a $500 scholarship!!
We have had one day of wine tasting while here in Prosser, and will get out to do some more today. We are up to two cases plus two bottles, but I'm sure we can find room for more in the MH before we head to Steilacoom on Saturday.
We heard some rain pattering on the roof early last evening, but at the moment the sky is a glorious blue with just a hint of some poufy white clouds on the horizon. I love this part of the country, probably because I am a farm girl, and I enjoy seeing all the new growth, the green, and the beautiful flowers and flowering trees. The apple trees are in full bloom, but from a distance it looks like the grapes are still asleep. I read in the paper today where the cool weather is creating some worry for the farmers, particularly for the asparagus crop that should be in full swing by now.
The next blog will be from Steilacoom! Ciao
Monday, April 09, 2007
Nellis AFB, Pahrump ooh lala, Tecopa Hot Springs & Yankee Blade
Whew, it has been a long time..............
We said good by to Rod and Karen on Saturday (March 24), and we went our separate ways for a week – they to a rally at AVI in Laughlin, and we to Nellis AFB Famcamp in north Las Vegas.
We endured some mighty winds while at Nellis and our one night in Pahrump – so much so that we pulled the slides in for fear the slide awnings would get damaged. But that weather finally “blew” through and we were back to sunshine and blue sky.
Spragues caught up with us at Tecopa. We have spent two days sightseeing inside Death Valley NP, and one day in between doing very little – brunch around eleven, a two hour visit to a local date farm, and then back to our lawn chairs and wine
I was quite surprised at the size of Death Valley, and I did not expect so many peaks and elevations – both above and below sea level. I think I envisioned a flat desert valley. Period. But the landscape is ever-changing as well as the colors. It is quite amazing.
We drove to the north end of the park to visit Scotty’s castle – which was not Scotty’s but belonged to his wealthy friends, the Johnsons. We enjoyed a tour of the inside of the home that sported every modern convenience that would have been found in the mansions on the east coast during the 30s – even though this little oasis is in the middle of nowhere. The “modern conveniences” such as hot and cold running water and central heat, reminded me of the similar thinking of King Ludwig and his castle at Neuschwanstein.
We stopped at Badwater which is the lowest elevation in the western hemisphere at 293 feet below sea level. There is just a huge expanse of a white salt lakebed, but even in that extreme alkaline environment, there is aquatic life. Needless to say, it is already getting quite hot there, so we limited ourselves to sightseeing by car with just short stops at points of interest.
We discovered Tecopa Hot Springs while staying in Pahrump, and after looking at the three possibilities for a place to stay, chose the one that looked the most normal. A small park with about 50 spaces and two hot mineral baths that were immaculately maintained. But with the heat outside, I found the baths to be not all that appealing with water that is in the 105 degree range. But it was a diversion.
The reason for going to Pahrump was to have lunch at one of the two legal brothels in the area. (Helen’s idea, not Ken’s) because we had talked to folks who had been there and toured the facility. It was interesting, as we ate lunch in the restaurant, to watch the comings and goings of the scantily clad “working” girls as well as the men who seemed to come and go! One of the “girls”, Olivia (not very attractive, about 6 feet tall wearing acrylic platform heels, a thong and a long sheer blouse), gave us a tour of the parlor and the five public entertainment rooms where a couple can have dinner or sit in a whirlpool tub, but the private rooms of the girls are off limits and are not included in the tour. It was just a good opportunity to get a glimpse of the inside of a facility for the world’s oldest profession.
Last Wednesday, we made our way from Tecopa Hot Springs to Austin and finding nothing satisfactory for the night, we headed up the road toward Battle Mountain. We discovered a great pull-out, flat and graveled, about 10 miles out of town – no signs, no warnings, no nothing. So we parked, leveled up, opened our beers and relaxed for the evening. There was one vehicle about every half hour, and that was usually a semi truck. It was unbelievably quiet, and attached is a picture of the awesome view. Ken and Rod, being the cautious Scandanavians that they are, were a bit apprehensive until they saw the county sheriff’s car go by without a glance. It was a very fun experience. With some research by Karen, we learned that the area was known as Yankee Blade which is a ghost town up over the hill.
The next night was spent in Wells, NV at Mountain Shadows RV Park; Passport America, free WiFi, clean restrooms and laundry, dog friendly, and neat as a pin. We got there early in the day, but by dusk all the big sites were full. In the morning Ken discovered a low tire, but Les Schwab said it was just a leaky valve stem – no charge – and we were on our way to Mountain Home. Ciao
We said good by to Rod and Karen on Saturday (March 24), and we went our separate ways for a week – they to a rally at AVI in Laughlin, and we to Nellis AFB Famcamp in north Las Vegas.
We endured some mighty winds while at Nellis and our one night in Pahrump – so much so that we pulled the slides in for fear the slide awnings would get damaged. But that weather finally “blew” through and we were back to sunshine and blue sky.
Spragues caught up with us at Tecopa. We have spent two days sightseeing inside Death Valley NP, and one day in between doing very little – brunch around eleven, a two hour visit to a local date farm, and then back to our lawn chairs and wine
I was quite surprised at the size of Death Valley, and I did not expect so many peaks and elevations – both above and below sea level. I think I envisioned a flat desert valley. Period. But the landscape is ever-changing as well as the colors. It is quite amazing.
We drove to the north end of the park to visit Scotty’s castle – which was not Scotty’s but belonged to his wealthy friends, the Johnsons. We enjoyed a tour of the inside of the home that sported every modern convenience that would have been found in the mansions on the east coast during the 30s – even though this little oasis is in the middle of nowhere. The “modern conveniences” such as hot and cold running water and central heat, reminded me of the similar thinking of King Ludwig and his castle at Neuschwanstein.
We stopped at Badwater which is the lowest elevation in the western hemisphere at 293 feet below sea level. There is just a huge expanse of a white salt lakebed, but even in that extreme alkaline environment, there is aquatic life. Needless to say, it is already getting quite hot there, so we limited ourselves to sightseeing by car with just short stops at points of interest.
We discovered Tecopa Hot Springs while staying in Pahrump, and after looking at the three possibilities for a place to stay, chose the one that looked the most normal. A small park with about 50 spaces and two hot mineral baths that were immaculately maintained. But with the heat outside, I found the baths to be not all that appealing with water that is in the 105 degree range. But it was a diversion.
The reason for going to Pahrump was to have lunch at one of the two legal brothels in the area. (Helen’s idea, not Ken’s) because we had talked to folks who had been there and toured the facility. It was interesting, as we ate lunch in the restaurant, to watch the comings and goings of the scantily clad “working” girls as well as the men who seemed to come and go! One of the “girls”, Olivia (not very attractive, about 6 feet tall wearing acrylic platform heels, a thong and a long sheer blouse), gave us a tour of the parlor and the five public entertainment rooms where a couple can have dinner or sit in a whirlpool tub, but the private rooms of the girls are off limits and are not included in the tour. It was just a good opportunity to get a glimpse of the inside of a facility for the world’s oldest profession.
Last Wednesday, we made our way from Tecopa Hot Springs to Austin and finding nothing satisfactory for the night, we headed up the road toward Battle Mountain. We discovered a great pull-out, flat and graveled, about 10 miles out of town – no signs, no warnings, no nothing. So we parked, leveled up, opened our beers and relaxed for the evening. There was one vehicle about every half hour, and that was usually a semi truck. It was unbelievably quiet, and attached is a picture of the awesome view. Ken and Rod, being the cautious Scandanavians that they are, were a bit apprehensive until they saw the county sheriff’s car go by without a glance. It was a very fun experience. With some research by Karen, we learned that the area was known as Yankee Blade which is a ghost town up over the hill.
The next night was spent in Wells, NV at Mountain Shadows RV Park; Passport America, free WiFi, clean restrooms and laundry, dog friendly, and neat as a pin. We got there early in the day, but by dusk all the big sites were full. In the morning Ken discovered a low tire, but Les Schwab said it was just a leaky valve stem – no charge – and we were on our way to Mountain Home. Ciao
Monday, March 26, 2007
Three weeks? No Blog?
It has been a long time. So I need to catch up on our last days at Casa Grande and our travels since. We bid farewell to Gary and Carolyn on Friday, March 16 as they made their was north to Laughlin, and we and the Spragues headed north to the Grand Canyon. It is interesting that the Ouseys only live about 100 miles from us, but THEY LIVE IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY so that must be why we have to go to Arizona to see them!! Perhaps we will meet up sometime this summer.
We spent a few nights in Camp Verde at a very nice park called Distant Drums, and then moved on to the Grand Canyon. Karen was able to call and score two sites for us at "Trailer Village" which is inside the park and walking distance to the information center and the market. The park has a marvelous free bus system that allows you to see all of the South Rim without moving your car. The canyon takes on a different persona from every angle that it is viewed. I didn't find the color to be as bright or intense as I remembered it, or at least envisioned it.
After leaving TGC, we spent one night in Bullhead city at a county park where we stayed last year, and in keeping with tradition, drove to Laughlin for In-n-Out burgers for dinner. Last Saturday, Rod and Karen moved to AVI in Lauglin for an Alpenlite Rally, and we came here to Desert Eagle RV Park at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas.
After some cool temperatures at the Grand Canyon, we are now running the A/C with the afternoon temps in the low 80s. This is a very nice park, and very popular, so we are only able to stay four nights. Rumor has it that one can reserve a site six months in advance and then stay for six months. NOT FAIR!! Old retired geezers that can afford motor homes need to use them as intended and make the wheels go 'round once in a while. I'm biding my time until I have the straight scoop, and if it is true, I will be frequenting every forum and website I can find to complain!!
We are not gamblers, and there is nothing showing downtown that catches our fancy so we won't even be going to the Strip. From here we will probably go to Pahrump for a few days, check in with Spragues for their travel plans, and then begin moving northward.
Cooper is still along for the ride; and the cookies, and the walks, and the attention. There was an elk cow that had walked through our park at TGC, and he just about lost his mind when we were out walking. Right now he is sprawled out on the sofa keeping cool under the A/C. A dog's life? I'll take it.
Ciao
We spent a few nights in Camp Verde at a very nice park called Distant Drums, and then moved on to the Grand Canyon. Karen was able to call and score two sites for us at "Trailer Village" which is inside the park and walking distance to the information center and the market. The park has a marvelous free bus system that allows you to see all of the South Rim without moving your car. The canyon takes on a different persona from every angle that it is viewed. I didn't find the color to be as bright or intense as I remembered it, or at least envisioned it.
After leaving TGC, we spent one night in Bullhead city at a county park where we stayed last year, and in keeping with tradition, drove to Laughlin for In-n-Out burgers for dinner. Last Saturday, Rod and Karen moved to AVI in Lauglin for an Alpenlite Rally, and we came here to Desert Eagle RV Park at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas.
After some cool temperatures at the Grand Canyon, we are now running the A/C with the afternoon temps in the low 80s. This is a very nice park, and very popular, so we are only able to stay four nights. Rumor has it that one can reserve a site six months in advance and then stay for six months. NOT FAIR!! Old retired geezers that can afford motor homes need to use them as intended and make the wheels go 'round once in a while. I'm biding my time until I have the straight scoop, and if it is true, I will be frequenting every forum and website I can find to complain!!
We are not gamblers, and there is nothing showing downtown that catches our fancy so we won't even be going to the Strip. From here we will probably go to Pahrump for a few days, check in with Spragues for their travel plans, and then begin moving northward.
Cooper is still along for the ride; and the cookies, and the walks, and the attention. There was an elk cow that had walked through our park at TGC, and he just about lost his mind when we were out walking. Right now he is sprawled out on the sofa keeping cool under the A/C. A dog's life? I'll take it.
Ciao
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Birthday, Brunch and Body World
Yikes, it has been forever since I've blogged!!!!!
Ken's birthday came and went with not a lot of fanfare. Gary and Carolyn gave him a fun card and two maple bars (a special treat since I rarely, if ever, let him have them), he heard from all four of his children, and I baked an applesauce cake for him. He was also given a very nice, very good bottle of single malt scotch - so what more could the man want?
We have shared some dinners back and forth, and recently Rod and Karen served brunch before the six of us went to Phoenix for the Bodyworld 3 exhibit - hence the catchy title for this blog.
I was the one who really wanted to see Body World 3, but I think all six of us found it very fascinating. These are actual cadavers that have been donated and plasticized and then displayed to illustrate the complex systems that our bodies are!! Everything is done very well and I would say with reverence for the people whose bodies were represented. The systems, the blood vessels, the organs and the muscles are amazing!! If it comes to your city, I would highly recommend your seeing it.
This week was our evening to go to Barleen's Arizona Opery in Mesa. It is quite a bargain with a ticket providing a roast beef and mashed potatoes dinner along with about 1 1/2 hours of entertainment by the extended Barleen family. A little bit of everything from country/western to impersonations of Elvis and Neil Diamond.
We have one more social outing before we go our separate ways, and that is Organ Pipe Pizza. I think I have blogged before about the world's largest Wurlitzer organ as the centerpiece for an enormous 'pizza parlor'. The six of us are going tomorrrow night.
We will be leaving here on the 16th and Gary and Carolyn are going to Laughlin for a few days as they begin their journey back to Victoria while we and the Spragues are going to go nouth. Rod and Karen are going to attend a rally in Laughlin the end of March, but we haven't decided where we want to go after the end of this month. When we leave here, we are going to go to Casa Verde, and then probably on to Flagstaff.
The weather has turned very hot very quickly, and even the locals are complaining. We are approaching the 90s this week. Therefore, we are going to travel north this week instead of south.
Ciao
Ken's birthday came and went with not a lot of fanfare. Gary and Carolyn gave him a fun card and two maple bars (a special treat since I rarely, if ever, let him have them), he heard from all four of his children, and I baked an applesauce cake for him. He was also given a very nice, very good bottle of single malt scotch - so what more could the man want?
We have shared some dinners back and forth, and recently Rod and Karen served brunch before the six of us went to Phoenix for the Bodyworld 3 exhibit - hence the catchy title for this blog.
I was the one who really wanted to see Body World 3, but I think all six of us found it very fascinating. These are actual cadavers that have been donated and plasticized and then displayed to illustrate the complex systems that our bodies are!! Everything is done very well and I would say with reverence for the people whose bodies were represented. The systems, the blood vessels, the organs and the muscles are amazing!! If it comes to your city, I would highly recommend your seeing it.
This week was our evening to go to Barleen's Arizona Opery in Mesa. It is quite a bargain with a ticket providing a roast beef and mashed potatoes dinner along with about 1 1/2 hours of entertainment by the extended Barleen family. A little bit of everything from country/western to impersonations of Elvis and Neil Diamond.
We have one more social outing before we go our separate ways, and that is Organ Pipe Pizza. I think I have blogged before about the world's largest Wurlitzer organ as the centerpiece for an enormous 'pizza parlor'. The six of us are going tomorrrow night.
We will be leaving here on the 16th and Gary and Carolyn are going to Laughlin for a few days as they begin their journey back to Victoria while we and the Spragues are going to go nouth. Rod and Karen are going to attend a rally in Laughlin the end of March, but we haven't decided where we want to go after the end of this month. When we leave here, we are going to go to Casa Verde, and then probably on to Flagstaff.
The weather has turned very hot very quickly, and even the locals are complaining. We are approaching the 90s this week. Therefore, we are going to travel north this week instead of south.
Ciao
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Afghanistan Update
The suicide bombing that occurred yesterday was at the gates of the base where Brian is, but we have IM'd with him and were assured that he is okay. They are located quite some distance from the gates where the blast happened. And just like every other day, we were made aware of the lives being lost as our thoughts go out to all the families from all the countries emeshed in this war.
I think the thermometer is supposed to dip down to 32 tonight, but I did see an 80 on the horizon for the week end. There is still the ever-present blue sky and sunshine so that is a good balance for the cold nights.
I can't believe how much of a Wal Mart shopper I have become; mostly out of necessity since there is no other shopping available without going to Phoenix. Yesterday it was a hair cut, a pedicure, and Coleman electric refrigerator. The two local salons were booked out for about ten days, and we could just walk in and sign in at Wal Mart. Actually, I was fairly impressed with both the haircut and the pedicure, but perhaps that is because the salons are independent businesses - not WalMart.
I decided the refrigerator was an outside necessity to keep beer and soft drinks on hand. There is no room in the refrigerator for that assortment, and we are not disciplined enough to keep ice on the drinks when in a regular cooler. The problem will come when it is time to move on, and we have to find a place to stow it while traveling.
We are tentatively planning to head south toward Yuma and Organ Pipe National Monument when we leave here on the fifteenth of this month. We need to get some sun screens to hang from the outside awning and want to purchase them from the same company in Yuma that made our windshield screens. We have driven through Organ Pipe but would like to see it again, and it has a wonderful RV park that is close to the visitors' center but essentially right out in the desert.
This is the third day that Colleen has been without heat at home. It was determined yesterday that the motor on the burner unit had shorted out, but the repairman couldn't get a replacement until today. So she has been wearing Polar Fleece, ear muffs, and a hat. She has a small space heater and is burning the fireplace. And snow flurries were predicted.
Tomorrow is the last of the 60s birthdays for Ken. I'll give him his choice for dinner and have our traveling partners over for dessert which is yet to be determined.
Have a good day. Ciao
I think the thermometer is supposed to dip down to 32 tonight, but I did see an 80 on the horizon for the week end. There is still the ever-present blue sky and sunshine so that is a good balance for the cold nights.
I can't believe how much of a Wal Mart shopper I have become; mostly out of necessity since there is no other shopping available without going to Phoenix. Yesterday it was a hair cut, a pedicure, and Coleman electric refrigerator. The two local salons were booked out for about ten days, and we could just walk in and sign in at Wal Mart. Actually, I was fairly impressed with both the haircut and the pedicure, but perhaps that is because the salons are independent businesses - not WalMart.
I decided the refrigerator was an outside necessity to keep beer and soft drinks on hand. There is no room in the refrigerator for that assortment, and we are not disciplined enough to keep ice on the drinks when in a regular cooler. The problem will come when it is time to move on, and we have to find a place to stow it while traveling.
We are tentatively planning to head south toward Yuma and Organ Pipe National Monument when we leave here on the fifteenth of this month. We need to get some sun screens to hang from the outside awning and want to purchase them from the same company in Yuma that made our windshield screens. We have driven through Organ Pipe but would like to see it again, and it has a wonderful RV park that is close to the visitors' center but essentially right out in the desert.
This is the third day that Colleen has been without heat at home. It was determined yesterday that the motor on the burner unit had shorted out, but the repairman couldn't get a replacement until today. So she has been wearing Polar Fleece, ear muffs, and a hat. She has a small space heater and is burning the fireplace. And snow flurries were predicted.
Tomorrow is the last of the 60s birthdays for Ken. I'll give him his choice for dinner and have our traveling partners over for dessert which is yet to be determined.
Have a good day. Ciao
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Skype Dog
We have had to scold Cooper for making telephone calls. We were away today, but Gary received a notice that Kirkwoods were on Skype (computer to computer telephone technology). He was quite sure we weren't home yet but stepped outside to be sure our car wasn't here, so the only creature to have access to our computer, inside the motorhome, was Cooper!!!!! Now I have always known he was a smart dog, but I never dreamed he could plug in the headset and make a telephone call!!!! Truth be known, I suspect Cooper wriggled his way to the front of my seat in the cockpit and somehow managed to jar the computer to life - the mechanics of what happened is beyond me, but it makes for a good story.
Karen and Rod arrived Sunday as planned and they are parked right beside us - for the next month. We are very happy that they decided to stay in this park, and right next door. We have shared some meals, swapped some stories, and touched on what we might want to do for the next three weeks. Karen and Rod invited their neighbors to join all of us to talk about Puerto Penasco since those folks had just been there. Everything we hear is very positive, and we are determined to at least drive down for a day just to see it and make plans for next winter.
We are still waiting for sunny warm weather. Once in a while we get a burst of sunshine, but sprinkled among the bursts of sunshine are blasts of wind and black walls of clouds. It is going to get down into the 30s here tonight.
There were two quilt shows in the area this weekend, and we were partially successful in attending. Yesterday was a small show in the town of Cooldige which is about 20 miles from here and looks like it has been forgotton. But there were some lovely quilts including some antiques. Today's show was at Fiesta Grande Park in Casa Grande but after a late start, a slow lunch, and my error in the hours of the show, we essentially missed it. The quilts were being taken down when we arrived.
We continue to work on our quilt of valor. Karen, Carolyn, and I worked on color placement today and now I am getting ready to join the blocks for the main part of the quilt. I am very happy with the choices for colors and am convinced the finished product will look smashing! Karen and I have worked outside the past two days and needless to say we have elicited several comments and visits from folks who are walking by.
The guys went to Chandler today for a car show which included the Shelby that was sold for $5M+ at auction here last month. Tomorrow Ken and Rod are going to Phoenix for a gun show, and Karen and I plan to stay home to catch up on some chores and projects. Even though this motor home is small, it still seems to require a fair bit of attention and cleaning!!
It is my bedtime so will toddle off to bed. Ciao
Karen and Rod arrived Sunday as planned and they are parked right beside us - for the next month. We are very happy that they decided to stay in this park, and right next door. We have shared some meals, swapped some stories, and touched on what we might want to do for the next three weeks. Karen and Rod invited their neighbors to join all of us to talk about Puerto Penasco since those folks had just been there. Everything we hear is very positive, and we are determined to at least drive down for a day just to see it and make plans for next winter.
We are still waiting for sunny warm weather. Once in a while we get a burst of sunshine, but sprinkled among the bursts of sunshine are blasts of wind and black walls of clouds. It is going to get down into the 30s here tonight.
There were two quilt shows in the area this weekend, and we were partially successful in attending. Yesterday was a small show in the town of Cooldige which is about 20 miles from here and looks like it has been forgotton. But there were some lovely quilts including some antiques. Today's show was at Fiesta Grande Park in Casa Grande but after a late start, a slow lunch, and my error in the hours of the show, we essentially missed it. The quilts were being taken down when we arrived.
We continue to work on our quilt of valor. Karen, Carolyn, and I worked on color placement today and now I am getting ready to join the blocks for the main part of the quilt. I am very happy with the choices for colors and am convinced the finished product will look smashing! Karen and I have worked outside the past two days and needless to say we have elicited several comments and visits from folks who are walking by.
The guys went to Chandler today for a car show which included the Shelby that was sold for $5M+ at auction here last month. Tomorrow Ken and Rod are going to Phoenix for a gun show, and Karen and I plan to stay home to catch up on some chores and projects. Even though this motor home is small, it still seems to require a fair bit of attention and cleaning!!
It is my bedtime so will toddle off to bed. Ciao
Friday, February 16, 2007
Friends
We have spent lots of time with the Jaynes this past week, and now they are headed out in the morning to spend one or two nights in Mesa and then on to Las Vegas. Last night we were invited to Gary and Della Reinbolds' who are parked in the Palm Creek Resort here in Casa Grande..........a very posh upscale resort with over 1000 spaces and a par 3 eighteen-hole golf course in the middle. We, the Reinbolds and the Jaynes then went on to Chili's for dinner. Another evening of enjoyable company and visiting.
Last Tuesday is when the Ziemers were here for the afternoon, and so we were able to catch up on what they have been doing. They have four kids about the ages of our four, and the last of them, one of the twins, got married last October. They are going to be heading back home within the next ten days as Daryl seemingly has injured his shoulder and has a doctor's appointment later this month. He has already had surgery on the other shoulder, and now it looks like it will be this one.
Today Carolyn and I were in Phoenix for an Amish furniture and quilt sale at the fair grounds. I was quite surprised at the reasonable prices of some of the furniture. All of the quilts that were for sale were machine pieced and then hand quilted - some were quite lovely. But aside from the quilts, most everything was more country than is my choosing. I purchased a book and two scented candles.
We had Bob and Sharon and Gary and Carolyn over for dinner tonight - hamburgers. This is one of the first days that it has been warm enough that we could sit and eat outside, as long as we finished before the sun went down. I think it is supposed to be nice tomorrow as well with the temperature in the mid seventies.
I talked to Karen briefly this afternoon, and they are in Ely, Nevada tonight with a goal of getting here on Sunday. The space next to us is going to be available so we will be neighbors for a week and then see what they decide to do. I think a road trip to Yuma and Mexico might be in the plans for the near future. Since we have occasionally considered spending time in Mexico, we thought it would be worthwhile to just drive across the border to Puerto Penasco to spend the night and check it out.
We have been able to connect with Brian once in a while for some IMing, and last Saturday, he, Keith and I were all on at the same time. He is very busy and is currently working nights. We sent some rugs, coffee, and a magazine to him recently, and he had it in less than ten days so it is good to know that the U.S. Post Office is doing its job.
We have not been in touch with Sheila and the boys for a while, and I suspect they are in McCall this week end for some skiing. Both boys got straight As on their recent report cards, and Nolan is number one student in his entire student body. We have awesome grandchildren; otherwise known as our space chickens!!!!!
We are settling in for the evening...........the television is on and Cooper is snuggled up on the sofa. Have a good weekend. Ciao
Last Tuesday is when the Ziemers were here for the afternoon, and so we were able to catch up on what they have been doing. They have four kids about the ages of our four, and the last of them, one of the twins, got married last October. They are going to be heading back home within the next ten days as Daryl seemingly has injured his shoulder and has a doctor's appointment later this month. He has already had surgery on the other shoulder, and now it looks like it will be this one.
Today Carolyn and I were in Phoenix for an Amish furniture and quilt sale at the fair grounds. I was quite surprised at the reasonable prices of some of the furniture. All of the quilts that were for sale were machine pieced and then hand quilted - some were quite lovely. But aside from the quilts, most everything was more country than is my choosing. I purchased a book and two scented candles.
We had Bob and Sharon and Gary and Carolyn over for dinner tonight - hamburgers. This is one of the first days that it has been warm enough that we could sit and eat outside, as long as we finished before the sun went down. I think it is supposed to be nice tomorrow as well with the temperature in the mid seventies.
I talked to Karen briefly this afternoon, and they are in Ely, Nevada tonight with a goal of getting here on Sunday. The space next to us is going to be available so we will be neighbors for a week and then see what they decide to do. I think a road trip to Yuma and Mexico might be in the plans for the near future. Since we have occasionally considered spending time in Mexico, we thought it would be worthwhile to just drive across the border to Puerto Penasco to spend the night and check it out.
We have been able to connect with Brian once in a while for some IMing, and last Saturday, he, Keith and I were all on at the same time. He is very busy and is currently working nights. We sent some rugs, coffee, and a magazine to him recently, and he had it in less than ten days so it is good to know that the U.S. Post Office is doing its job.
We have not been in touch with Sheila and the boys for a while, and I suspect they are in McCall this week end for some skiing. Both boys got straight As on their recent report cards, and Nolan is number one student in his entire student body. We have awesome grandchildren; otherwise known as our space chickens!!!!!
We are settling in for the evening...........the television is on and Cooper is snuggled up on the sofa. Have a good weekend. Ciao
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Another week has gone by. We have been here almost four weeks, and I have yet to open my sewing machine. I have also been thinking I would take one full day to go to Phoenix and shop by myself, but I haven't done that either.
We have shared some dinners with Gary and Carolyn, but with each of us having friends arriving, our schedules will change a bit. Bob and Sharon Jayne arrived last Friday and are staying at Val Vista Winter Village which is about 2 miles from here. They and Angus are fine and it is good to see them. Gary and Carolyn have some friends arriving tomorrow and will be here for three days. Tony is a magician, and he has some engagements in this area.
Rod and Karen Sprague plan to be here by this time next week. I'm not sure where they plan to stay, but we have heard that this park is full, so they could end up at Val Vista as well. We are looking forward to our time with them as we had such a good time down here last year when they joined us.
And Davenport friends, the Ziemers, called and said they were coming down for a visit next Tuesday afternoon. They always stay in Phoenix at The Resort, and we haven't been up that way even though we were within blocks today..........
We, the Ouseys, and the Jaynes went to the Mesa Market (a must when wintering in the Phoenix area) today, and I managed to spend less than $5. But I have my eye on some items when I go back next time. We also found a reasonably priced outlet for a sunscreen to hang from our awning, so it was a worthwhile trip, and we can probably pick up the sunscreen sometime in the coming week. Our awning cannot be adjusted as to how low it sits, and we get sun all day on the door side of the MH so it is time to take action.
Have a good week. Ciao
We have shared some dinners with Gary and Carolyn, but with each of us having friends arriving, our schedules will change a bit. Bob and Sharon Jayne arrived last Friday and are staying at Val Vista Winter Village which is about 2 miles from here. They and Angus are fine and it is good to see them. Gary and Carolyn have some friends arriving tomorrow and will be here for three days. Tony is a magician, and he has some engagements in this area.
Rod and Karen Sprague plan to be here by this time next week. I'm not sure where they plan to stay, but we have heard that this park is full, so they could end up at Val Vista as well. We are looking forward to our time with them as we had such a good time down here last year when they joined us.
And Davenport friends, the Ziemers, called and said they were coming down for a visit next Tuesday afternoon. They always stay in Phoenix at The Resort, and we haven't been up that way even though we were within blocks today..........
We, the Ouseys, and the Jaynes went to the Mesa Market (a must when wintering in the Phoenix area) today, and I managed to spend less than $5. But I have my eye on some items when I go back next time. We also found a reasonably priced outlet for a sunscreen to hang from our awning, so it was a worthwhile trip, and we can probably pick up the sunscreen sometime in the coming week. Our awning cannot be adjusted as to how low it sits, and we get sun all day on the door side of the MH so it is time to take action.
Have a good week. Ciao
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Ah the Sunshine
It is still in the 40s in the morning, but the days have been glorious and in the low 70s. It is still a bit too cool to sit outside with my morning coffee and paper.
I'm afraid this past week has not been very exciting. We have been in to Phoenix twice on specific shopping expeditions and had Gary and Della Reinbold here for dinner on Thursday evenng.
We, and the Ouseys, went to Chandler on Friday for the Beaudry RV 'roundup' which included a free barbeque lunch. Afterwards, we climbed in and out of at least two dozen motor homes ranging in price from the low $100s up to $750,000 and above. I was pleased to see that the manufacturers are putting in more and more hard surface flooring in the living areas rather than cheap carpet that gets dirty and wears out. I think two lavatories in any motor home is over the top, but I do like the rear master bath that is found in some of the diesels. But I managed to find something wrong with all of them, and was willing to come back to our humble abode.
We enjoyed the Reinbolds visit and caught up on what they have been doing. The first six months after Ken and I were married, we carpooled with them. Della and I worked downtown Spokane and the guys would drop us off and then go on out to Eastern for school. They eventually settled in Davenport and bought the local insurance agency. Their son Mike and daughter Kris are about the same ages as Keith and Colleen. Now they spend most of their time either at a condo in Anacortes or somewhere in their motor home. This winter they are here in Casa Grande at a nearby golf resort.
We were thrilled to have the Air Force IM site up and working yesterday, and with a bit of technical help from Keith, he, Brian and we were able to 'chat' . It is quite fun with a three-way conversation because there is usually something to be reading while someone else is composing. So we determined that there is a chance that all of our family could be together the first week of July. Keith and Janet and the girls arrive on the sixth, and if Brian, Sheila, and the boys can stay a day or two beyond the Fourth, it will work. What fun would that be?
I have had some interesting grocery shopping experiences that have run the gamut. There is a chain of stores in the area called Food City which would be considered lower end, but the fun is that they cater to the Mexican cuisine, and every store has its own tortillaeria with fresh warm tortillas hurtling down the conveyor belt Plus the store has all kinds of interesting ethnic foods; Knorr brand chipotle flavoring base, and some fresh vegetables that I have never seen such as grey squash which is similar in taste and texture to a zucchini.
And at the other extreme was a stop at AJ's which is a very upscale chain here in the area. A beautiful store with lots of interesting and high end foodstuffs with prices to match. But it was fun to poke around, and we only needed 2 items so we didn't blow the budget. I still rely on the commissaries for the staples, and then frequent local stores for produce and fresh items.
The Super Bowl is in the fourth quarter and then we are going to have dinner here with Gary and Carolyn - chicken enchilada casserole, Mexican rice, and spinach salad. That should make us sleep well after a late dinner! Ciao
I'm afraid this past week has not been very exciting. We have been in to Phoenix twice on specific shopping expeditions and had Gary and Della Reinbold here for dinner on Thursday evenng.
We, and the Ouseys, went to Chandler on Friday for the Beaudry RV 'roundup' which included a free barbeque lunch. Afterwards, we climbed in and out of at least two dozen motor homes ranging in price from the low $100s up to $750,000 and above. I was pleased to see that the manufacturers are putting in more and more hard surface flooring in the living areas rather than cheap carpet that gets dirty and wears out. I think two lavatories in any motor home is over the top, but I do like the rear master bath that is found in some of the diesels. But I managed to find something wrong with all of them, and was willing to come back to our humble abode.
We enjoyed the Reinbolds visit and caught up on what they have been doing. The first six months after Ken and I were married, we carpooled with them. Della and I worked downtown Spokane and the guys would drop us off and then go on out to Eastern for school. They eventually settled in Davenport and bought the local insurance agency. Their son Mike and daughter Kris are about the same ages as Keith and Colleen. Now they spend most of their time either at a condo in Anacortes or somewhere in their motor home. This winter they are here in Casa Grande at a nearby golf resort.
We were thrilled to have the Air Force IM site up and working yesterday, and with a bit of technical help from Keith, he, Brian and we were able to 'chat' . It is quite fun with a three-way conversation because there is usually something to be reading while someone else is composing. So we determined that there is a chance that all of our family could be together the first week of July. Keith and Janet and the girls arrive on the sixth, and if Brian, Sheila, and the boys can stay a day or two beyond the Fourth, it will work. What fun would that be?
I have had some interesting grocery shopping experiences that have run the gamut. There is a chain of stores in the area called Food City which would be considered lower end, but the fun is that they cater to the Mexican cuisine, and every store has its own tortillaeria with fresh warm tortillas hurtling down the conveyor belt Plus the store has all kinds of interesting ethnic foods; Knorr brand chipotle flavoring base, and some fresh vegetables that I have never seen such as grey squash which is similar in taste and texture to a zucchini.
And at the other extreme was a stop at AJ's which is a very upscale chain here in the area. A beautiful store with lots of interesting and high end foodstuffs with prices to match. But it was fun to poke around, and we only needed 2 items so we didn't blow the budget. I still rely on the commissaries for the staples, and then frequent local stores for produce and fresh items.
The Super Bowl is in the fourth quarter and then we are going to have dinner here with Gary and Carolyn - chicken enchilada casserole, Mexican rice, and spinach salad. That should make us sleep well after a late dinner! Ciao
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sunshine and Sewing
Here are two pictures pertaining to the previous blog - the peanut can technology and Greta with her new doggie, Peach. I think the wintery blast is in the past and sunshine has taken its rightful place among us. We are seeing blue skies and sunshine with the temp topping out at 72 yesterday. And I suppose in another month we will be complaining because it is getting too hot.
Let's see, on Tuesday the four of us took two cars into Phoenix. We arrived at IKEA around 9:30 and enjoyed the breakfast while waiting for the store to open at ten. Then Ken and Gary went their merry way to do their shopping at Fry's Electronics while Carolyn and I started our quest for all those "can't live without" items that IKEA is so famous for. After walking the aisles of the upper floor with all the room displays we had to make our way back to the restaurant for a coffee and tea break so we could summon the energy to shop the lower floor. And then it was time for lunch! After that we still had to make a stop in the food section for meatballs and lingonberries to restock the larder in the motorhomes.
Speaking of bargains one can't live without; IKEA had a set of dishes, four placesettings, large plate, salad plate and soup bowl for $3.99 for the set. We each had to have one of course - and they were blue and white - perfect colors. I keep buying throw rugs while trying to find the perfect ones for the motor home.......not too big so I can't shake them, not too small so they don't cover enough space, not too light in color so they show all the dog hair, and, and, and. So now I'm trying a couple of good-sized burgundy cotton rugs, and since the interior is neutral in color, I think I'll have to continue the burgundy theme with some pillows and accessories. Yes!!
Yesterday found Carolyn and I on I-10 headed back to Phoenix for the Sewing/Quilting/Craft show at the fairgrounds and spent about six hours there. After just a half hour, someone tapped me on the shoulder and it was Jan Zeimer for Davenport/the Resort/Phoenix. She said there were two cars that came in from the Resort.
I have enough quilting projects to keep me busy for the next two years so I did exercise pretty good restraint. But I did get taken in by a silicone roller that will pick up pet hair, coins, and pins and needles. It works like a lint roller but has an extended handle and the roller is about 10 inches wide. It does work quite well, and as soon as the roller is covered, you rinse it in water, and when you dry it off it becomes sticky again. It sounds a bit of a gimick, but I do think it will help - see the preceding paragraph about rugs and dog hair.
Coming home found us going the wrong direction of I-10 after we left the fairgrounds, so we had to do a bit of backtracking during rush hour traffic, but we did get home just fine.
We have the ability to IM with Brian if we happen to be online at the same time, and we were able to chat with him for a few minutes this week. With the difference in time zones, his early morning is our early evening, and vica versa, so there are two good windows to catch each other. I know he is very busy, as is the entire squadron along with just having to adjust to a new environment and mission. He and Sheila also have a blog site that is updated every few days so that also gives us a glimpse of what is going both with the guys and the families at home. If you are interested in the blog, let me know, and I'll get you to it.
The Spragues are hoping to leave Spokane and come our direction the second week of February if all stays okay with their parents. The Jaynes have talked about coming down next month, but I'm only giving that a 50/50 chance based on what they have been saying. In the meantime we and the Ouseys are trying to figure out if we want to stay where we are or explore another park for the next month we are here.
UPDATE: Just after I wrote about the Jaynes coming to Arizona, we received an email to say they were planning to leave next Saturday!! They are coming down I-5 so they can stop in Euguene to get a brake system installed in the motorhome, then continue south and east. I am going to check at the office to see how availability is. I know there are spaces available, but the question is whether there is a space in the pet area. It will be fun to see them. We are slowly creating our own little social circle here. Ciao
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Peanut Can Internet
Ah ha, we now have internet – all with the help of a Planters peanut can……….Ken borrowed some software (and the peanut can) from Gary that in effect captures the signal from the antenna atop the office at the other end of the park. So it works like a charm and I am a happy camper – er peanut camper? Besides, I was in need of a bit of new décor for the dashboard, so the peanut can fills the bill.
We have visited back and forth catching up with the Ouseys, and other than some housecleaning, we have not done much of anything. Yesterday was cold and rainy, and it made me wish I had one of those gorgeous RVs with a fireplace, but we have had to make do with the furnace and a heater, which are actually quite adequate.
There is an interesting setup next door to us. A car that is covered, a 20+ year-old 15’ travel trailer, and a huge tent/gazebo setup that takes up ½ the entire site and creates a solid wall with a view of nothing outside our slide-out windows. But I guess with such a little trailer, one would have to have some overflow space. I saw the occupant for the first time this morning as she was walking her Pomeranian, and since she is a chain smoker, I imagine she spends a fair bit of time in the ‘gazebo’.
Casa Grande has a street fair this week end so we will take a look at that today, and go on to the outlet stores to see if I can find a swimming suit that won’t make my cry so I can go into the hot tub. There appear to be two Lutheran churches in the area, so we’ll see if we can find one for tomorrow.
Gary and Della Reinbold are staying nearby and came by for a short visit yesterday. I will have them over for dinner sometime next week. And Ken has talked to Daryl. They are in their usual spot, The Resort, in Mesa. Glenn and Nancy Reinbold are also at The Resort, and after about two years of pondering, they have purchased a park model that they will move into tomorrow. I’m afraid there are too few months that are comfortable down here that I would want to own something that I felt compelled to visit. The RV suits us just fine.
We have heard from Brian, and he says it is cold, cold, cold. But his brief reports indicate that not only is the coffee very acceptable (and he is a pretty severe coffee critic) but dinner recently consisted of crab legs, steak, and gumbo. Well, they can’t fight a war on an empty stomach!!
Colleen missed a day of work last week as the result of yet another snowstorm in Puget Sound. Actually, I think all the roads were okay, but she couldn’t get in and out of Walnut Lane. She didn’t sound terribly disappointed to have to stay home with her dog and a fire in the fireplace. Her commute has approached two hours in the morning this past week, so I suspect she is going to get serious about finding a place to live nearer to her office on Queen Anne
Sunday evening
We went to the street fair yesterday where there were quite a few restored cars, vintage and otherwise, plus the usual booths with everything from kettle korn to jewelry. We did stop at the outlet mall, but I only purchased 3 books, and there were no swim suits to be had.
I think it will be IKEA and Trader Joe’s on Tuesday and the quilting, sewing, craft expo on Thursday.
Tonight it has been raining off and on and the temperature has been dropping throughout the evening and it is now 37.5!!!! There is snow from Tucson and to the east and south!!. We might not be able to go anywhere if the cold weather continues or we get snow!! Ciao
We have visited back and forth catching up with the Ouseys, and other than some housecleaning, we have not done much of anything. Yesterday was cold and rainy, and it made me wish I had one of those gorgeous RVs with a fireplace, but we have had to make do with the furnace and a heater, which are actually quite adequate.
There is an interesting setup next door to us. A car that is covered, a 20+ year-old 15’ travel trailer, and a huge tent/gazebo setup that takes up ½ the entire site and creates a solid wall with a view of nothing outside our slide-out windows. But I guess with such a little trailer, one would have to have some overflow space. I saw the occupant for the first time this morning as she was walking her Pomeranian, and since she is a chain smoker, I imagine she spends a fair bit of time in the ‘gazebo’.
Casa Grande has a street fair this week end so we will take a look at that today, and go on to the outlet stores to see if I can find a swimming suit that won’t make my cry so I can go into the hot tub. There appear to be two Lutheran churches in the area, so we’ll see if we can find one for tomorrow.
Gary and Della Reinbold are staying nearby and came by for a short visit yesterday. I will have them over for dinner sometime next week. And Ken has talked to Daryl. They are in their usual spot, The Resort, in Mesa. Glenn and Nancy Reinbold are also at The Resort, and after about two years of pondering, they have purchased a park model that they will move into tomorrow. I’m afraid there are too few months that are comfortable down here that I would want to own something that I felt compelled to visit. The RV suits us just fine.
We have heard from Brian, and he says it is cold, cold, cold. But his brief reports indicate that not only is the coffee very acceptable (and he is a pretty severe coffee critic) but dinner recently consisted of crab legs, steak, and gumbo. Well, they can’t fight a war on an empty stomach!!
Colleen missed a day of work last week as the result of yet another snowstorm in Puget Sound. Actually, I think all the roads were okay, but she couldn’t get in and out of Walnut Lane. She didn’t sound terribly disappointed to have to stay home with her dog and a fire in the fireplace. Her commute has approached two hours in the morning this past week, so I suspect she is going to get serious about finding a place to live nearer to her office on Queen Anne
Sunday evening
We went to the street fair yesterday where there were quite a few restored cars, vintage and otherwise, plus the usual booths with everything from kettle korn to jewelry. We did stop at the outlet mall, but I only purchased 3 books, and there were no swim suits to be had.
I think it will be IKEA and Trader Joe’s on Tuesday and the quilting, sewing, craft expo on Thursday.
Tonight it has been raining off and on and the temperature has been dropping throughout the evening and it is now 37.5!!!! There is snow from Tucson and to the east and south!!. We might not be able to go anywhere if the cold weather continues or we get snow!! Ciao
Thursday, January 18, 2007
On the Road Again
January 15, 2007
We did get out of Steilacoom at 5 p.m. on Saturday and made it to the rest stop south of Portland. We fully expected a full house, but we were able to score our favorite site alongside a curb at the very back of the area. It is a great place to stop with Cooper, and he is now a happy camper to be on the road and away from the princess, Skyla. But he is never fully convinced that we aren’t going to go off and leave him someplace, so he spends most of the day on the sofa with his eyes only half closed until he can’t stay awake any longer.
Yesterday was a long day, and it began with Ken bounding out of bed at 5:30 am because he was concerned about getting through the Siskiyous before dark. We were under way by 6:30, made it through southern Oregon and northern California without incident and stayed last night at Rolling Hills Casino inear Corning. We made the mistake of going inside to eat, and it was somewhere between bad and terrible. The best part of my meal was the dinner roll and a piece of lemon meringue pie.
We have blue sky and sunshine this morning and have enjoyed looking at the thousands of snow geese that are wintering alongside the interstate in the rice fields. And just a mile down the road we came across a huge gathering of Canadian geese. A blue heron and a bunch of white egrets round out our morning’s quarry.
Craig, Cassie and Greta came for dinner on Friday night and to let Greta have yet another gift encounter. I think this is about number four by the time you count all her family. Ketih and Janet gave her a Gund puppy that she promptly named Peach and fashioned a leash for her from the ribbon from another gift – the Kon-nex (sp) toy that came from the Idaho Kirkwoods. Greta had made several creations with that before the evening was over.
The Baltimore Kirkwoods gave Ken satellite radio for Christmas, and we are thoroughly enjoying it. Between no commercials and constant reception, it is a delight. But then we managed to blow out one of the front speakers so there is a shopping project after we get to Arizona. I missed my Sunday night entertainment (Brothers and Sisters) because we were dry camping so I will have to see if I can resurrect it on the ABC website.
We aren’t sure how far we will get today; Bakersfield is too soon to stop, but the choices are far and few between after that. We doubt we will be in Casa Grande until sometime on Wednesday. In the meantime, we continue rolling down the road.
It is now Tuesday late afternoon, and we have decided to make a run for Casa Grande. Last night found us dry camping at Edwards AFB so we took advantage of the commissary and BX before leaving about noon today.. The drive into the San Bernardino/Redlands/Loma Linda area was all too familiar, but we arrived there this time in a different frame of mind. Actually, the area looked a bit less unappealing since a strong wind had blown most of the smog away and there seemed to be some green here and there.
The trip has been blissfully uneventful with no big scares or problems, and we are looking forward to getting set up and sitting still for a while.
Here we are on Wednesday afternoon with the sun streaming in the windows. We made very good time last night and arrived at Foothills West in Casa Grande before ten o’clock and got to bed about midnight. We are about 100 feet from where the Ouseys are, and I can see the back end of their rig with just a little walkway between us. We had coffee together this morning and caught up on each others’ news and Carolyn is cooking dinner for us tonight. Who could ask for more?
I need to get on with some much-needed housekeeping because there is black dog hair everywhere!! But Cooper seems unaffected by the turn of events and is in on the bedroom floor enjoying an afternoon snooze.
We don’t have an internet connection at our site, but I will save this to my memory stick and take it to Ouseys this evening to post. Ciao.
We did get out of Steilacoom at 5 p.m. on Saturday and made it to the rest stop south of Portland. We fully expected a full house, but we were able to score our favorite site alongside a curb at the very back of the area. It is a great place to stop with Cooper, and he is now a happy camper to be on the road and away from the princess, Skyla. But he is never fully convinced that we aren’t going to go off and leave him someplace, so he spends most of the day on the sofa with his eyes only half closed until he can’t stay awake any longer.
Yesterday was a long day, and it began with Ken bounding out of bed at 5:30 am because he was concerned about getting through the Siskiyous before dark. We were under way by 6:30, made it through southern Oregon and northern California without incident and stayed last night at Rolling Hills Casino inear Corning. We made the mistake of going inside to eat, and it was somewhere between bad and terrible. The best part of my meal was the dinner roll and a piece of lemon meringue pie.
We have blue sky and sunshine this morning and have enjoyed looking at the thousands of snow geese that are wintering alongside the interstate in the rice fields. And just a mile down the road we came across a huge gathering of Canadian geese. A blue heron and a bunch of white egrets round out our morning’s quarry.
Craig, Cassie and Greta came for dinner on Friday night and to let Greta have yet another gift encounter. I think this is about number four by the time you count all her family. Ketih and Janet gave her a Gund puppy that she promptly named Peach and fashioned a leash for her from the ribbon from another gift – the Kon-nex (sp) toy that came from the Idaho Kirkwoods. Greta had made several creations with that before the evening was over.
The Baltimore Kirkwoods gave Ken satellite radio for Christmas, and we are thoroughly enjoying it. Between no commercials and constant reception, it is a delight. But then we managed to blow out one of the front speakers so there is a shopping project after we get to Arizona. I missed my Sunday night entertainment (Brothers and Sisters) because we were dry camping so I will have to see if I can resurrect it on the ABC website.
We aren’t sure how far we will get today; Bakersfield is too soon to stop, but the choices are far and few between after that. We doubt we will be in Casa Grande until sometime on Wednesday. In the meantime, we continue rolling down the road.
It is now Tuesday late afternoon, and we have decided to make a run for Casa Grande. Last night found us dry camping at Edwards AFB so we took advantage of the commissary and BX before leaving about noon today.. The drive into the San Bernardino/Redlands/Loma Linda area was all too familiar, but we arrived there this time in a different frame of mind. Actually, the area looked a bit less unappealing since a strong wind had blown most of the smog away and there seemed to be some green here and there.
The trip has been blissfully uneventful with no big scares or problems, and we are looking forward to getting set up and sitting still for a while.
Here we are on Wednesday afternoon with the sun streaming in the windows. We made very good time last night and arrived at Foothills West in Casa Grande before ten o’clock and got to bed about midnight. We are about 100 feet from where the Ouseys are, and I can see the back end of their rig with just a little walkway between us. We had coffee together this morning and caught up on each others’ news and Carolyn is cooking dinner for us tonight. Who could ask for more?
I need to get on with some much-needed housekeeping because there is black dog hair everywhere!! But Cooper seems unaffected by the turn of events and is in on the bedroom floor enjoying an afternoon snooze.
We don’t have an internet connection at our site, but I will save this to my memory stick and take it to Ouseys this evening to post. Ciao.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Almost gone
If we can get the motor home down Birch Street tomorrow afternoon we will be on our way. We have had major cold weather and snow for the past two days so it has made for some slippery driving. Ken is out running errands right now, but he has studded snow tires on the Westfalia, and this is the first time out in several days.
I have my sewing machine and about six projects to take with me, but it remains to be seen how many will get finished. I like to keep my options open!!
Craig, Cassie and Greta are coming for dinner tonight so Greta can open her Christmas gifts from our family. She was in Portland with Cassie's parents when we were all together for gift-giving. We will have Swedish meatballs and spaetzle for dinner - how is that for being international?
Ken has his first lab results since Loma Linda and the numbers are going in the right direction. His PSA has gone from 4+ to 2+ so we are delighted, and his doctor says it is great!!!!! The only downside was to have to ease off on cholesterol medication since it is affecting his liver, but that too can be dealt with!!
We had an enjoyable evening on Wednesday with our friends. They had to drive home after the storm started and it was not easy for Richard and Elisabeth who live in Gig Harbor. Their usual entrance to the Narrows Bridge had been closed so they had to make their way around to another on-ramp. She said it was snowing hard and cars were skidding everywhere, but they made it home.
My next blog should be from road ahead!! Ciao
I have my sewing machine and about six projects to take with me, but it remains to be seen how many will get finished. I like to keep my options open!!
Craig, Cassie and Greta are coming for dinner tonight so Greta can open her Christmas gifts from our family. She was in Portland with Cassie's parents when we were all together for gift-giving. We will have Swedish meatballs and spaetzle for dinner - how is that for being international?
Ken has his first lab results since Loma Linda and the numbers are going in the right direction. His PSA has gone from 4+ to 2+ so we are delighted, and his doctor says it is great!!!!! The only downside was to have to ease off on cholesterol medication since it is affecting his liver, but that too can be dealt with!!
We had an enjoyable evening on Wednesday with our friends. They had to drive home after the storm started and it was not easy for Richard and Elisabeth who live in Gig Harbor. Their usual entrance to the Narrows Bridge had been closed so they had to make their way around to another on-ramp. She said it was snowing hard and cars were skidding everywhere, but they made it home.
My next blog should be from road ahead!! Ciao
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Happy New Year
In fact we are now heading in to the second week of it. Our New Year's Eve was the usual Herculean effort to stay awake until midnight, have a sip of champagne and then toddle off to bed.
We are by ourselves for the first time since before Christmas, but it sure was fun while it lasted, and we loved having everybody here. Jeff and Bev went home yesterday. I managed to come down with a cold last week, but fortunately, the Schulers are ready to sit still and unwind when they come so I was able to just do fun stuff like play Boggle and do a bit of shopping.
We continue to tell everyone who will listen what wonderful granddaughters we have. Being 16 and 19 they were such fun to have around and were willing to do or join in on whatever was going on. They both play pinochle so that was usually the game of choice. They were fun, and cheery, and cute, and awesome!!!!! They went to the store for me one afternoon and along with my requested items, brought flowers back to me. Purchased with their own hard-earned money.
Bev and I drove to Portland with Cassie on New Year's Day to keep her company. She met her mom in Portland to do the Greta hand-off. We all had lunch together and then shopped for about 1 1/2 hours at the Fabric Depot which is one of the biggest fabric stores I have ever encountered. However, I exercised restraint and only purchased thread!! I think Greta fared quite will with fabric for at least one or two new outfits. With both mom and grandma being accomplished seamstresses, she is a well-clad little girl.
We plan to be out the driveway next Saturday afternoon. Colleen gets home about noon, and we figure anywhere outside of Steilacoom is a good start for the trip south. We will probably head for a rest stop at the juncture of I-5 and I-205 south of Portland which has lots of ample overnight parking. We have stayed there before and Cooper approves.
I have invited our friends the Bakers, and Elisabeth and Richard for dinner on Wednesday evening for some visiting before we leave. I guess I had better get busy and decide what to feed them. Cassoulet or braised short ribs are two ideas that come to mind; neither of which have I ever prepared. But that is why you have company for dinner isn't it? To try out those new and untested recipes?
Sharon Jayne called this morning to say that she just noticed this morning that our Liberty Lake house has been rased. She said the garage is still standing, which was probably a smart move because we built it new and it had a concrete floor plus a full basement! My consolation is that I have the sink, and I could easily reproduce that floorplan from memory.
Colleen is in Phoenix this week and her dog is tolerating us but that is about it. The dog walker just came to take her out so she was a happy camper. She is a very good dog for being so high energy, and I know she wishes we would go away and Colleen would return. I slept downstairs with her last night since I didn't think she would enjoy sleeping by herself, and she loves to get up on the bed and snuggle next to the down comforter!
We have a day of relative calm weather today, but there is at least one imminent storm plus a cold front that is going to put us down into the low 20s in another day or two. In fact it was nice enough today that Ken was able to wash the motorhome.
Ciao
We are by ourselves for the first time since before Christmas, but it sure was fun while it lasted, and we loved having everybody here. Jeff and Bev went home yesterday. I managed to come down with a cold last week, but fortunately, the Schulers are ready to sit still and unwind when they come so I was able to just do fun stuff like play Boggle and do a bit of shopping.
We continue to tell everyone who will listen what wonderful granddaughters we have. Being 16 and 19 they were such fun to have around and were willing to do or join in on whatever was going on. They both play pinochle so that was usually the game of choice. They were fun, and cheery, and cute, and awesome!!!!! They went to the store for me one afternoon and along with my requested items, brought flowers back to me. Purchased with their own hard-earned money.
Bev and I drove to Portland with Cassie on New Year's Day to keep her company. She met her mom in Portland to do the Greta hand-off. We all had lunch together and then shopped for about 1 1/2 hours at the Fabric Depot which is one of the biggest fabric stores I have ever encountered. However, I exercised restraint and only purchased thread!! I think Greta fared quite will with fabric for at least one or two new outfits. With both mom and grandma being accomplished seamstresses, she is a well-clad little girl.
We plan to be out the driveway next Saturday afternoon. Colleen gets home about noon, and we figure anywhere outside of Steilacoom is a good start for the trip south. We will probably head for a rest stop at the juncture of I-5 and I-205 south of Portland which has lots of ample overnight parking. We have stayed there before and Cooper approves.
I have invited our friends the Bakers, and Elisabeth and Richard for dinner on Wednesday evening for some visiting before we leave. I guess I had better get busy and decide what to feed them. Cassoulet or braised short ribs are two ideas that come to mind; neither of which have I ever prepared. But that is why you have company for dinner isn't it? To try out those new and untested recipes?
Sharon Jayne called this morning to say that she just noticed this morning that our Liberty Lake house has been rased. She said the garage is still standing, which was probably a smart move because we built it new and it had a concrete floor plus a full basement! My consolation is that I have the sink, and I could easily reproduce that floorplan from memory.
Colleen is in Phoenix this week and her dog is tolerating us but that is about it. The dog walker just came to take her out so she was a happy camper. She is a very good dog for being so high energy, and I know she wishes we would go away and Colleen would return. I slept downstairs with her last night since I didn't think she would enjoy sleeping by herself, and she loves to get up on the bed and snuggle next to the down comforter!
We have a day of relative calm weather today, but there is at least one imminent storm plus a cold front that is going to put us down into the low 20s in another day or two. In fact it was nice enough today that Ken was able to wash the motorhome.
Ciao
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)