Welcome to Our 2008 Website

krwest@hughes.net  or krwest@isp.com email

http://ken48423.tripod.com/  Last Year's Site

http://members.tripod.com/krwest10mi/ Our Trip to California

Route to our Home

                                                           Us at Dixie Stampede on November 18, 2008

Photo Page 1  First Photo Page  Photo Page 2  Second Photo Page

Photo Page 3 Third Photo Page

January 15, 2008

    Welcome to our new site. I decided not to clear any of the old sites and just start a new one. Here we'll publish what we're doing/going to do, or have done. I'll add photo pages later. 

    As most of you know we had to move in late Nov. The park we'd lived in for 8 years went into bankruptcy proceedings and wasn't sold at auction. The court didn't accept the high bid. As a result of that the trustee decided to "close" the park by not paying for the utilities after Dec. 17th. We moved the day after Thanksgiving to Evergreen RV Campground on Imlay City Rd east of Lapeer. Not as nice as the old place, but closer to town and cheaper.

 One of our friends from there has moved here beside us. He's been back there last weekend and found that most of the units there have been broken into, and things are stolen from them. The water towers that were leaking are still flowing. He didn't think anybody was still living there, but the power was still on.

    We celebrated Christmas at my sister's home on the 24th.  Christmas Day we were there for dinner. That Friday Cathy and I were at Genesys Hospital to sign her retirement papers. The outreach labs that were a part of Genesys have been sold to Quest Labs. Genesys wanted her to return to the hospital to work and she's decided not to. Her last day is January 31st. She'll have over 34 years with them.

    I went to get our mail on Jan. 2nd and found out I'd been found disabled. That has lifted a huge worry off our shoulders as I had till the middle of Feb before I'd have to decide what I was going to do about retirement. Now I've applied to CCE's retirement program for disability benefits that will allow my retirement to grow until I apply for them or normal retirement time. We're waiting to hear from that source now.

 February 1st we're going up North to our place there for awhile. We'll turn the heat down here and all of us, "the girls too," are going. While there we want to get a storage unit somewhere close, find a builder or company that will add on to our park model this spring or summer, and find where we can park our 5th wheel so we can use it when we want to travel. We plan to move this trailer onto our second lot and setting it up for Kendra, or friends to use later this year. We want to see if the park's tractor can move it onto the lot as it's 40' long and the truck will take a larger turning radius on the lot across the road. 

    We'll have to get approval by the association's board to add on, but that shouldn't be a problem. We are looking at an addition of 33' X 12'. We'd like to take the windows and door out of the unit now and use them in the new outside wall. But we have to see if the furnace and air conditioner will handle the new load. If not, we may put a "Michigan Room" type addition on. We also want to put a deck on the water side and remove 3 pine trees that have needle blight.

January 17, 2008

 Not much to post, we got about 5 inches of snow on the 15th, enough for school districts around us to cancel school for the day. The forecast for this weekend is for frigid temperatures, possibly below zero. It would figure as the Shrine Circus is in Flint starting today till Sunday. When I started in cooler service at work it always got colder when the circus came to town. We'd have to unload truckloads of equipment and tanks in front of the old IMA Auditorium then get them upstairs. Cold one minute, sweating the next.

 Cathy has 2 weeks left to work. The excitement is starting to set in for her. Tomorrow I'm going in to the plant and returning my uniforms, haven't worn a complete set in 3 to 4 years, and my ID badge, plus what ever else I have to do. I'll end with over 36 years of active service and 18 months of inactive. Not the way, or time we had planned on ending our working years.

 Finally got the site set up. It's been a while and I'm rusty getting pages named correctly. All files showed they were uploaded, but won't open when I was trying to open it online.

February 3, 2008 Busy week.

    Hello again. We had a busy week. Started on Friday the 25th and ended on February 2nd. We went to Cathy's Aunt Betty's on Friday, to see them and talk about how things have been going. Saturday the 26th, Cathy worked in the morning, the last Saturday of her career. On her drive home her brother Kevin had called. Her Mom had been to ER the day before and the hospital had called him about her using the ER so often. That set some wheels in action. Betty called Audrey and she wasn't feeling good and wanted help. friends up there came over and called an ambulance and she was sent to Kalkaska Memorial. They sent her to Munson medical where she was admitted. She was having memory problems along with medical problems. Cathy had Tuesday off, so after work Monday we drove to our place near Lake for the night. We brought stuff up for later use this week. Had to dig our way in to our parking area. I brought the snow blower up and used that on the heavy snow. 

    Tuesday we drove to Traverse City and saw Cathy's mom and spent most of the day there. It was arranged for her to transfer to the same care home Elwin is at on Wednesday. Kevin & Earlene came up and drove her there. She still doesn't remember any of this. 

    Thursday the 31st was Cathy's last work day. She got out early, after lunch,  and we again drove up to our place. This time we brought "the Girls" with us as we're staying here for a while. I had to clean the parking area out again. Opened the shed and tried to pull the snow blower out to use it. It was frozen to the shed floor. When I tried to start it there was ice on the gas cap, it wouldn't draw the gas to the engine. Finally started but when I'd engage the auger it would stall. Had to knock ice out of the auger so it would turn. Finally cleared the snow and we all got in the unit.

     Friday it snowed again. In the afternoon I went to clear the snow with the blower and the recoil pull starter wouldn't engage. I think it's frozen again. The electric starter doesn't engage the flywheel, so I couldn't use the blower. Pulled the truck out and used the shovel to clear the snow. The temperature has been in the twenty's, little or no wind. I put bird food out in the feeders in the afternoon also. While feeding the birds, the grounds keeper was plowing out a site on the other side of the lake.

Saturday we again traveled to Kalkaska to see Cathy's parents. It was snowing lightly, nothing heavy. We got a key to the house and went to get some more clothes for her mom. We spent the day up there. The people on the other site of the lake must of come up during the day. Nice to see lights on over there.

 Today we went to Clare for breakfast at Ponderosa. Then to Glen's for some last minute snacks and pop, Pamida and got one of those "seen on TV" free standing tables. I'm using it now writing this.  We also saw a Pileated Woodpecker working on an oak tree while driving through the park. I looked in the bird book we have and they're seldom seen, being a shy bird. This bird stayed on the tree as we slowly drove pass, less than 20 feet away . We watched the other people walk around and then pack and leave. There were some others up in the other part of the park also. 

I've marked lines in the snow for where our addition will be. Also marked for the deck we've been talking about. We may raise it to our floor level after all and angle the stairs down.  We're going to be investigating our options while here.

 Time for the Super bowl, later.

February 6, 2008

    Great game Sunday night, also enjoyed the commercials. This year's Coca Cola ad was better than they have been for a while. 

    We are getting birds coming to our feeders, the cat's are enjoying watching them also. We have had 2 red headed woodpeckers come in at the same time. They're eating the cardinal mix I got last summer that no birds would eat then. Go figure. 

    Monday we  watched some TV and then unloaded the back of the truck. I brought some of the extra cement blocks and the landscape timbers that we used on the Salem trailer up. We carried them up to the shed on the second lot. Good exercise! Also got in the 5th wheel and checked it out, no problems there. Tuesday we went for a ride through Lake George to Farwell. The back roads up here aren't all plowed and are slippery and rutty in places. We drove by the old cabin looking around. There is an expensive motor home at the trailer up the street from the cabin at a mobile home that was for sale. The mobile home needed some major work done to it, and looks like it is getting it.

    We stopped at 4 seasons windows to see about their 4 season room additions. Salesman was out on a call and called us after 6 pm to set an appointment up. We got some groceries  and other supplies and came back here. Today it's snowing and this afternoon snowing and blowing. I've been outside, got more water and fed the birds. I also walked down to the fishing dock on our lake and walked back on the lake. We can't see my footsteps now.

February 8, 2008

    Well, it's been a year since I woke up with the groin and leg pain. Now I just have the leg problem, minus the rolling, shooting sharp pains. 

    It snowed hard Wednesday evening and night. Didn't lose either satellite connection, though the computer service did drop into the forty signal strength area. Yesterday we awoke to about 9 to 10 inches more on the ground and deeper where it had drifted. I'll post a couple of photos on Photo Page 1. Course the snow blower wouldn't start so it was shovel time. Took me awhile to dig out. Luckily it was a light fluffy snow. Groundskeeper had the roads in here plowed out. We went to Farwell and did our laundry and ate at the pizza buffet at Bucelli's Pizza.

   The county roads were plowed, not salted, the state trunk road had the middle of the road cleared to the pavement with packed snow on the outside of the traffic lanes. In the village of Farwell they had the main road plowed into the middle of the road and were loading it into trucks and hauling it to the baseball fields. On our way back the sun, and salt, had melted most of the snow on the trunk roads. Sure made a difference.

   Today it wasn't as cold as it has been and it wasn't snowing till I got outside so I went out and stripped the snow blower down and fixed to recoil starter on my portable work bench, the truck tailgate.  The prongs were either rusted open or frozen open. I got the top off and sprayed it with liquid wrench and the prongs were coming back out. Also worked on the electric starter, got the motor to run, but the gears won't engage the flywheel to try to start it that way. I finished putting it back together and it started right up. So bring on the snow, I'm ready again. LOL

   Cathy's been enjoying her first week of retirement, still feels like a vacation though.

March 6, 2008

    Welcome back! I'll update why this site wasn't kept current: We went to Texas!!!" 

We'll start here:

February 14, 2008

    We packed the Girls and things up and went home to Lapeer. We left the heat on here at 50 degrees as we were going to come back after our trip. 

    The trip planning started back in January when I mentioned to Cathy that we could take the 5th wheel and head to Texas to see our friends there. Lottie had mentioned that Pam had been asking her to come down and surprise them also. I said: "I wonder what Lottie would say if we told her we'd go with them." That Sunday at breakfast Cathy asked her and she was smiling big time. After breakfast we sat and talked about pulling our trailers down and how much time we'd need. We had to wait till after Cathy retired also, and Lottie to get 2 weeks off, and Jim & I said that we'd be on the road most of the time to get there and back. Lottie also knew that one of Duane's sons and family were going down and we didn't want to overlap their time frame either.

    A week later we had dinner together and did some research online and bought tickets for the train to San Antonio and then a bus ride to McAllen to go down, and plane tickets to fly back. Lottie had never ridden a train or flown, so this would be a new experience for her. We'd checked with Pam in Texas as to whether there'd be room for us and that wasn't a problem. So now it was wait for the time to get here.

    So when we were in Lapeer we got our bags packed and arrangements made for the Girls and getting our mail picked up. 

February 17, 2008 the start of "Our Trip To Texas."

    We'd been in touch with Jim & Lottie about get to our place to make the train. Lottie told us that Pam & Harold had been fired as managers of the park we were going to, but had room for us still as they were having to wait for their 5th wheel to be empty as they'd rented it out till April 1st. The weather also played a role in the time also. There was a winter storm warning out for our area, with freezing rain and possible snow and rain mixed. Jim & Lottie got to our place early and we loaded all the luggage into our truck and headed for the depot. In the short time they'd been from Lapeer to our place and back the rain had started and the road was slippery. I tried to turn into a gas station to get the Sunday papers and slid right pass the driveway. From there we went to the depot and waited in the truck till the time the waiting room was to open.  We unloaded and I parked the truck in the lot and walked/skated back. As the time for the train to arrive came more people came into the depot also. At one time Cathy went outside to see if the train was coming and she did a little slip and slide show. I wasn't able to see it as the door frame was blocking my view.

    The train was a hour late. One of the other people waiting called Amtrak asking when it would get there. When we did go to board all of us had to baby step to the train as the platform wasn't salted and was very slippery. This time the train had the Superliner coaches install of the single level ones we rode in before on our trip to California in 2006 (http://members.tripod.com/krwest10mi/ ). Edit: April 11, 2008: The reason there were Superliner coaches was the Horizon coaches normally used were waiting for repairs in Chicago. I found this out reading Trains magazine. The ride felt smoother because of this change. We did see roads that had a look of glare ice on them. The main roads didn't look to bad, but the side roads looked bad. We didn't see much traffic on them. As we traveled through the state we saw less snow on the ground. Around the bottom of Lake Michigan there was very little snow. I was worried that we'd get into Chicago late for our next train, The Texas Eagle. But we got in to the station with time to spare. I forgot the direct route to the check baggage in counter but we made it with little problems. As I was checking my bags in, my cell phone rang. I opened and closed it without looking, it rang again and I let it got to voice mail. Lottie's phone rang also. We later listened to the voice mail and found out it was our friend Joe calling. We hadn't told him about the trip as there was only so much room for us to stay at, and he hadn't heard from us in a long time. We checked the bags and then Lottie and I went upstairs and bought some sandwiches and pop for all of us for lunch. We got back downstairs in time to watch some of the early boarding for another train and then ours. 

    By the time we got through the first check station the line to board wound around the outer boarding platform. We then got our coach assignments and headed to that train car. When we got up onto the seating floor we couldn't find 4 seats together as there were many single seated people. We had to split up with Cathy, Jim and I close together and Lottie a few rows in front of us. We rode this way till after St. Louis, Mo. 

    The train goes down across Illinois to Joliet, Pontiac, Springfield and finally Alton. As we went farther South there was less snow and more fast running creeks and rivers. I called Kendra to find out who'd won the Daytona 500 car race, it wasn't over yet when I called. Cathy & Jim & I ate in the dining car before Alton. Lottie has motion sickness and decided not to eat. Her seat mate had a small child and Lottie helped put the him to sleep twice while she was seated there. We crossed the Mississippi River at St. Louis and could see the Arch, especially while waiting about 40 feet up in the air on the trestle to get into the station. There was an empty coal train going through at the time. When going in we saw the new Busch Stadium. Amtrak is rebuilding the station in St. Louis and there aren't the number of tracks available as before during this time.  We found out later that normally the train would drop a couple of cars off here as the rider count declines south of town. 

    Cathy had asked about moving and sitting together and was told "after we get into Missouri" we could. She asked again and was told we could in the morning at first. Then the attendant came back and said we could go into the next car as there were seats together there. Now we were able to seat across from each other. We all took naps during the night as we headed toward Little Rock and beyond.

February 18, 2008

    We woke up as we were traveling through the Little Rock area. During this part of our trip we went through the town of Hope, Arkansas.  The birthplace of President Clinton and at the time presidential candidate Hucklebee. We also started to see water puddles, not frozen, and green grass beside the tracks. Also mistletoe growing in the bare trees. The people behind us got off there in Little Rock, and there was lots of lights as we had gone through the train sorting yards getting into town. Then we were headed to Texarkana. This town, that none of us had been to, holds special meaning to us none the less.  On our first trip out of state with our trailer at the time Barb & Duane had been heading South when Joe & Gladys and us had turned toward Memphis to come back home. Barb had got them on the route to Texarkana and since that time we'd always bring that up. They had since been through the town on their journeys, but it still was fun to tease her. We all were awake when we arrived in town. If you're in the front part of the train, you're in Texas, if not you're still in Arkansas. I got out and took some pictures of thing to show we'd now also been there. Photo Page 1

    From there it was on to Dallas, through Marshall and Longview. This area was woods and small farms. I didn't take any pictures until we were going into Dallas. Lottie got out of the train onto the platform and I took a picture of her there. As we pulled out of the station we went pass Deeley Plaza where Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President Kennedy. There were people walking around the area, and we saw the Texas School Book Depository Building where the shots came from. There was a somber feeling going by this historical place. 

    We also saw Texas Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboy football team plays, the new Texas Stadium that is being build to replace the old stadium, a very large General Motors Assembly Plant, The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, on our way to Fort Worth.

    Here we had a layover of 40 minutes or so. We all got off the train and stood/ sat in the sun. the temperature was only 58/59, but we enjoyed being outside and not having a jacket or coat on. Lottie and I walked into the station to get a newspaper and some pop. It was 2:45 in the afternoon when we headed out of town on the next leg of our trip toward Austin. The terrain was more open prairie with many homes having a fenced yard and horses and cows and goats in the yard. From Fort Worth to Austin is about 200 miles. During this time we went through the town of Crawford, President Bush's ranch is near there. 

    We were teasing the car attendant about his walking through to the last car with drinks and food and things. Turns out that the handicapped were on the lower level of that car and he was having to bring their meals to them. The car was farther back because of not leaving two cars at St. Louis and he was having to go all the way through to deliver their meals.

    We finally arrived in San Antonio around 10 pm. It took a long time to circle round to the station. Here the train is split for the connection to Los Angles, and also people make the connection to New Orleans. The people in that last car of our train stayed in the car sleeping  waiting for the other train. We had our bus to catch at 2 am here also. Somebody asked the station people if there was a store close enough to walk to get cigarettes at. They were told that the nearest was a mile away and you didn't want to walk alone in the neighborhood. So much for that idea. One guy got a game of dominoes going on the floor with a girl of 9 or 10. She beat him, with help. 

February 19, 2008

    We were pretty punchy by the time a bus pulled in, it wasn't ours. Finally ours came in and we loaded in. The seats were closer together and not as big as the trains. The tickets were through Greyhound, but it wasn't a Greyhound bus. It was run by the local bus company with greyhound connections. What a ride. When it got to the expressway, I thought it was a Chicano bus the way it bounced down the road. There was music playing in the area we sat in. We found out it was a guy with headphones playing his cd player. It was loud enough for those around him to hear it. I moved over to another set of seats so Cathy had more room to sit. We had to ride for 4 and 1/2 hours on this thing.

    The driver pulled over part way through the trip for a 10 minute break. The station he pulled into was lit bright with all the lights on. The price of gas was the same as at home, the price of diesel was higher though. The bus stopped at Edinburg which if we'd known was closer to our friends then McAllen was we'd have gotten off there. Finally we got to McAllen and pulled into a large station, passing a car dealership named Boggus Ford. It was cloudy but warm, for us, when we got our luggage and met up with Harold who had the job of getting up early to pick us up and bring us back. 

    We got to their place before 8 am and met Pam and their dog Katie. We sat and reminisced about our trip and plans. Pam had set up with most of our friends there to meet at a restaurant to talk about being down from being fired. She hadn't talked to Barb & Duane yet and went outside to call them. We all took turns cleaning up and getting ready for the big surprise.

    We all got in their truck for the ride to the restaurant, we wanted to get there early. We went into a semi private room to wait. First, Shirley, Pam's mom came in. She knew that Jim & Lottie were coming, but not us! Surprise she almost dropped her tray!! Then Pete and Karen walked in laughing when they saw all of us. Then Tom & Carol. Then the big surprise when Barb then Duane came in. They had no idea we were going to be there at all. They thought we had our rigs at the park Tom & Carol stay at. Pete and Karen had wondered what Pam was going to ask them. Carol thought Pam was upset with her. None of them knew the others were going to be there!!! Complete Surprise, especially when they all saw Lottie, as she doesn't get much time off and hasn't traveled that far before. Pam pulled the surprise off perfectly. Thank you, Pam and Harold for everything you did for us on this trip.

    After this we toured the park building areas. I rode around the park with Harold as the others took a nap. Some plans were made for the rest of the week. For sleeping arrangements: Cathy & I were sleeping in the back bedroom, Jim & Lottie were sleeping on a foldout couch in the added room, Harold & Pam in their regular bedroom.

February 20, 2008

        This morning we went to the local flea market at Don Wes. When we got there it was sprinkling and we headed to the enclosed section of the market.  Jim, Duane and I went to the pavilion to sit while the others shopped. There was a singer there who was performing for the people there. Duane said that they don't get paid other than tips and if they have a cd for sale. They plug where they are going to be playing the next time. Later we were joined by the rest and Pam had gotten a job for her and Harold to sell peanuts there 3 days of the week.

 For lunch we went to a place that if our friends didn't know about it we won't have even looked at. It's called Willies, and it looks like a dump both inside and out. They serve the largest potatoes we've ever seen. We had a full works potato that had meat and fillings enough for a meal. 

 After this we went to a Wal-Mart to get some groceries and other needs. A 12 pak of Diet Coke here has a shelf price of $3.33, with no deposit. That's over a dollar less than the shelf price here at home. Many places we went had 3 for $10.00 as a regular price.

 I haven't mentioned the temperature yet, it was perfect. Warm, over 70. The local information on the cable weather channel showed that for the whole month of Feb. there'd been only .02 inches of rain. 

February 21, 2008

    Today Barb & Duane took us to the visitor information center and we watched a film about the local sugar cane farming in the valley. After World War I the economy caused the last sugar cane mill to close in 1921. In 1970 a coop of 100 farmers formed to plant, harvest, and mill sugar cane for profit.  The mill was finished at a cost of $25 million in December 1973. It was a very interesting film. The locals call the black soot from the burning of the cane fields: "Texas Snow."  While we were there we saw a few smoke clouds on the horizon from burning fields.

    After viewing this film and another one we ate at another local restaurant and then rode to Hidalgo, Texas. We passed many sugar cane fields in different stages of growth, along with onion fields. Hidalgo is where the Killer Bees were first found in the USA. There is also a statue of a Killer Bee near the city hall. 

    This afternoon we stopped at the park that Tom & Carol stay at. Behind their lot is an orange grove. They took us through their park showing us the Jack Rabbits, pool area, meeting hall, etc.. A very nice park. 

 For dinner we met Pam & Harold at Mama Mia's Pizza. 

 February 22, 2008

    The girls went to another flea market across the street from the Don Wes one. Lottie got some swim suits there, both Lottie and Cathy got Jim & I some ball caps of Texas, and Cathy got a t-shirt for herself and some clothes for Harmony. All of them got some oranges and grapefruits that are grown in the Rio Grande Valley. That afternoon Pam, Cathy, Harold and I went to the pool at the park and spent some time "bobbing" in the warm water. After that we laid out in the sun to tan ourselves. The wind blows most of the time here, but it's a warm dry wind. It's nothing for the wind to average 20 to 30 miles an hour. It seems weird to hear it blowing the palm tree leaves and not worry about a storm coming in.

February 23, 2008

    Harold & Pam didn't go to work selling peanuts after all. Today we went to South Padre Island near Brownsville. On the way there we went through the city of San Benito. There they have  pictures of Freddy Fender on their water towers as he's from here.

    We ate before heading North out to the sands of the island. We stopped by some dunes after seeing some Kites flying and kite surfing on the bay side. Cathy and Pam climbed the dunes with some of us taking pictures. Then we went to an area where you can park and walk on the Gulf side beach. Pete took Jim, Karen, Cathy & I back to town so we could go on a Dolphin sightseeing tour. We were on the Bay side for the ride. It wasn't long before the skipper spotted some dolphins. We were able to turn and follow them and others back toward the island. They were coming right along side our boat also. Photo Page 1 . The weather was warm and windy but felt great traveling on the water. We also saw a shrimp boat heading out to sea that spread it's nets. There also was a boat that pulled parasailers out on the water. Our boat set a net out and it took 4 or 5 times before they caught some creatures to show us.

   We then met up with the rest of our group that was headed back to the Park for Bean Fest that evening. The rest had dinner on the island.

February 24, 2008

    Today we all went to Victoria Palms, a fancier RV park for their breakfast buffet. Very nice and noisy. Hard to hear the person sitting across or next to you. This park has a motel along with the RV park.

    During the afternoon we went a large town park to watch a Birds of Prey/Raptors presentation. The two people who handled the birds were volunteers from San Antonio. They had the birds flying out in the open air. One of the birds decided to fly farther than the rest. At one point it was up on a baseball light stand out beyond left field. It did fly back to show how it would capture food. 

    Afterwards all of the group came back to Pam & Harold's to talk and celebrate Carol's Birthday with cake and ice cream.

February 25, 2008

    Monday 8 of us went to Hidalgo to the pump house there. In the late 19th century the Rio Grande river flowed past this location and to irrigate the fields a large pump house was built. There are huge boilers and pumps located here, but it's not used anymore as in the 1930's a hurricane changed the location of the river banks. There's a canal there now and the surrounding area is now a park.

From there we went to Los Ebanos Ferry Crossing, the only government licensed hand pulled ferry on any US border. For 50 cents you can walk on and ride across to Mexico, it's 75 cents to return. At this time you have to have at least a government issued ID, drivers license, and birth certificate or a passport. Information on this ferry is at: http://www.wintertexansonline.com/ebanosferry.htm .

    Then we went to http://www.pepesontheriver.net/main.html . This restaurant is right on the Rio Grande. You can sit under the thatched roof and watch the river flow by. Open air conditioning.

    After eating we headed back to Pam's and spent the rest of the day relaxing. I took some pictures of the palm trees from the pool area and the shuffleboard courts. Later that evening I walked to the same area and was surprised to see the shuffleboard area lit and every court in use. After the sun goes down the games begin.

February 26, 2008

    Today we went to Mexico for shopping! We drove to Progreso, Texas and walked across the bridge to Nuevo Progreso. 25 cents to go across this way. Photo Page 2. As we were walking over we saw this method of transportation along the banks on the Mexican side. Once across we waddled through the other tourist along the main street looking at all the stuff for sale. There are many dentist and doctor storefronts offering all kinds of services. Also there are pharmacies selling drugs at very small cost. You can buy just about anything from boots to DVDs. To be honest none of us bought much. Some vanilla and knick knacks for the grandkids.

    We went upstairs to the Canadian Room to eat, and yes we drank the water. Very nice restaurant, we sat near the doors to the kitchen and watched the mad race of waiters, servers and managers going through and not hitting each other.

    Coming back the cost of walking back is 30 cents. Inflation. There are 2 lines to come through customs, one with passports the other was with birth certificates. At the time we came back there was only 1 working our line, 2 working the passport line. 

    Tonight we ate at Fat Daddy's. Very good bbq food. We did have to stand in line to get a table for 9. We got to watch a kitten play by the entryway. 

February 27, 2008

    This morning we went to the Iwo Jima Memorial Statue at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas. On the way there we stopped at a Texas Welcome Center and got some tourist information. 

    The monument is the original full size creation of Felix De Welden and was used for the casting of the monument in Washington D.C. The sculpture was stored until the early 1980's when it was donated to the Academy. 

 One of the soldiers who helped erect the flag on Iwo Jima is from Weslaco and is buried near the monument. We spend time viewing a film about the invasion of Iwo Jima and looking at the statue.

 This evening we ate at the CiCi's Pizza in Weslaco.

February 28, 2008

    Today the girls went to the parks craft show in the morning and bought some nice things. For Lunch we went to Lin's, a Chinese Buffet for the parks "Michigan Day' get together. After the meal there was a Michigan theme gift exchange. 

    After this we rode back to South Padre Island to see the beach. At Port Isabel, Texas we stopped at the old lighthouse. Jim & Lottie walked up the steps to the top for a look around. Photo Page 2 .  Cathy walked along and picked up some shells with small holes in them to make a necklace of shells for Harmony. We saw horses from the stable that has rides on the beach. It was windy and cool but we had a good time.

    On the way back we stopped at a store that sells tourist items for more trinkets for family back home. By the time we got close to home we were hungry again. We stopped at a Denny's for a late dinner.

February 29, 2008

    Our last full day in Texas. We took it off and relaxed around the park. Cathy went to the pool to lay in the sun. Harold & Pam & Lottie went to old McAllen to finish Lottie's shopping. When they returned we weighted Lottie's big suitcase to be sure it was underweight for our flights back. I took pictures of different cacti and plants in the park.

    Tonight all our friends gathered at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant for dinner. We rode to where Duane is going through treatment for prostate cancer. From there we went to the restaurant, on the way we got a call from Pam asking where we were at. Duane told her and they realized that they were headed to the wrong place. We got there before the other truck did. We all had a good laugh. After dinner we said our goodbyes to those not taking us to the airport in the morning.  

    It was an early bedtime for us. We were getting up at 4 am to get ready for our trip home the next morning.

March 1, 2008

    I heard it rain around 2:30 in the morning. It didn't rain much, enough to get the roads wet. We got up around 4 and got our last minute items packed, luggage out to the front room, and breakfast done for those of  us eating. Then Barb & Duane came over and we loaded the trucks and headed off. There sure isn't much traffic at 5 in the morning on a Saturday down here. We got to the airport faster than we'd thought it would take.  We unloaded and thanked our host and friends for the great time we'd had. Then it was on to our journey home. We bought our tickets online and didn't receive tickets in the mail. These were electronic tickets, held by the airlines. We walked in and up to the luggage check in station. There they tagged our luggage and produced our tickets for the first part of the trip. We changed airlines in Houston and only had boarding passes for that segment. Then up to the security check station. I went first and forgot to take my ink pin off, I'd set the alarm off, I did that and tried again. Set it off again, so off to the side for the wand and pat down search. Cathy and Jim & Lottie went through with no problems. While they did that, another worker came over and explained what he was going to do. Then he ran the wand around me, my hip was setting the alarm off. Then patted me down and I was cleared.

    We walked over to the gate where we'd load the plane and waited. It wasn't light out yet so we watched the sunrise. There was a couple of planes that did land, FedEx, and HDL. Our plane was sitting on the ramp already when we got there. Fifteen minutes before take off we started to load the plane. It was a small plane, I couldn't stand up straight in the aisle. Cathy and I were on 1 side of the aisle, Jim & Lottie were in a seat on the other side of the aisle by themselves, all of us close together. We pulled away for the ramp and started for the runway. Then the pilot came on the PA and announced that Houston was holding incoming flights because of fog. It was only a 30 minute hold, that evolved into a 90 minute wait. We had pulled back to the ramp and waited there. When we were able to leave it was up, up and away. No stop at the end of the runway, we were gone.

    We did experience some rough air on this part of our journey. We saw the Gulf shoreline most of the flight to Houston. When we approached Houston we saw planes taking off coming up through the cloud cover. We landed and got off the plane for our next flight. We came in at the "C" terminal, our next flight flew out of the "A" terminal. It was time to hurriedly get  through an airport that none of us knew. Followed the signs to where we loaded onto a shuttle bus. That took us at 15 mph. to terminal A. Then we had to go from one end to the other for our gate. Made it as the last passengers were loading. This segment we didn't ride close together. Cathy was in the first row behind first class, I was on the other side of the aisle farther back, Jim & Lottie were in the back of the plane. We again experienced turbulence most of the way to Atlanta. At least this was a larger plane, double seats on both sides of the aisle.

    When we started into Atlanta, we could see 2 other planes on final approach beside us. I didn't know there are 3 parallel runways there. The one we landed on looked new, no grass along it and a long way from the terminal.

    This time we were able to get between terminals easier than in Houston, the shuttle here is underground. Just a quick trip and we were at our next gate. We had time to go to the bathroom, get ourselves some snacks and drinks. The it was time to load again for our final segment. They were using this gate to load 2 planes one to Flint the other to Milwaukee. Make a wrong turn and visit a different city. LOL.  We were seated in the first row across the front of the plane. I again couldn't stand straight, but I didn't have far to get to my seat. I sat at the window and took many pictures of the ground on the way home.

    We got into Flint before the posted time by about 15 minutes. Cathy called my sister to find out where our truck was parked. I walked right to it after trying to ride the shuttle bus. Because I didn't know right where it was, didn't have the parking ticket, I had to walk. I drove back to the terminal and we loaded and left the airport.

    We'd called Kendra and they met us at the restaurant by their house and we talked about our trip. Then back to our place to get Jim & Lottie to their car so they could head home. After they left I looked at my satellite modem and had 3 lights off. It was out of alignment, I was able to push it back enough to get online again.

     I called Joe to talk to him and tell him we'd be at breakfast the next morning. Unfortunately he had to work at the church breakfast and wouldn't be able to come. I then called him back and explained about why we hadn't told everybody about where we were going for the last 2 weeks. He had been worried that something had happened to us.

March 2, 2008

    This morning we went to breakfast at Rio's with Jim & Lottie and Kendra & Brian and Jean & Larry. Larry's son's family has moved into a house across the street from Kendra and right around the corner from Rio's. Jim & I had worn t shirts & caps about Texas, and Lottie & Cathy had t shirts on also. I asked Jean if she noticed anything different about us, that's when she noticed. We explained about the trip and what we'd done to get there and back.

    After breakfast we went to our storage and got the "Girls" carriers and loaded the truck for our trip back up north. I ad to use the blower again to get in, but this time it wasn't as cold inside. 

    We'd had a great trip and seen more of this country than before and pulled off a big surprise doing it.

March 8 & 9, 2008

    We went up to Kalkaska and to Cathy's parent's house. Friday Cathy got their cat, Missy into a carrier we took up so I could take her to Grayling to a rescue group for her being given a new home. She couldn't go into the home where Cathy's parents are, she's not the friendliest cat. Then we started to go through more mail and papers to sort things out.

Saturday Kevin & Earlene came up with some new clothes for his parents and met us at the home. We then helped move their Dad into the same room as Mom is in. After this we ate on our way back to the house where we went through more stuff and loaded both trucks and headed home.

March 10, 2008

   I went to the store and got milk and a newspaper. We spent most of the time sorting mail and shredding. The shredder finally gave up the ghost. We still went through more papers, burning as we went. I was able to go outside and burn with out having to wear a coat or jacket.

March 11, 2008

   We went to Mt Pleasant and bought another shredder and other supplies. The weather here has been great, sunny and not to windy. We were able to get through all the papers and cleaned our place up again.

March 26, 2008

    Sorry about not updating this, we've been busy with other things. We'll start with the weekend of the 14th, 15th.

    We rented a truck from Uhaul to load some of the furniture and things from Cathy's folks home. Nearest truck was in Lake City on the way up. We got there on the 14th at the pickup time and the first guy from the Auto Repair shop couldn't get our reservation out of the computer to finish it. Second guy had problems also because he used what the first guy did. We were suppose to get a dozen moving pads with the truck but they didn't get there. We'd rented a 17 ft. truck, got a 26 ft. instead. Suppose to be at 17 rate. When finally at last part of rental, price was over $500. They'd adjusted rate but it went up instead of down. They didn't know what to do. I suggested closing that. Then the agent "found" us and 15 minutes later we were on the road. 

    We spent the afternoon of the 15th packing dishes and going through MORE mail and papers. Along with loading some items into our truck. Later that evening Kendra & Brian got there in our other truck and loaded some into that truck. We all spent the night there.

    On the 15th we loaded more into the 2 small trucks and then backed the big truck up to the garage to start loading that. Kevin & Earlene and friend Gary got there and we started to load the big truck. I wasn't able to help much as my leg really bothered me. A few hours later we finally had it loaded and left for our place here near Lake. The others went homeward. They stopped at Kendra's and off loaded some bigger items and then to Kevin's.

    That Sunday we unloaded most of the things out of our truck here. We also went through the last of the mail and papers for burning. 

    Monday we went to Mt. Pleasant for supplies. I was going to get a used tower for use on working on all the pictures we're going to digitalize. For a few more dollars than what a used cost, I got a new tower. We also had some of the larger items in the truck and we had to pack around them. We'd gone to Lake George to see about a storage area. called number on the sign. He called us here that he didn't have an open one. But he'd called another unit operator who did have 2 units open. So we were able to sign and unload the truck.

    That Thursday we headed home, without the "girls" for some appointments and Easter. We went to Genesys first to get Cathy's financials all together. Then stopped by Kendra's to see them. When we got home I connected the modem up and turned computer on there. The dish was out of alignment again. I tried to get it aligned but couldn't that night. 

    Friday I had a doctor appointment, then a blood draw with Cathy's ex coworker. Then to a couple of banks to transfer some funds between them. I also got refills on my meds. First time without insurance paying for them. OUCH!!!! Over four hundred dollars for 3 month supply. That's with all of them being generics. Then I worked on dish again. I moved it 3 times trying to get the alignment needed. I know I was hitting the satellite, but never got it correct. So we didn't have internet while we were there. 

    Saturday we went to our storage units down there and Kendra and Brian & kids came over and helped "clean" some of the first unit out with us. They also helped load some of the shelving units and items into our truck for the trip back up here. We had to put "cleaned" out things back into the unit because we didn't have room for them to take to a dumpster.

    When we got back to the campground where we've been staying we talked with owner about what we've been doing and things there. While doing that another trailer owner came in and told her they'd be pulling trailer out because he didn't have a job in the area anymore. The owner has a renter who is behind in payment and hasn't moved out yet. They'll probably have to go to court to get him removed.

    Sunday we went to Karen's for dinner with them and Jack's side. During the loading of last minute things, I didn't get my foot on the platform we use at the end of our steps into the trailer. I staggered and fell onto my knees and hands rolling onto my side. I skinned my left knee, but also bent my right hand ring finger back. I pulled my ring off and it's a good thing I did. Finger swelled up big. Not as bad now. Luckily my leg didn't bother me much more than normal.

    After dinner we came back up here. We also drove through our old park where we'd been for 8 years. it's a sorry looking place now. Garbage all over, siding ripped off buildings, a sliding door set off the double wide that's by the creek. There's still a trailer in the campground that wasn't pulled out. Doors are open to the store and barn. Very depressing looking .

    We saw a bunch of deer from North of Clare to here eating. The "girls" were happy to see us again. 

    While downstate and backing in here, the front end of the truck made a creaking noise at slow speed. Monday we went to our storage and rebuilt the shelves, 3rd time for a couple of them, and unloaded the truck. Tuesday I called a vehicle repair place and drove there through the snow to see about what the noise was. course when I got there it wouldn't make the noise. Decide to get oil change and repair guy checked ball joints. Both uppers were loose so I had them changed. Cost wasn't as bad as I thought would be. Shop is recently opened and taking any work they can get. I can't complain, in out and work done quickly. 

    Yesterday we went back up to see Cathy's folks and get more things done at the house. Surprised them at the home when they came back from lunch.  Uncle Maury was in his motorized chair and came across the hall to see us. He's having trouble eating and speaking, but looked good. We also watched a couple of raccoons come into the yard and pick through the seed husk. Later the local skunk came over also.

    Today we spent time reorganizing our cabinets and watching preseason baseball. The skunk was at the water's edge this afternoon and we watched it come up this way. The snow outside is finally starting to melt. More lawn showing now. I was able to chip the ice out of our paddleboat this evening, we still can't tip it over as it's frozen to the ground still.

    While in Texas I started to have problems with our digital camera's preview screen not working. It's now to the point where I can't get it to work most of the time. We looked yesterday in Cadillac at replacements, but didn't see one at a price I would pay. More searching to do.

    That catches us up to date now. Later

April 5, 2008

    Well, another week done. Not much to report this week. Monday we went to Farwell and did laundry. Managed to put box of dryer sheets into washer. Had pieces of cardboard in the clothes and washer. At least they were in the whites. We were going to go to Clare, but I wasn't sure of address here for new license and plate tags.

    Wednesday we did go to Clare. Got my driver's license renewed, without having to take the test, new plate tags, and Cathy got her change of address done. Then we went to Jay's and I got my fishing license. When we got home it was warm, in the 40's. I went to connect the batteries on the golf cart and the one I'd disconnected had been on top of the battery and had been corroded badly. So I cleaned what I could, ordered new wires, and reconnect best as I could. We were the first running through the resort in our cart. Still had some icy trails, but we did fine.

    Every day the snow that's left melts more. The ice on the lakes is melting away from the shore also. Our lake is the lowest we've seen it.

    Thursday we went over to the 5th wheel and lowered the front so the water would run off it better. 

    I've been watching the Tigers get off to a bad start of the season. 0 - 5 as of today, 4/5/08. They'll recover, soon I hope.

    Yesterday we went back over to the 5th wheel and I cleaned the slides off, all the snow was gone off them. Tons of needles though. Then we pulled the slides in. Getting it ready to pull slowly. I'm going to do some soil packing with the truck, maybe tomorrow or Monday. Still haven't found a storage spot for it yet.

    Today we went to Mt Pleasant to give our annual donation to the tribe and go to Shipshewana on the Road. Lots of stuff there, none came back from there. Cathy played longer than I did. I lost $5.00 in the nickel machines and then sat near the front doors waiting for her. 

    We ate at the Ponderosa in Mt. Pleasant, very nice and clean. Not like either Flint's or Clare's. Then to Wal-Mart for some shoes and a new camera. My Sony has been giving me fits with the video screen. It might turn on, might not. When it does the image rolls like old TV's use to. I got a Sanyo this time. Different battery type, USB plug and memory card. The battery is charged by plugging a USB to power adapter in. Tomorrow will be set up day. Didn't go with a Sony this time for a couple of reasons: 1.) price, $20. cheaper, 2.) shutter speed is quicker on this, .1 second to .3 to 1.3 on the Sony models. I can still use the Sony, it'll be like using the old film style camera, not knowing if I got the picture or not. 

    That's it for us this week. We are planning on going downstate in two weeks for breakfast and to get another load to haul up. Later

April 11, 2008

    Things are moving together now. Sunday we were sitting outside and watched a 5th wheel drive by on the main road and then by us here. It was the contractor we talked with last fall. After getting his unit on his site, he came back and we discussed what we were looking to do. He needed to make a couple of calls and would be back Monday afternoon with the verdict. Sunday the ice covering the lake started to break into different sheets. The only snow around is where it was plowed high.

    Monday we "worked" around the yard  and watched the ice break up more. Around 4 Bob came back and we looked at the drawing of the addition he'd done. The price was a lot lower than we expected. We'd had another company price the same type of addition using a 4 season type room. Their price was more than what we paid for the property. That's why we waited to talk with Bob. We have signed the contract and he's going to start in about 2 weeks now. 

     I called a storage lot where US 10 and M 115 meet and unless we hear from John the groundskeeper here of some place else we take it there. 

    We are now getting mail here.  Kendra is forwarding mail from our box in Davison, and we've been on the computer and phone changing it as we think of the different companies and people we need to change with.

    I "cleaned" the shed Tuesday afternoon before the rains came. Rearranged it mostly. We've raked most of the yard, and the grass is showing some green growth.

    Thursday we did the laundry and groceries run. Gas is $3.48.9 around Farwell & Clare. 

    We are planning on going downstate on the 20th for breakfast with the group and another load of things for here and our storage in Lake George. We want to get 1 unit cleared out down there. 

    There have been a few people up to their units here this week. They stay for a couple of nights or overnight. Water still isn't turned on and with the weather we're getting probably won't be till next weekend or so.

 Later

April 30, 2008

    We've had a busy 3 weeks since the last update.  To start, there was a truck accident near the front of our resort here. Gut going home from the bar missed the curve and went through the fencing, hit multiple trees, missing "the big tree", knocked down signs by the big lake, and then tried to drive out of the park, hitting more signs. Police found the truck about 4 miles away, looked like it was rolled.

    We have bought a new paddle boat that should make things easier for us to use. We'll sit higher up and be able to use the pedals easier. That should be delivered today. I also bought a boat trailer so we can use the boat on other lakes in the area. I haven't run the lights wiring yet. But we can use it here in the park.

    We made a couple of trips down state to bring more up here. We went down for breakfast with the group on the 20th. It was good to see Myrtle and the rest of the group. We're down to 1 storage unit in Lapeer. What we didn't bring up went into the other unit there. The Salem trailer is still down there, but it will be coming up soon. 

    The weather here has been great, very little rain which is a problem for fire prevention. There was a large fire north of us near Grayling. That same day we saw the Lincoln township fire trucks race pass here. Turned the scanner on and there was a fire west of us. Last week it was in the 70's. This week we've had cooler temps. Yesterday there was a hose that burst on the other side of the lake because of the cold. Last night's temp was in the high teens.

    There have been a few folks up to get their places ready for the season. Also we counted the places for sale in here, 40. There will probably be more as the price of gas will stop some from coming up.

    Our contractor is going to start on the addition tomorrow or Friday. We've got the yard decorations and furniture away from the trailer so he can get going. He plans to have it done near Memorial Day weekend.

    Some may have tried to email us since April 26th and had the mail bounce back to you. Hughesnet tried to "upgrade" their email servers, by changing server company, and it failed totally. A 12 hour time frame wound up to over 72 hours of down time.  Supposedly they Captured all the email sent to us and will be sending it on. Not going to happen. Many of us have found out that the servers they were going to didn't do anything and all the messages were never saved. So if you read this and did try to send to us, we're not ignoring you, and we're still available through either email account now.

May 17, 2008

    Sorry about not updating here, we've been busy since the last update. 

    Our contractor didn't start till the 4th of May. We did get the first load of wood on the second. We made the trip down state on the 4th, I thought that we'd be able to pull the Salem trailer up that day. We didn't, by the time we got things disconnected, stuff stored, it was after 2:15. Plus the propane pig was still by the front of the trailer, there wasn't enough room to pull forward to miss the tank. So we brought Cathy's truck up along with more stuff in both. When we got back the contractor's trailer was parked across the road from our place, got owners approval first, and the wood was sorted. Monday he started by digging the holes and setting the concrete in the holes. Tuesday he had the posts in and the flooring done. 

    Wednesday we went to Kalkaska and saw Cathy's folks. They're doing well where they are. Then we came home by way of Grayling. We saw the area where there'd been a major forest fire a couple of weeks earlier. The ground is black, the tree trunks near the ground were black also. The pines lower branches look burnt and the needles are brown. When we got home the walls were up with openings for the windows. 

    Saturday we were back up north cleaning junk out of the garage of Cathy's parents. Her younger brother and wife came up and we all got things cleaned up. The house is going to be listed for sale. We all went to the home and visited with her folks before we came home.

    Sunday I was feeding the birds when I noticed that the last sheets of OSB were gone. I thought somebody had stolen them. Then I looked at the addition and saw that the roof was closed over. 

    Monday more supplies came, including the windows and the door wall. All of them got put in except for the little one by the door wall. Plus the electrician wired the addition.

    Wednesday Cathy had a medical appointment in Lapeer. We went down and got that done and a couple of other things, like getting gas at $3.71.9 a gallon before hitching the Salem up and starting home. I wasn't sure we'd get home before dark. It pulled hard till we were on M24. The trailer tires were cold and had a flat spot from sitting. Finally it felt smoother and I could get to speed easier. We noticed that there wasn't much traffic on the road. When we got to Mayville we saw gas at $3.99.9 a gallon. We made it through Bay City easy enough, that trailer is 40' 7" long. Then we got on M10, going across the wind. That trailer wanted to go everywhere except straight. I was seriously thinking of getting off and onto Bay Road. Then we made the turn near Midland and the wind was behind us. Through the construction zone with down problems and we made it here before 5. We'd talked to Ed who mows lawns here about the lot across from our other lot about using it to align the trailer better for backing it up. He didn't own the lot, but said the owner won't mind if we used it. Took 2 attempts to get the trailer back on our lot close to where we wanted it. I did start to dig a hole with the truck on the first attempt. Pulled out of that and checked things before trying it the last time. When I was cranking the trailer jack to get it off the truck our contractor came over saying "that's long" and there was a parade of golf carts driving by to see where the trailer had gone. 

    We have two sets of wheel chocks holding it in place. To level it the tongue is over 3 feet in the air. I used 3 tiers of blocks and then wood to set it on blocks. Glad I'd brought all the blocks up. I don't think we'll skirt it after all, I don't have pieces tall enough to use.

    Thursday the electric inspection was done, the roofing was finished, the ends were roughed in. The inspector for the rough work was to be here but hasn't shown. We've started to transfer some things between the park model and trailer. Also cleaning the Salem up some. 

    Friday we went to do laundry and go to the quilt auction and craft show at Yoder's farm near Clare. There were 15 rows of vendors selling stuff. I wound up sitting some and bought a cheap cane to help me through the place. It was a nice sunny day for going through. Our contractor has striped the siding off the road side of the Park model and had resided it and the addition so there's no difference in the look of the siding. He also has most of the side done. This next week he's going to insulate and drywall.

    We've let "The Girls" run in the addition after he's gone home a couple of nights now. The first time they were slow going into the area. Then they got use to the feel of the wood and enjoyed running back and forth on it.

    We've been feeding the birds since we came up here. We set our hummingbird feeders out the end of April, then we started to see Northern Orioles coming in and feeding. This last week a couple of the feeders were empty in the morning. We thought maybe they were leaking. I filled them with the regular orange solution. The next morning one was empty the other wasn't. We looked at the wood sitting under them and there are dirty paw marks. The raccoons must be coming in and tipping them for the juice.  Not going to fill them till after the decks done now.

    I'll post some pictures on Photo Page 2.

June 24, 2008

    The addition is done!! The new picture at the top of this page is the lake side view. Builder had the outside including the deck done the first week of June. We had to wait for the tile to get here and then getting the carpet laid. Plus there was the little inside final touches to be done. I put the low voltage lights along one side of the addition and across the front of the deck. We brought some furniture and stuff up on the 12th, I had a doctor appointment that morning, 3 month check up. Kendra & Bryan and kids brought the couch up that weekend. Since then we got wires run for the TV and phone and computers. We ran 2 network cables for the 2 computers but one didn't work, so I put a network switch in and all the computers are able to connect to each other and the net. 

    Thursday, Directv is coming to get all 3 receivers up and running on a new dish with 5 LNB's so we can get the local channels here. I bought a converter box and tried to find HDTV stations off our antenna. It found 2. I have the coupons coming, I'll need them for the TV's in the other trailers. 

    We met the group from Lakeshore campground in Clare for lunch and a trip to Camping World in Houghton Lake. The weather was cool then warm and rainy. The group came back here to see the addition at the time. 

    The "girls" love the addition. They can get on the window sills and look outside. They also like to run through the open doors chasing each other.

    We've been fishing allot. The new paddleboat makes it easier for us to go. I can sit higher and can use the pedals better. We've been catching lots of bass. Yesterday they treated the pond for the weeds growing. No fishing today.

    I'll post some pictures on Photo Page 2

December 08, 2008, December 21, 2008

    Hello and welcome back. Sorry to not keep this site updated, no excuse for it other than we were doing other things. I can tell you that we didn't do much other than staying around here fishing and getting ourselves moved into the addition. No major trips. Kendra and Bryan and kids were here for weekends. Brian's mom, Pat, was with them one weekend. Kendra and Bryan took the old golf cart home to work on it before taking it to his mom's. Turned out there was a broken wire that he repaired and away the cart went. I didn't see it, but he did right when he started to work on it.

    This summer I took the truck to the dealer in Mt Pleasant for engine work. The last time was early in September when I told them to keep it till they had it fixed from the jerking. We picked it and it didn't jerk.

    September 22nd we loaded the trucks with gas at $ 3.76.9, and the "girls" and our last load of clothes and supplies into the 5th wheel, and headed to Otisville, Covenant Hills Campground for 10 days. The truck pulled the trailer with no problems. We stopped at a roadside park south of Vassar for lunch, I stopped first and Cathy got the burgers. The park I'd stopped in wasn't a drive through, so after lunch I had to jackknife the truck and trailer to get back out. I probably pulled the trailer wiring out of the junction box. No turn lights but we made it to the campgrounds okay.

    When we started to set the trailer up we found that the water valve on the toilet was cracked and leaking. I drove to Richfield trailer and got their last valve of that style. Installed that and we thought we had the water problem solved. Wrong!!!! I'd left the valves in the closet for the washer option open when we'd winterized it. Finally got all the water mopped up. 

    I was able to get the satellite dishes up and aligned without problems. First time setting them up in over a year so I was happy. Course they were still set with last years adjustments.

    During our time there we washed the outside of trailer, using pails with soap and clear water, cleaned the storage area and relaxed. One of Cathy's former coworker was in the area visiting friends and another coworker brought her and her husband out to see a trailer. She didn't know who's it was. Once everybody was introduced we sat down and talked for hours.

    On October first we moved over to Lakeshore Resort for 2 weeks before coming back home. We were able to get  a site with 50 amp service and next to where we'd been last year. At least that was the plan at the time. Harmony's 7th birthday we had a party for her at the park. Karen and family and Kevin & Earlene came out and we were able to sit outside and talk. Also the resort had their Halloween celebration on the second weekend of the month. We ran out of candy about 20 minutes into the trick or treat period. 

    The morning before we were going to come home, I woke up with a plan to go with our friends South to the Pigeon Forge area for a week. Since the Ford hadn't acted up I felt pretty sure we won't have problems with it, so I told Cathy that if we went home and blew the water lines out and were able to get our mail and have them hold it for a couple of weeks more for us, we'd go along with the others, if there was room. We came home and were able to get everything done. That night we met with our friends and during dinner asked if there was room for one more rig to go. Jim was happy, pumping his fist in the air. It's a known fact that if traveling with us, you won't have problems, we do. So we were able to tag along.

    The first day we drove to Wapakoneta, Ohio. We stayed at a AOR, Coast to Coast right near the expressway. Jim and Lottie had electrical connection problems with the box on their site. They wound up having to run an extension cord to the next site over. We didn't have any problems yet.

    Thursday the 16th we headed toward Horse Park State Park in Kentucky. We took the beltways around Dayton and Cincinnati. We had just crossed the Ohio River on I275,  and were climbing the hill when Jim's truck lost power down to about 20mph. Barb & Duane were farther ahead and couldn't stop, but Don & Marylou and us were behind Jim so we all pulled over. There were 2 Kentucky state troopers behind us in the median and we thought they would come help, wrong (tell you later why they were there.) Lottie called their road service company and Duane had gone to the next rest area and was disconnecting their trailer to come back and get Jim's. Don & us pulled out and headed to the rest area to wait to see what was happening. We pulled in beside Barb and pulled our yard chairs out and sat there watching the semis pulling out to the expressway. Awhile later Jim & Duane pulled in with the trailer. Jim & Lottie had just changed the style of hitch they have because of having a short bed truck, otherwise Duane or me wouldn't have been able to pull the trailer. Lottie went with the truck to the dealership. It was decided that Don and us would head to Horse Park to get sites. If needed I could come back and get Jim's trailer and bring it down. Good thing that didn't happen, as there was a long construction area that was tight driving with the semis and we'd have been driving after dark. As it turned out, the problem was with their fuel filter and the dealership got it fixed and the others pulled in just before dark. Not the way it was suppose to go, but we were through there and together.

    The next day we stopped at Volunteer Park north of Knoxville for 3 days. Nice not to have to drive to far. The next day we were talking about where we wanted to go sightseeing when a motor home pulled up to us and asked who "Jim" was. The driver was telling Jim he was on their site that they always used it for the big game weekend. Then Vee, who had worked at Lakeshore when it was Smokerise and we knew got out and we all laughed as Barb & Duane had arraigned with her to meet up with us at that park. Jim  & Lottie and us didn't know that they were coming over to see us. Surprise for sure!! Pay back for the Texas ambush we'd done earlier this year. Later that day we went to see the Museum of Appalachia, and Norris Dam that was built as part of the TVA river control project. Sunday we went to Oak Ridge which was one of the towns where the government processed uranium for the atomic bombs used in WWII, and toured the Museum of Science there. 

    Monday we pulled to Sevierville, Tn. Ripplin Waters Campground where we stayed for the week. This was were we met with Duane's brother Ernie and wife Jeanette. We went back toward Knoxville to the Camping World store and got some needed supplies. On the way there we stopped at the information center which is in a minor league baseball stadium. We also went to Wal-Mart for again "needed" supplies and before heading back to the rigs we ate. That evening those of us with TV dishes aligned them and settled in. I didn't set the Hughes internet system up here as there was free wifi. They did have some problems with their system but it worked well.

    Driving in this area was slow as there were so many others around to see the colors. So Tuesday we loaded into 2 trucks and head into Pigeon Forge and parked. We had lunch at the Old Mill Rest. and walked around the area before getting on a trolley for the ride to Dollywood for the afternoon. If you enter after 3 pm, you can enter again the next day. This way we were able to get maps and a schedule of the daily shows and events for the next day. Plus we got an idea of the park layout.

    Wednesday, we returned and walked through the different stores, saw some of the shows, Cathy and I rode the first train of the day, ate, and I rode "Thunderhead" the roller coaster. I walked up to the loading area and was able to get right in a seat, gave my cane, hat, and loose items from my shirt and jacket to the attendant. Strapped in and then away we went!!!! I felt sorry for the young lady stuck with me in the other seat! I tried to stay put and not slide her way. LOL The ride couldn't be over 90 seconds, by the time we got back to the loading shed I felt whipped!!!!!!!!!! Cathy hadn't walked up to the area and didn't see me ride. I was looking forward to riding it again when we came back on our bus trip. That didn't happen. Later.

    The weather was partly cloudy, sunny, but the temps were lower than normal. It did feel good to sit in rocking chairs in the sun with the others. So many of us had sun glasses on it looked like a blind peoples gathering.

    Thursday, the Duane Dufrenses and the Nichols, and us rode through the Smokey Mountains to Cherokee, N. C. Marylou wasn't feeling good, and Ernie and Jeanette travel this route to get back home so they didn't go with us. We were able to stop and look out at the colors on the mountain sides at various lookout points. You can see photos of us on Photo Page 3. In Cherokee we went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. There we were able to see different artifacts and learn some of the history of the area and Cherokee tribe. We heard later that Monday night into Tuesday the park had closed the road between Pigeon Forge and Cherokee for awhile because of snow and ice.

    Friday the rest of our fellow travelers took it easy, and it was cold and later in the day rainy. We on the other hand went out souvenir shopping, and looking around ourselves. We were able to get downtown Pigeon Forge fairly easily. Working our way back we saw the traffic coming in packed solid between the lights along the parkway. We got back after the others had left to go to the Stampede. Good thing they'd gone early. took them time to get there.

    Saturday we made the trip to Gatlinburg by going to the P. F. trolley center, getting on a trolley there, riding to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, wait for a trolley from Gatlinburg, and ride that into town. Easier than trying to drive would have been. Cooler today also. Took some time to get into town, there was a couple walking along the road that we'd get in front of, only to have them walk by us as we waited to move.

    We went to the Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies. Here you can walk through a tunnel through the huge water tank and see the fish, sharks, and critters of the ocean. There were sharks lying on top of the glass of the tunnel. We saw a diver go into the tank and feed the rays who were waiting for him. As soon as he was done feeding them that area of the tank was empty as the rays had swam off.

    Some of the group walked down a street shopping while the rest sat watching people and traffic go by. Then we waited to load back onto a trolley and reverse the process of getting back to our rigs. 

    I didn't mention that we ate out most nights, that's a given for us. We really enjoyed eating at Shoneys, the one we stopped at was clean and not crowded, great service.

    Sunday morning we sat around in the sunshine talking about our time there before heading to the Apple Barn area for some apple dumplings and ice cream before dinner and getting thing ready for our trip back to Michigan.

    Monday, we said our goodbyes to Barb & Duane, Ernie and Jeanette as they weren't coming back with us. Ernie and Jeanette headed back to their home in Georgia later in the morning. Barb & Duane were now free to crash and relax before heading farther South. Jim & Lottie lead the way with Don & Marylou and us behind. It seemed like there was more color on the trees as we headed back to Horse Park for the night, might have been the sun shining on the trees. 

    Cathy & I  decided to stay an additional day there to visit the actual horse museums and barn area. After watching the others head toward Michigan we went to the main park. It was cold and there was a breeze but we enjoyed seeing the different displays and then the Champion horses that are staying there. In 2010 the World Equestrian Games are to be held here and there is a lot of construction going on. At present they can stable over 1400 horses.

    That evening we got a call from Lottie who told us why the state police hadn't paid any attention to our caravan coming down. There is a weight limit on the north bound bridge over the Ohio River and they were enforcing it. Jim & Lottie and Don & Marylou were headed to cross when they got stopped and told their "Options." They turned around and took the suggested route, and Lottie called us to let us know what to do when we came through. This involved going  closer to downtown Cincinnati, but not on I 75. While driving this route I was able to see the Coke plant that's there. We drove until we got to Fort Laramie State Park for the night. We were a little worried going there as it's 12 miles off I 75 and we hadn't been there before and weren't sure if we were still headed there. 

    Wednesday we finished our journey back to Lakeshore Resort. We got back in time to call and set up our fellow travelers and arranged to have dinner together that evening. We really enjoyed discussing the trip.

    Thursday we hitched the trailer up one more time and headed home here. We pulled the trailer into the park as there isn't that many people here and cleared our stuff ( I swear we didn't have that much stuff when we left.) Then we took it back to the storage lot for this winter. We'd traveled over 1600 miles since leaving home in September, averaged just over 8 miles a gallon, have seen gas prices fall over a dollar a gallon, and enjoyed the company we'd been with.

    We got things set up at home knowing that we weren't going to be home long.  We did take the paddle boat out on the water in November. there wasn't much of a breeze and sun was shining and warm, and we wanted to go around the lake one last time. Later we pulled it out of the water for the winter.

    Some of our routine here is to get water from the bathhouse for the stool, and more in another container for washing dishes and personal use. We take our showers at the main bathhouse. Mail is delivered at our box at the front of the resort. We also aren't the only ones staying here during the off season. There are 4 other men who live here year round.

    November 17th we were up early and headed to Mt. Pleasant to find where we would catch the bus for trip. We left here early as there was snow and some freezing rain during the night. The bus arrived right on time and we got on and went to the back as there were already others on it from earlier pickup stops. We met people from Sanford and Auburn who were traveling together and started talking with them. the tour director came back and got our medical forms and told us she normally doesn't come back to rear of the bus as that's where the "Rowdies" sit. Cathy and Carol who was sitting across the aisle from her were talking with each other so much the director thought they were old time friends. LOL

    We headed down U S 127 and picked up others at more stops. The last pickup was in Lansing. Then we went across I 96 to US 23 and headed South. There was more snow on the ground in the Brighton area then we had at home. We stopped at Dundee for lunch at a Wendy's where there were other fast food restaurants for those who wanted something different. Then straight down 23 to I 75, through Dayton where there is major road  construction, across the I 75 bridge over the Ohio River to Renfro Valley Ky. There we ate at a restaurant that was reserved for us. Then across the street to our motel for the night. 

    We weren't the youngest on this trip. Ages ranged from 20 to 90. The couple that sat in front of us for most of the trip were 87, married for over 60 years! We found out early that they enjoyed the banter going on. Ivan said at one time: "She talks at 60 miles an hour, with bursts of 120." 

    Tuesday, the 18th, we went from Renfro Valley to Gatlinburg, the same route we'd driven the month before. This time it was easier sitting watching the countryside go by. No slow down going up the mountains this time. Also there wasn't any traffic between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We stopped at the transit center in Gatlinburg and unloaded so we could look around town. Cathy & I headed to the ski lift as I wanted to ride it. I thought at the time it was the same one I'd ridden with my Dad 40+ years ago. Later I found out it wasn't, but I had a great view of the town and surrounding area. The clouds on the other side of town cleared and I could see snow on top of the mountains. We were able to walk down the street easily as there was many people or cars on the road either.

    After leaving Gatlinburg we went to our hotel for the next 2 nights, The Inn at Christmas Place, to find our rooms and freshen up for our dinner and show at the Stampede. Entering the hotel you're on the second floor. That took some adjusting for some of our bus mates.  There are Christmas carols playing on the sound system, Christmas trees and decorations everywhere you look. They even have a Glockenspiel inside. There are decorations in all the rooms. Our room was in front on the 3rd floor, overlooking the parkway and at Christmas Place. The Inn has been open for only 17 months and are using their second set of decorations.

   Later the bus loaded and we headed down the street to the Dixie Stampede for dinner and a show. First thing they had us do is get in position for a group picture. Then going in each couple or friends were set for individual pictures. Finally we got in for the pre-show show, where we had to go upstairs to sit and watch a TV for the entertainment before we went in to the arena. Then the doors opened and in we went. We found our seats and the waiter asked what we wanted for drinks. They fold your ticket in a certain way so they know what to serve. As the show started so did our dinner. Cathy noticed the group of girls beside her weren't eating, she didn't eat all that was served either. More about this later. I did eat everything, it all tasted good. During the show there was some audience participation. Our tour director was sitting in our row, her husband was sitting behind us, but not at this time. He was down on the floor with another of our bus mates for a stick horse race. Boy did we laugh as they raced around the course.

    Part of the program that we saw was the Christmas at Dixie presentation. Very nice. There were carols and some Christmas humor. Then they presented the Nativity scene with camels, sheep, and donkeys.  During the show they came around with our set of pictures. I wasn't going to get them, but Cathy liked them so we got them.

    Instead of heading back to the hotel after the show, the bus driver took us along the parkway to Gatlinburg to see the lights. Very nice, but there was trouble brewing on that bus trip. Some of us weren't feeling good and wanted to get back to the hotel. Within an hour Cathy was "freezing" and felt like she had an upset stomach. Later I awoke to bad sounds from the bathroom, she was sick. 

    Wednesday, the 19th, we got a phone call early asking how we were doing. Seems one of our co-travelers had been sick before the trip and brought it along with us. There were a bunch of people sick, 4 of them had gone to the hospital because of it, they were back around noon. Cathy had the paramedics check her blood pressure, I was fine. I went downstairs and ate and talked with others who were okay. Later, I walked across the street to the "Christmas Place" shopping area. We were going to go there as a group, but not after last night. I did buy a couple of things there, but I wasn't impressed, remember we have Bronner's and that's bigger and better.

    When I got back to the hotel I found out that the tour director was sick and that there would be a trip to Dollywood. I went up and told Cathy I was going. She was now feeling somewhat better. Only 19 of us went there. Course what's the first thing they want us to do? Yup, group picture! Not many happy faces in our group. We were there for only 3 hours. I saw a show, and took pictures of the changes since we'd been there. I didn't ride "Thunderhead" after all. While there I was starting to feel lousy. The ride was running, there weren't many on it on any run that I saw.

    When I got back to the hotel from Dollywood, I told the tour director's husband, who was running the show for her, that neither of us were going to the scheduled show that night. We went to a nearby restaurant and tried to eat something from the menu. Cathy tried some tuna from a tuna salad, I had some chicken salad. We ate with another couple and the tour director's husband before they went to the show.

    Tonight Cathy slept better, I was the one who was iffy. I was sure I was going to be sick, but I managed.

    Thursday, the 20th, I hoped we won't travel to Nashville, or if we did I could get there, get in our room and crash. Not happening! Most of those who'd been sick were doing better, now those of us who hadn't been sick were "under the weather." We sat closer to the front of the bus as there were others who were worst than we were, one being the tour director's husband. Our schedule today was to go to the Country Music Hall of Fame for a deli style lunch then tour. By the time we got there I wasn't that bad. Most didn't eat much, food wasn't a top priority. I had some tea and a ham sandwich. Then up to the third floor to view the museum. Part way through the tour I started feeling worst. I wasn't the only one either. We got to the main floor and found that the bus was warming around the corner and we were loading. Once all on board we headed to our hotel, The Gaylord Opryland Hotel for our last 2 nights.

    We were able to get into our rooms, we'd been told they may not be ready for us. As it was we had enough time to get in, find our rooms, and then head to the Louise Mandrell dinner and show. After they opened the doors we found our seats. On the tables there were large lazy Susan's with the salads for our delight. Most of us at our table didn't take much, if anything. Our server had to wonder what was going on! Then he brought the main dishes out for us. Most took some of one or the other offerings. Food just wasn't needed yet. The desserts looked so good too!!

    Then the main show started. Very entertaining. She can still sing, and dance, and play different instruments. There were outfit changes, humorous songs and scenes, the only thing was that the show was over in less than an hour. Wished it had been longer.

    After the show most of us went for a horse drawn buggy ride that the bus company had arranged after our problems in Pigeon Forge. We were able to see the main entrance to the complex, and more lights outside.

    Friday, the 21st, we found a convenience store down the hall from our room where we got things for breakfast. There isn't many places there that serve breakfast, the main restaurant had a waiting line and was $18.95 a person. Later we found out that their Sunday Brunch was $34.95 / person. OUCH!! Then onto the bus for the short ride to where the ice show "ICE" was. They cool a theater down to about 6 degrees and bring in 4 million pounds of ice to be carved into different figures. It took 30 carvers 30 days to finish carving the figures. They hand out ponchos with hoods because of the cold. The lady who gave me mine told me I'd want the hood on as it was so cold inside. Told her I was from Michigan and I won't need the hood. She bet I'd have it on when I came back out. When I came out I told her I hadn't used it.

    The theme for the show was "The Grinch who Stole Christmas." This was the last year for this show, they had machines so you could vote for next year's theme. The ice was colored and with the lights and dark background stood out. There was an area with ice slides in it. You sat on your poncho and slid down the ice. Stopping was by landing on a piece of carpet on the floor. No, I didn't try it, but some our group did.

 We went for a boat ride in the hotel when we got back. The "river" is a quarter mile long, over 400 hundred fish in it, 3 waterfalls along it, more in other parts of the complex. The hotel opened with 600 rooms, there are now 2,880. There are 5 presidential suites, that start at $3,500 a night, and they're booked every night!!

    Lunch was at the "Stax" were you build your own hamburger, which starts at $7.50 each. For the 2 of us it was over $18.00. Then we walked around some of the other areas with some others from our group. We had the afternoon on our own for our own exploring or whatever. That evening we ate at the pizza place and watched the fountain show (water shooting into the air up to 85 feet) before loading into the bus for the Rockettes' show. Before unloading for the show the tour director and her "backup" girls, "The Sickos," sang a song her sister had written for her about our "moving experience." LOL

    What a show, was worth the money!!!!!!!!!!! The first half of the show was singing and dancing. There were 18 Rockettes on stage doing the classic routines along with others. The second half had some more routines but ended with a very spectacular nativity scene, complete with animals. A very entertaining two hours plus.

    Saturday, the 22nd, started early as we were leaving at 7:30 central time. We were able to use our breakfast coupon at the buffet restaurant by being there at 6:30 and our group was ushered in first. While eating our bags were picked up from our rooms and loaded. Then it was gather our carry on bags and away we went. Headed for home. On the way back we found out that 45 of the 54 in the bus had been sickly at one time or another.

    We stopped for a break in Kentucky, then for lunch south of Indianapolis, In. We crossed the state line into Michigan just before 5pm. I called Kendra from the rest area to find out how bad Michigan had lost to Ohio State. Then we were saying goodbye to others as we traveled northward. We got to Mt. Pleasant before the scheduled time and got our bags and loaded into our truck. I wasn't sure it was idling when I got in, it was smoother than the bus had been. We stopped for milk in Farwell and were home about a quarter to 9. The "Girls" were all over us, happy to see us.

    Would we do it again? Yes, not the same trip but we would travel with the same bus company. There are other tours they offer.

    We celebrated Thanksgiving with Kendra and Brian and the kids at his Mom's house near Mio. I teased him about not having bagged a deer yet. The next morning Kendra called that he'd gotten 2 from the same stand in the back yard.

    Since the trip it seems I've been blowing snow daily. I know I haven't , but we've had some good depth snowstorms. There are also deer, rabbit, and other animal tracks in the snow around us. We haven't seen the animals other than a couple of rabbits. Our Christmas decorations that are on the road side are now buried under snow. We'll packed them up this spring. I've been up to the satellite dishes to clean then off a couple of times because the depth of the snow. 

    Friday we spent about an hour digging the Ford out of the road as I got stuck going to the front to get the mail, later found there wasn't any, and get more water. Took a couple of rubber stair mats we have to get the truck straight on the road so I could back it into our parking area. After 2 we were plowed out.

    Yesterday, December 20th we went to Flint and celebrated Christmas with Karen and family, Kendra and Brian and kids, and Brian's mom. We had a good time watching the kids open and play with some of their presents. They were having a ball with some stuff that when squeezed in it's container made a farting sound. The side streets weren't plowed yet, that happened while we were there. On the trip back home we saw 12 to 20 deer all in the same field.