Back On the Road Again February 28, 2009

On the road again.. February 28, 2009

We are On The Road Again, and it feels so nice. Looking forward to several weeks of relaxation, sun, maybe a bit of pool time and hit some golf balls. This was our first trip towing the SmartCar and made it to Bakersfield without any incidents. And YES, Ed did drive the speed limit the entire way. ALL the way…. Yes he did. I did not get any driving time today, . Since we have a vehicle now, we went to Buck Owens Silver Palace for dinner, excellent food and oh my gosh one meal is enough to feed a family of four. There were two bands playing also and both very good. We really enjoyed the dinner and the show and recommend it to anyone passing through Bakersfield.

Talked to Rosie and Mike today, and we missed them in Indio by one day. DARN IT!!! Should have called yesterday and they could have stayed another day or so. Going to call Butch and Betty to see if we can catch up with them on this trip.;

I did not get any pictures today but will post some tomorrow.
Until tomorrow…. Goodnight!

The Furbabies

February 7, 2009

As we travel I adopt the dogs and even sometimes cats that travel with us on the road. When we leave, the three kitties we have at home are very well taken care of by a good friend who takes care of our place. We have Dufus, Louie and Floozie. All I can say is I am thankful Ed never had kids of his own, no telling what they would be called. Dufus is the oldest and we got her and Ufus (since passed) from the grandkids who were hysterical that mommy and daddy were sending the kittens to the pound. They know a softie when they see one. Louie we acquired from a neighbor in Elk Grove, he was the last one left so here ya see a pattern? SOFTIE? Louie was pretty cool, he would even go in the pool with us and was such a loving little devil until I took him to the vet for "the big operation" Good Grief, ever since then and that has been about seven years, I cannot catch the little devil anymore. I mean come on, it has been seven years so get over it!!! I did catch him when he was injured last month and got him to the vet, he even stayed in the house for a week and he is like a baby once you catch him, lays in your arms... but as soon as he hits the great outdoors.. he is gone in a flash. Then I got the bright idea that we needed a couple of barn kitties, the ones that hunt and keep creatures away from the house, the ones you don't get attached too? Yeah right... we picked up Orkle and Floozie... again Ed named the cats, just before a month long trip to Oregon, turns out they are the friendliest kitties we ever had and so sweet. What do we do? Can't leave the cats after a week and take off for a month. They both went to the Jackson Pet Bed and Breakfast Resort. Barn kitties? Pet Resort? Oh well... Orkle passed away last May, not sure why but we do miss the little guy. I am sure ya'll are just so thrilled about reading this stuff but I need to keep the blog up with something!!! So that is the story of my three spoiled kitties, they do live outside but they do have a cat castle and in the winter when it is really cold, a heat lamp... Oh the life........

Dufus

Floozie

Louie

What they do best!

Contessa and the Orphan

February 7, 2009


We are making progress, today we hooked up the Orphan and checked the lights and connections. We did not take it for a test drive because now we are getting another hitch thing so we can take the bikes. I am getting excited and think we will be on the road in about three weeks!!!! First stop, Orange Grove, is there any other place? We are planning on staying in Indio for about two weeks then either head for Arizona or Chula Vista.



Contessa and the Orphan







We ordered new bikes last year and was to get smaller tires for my bike since I am vertically challenged. The fella in Santa Cruz where we purchased the bikes was to bring the tires and other items up after our Mount Rushmore trip. Several calls were made and ignored and I finally got a hold of him today. He claims he shipped the items and I insisted they be delivered ASAP. He said he would deliver them Monday evening or Tuesday since he does reside in Jackson. I sure hope this guy comes through and we don't have to take legal action. Seems it is difficult to trust merchants these days.



We hope to meet up with some of our travelers from Amador County. I will make some calls as soon as we know the plans in cement rather than jello.

Until next time........

Finally Made It

Friday January 16, 2009



Just a quick note to the Mount Rushmore Travel Group!!! WE finally made it. The photo I sent to the Ledger last October finally hit the Ledger today!! Ed is not in the picture darn it, he was taking the picture. Check out the paper and a note to Butch, Betty and Len and Paula, I have picked up an issue for each of you.. Anyone else traveling and need a copy let me know..

The caption in the Ledger.

The Ledger Dispatch travels across country to Mount Rushmore with Sons In Retirment Branch 15 RV group.

HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR

Sunday January 11, 2009

HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR

Where did the time go? My last entry was almost three months ago, so much of keeping the blog up every month. I will try and do better. Just a brief recap of what has been going on the last three months.

November and Thanksgiving. I was busy with catching up on my social obligations. I have missed my two Bunco groups and lunches with the gals. Had some doctor and dentist appointments as usual. Sandy and I attended the Harvest Festival as we do every year. Such a neat craft fair and been a tradition for quite a few years.

Thanksgiving was a nice day with Daughter and family, Daughters Mother in Law Georgia visiting from Salinas Calif. The kids were on the WII as soon as they hit the door, the BIG kids. Son in law must wipe out all our scores on the Wii Fit... he does look silly with the hoola hoop which had daughter and me laughing so hard. Their Christmas gift was the Wii and Wii fit and I have heard of very late nights with the two of them challenging and trying to be in first place. I think the granddaughters will eventually wipe out their scores.

Ed has been busy on the newly acquired property next door. He is building roads and clearing out flat spots and just enjoying his Big Toys. We had the house painted inside and out and working on the rest at a slower pace. Going to be a project for 2009.

Ed as usual on the tractor

December and the Holiday madness. I was so proud to have most of my shopping done by December 15th. What a relief it was not to have to deal with the crowds, although the shops were not as bad this year. Having a clue what I was buying earlier rather than later was a huge PLUS!!! The second weekend of December, Sandy, Shirley, Robin and I attended the annual Bus trip to San Francisco, sponsored by Pioneer Travel in Pine Grove. This is such a fun trip, it started out as a shopping to the big city a few years back with one bus, over time added another bus and made it a weekend trip, this year there were three busses. Mostly women but a few brave men went along. We arrive in San Francisco about 11:30 am and stay at the Handerly Hotel near Union Square. Sharon our travel agent is awesome and books plays and an amazing brunch at the famous Cliff House for those that want to participate. We attended one play a nice dinner but forgo the Brunch this year. We had serious retail therapy to do in the city. There is a pub O’Doul’s right next to the hotel that many of the gals have a good time singing and dancing at the piano bar. We have been known to close the place down.

Union Square Chrstmas Tree

Christmas Eve was spent at Daughter’s home with several of their friends. A great dinner and lots of laughs, a good time had by all.

Christmas Day, dinner at my house, Daughter and family, Georgia and Ed’s best friend Frank from Napa were here. We were all tired of the traditional turkey or ham for Christmas I jokingly said; maybe I should cook a pot roast. Ed was right on it and said YES!!! Great idea, little prep and I was able to enjoy the family a bit more. Son was not able to attend because of work, but we celebrated the Saturday before with his kids. Was a great day.
New Years Eve, we had dinner at the Twisted Fork in Ione, one of the best restaurants to hit Amador County. Bev and George were unable to attend because they got the nasty cold we have all suffered, however Ed and Dorothy, Arnie and Marilyn, Ed and I enjoyed a great meal. We will have another celebration as soon as everyone is over the nasty cold and healthy.

Christmas tree

Steve and family




The Granddaughters

We do have a new addition to our RV traveling. We have an orphan, a Smartfor2car that we plan on towing with the RV. It is referred to as an orphan because someone ordered the car and for some reason did not take delivery. The dealership sends out a notice for those of us on a waiting list. The car was close enough to what we would have ordered that we took possession in late October. We are waiting for one more part of the tow package and hopefully be on the road end of February, beginning of March.

The orphan

That’s about it in a nutshell for the last three months. I will be updating a bit more often and of course daily once we are on the road again. Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy New Year.

Catch Up Time October 15, 2008

We have been home over two weeks and ever so busy. Ed hit the ground running and has not stopped since. We have been to Napa twice so far and all seems well over there. The Elk Grove house is still on the market not one offer... I think we are taking it off the market next month and wait until next Spring.

I have been busy with doctor appointments, I think I am going to make my detectable this year. Good grief, out of five doctors, not a one can figure out what is wrong with my foot.. I think I may take up holistic healing soon!!

Last weekend, our group that went on the Mount Rushmore trip, got together for a great evening potluck. It was hosted by Leonard and Paula, thank you both for having us all over. It was great to see everyone and hope we can get together for the holidays. Our group camp outs are over for the year... Heyyyyyy Butch, what time we leaving?? Hope you are have a great time in New Mexico and having great golf games. Leonard and Paula are heading back to Arizona for the winter, safe travels my friends!!!

This last Monday, daughter Denise and I spent the day together, we stimulated the economy at Chico's our favorite clothing store. Denise drove me out to Roseville to the new shopping complex, called The Fountains! It is so pretty out there and the fountain dances to music, a small scale of the Fountain show at The Belagio in Las Vegas. They have plenty of places to sit and relax at this outdoor center and very nicely done. Had a great time a mommie and daughter day!!

Over the weekend, spent Saturday with my son Steve and a few hours with his kids. I have not seen them in a while and the oldest Jessica is taller than I, (I know not much of a challenge) Wyatt is getting so big and Baylee is active as ever.

Last night Ed and I, Sandy and Vern, Shirley and Bill who were across the arena from us the people around us thought I may have had one too many adult beverages.. but Shirley and Bill did see me!!! OH, we went to the Celine Dion concert. WHAT an AMAZING show. She is dynamic as always and just love her performances. This is the third time Ed and I have seen her show, way back when in San Jose, saw the Vegas show and then last night. It was a great evening even if we did get home after midnight.

I will be updating the blog with non camping posts from time to time, until we get back out on the road again. We are hoping to go to the Oregon Coast this Fall but with so many appointments and a few prior commitments it is getting iffy at best. It is also difficult to get Ed off the tractor .. We have a new project, the ten acres we acquired next to us and Ed is busy as ever.


Hope everyone is well... safe travels for those still out there on the road .......... Hugggs


Home Sweet Home

Ed on the tractor



Brother Tom and I on our birthday last August

Grandaughter and Date for Prom

September 29, 2008 We are Home

We have been home a couple of days but we hit the ground running. I think Ed was on the mower before the rig shut down. He has all the lawns cut and watering. He is taking care of Elk Grove today then off to Napa we go.

Before I forget... today is my older brother's 70th

birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR FRANKIEEEE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUU

Wishing you a wonderful day!!

We left the Rally on Thursday late afternoon and stayed at Seven Feathers RV Park , what a nice park. It is across the freeway from Seven Feathers casino and have shuttles to pick you up 24/7. They have meeting area's and picnic and BBQ area's check it out in the link above.

We drove straight through Friday and made it home about 7:30 pm. It was a long day but once we are on the way home.... go for it!!! Before we left that morning, as Ed would say... "A gross act of incompetence" happened... before we go to bed Ed sets up the coffee pot.. in the morning I woke up, poured the water in and went back to bed to wait... the coffee pot works better with a carafe in place!!!! WHAT a mess, we were delayed about an hour and half leaving to clean up the dang mess. We both messed up on that one!

We have been busy nonstop and probably going to be a crazy week. I have two more doctor appointments on Friday, have to get some blood work done and hopefully figure out what is causing this leg swelling. It is quite annoying.

When we go home, Ed noticed a crack in the bottom of the windshield!! OUCH!!! Yep, that big big window in the front. After being washed well the crack is now the entire windshield. Before any other adventures it must be fixed!!! WE are NOT Happy Campers right now!!!

A few pictures below from the rally... and of Seven Feathers RV Park. If we travel up that way again it is at exit 99 in Oregon so a very convenient stop.

Good to be home and hope to see everyone soon!!!

Rigs at the Rally For Sale

Upscale Rig... wow

Maureen getting the Driving Certificate from instructor

Seven Feathers RV .... I drove the RV in this spot!! Just a little edge of the grass hit!

Seven Feathers BBQ area

Until the next trip..... I will be updating the blog on boring everyday life from time to time, so check back in...

Days 31 to 34 September 25, 2008 End of the Rally

Days September 22,23,24,25, 2008
Four days away from a computer connection, I am having withdrawal symptoms. The Rally has been interesting; the new coaches are fabulous although I don’t think there are very many sales going on. Chris from Beaver Sales in Bend is here, he did the paperwork on our purchase last December. Scott the salesman that helped us along with Rich is not here. Monaco really puts on a nice Rally. There are adult beverages every afternoon and evening, the food is ok for a group of about 1100 people. We are scheduled to have the work done on the rig today. We have not seen the service people as of yet but hope they get whatever done today. The folks that volunteer here are totally amazing. When we pulled into the waiting area I guess there were about 100 rigs and when they opened the gates at 8:00 am I figured would be lucky to be parked by noon. WOW at 8:30 am we were parked and hooked up to the electric, and we are on blacktop… I may have mentioned this already in the Sunday’s blog but I do not have a connection so cannot remember what exactly I talked about...
I took the Women’s Driving Class and scheduled to do the “drive” part of it today. They do not take us out on the streets, PROBABLY a good move but have a driving course in one of the fields. Will update on the outcome of that later.
The only real excitement was spending 3 hours in Urgent Care Monday night (missed the dang Bingo) and three hours in the emergency room yesterday. On this trip I have had swelling in my left leg and foot and got to the point it was difficult to put shoes on, it was suggested by several people to have it checked out. At the urgent care they took blood work and when I called yesterday they said something was a wee bit high and suggested going to the emergency for an ultra-sound. What a way to spend the day … geeez I have to say the Salem Emergency was amazing, I did not have to wait at all and the staff there is great. They did the ultrasound and all is well. The doctors were concerned it could be a blood clot but all is ok. We were back in time for dinner which was fair. The entertainment was a bit boring so we went back to the rig and got some rest.
We were going to go down the coast with Trish and Tom this weekend but because of the incident with the leg, my doctor wants to see me early next week so we will be leaving possibly tomorrow before the rally ends officially. I was really looking forward to seeing the Oregon coast but Ed said we can come back up soon and spend a bit more time than we could now.
September 25, 2008
We spent yesterday afternoon with Trisha and Tom, had lunch and toured around Salem. The two things that needed fixing on the rig were taken care of yesterday. I did my driving class and it was fun. I really lucked out, they had four different rigs and I got to drive a 39 foot Contessa, in fact it was just like the first one we looked at. I did very well and will get an official certificate today. The entertainment last night was a comedian, singer, songwriter that was very good. He has opened acts for many of the country stars, his name is Jimmy Travis.
Ed and I are g leaving the rally a day early (today) after the award ceremony this afternoon. I am really enjoying the rally and would like to stay for the final dinner but also a bit anxious to get home. Several of the couples we had dinner with encouraged us to stay, so we shall see. If we do leave, I will have an internet connection at the park we plan on stopping at this evening.
We will be home this weekend and the fun begins laundry, lawns, housework, more laundry…. Etc ….
I think everyone is home from our trip, and hope all had safe travels. Looking forward to seeing everyone…

First trip around the course..

Backing Up!!! NO cones were hit!! woohooo. I did not hit any cones which is great!!!

On the road again........ homeward bound!!!

PS... we arrived at Seven River RV resort, very nice and they have a shuttle to the casino. We had dinner there and I came out ahead $20.25.. I drove 78 miles today plus pulled into the RV resort and into a narrow spot.. woohoooo!! We are hoping to make it home by tomorrow night!

Day 30 September 21, 2008 Monaco Rally and Trish's Place

We were up at 5:30 am to get ready to get over to the fairgrounds. There were probably about 100 rigs already in line to get in. I have to say, the organizers of this rally are efficient. We arrived at 7:00 am they started letting rigs in at 8:00 and we were in our spot and hooked up by 8:30. The rally does not officially start until tomorrow the 22nd at noon but I think whoever is coming to this event are here or will be by evening. We are fortunate to be parked on blacktop which is good since it was raining this morning. I wish we had an aerial view of this place, they can accommodate up to 800 rigs.
We are going to meet Trish and Tom sometime today. They are busy this morning cleaning up after the daughter’s wedding reception . I will post a few pictures of the set up here and hope to get online and post more pictures during the week.
I am at Trish’s using her connection, good to see Trish and Tom… We will spend the day here and catch up.

Rigs lined up ready to go in

The line starts

Our rig in the row

I received an email from Marilyn, it was sent yesterday but just got it today. They made it to Dayton NV and should be home sometime today, and more than ready to be home. Paula and Leonard are still in Las Vegas enjoying time with some friends. Butch and Betty are visiting friends south of Jackson Hole. We suspect Steve and Sue are in So. California with their family.

Ed and I are enjoying some time with Trish and Tom here in Salem. Below is a picture of Trish and I hard at work on the computer... actually probably getting in trouble but we won't tell!!!...

Day 29 September 20, 2008 Arrive in Salem

We drove about 55 miles to Phoenix RV Park in Salem Oregon. This is a real nice park and strange enough there are Monaco, Beaver, Holiday Ramblers, Dynasty coaches all over the park. I have a feeling it is going to be a mass exodus early tomorrow morning for the Fair Grounds. There are already some rigs parked there that could not find RV parks, maybe smart on their move as they will be the first ones in. I did not drive today but will get some more miles on the way home. The rally officially starts on Monday, we are going in a day early in hopes of getting an electric hook up, otherwise we have to rely on the generator for five days and I really an not looking forward to that.

I will not have a connection while at the rally unless we can find a wireless somewhere along the way. I will post about the rally and festivities when I have a connection. I have a friend here in Salem, actually she is the owner of the Casual Chat Forum that I have been involved with for fourteen years and I no doubt will spend some time with her this week. I know I can get online at her place.

Hope everyone is well and those that are still traveling, be safe.. I am getting to the point, I want to go home!! I don't think I could ever be a full timer, I want my house !! Huggs until I can post again!

PS, just got an email from Paula and Leonard and here is where they are now and what is going on with them..

When we left Arnie & Marrilyn on Thurs AM we headed to Ceder City, Ut. Spent the night there for one night. We are now in Las Vegas, got here yesterday. Thank goodness he has a working computer so can let you know our plans and catch up on the blog.. Our trailer & truck are parked in front of our friends house. We will be here until Monday then head to AZ where we will put our trailer in storage in Pebblecreek. We have a pickleball social to go to on Wed. then will head back to Ca. by the end of the week.

Len's sister Delilah and Jen ended up at the same area by Little America that A&M and Len & I stayed at. They were at the KOA 20 minutes away. Len talked to them Thurs. evening and they were in Park City, Ut heading back to Sparks, NV.