Sept 8th - Tues - Santa Fe
Caught up my blog before heading to downtown Santa Fe this morning. It is a very pretty city center with no high rises - mostly adobe buildings in the Southwest tradition. We had to check out the Plaza as every brochure mentions it. It is a small park in the middle of town with lots of benches for people watching. Apparently it is used for many events.
On a wide, covered sidewalk in front of the Palace of the Governors, many vendors (mostly jewelry) display their goods on blankets and “mind the store” by sitting on pillows on the ground. Santa Fe is known for jewelry stores and art galleries. Of course there are also the expected touristy shops, high end clothing stores and lots of hand woven blankets and smaller items such as place mats. We did a lot of walking in absolutely beautiful weather!
On the way back to the RV park we stopped at a grocery store and then had a quiet evening.
Sept 9th - Wed - Santa Fe
Emails and other computer work this morning and then a casino called to Terry. Camel Rock Casino is just north of downtown Santa Fe and is not huge. I continued my slow downward spiral at the slots but Terry did OK. We actually left with more money than we took - and with 4 shot glasses that were the prize of the week for earning points on the player’s card. And I can’t forget to mention 2 decks of cards with holes punched through the middle!! I see another junk cleanout in our future.
Our lovely sunshine changed into rain by the time we got back so Terry was excused from cooking on the BBQ tonight.
Sept 10th - Thurs - Santa Fe
We are really enjoying being lazy in the mornings! Once we finally got going it was to casinos again! We went to the new Buffalo Thunder casino first. It is beautifully done - all adobe style exterior to blend into the landscape. We got to swipe our new players cards to select a token for the amount of free play that we would have. Terry went first and ended up with $75. I continued my losing streak by ending up with $5 which disappeared really fast. We used a food coupon to have a really good pressed sandwich for lunch before we headed to another casino just a few miles away.
The next small casino is affiliated with Buffalo Thunder so we had to earn some points before getting $10 each on our cards. I finally broke my losing streak and it ended up costing us $5 for the day of gambling and lunch.
It rained on & off most of the day and poured when we got back to Santa Fe. The curb lane on the major street that we traveled was covered with fast moving water. But the rain let up quickly and a few blocks later there was no river in the curb lane.
We watched the burning of Zozobra on TV this evening. This is an 85 year tradition of burning “father gloom” who is stuffed with viewers problems or “glooms” in hopes of banishing them. There was a lot of dancing up & down a set of stairs in front of the huge Zozobra figure, moaning from Zozobra and fireworks. I think you have to live here to appreciate how long it took for the actual burning to take place.
Sept 11th - Fri - Santa Fe
Took a while to get going this morning with emails and such. Then finding a place to get a haircut for me. Lunch at the mall and then off for a drive. We took “The High Road” to Taos. It was a really pretty drive through hills/mountains (as the name suggests) and a variety of terrains- sandy looking with small shrubs, green valleys, wooded hillsides and one small town after another. It was about 2 hours on this road.
Taos is a long, narrow town due to hills and the main road is quite narrow and lined with shops - very picturesque. Rain showers did not invite walking. We saw a sign for a casino so had to check it out. It was small and paid out in dollar tokens so we weren’t there for long.
We took a different route back (hwy 68) that followed the Rio Grande for quite a ways. The travel time decreased to 1 ½ hours. When we got back, we visited for a while with a neighbor who is from Idaho Falls before I made dinner.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Sept 4th to 7th - AZ to Santa Fe NM
Sept 4th - Fri - Williams
We decided to check out the county fair at Flagstaff this morning and possibly a demolition derby near the fairgrounds. The weather was lovely but it got cloudy as we drove east. The fair was very small and it didn’t take us long to wander through all of it. There were a lot of large groups of kids there and it was great to see them having fun and being so excited.
We carried on into Flagstaff, got diesel and went to a mall to look for shoes as we both destroyed our tennis shoes in 100 Mile House. We actually ended up with shoes for both of us.
When we left this morning, we walked through a swap meet that was just being set up in Williams so we went back to see if there were any more interesting vendors. Because of wind & rain, most tables were covered. We went across the street to a dollar store for a couple of items and headed back to the rig for another quiet evening.
Sept 5th - Sat - Williams
Lots of rain last night and this morning so we stayed in bed and watched TV until Terry felt too guilty and had to get up. Finally got the laundry sorted out and went to the laundry room to get it done. This park is very well kept and the laundry room and restrooms are spotless - but the laundry is a little expensive compared to other parks & laundromats.
I made a nice lunch and then we went back to the swap meet - nothing that we had to get. We drove into the heart of downtown and wandered through all the touristy stores. Some stores made me wish that I had more room for “stuff”. I worked on the computer before making dinner while Terry checked out the inside of his eyelids and then walked around the park. Pretty cool but we ate dinner outside.
Sept 6th - Sun - to Albuquerque
NM was not in our plans just yet but…….. We were going to stay in Grants at an inexpensive, stop-over park but it was early when we got there so decided to go on to the Route 66 Casino and stay in the parking lot after checking out the casino. After we finally lost our “allowance”, we had dinner at a really bad buffet, moved to a spot where we could put out the bedroom slide and tried to sleep. We could hear traffic on the highway, trains on a nearby track (no whistles though) and cars coming from & going to the casino including pounding sound systems. It was warm so we had to have the bedroom window open which faced the casino so we had flashing neon signs all night. Not one of our more inspired choices!
Sept 7th - Mon - to Santa Fe NM
We finally got an hour sleep this morning so didn’t get going at the crack of dawn. Walked to the casino for coffee and said “no thanks” to a $2 muffin.
Lovely, sunny day for a drive. Light traffic due to it being Labor Day. I made some phone calls as we drove and we selected Los Campos de Santa Fe RV Resort. It is tucked away behind a commercial center which eliminates nearly all traffic noise and we are at the back of the campground which is even more quiet.
I made lunch after we set up and then we enjoyed watching PGA golf. A walk around the park area before dinner, a short visit with a neighbor and a phone call with Claude & Val after dinner completed our day.
We decided to check out the county fair at Flagstaff this morning and possibly a demolition derby near the fairgrounds. The weather was lovely but it got cloudy as we drove east. The fair was very small and it didn’t take us long to wander through all of it. There were a lot of large groups of kids there and it was great to see them having fun and being so excited.
We carried on into Flagstaff, got diesel and went to a mall to look for shoes as we both destroyed our tennis shoes in 100 Mile House. We actually ended up with shoes for both of us.
When we left this morning, we walked through a swap meet that was just being set up in Williams so we went back to see if there were any more interesting vendors. Because of wind & rain, most tables were covered. We went across the street to a dollar store for a couple of items and headed back to the rig for another quiet evening.
Sept 5th - Sat - Williams
Lots of rain last night and this morning so we stayed in bed and watched TV until Terry felt too guilty and had to get up. Finally got the laundry sorted out and went to the laundry room to get it done. This park is very well kept and the laundry room and restrooms are spotless - but the laundry is a little expensive compared to other parks & laundromats.
I made a nice lunch and then we went back to the swap meet - nothing that we had to get. We drove into the heart of downtown and wandered through all the touristy stores. Some stores made me wish that I had more room for “stuff”. I worked on the computer before making dinner while Terry checked out the inside of his eyelids and then walked around the park. Pretty cool but we ate dinner outside.
Sept 6th - Sun - to Albuquerque
NM was not in our plans just yet but…….. We were going to stay in Grants at an inexpensive, stop-over park but it was early when we got there so decided to go on to the Route 66 Casino and stay in the parking lot after checking out the casino. After we finally lost our “allowance”, we had dinner at a really bad buffet, moved to a spot where we could put out the bedroom slide and tried to sleep. We could hear traffic on the highway, trains on a nearby track (no whistles though) and cars coming from & going to the casino including pounding sound systems. It was warm so we had to have the bedroom window open which faced the casino so we had flashing neon signs all night. Not one of our more inspired choices!
Sept 7th - Mon - to Santa Fe NM
We finally got an hour sleep this morning so didn’t get going at the crack of dawn. Walked to the casino for coffee and said “no thanks” to a $2 muffin.
Lovely, sunny day for a drive. Light traffic due to it being Labor Day. I made some phone calls as we drove and we selected Los Campos de Santa Fe RV Resort. It is tucked away behind a commercial center which eliminates nearly all traffic noise and we are at the back of the campground which is even more quiet.
I made lunch after we set up and then we enjoyed watching PGA golf. A walk around the park area before dinner, a short visit with a neighbor and a phone call with Claude & Val after dinner completed our day.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Sept 1st to 3rd - Williams AZ
Sept 1st - Tues - to Williams AZ
On Sunday we saw so many huge cultivated fields and orchards and today it seemed that we drove through many times that acreage in absolutely useless land - rocks, hills, scrub brush, dried sparse grass. We managed to get to Arizona before we got diesel and it was much cheaper than in California - $2.55 vs. $3.19. We stopped in a rest area where I cooked breakfast for lunch and arrived at the Grand Canyon Railway RV park about 3. The weather was a lot cooler but we still had the AC on until the sun went down and the wind picked up a bit.
We drove through town and stopped at Safeway for a few items before settling in for the evening.
Sept 2nd - Wed - Williams
We headed for Camping World and Flagstaff this morning. Camping World is several miles west of Flagstaff on Hwy 40 and has no signs so we missed it. We decided to continue on to Flagstaff as the next exit was too far down the road. We found my favorite Big Lots store and picked up a few “essential” items. Then to a WalMart which turned out to be undergoing a remodel and was a real mess so we got the one item that I really needed. Next to Camping World for a new sewer hose. Hit Safeway on the way back to get ingredients for Salsa Salad that I have not made for a long time.
Put the Salsa Salad together and had some for a late lunch - good stuff. Then I got at a job that I have been putting off - entering our expenses into a spreadsheet. I was so happy to get caught up. I had a pork roast in the crockpot so dinner was easy. Went for a stroll around the park after dinner since the sporadic rain showers had quit.
Sept 3rd - Thurs - Williams
We spent some time this morning going over maps & camping books to decide exactly where we are heading next. Didn’t decide!
Off to Flagstaff again but this time to continue north to Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. Unfortunately, a parking area in Sunset Crater was being resurfaced so we couldn’t take the main walking path to view lava beds. We enjoyed walking around the preserved Wupatki Pueblo that had multiple stories and originally about 100 rooms.
This loop ended back at Hwy 89 which we took north to Hwy 64 into Grand Canyon Ntl Park. We have been to the south rim of the park previously but never to the east end. Shortly after you enter the park you encounter the Watchtower at Desert View. It is a stone tower built as a gift shop and to showcase Indian culture. We walked up the four stories to take pictures from the top - hard work at 7522 feet above sea level! We stopped at several more view points along the road before the highway turns south and out of the park. I was really impressed with the views and loved the lack of cars & people as compared to the main areas of the south rim.
We experienced several downpours during the day but it was nice when we got back to the park about 5. It wasn’t nice all day however as our neighbors had their awning flip over the top of their trailer while they were gone. Visited with neighbors, watched TV and walked around the park before dinner since we had a late lunch in the park - an amazingly good Philly steak sandwich at a snack shop.
On Sunday we saw so many huge cultivated fields and orchards and today it seemed that we drove through many times that acreage in absolutely useless land - rocks, hills, scrub brush, dried sparse grass. We managed to get to Arizona before we got diesel and it was much cheaper than in California - $2.55 vs. $3.19. We stopped in a rest area where I cooked breakfast for lunch and arrived at the Grand Canyon Railway RV park about 3. The weather was a lot cooler but we still had the AC on until the sun went down and the wind picked up a bit.
We drove through town and stopped at Safeway for a few items before settling in for the evening.
Sept 2nd - Wed - Williams
We headed for Camping World and Flagstaff this morning. Camping World is several miles west of Flagstaff on Hwy 40 and has no signs so we missed it. We decided to continue on to Flagstaff as the next exit was too far down the road. We found my favorite Big Lots store and picked up a few “essential” items. Then to a WalMart which turned out to be undergoing a remodel and was a real mess so we got the one item that I really needed. Next to Camping World for a new sewer hose. Hit Safeway on the way back to get ingredients for Salsa Salad that I have not made for a long time.
Put the Salsa Salad together and had some for a late lunch - good stuff. Then I got at a job that I have been putting off - entering our expenses into a spreadsheet. I was so happy to get caught up. I had a pork roast in the crockpot so dinner was easy. Went for a stroll around the park after dinner since the sporadic rain showers had quit.
Sept 3rd - Thurs - Williams
We spent some time this morning going over maps & camping books to decide exactly where we are heading next. Didn’t decide!
Off to Flagstaff again but this time to continue north to Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. Unfortunately, a parking area in Sunset Crater was being resurfaced so we couldn’t take the main walking path to view lava beds. We enjoyed walking around the preserved Wupatki Pueblo that had multiple stories and originally about 100 rooms.
This loop ended back at Hwy 89 which we took north to Hwy 64 into Grand Canyon Ntl Park. We have been to the south rim of the park previously but never to the east end. Shortly after you enter the park you encounter the Watchtower at Desert View. It is a stone tower built as a gift shop and to showcase Indian culture. We walked up the four stories to take pictures from the top - hard work at 7522 feet above sea level! We stopped at several more view points along the road before the highway turns south and out of the park. I was really impressed with the views and loved the lack of cars & people as compared to the main areas of the south rim.
We experienced several downpours during the day but it was nice when we got back to the park about 5. It wasn’t nice all day however as our neighbors had their awning flip over the top of their trailer while they were gone. Visited with neighbors, watched TV and walked around the park before dinner since we had a late lunch in the park - an amazingly good Philly steak sandwich at a snack shop.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Aug 29th to 31st - Oakhurst, Hanford, Newberry Springs
Aug 29th - Sat - Oakhurst
One of my purchases on Thurs was a set of cardboard boxes with lids to use to organize some cabinets so we got at it this morning. It is amazing how much stuff accumulates over 3 years - and amazing how long it takes to sort it out and decide what to do with it - Toss? Store where it makes more sense? Put it back where it was? Of course we ended up needing a couple of specific storage containers so went shopping and found them at a thrift store.
In the afternoon we got our BBQ propane tank filled and did a couple loads of laundry at the park laundry closet. Can’t call it a laundry room as there is just enough room for 2 washers & 2 dryers - but it was clean, inexpensive and got the job done.
Aug 30th - Sun - to Hanford
There is no direct way east from Yosemite except through the park which is a very windy, narrow road that climbs to 9900 feet and we did not want to experience it pulling the 5th wheel. So we decided to go south and go to Sequoia National Park which is not too far. On the internet, we found that the Hanford Fairgrounds has camping for $10 and Terry had seen an RV show advertised there so thought we would check it out. We missed the sign for RV camping in the fairgrounds so turned around in a parking lot to head back. As soon as we were on the street again, Terry noticed that the 5th wheel looked crooked - we had a flat tire nearly off the rim. We had a wide shoulder to pull onto, we were on the right side of the rig, we were in the shade and our new jack worked great - certainly could have had worse conditions to change a tire. When we didn’t get an answer at the first tire shop that we called we remembered it was Sunday and tire shops probably would not be open so we went to the fairgrounds and got a spot to stay.
We had some lunch and then walked to the RV show. It was just one large dealer so there wasn’t too much there. Next to it was a swap meet. As we started through the few tents still there, we noticed an open tire shop across the street. Of course we had to walk clear to the end of the fairground fence (in 100+ heat) to get there and then they did not have our tire size.
Back to the rig where we got out chairs to sit out in the shade - still very hot. Terry decided to wash the rigs and was halfway done with the 5th wheel when the camp host finally showed up and said we couldn’t wash rigs - then changed her mind and charged us $5 for washing. And it cost $20 to camp, not $10 as indicated on the website. Still cheap for California.
Into the air conditioned rig for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Aug 31st - Mon - to Newberry Springs CA
The first tire shop did not have the tire that we needed but the second shop had 2 that were special ordered and the customer never picked them up - how lucky is that? They were able to get one mounted right away and we were on our way about 10.
We decided not to go to Sequoia Ntl Park but to just head for Colorado and maybe find a little cooler weather. Of course we have to get out of California and through Nevada or Arizona and then Utah to get to Colorado. We are at Twin Lakes RV park (PA) which was advertised as having shaded sites backing up to a lake. As we drove in, a sign said “no swimming”. The small lake is more like a very large, plastic lined swimming hole. We did get one of the only shaded spots as there are very few other campers.
On the drive today, 5 fire trucks and a fire captain vehicle passed us but not with lights on. Shortly after, we saw smoke rising behind a mountain and a huge smoke plume moving across the horizon. I looked at the map and concluded that the fire crews were going to help with the LA fires. On the news this evening, mention of a town and another look at the map confirmed that some of the fires are not that far from where we were driving.
One of my purchases on Thurs was a set of cardboard boxes with lids to use to organize some cabinets so we got at it this morning. It is amazing how much stuff accumulates over 3 years - and amazing how long it takes to sort it out and decide what to do with it - Toss? Store where it makes more sense? Put it back where it was? Of course we ended up needing a couple of specific storage containers so went shopping and found them at a thrift store.
In the afternoon we got our BBQ propane tank filled and did a couple loads of laundry at the park laundry closet. Can’t call it a laundry room as there is just enough room for 2 washers & 2 dryers - but it was clean, inexpensive and got the job done.
Aug 30th - Sun - to Hanford
There is no direct way east from Yosemite except through the park which is a very windy, narrow road that climbs to 9900 feet and we did not want to experience it pulling the 5th wheel. So we decided to go south and go to Sequoia National Park which is not too far. On the internet, we found that the Hanford Fairgrounds has camping for $10 and Terry had seen an RV show advertised there so thought we would check it out. We missed the sign for RV camping in the fairgrounds so turned around in a parking lot to head back. As soon as we were on the street again, Terry noticed that the 5th wheel looked crooked - we had a flat tire nearly off the rim. We had a wide shoulder to pull onto, we were on the right side of the rig, we were in the shade and our new jack worked great - certainly could have had worse conditions to change a tire. When we didn’t get an answer at the first tire shop that we called we remembered it was Sunday and tire shops probably would not be open so we went to the fairgrounds and got a spot to stay.
We had some lunch and then walked to the RV show. It was just one large dealer so there wasn’t too much there. Next to it was a swap meet. As we started through the few tents still there, we noticed an open tire shop across the street. Of course we had to walk clear to the end of the fairground fence (in 100+ heat) to get there and then they did not have our tire size.
Back to the rig where we got out chairs to sit out in the shade - still very hot. Terry decided to wash the rigs and was halfway done with the 5th wheel when the camp host finally showed up and said we couldn’t wash rigs - then changed her mind and charged us $5 for washing. And it cost $20 to camp, not $10 as indicated on the website. Still cheap for California.
Into the air conditioned rig for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Aug 31st - Mon - to Newberry Springs CA
The first tire shop did not have the tire that we needed but the second shop had 2 that were special ordered and the customer never picked them up - how lucky is that? They were able to get one mounted right away and we were on our way about 10.
We decided not to go to Sequoia Ntl Park but to just head for Colorado and maybe find a little cooler weather. Of course we have to get out of California and through Nevada or Arizona and then Utah to get to Colorado. We are at Twin Lakes RV park (PA) which was advertised as having shaded sites backing up to a lake. As we drove in, a sign said “no swimming”. The small lake is more like a very large, plastic lined swimming hole. We did get one of the only shaded spots as there are very few other campers.
On the drive today, 5 fire trucks and a fire captain vehicle passed us but not with lights on. Shortly after, we saw smoke rising behind a mountain and a huge smoke plume moving across the horizon. I looked at the map and concluded that the fire crews were going to help with the LA fires. On the news this evening, mention of a town and another look at the map confirmed that some of the fires are not that far from where we were driving.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Aug 26th to 28th - Oakhurst
Aug 26th - Wed - Oakhurst
When we left Isleton we had to put air in one of the 5th wheel tires. When we arrived here, it was low again so we knew we had to do something but had just not figured out what. Keeping in mind that most of this small town is hills, the chance of pulling our rig into a tire shop is slim. Luckily, a neighbor had a heavy duty bottle jack which he was happy to let us use. Unfortunately, he was leaving today so we got up early to put on the spare so we could get the leaky tire fixed. The tire shop put THREE plugs into tiny holes and there were more holes so Terry ordered a new tire. It was the front tire so don’t know how it could have gotten holes without the back tire being affected.
A trip to the grocery store used up the rest of the morning and then we got to work on a project that has been waiting for time and a picnic table. We needed the picnic table so we could spray glue maps of the US and Canada to a folding cardboard backing. Then we took different color highlighters and marked our routes for each year. Of course, even though we had roads highlighted on two atlases, we could not remember exactly which line belonged to which trip so I had to constantly refer to my blog and the job took a long time.
We went to the nearer casino to take advantage of a $8.99 steak & seafood buffet which turned out to be just OK. We also entered a free senior slot tournament. At first Terry was quickly building points but didn’t end up with enough to win anything. The slot machines took some money before we left.
Aug 27th - Thurs - Oakhurst
I spent time on the computer this morning and then put a picnic lunch together. We drove to Bass Lake, took the road on the non-public-access side of the lake and then returned to the side with many federal day-use areas. Stopped at one and enjoyed our lunch in the shade as it was still hot today. The lake is beautiful and had lots of boats pulling skiers and tubes. Didn’t go swimming as the boat wakes were churning up lots of sand near the shore.
Continued driving after lunch and then turned around and came back to town. We stopped at a liquidation type place on the way back and bought a few items that we just couldn’t live without. Also picked up the new tire for the 5th wheel.
Our neighbors Dennis & Ginger went to Yosemite today and returned shortly after we finished dinner. They came over and we spent the rest of the evening with them. There is a fire in Yosemite (planned burn got away!) so the fantastic view from Glacier Point was obscured by smoke. I showed them our pictures so they could see what it really looks like. Ginger did get a great picture of the sun in the middle of clouds of smoke.
Aug 28th - Fri - Oakhurst
We took our coffee next door and chatted with Dennis & Ginger as they got ready to leave this morning. Then we drove south to Fresno (48 miles) and bought a bottle jack so we can change a tire on the 5th wheel without building a ramp or borrowing a jack from a neighbor. The hills are really dried out everywhere. A lot of farmers work up a dirt strip beside the road to serve as a fire break should some idiot throw out a cigarette. Water really makes a difference as there were also some HUGE vineyards & orchards.
We had to pass the Table Mountain Casino on our way back so we stopped for the special senior price on the buffet - need some exercise after all the food lately!! Ended up spending several hours on the slot machines (very hot again so the AC is wonderful) and came out $5 ahead. BBQ dinner and then inside to watch TV & read.
When we left Isleton we had to put air in one of the 5th wheel tires. When we arrived here, it was low again so we knew we had to do something but had just not figured out what. Keeping in mind that most of this small town is hills, the chance of pulling our rig into a tire shop is slim. Luckily, a neighbor had a heavy duty bottle jack which he was happy to let us use. Unfortunately, he was leaving today so we got up early to put on the spare so we could get the leaky tire fixed. The tire shop put THREE plugs into tiny holes and there were more holes so Terry ordered a new tire. It was the front tire so don’t know how it could have gotten holes without the back tire being affected.
A trip to the grocery store used up the rest of the morning and then we got to work on a project that has been waiting for time and a picnic table. We needed the picnic table so we could spray glue maps of the US and Canada to a folding cardboard backing. Then we took different color highlighters and marked our routes for each year. Of course, even though we had roads highlighted on two atlases, we could not remember exactly which line belonged to which trip so I had to constantly refer to my blog and the job took a long time.
We went to the nearer casino to take advantage of a $8.99 steak & seafood buffet which turned out to be just OK. We also entered a free senior slot tournament. At first Terry was quickly building points but didn’t end up with enough to win anything. The slot machines took some money before we left.
Aug 27th - Thurs - Oakhurst
I spent time on the computer this morning and then put a picnic lunch together. We drove to Bass Lake, took the road on the non-public-access side of the lake and then returned to the side with many federal day-use areas. Stopped at one and enjoyed our lunch in the shade as it was still hot today. The lake is beautiful and had lots of boats pulling skiers and tubes. Didn’t go swimming as the boat wakes were churning up lots of sand near the shore.
Continued driving after lunch and then turned around and came back to town. We stopped at a liquidation type place on the way back and bought a few items that we just couldn’t live without. Also picked up the new tire for the 5th wheel.
Our neighbors Dennis & Ginger went to Yosemite today and returned shortly after we finished dinner. They came over and we spent the rest of the evening with them. There is a fire in Yosemite (planned burn got away!) so the fantastic view from Glacier Point was obscured by smoke. I showed them our pictures so they could see what it really looks like. Ginger did get a great picture of the sun in the middle of clouds of smoke.
Aug 28th - Fri - Oakhurst
We took our coffee next door and chatted with Dennis & Ginger as they got ready to leave this morning. Then we drove south to Fresno (48 miles) and bought a bottle jack so we can change a tire on the 5th wheel without building a ramp or borrowing a jack from a neighbor. The hills are really dried out everywhere. A lot of farmers work up a dirt strip beside the road to serve as a fire break should some idiot throw out a cigarette. Water really makes a difference as there were also some HUGE vineyards & orchards.
We had to pass the Table Mountain Casino on our way back so we stopped for the special senior price on the buffet - need some exercise after all the food lately!! Ended up spending several hours on the slot machines (very hot again so the AC is wonderful) and came out $5 ahead. BBQ dinner and then inside to watch TV & read.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Aug 23rd to 25th - Oakhurst CA
Aug 23rd - Sun - to Oakhurst CA
Freeway part of the way today and then into 2 lane roads in hills as we headed south & east. We are at the High Sierra RV park in Oakhurst which is south of Yosemite National Park. After a late lunch we explored the town a bit, filled up with diesel (California prices have been a bit of a shock - down to $2.87 here) and picked us some groceries. We put away the groceries and went to check out Chukchansi Casino about 12 miles south.
We drove on a narrow, windy road (Hwy 41) through treed hills with a couple of small communities hugging the road. So we were very surprised when we turned off the highway, went up and around a hill and saw a huge casino with a 7 story hotel (400 rooms) and 7 restaurants.
We did so-so on the slots until I finally won a small bonus when I was down to 5 cents on a machine. I tucked some away so Mr. Gambler wouldn’t want to play (lose!) it all and we ended up earning enough points on our cards to each get a “free” T-shirt.
Back to the rig for a BBQ dinner. Hot weather but cooling in the evening. Not many other campers in the park, mostly longer term residents up on a hill.
Aug 24th - Mon - Oakhurst (Yosemite)
Oakhurst is 22 windy miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite NP. Just inside the park is the road to Mariposa Grove with huge sequoias. The parking lot at the grove was full so we had to take a shuttle bus for the 2 mile trip. We took a walk of nearly a mile to the Grizzly Giant (tree) and the Tunnel Tree which had a tunnel cut through it in 1895 and is still alive.
Then a 35 mile drive - more narrow and windy - to Yosemite Valley. We stopped at Tunnel View for pictures of two of Yosemite’s best known peaks - El Capitan and Half Dome. In the valley we stopped at a picnic area for lunch. We were almost finished eating when a small bear wandered into the section where we were sitting. It was heading towards a couple who didn’t see it so we got their attention and they immediately grabbed their stuff and left the table. The bear was smart enough to head right to their table to see if anything was left behind.
Yosemite is known for scenery, hiking and climbing. Since we are not big on the last two, we made the loop around the valley and headed back south a bit before taking the Glacier Point road. Less than a mile down the road there was road construction with possible ½ hour delays. I think we waited 20 minutes and then only moved down the road a bit because the line was back to the main road. Shortly afterwards we started through several miles of one lane traffic - about 30 miles total to Glacier Point. Another walk to incredible views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains. A young man beside me told his friend that he thought it was more impressive than the Grand Canyon. As amazing as the view was one viewpoint that was hacked out of solid rock right on the edge of the canyon.
Luckily it was late enough when we headed back that the road crews were done for the day. We decided to get fried chicken for dinner and had the greatest lady at the deli counter. She did not have any chicken breasts so was trying to convince us to get something else. She gave us each a sample of the chicken strips - they were old but she could make fresh ones in 7 minutes! - then gave Terry a sample of a thigh which were on special - 4 thighs & 4 drumsticks. Terry said he would take the special if he could get all thighs. So she ended up giving us 6 thighs & 2 drumsticks. We can have fun even in a grocery store!
Aug 25th - Tues - Oakhurst
We enjoy watching the HGTV channel on TV and indulged ourselves this morning with a few episodes. Nice late breakfast, a walk around the park, clean the truck a bit and then off for a drive which took us to Table Mountain Casino (!) south of here. Another large complex in the middle of nowhere except there were some very nice homes around a golf course right across the road. I had some luck again and covered our initial outlay with some additional to keep playing. When my luck ran out, Terry started doing OK. We finally left about 5 and it cost us $5!
Before I finished making dinner, Terry invited new neighbors to have a drink so we sat and chatted with Dennis & Ginger until it was time for them to start dinner. A few minutes later, Ginger came back to tell us to have a look at a new rig that had set up in the park. It was a huge bus with 3 rows of little windows in the back half. There were a lot of people sitting at tables near it so we figured each little window was a sleeping alcove. Terry & Ginger took cameras and went to investigate. It was a tour group of 23 people from Germany. Terry invited some of them to come see our living quarters after dinner and come they did. I expected just a few but most of them have not seen the inside of a 5th wheel so they got their first view in ours. We really enjoyed talking with some of them for quite a while and found out that they are 3 days into a 2 week trip which starts & ends in Los Angeles.
Freeway part of the way today and then into 2 lane roads in hills as we headed south & east. We are at the High Sierra RV park in Oakhurst which is south of Yosemite National Park. After a late lunch we explored the town a bit, filled up with diesel (California prices have been a bit of a shock - down to $2.87 here) and picked us some groceries. We put away the groceries and went to check out Chukchansi Casino about 12 miles south.
We drove on a narrow, windy road (Hwy 41) through treed hills with a couple of small communities hugging the road. So we were very surprised when we turned off the highway, went up and around a hill and saw a huge casino with a 7 story hotel (400 rooms) and 7 restaurants.
We did so-so on the slots until I finally won a small bonus when I was down to 5 cents on a machine. I tucked some away so Mr. Gambler wouldn’t want to play (lose!) it all and we ended up earning enough points on our cards to each get a “free” T-shirt.
Back to the rig for a BBQ dinner. Hot weather but cooling in the evening. Not many other campers in the park, mostly longer term residents up on a hill.
Aug 24th - Mon - Oakhurst (Yosemite)
Oakhurst is 22 windy miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite NP. Just inside the park is the road to Mariposa Grove with huge sequoias. The parking lot at the grove was full so we had to take a shuttle bus for the 2 mile trip. We took a walk of nearly a mile to the Grizzly Giant (tree) and the Tunnel Tree which had a tunnel cut through it in 1895 and is still alive.
Then a 35 mile drive - more narrow and windy - to Yosemite Valley. We stopped at Tunnel View for pictures of two of Yosemite’s best known peaks - El Capitan and Half Dome. In the valley we stopped at a picnic area for lunch. We were almost finished eating when a small bear wandered into the section where we were sitting. It was heading towards a couple who didn’t see it so we got their attention and they immediately grabbed their stuff and left the table. The bear was smart enough to head right to their table to see if anything was left behind.
Yosemite is known for scenery, hiking and climbing. Since we are not big on the last two, we made the loop around the valley and headed back south a bit before taking the Glacier Point road. Less than a mile down the road there was road construction with possible ½ hour delays. I think we waited 20 minutes and then only moved down the road a bit because the line was back to the main road. Shortly afterwards we started through several miles of one lane traffic - about 30 miles total to Glacier Point. Another walk to incredible views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains. A young man beside me told his friend that he thought it was more impressive than the Grand Canyon. As amazing as the view was one viewpoint that was hacked out of solid rock right on the edge of the canyon.
Luckily it was late enough when we headed back that the road crews were done for the day. We decided to get fried chicken for dinner and had the greatest lady at the deli counter. She did not have any chicken breasts so was trying to convince us to get something else. She gave us each a sample of the chicken strips - they were old but she could make fresh ones in 7 minutes! - then gave Terry a sample of a thigh which were on special - 4 thighs & 4 drumsticks. Terry said he would take the special if he could get all thighs. So she ended up giving us 6 thighs & 2 drumsticks. We can have fun even in a grocery store!
Aug 25th - Tues - Oakhurst
We enjoy watching the HGTV channel on TV and indulged ourselves this morning with a few episodes. Nice late breakfast, a walk around the park, clean the truck a bit and then off for a drive which took us to Table Mountain Casino (!) south of here. Another large complex in the middle of nowhere except there were some very nice homes around a golf course right across the road. I had some luck again and covered our initial outlay with some additional to keep playing. When my luck ran out, Terry started doing OK. We finally left about 5 and it cost us $5!
Before I finished making dinner, Terry invited new neighbors to have a drink so we sat and chatted with Dennis & Ginger until it was time for them to start dinner. A few minutes later, Ginger came back to tell us to have a look at a new rig that had set up in the park. It was a huge bus with 3 rows of little windows in the back half. There were a lot of people sitting at tables near it so we figured each little window was a sleeping alcove. Terry & Ginger took cameras and went to investigate. It was a tour group of 23 people from Germany. Terry invited some of them to come see our living quarters after dinner and come they did. I expected just a few but most of them have not seen the inside of a 5th wheel so they got their first view in ours. We really enjoyed talking with some of them for quite a while and found out that they are 3 days into a 2 week trip which starts & ends in Los Angeles.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Aug 20th to 22nd - Corning, Isleton CA
Aug 20th - Thurs - to Corning CA
A long, for us, drive today. 6 hours of I5 freeway - flat, lots of orchards. Corning’s claim to fame is olives so we assumed most of the miles of orchards were olive trees. We got set up in a mostly empty PA park and went to a nearby Safeway for groceries. After dinner we called friends Claude & Val and enjoyed our chat with them.
Then we HAD to go check out Rolling Hills Casino which was only 3 miles away and promised some free play on a new player’s card. My $5 free play lasted quite a while but not my own $20 after that! Then I watched Terry play & play & play. When he was back down to $20, I was getting tired and said that when he got up to $40 it was time for us to leave. He was doing great on a machine (after dropping to less than $10) when he reached $40 and then we both enjoyed seeing him reach $80+. Back down a little (of course) and then a final $5 after cashing out and we actually walked out ahead! Not exactly high rollers but we enjoy it.
Aug 21st - Fri - to Isleton CA
Past many more miles of orchards and huge hay fields on I5 again today. Uneventful stretch right through Sacramento on the freeway and then west on Hwy 12 to the Sacramento Delta. We drove 3 miles on a levee road to reach the Lighthouse Marina & RV park. It is actually a membership park but Campclub USA members are welcome. Most spots are shaded but we selected a spot in the sun as many of the tree limbs would have hit our roof and it was not supposed to get too hot.
Part of the reason that we picked this spot was to make a trip to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield. We left right after having lunch as the factory does not operate on the weekend. We had to wait over ½ hour for a tour which “under whelmed” us. Terry likes jelly beans so we bought 5 two pound bags of Belly Flops (irregular jelly beans at a very reasonable price) for future munching.
We barbequed for dinner and then went to the clubhouse for bingo at 7. It was free with small prizes to select from. We sat with a man who is a member here and enjoyed chatting with him. Terry selected a multi-tip screwdriver when he got a Bingo. It was pretty slow so we left before it was over at 9.
The weather ended up much warmer than forecast as the expected Delta breezes did not materialize.
Aug 22nd - Sat - Isleton
Had a nice chat with Aunt Jessie this morning before sorting the laundry and checking out the laundry room here. It left a lot to be desired (3 washers and I had 5 loads) so we drove to Rio Vista where we had passed a laundromat yesterday. Nice & clean & empty so we were done in no time. On the way back we detoured through Isleton which is a tiny, historic town.
Pretty hot again today - too hot for much activity and there are lots of camping kids so the pool was out. We relaxed in the shade or inside in the AC until after dinner when it was cool enough for a walk around the park. I discovered a “library” and exchanged some books.
A long, for us, drive today. 6 hours of I5 freeway - flat, lots of orchards. Corning’s claim to fame is olives so we assumed most of the miles of orchards were olive trees. We got set up in a mostly empty PA park and went to a nearby Safeway for groceries. After dinner we called friends Claude & Val and enjoyed our chat with them.
Then we HAD to go check out Rolling Hills Casino which was only 3 miles away and promised some free play on a new player’s card. My $5 free play lasted quite a while but not my own $20 after that! Then I watched Terry play & play & play. When he was back down to $20, I was getting tired and said that when he got up to $40 it was time for us to leave. He was doing great on a machine (after dropping to less than $10) when he reached $40 and then we both enjoyed seeing him reach $80+. Back down a little (of course) and then a final $5 after cashing out and we actually walked out ahead! Not exactly high rollers but we enjoy it.
Aug 21st - Fri - to Isleton CA
Past many more miles of orchards and huge hay fields on I5 again today. Uneventful stretch right through Sacramento on the freeway and then west on Hwy 12 to the Sacramento Delta. We drove 3 miles on a levee road to reach the Lighthouse Marina & RV park. It is actually a membership park but Campclub USA members are welcome. Most spots are shaded but we selected a spot in the sun as many of the tree limbs would have hit our roof and it was not supposed to get too hot.
Part of the reason that we picked this spot was to make a trip to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield. We left right after having lunch as the factory does not operate on the weekend. We had to wait over ½ hour for a tour which “under whelmed” us. Terry likes jelly beans so we bought 5 two pound bags of Belly Flops (irregular jelly beans at a very reasonable price) for future munching.
We barbequed for dinner and then went to the clubhouse for bingo at 7. It was free with small prizes to select from. We sat with a man who is a member here and enjoyed chatting with him. Terry selected a multi-tip screwdriver when he got a Bingo. It was pretty slow so we left before it was over at 9.
The weather ended up much warmer than forecast as the expected Delta breezes did not materialize.
Aug 22nd - Sat - Isleton
Had a nice chat with Aunt Jessie this morning before sorting the laundry and checking out the laundry room here. It left a lot to be desired (3 washers and I had 5 loads) so we drove to Rio Vista where we had passed a laundromat yesterday. Nice & clean & empty so we were done in no time. On the way back we detoured through Isleton which is a tiny, historic town.
Pretty hot again today - too hot for much activity and there are lots of camping kids so the pool was out. We relaxed in the shade or inside in the AC until after dinner when it was cool enough for a walk around the park. I discovered a “library” and exchanged some books.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Aug 17th to 19th - Florence to Canyonville OR
Aug 17th - Mon - Florence
After breakfast we went to Old Town in Florence which is an area of shops & restaurants. The day started out cool but I was wishing that I had worn shorts before we were finished strolling up & down the main street of Old Town. On the way back to the RV park, we took a drive in a sand dune recreation area but did not stop to walk to the top of the dunes since the wind was blowing again by then.
Back at the park, I did some long overdue inside cleaning while Terry washed the bugs off the 5th wheel and dry washed the truck. We actually could have washed the 5th wheel in the park but we were just not motivated enough.
Aug 18th - Tues - to Canyonville OR
Another short trip today. We stopped at 7 Feathers casino to get a players’ card which would give us a discount at their RV park. Then to the RV park to get a spot for a couple of nights, get set up and have lunch. It is a beautiful new park which, with Good Sam & players’ club discounts, ended up costing less than the park that we stayed at in Florence.
The weather was very hot so we checked out the indoor pool. The water is cool enough to be refreshing. Then back to the casino for a while. A shuttle runs from the RV park across the highway to the casino but we made the short trip in the truck to fuel up on the way. Back for a late dinner and TV.
Aug 19th - Wed - Canyonville
There are huge areas of gorgeous scenery in the Pacific northwest and we spent several hours enjoying some of it today. We made a circle tour with Crater Lake as our destination. We stopped for a great breakfast at Union Creek and walked along the Rogue River gorge just past the restaurant. Next stop - Crater Lake. It has the most incredibly blue water that I can recall in a lake. The weather was clear & (too) hot so the views were wonderful. We missed a viewpoint that I wanted to stop at because of some road construction but we were glad that we made the trip.
The 109 degree reading in the truck prompted a stop at Dairy Queen in Roseburg on the way back. Then a cooling dip in the pool back at the RV park. We are parked to have afternoon shade so we sat out and ate dinner out again this afternoon.
After dinner we were startled by a loud bang that appeared to be behind our 5th wheel. When we went to investigate, I noticed that a tire on my bicycle was flat. Sure enough, the inner tube had exploded. Terry put in a new tube and as he was inflating it, the new tube pushed past the tire and also exploded. Maybe “universal size” tubes are not the answer.
After breakfast we went to Old Town in Florence which is an area of shops & restaurants. The day started out cool but I was wishing that I had worn shorts before we were finished strolling up & down the main street of Old Town. On the way back to the RV park, we took a drive in a sand dune recreation area but did not stop to walk to the top of the dunes since the wind was blowing again by then.
Back at the park, I did some long overdue inside cleaning while Terry washed the bugs off the 5th wheel and dry washed the truck. We actually could have washed the 5th wheel in the park but we were just not motivated enough.
Aug 18th - Tues - to Canyonville OR
Another short trip today. We stopped at 7 Feathers casino to get a players’ card which would give us a discount at their RV park. Then to the RV park to get a spot for a couple of nights, get set up and have lunch. It is a beautiful new park which, with Good Sam & players’ club discounts, ended up costing less than the park that we stayed at in Florence.
The weather was very hot so we checked out the indoor pool. The water is cool enough to be refreshing. Then back to the casino for a while. A shuttle runs from the RV park across the highway to the casino but we made the short trip in the truck to fuel up on the way. Back for a late dinner and TV.
Aug 19th - Wed - Canyonville
There are huge areas of gorgeous scenery in the Pacific northwest and we spent several hours enjoying some of it today. We made a circle tour with Crater Lake as our destination. We stopped for a great breakfast at Union Creek and walked along the Rogue River gorge just past the restaurant. Next stop - Crater Lake. It has the most incredibly blue water that I can recall in a lake. The weather was clear & (too) hot so the views were wonderful. We missed a viewpoint that I wanted to stop at because of some road construction but we were glad that we made the trip.
The 109 degree reading in the truck prompted a stop at Dairy Queen in Roseburg on the way back. Then a cooling dip in the pool back at the RV park. We are parked to have afternoon shade so we sat out and ate dinner out again this afternoon.
After dinner we were startled by a loud bang that appeared to be behind our 5th wheel. When we went to investigate, I noticed that a tire on my bicycle was flat. Sure enough, the inner tube had exploded. Terry put in a new tube and as he was inflating it, the new tube pushed past the tire and also exploded. Maybe “universal size” tubes are not the answer.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Aug 14th to 16th - Oregon coast
Aug 14th - Fri - to Lincoln City OR
We said goodbye to Billy & Lauri and headed south on the beautiful coast Hwy 101. We had planned to go to Waldport but made one of our last minute changes and ended up just south of Lincoln City at the Chinook Bend RV park on the Siletz River.
After setting up and having lunch, we headed back to Lincoln City and the Chinook Winds casino (of course!). We were not doing too well when Terry’s brother Skip walked up. He & Kathy and Kathy’s brothers & families are vacationing nearby. I knew they were on the coast somewhere but wasn’t sure exactly where they were. Skip was doing well on the slot machines and told us about the “Jaws” machines that we had not tried. Well, Terry ended up making our money back with enough extra to keep us going until we had a late dinner at the seafood buffet.
Aug 15th - Sat - Lincoln City OR
We walked about a mile on a trail along a dike and through a field at the RV park before going for a drive. We stopped at Depoe Bay, browsed through touristy shops, watched activity in the harbor and unsuccessfully looked for whales. We stopped at view points as we continued on to Waldport to check out a PA park - don’t want to stay there! We also stopped at an RV park where we have stayed and rented boats for crabbing. It has been totally redone and, as far as we are concerned , is way too pricey and the laid-back charm is gone.
On the way back we stopped at WalMart which turned out not to be a Superstore so also stopped at Fred Meyers. It was barely warm enough to sit outside for a while as long as we stayed in the sun. The RV park is near a mountain so the sun was down just after 6. We didn’t have lunch so had an early dinner and were able to finish cooking on the BBQ before the sun disappeared.
Aug 16th - Sun - to Florence OR
A beautiful day to continue the drive south on 101. We didn’t have a destination in mind so ended up stopping at Three Rivers Casino for a few hours. Had a great buffet brunch - but it cost too much!! I wanted to explore the area a bit so we stopped at an RV park just south of Florence. Not the best fit for us as most of the rigs are toy haulers with rigs to ride on the dunes.
We went for a walk on/in the sand dunes. The wind was really blowing and we were being sand blasted so didn’t go too far. Checked out Woahink Lake across the road - one fisherman on the dock that the wind was causing to bob enough to cause seasickness. The RV sites are separated by trees & shrubs that break the wind a bit so we sat out in the sun for a while. Then a lazy evening of TV & reading.
We said goodbye to Billy & Lauri and headed south on the beautiful coast Hwy 101. We had planned to go to Waldport but made one of our last minute changes and ended up just south of Lincoln City at the Chinook Bend RV park on the Siletz River.
After setting up and having lunch, we headed back to Lincoln City and the Chinook Winds casino (of course!). We were not doing too well when Terry’s brother Skip walked up. He & Kathy and Kathy’s brothers & families are vacationing nearby. I knew they were on the coast somewhere but wasn’t sure exactly where they were. Skip was doing well on the slot machines and told us about the “Jaws” machines that we had not tried. Well, Terry ended up making our money back with enough extra to keep us going until we had a late dinner at the seafood buffet.
Aug 15th - Sat - Lincoln City OR
We walked about a mile on a trail along a dike and through a field at the RV park before going for a drive. We stopped at Depoe Bay, browsed through touristy shops, watched activity in the harbor and unsuccessfully looked for whales. We stopped at view points as we continued on to Waldport to check out a PA park - don’t want to stay there! We also stopped at an RV park where we have stayed and rented boats for crabbing. It has been totally redone and, as far as we are concerned , is way too pricey and the laid-back charm is gone.
On the way back we stopped at WalMart which turned out not to be a Superstore so also stopped at Fred Meyers. It was barely warm enough to sit outside for a while as long as we stayed in the sun. The RV park is near a mountain so the sun was down just after 6. We didn’t have lunch so had an early dinner and were able to finish cooking on the BBQ before the sun disappeared.
Aug 16th - Sun - to Florence OR
A beautiful day to continue the drive south on 101. We didn’t have a destination in mind so ended up stopping at Three Rivers Casino for a few hours. Had a great buffet brunch - but it cost too much!! I wanted to explore the area a bit so we stopped at an RV park just south of Florence. Not the best fit for us as most of the rigs are toy haulers with rigs to ride on the dunes.
We went for a walk on/in the sand dunes. The wind was really blowing and we were being sand blasted so didn’t go too far. Checked out Woahink Lake across the road - one fisherman on the dock that the wind was causing to bob enough to cause seasickness. The RV sites are separated by trees & shrubs that break the wind a bit so we sat out in the sun for a while. Then a lazy evening of TV & reading.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Aug 11th to 13th - Long Beach
Aug 11th - Tues - Long Beach
Lazy morning and then we went to the Ocean Park Eagle’s Club to play bingo at noon with Billy & Lauri. We arrived early - just after 11 - to get a table. Terry won a game and it paid $125. It cost $25 for both of us to play until nearly 4 and Terry splurged $10 of his winnings on pull-tabs which returned a whopping $1.
After bingo we drove north on the peninsula to Oysterville and then looped back to explore Jack’s grocery/everything store in Ocean Park. Next into Long Beach with a stop at a “museum”/gift store.
The guys aired up the bicycle tires while Lauri & I each made dinner. After dinner we got together for a few games of Sequence which the women won in a tie breaker.
Aug 12th - Wed - Long Beach
It rained last night and was cool & cloudy this morning so we and Billy & Lauri decided to go to Astoria which is only about 15 miles away. We went to the Columbia River Maritime Museum which is very nice. After an introductory film, you can check out 6 sections including fishing, ship wrecks & the dangers of the “bar” and the Coast Guard. You can also explore a retired lightship which is a floating lighthouse.
We stopped at a liquor store and then went to Costco for a couple of items and lunch. It was such a small Costco that the snack counter was outside with no seating - but we had our hot dogs anyhow since we were all hungry.
On the way back we drove to Cape Disappointment and walked to the North Head lighthouse. Shortly after we got back we all went for a bike ride. There is a wonderful paved trail through the grass covered dunes between Hwy 101 and the beach. We rode about 9 ½ miles.
A short break and off again for the Eagle’s Club in Ocean Park - this time to listen to very good and very bad karaoke and to have a hamburger & fries that we had been told was a very good meal for $4 (not so good!).
Aug 13th - Thurs - Long Beach
Nice weather for bike riding today so that is what we did. This time we went farther north on Hwy 101 before heading to the trail in the dunes and then went farther south than yesterday. The trail winds through the little hills of the dunes and is a great ride. We went into town on the way back and then had to backtrack to a grocery store. We stopped for a beer & lunch at LBT (Long Beach Tavern) and ended up riding 15 miles.
Lauri & I both did a couple loads of laundry before I made dinner for all of us. After dinner we looked at some of our favorite jokes which I then copied onto a disk and set up on Lauri’s computer.
Lazy morning and then we went to the Ocean Park Eagle’s Club to play bingo at noon with Billy & Lauri. We arrived early - just after 11 - to get a table. Terry won a game and it paid $125. It cost $25 for both of us to play until nearly 4 and Terry splurged $10 of his winnings on pull-tabs which returned a whopping $1.
After bingo we drove north on the peninsula to Oysterville and then looped back to explore Jack’s grocery/everything store in Ocean Park. Next into Long Beach with a stop at a “museum”/gift store.
The guys aired up the bicycle tires while Lauri & I each made dinner. After dinner we got together for a few games of Sequence which the women won in a tie breaker.
Aug 12th - Wed - Long Beach
It rained last night and was cool & cloudy this morning so we and Billy & Lauri decided to go to Astoria which is only about 15 miles away. We went to the Columbia River Maritime Museum which is very nice. After an introductory film, you can check out 6 sections including fishing, ship wrecks & the dangers of the “bar” and the Coast Guard. You can also explore a retired lightship which is a floating lighthouse.
We stopped at a liquor store and then went to Costco for a couple of items and lunch. It was such a small Costco that the snack counter was outside with no seating - but we had our hot dogs anyhow since we were all hungry.
On the way back we drove to Cape Disappointment and walked to the North Head lighthouse. Shortly after we got back we all went for a bike ride. There is a wonderful paved trail through the grass covered dunes between Hwy 101 and the beach. We rode about 9 ½ miles.
A short break and off again for the Eagle’s Club in Ocean Park - this time to listen to very good and very bad karaoke and to have a hamburger & fries that we had been told was a very good meal for $4 (not so good!).
Aug 13th - Thurs - Long Beach
Nice weather for bike riding today so that is what we did. This time we went farther north on Hwy 101 before heading to the trail in the dunes and then went farther south than yesterday. The trail winds through the little hills of the dunes and is a great ride. We went into town on the way back and then had to backtrack to a grocery store. We stopped for a beer & lunch at LBT (Long Beach Tavern) and ended up riding 15 miles.
Lauri & I both did a couple loads of laundry before I made dinner for all of us. After dinner we looked at some of our favorite jokes which I then copied onto a disk and set up on Lauri’s computer.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Aug 7th to 10th - Monroe,Rochester,Long Beach
Aug 7th - Fri - Monroe
I’m liking this RV site more & more!! Barb made breakfast before we left for a trip to Mt. St. Helens. Larry thought it would be a couple of hours but the GPS said 3 hours. We hit some slower traffic on I5 but not bad. Unfortunately, we picked the wrong day for this trip. Mt. St. Helens was cloud-covered and we didn’t even bother to drive another hour (after the 3 hours) as we would not have been able to see the crater or anything else. We had packed a lunch so we enjoyed it before heading back.
We experienced a lot more slow traffic on the way back as it was 4:30 when we were near Tacoma. I saw the “Welcome to Tacoma” sign and was amazed at how much time had passed before we saw the Tacoma Dome. I had put a roast in the crock pot before we left so we just had to make veggies & salad for another yummy dinner. I even surprised Barb & Larry by producing freshly baked brownies for dessert.
Aug 8th - Sat - Monroe
Fresh baked muffins - thanks Barb! - for breakfast this morning. The weather was still cloudy & cool but no rain was forecast so we went golfing at nearby Blue Boy GC. It is a short 9 hole course and the only course that I have seen with a rock formation & plants in the middle of a green. Terry was helping Larry find a ball that he hit into a hedge and ended up finding a dozen other balls.
Barb invited another couple - Russ & Judy - to join us for dinner which we were able to enjoy on the patio after putting on light jackets.
Aug 9th - Sun - to Rochester WA
We made a quick trip for groceries before enjoying another breakfast cooked by Barb. We left about 10:30 for the hour and a half drive to the Lucky Eagle Casino at Rochester. This is our parking spot when we visit our son & family as we cannot turn around in their yard to get back out their LONG driveway.
After registering for our RV site, we had to spend some time in the casino where I came out a few dollars ahead. Then it was time to start dinner. Dean, Jennifer, Victoria & Cameron arrived just before 5. The sun had come out and we were parked beside the only picnic tables by the RV spots so we could chat & eat outside. Grandson Cameron (7 years old) has grown out of his incredibly shy stage. He is a store-house of obscure animal facts and has an amazing repertoire of large words which he uses correctly. He helped carry everything outside for dinner so he & I got to spend time together which I really enjoyed. Our beautiful granddaughter Victoria is 15 and into texting like all other teenagers.
They had to leave early as they are looking after horses for friends so we returned to the casino for a while. Just could not leave with money in our pockets!!
Aug 10th - Mon - to Long Beach WA
We packed up and then went to the casino for a nice breakfast that was paid for by points on our player cards. Unfortunately, it was Senior Day and we had to take advantage of some free play. Took us a long time to lose it and a few more dollars.
We left at 1:00 for the 2 hour drive to Long Beach where we are meeting friends Billy & Lauri who we met in New York and are also full-timers. Billy called about 2 to find out where we were and to tell us that Lauri was making dinner for us. What great friends we have!
We drove past many acres of trees that were broken off or blown down by a sustained wind several years ago. They are being cleaned up by a logging company but there are still places where you can see the damage.
It sprinkled for most of the drive and then rained when we were checking in & setting up at the Sand Castle RV park. We had a good time catching up with Billy & Lauri and having a great dinner.
I’m liking this RV site more & more!! Barb made breakfast before we left for a trip to Mt. St. Helens. Larry thought it would be a couple of hours but the GPS said 3 hours. We hit some slower traffic on I5 but not bad. Unfortunately, we picked the wrong day for this trip. Mt. St. Helens was cloud-covered and we didn’t even bother to drive another hour (after the 3 hours) as we would not have been able to see the crater or anything else. We had packed a lunch so we enjoyed it before heading back.
We experienced a lot more slow traffic on the way back as it was 4:30 when we were near Tacoma. I saw the “Welcome to Tacoma” sign and was amazed at how much time had passed before we saw the Tacoma Dome. I had put a roast in the crock pot before we left so we just had to make veggies & salad for another yummy dinner. I even surprised Barb & Larry by producing freshly baked brownies for dessert.
Aug 8th - Sat - Monroe
Fresh baked muffins - thanks Barb! - for breakfast this morning. The weather was still cloudy & cool but no rain was forecast so we went golfing at nearby Blue Boy GC. It is a short 9 hole course and the only course that I have seen with a rock formation & plants in the middle of a green. Terry was helping Larry find a ball that he hit into a hedge and ended up finding a dozen other balls.
Barb invited another couple - Russ & Judy - to join us for dinner which we were able to enjoy on the patio after putting on light jackets.
Aug 9th - Sun - to Rochester WA
We made a quick trip for groceries before enjoying another breakfast cooked by Barb. We left about 10:30 for the hour and a half drive to the Lucky Eagle Casino at Rochester. This is our parking spot when we visit our son & family as we cannot turn around in their yard to get back out their LONG driveway.
After registering for our RV site, we had to spend some time in the casino where I came out a few dollars ahead. Then it was time to start dinner. Dean, Jennifer, Victoria & Cameron arrived just before 5. The sun had come out and we were parked beside the only picnic tables by the RV spots so we could chat & eat outside. Grandson Cameron (7 years old) has grown out of his incredibly shy stage. He is a store-house of obscure animal facts and has an amazing repertoire of large words which he uses correctly. He helped carry everything outside for dinner so he & I got to spend time together which I really enjoyed. Our beautiful granddaughter Victoria is 15 and into texting like all other teenagers.
They had to leave early as they are looking after horses for friends so we returned to the casino for a while. Just could not leave with money in our pockets!!
Aug 10th - Mon - to Long Beach WA
We packed up and then went to the casino for a nice breakfast that was paid for by points on our player cards. Unfortunately, it was Senior Day and we had to take advantage of some free play. Took us a long time to lose it and a few more dollars.
We left at 1:00 for the 2 hour drive to Long Beach where we are meeting friends Billy & Lauri who we met in New York and are also full-timers. Billy called about 2 to find out where we were and to tell us that Lauri was making dinner for us. What great friends we have!
We drove past many acres of trees that were broken off or blown down by a sustained wind several years ago. They are being cleaned up by a logging company but there are still places where you can see the damage.
It sprinkled for most of the drive and then rained when we were checking in & setting up at the Sand Castle RV park. We had a good time catching up with Billy & Lauri and having a great dinner.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Aug 2nd to 6th - Spokane to Monroe
Aug 2nd - Sun - Spokane
Lazy morning with coffee and the newspaper. Skip & Kathy were coming home and I decided to make dinner for all of us so we went for a few groceries & lunch. When we returned, Skip and his friend Pat were there. Skip & 11 other men had been on a golfing & fishing trip to Canada so he & Pat were cutting & vacuum sealing salmon. Kathy returned home from her “girls’ weekend” about 4:30 and we had the evening for dinner and catching up.
Aug 3rd - Mon - Spokane
We finally had the time and a bunch of Kathy’s CDs so we could load music on Terry’s MP3 player. Those little things are amazing. It has 8 gigabytes of storage and it took 1.6 GB (and several hours) to load 307 songs. I also loaded Picasa on Skip’s computer and gave him a crash course in using it.
We went to Bill & Georgia’s for dinner. It had cooled down enough to eat out on their beautiful new patio. Then we moved inside so we could see the cards & board for one of our marathon sessions of Sequence which the women won.
Aug 4th - Tues - Spokane
Skip left early to run errands so Kathy made breakfast for her & us. We decided that we needed a speaker system for our MP3 player so we could listen to music other than on ear buds. First we made an appointment to get our transmission fluid flushed and then shopped for speakers. Went to visit EllaMae & Don where Terry tried out the speakers. Turned out a cable listed on the package was missing and we couldn’t use it so he took it back to Big Lots where they opened a couple of others and found the cables missing in them also. Terry got his money back and returned to EllaMae’s just in time to go for the transmission flush.
But it just wasn’t his day! They got the truck up in the hoist and said “Oh, this is an Allison transmission and we can’t do it”! This is the same place that put new brakes on the truck a few days ago.
We stopped for a few groceries on the way back to S&K’s where they made us a wonderful dinner. Kathy had bought some “flameless” candles (an LED light in a wax shell) so, since the temperature had cooled down below 90, we moved outside to enjoy the candles, more wine and the great view.
Aug 5th - Wed - to Leavenworth WA
We had an 8:30 appointment to get our 5th wheel brakes worked on this morning. After checking out the wiring and pulling the tires it was determined that the best thing to do was replace all the brakes. We also needed one tire as for some unknown reason just one tire had worn through to the steel belts on one side and Terry had noticed it when we were packing stuff to leave Skip & Kathy’s. The tread on that tire and the others is still fine. The brakes were supposed to be delivered at 11. They called us at the casino at 11:30 to say they thought we needed new leaf springs. We had to go back there so Terry could show them two of the old springs that we kept when they were all replaced last year in New Jersey. When we left for lunch at 12:30 they hadn’t stated putting it back together.
We finally got on the road at 3:30 and decided to take Hwy 2 to Leavenworth. Nice drive through lots of wheat fields and then a long hill down to the Columbia River. We made the mistake of staying at the KOA in Leavenworth without asking the rate first - $50.50, no sewer and parked away in the back in “the meadow”. Won’t do that again.
Still hot all day. It was 91 at 6:30 when we arrived in Leavenworth.
Aug 6th - Thurs - to Monroe WA
Did some cleaning before leaving at 10:00 to visit our friends Larry & Barb who we met a couple of years ago in Alaska. It should have been an hour and 45 minute drive but about 25 miles from Monroe there was an accident on the highway. A semi had taken a curve too fast, pushed a large section of concrete barriers several feet towards the river and tipped a load of very smelly sludge. The tractor was off the road but the trailer was on it’s side in the middle of the 2 lane highway. Shortly after we stopped (3rd in line), vehicles came through from the opposite direction by driving partly on the grassy shoulder. Just as we were about to move, the police showed up and stopped all traffic because there was slippery brake fluid on the road and “there wasn’t room to drive past” even though a huge commercial bus had gone through there minutes earlier.
An hour later the trailer had been moved slightly so it was only blocking one lane and we got to go. Luckily, our side moved first. I counted about 300 vehicles lined up for 3 miles waiting to go west. Unfortunately, we had to drive through the sludge spilled on the road so when we stopped for fuel just down the road we cleaned off the front of the 5th wheel before the splatters dried completely.
Barb had lunch waiting for us which we enjoyed outside. The weather is much cooler but comfortable with long pants for the women and shorts for the hardier (!) men.
The guys took the truck to a car wash to get rid of the sludge behind the wheels and in the wheel wells. We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting, had a great dinner and retired to our home parked in the long driveway.
Lazy morning with coffee and the newspaper. Skip & Kathy were coming home and I decided to make dinner for all of us so we went for a few groceries & lunch. When we returned, Skip and his friend Pat were there. Skip & 11 other men had been on a golfing & fishing trip to Canada so he & Pat were cutting & vacuum sealing salmon. Kathy returned home from her “girls’ weekend” about 4:30 and we had the evening for dinner and catching up.
Aug 3rd - Mon - Spokane
We finally had the time and a bunch of Kathy’s CDs so we could load music on Terry’s MP3 player. Those little things are amazing. It has 8 gigabytes of storage and it took 1.6 GB (and several hours) to load 307 songs. I also loaded Picasa on Skip’s computer and gave him a crash course in using it.
We went to Bill & Georgia’s for dinner. It had cooled down enough to eat out on their beautiful new patio. Then we moved inside so we could see the cards & board for one of our marathon sessions of Sequence which the women won.
Aug 4th - Tues - Spokane
Skip left early to run errands so Kathy made breakfast for her & us. We decided that we needed a speaker system for our MP3 player so we could listen to music other than on ear buds. First we made an appointment to get our transmission fluid flushed and then shopped for speakers. Went to visit EllaMae & Don where Terry tried out the speakers. Turned out a cable listed on the package was missing and we couldn’t use it so he took it back to Big Lots where they opened a couple of others and found the cables missing in them also. Terry got his money back and returned to EllaMae’s just in time to go for the transmission flush.
But it just wasn’t his day! They got the truck up in the hoist and said “Oh, this is an Allison transmission and we can’t do it”! This is the same place that put new brakes on the truck a few days ago.
We stopped for a few groceries on the way back to S&K’s where they made us a wonderful dinner. Kathy had bought some “flameless” candles (an LED light in a wax shell) so, since the temperature had cooled down below 90, we moved outside to enjoy the candles, more wine and the great view.
Aug 5th - Wed - to Leavenworth WA
We had an 8:30 appointment to get our 5th wheel brakes worked on this morning. After checking out the wiring and pulling the tires it was determined that the best thing to do was replace all the brakes. We also needed one tire as for some unknown reason just one tire had worn through to the steel belts on one side and Terry had noticed it when we were packing stuff to leave Skip & Kathy’s. The tread on that tire and the others is still fine. The brakes were supposed to be delivered at 11. They called us at the casino at 11:30 to say they thought we needed new leaf springs. We had to go back there so Terry could show them two of the old springs that we kept when they were all replaced last year in New Jersey. When we left for lunch at 12:30 they hadn’t stated putting it back together.
We finally got on the road at 3:30 and decided to take Hwy 2 to Leavenworth. Nice drive through lots of wheat fields and then a long hill down to the Columbia River. We made the mistake of staying at the KOA in Leavenworth without asking the rate first - $50.50, no sewer and parked away in the back in “the meadow”. Won’t do that again.
Still hot all day. It was 91 at 6:30 when we arrived in Leavenworth.
Aug 6th - Thurs - to Monroe WA
Did some cleaning before leaving at 10:00 to visit our friends Larry & Barb who we met a couple of years ago in Alaska. It should have been an hour and 45 minute drive but about 25 miles from Monroe there was an accident on the highway. A semi had taken a curve too fast, pushed a large section of concrete barriers several feet towards the river and tipped a load of very smelly sludge. The tractor was off the road but the trailer was on it’s side in the middle of the 2 lane highway. Shortly after we stopped (3rd in line), vehicles came through from the opposite direction by driving partly on the grassy shoulder. Just as we were about to move, the police showed up and stopped all traffic because there was slippery brake fluid on the road and “there wasn’t room to drive past” even though a huge commercial bus had gone through there minutes earlier.
An hour later the trailer had been moved slightly so it was only blocking one lane and we got to go. Luckily, our side moved first. I counted about 300 vehicles lined up for 3 miles waiting to go west. Unfortunately, we had to drive through the sludge spilled on the road so when we stopped for fuel just down the road we cleaned off the front of the 5th wheel before the splatters dried completely.
Barb had lunch waiting for us which we enjoyed outside. The weather is much cooler but comfortable with long pants for the women and shorts for the hardier (!) men.
The guys took the truck to a car wash to get rid of the sludge behind the wheels and in the wheel wells. We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting, had a great dinner and retired to our home parked in the long driveway.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
July 30th to Aug 1st - Spokane
July 30th - Thurs - Spokane
We went to Terry’s Mom’s house this morning and arrived in time for breakfast - good timing! Don had something wrong with his back and could not stand upright to walk so I drove him to his doctor appointment at 10. The doctor diagnosed a sciatica problem and prescribed some pain pills which we got on the way home. Terry went to Blue Crick RV to talk about the brakes on the 5th wheel. They tested the brake controller and figure it is OK. We have an appointment on Wed morning so we will be here longer than we thought.
After we had lunch at EllaMae’s, we went shopping for a few items. We hit every store we could think of on this end of town looking for a metal letter tray to match one that we already have. We haven’t had ours for long but it appears that they are no longer available. We returned to S&K’s to drop off our purchases and make a salad for dinner. Back to EllaMae’s for a nice dinner made by Terry’s sister Cindy.
July 31st - Fri - Spokane
I finally found some ripe peaches yesterday so we enjoyed them for breakfast. Terry puttered around on the 5th wheel and I worked on the computer before we went back to EllaMae’s. Terry was going to mow the lawn there but Cindy had beat us to it and was almost done. We did some weeding and then took off on our continuing search for a letter tray. We finally found a couple that are not the same as the one we had but will work. Back to S&K’s to relax and have dinner.
Aug 1st - Sat - Spokane
We stopped in to see EllaMae but she & Cindy were out shopping so we came back to S&K’s where Terry cleaned the bugs off the 5th wheel and I entered expenses on the computer. In the early afternoon we went to the Coeur d’Alene Casino. I had a run of luck and was able to cover Terry’s losses, our dinner and bring back a few dollars. We often split a very good, very large country fried steak at the casino. They changed their menu to offer a smaller portion (suitable for one) at a lower price. It is an ample dinner with a large Caesar salad, rolls, meat, mashed potatoes, a small biscuit & gravy - all for $6.99. Eat your heart out Canadian readers!!
Very hot today. Spokane broke a record at the official airport weather station at 101.
We went to Terry’s Mom’s house this morning and arrived in time for breakfast - good timing! Don had something wrong with his back and could not stand upright to walk so I drove him to his doctor appointment at 10. The doctor diagnosed a sciatica problem and prescribed some pain pills which we got on the way home. Terry went to Blue Crick RV to talk about the brakes on the 5th wheel. They tested the brake controller and figure it is OK. We have an appointment on Wed morning so we will be here longer than we thought.
After we had lunch at EllaMae’s, we went shopping for a few items. We hit every store we could think of on this end of town looking for a metal letter tray to match one that we already have. We haven’t had ours for long but it appears that they are no longer available. We returned to S&K’s to drop off our purchases and make a salad for dinner. Back to EllaMae’s for a nice dinner made by Terry’s sister Cindy.
July 31st - Fri - Spokane
I finally found some ripe peaches yesterday so we enjoyed them for breakfast. Terry puttered around on the 5th wheel and I worked on the computer before we went back to EllaMae’s. Terry was going to mow the lawn there but Cindy had beat us to it and was almost done. We did some weeding and then took off on our continuing search for a letter tray. We finally found a couple that are not the same as the one we had but will work. Back to S&K’s to relax and have dinner.
Aug 1st - Sat - Spokane
We stopped in to see EllaMae but she & Cindy were out shopping so we came back to S&K’s where Terry cleaned the bugs off the 5th wheel and I entered expenses on the computer. In the early afternoon we went to the Coeur d’Alene Casino. I had a run of luck and was able to cover Terry’s losses, our dinner and bring back a few dollars. We often split a very good, very large country fried steak at the casino. They changed their menu to offer a smaller portion (suitable for one) at a lower price. It is an ample dinner with a large Caesar salad, rolls, meat, mashed potatoes, a small biscuit & gravy - all for $6.99. Eat your heart out Canadian readers!!
Very hot today. Spokane broke a record at the official airport weather station at 101.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
July 24th to 29th - to Pemberton,Surrey,Spokane
July 24th - Fri - to Pemberton B.C.
I made Buck & Snow (horse & donkey) very happy this morning by putting them out in a pasture so no one has to feed them while Marg is in Pemberton. We got a few other things organized and left about 10. Too many miles down the road to return, I figured that we had forgotten to take chicken out of the freezer to take with us. Marg confirmed this when we stopped to stretch our legs at Hat Creek so I rode with Marg so we could shop in Lillooet for more chicken. We also stopped at a produce stand and had Terry & Dad wondering if we would ever join them at the lunch spot.
We continued on the Duffy Lake road to Pemberton which includes some very steep hills - one is 18 %. There was construction and crack sealing crews on the road so we were stopped a few times. One timely stop allowed our brakes to cool before the last, steepest hills.
We arrived at brother Bob’s at 4 and set up between the house & the barn. Marg parked in the driveway so Dad would not have so far to walk. Brother Doug & his wife Judy arrived shortly after us. They live in Port McNeill on Vancouver Island and had a long trip. Their son Dennis and his wife Nina arrived about an hour later.
It was very hot so we set up lawn chairs and a couple of large folding tables in the deepest shade we could find. Bob raises & markets Pemberton Valley Natural Beef and provided steaks for dinner. We were joined by friends Allan & Shelley and by Bob’s son Trevor who lives nearby to make an even dozen for dinner.
July 25th - Sat - Pemberton
Judy made waffles & blueberry sauce for breakfast - yum! Then a trip to the cemetery to visit Mom’s grave. Doug, Judy, Dennis & Nina rode their bicycles while Marg, Dad, Terry & I followed in Doug’s car since we had not unhooked from our 5th wheel. We carried on afterwards to visit Dad’s friend Elmer who was not home. We chatted with his wife Ruth for a while, drove further up the valley and returned in time for lunch.
While Dad was having his after lunch rest, Terry unhooked our truck and he, Marg & I drove to town. We wanted to fuel up without having the 5th wheel in tow and also wanted something to do. We browsed through some stores, bought a few items and checked out some boots to replace a pair that Dad loves but are pretty ratty. Some huge raindrops came down just before we headed back and the clouds up the valley were very dark. When we got back, everyone had moved lawn chairs under cover and were standing under trees or eves to keep dry while the rain moved by. Lightening had hit the mountains and there were 4 fires burning that we could see. Helicopters immediately started checking them out and then dumped water on 2 to contain them.
We had a nice surprise when we returned from town. Aunt Jessie and Ed had arrived. No mud to mess up their parking this time so they were set up right behind us and made it 12 for dinner outside again.
July 26th - Sun - Pemberton
Dennis & Nina left early this morning on their way to Banff and then as far across Canada as their vacation time allows.
Judy wanted to go to the Doggie Fest in town so she & Doug rode their bikes the 10 or so miles and the rest of us followed later in 2 cars since there were 7 of us. There was a silent auction, a kids’ tent, a BBQ area and an agility course. There were a few dogs being put through their paces on the course. Some of our group had lunch and we asked when the agility competition would begin. Turns out it was just a demonstration and a chance for dog owners to work with the trainers.
We did have another reason for going to town and that was to have Dad try on and hopefully buy the boots that Marg & I checked out yesterday. The boots were too hard to pull on but I found a pair of slip on shoes that are sturdy enough for Dad to wear on the farm and he wore them out of the store. Bob ended up buying the boots that Dad looked at and a great straw type hat that offers more protection to ears & neck than a ball cap. Doug & Judy got into the swing of things with a leather cap for Doug and a purse for Judy.
We have a couple of big tables still set up outside so we had lunch in the shade. Doug & Judy were way overheated when they got back.
Bob & Doug took Marg’s motor home into the relatively cooler root house - which is now a shop - to work on the wheel well. Marg & I offered encouragement, held lights and fetched things. They got it patched up in time for Bob to shower and start barbequing chicken for dinner. It was lovely sitting outside until mosquitoes suddenly and fiercely appeared and sent us inside.
The largest mountain fire was had way less smoke this morning but as the nighttime moisture disappeared and the weather heated up, it flared up again so we saw more helicopters with water buckets.
July 27th - Mon - to Surrey B.C.
Doug & Judy left at 7 to catch the 10:10 ferry from Horseshoe Bay. Aunt Jessie & Ed were next to leave about 9 and we followed shortly afterwards. There is a lot of construction on Hwy 99 from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics but the longest stop was about 10 minutes.
We planned to stay at the Pacific Border RV park with our friends Terry & Judy Huber but we couldn’t get them on the phone yesterday or this morning. I called the RV park and they said that Terry & Judy were away. We had decided to keep going south when Judy called and said they were just getting back so we got a spot and joined them. The RV park is right behind the duty free store and you wonder if you are on the right road when every lane includes “US Border” on the sign.
I have a very empty fridge but did have a couple of packages of baby back ribs (what else!?) in the freezer. Terry & Judy contributed all the rest and we had a nice dinner with them.
July 28th - Tues - to Spokane
Our long (for us!) drive today started with a 20 minute wait to get through customs and very few questions at customs. We hit a couple of slow stretches near Seattle, stopped for fuel and for lunch, stopped at a rest area to wake Terry up and arrived at Northern Quest casino about 3:30. Terry wanted to take the 5th wheel to Blue Crick RV tomorrow to get the brakes checked so thought we would stay overnight at the casino as it is on the same side of town as Blue Crick. Well, our “allowance” didn’t last too long at the casino so I persuaded him to take advantage of sister-in-law Kathy’s offer to park in their driveway. Kathy & Skip are not home right now but they generously included the use of the house which we really appreciated this evening with the weather remaining hot.
July 29th - Wed - Spokane
First to a brake shop and made an appointment to get the truck brakes worked on this afternoon. Picked up our mail and then ordered contacts from Costco. Good thing I have a couple of pairs left as they take a week to get here so we will have them sent to our mail box and then forwarded to us somewhere. Then we crossed another thing off our list by getting front tires for the truck.
We stopped at another shop to discuss our 5th wheel brakes and haven’t decided how to proceed yet. After lunch we went to Whites where Terry used to work to pick up the chairs that we ordered. Back to Skip & Kathy’s to put the chairs together. They look nice and are so much lighter to move around which we have to do each time we move.
I stayed to catch up the blog and do some laundry while Terry took the truck in for the brakes. It took longer than we expected so I had dinner ready when he got back. Now relaxing and enjoying the view from S&K’s windows.
I made Buck & Snow (horse & donkey) very happy this morning by putting them out in a pasture so no one has to feed them while Marg is in Pemberton. We got a few other things organized and left about 10. Too many miles down the road to return, I figured that we had forgotten to take chicken out of the freezer to take with us. Marg confirmed this when we stopped to stretch our legs at Hat Creek so I rode with Marg so we could shop in Lillooet for more chicken. We also stopped at a produce stand and had Terry & Dad wondering if we would ever join them at the lunch spot.
We continued on the Duffy Lake road to Pemberton which includes some very steep hills - one is 18 %. There was construction and crack sealing crews on the road so we were stopped a few times. One timely stop allowed our brakes to cool before the last, steepest hills.
We arrived at brother Bob’s at 4 and set up between the house & the barn. Marg parked in the driveway so Dad would not have so far to walk. Brother Doug & his wife Judy arrived shortly after us. They live in Port McNeill on Vancouver Island and had a long trip. Their son Dennis and his wife Nina arrived about an hour later.
It was very hot so we set up lawn chairs and a couple of large folding tables in the deepest shade we could find. Bob raises & markets Pemberton Valley Natural Beef and provided steaks for dinner. We were joined by friends Allan & Shelley and by Bob’s son Trevor who lives nearby to make an even dozen for dinner.
July 25th - Sat - Pemberton
Judy made waffles & blueberry sauce for breakfast - yum! Then a trip to the cemetery to visit Mom’s grave. Doug, Judy, Dennis & Nina rode their bicycles while Marg, Dad, Terry & I followed in Doug’s car since we had not unhooked from our 5th wheel. We carried on afterwards to visit Dad’s friend Elmer who was not home. We chatted with his wife Ruth for a while, drove further up the valley and returned in time for lunch.
While Dad was having his after lunch rest, Terry unhooked our truck and he, Marg & I drove to town. We wanted to fuel up without having the 5th wheel in tow and also wanted something to do. We browsed through some stores, bought a few items and checked out some boots to replace a pair that Dad loves but are pretty ratty. Some huge raindrops came down just before we headed back and the clouds up the valley were very dark. When we got back, everyone had moved lawn chairs under cover and were standing under trees or eves to keep dry while the rain moved by. Lightening had hit the mountains and there were 4 fires burning that we could see. Helicopters immediately started checking them out and then dumped water on 2 to contain them.
We had a nice surprise when we returned from town. Aunt Jessie and Ed had arrived. No mud to mess up their parking this time so they were set up right behind us and made it 12 for dinner outside again.
July 26th - Sun - Pemberton
Dennis & Nina left early this morning on their way to Banff and then as far across Canada as their vacation time allows.
Judy wanted to go to the Doggie Fest in town so she & Doug rode their bikes the 10 or so miles and the rest of us followed later in 2 cars since there were 7 of us. There was a silent auction, a kids’ tent, a BBQ area and an agility course. There were a few dogs being put through their paces on the course. Some of our group had lunch and we asked when the agility competition would begin. Turns out it was just a demonstration and a chance for dog owners to work with the trainers.
We did have another reason for going to town and that was to have Dad try on and hopefully buy the boots that Marg & I checked out yesterday. The boots were too hard to pull on but I found a pair of slip on shoes that are sturdy enough for Dad to wear on the farm and he wore them out of the store. Bob ended up buying the boots that Dad looked at and a great straw type hat that offers more protection to ears & neck than a ball cap. Doug & Judy got into the swing of things with a leather cap for Doug and a purse for Judy.
We have a couple of big tables still set up outside so we had lunch in the shade. Doug & Judy were way overheated when they got back.
Bob & Doug took Marg’s motor home into the relatively cooler root house - which is now a shop - to work on the wheel well. Marg & I offered encouragement, held lights and fetched things. They got it patched up in time for Bob to shower and start barbequing chicken for dinner. It was lovely sitting outside until mosquitoes suddenly and fiercely appeared and sent us inside.
The largest mountain fire was had way less smoke this morning but as the nighttime moisture disappeared and the weather heated up, it flared up again so we saw more helicopters with water buckets.
July 27th - Mon - to Surrey B.C.
Doug & Judy left at 7 to catch the 10:10 ferry from Horseshoe Bay. Aunt Jessie & Ed were next to leave about 9 and we followed shortly afterwards. There is a lot of construction on Hwy 99 from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics but the longest stop was about 10 minutes.
We planned to stay at the Pacific Border RV park with our friends Terry & Judy Huber but we couldn’t get them on the phone yesterday or this morning. I called the RV park and they said that Terry & Judy were away. We had decided to keep going south when Judy called and said they were just getting back so we got a spot and joined them. The RV park is right behind the duty free store and you wonder if you are on the right road when every lane includes “US Border” on the sign.
I have a very empty fridge but did have a couple of packages of baby back ribs (what else!?) in the freezer. Terry & Judy contributed all the rest and we had a nice dinner with them.
July 28th - Tues - to Spokane
Our long (for us!) drive today started with a 20 minute wait to get through customs and very few questions at customs. We hit a couple of slow stretches near Seattle, stopped for fuel and for lunch, stopped at a rest area to wake Terry up and arrived at Northern Quest casino about 3:30. Terry wanted to take the 5th wheel to Blue Crick RV tomorrow to get the brakes checked so thought we would stay overnight at the casino as it is on the same side of town as Blue Crick. Well, our “allowance” didn’t last too long at the casino so I persuaded him to take advantage of sister-in-law Kathy’s offer to park in their driveway. Kathy & Skip are not home right now but they generously included the use of the house which we really appreciated this evening with the weather remaining hot.
July 29th - Wed - Spokane
First to a brake shop and made an appointment to get the truck brakes worked on this afternoon. Picked up our mail and then ordered contacts from Costco. Good thing I have a couple of pairs left as they take a week to get here so we will have them sent to our mail box and then forwarded to us somewhere. Then we crossed another thing off our list by getting front tires for the truck.
We stopped at another shop to discuss our 5th wheel brakes and haven’t decided how to proceed yet. After lunch we went to Whites where Terry used to work to pick up the chairs that we ordered. Back to Skip & Kathy’s to put the chairs together. They look nice and are so much lighter to move around which we have to do each time we move.
I stayed to catch up the blog and do some laundry while Terry took the truck in for the brakes. It took longer than we expected so I had dinner ready when he got back. Now relaxing and enjoying the view from S&K’s windows.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
July 20th to 23rd - 100 Mile House
July 20th- Mon - 100 Mile House
We went back to the final clean up of debris where we “logged” behind the house when we first got here. We figured a couple of loads would do it but 5 loads later we said it was OK. Then we picked up 2 more loads in another area near the house before going in for lunch.
Marg talked to brother Doug last night and he figures that he & brother Bob could fix the motor home wheel well when we visit at the end of the week so we spent nearly 2 hours cleaning up all the dust and sealing the hole inside with duct tape. Marg took the opportunity to do some reorganizing and decluttering as well.
Then we all cleaned up and went to play golf. Dad rode along in a cart and nearly had to take off his shoes to add up our ugly scores! We had great schnitzel dinners at a local restaurant and were home shortly before 7. When Marg & I did chores, she got a chance to pet and play with a kitten that I have been trying to tame. Marg has an old neutered male cat that is very old so she would like another that is quiet enough to pet and come up to the house - but not in the house. We named the kitten TaG.
July 21st - Tues - 100 Mile House
Marg & I ran the sheep through pens to count, give worming medication and separate the rams. Terry took the 5th wheel into town to dump the black water tank and to run it and the truck through the car wash. We ordered 2 chairs which are waiting for us in Spokane so we took out our existing chairs to leave them here for Aunt Jessie to pick up.
Friends Al & Cecile stopped by to check out the new bathroom and storage shed. They had a look at the new, unused wood splitter and Marg decided it was a good time to hook it to the tractor and try it out. Didn’t take long to get it hooked up and split a small stack of rounds. It moves a lot slower than her old splitter but will be just right for Marg & Dad to handle.
It was too hot to work outside so I started some sewing projects while Terry & Dad beat the heat with a cool drink on the porch. Aunt Jessie gave Marg a sweatshirt that was way too long so I remodeled it and took 8 inches of the sleeves and 6 inches off the length. Should have bought a new sweatshirt! Had the right color thread in the machine so shortened a tee shirt for me.
After dinner Terry, Marg & I went to Nicole & Francis’ so I could help Nicole on her computer. She has a dial up internet connection which of course is slow but she thought maybe there were other problems like a lack of disk space. We gave her a lesson on downloading pictures from her camera and backing up files. Didn’t get back until shortly before 11.
July 22nd - Wed - 100 Mile House
We got out early for some more “logging” to try to beat the heat - it didn’t work! Very hot. We cleared a trail that Marg uses for cross country skiing as well as being a route for the ATVs across the farm. We cut down several trees that the ice storm caused to bend across the fences. We used the tractor to support the trees as they were being cut so they didn’t take down the fence and then piled the branches & wood.
Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group this afternoon. Marg had one of her best games - and I didn’t! We are going to Pemberton to visit my brother Bob on Friday so we went grocery shopping when we finished our round of golf. We are one of the earliest groups to tee off so there is a long time to wait for prizes & drawings if we have dinner right after golf.
When we got home, I worked with Marg on her computer - spreadsheets and Picasa.
July 23rd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
After getting laundry sorted and the first of 4 loads going, Marg & I installed a couple of pieces of molding to complete the basement ceiling repair. Dad ended up with the lovely job of washing out 3 paint brushes that have been stored in plastic wrap to use another day. Terry helped me cut out & sew a quilt cover for an OLD wool quilt of Marg’s that was made by my grandmother. Then we discovered that a lot of the stitching was broken and the wool was bunching up in places. So I had to redo a lot of the hand stitching. Terry remembered that our wool quilt had a big wad of wool in one corner so it was taken apart and repaired next. Marg even carded some of the wool to restore some loft. Then a lot more hand stitching with Marg’s help.
After lunch we cut & washed a lot of lettuce from the garden as the warm weather is wilting it. Marg & Terry cut down a 2 more dead trees to end the logging projects. Put a bunch of stuff away in the 5th wheel and then Marg & I went to town. We dropped Sage (Marg’s dog) off to stay with friend. Sage is a great traveler and well behaved but my brother Bob has a young dog, my nephew has a dog and my brother Doug will probably bring a dog so it is best to leave Sage with the sitter. We did more grocery shopping and a couple of other errands. Arrived home in time to get dinner under way. While it was cooking, I gave Terry & Dad haircuts and Marg made Rice Krispy squares. After dinner, I sewed snaps on the quilt cover and Marg watered the garden. Phew!!
I will not have internet access for the next few days so will not be replying to emails or posting my blog.
We went back to the final clean up of debris where we “logged” behind the house when we first got here. We figured a couple of loads would do it but 5 loads later we said it was OK. Then we picked up 2 more loads in another area near the house before going in for lunch.
Marg talked to brother Doug last night and he figures that he & brother Bob could fix the motor home wheel well when we visit at the end of the week so we spent nearly 2 hours cleaning up all the dust and sealing the hole inside with duct tape. Marg took the opportunity to do some reorganizing and decluttering as well.
Then we all cleaned up and went to play golf. Dad rode along in a cart and nearly had to take off his shoes to add up our ugly scores! We had great schnitzel dinners at a local restaurant and were home shortly before 7. When Marg & I did chores, she got a chance to pet and play with a kitten that I have been trying to tame. Marg has an old neutered male cat that is very old so she would like another that is quiet enough to pet and come up to the house - but not in the house. We named the kitten TaG.
July 21st - Tues - 100 Mile House
Marg & I ran the sheep through pens to count, give worming medication and separate the rams. Terry took the 5th wheel into town to dump the black water tank and to run it and the truck through the car wash. We ordered 2 chairs which are waiting for us in Spokane so we took out our existing chairs to leave them here for Aunt Jessie to pick up.
Friends Al & Cecile stopped by to check out the new bathroom and storage shed. They had a look at the new, unused wood splitter and Marg decided it was a good time to hook it to the tractor and try it out. Didn’t take long to get it hooked up and split a small stack of rounds. It moves a lot slower than her old splitter but will be just right for Marg & Dad to handle.
It was too hot to work outside so I started some sewing projects while Terry & Dad beat the heat with a cool drink on the porch. Aunt Jessie gave Marg a sweatshirt that was way too long so I remodeled it and took 8 inches of the sleeves and 6 inches off the length. Should have bought a new sweatshirt! Had the right color thread in the machine so shortened a tee shirt for me.
After dinner Terry, Marg & I went to Nicole & Francis’ so I could help Nicole on her computer. She has a dial up internet connection which of course is slow but she thought maybe there were other problems like a lack of disk space. We gave her a lesson on downloading pictures from her camera and backing up files. Didn’t get back until shortly before 11.
July 22nd - Wed - 100 Mile House
We got out early for some more “logging” to try to beat the heat - it didn’t work! Very hot. We cleared a trail that Marg uses for cross country skiing as well as being a route for the ATVs across the farm. We cut down several trees that the ice storm caused to bend across the fences. We used the tractor to support the trees as they were being cut so they didn’t take down the fence and then piled the branches & wood.
Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group this afternoon. Marg had one of her best games - and I didn’t! We are going to Pemberton to visit my brother Bob on Friday so we went grocery shopping when we finished our round of golf. We are one of the earliest groups to tee off so there is a long time to wait for prizes & drawings if we have dinner right after golf.
When we got home, I worked with Marg on her computer - spreadsheets and Picasa.
July 23rd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
After getting laundry sorted and the first of 4 loads going, Marg & I installed a couple of pieces of molding to complete the basement ceiling repair. Dad ended up with the lovely job of washing out 3 paint brushes that have been stored in plastic wrap to use another day. Terry helped me cut out & sew a quilt cover for an OLD wool quilt of Marg’s that was made by my grandmother. Then we discovered that a lot of the stitching was broken and the wool was bunching up in places. So I had to redo a lot of the hand stitching. Terry remembered that our wool quilt had a big wad of wool in one corner so it was taken apart and repaired next. Marg even carded some of the wool to restore some loft. Then a lot more hand stitching with Marg’s help.
After lunch we cut & washed a lot of lettuce from the garden as the warm weather is wilting it. Marg & Terry cut down a 2 more dead trees to end the logging projects. Put a bunch of stuff away in the 5th wheel and then Marg & I went to town. We dropped Sage (Marg’s dog) off to stay with friend. Sage is a great traveler and well behaved but my brother Bob has a young dog, my nephew has a dog and my brother Doug will probably bring a dog so it is best to leave Sage with the sitter. We did more grocery shopping and a couple of other errands. Arrived home in time to get dinner under way. While it was cooking, I gave Terry & Dad haircuts and Marg made Rice Krispy squares. After dinner, I sewed snaps on the quilt cover and Marg watered the garden. Phew!!
I will not have internet access for the next few days so will not be replying to emails or posting my blog.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
July 17th to 19th - 100 Mile House
July 17th - Fri - 100 Mile House
I cannot believe that the “finishing touches” on the bathroom can take as long as the major stuff! I was putting some items back in cabinets when Francis & Nicole stopped by for a brief visit. We worked on the door & last few pieces of siding on the storage shed before lunch. After lunch we had to exchange a towel bar (who knew the missing medicine cabinet would get in the way of a towel bar!), get screws for the storage shed hinges, buy a door latch and find ceiling tiles for yet another project - fixing the ceiling where Marg had a new wood heater installed a couple of years ago. Also picked up a set of towels to add some wow to the new bathroom.
We installed the door in the shed (fine job if I do say so myself!) and put finishing strips on 2 corners before it was quitting time. Just as we were sitting down for dinner, Marg drove into the yard. We had to show off our handy work after dinner - Marg was suitably impressed!
July 18th - Sat - 100 Mile House
Marg & I did laundry and cleaning before Marg left to have lunch with a friend. Terry put the latch on the storage shed door and finished the corner trim. I joined him in time to put stuff away and sweep the shed. We started putting up the new ceiling tiles and discovered it was not as easy a job as Terry expected. He thought he could cut off the interlocking edges and glue the new tiles. The glue was not as quick setting as we expected and the tiles were impossible to cut neatly. Luckily Marg came back in time to “calmly & quietly” help us complete most of the tiles. We ended up with sticks & boards supporting glued tiles until they dried.
We had to hurry to do chores, change clothes and get to Al & Cecile’s for BBQ dinner. There were 18 people there for a very nice dinner. It was a nice enough evening to sit out before & during dinner but it cooled down quickly and the wimpier guests moved inside for dessert & coffee.
July 19th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Marg & I spent the morning completing the ceiling, doing more laundry & cleaning and planning dinner with guests to take advantage of a salmon that Marg brought back from her trip to Bella Coola. Terry filled our buddy burners and made one for Marg. It took him a while since he had to clean the propane stove after he spilled wax on it. Marg’s motor home has been very dusty inside for several trips so she & Terry pulled out drawers and discovered a hole through the wheel well that Marg figured was caused by a blown tire. Doesn’t look like we can fix it so will probably take it to the repair guy tomorrow.
Marg & I made a trip after lunch for a few groceries for us & the cats. Put dessert together when we got back, watered the garden and prepped for dinner. Terry went gopher hunting when we were gone and decreased the population by 8. He was huffing & puffing when we got back as he had just returned the sheep to the correct pasture after a gate was mistakenly left open.
Toni & son Michael and Francis & Nicole joined us for dinner. Then Terry entertained them with jokes that we have saved on the computer. As Toni was leaving, I noticed a couple of sheep on the wrong side of a fence so Marg & I went to investigate. Lambs were crossing under a fence by going through a watering trough so we nailed up a board to prevent them from continuing to do so.
I cannot believe that the “finishing touches” on the bathroom can take as long as the major stuff! I was putting some items back in cabinets when Francis & Nicole stopped by for a brief visit. We worked on the door & last few pieces of siding on the storage shed before lunch. After lunch we had to exchange a towel bar (who knew the missing medicine cabinet would get in the way of a towel bar!), get screws for the storage shed hinges, buy a door latch and find ceiling tiles for yet another project - fixing the ceiling where Marg had a new wood heater installed a couple of years ago. Also picked up a set of towels to add some wow to the new bathroom.
We installed the door in the shed (fine job if I do say so myself!) and put finishing strips on 2 corners before it was quitting time. Just as we were sitting down for dinner, Marg drove into the yard. We had to show off our handy work after dinner - Marg was suitably impressed!
July 18th - Sat - 100 Mile House
Marg & I did laundry and cleaning before Marg left to have lunch with a friend. Terry put the latch on the storage shed door and finished the corner trim. I joined him in time to put stuff away and sweep the shed. We started putting up the new ceiling tiles and discovered it was not as easy a job as Terry expected. He thought he could cut off the interlocking edges and glue the new tiles. The glue was not as quick setting as we expected and the tiles were impossible to cut neatly. Luckily Marg came back in time to “calmly & quietly” help us complete most of the tiles. We ended up with sticks & boards supporting glued tiles until they dried.
We had to hurry to do chores, change clothes and get to Al & Cecile’s for BBQ dinner. There were 18 people there for a very nice dinner. It was a nice enough evening to sit out before & during dinner but it cooled down quickly and the wimpier guests moved inside for dessert & coffee.
July 19th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Marg & I spent the morning completing the ceiling, doing more laundry & cleaning and planning dinner with guests to take advantage of a salmon that Marg brought back from her trip to Bella Coola. Terry filled our buddy burners and made one for Marg. It took him a while since he had to clean the propane stove after he spilled wax on it. Marg’s motor home has been very dusty inside for several trips so she & Terry pulled out drawers and discovered a hole through the wheel well that Marg figured was caused by a blown tire. Doesn’t look like we can fix it so will probably take it to the repair guy tomorrow.
Marg & I made a trip after lunch for a few groceries for us & the cats. Put dessert together when we got back, watered the garden and prepped for dinner. Terry went gopher hunting when we were gone and decreased the population by 8. He was huffing & puffing when we got back as he had just returned the sheep to the correct pasture after a gate was mistakenly left open.
Toni & son Michael and Francis & Nicole joined us for dinner. Then Terry entertained them with jokes that we have saved on the computer. As Toni was leaving, I noticed a couple of sheep on the wrong side of a fence so Marg & I went to investigate. Lambs were crossing under a fence by going through a watering trough so we nailed up a board to prevent them from continuing to do so.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
July 13th to 16th - 100 Mile House
July 13th - Mon - 100 Mile House
We got an early start this morning and were wondering what to do before being sure the stores would be open. The sheep settled that question for us by getting into the shearing end of the barn last night and making a huge mess of the fleeces piled there. It took two huge loads on a wagon behind the ATV to haul it all to the burn pile. Then we got to go to town - again! - for paint, nails, etc.
Terry started on the shower plumbing while I did some painting on cupboard doors. He had a problem with the hot water connection - it appears as if the shutoff valve leaks a bit - but got it all done with no leaks.
We framed the front end of the storage shed for a door. It took us longer to decide how large the door should be (we are making it) and where it should be placed than doing the framing.
After dinner I primed the sheetrock that we used for the new walls by the shower so they will be ready tomorrow.
July 14th - Tues - 100 Mile House
Got the walls glued on the shower and the side rails attached but couldn’t go further as we hit a “leave for 24 hours” step. Dad worked on trying to mix the lumps out of an old but unopened can of white paint that we hope to use on sheds & barns.
Then - SURPRISE! - another trip to town. This time to take Dad to have stitches taken out of his ear (from his biopsy last week) and for his regular blood test. Had lunch at KFC, got a few groceries and hit the hardware store again. Glued the corner panel into the shower and then Terry headed out to work on the storage shed while I painted the walls in the bathroom. Since we changed the wall color, Terry had to remove the toilet tank so we could paint behind it again.
I got tired of painting so helped Terry for a while until it was time to do chores and make dinner.
Terry got a second wind after dinner and decided to mow the “lawn” areas in the garden, beside the greenhouse and around the fire pit. Of course I couldn’t sit and watch so I did some weeding and took over the mowing when Terry needed a break. Then it was still light so we took a tour of the fence line on the ATV’s.
July 15th - Wed - 100 Mile House
We finished the shower installation with top rails and doors and then caulked everywhere which requires another 24 hour curing time. I put a second coat of paint on the walls and finished painting the cabinets. Terry & Dad built the door for the storage shed.
Terry & Dad loaded all the old fixtures, boxes from the new fixtures and all other accumulated garbage in Marg’s truck and made a trip to the dump.
I went golfing with the weekly ladies’ group - didn’t do very well. There was a short downpour just before our group teed off but then it cleared and was hot & muggy. Went home afterwards and made dinner for all of us rather than having dinner at the golf course.
July 16th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
We worked on piddly little finishing things on the bathroom this morning and then went shopping for towel bars, etc after lunch. Also mandatory stops at the grocery store and the liquor store.
More painting, putting on cabinet doors, hanging the medicine cabinet and hanging a remodeled storage cupboard took us the rest of the afternoon.
Another warm day that we did not get to enjoy much as we spent most of the day inside.
We got an early start this morning and were wondering what to do before being sure the stores would be open. The sheep settled that question for us by getting into the shearing end of the barn last night and making a huge mess of the fleeces piled there. It took two huge loads on a wagon behind the ATV to haul it all to the burn pile. Then we got to go to town - again! - for paint, nails, etc.
Terry started on the shower plumbing while I did some painting on cupboard doors. He had a problem with the hot water connection - it appears as if the shutoff valve leaks a bit - but got it all done with no leaks.
We framed the front end of the storage shed for a door. It took us longer to decide how large the door should be (we are making it) and where it should be placed than doing the framing.
After dinner I primed the sheetrock that we used for the new walls by the shower so they will be ready tomorrow.
July 14th - Tues - 100 Mile House
Got the walls glued on the shower and the side rails attached but couldn’t go further as we hit a “leave for 24 hours” step. Dad worked on trying to mix the lumps out of an old but unopened can of white paint that we hope to use on sheds & barns.
Then - SURPRISE! - another trip to town. This time to take Dad to have stitches taken out of his ear (from his biopsy last week) and for his regular blood test. Had lunch at KFC, got a few groceries and hit the hardware store again. Glued the corner panel into the shower and then Terry headed out to work on the storage shed while I painted the walls in the bathroom. Since we changed the wall color, Terry had to remove the toilet tank so we could paint behind it again.
I got tired of painting so helped Terry for a while until it was time to do chores and make dinner.
Terry got a second wind after dinner and decided to mow the “lawn” areas in the garden, beside the greenhouse and around the fire pit. Of course I couldn’t sit and watch so I did some weeding and took over the mowing when Terry needed a break. Then it was still light so we took a tour of the fence line on the ATV’s.
July 15th - Wed - 100 Mile House
We finished the shower installation with top rails and doors and then caulked everywhere which requires another 24 hour curing time. I put a second coat of paint on the walls and finished painting the cabinets. Terry & Dad built the door for the storage shed.
Terry & Dad loaded all the old fixtures, boxes from the new fixtures and all other accumulated garbage in Marg’s truck and made a trip to the dump.
I went golfing with the weekly ladies’ group - didn’t do very well. There was a short downpour just before our group teed off but then it cleared and was hot & muggy. Went home afterwards and made dinner for all of us rather than having dinner at the golf course.
July 16th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
We worked on piddly little finishing things on the bathroom this morning and then went shopping for towel bars, etc after lunch. Also mandatory stops at the grocery store and the liquor store.
More painting, putting on cabinet doors, hanging the medicine cabinet and hanging a remodeled storage cupboard took us the rest of the afternoon.
Another warm day that we did not get to enjoy much as we spent most of the day inside.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 9th to 12th - 100 Mile House
July 9th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Yet another appointment in town for Dad - this time to get his new hearing aid fitted & calibrated. While he & Marg were gone, Terry & I gave Ed & Aunt Jessie ideas for organizing their 5th wheel and then gave them a lesson on their GPS. It is a Magellan rather than a Garmin like ours but we were able to figure most things out. They left about 11:30 and we immediately started tearing apart the downstairs bathroom that is going to be remodeled. After lunch and more demolition, Terry & I went to town for paint and a couple of other items.
Nice BBQ steak dinner and relaxation.
July 10th - Fri - 100 Mile House
Marg left this morning for a week’s vacation. She took her motor home and is meeting 2 sets of friends for camping and fishing. We washed the bathroom walls & ceiling with TSP to prepare for a primer coat and took out the toilet. We finished all the primer just in time to clean the brushes before lunch. It needs 8 hours to dry so after lunch we headed out to work on the storage shed. We put on the ridge cap and then put a ridge cap on the little roof over the back door - don’t know why the roofers didn’t put one on.
Next we started on the siding on the shed. We have 8 x ½ inch boards from the scrap pile at the mill. We make lap siding out of it by cutting little wedges to support the boards as they are overlapped by an inch. Works great. We cut the wedges and did half of one side before we were interrupted by happy hour.
We painted the ceiling and walls in the bathroom after dinner - it was close to 9 by the time we finished.
July 11th - Sat - 100 Mile House
This morning we put down sticky back floor tiles in the bathroom to prepare for putting in the new toilet. Dad sleeps downstairs and does not need to be going up the stairs at night to use the bathroom. Marg measured incorrectly so we didn’t have enough floor tiles and had to made a trip to town for non-matching extras that we could use under the shower.
In the afternoon we finished the siding on both sides of the shed in very hot weather. Luckily, the shed is mostly shaded in the afternoon. After dinner we installed the toilet so put in another long day.
July 12th - Sun - 100 Mile House
We discovered that even though the old & new shower enclosures are the same size, the old one did not fit right against the walls so the drain is not in the right place for the new shower. We have to build out the walls by 7/8 to 1 ¼ inches. So another trip to town for sheetrock and more plumbing parts to move the taps with the wall. Unfortunately, 100 Mile House is a small town and the hardware store and lumber store are closed on Sunday. We also hoped to buy more paint as we have changed our color scheme. We painted the ceiling a light color and the walls a light tan. There is no window in the bathroom so, with the lack of light, the ceiling takes on the color of the walls. The cabinets are rough cedar which we were going to paint the dark color with light doors. Two or three coats of “superior stain cover” undercoat still allows color to bleed through on the wood so now we are going to paint the doors dark as well (the bleeding color is the same as the paint) and change the walls to the light color.
Before we could get the shower base in place, we also had to cut down the drain pipe. We found a sheet of sheetrock in the shop and figured out that we could cut all the pieces that we needed so we put up one wall and cut the other which we will put up after the plumbing is done.
Back to the storage shed in the afternoon. We framed a window and installed siding on the back wall. Right after we nailed the last piece, Dad made a suggestion that would made the shed look better so we pulled off 5 rows of siding and redid them. Another hot day so I watered the garden.
Yet another appointment in town for Dad - this time to get his new hearing aid fitted & calibrated. While he & Marg were gone, Terry & I gave Ed & Aunt Jessie ideas for organizing their 5th wheel and then gave them a lesson on their GPS. It is a Magellan rather than a Garmin like ours but we were able to figure most things out. They left about 11:30 and we immediately started tearing apart the downstairs bathroom that is going to be remodeled. After lunch and more demolition, Terry & I went to town for paint and a couple of other items.
Nice BBQ steak dinner and relaxation.
July 10th - Fri - 100 Mile House
Marg left this morning for a week’s vacation. She took her motor home and is meeting 2 sets of friends for camping and fishing. We washed the bathroom walls & ceiling with TSP to prepare for a primer coat and took out the toilet. We finished all the primer just in time to clean the brushes before lunch. It needs 8 hours to dry so after lunch we headed out to work on the storage shed. We put on the ridge cap and then put a ridge cap on the little roof over the back door - don’t know why the roofers didn’t put one on.
Next we started on the siding on the shed. We have 8 x ½ inch boards from the scrap pile at the mill. We make lap siding out of it by cutting little wedges to support the boards as they are overlapped by an inch. Works great. We cut the wedges and did half of one side before we were interrupted by happy hour.
We painted the ceiling and walls in the bathroom after dinner - it was close to 9 by the time we finished.
July 11th - Sat - 100 Mile House
This morning we put down sticky back floor tiles in the bathroom to prepare for putting in the new toilet. Dad sleeps downstairs and does not need to be going up the stairs at night to use the bathroom. Marg measured incorrectly so we didn’t have enough floor tiles and had to made a trip to town for non-matching extras that we could use under the shower.
In the afternoon we finished the siding on both sides of the shed in very hot weather. Luckily, the shed is mostly shaded in the afternoon. After dinner we installed the toilet so put in another long day.
July 12th - Sun - 100 Mile House
We discovered that even though the old & new shower enclosures are the same size, the old one did not fit right against the walls so the drain is not in the right place for the new shower. We have to build out the walls by 7/8 to 1 ¼ inches. So another trip to town for sheetrock and more plumbing parts to move the taps with the wall. Unfortunately, 100 Mile House is a small town and the hardware store and lumber store are closed on Sunday. We also hoped to buy more paint as we have changed our color scheme. We painted the ceiling a light color and the walls a light tan. There is no window in the bathroom so, with the lack of light, the ceiling takes on the color of the walls. The cabinets are rough cedar which we were going to paint the dark color with light doors. Two or three coats of “superior stain cover” undercoat still allows color to bleed through on the wood so now we are going to paint the doors dark as well (the bleeding color is the same as the paint) and change the walls to the light color.
Before we could get the shower base in place, we also had to cut down the drain pipe. We found a sheet of sheetrock in the shop and figured out that we could cut all the pieces that we needed so we put up one wall and cut the other which we will put up after the plumbing is done.
Back to the storage shed in the afternoon. We framed a window and installed siding on the back wall. Right after we nailed the last piece, Dad made a suggestion that would made the shed look better so we pulled off 5 rows of siding and redid them. Another hot day so I watered the garden.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
July 6th to 8th - 100 Mile House
July 6th - Mon - 100 Mile House
Terry, Marg & I left just after 8 for a shopping trip to Kamloops. We are planning on remodeling the downstairs bathroom so bought a shower stall, toilet, sink & flooring. Cousin Pat met us so we could take advantage of her contractor’s discount on some of the items. Of course, not all items were available in one store so we ran around town in pouring rain to get everything we needed. After lunch and grocery shopping we spent an hour and a half at the casino where Terry covered some of my losses and Marg didn’t lose much.
We drove home via Little Fort - sort of accidentally and on the wrong (non highway) side of the Thompson River. We took the McLeure ferry across the river before reaching Barriere to avoid a section of gravel road. The ferry is tethered to a cable and uses the river current to cross. We and another truck made a full load - a fun experience.
We stopped for dinner at the Iron Horse restaurant in Lone Butte and got home about 9:30. Dashed out in the rain to do chores.
July 7th - Tues - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
My birthday was a good excuse for a barbeque “party” so we had to do some housecleaning and setup. Of course, since we planned an outside BBQ, it had to rain yesterday & today. So we set up tables to have it inside. Marg had to take Dad to the doctor to have his ears cleaned and picked up a few last minute groceries.
Friends & relatives in attendance were: Francis & Nicole; Al & Cecile; Val & Steve & 2 houseguests; Sharon; Jane; Janet & Bill; Toni & Micheal; Rick & Pat & grandson Landon & son Chris & granddaughter Christina & grandson Cameron; Aunt Jessie & Ed.
We had a little “entertainment” when Ed tried to park his 5th wheel in the muddy front yard. His 2 wheel drive truck started spinning so he unhooked and Terry hooked up our truck which is 4 wheel drive. First Marg had to use the tractor to pull Ed out of the way. But Terry couldn’t get enough traction either so Marg ended up hooking up to the rear of the 5th wheel and pulling it & Terry backwards to a point where he could get going down a small incline, make a turn and drive out to a grassy field where he turned around and pulled the 5th wheel to a level spot on grass by the corrals. Guests not involved in the parking effort lined the upper porch railing to view the entertainment.
We all had a wonderful time eating & visiting.
July 8th - Wed - 100 Mile House
Marg had to take Dad to another doctor appointment for a biopsy on his ear this morning while Pat & I made breakfast for the rest of the gang (us & her family who stayed the night). Pat, Rick & Landon left for home just after 10. Then Marg took Chris, Christina, Cameron and Ed fishing on a nearby creek while Terry, Dad, Jessie & I took it easy.
We built a fire in the picnic area behind the house and roasted hot dogs for a late lunch.
We gave Jessie some instructions for starting dinner and Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group. Normally we have dinner at the golf course restaurant but today we finished our round just before a little rain storm and came right home for dinner.
Terry, Marg & I left just after 8 for a shopping trip to Kamloops. We are planning on remodeling the downstairs bathroom so bought a shower stall, toilet, sink & flooring. Cousin Pat met us so we could take advantage of her contractor’s discount on some of the items. Of course, not all items were available in one store so we ran around town in pouring rain to get everything we needed. After lunch and grocery shopping we spent an hour and a half at the casino where Terry covered some of my losses and Marg didn’t lose much.
We drove home via Little Fort - sort of accidentally and on the wrong (non highway) side of the Thompson River. We took the McLeure ferry across the river before reaching Barriere to avoid a section of gravel road. The ferry is tethered to a cable and uses the river current to cross. We and another truck made a full load - a fun experience.
We stopped for dinner at the Iron Horse restaurant in Lone Butte and got home about 9:30. Dashed out in the rain to do chores.
July 7th - Tues - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
My birthday was a good excuse for a barbeque “party” so we had to do some housecleaning and setup. Of course, since we planned an outside BBQ, it had to rain yesterday & today. So we set up tables to have it inside. Marg had to take Dad to the doctor to have his ears cleaned and picked up a few last minute groceries.
Friends & relatives in attendance were: Francis & Nicole; Al & Cecile; Val & Steve & 2 houseguests; Sharon; Jane; Janet & Bill; Toni & Micheal; Rick & Pat & grandson Landon & son Chris & granddaughter Christina & grandson Cameron; Aunt Jessie & Ed.
We had a little “entertainment” when Ed tried to park his 5th wheel in the muddy front yard. His 2 wheel drive truck started spinning so he unhooked and Terry hooked up our truck which is 4 wheel drive. First Marg had to use the tractor to pull Ed out of the way. But Terry couldn’t get enough traction either so Marg ended up hooking up to the rear of the 5th wheel and pulling it & Terry backwards to a point where he could get going down a small incline, make a turn and drive out to a grassy field where he turned around and pulled the 5th wheel to a level spot on grass by the corrals. Guests not involved in the parking effort lined the upper porch railing to view the entertainment.
We all had a wonderful time eating & visiting.
July 8th - Wed - 100 Mile House
Marg had to take Dad to another doctor appointment for a biopsy on his ear this morning while Pat & I made breakfast for the rest of the gang (us & her family who stayed the night). Pat, Rick & Landon left for home just after 10. Then Marg took Chris, Christina, Cameron and Ed fishing on a nearby creek while Terry, Dad, Jessie & I took it easy.
We built a fire in the picnic area behind the house and roasted hot dogs for a late lunch.
We gave Jessie some instructions for starting dinner and Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group. Normally we have dinner at the golf course restaurant but today we finished our round just before a little rain storm and came right home for dinner.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
July 3rd to 5th - 100 Mile House
July 3rd - Fri - 100 Mile House
I “excused Marg from work” today and told her to go on an outing with a friend who called this morning. That meant I had to help Terry continue building the storage shed today. Carpenters we are not! After lunch Terry & I took an ATV ride looking for the coyote - no luck.
Marg returned in time to fold the laundry and help make dinner. We barbequed and ate outside to enjoy some lovely weather.
July 4th - Sat - 100 Mile House
We got the metal roof on the storage shed this morning. After lunch Marg & I went to town to pick up the chain saw and run a few other errands. We were almost home when Marg remembered that we had to buy the ridge cap for the roof so we went back. Terry was changing a set of Dutch doors on the barn to open on the opposite side in preparation for building a hay storage shed by the barn. Because of the construction, he couldn’t just turn the doors over. He had to move the hinges to the other side and then they didn’t fit as well.
We selected and moved the boards for the storage shed walls but didn’t have time to start working on them.
July 5th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Terry did some adjusting on the barn doors this morning while Marg & I puttered around in the house & garden. Then we all went logging behind the house - nearly done there. After lunch we decided it was too hot to pick up the remaining branches. Marg took the gun on the ATV on another search for the coyote. Dad, Terry & I were relaxing on the porch when we heard a gun shot. A couple minutes later we heard another shot and figured she must have got the coyote since it would have been long gone if she totally missed the first time. Well, she did kill a coyote that had gotten caught in the snare. She missed the first time and Sage (her dog) jumped off the ATV as she hates loud noises. Unfortunately, Sage was tied up and nearly hung herself so Marg had to deal with her before she could shoot at the coyote again.
We all cleaned up and played golf at the local Marmot Ridge golf course - short 9 hole course. Then we went out for a nice dinner. When we returned, Marg & I went to get the coyote and bury him.
Very warm today and still warm tonight.
I “excused Marg from work” today and told her to go on an outing with a friend who called this morning. That meant I had to help Terry continue building the storage shed today. Carpenters we are not! After lunch Terry & I took an ATV ride looking for the coyote - no luck.
Marg returned in time to fold the laundry and help make dinner. We barbequed and ate outside to enjoy some lovely weather.
July 4th - Sat - 100 Mile House
We got the metal roof on the storage shed this morning. After lunch Marg & I went to town to pick up the chain saw and run a few other errands. We were almost home when Marg remembered that we had to buy the ridge cap for the roof so we went back. Terry was changing a set of Dutch doors on the barn to open on the opposite side in preparation for building a hay storage shed by the barn. Because of the construction, he couldn’t just turn the doors over. He had to move the hinges to the other side and then they didn’t fit as well.
We selected and moved the boards for the storage shed walls but didn’t have time to start working on them.
July 5th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Terry did some adjusting on the barn doors this morning while Marg & I puttered around in the house & garden. Then we all went logging behind the house - nearly done there. After lunch we decided it was too hot to pick up the remaining branches. Marg took the gun on the ATV on another search for the coyote. Dad, Terry & I were relaxing on the porch when we heard a gun shot. A couple minutes later we heard another shot and figured she must have got the coyote since it would have been long gone if she totally missed the first time. Well, she did kill a coyote that had gotten caught in the snare. She missed the first time and Sage (her dog) jumped off the ATV as she hates loud noises. Unfortunately, Sage was tied up and nearly hung herself so Marg had to deal with her before she could shoot at the coyote again.
We all cleaned up and played golf at the local Marmot Ridge golf course - short 9 hole course. Then we went out for a nice dinner. When we returned, Marg & I went to get the coyote and bury him.
Very warm today and still warm tonight.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
June 30th to July 2nd - 100 Mile House
June 30th - Tues - 100 Mile House
Back to the logging behind the house. There were some trees that needed major persuading to miss the fence and the power line. Marg lifted Terry up on the tractor loader to place a rope as high as possible which he then used to pull the tree in the opposite direction from where it was leaning. Then it was my turn to get a lift in the loader to trim dead limbs from several large trees. We hauled away the largest debris and then Marg & Terry went back to the storage shed while Dad & I cleaned up small junk behind the shop where the storage shed is being built.
When we went in for lunch, we realized that we had not seen Sage (Marg’s Border Collie) for some time. Marg assumed the worst and took the ATV to look for her in the sheep pasture. After driving all over, Marg finally found Sage in the chicken house. She slipped in when Dad went in there and she will not bark to let you know she is there.
After lunch, Marg, Terry & I went shopping and took the small chain saw in for some adjustments.
July 1st - Wed - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA!!
We did a few small jobs this morning - laundry, cleaned up several years worth of sunflower seed shells under the bird feeders, secured the metal roof on the barn by putting Terry on a ladder on the loader of the tractor and straightened the step on the tractor that Marg caught on a stump.
Then we went to take in some Canada Day events at Heritage House at 108 Mile. The Lions Club was selling hamburgers so we took advantage of that for lunch. There was a little stage with entertainment (music, Tai Quan Do, square dancing and belly dancing) which we enjoyed while we ate and afterwards. There were vendor booths to be explored and Marg saw many acquaintances.
Next we dropped off a couple of wheelbarrows that Dad had repaired and stopped to visit Marg’s guardian dog that she had to give away because it played too rough with the lambs. She is now doing a great job of keeping deer from eating the plants in a nursery.
Marg & I finished laundry and worked in the garden when we returned. Took a quick ATV loop to check the snare (empty) & made dinner.
July 2nd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Sad entry today - our Dolly is no longer with us. We will miss her a lot but we are ready to enjoy the freedom of not having a pet.
Marg & I stuffed our pockets with tissue and carried on with gardening, working on the storage shed and getting haircuts. Terry went after a coyote but didn’t get close enough for a shot. Our niece Katrina, her daughter Robbie and her aunt Brita stopped by for a short visit on their way home from visiting relatives. They were planning on staying overnight but decided to get a couple more hours of driving in while Robbie was (hopefully) sleeping.
Back to the logging behind the house. There were some trees that needed major persuading to miss the fence and the power line. Marg lifted Terry up on the tractor loader to place a rope as high as possible which he then used to pull the tree in the opposite direction from where it was leaning. Then it was my turn to get a lift in the loader to trim dead limbs from several large trees. We hauled away the largest debris and then Marg & Terry went back to the storage shed while Dad & I cleaned up small junk behind the shop where the storage shed is being built.
When we went in for lunch, we realized that we had not seen Sage (Marg’s Border Collie) for some time. Marg assumed the worst and took the ATV to look for her in the sheep pasture. After driving all over, Marg finally found Sage in the chicken house. She slipped in when Dad went in there and she will not bark to let you know she is there.
After lunch, Marg, Terry & I went shopping and took the small chain saw in for some adjustments.
July 1st - Wed - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA!!
We did a few small jobs this morning - laundry, cleaned up several years worth of sunflower seed shells under the bird feeders, secured the metal roof on the barn by putting Terry on a ladder on the loader of the tractor and straightened the step on the tractor that Marg caught on a stump.
Then we went to take in some Canada Day events at Heritage House at 108 Mile. The Lions Club was selling hamburgers so we took advantage of that for lunch. There was a little stage with entertainment (music, Tai Quan Do, square dancing and belly dancing) which we enjoyed while we ate and afterwards. There were vendor booths to be explored and Marg saw many acquaintances.
Next we dropped off a couple of wheelbarrows that Dad had repaired and stopped to visit Marg’s guardian dog that she had to give away because it played too rough with the lambs. She is now doing a great job of keeping deer from eating the plants in a nursery.
Marg & I finished laundry and worked in the garden when we returned. Took a quick ATV loop to check the snare (empty) & made dinner.
July 2nd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Sad entry today - our Dolly is no longer with us. We will miss her a lot but we are ready to enjoy the freedom of not having a pet.
Marg & I stuffed our pockets with tissue and carried on with gardening, working on the storage shed and getting haircuts. Terry went after a coyote but didn’t get close enough for a shot. Our niece Katrina, her daughter Robbie and her aunt Brita stopped by for a short visit on their way home from visiting relatives. They were planning on staying overnight but decided to get a couple more hours of driving in while Robbie was (hopefully) sleeping.
Monday, June 29, 2009
June 27th to 29th -100 Mile House
June 27th - Sat - 100 Mile House
Don’t know what is going on - we got another day off today and went to the Williams Lake Stampede. We left just before 10, got a close parking spot and went to see what was happening. Chariot races were nearly over so we got grandstand tickets that were reserved seating and good for all day. After the chariot races we watched pony chuck wagon qualifying races. They ended about 11:30 and we thought we would wander around and get lunch. Turns out there were only a dozen vendor booths and nothing else to do so we drove the short ways into town and had lunch.
Terry had to park much farther away when we returned. We were just in time for the rodeo which started at 1:00. All the usual rodeo events which were very organized and moved right along. In the rodeo intermission there were pony chuck wagon races. After the rodeo, there was an event called a “ranch challenge” where 10 ranches formed 3 person teams and competed in cattle cutting and wild horse racing. We only stayed for the first round of cattle cutting by all 10 teams and then headed to the casino.
By now it was 5:30 (a long time on hard benches with no backs!) and the casino was very busy with so many people in town for the stampede. It took about an hour for Terry, Marg & I to lose $20 each.
Marg & I made a plan so when we got home she did chores, I started dinner and Terry made drinks.
June 28th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Back to work! We switched to taking out trees behind the shop where Marg wants to build the new storage shed. Terry used a ladder to tie a rope to most of the trees to “persuade” them to fall where they wanted them. Worked very well. We hauled off all the limbs & small trees and towed several trees to the wood cutting area.
After lunch, we started building the storage shed. Of course the spot where we wanted a concrete block had huge tree roots. We moved somewhat but Marg finally had to get the chain saw to get rid of some roots. We got the floor built and called it a day.
After dinner, Marg & I took the ATV to set a snare at a spot where she noticed a trail under the electric fence - probably from a coyote.
June 29th - Mon - 100 Mile House
Marg & I locked the sheep in last night so we could count them this morning. Seem to be missing one ewe and 3 lambs. Friends Francis & Nicole stopped by for a bit and then we worked on the storage shed which is supposed to be our “reward” for clearing trees. Sounds a little weird when more work is the reward for working!
After lunch we had to go back to cleaning up trees by the barn. We felled all the trees that were leaning towards the barn and then Marg & Terry really went to work just behind the barn and got rid of all the dead, leaning and broken trees in a small area. We picked up all the branches and raked up all the little pieces since it is pasture.
Marg, Terry & I took the ATVs to check on the snare (no coyote) and Marg showed Terry a trail that she wants cleared so she can go cross country skiing in the winter.
No afternoon rain today.
Don’t know what is going on - we got another day off today and went to the Williams Lake Stampede. We left just before 10, got a close parking spot and went to see what was happening. Chariot races were nearly over so we got grandstand tickets that were reserved seating and good for all day. After the chariot races we watched pony chuck wagon qualifying races. They ended about 11:30 and we thought we would wander around and get lunch. Turns out there were only a dozen vendor booths and nothing else to do so we drove the short ways into town and had lunch.
Terry had to park much farther away when we returned. We were just in time for the rodeo which started at 1:00. All the usual rodeo events which were very organized and moved right along. In the rodeo intermission there were pony chuck wagon races. After the rodeo, there was an event called a “ranch challenge” where 10 ranches formed 3 person teams and competed in cattle cutting and wild horse racing. We only stayed for the first round of cattle cutting by all 10 teams and then headed to the casino.
By now it was 5:30 (a long time on hard benches with no backs!) and the casino was very busy with so many people in town for the stampede. It took about an hour for Terry, Marg & I to lose $20 each.
Marg & I made a plan so when we got home she did chores, I started dinner and Terry made drinks.
June 28th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Back to work! We switched to taking out trees behind the shop where Marg wants to build the new storage shed. Terry used a ladder to tie a rope to most of the trees to “persuade” them to fall where they wanted them. Worked very well. We hauled off all the limbs & small trees and towed several trees to the wood cutting area.
After lunch, we started building the storage shed. Of course the spot where we wanted a concrete block had huge tree roots. We moved somewhat but Marg finally had to get the chain saw to get rid of some roots. We got the floor built and called it a day.
After dinner, Marg & I took the ATV to set a snare at a spot where she noticed a trail under the electric fence - probably from a coyote.
June 29th - Mon - 100 Mile House
Marg & I locked the sheep in last night so we could count them this morning. Seem to be missing one ewe and 3 lambs. Friends Francis & Nicole stopped by for a bit and then we worked on the storage shed which is supposed to be our “reward” for clearing trees. Sounds a little weird when more work is the reward for working!
After lunch we had to go back to cleaning up trees by the barn. We felled all the trees that were leaning towards the barn and then Marg & Terry really went to work just behind the barn and got rid of all the dead, leaning and broken trees in a small area. We picked up all the branches and raked up all the little pieces since it is pasture.
Marg, Terry & I took the ATVs to check on the snare (no coyote) and Marg showed Terry a trail that she wants cleared so she can go cross country skiing in the winter.
No afternoon rain today.
Friday, June 26, 2009
June 23rd to 26th - 100 Mile House
June 23rd - Tues - 100 Mile House
More work in the woods this morning. We have quite a few logs now in the area where we will cut them up later for firewood.
In the afternoon, Dad & I finished the trim on the barn bird houses. Then Terry joined us and we put together a box to be used for transporting bottles of wine from a wine shop. Wine is expensive in Canada so a lot of people buy kits and then use the facilities at a wine shop to make their own wine. A friend of Marg’s was using cardboard boxes to carry her wine so Marg & Dad made 3 boxes that carry 12 bottles each. We discovered that not all the pieces were cut so we will have to finish the box another day.
June 24th - Wed - 100 Mile House
Cool, windy, rainy morning so we finished putting together the wine carrier box. Then we loaded up Marg’s truck with all the stuff sitting around that needed to go to the garbage dump and made that trip. Dad picked up a pair of cross country skis in the “too good to toss” shack that he will use to build a sled.
Marg was home when we got back so we wandered around a bit to show her our progress on various projects. After lunch I helped Marg empty the motor home and got some laundry going after Marg found the filter on the cold water hose that was keeping the washing machine from filling properly.
Marg & I went golfing with the ladies’ league and then had dinner at the golf course restaurant. Terry went to KFC to pick up dinner for him & Dad. He figures they use banty chickens here as the pieces were so small!!
June 25th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Marg made phone calls, caught up on mail and tended to the garden which I had neglected a bit before she joined the rest of us in the woods. Terry dropped a tree on the “emergency” outhouse. Luckily it was a small tree and didn’t do any damage. After lunch we moved slightly to take down some trees that were either leaning over a fence or towards a barn. Marg maneuvered the tractor to support the tree on the forks of the loader and Terry cut down the tree. Worked great - no damaged fences or barn thanks to Marg‘s expert tractor driving. We picked up 3 loads of debris and called it quits so we could clean up to go to dinner.
It was friend Francis’ birthday today and his wife Nicole invited us and friends Al & Cecile over for dinner. Good friends, good food - what more can you ask?! I rarely use the expression but dessert was a rum cake “to die for”.
June 26th - Fri - 100 Mile House
We took a break today and went to the Farmer’s Market in town this morning. Dad really enjoys a band that plays there occasionally but they weren’t there today. There were quit a few vendors and the sun was shining so we enjoyed wandering around. Next a stop to get Dad’s blood test done and then on to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the feed store and the lumber mill for some 2x4s and some free “scrap” ½ x 6 inch boards.
After a late lunch we intended to hit the logging again but first had to sharpen & gas up the chain saws. While Marg was doing that, Terry started cleaning out a storage shed under 2 fuel tanks on a stand. The plan is to move the tanks and build a storage shed in its place. Since it was all cleaned out, Marg got the tractor and moved the stand & tanks to a place where it is easier to access & load when we find someone who wants it. Next we had to repair the platform that fits on the tractor forks. We ended up replacing the whole back portion which took us right up to chore time and happy hour.
More work in the woods this morning. We have quite a few logs now in the area where we will cut them up later for firewood.
In the afternoon, Dad & I finished the trim on the barn bird houses. Then Terry joined us and we put together a box to be used for transporting bottles of wine from a wine shop. Wine is expensive in Canada so a lot of people buy kits and then use the facilities at a wine shop to make their own wine. A friend of Marg’s was using cardboard boxes to carry her wine so Marg & Dad made 3 boxes that carry 12 bottles each. We discovered that not all the pieces were cut so we will have to finish the box another day.
June 24th - Wed - 100 Mile House
Cool, windy, rainy morning so we finished putting together the wine carrier box. Then we loaded up Marg’s truck with all the stuff sitting around that needed to go to the garbage dump and made that trip. Dad picked up a pair of cross country skis in the “too good to toss” shack that he will use to build a sled.
Marg was home when we got back so we wandered around a bit to show her our progress on various projects. After lunch I helped Marg empty the motor home and got some laundry going after Marg found the filter on the cold water hose that was keeping the washing machine from filling properly.
Marg & I went golfing with the ladies’ league and then had dinner at the golf course restaurant. Terry went to KFC to pick up dinner for him & Dad. He figures they use banty chickens here as the pieces were so small!!
June 25th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Marg made phone calls, caught up on mail and tended to the garden which I had neglected a bit before she joined the rest of us in the woods. Terry dropped a tree on the “emergency” outhouse. Luckily it was a small tree and didn’t do any damage. After lunch we moved slightly to take down some trees that were either leaning over a fence or towards a barn. Marg maneuvered the tractor to support the tree on the forks of the loader and Terry cut down the tree. Worked great - no damaged fences or barn thanks to Marg‘s expert tractor driving. We picked up 3 loads of debris and called it quits so we could clean up to go to dinner.
It was friend Francis’ birthday today and his wife Nicole invited us and friends Al & Cecile over for dinner. Good friends, good food - what more can you ask?! I rarely use the expression but dessert was a rum cake “to die for”.
June 26th - Fri - 100 Mile House
We took a break today and went to the Farmer’s Market in town this morning. Dad really enjoys a band that plays there occasionally but they weren’t there today. There were quit a few vendors and the sun was shining so we enjoyed wandering around. Next a stop to get Dad’s blood test done and then on to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the feed store and the lumber mill for some 2x4s and some free “scrap” ½ x 6 inch boards.
After a late lunch we intended to hit the logging again but first had to sharpen & gas up the chain saws. While Marg was doing that, Terry started cleaning out a storage shed under 2 fuel tanks on a stand. The plan is to move the tanks and build a storage shed in its place. Since it was all cleaned out, Marg got the tractor and moved the stand & tanks to a place where it is easier to access & load when we find someone who wants it. Next we had to repair the platform that fits on the tractor forks. We ended up replacing the whole back portion which took us right up to chore time and happy hour.
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 19th to 22nd - 100 Mile House
June 19th - Fri - 100 Mile House
A change today with rain in the morning instead of the afternoon. So we worked in the shop in the morning and went logging in the afternoon. This is getting to be a little repetitive and probably boring for our readers but it is too much hard work to be boring for us!
June 20th - Sat - 100 Mile House
Cool, very slightly drizzly morning - perfect for more logging. We have a huge pile to be burned in the fall, preferably after a snow fall so it doesn’t get away. My niece Katrina (brother Bob’s daughter), her daughter Robbie and her aunt Brita are coming today to spend the night on their way to Pemberton and Salmon Arm respectively. So I did some cleaning and changed bedding in preparation.
We were expecting them for dinner but Katrina called just before 6 to say they were still an hour away so we went ahead and ate.
Robbie is just over 2 months old. Dad was so looking forward to holding his first great-grandchild. Robbie was not too co-operative about being held after a full day in the car seat but Dad & Robbie cooed and laughed at each other.
June 21st - Sun - 100 Mile House
Katrina wanted banty chicken eggs for breakfast so I made bacon, eggs & fried potatoes. I gave Brita a brief tour on the ATV and they left about 10:30. We headed for the woods and put in a couple of hours before lunch.
Dad had the bright idea of cleaning up an area behind the shop. We ended up with a full load of sticks and a partial load that he will dump tomorrow before going back to the real logging. Dad & I started working on some log cabin bird houses until there were too many questions that needed Marg so we switched to a couple of red, hip roof barn style bird houses. They need trim for doors & windows so we got out an itty bitty chop saw and got part of it done. Terry finished the final fitting on the TV cabinet and got most of it glued and nailed.
I intended to do my blog tonight but got hooked on one of the computer games that Terry has been playing and just didn’t get anything else done.
June 22nd - Mon - 100 Mile House
Put a load of laundry in before we went logging. Put in 3 ½ hours and 5 tractor loads before our bodies said “enough!”. Terry misjudged the direction of a tree that he was falling so we had to spend some time dragging it with the tractor and a chain to get it to fall past the tree & old stump that it landed on.
We gave Buck (horse) and Snow (donkey) a treat and tethered them out to eat grass for a change. They are normally in the corral as Buck cannot handle much grass.
After lunch we cleaned up and went to town to get some trim for our TV shelf, take Dad for his monthly blood test and stop at the grocery store. Turned out Dad needed a new special blue card which we did not have so he couldn’t get his blood testing done.
Dad & I then spent some time in the shop putting trim on the barn style bird houses while Terry worked on the TV cabinet. It is looking good!
Chores, dinner, TV, crossword puzzles - the regular.
A change today with rain in the morning instead of the afternoon. So we worked in the shop in the morning and went logging in the afternoon. This is getting to be a little repetitive and probably boring for our readers but it is too much hard work to be boring for us!
June 20th - Sat - 100 Mile House
Cool, very slightly drizzly morning - perfect for more logging. We have a huge pile to be burned in the fall, preferably after a snow fall so it doesn’t get away. My niece Katrina (brother Bob’s daughter), her daughter Robbie and her aunt Brita are coming today to spend the night on their way to Pemberton and Salmon Arm respectively. So I did some cleaning and changed bedding in preparation.
We were expecting them for dinner but Katrina called just before 6 to say they were still an hour away so we went ahead and ate.
Robbie is just over 2 months old. Dad was so looking forward to holding his first great-grandchild. Robbie was not too co-operative about being held after a full day in the car seat but Dad & Robbie cooed and laughed at each other.
June 21st - Sun - 100 Mile House
Katrina wanted banty chicken eggs for breakfast so I made bacon, eggs & fried potatoes. I gave Brita a brief tour on the ATV and they left about 10:30. We headed for the woods and put in a couple of hours before lunch.
Dad had the bright idea of cleaning up an area behind the shop. We ended up with a full load of sticks and a partial load that he will dump tomorrow before going back to the real logging. Dad & I started working on some log cabin bird houses until there were too many questions that needed Marg so we switched to a couple of red, hip roof barn style bird houses. They need trim for doors & windows so we got out an itty bitty chop saw and got part of it done. Terry finished the final fitting on the TV cabinet and got most of it glued and nailed.
I intended to do my blog tonight but got hooked on one of the computer games that Terry has been playing and just didn’t get anything else done.
June 22nd - Mon - 100 Mile House
Put a load of laundry in before we went logging. Put in 3 ½ hours and 5 tractor loads before our bodies said “enough!”. Terry misjudged the direction of a tree that he was falling so we had to spend some time dragging it with the tractor and a chain to get it to fall past the tree & old stump that it landed on.
We gave Buck (horse) and Snow (donkey) a treat and tethered them out to eat grass for a change. They are normally in the corral as Buck cannot handle much grass.
After lunch we cleaned up and went to town to get some trim for our TV shelf, take Dad for his monthly blood test and stop at the grocery store. Turned out Dad needed a new special blue card which we did not have so he couldn’t get his blood testing done.
Dad & I then spent some time in the shop putting trim on the barn style bird houses while Terry worked on the TV cabinet. It is looking good!
Chores, dinner, TV, crossword puzzles - the regular.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
June 16th to 18th - 100 Mile House
June 16th - Tues - 100 Mile House
Back to our logging project his morning while it was still cool. We didn’t stay cool for long though - this is hard work. My arms are covered with scratches & bruises and the mosquitoes love Terry. Dad hangs in there with us driving the tractor and then the 4 wheeler when we drag a couple of logs to the area to cut up later for firewood. We quit before lunch as it was getting too warm and we were getting too tired.
The cable TV has been acting up so a technician came today to see what was wrong. A couple of big trees are interfering with the signal, especially when the wind blows the branches. He replaced a part on the satellite dish, realigned it a bit and it hasn’t had a problem since.
We crossed off an item on our to-do list by insulating and covering an old door opening on the shop to help the heater keep it warm in the winter.
We have a project of our own in the 5th wheel. We are adding shelves to the big TV cabinet since we got rid of our old, large TV and have a smaller LCD model. Terry bought wood yesterday and got started on it today. Rain again this afternoon. The grass may catch up to the sheep if this keeps up.
Couldn’t drag Terry away from computer games tonight. He didn’t give up until he beat Marg’s score at midnight.
June 17th - Wed - 100 Mile House
We got a call that the electric fencer was repaired so we picked it up & installed it. Then we had to check the whole fence to make sure all the sections had enough charge to keep the sheep in. The pastures that the sheep were grazing were running out of grass so we had to get them into a bigger area. Everything went well (Marg had repaired the fence earlier before the fencer quit) so we opened different gates for the sheep.
After lunch we hit the tree cleaning up project. We had to make an opening for the tractor into a different section so we wouldn’t have to carry debris so far to load on the tractor. Luckily there were trees that needed to be removed and we got through. After a couple hours of hard work, Terry noticed some really black clouds and suggested that we get all the gear and ourselves under cover before the rain hit. Just in time! We ran for the porch where we sat and watched hail & rain and listened to thunder. I was supposed to play golf but I don’t start a round when it is raining. Also, the temperature dropped many degrees with the rain and I get cranky playing golf when I am cold!
Then the usual evening routine of chores, dinner & relaxation.
June 18th - Thurs - 100 Mile House.
A haircut for Terry this morning and then we worked on our TV cabinet until we had to take Dad for a hearing appointment at 11. Terry ran some errands while I waited for Dad. It ended up taking over an hour for his hearing tests. We went to a couple of stores and then had A&W hamburgers for lunch.
When we returned, Terry continued working on the TV cabinet shelves. We barely had time to think about getting back to the “logging” when the afternoon thunder started rumbling and changed our minds. Sure enough, more welcome rain. We puttered around some more, retrieved the sheets that I had washed and made the bed, did the chores and then headed inside for happy hour, dinner & TV. Also computer games for Terry - he is hooked on trying to beat Marg’s scores on her games.
Back to our logging project his morning while it was still cool. We didn’t stay cool for long though - this is hard work. My arms are covered with scratches & bruises and the mosquitoes love Terry. Dad hangs in there with us driving the tractor and then the 4 wheeler when we drag a couple of logs to the area to cut up later for firewood. We quit before lunch as it was getting too warm and we were getting too tired.
The cable TV has been acting up so a technician came today to see what was wrong. A couple of big trees are interfering with the signal, especially when the wind blows the branches. He replaced a part on the satellite dish, realigned it a bit and it hasn’t had a problem since.
We crossed off an item on our to-do list by insulating and covering an old door opening on the shop to help the heater keep it warm in the winter.
We have a project of our own in the 5th wheel. We are adding shelves to the big TV cabinet since we got rid of our old, large TV and have a smaller LCD model. Terry bought wood yesterday and got started on it today. Rain again this afternoon. The grass may catch up to the sheep if this keeps up.
Couldn’t drag Terry away from computer games tonight. He didn’t give up until he beat Marg’s score at midnight.
June 17th - Wed - 100 Mile House
We got a call that the electric fencer was repaired so we picked it up & installed it. Then we had to check the whole fence to make sure all the sections had enough charge to keep the sheep in. The pastures that the sheep were grazing were running out of grass so we had to get them into a bigger area. Everything went well (Marg had repaired the fence earlier before the fencer quit) so we opened different gates for the sheep.
After lunch we hit the tree cleaning up project. We had to make an opening for the tractor into a different section so we wouldn’t have to carry debris so far to load on the tractor. Luckily there were trees that needed to be removed and we got through. After a couple hours of hard work, Terry noticed some really black clouds and suggested that we get all the gear and ourselves under cover before the rain hit. Just in time! We ran for the porch where we sat and watched hail & rain and listened to thunder. I was supposed to play golf but I don’t start a round when it is raining. Also, the temperature dropped many degrees with the rain and I get cranky playing golf when I am cold!
Then the usual evening routine of chores, dinner & relaxation.
June 18th - Thurs - 100 Mile House.
A haircut for Terry this morning and then we worked on our TV cabinet until we had to take Dad for a hearing appointment at 11. Terry ran some errands while I waited for Dad. It ended up taking over an hour for his hearing tests. We went to a couple of stores and then had A&W hamburgers for lunch.
When we returned, Terry continued working on the TV cabinet shelves. We barely had time to think about getting back to the “logging” when the afternoon thunder started rumbling and changed our minds. Sure enough, more welcome rain. We puttered around some more, retrieved the sheets that I had washed and made the bed, did the chores and then headed inside for happy hour, dinner & TV. Also computer games for Terry - he is hooked on trying to beat Marg’s scores on her games.
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 14th to 15th - 100 Mile House
June 14th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Marg has a short list of projects to keep us busy so we got going on one this morning. Last winter there was a bad ice storm that made a mess of the trees on the farm. A lot of trees have the tops broken off and many are bent over and will break with snow next winter. So they all need to be cut down and removed. There are also dead standing trees, fallen trees and scrub trees to remove. We had 2 chain saws, 2 ATVs and the tractor and kept them all working. Marg & Terry felled & cut up trees. We had to tie ropes to some trees to persuade them to fall away from fences. We loaded branches & junk on the front end loader on the tractor, drove a short way around the house and created a pile to burn in the fall when the fire danger is not high. Logs suitable for firewood were dragged to an area to be cut up later.
We took a lunch break and went back at it. We stopped about 3:30 so we could shower and make dinner for friends Francis & Nicole. Evening chores are minimal right now and I got a lesson from Marg on what needs to be done. We had a nice dinner and visit with Francis & Nicole. Everyone except Marg was falling asleep by 9.
June 15th - Mon - 100 Mile House
Counted bruises and sore muscles today!!
Marg left for a week long vacation this morning. I sent my cell phone with her as I feel like I might need to call her - not much time for instructions.
We went back to the tree cleaning up project. We got a lot done - Terry on the chainsaw & heavy lifting, Dad driving the tractor to dump the loads of trees & branches and me picking up & loading the tractor. We decided to quit about 11:45 as it was getting quite warm and we were all tiring. We thought at the time that we might do some more when it cooled down but that didn’t happen.
After lunch Dad & Terry went on a farm tour and then we started on another item on our to-do list - replacing screen in a screen door. We tore off all the wood slats & screen and then discovered that the roll of screen was only enough for the bottom - guess Marg figured the top was OK! We had a couple of other errands so we made a trip to town - bank, grocery store, feed store, building supply store and glass shop for screen.
We finished repairing the screen door and it was time for chores and dinner. There was thunder rumbling during the afternoon with some showers and then a short downpour while I was doing chores.
Marg has a short list of projects to keep us busy so we got going on one this morning. Last winter there was a bad ice storm that made a mess of the trees on the farm. A lot of trees have the tops broken off and many are bent over and will break with snow next winter. So they all need to be cut down and removed. There are also dead standing trees, fallen trees and scrub trees to remove. We had 2 chain saws, 2 ATVs and the tractor and kept them all working. Marg & Terry felled & cut up trees. We had to tie ropes to some trees to persuade them to fall away from fences. We loaded branches & junk on the front end loader on the tractor, drove a short way around the house and created a pile to burn in the fall when the fire danger is not high. Logs suitable for firewood were dragged to an area to be cut up later.
We took a lunch break and went back at it. We stopped about 3:30 so we could shower and make dinner for friends Francis & Nicole. Evening chores are minimal right now and I got a lesson from Marg on what needs to be done. We had a nice dinner and visit with Francis & Nicole. Everyone except Marg was falling asleep by 9.
June 15th - Mon - 100 Mile House
Counted bruises and sore muscles today!!
Marg left for a week long vacation this morning. I sent my cell phone with her as I feel like I might need to call her - not much time for instructions.
We went back to the tree cleaning up project. We got a lot done - Terry on the chainsaw & heavy lifting, Dad driving the tractor to dump the loads of trees & branches and me picking up & loading the tractor. We decided to quit about 11:45 as it was getting quite warm and we were all tiring. We thought at the time that we might do some more when it cooled down but that didn’t happen.
After lunch Dad & Terry went on a farm tour and then we started on another item on our to-do list - replacing screen in a screen door. We tore off all the wood slats & screen and then discovered that the roll of screen was only enough for the bottom - guess Marg figured the top was OK! We had a couple of other errands so we made a trip to town - bank, grocery store, feed store, building supply store and glass shop for screen.
We finished repairing the screen door and it was time for chores and dinner. There was thunder rumbling during the afternoon with some showers and then a short downpour while I was doing chores.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
June 10th to 13th - Spokane to 100 Mile House, BC
June 10th - Wed - Spokane
Today is EllaMae’s birthday but we will be waiting until Cindy is here to celebrate it tomorrow. Gary came over for lunch and showed us some of his wonderful waterfowl (and eagle) pictures. We picked up our mail and were surprised to see that my driver’s license (with EllaMae’s address) was sent to our mail box.
Bill & Georgia had us over for dinner this evening. We had so much catching up to do that we didn’t even play Sequence.
June 11th - Thurs - Spokane
Cindy, Don & EllaMae went to the casino at Worley after breakfast this morning. We returned items to the 5th wheel in preparation for leaving early tomorrow and then went to have lunch with friends Dan & Dottie. We visited for a while more after lunch and then came back to finish laundry and packing up. We are not sure if Marg will have her water pump repaired so figured we better wash all dirty clothes.
At 5 we all went to Skip & Kathy’s for dinner to celebrate EllaMae’s birthday. Gary & Suzanne were also there. We had drinks & snacks and then played Ladder Golf - the outdoor game where golf balls on the ends of pieces of rope are thrown at a “ladder” in an attempt to wrap the rope around a rung.
The car was loaded more heavily on the way home after a nice dinner and birthday cake!
June 12th - Fri - to Logan Lake, BC
We left at 5:20 for the 8 hour drive to Logan Lake where we will stay overnight with my cousin Pat & her husband Rick. Uneventful drive - easy customs stop, breakfast in Headley, lovely weather. Pat arranged a get together with 4 other couples that we have met previously. 3 couples live in Logan Lake (Lynden & Charlie, Ian & Pat, Don & Joanne), the other couple was Claude & Val who we met up with earlier this year in Tucson.
I helped Pat with some food prep for the party, we made a quick trip to town for a few items and stopped to see Pat’s daughter’s (Morgan) condo. Terry & Rick took a little walk followed by naps to prepare for the party.
It was great seeing everyone again and we all had a good time. Too much food and lots of laughs.
June 13th - Sat - to 100 Mile House
It was great to sleep in our own bed last night! Pat made breakfast this morning to give us fuel for the just over 2 hour trip to Marg’s (sister) in 100 Mile House. We stopped for diesel and then at the sani station in town to dump and fill our water tank. Arrived at Marg’s just in time to set up before lunch.
We only had time for a little looking around the farm before a couple (George & Helen Purden) who knew my parents stopped in for a visit. By the time they left it was time for a few quick chores and dinner.
Marg has satellite internet and a router so I have a wifi connection while we are here - very nice.
Today is EllaMae’s birthday but we will be waiting until Cindy is here to celebrate it tomorrow. Gary came over for lunch and showed us some of his wonderful waterfowl (and eagle) pictures. We picked up our mail and were surprised to see that my driver’s license (with EllaMae’s address) was sent to our mail box.
Bill & Georgia had us over for dinner this evening. We had so much catching up to do that we didn’t even play Sequence.
June 11th - Thurs - Spokane
Cindy, Don & EllaMae went to the casino at Worley after breakfast this morning. We returned items to the 5th wheel in preparation for leaving early tomorrow and then went to have lunch with friends Dan & Dottie. We visited for a while more after lunch and then came back to finish laundry and packing up. We are not sure if Marg will have her water pump repaired so figured we better wash all dirty clothes.
At 5 we all went to Skip & Kathy’s for dinner to celebrate EllaMae’s birthday. Gary & Suzanne were also there. We had drinks & snacks and then played Ladder Golf - the outdoor game where golf balls on the ends of pieces of rope are thrown at a “ladder” in an attempt to wrap the rope around a rung.
The car was loaded more heavily on the way home after a nice dinner and birthday cake!
June 12th - Fri - to Logan Lake, BC
We left at 5:20 for the 8 hour drive to Logan Lake where we will stay overnight with my cousin Pat & her husband Rick. Uneventful drive - easy customs stop, breakfast in Headley, lovely weather. Pat arranged a get together with 4 other couples that we have met previously. 3 couples live in Logan Lake (Lynden & Charlie, Ian & Pat, Don & Joanne), the other couple was Claude & Val who we met up with earlier this year in Tucson.
I helped Pat with some food prep for the party, we made a quick trip to town for a few items and stopped to see Pat’s daughter’s (Morgan) condo. Terry & Rick took a little walk followed by naps to prepare for the party.
It was great seeing everyone again and we all had a good time. Too much food and lots of laughs.
June 13th - Sat - to 100 Mile House
It was great to sleep in our own bed last night! Pat made breakfast this morning to give us fuel for the just over 2 hour trip to Marg’s (sister) in 100 Mile House. We stopped for diesel and then at the sani station in town to dump and fill our water tank. Arrived at Marg’s just in time to set up before lunch.
We only had time for a little looking around the farm before a couple (George & Helen Purden) who knew my parents stopped in for a visit. By the time they left it was time for a few quick chores and dinner.
Marg has satellite internet and a router so I have a wifi connection while we are here - very nice.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 7th to 9th - Spokane
June 7th - Sun - Spokane
I took a turn making breakfast this morning. My sister Marg was supposed to accompany a friend to Ft St John for a few days but when I spoke with her this morning she said her water pump quit so she could not leave Dad & a “sitter” with no water and no electric fence. She knew the water had a problem and had made an appointment but the earliest she could get a plumber was Thursday. Cindy left about 10:30 to fly home to Portland.
EllaMae has an electronic picture frame that Terry’s brother Harry had loaded with pictures. He suggested that I add some of our pictures so I edited some that were on the chip and then added some of ours - a time consuming job followed by a late lunch.
We had made tentative plans to meet Bill & Georgia for dinner but Georgia’s Mom was not doing well so we decided to go to the Coeur d’Alene Casino for a while. I won a few dollars which kept me going until we took a break for dinner. We split the Southern Fried Steak dinner and it is so large that I could not finish my half and Terry was too full from his half to eat more of mine. The casino finally ate our “allowance”.
Georgia’s Mom passed away this evening.
June 8th - Mon - Spokane
A couple of errands this morning. The first sewing machine place did not have my bobbin case so he sent us to another store closer to town. On the way, we stopped to chat with friend Gary in his carpet store. Got the bobbin case and the very nice clerk checked out the needle threader and told me what I might have been doing wrong when it didn’t work.
After lunch, we tried a couple of places to get an oil change and ended up getting it done in Liberty Lake. Back to EllaMae’s for dinner & a quiet TV evening.
June 9th - Tues - Spokane
Skip & Kathy stopped by for a visit this morning. We went on a short shopping trip and returned just in time for lunch. Suzanne (Terry’s sister-in-law) came over to do some paperwork and we had a nice visit with her. Terry was antsy so after dinner we went to Northern Quest casino. Didn’t cost much this time for a full evening of gambling.
I took a turn making breakfast this morning. My sister Marg was supposed to accompany a friend to Ft St John for a few days but when I spoke with her this morning she said her water pump quit so she could not leave Dad & a “sitter” with no water and no electric fence. She knew the water had a problem and had made an appointment but the earliest she could get a plumber was Thursday. Cindy left about 10:30 to fly home to Portland.
EllaMae has an electronic picture frame that Terry’s brother Harry had loaded with pictures. He suggested that I add some of our pictures so I edited some that were on the chip and then added some of ours - a time consuming job followed by a late lunch.
We had made tentative plans to meet Bill & Georgia for dinner but Georgia’s Mom was not doing well so we decided to go to the Coeur d’Alene Casino for a while. I won a few dollars which kept me going until we took a break for dinner. We split the Southern Fried Steak dinner and it is so large that I could not finish my half and Terry was too full from his half to eat more of mine. The casino finally ate our “allowance”.
Georgia’s Mom passed away this evening.
June 8th - Mon - Spokane
A couple of errands this morning. The first sewing machine place did not have my bobbin case so he sent us to another store closer to town. On the way, we stopped to chat with friend Gary in his carpet store. Got the bobbin case and the very nice clerk checked out the needle threader and told me what I might have been doing wrong when it didn’t work.
After lunch, we tried a couple of places to get an oil change and ended up getting it done in Liberty Lake. Back to EllaMae’s for dinner & a quiet TV evening.
June 9th - Tues - Spokane
Skip & Kathy stopped by for a visit this morning. We went on a short shopping trip and returned just in time for lunch. Suzanne (Terry’s sister-in-law) came over to do some paperwork and we had a nice visit with her. Terry was antsy so after dinner we went to Northern Quest casino. Didn’t cost much this time for a full evening of gambling.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
June 4th to 6th - Spokane
June 4th - Thurs - Spokane
Cindy arrived last night (after I posted my blog) for her weekly 4 days to look after her Mom.
We played golf at Fairways CG this morning with good friends Mike & Mary. Weather was beautiful, the course was in good shape and the company was super - but they made us look like the duffers that we are. Then on to lunch at Northern Quest casino which is undergoing a huge expansion and remodeling. Of course we all had to try out the slot machines after lunch.
We got back in time for a nice dinner prepared by Cindy and Don.
June 5th - Fri - Spokane
We took the 5th wheel in for the slide adjustments. Made a short trip to a nearby WalMart, returned to find out & approve what needed to be done and then went to Northern Quest casino to pass the time until it was done. I lost my allowance but Terry managed to win enough to get us back to even. We had lunch there before picking up the 5th wheel. We were really happy with the work that was done and felt that the price was reasonable.
Phone calls back & forth with Marg today as her electric fence quit. We were trying to figure out if we could get a new energizer for her here.
The ball game went to 10 innings tonight before the Mariners lost.
June 6th - Sat - Spokane
Terry & I went searching for a roll-up blind for Don & EllaMae’s patio. The late afternoon sun shines under the end of the roof so it is too bright and hot to enjoy dinner on the patio. We finally found exactly what we were looking for at Lowe’s. During our shopping, we bumped into friends Dale & Patsy and stood in the aisle at Home Depot and chatted for a while. A short stop at Costco (including a hot dog) and we headed back. Decided to check out a new WinCo grocery store - nice store with good prices but some people don’t like bagging their own groceries.
Terry & I installed the blind - works great. I decided that I had to get the other 2 zippers done on Terry’s short so I ripped out the old zippers while we all watched the end of a movie. Managed to get the zippers done before dinner. But as I was trying to mend some jeans, the thread snarled up. The bobbin case pulled out when I was getting the thread out and it has a piece broken out of it. Don’t know if it just happened but we have to get it fixed.
Sleepy group here this evening. Guys are snoozing in the living room and Cindy & EllaMae are getting a little shuteye while they are not talking to me at the dining room table.
Cindy arrived last night (after I posted my blog) for her weekly 4 days to look after her Mom.
We played golf at Fairways CG this morning with good friends Mike & Mary. Weather was beautiful, the course was in good shape and the company was super - but they made us look like the duffers that we are. Then on to lunch at Northern Quest casino which is undergoing a huge expansion and remodeling. Of course we all had to try out the slot machines after lunch.
We got back in time for a nice dinner prepared by Cindy and Don.
June 5th - Fri - Spokane
We took the 5th wheel in for the slide adjustments. Made a short trip to a nearby WalMart, returned to find out & approve what needed to be done and then went to Northern Quest casino to pass the time until it was done. I lost my allowance but Terry managed to win enough to get us back to even. We had lunch there before picking up the 5th wheel. We were really happy with the work that was done and felt that the price was reasonable.
Phone calls back & forth with Marg today as her electric fence quit. We were trying to figure out if we could get a new energizer for her here.
The ball game went to 10 innings tonight before the Mariners lost.
June 6th - Sat - Spokane
Terry & I went searching for a roll-up blind for Don & EllaMae’s patio. The late afternoon sun shines under the end of the roof so it is too bright and hot to enjoy dinner on the patio. We finally found exactly what we were looking for at Lowe’s. During our shopping, we bumped into friends Dale & Patsy and stood in the aisle at Home Depot and chatted for a while. A short stop at Costco (including a hot dog) and we headed back. Decided to check out a new WinCo grocery store - nice store with good prices but some people don’t like bagging their own groceries.
Terry & I installed the blind - works great. I decided that I had to get the other 2 zippers done on Terry’s short so I ripped out the old zippers while we all watched the end of a movie. Managed to get the zippers done before dinner. But as I was trying to mend some jeans, the thread snarled up. The bobbin case pulled out when I was getting the thread out and it has a piece broken out of it. Don’t know if it just happened but we have to get it fixed.
Sleepy group here this evening. Guys are snoozing in the living room and Cindy & EllaMae are getting a little shuteye while they are not talking to me at the dining room table.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
June 1st to 3rd - Spokane
June 1st - Mon - Spokane
We made our to-do list and started working on it today after a visit from Terry’s brother Skip and his wife Kathy. Driver’s license office was closed so couldn’t get that done. Got license tabs for the truck & 5th wheel, made a stop at Costco and went to an RV place to make an appointment to get the slides on the 5th wheel adjusted. While we were there we had to check out the Montana that has caught our eye - we’ll keep ours for a while.
Don had ribs boiling when we returned and I used leftover carrots & potatoes to put together an au gratin casserole for an easy dinner.
Don & EllaMae like to watch baseball so we are learning to commiserate with them when the Seattle Mariners blow yet another lead.
June 2nd - Tues - Spokane
I got an eye exam this morning and then spent 45 minutes waiting to get my driver’s license renewed. When we changed our address to our mail box 2 ½ years ago, 2 employees allowed Terry & I to use that address. This time, the guy who waited on me said that according to WA state law I had to have a physical address. When I said we lived in our RV he asked where it was and I told him it was parked on the street in front of my mother-in-law’s house. He asked for her address and I was surprised and unhappy to see that address on my temporary license. That means my new license will be mailed here and Don will have to forward it to us.
Visited a couple of stores, washed the truck and returned to the house. Don & I had sorted through the freezer and I used a “well aged” steak to make stroganoff while Don made a run to the grocery store.
Mariners won tonight!
June 3rd - Wed - Spokane
3 overripe bananas demanded to be used in muffins this morning. Then I had Terry haul in my sewing machine so I could replace zippers in 4 pairs of his shorts. They all have nylon zippers that split open at inopportune times. He loves the shorts and they are fairly new so I figured I would see what I could do. I was a bit of a pessimist and only bought one zipper so after I struggled through one replacement we made a trip to get the other 3 zippers.
Terry’s brother Gary came for lunch today which he does most Wednesdays. It was good to see him again. After lunch Don mowed the lawn, Terry trimmed with the weed eater and EllaMae & I sat in the shade and watched them work. But I took my turn later and trimmed some plants overhanging from the neighbor’s yard. Then I cussed my way through replacing another zipper.
We introduced Don & EllaMae to Frito Pie for dinner. I am blogging while the others watch another ball game.
The weather is lovely here right now. Breezy mornings, sunny all day. I am happy that we are sleeping in an air conditioned house.
We made our to-do list and started working on it today after a visit from Terry’s brother Skip and his wife Kathy. Driver’s license office was closed so couldn’t get that done. Got license tabs for the truck & 5th wheel, made a stop at Costco and went to an RV place to make an appointment to get the slides on the 5th wheel adjusted. While we were there we had to check out the Montana that has caught our eye - we’ll keep ours for a while.
Don had ribs boiling when we returned and I used leftover carrots & potatoes to put together an au gratin casserole for an easy dinner.
Don & EllaMae like to watch baseball so we are learning to commiserate with them when the Seattle Mariners blow yet another lead.
June 2nd - Tues - Spokane
I got an eye exam this morning and then spent 45 minutes waiting to get my driver’s license renewed. When we changed our address to our mail box 2 ½ years ago, 2 employees allowed Terry & I to use that address. This time, the guy who waited on me said that according to WA state law I had to have a physical address. When I said we lived in our RV he asked where it was and I told him it was parked on the street in front of my mother-in-law’s house. He asked for her address and I was surprised and unhappy to see that address on my temporary license. That means my new license will be mailed here and Don will have to forward it to us.
Visited a couple of stores, washed the truck and returned to the house. Don & I had sorted through the freezer and I used a “well aged” steak to make stroganoff while Don made a run to the grocery store.
Mariners won tonight!
June 3rd - Wed - Spokane
3 overripe bananas demanded to be used in muffins this morning. Then I had Terry haul in my sewing machine so I could replace zippers in 4 pairs of his shorts. They all have nylon zippers that split open at inopportune times. He loves the shorts and they are fairly new so I figured I would see what I could do. I was a bit of a pessimist and only bought one zipper so after I struggled through one replacement we made a trip to get the other 3 zippers.
Terry’s brother Gary came for lunch today which he does most Wednesdays. It was good to see him again. After lunch Don mowed the lawn, Terry trimmed with the weed eater and EllaMae & I sat in the shade and watched them work. But I took my turn later and trimmed some plants overhanging from the neighbor’s yard. Then I cussed my way through replacing another zipper.
We introduced Don & EllaMae to Frito Pie for dinner. I am blogging while the others watch another ball game.
The weather is lovely here right now. Breezy mornings, sunny all day. I am happy that we are sleeping in an air conditioned house.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)