DeBary, FL
Sunday, 11-11-12
57 deg. mostly cloudy, no wind
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 81F. Breezy. Winds from the NNW at 10 to 20 mph shifting to the South in the afternoon.
Please take a moment today to honor all the veterans, past and present. If it wasn't for them, our lives would be so much different.
Below you'll find a quick summary of what's been happening since I last posted. Jim and Linda are slowly settling down into normal day to day living, and I'm sure after we've been here even longer, there'll be less and less to write about.
I'm also sure some of what I'll be writing about in the next few months will be very boring, but they want me to keep posting as much as possible so that in the future, they can go back and see what happened while we were here.
Today, we're looking forward to seeing Ashley and Anna. Anna is here in DeBary for a few days, (She works and lives over by Jacksonville), and yesterday, Laura told Linda that they want to stop by for a little while.
I'm really looking forward to their visit! : )
______________
Thursday, 11/8/12
About the only thing worth mentioning on Thursday was that as soon as Linda got up and had her breakfast, she and Jim took CLT and headed to the Winn Dixie Grocery store which is only about a mile from here. They were gone for quite awhile so I figured that they were buying a lot of groceries, and I was right, they brought back all kinds of groceries!!!! : O
They did get them all stashed away inside of me though, so I guess it's OK. ; )
____________
Friday, 11/9/12
Friday, as soon as it warmed up, (it was 41 degrees at 7:00 AM), Jim went outside and got his bike out of the back of CLT. Then, he put out my awnings and tied the main awning down with the straps and bungee cords. When he was finished with that, he removed the tow bar off of the front of CLT and put it underneath me on some small boards, so it doesn't sit right on the ground.
While he was doing that, Linda was doing laundry and working on her Family Tree Program.
You've probably noticed that I haven't mentioned anything about Laura and Lindsey since we've been here. Well, until Monday, they didn't know that we would be arriving a week earlier than planned, and they had already planned a camping trip for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. So, until Friday afternoon, they were on their camping trip, (with their pop-up trailer), at one of Florida's State Parks.
Friday afternoon, they called and said that they were on their way back home and wanted to know if it would be OK for them to come over around 5:00. They also said that they'd stop by and pick up a pizza for dinner on their way out here to the RV Park.
Well, of course Linda and Jim said that the plan sounded great and told them to come on out here as soon as they could.
So, around 5:00 they pulled up in front of me and then after h and h (hugs and handshakes), they all sat down, enjoyed a very good pizza and talked and talked until around 8:00.
It sure was good to see Laura and Lindsey again. It's been almost a year since we've seen them and a lot of things have happened since then.
_____________
Saturday 11-10-12
After airing his bicycle tires up, Jim took a ride around the park. He hasn't ridden it since we were in Rantoul in September, so he didn't go too far on the first day. He says that he's going to gradually increase the distance to get his legs back in shape again.
In the afternoon, Laura stopped by again. Didn't want anything, just stopped by to chat for awhile. I think she misses her mom. ; )
For dinner, Jim cooked a couple pork chops on the grill and Linda cooked some cauliflower on my stove.
A Quick Fact. : Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.
Showing posts with label h and h. Show all posts
Showing posts with label h and h. Show all posts
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
VA To NC and A Run-A-Way Fan
Wilson, NC.
38 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 57F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph.
Most of Tuesday was spent getting me ready to travel, at least until about 4:30 when Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Joe and Nancy's house. Again, Nancy put together a great meal that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Of course the main reason for going there was to see Joe, Nancy, Sami and Amber one last time before we left the area.
So, after a very nice evening of visiting there were h and h (hugs and handshakes), and final good-bye's before Jim and Linda headed back to the RV Park, about 9:00.
Yesterday morning, everything went smoothly and by 9:45 we were pulling out of the Holiday Trav-L-Park and making our way back to I-264. 264 brought us back to I-64, which we followed around to the South and then picked up US 58, and headed West on it. 58 brought us back to I-95 where we turned South and followed it down into North Carolina.
By this time it was time for a "pit stop", so Jim pulled me into the NC welcome center rest area. It was at this time that Jim discovered that my vent fan in the "little room", (the room with the toilet), was open and running full blast!!! The problem was that all of the switches that control the fan were turned off and there was no reason for the fan to be open and running.
So, being that we were in the rest area and not out on the road someplace, Jim got some tools and proceeded to dismantle the fan from the inside. I still don't know what happened, but the little gears that raise and lower the fan were broken and wouldn't let Jim manually lower the lid, so that part had to be removed and the lid fastened down with mini bungee cords to stop it from flopping around as we traveled.
I still don't know why the fan was open in the first place, because like I said, all the switches were turned off. This may be a problem best solved by my mechanic down in Florida.
It took about 1/2 hour for Jim to take the fan apart and get everything secured. After he was finished we continued South on I-95, down to US 64 at Rocky Mount. Turning East on 64 for a few miles brought us to US 301 where we turned South and followed 301 for about 17 miles to the Kampers Lodge RV Park. Jim had heard good things about this park and being that it's also a Passport America park, he had decided to try it.
It was about 1:45 when we pulled up to the office, so it took us almost exactly 4 hours to travel 173 miles and work on my vent fan.
Well, we're not disappointed with this Campground. I have a pull-through, full hook-up site with 50 amp electric and cable TV, all for $20 per night. The site is long enough for both myself and CLT , but being that Jim parked me more in the center of the site, CLT is parked along side of me. The people in the office were great and the lady led me to my site with a golf cart. The cable TV hasn't been installed on my site yet, so a man brought a long length of TV cable and ran it from a site up the row to my site.
He then waited until Jim tuned on the TV to make sure everything was working before he left.
After getting me set up, Jim took a nap and Linda worked on her Family Tree program, using the free and very strong wi-fi, here in the park. Then, about 5:30 Jim and Linda took CLT and, after stopping at the office to ask for suggestions, headed into Wilson and to Parkers Restaurant for dinner.
Parkers is mainly a barbecue place but they have chicken and seafood also. Linda had the chicken, which was very good, and Jim had a fish dinner, which he said, wasn't the greatest.
After dinner, they came back here and watched TV, worked/played with the computers until bedtime.
Jim and Linda have paid for 2 nights at this CG. Then, the plan is to leave here tomorrow and continue wandering South. We'll stop at one more CG before we get down to the Jacksonville area, where Linda and Jim are hoping to be able to stop and see Linda's grand daughter, Anna.
I hope all of you had a good Halloween. They've got all kinds of decorations here in and around the CG office, but not many RVs have decorations.
I also hope that any of you who were in Hurricane Sandy's path are OK and you don't have too much damage. This far inland, we haven't seen any effects of the storm.
Did you know that Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations in the world, dating back over 2000 years to the time of the Celts who lived in Britain?
38 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 57F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph.
Most of Tuesday was spent getting me ready to travel, at least until about 4:30 when Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Joe and Nancy's house. Again, Nancy put together a great meal that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Of course the main reason for going there was to see Joe, Nancy, Sami and Amber one last time before we left the area.
So, after a very nice evening of visiting there were h and h (hugs and handshakes), and final good-bye's before Jim and Linda headed back to the RV Park, about 9:00.
Yesterday morning, everything went smoothly and by 9:45 we were pulling out of the Holiday Trav-L-Park and making our way back to I-264. 264 brought us back to I-64, which we followed around to the South and then picked up US 58, and headed West on it. 58 brought us back to I-95 where we turned South and followed it down into North Carolina.
By this time it was time for a "pit stop", so Jim pulled me into the NC welcome center rest area. It was at this time that Jim discovered that my vent fan in the "little room", (the room with the toilet), was open and running full blast!!! The problem was that all of the switches that control the fan were turned off and there was no reason for the fan to be open and running.
So, being that we were in the rest area and not out on the road someplace, Jim got some tools and proceeded to dismantle the fan from the inside. I still don't know what happened, but the little gears that raise and lower the fan were broken and wouldn't let Jim manually lower the lid, so that part had to be removed and the lid fastened down with mini bungee cords to stop it from flopping around as we traveled.
I still don't know why the fan was open in the first place, because like I said, all the switches were turned off. This may be a problem best solved by my mechanic down in Florida.
It took about 1/2 hour for Jim to take the fan apart and get everything secured. After he was finished we continued South on I-95, down to US 64 at Rocky Mount. Turning East on 64 for a few miles brought us to US 301 where we turned South and followed 301 for about 17 miles to the Kampers Lodge RV Park. Jim had heard good things about this park and being that it's also a Passport America park, he had decided to try it.
It was about 1:45 when we pulled up to the office, so it took us almost exactly 4 hours to travel 173 miles and work on my vent fan.
Well, we're not disappointed with this Campground. I have a pull-through, full hook-up site with 50 amp electric and cable TV, all for $20 per night. The site is long enough for both myself and CLT , but being that Jim parked me more in the center of the site, CLT is parked along side of me. The people in the office were great and the lady led me to my site with a golf cart. The cable TV hasn't been installed on my site yet, so a man brought a long length of TV cable and ran it from a site up the row to my site.
He then waited until Jim tuned on the TV to make sure everything was working before he left.
After getting me set up, Jim took a nap and Linda worked on her Family Tree program, using the free and very strong wi-fi, here in the park. Then, about 5:30 Jim and Linda took CLT and, after stopping at the office to ask for suggestions, headed into Wilson and to Parkers Restaurant for dinner.
Parkers is mainly a barbecue place but they have chicken and seafood also. Linda had the chicken, which was very good, and Jim had a fish dinner, which he said, wasn't the greatest.
After dinner, they came back here and watched TV, worked/played with the computers until bedtime.
Jim and Linda have paid for 2 nights at this CG. Then, the plan is to leave here tomorrow and continue wandering South. We'll stop at one more CG before we get down to the Jacksonville area, where Linda and Jim are hoping to be able to stop and see Linda's grand daughter, Anna.
I hope all of you had a good Halloween. They've got all kinds of decorations here in and around the CG office, but not many RVs have decorations.
I also hope that any of you who were in Hurricane Sandy's path are OK and you don't have too much damage. This far inland, we haven't seen any effects of the storm.
Did you know that Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations in the world, dating back over 2000 years to the time of the Celts who lived in Britain?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
North Carolina To Virginia
Virginia Beach, VA.
52 deg. scattered clouds, no wind.
Forecasts = Partly cloudy. High of 75F. Winds from the SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Everything went well and by 8:50 we were pulling out of the Dickens RV Park and heading the 3 or 4 miles back to US 1. Once on 1, we took it NE and up to the Raleigh area, where it joined up with US 64. We then took US 64/I-440 around the city until 64 headed East from the city. Then we followed 64 over to Rocky Mount, where we tuned North on I-95. 95 took us up into Virginia where we stopped at a Love's Truck Stop near Skippers, VA. to get me a drink of that good old #2 diesel fuel. : )
Again, everything went well at the station and soon we were back out on I-95 and heading to Emporia, where we turned East on US 58. 58 took us to Portsmouth where we turned South on I-64 and took it around the South side of the City. After 64 took us around to Virginia Beach, we turned East on I-264 and took it East towards downtown Virginia Beach. When we came to 1st Colonial, (exit 21), we turned South on it and followed it down to the Holiday Trav-L-Park.
It was 1:15 when we pulled up in front of the office, so it took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to travel 230 miles and stop for my drink.
Not too shabby!!! ; )
The Holiday Trav-L-Park is a huge park. When we were here a year ago, I was in site # 107 and this time I'm in site 255, but they actually have over 800 RV sites in the park!!
An RV could get lost in this place!!! : O
After getting me set up in my full hook-up site with 50 amp electric and after relaxing a little, Jim took a little nap. Then, about 4:00, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Joe and Nancy's. After all the h and h, (hugs and handshakes), and some visiting, everyone enjoyed a great spaghetti and meatball dinner that Nancy made.
After dinner, it was more visiting before CLT brought them back here to the Park.
Today, Joe, Nancy and the girls are going to be busy so Jim and Linda will not be going over there. It's time for Linda to get her prescriptions refilled again, so she and Jim are planning on getting that accomplished. Jim still needs to get me hooked up to the sewer connection, so I imagine he'll do that today.
As of this morning, I have a very weak signal on the AT&T air card here at the park. So far it has held the signal while I've been typing this post. We're in a different area of the park than we were a year ago, so maybe I'll be able to post regularly.
I hope so.
Did you know that the first peanuts grown in the United States were grown in Virginia?
52 deg. scattered clouds, no wind.
Forecasts = Partly cloudy. High of 75F. Winds from the SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Everything went well and by 8:50 we were pulling out of the Dickens RV Park and heading the 3 or 4 miles back to US 1. Once on 1, we took it NE and up to the Raleigh area, where it joined up with US 64. We then took US 64/I-440 around the city until 64 headed East from the city. Then we followed 64 over to Rocky Mount, where we tuned North on I-95. 95 took us up into Virginia where we stopped at a Love's Truck Stop near Skippers, VA. to get me a drink of that good old #2 diesel fuel. : )
Again, everything went well at the station and soon we were back out on I-95 and heading to Emporia, where we turned East on US 58. 58 took us to Portsmouth where we turned South on I-64 and took it around the South side of the City. After 64 took us around to Virginia Beach, we turned East on I-264 and took it East towards downtown Virginia Beach. When we came to 1st Colonial, (exit 21), we turned South on it and followed it down to the Holiday Trav-L-Park.
It was 1:15 when we pulled up in front of the office, so it took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to travel 230 miles and stop for my drink.
Not too shabby!!! ; )
The Holiday Trav-L-Park is a huge park. When we were here a year ago, I was in site # 107 and this time I'm in site 255, but they actually have over 800 RV sites in the park!!
An RV could get lost in this place!!! : O
After getting me set up in my full hook-up site with 50 amp electric and after relaxing a little, Jim took a little nap. Then, about 4:00, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Joe and Nancy's. After all the h and h, (hugs and handshakes), and some visiting, everyone enjoyed a great spaghetti and meatball dinner that Nancy made.
After dinner, it was more visiting before CLT brought them back here to the Park.
Today, Joe, Nancy and the girls are going to be busy so Jim and Linda will not be going over there. It's time for Linda to get her prescriptions refilled again, so she and Jim are planning on getting that accomplished. Jim still needs to get me hooked up to the sewer connection, so I imagine he'll do that today.
As of this morning, I have a very weak signal on the AT&T air card here at the park. So far it has held the signal while I've been typing this post. We're in a different area of the park than we were a year ago, so maybe I'll be able to post regularly.
I hope so.
Did you know that the first peanuts grown in the United States were grown in Virginia?
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Waynesville NC To Forest City NC
Forest City, NC.
63 deg. mostly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = High temp. 77 deg. mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of t-storms, W. wind @ 5 to 10 mph.
After backing me and CLT straight back, Jim was able to make the swing out of the site and onto the road. I ended up going across the corner of the patio and across the grass, but at least Jim didn't have to unhook CLT. : )
It was 10:00 when we pulled out of the CG and headed back to I-40. Once on 40 we followed it Southeast to Asheville where we turned South on I-26, which took us down to Columbus, where we turned East on US 74. 74 brought us over to Forest City and to Roland and Louise's house.
We did have one little glitch. When we got to Forest City, we turned off of US 74 at the wrong exit and ended up going right through "Beautiful Downtown Forest City"!!! If we had turned off at the right exit, we would have missed the downtown area with all the stores and traffic, but it wasn't too bad and by 11:35 we were pulling into Roland's driveway. : )
Even with our wrong turn, it only took us 1 hour and 35 minutes to travel the 85 miles over here.
Roland must have seen us coming because before I was completely stopped in the driveway, he was coming out of the house to greet us. After h and h, (hugs and handshakes), Jim unhooked CLT from the back of me and with Roland's help and a large field next to the driveway, Jim got me turned around and backed right up to Big Herb's RV Port.
When Roland built this house with a RV port for Big Herb, he planned on having a place for RVing friends to park their RV when they came to visit. So, he put in both 30 amp and 50 amp outlets, a water faucet on the side of the building and a sewer connection so that the RVs tanks could be dumped.
In other words, full hook-ups!!!!
Jim and Roland and Linda and Louise have already done a lot of visiting. We went down to Frostproof, FL to see them back in February but a lot has happened to both couples since then, so there's a lot to catch up on. I'm sure that our time here will go really fast.
Jim didn't take any photos yesterday, but I'm sure he will in the next few days. If I can, (slow air card connection here), I'll post them right away.
Did you know that what is now Forest City began as a crossroads on the Shelby-Rutherfordton and Spartanburg-Lincolnton Roads? Originally, the town was incorporated as Burnt Chimney in 1877. A replica near the site of the original chimney adorns the public square today. The "chimney" was the remains of the McArthur home that marked the crossroads.
63 deg. mostly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = High temp. 77 deg. mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of t-storms, W. wind @ 5 to 10 mph.
After backing me and CLT straight back, Jim was able to make the swing out of the site and onto the road. I ended up going across the corner of the patio and across the grass, but at least Jim didn't have to unhook CLT. : )
It was 10:00 when we pulled out of the CG and headed back to I-40. Once on 40 we followed it Southeast to Asheville where we turned South on I-26, which took us down to Columbus, where we turned East on US 74. 74 brought us over to Forest City and to Roland and Louise's house.
We did have one little glitch. When we got to Forest City, we turned off of US 74 at the wrong exit and ended up going right through "Beautiful Downtown Forest City"!!! If we had turned off at the right exit, we would have missed the downtown area with all the stores and traffic, but it wasn't too bad and by 11:35 we were pulling into Roland's driveway. : )
Even with our wrong turn, it only took us 1 hour and 35 minutes to travel the 85 miles over here.
Roland must have seen us coming because before I was completely stopped in the driveway, he was coming out of the house to greet us. After h and h, (hugs and handshakes), Jim unhooked CLT from the back of me and with Roland's help and a large field next to the driveway, Jim got me turned around and backed right up to Big Herb's RV Port.
When Roland built this house with a RV port for Big Herb, he planned on having a place for RVing friends to park their RV when they came to visit. So, he put in both 30 amp and 50 amp outlets, a water faucet on the side of the building and a sewer connection so that the RVs tanks could be dumped.
In other words, full hook-ups!!!!
Jim and Roland and Linda and Louise have already done a lot of visiting. We went down to Frostproof, FL to see them back in February but a lot has happened to both couples since then, so there's a lot to catch up on. I'm sure that our time here will go really fast.
Jim didn't take any photos yesterday, but I'm sure he will in the next few days. If I can, (slow air card connection here), I'll post them right away.
Did you know that what is now Forest City began as a crossroads on the Shelby-Rutherfordton and Spartanburg-Lincolnton Roads? Originally, the town was incorporated as Burnt Chimney in 1877. A replica near the site of the original chimney adorns the public square today. The "chimney" was the remains of the McArthur home that marked the crossroads.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
IL To IN and Dinner With Mike And Sandy
Indianapolis, IN.
56 deg. overcast, no wind.
Forecast = Overcast with a chance of a thunderstorm and rain showers. High of 68F. Winds from the SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%
After saying a final good-bye to Louise, we left the Prairie Pines Campground about 9:40 yesterday morning. In a way, I would have liked to stay longer, but the road was calling, and once we pulled out of the CG, it sure felt good to be moving once again.
Our first stop was the F/S gas station so that Jim could get me a drink of good old #2 diesel fuel. Then, we headed south on US 45 and followed it down to Urbana, where we turned East on I-74. 74 brought us into Indiana and to Indianapolis, where we turned south on I-465 and followed it around to the South side of the city.
Once on the South side and heading East again, we turned off on Rt. 37 and took it South for just a short distance to the Lake Haven Retreat Campground.
It was 12:20 CDT when we pulled up in front of the office, so it took us about 2 hours and 40 minutes to get my drink and travel 135 miles.
The Lake Haven CG is OK. the sites are narrow and you share utilities with the RV next to you. The park is well maintained and the gal in the office is friendly and helpful. We are here in Indianapolis to see Linda's cousin and his wife and this is the most convenient park to stay at.
The do have a pretty nice little lake.
Once Jim got me positioned on the site and hooked up the electric, he came inside and re-set all the clocks to Eastern time so that there wouldn't be any confusion as to what time it was. Then after relaxing for a little while, he took a little nap. : )
After Jim woke up, Linda called her cousin Mike. He said to come on over so Jim and Linda took CG and headed to his house.
After visiting for awhile, they everyone decided that they were getting hungry, so Mike, Sandy, Jim and Linda took Mike's car and headed over to a Chinese Restaurant for dinner. While they were at the restaurant, Jim snapped a photo of Mike.
And Sandy.
After they finished eating, they headed back to Mike and Sandy's to visit some more.
About 8:30 everyone started getting tired, so after hugs and handshakes, CLT brought Jim and Linda back here to the CG.
Both Jim and Linda said that it was really good to see Mike and Sandy again. I'm sure we'll stop by to see them again the next time we're in the Indy area.
Today, the plan is to head down into Kentucky to see another of Linda's cousins, Rick. It's about a 4 hour drive down there normally, but the weather forecast isn't looking too good, so it may take us longer.
Did you know that Marcella Gruelle of Indianapolis created the Raggedy Ann doll in 1914?
56 deg. overcast, no wind.
Forecast = Overcast with a chance of a thunderstorm and rain showers. High of 68F. Winds from the SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%
After saying a final good-bye to Louise, we left the Prairie Pines Campground about 9:40 yesterday morning. In a way, I would have liked to stay longer, but the road was calling, and once we pulled out of the CG, it sure felt good to be moving once again.
Our first stop was the F/S gas station so that Jim could get me a drink of good old #2 diesel fuel. Then, we headed south on US 45 and followed it down to Urbana, where we turned East on I-74. 74 brought us into Indiana and to Indianapolis, where we turned south on I-465 and followed it around to the South side of the city.
Once on the South side and heading East again, we turned off on Rt. 37 and took it South for just a short distance to the Lake Haven Retreat Campground.
It was 12:20 CDT when we pulled up in front of the office, so it took us about 2 hours and 40 minutes to get my drink and travel 135 miles.
The Lake Haven CG is OK. the sites are narrow and you share utilities with the RV next to you. The park is well maintained and the gal in the office is friendly and helpful. We are here in Indianapolis to see Linda's cousin and his wife and this is the most convenient park to stay at.
After Jim woke up, Linda called her cousin Mike. He said to come on over so Jim and Linda took CG and headed to his house.
After visiting for awhile, they everyone decided that they were getting hungry, so Mike, Sandy, Jim and Linda took Mike's car and headed over to a Chinese Restaurant for dinner. While they were at the restaurant, Jim snapped a photo of Mike.
About 8:30 everyone started getting tired, so after hugs and handshakes, CLT brought Jim and Linda back here to the CG.
Both Jim and Linda said that it was really good to see Mike and Sandy again. I'm sure we'll stop by to see them again the next time we're in the Indy area.
Today, the plan is to head down into Kentucky to see another of Linda's cousins, Rick. It's about a 4 hour drive down there normally, but the weather forecast isn't looking too good, so it may take us longer.
Did you know that Marcella Gruelle of Indianapolis created the Raggedy Ann doll in 1914?
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Grrrrrrr!!!!! and We Had Company
Rantoul, IL.
54 deg. clear, NW wind @ 9 mph.
Forecast = Partly cloudy in the morning, then clear. High of 70F. Breezy. Winds from the NW at 15 to 20 mph.
Grrrrrrrrr!!!!!!
It's beyond me how some people can get pleasure out of messing up someones computer!!!! I can even understand it a little if they're trying to get some information, but to just mess up someones computer for no reason??????
As you can probably tell by now, Jim's laptop computer had a virus/malware or whatever you want to call it, and it was messing everything up!!!!! Couldn't get onto some sites, got warnings that the computer was infected and got all kinds of error messages!!! : (
As soon as this started happening, Jim shut the computer down, got onto Linda's desktop and e-mailed Greg at GeekyGuys. If you been following this blog for awhile, you already know that Jim and Linda have used Greg's services before. In fact last year, he built Linda's desktop computer for her and fixed a few problems with this laptop. Before that, he cleaned out a really nasty virus that Jim had on this laptop.
He's really good at what he does and his fees are not out of line at all.
To make a long story shorter, Greg has this computer cleaned up and running like a top again, and I'm back to blogging!!! : )
So, what has been happening since I last posted on Labor Day? Well, actually quite a bit!!
We've had more rain and some storms go through this area, There's been a couple local shopping trips made, but most important, is that we had company!!! : )
Here's a photo of their rig which was in a site a little up the street from me. Do any of you recognize it? Well, I won't keep you in suspense too long.
It belongs to Mike and Terri Young who have a blog called Forever Young.
On Monday, (I think it was), Mike called and said that they would be coming through this area and was wondering if Jim and Linda would be around. He said that he knew it was short notice, but they would be here on Tuesday!!!.
Well, they didn't make it here on Tuesday because of a little problem, (I'll let Mike tell you about it on his blog), but they did make it here Wednesday.
They weren't able to make it here until later in the afternoon, so instead of going out to eat someplace, They just ordered a couple Pizzas delivered instead. (That Mike paid for). Thanks Mike!!!! : )
The pizza along with some chocolate cake that Linda got out of the freezer earlier, made for a very nice meal.
By the time Mike and Terri had their rig set up, came over here and talked and relaxed a little, the pizza arrived. Then they sat down inside of me to eat and catch up on what has been happening since we last saw them last summer.
As always, it was good conversation with very good friends. ; )
Mike and Terri had already had a long day, so about 9:00 they headed back to their RV.
They could only stay for one night because they needed to continue heading East for an appointment they have, so, Thursday morning, after h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they loaded up and continued heading East. : (
Both Jim and Linda said that the visit with Mike and Terri was way to short, but before they left they were already talking about meeting up again, maybe even sometime later on this year, over on the East Coast or down in Florida!! : )
That would be great!!!!! : )
As I stated at the beginning of this blog, we've had some more rain. If you remember, it was extremely dry when we arrived here in July and the grass, (and almost everything else), was completely dry. Well, this first photo was taken back then, just after we got here.
This photo was taken Thursday from about the same spot. A few inches of rain makes a big difference.
Yesterday, we had quite a bit of rain again when a cold front came through. The temperatures have been in the mid to upper 80's, but today they're forecasting a high of 70 degrees, and not near as humid.
That's good because there are 4 groups here in the CG for the weekend. Two of the groups are hear already and I think there may be another group here also. One group is an Airstream club and another is a Hi-Low Club.
Both of those clubs stand out because of their unique trailers.
Louise said that the CG is pretty much sold out for the weekend and I'm sure it is because there are already many more RV here than were here for the rainy Labor Day weekend.
Did you know that September is "National Chicken Month"?
Thanks for stopping by, Mike and Terri, it was really good to see you again!!!! : )
54 deg. clear, NW wind @ 9 mph.
Forecast = Partly cloudy in the morning, then clear. High of 70F. Breezy. Winds from the NW at 15 to 20 mph.
Grrrrrrrrr!!!!!!
It's beyond me how some people can get pleasure out of messing up someones computer!!!! I can even understand it a little if they're trying to get some information, but to just mess up someones computer for no reason??????
As you can probably tell by now, Jim's laptop computer had a virus/malware or whatever you want to call it, and it was messing everything up!!!!! Couldn't get onto some sites, got warnings that the computer was infected and got all kinds of error messages!!! : (
As soon as this started happening, Jim shut the computer down, got onto Linda's desktop and e-mailed Greg at GeekyGuys. If you been following this blog for awhile, you already know that Jim and Linda have used Greg's services before. In fact last year, he built Linda's desktop computer for her and fixed a few problems with this laptop. Before that, he cleaned out a really nasty virus that Jim had on this laptop.
He's really good at what he does and his fees are not out of line at all.
To make a long story shorter, Greg has this computer cleaned up and running like a top again, and I'm back to blogging!!! : )
So, what has been happening since I last posted on Labor Day? Well, actually quite a bit!!
We've had more rain and some storms go through this area, There's been a couple local shopping trips made, but most important, is that we had company!!! : )
Here's a photo of their rig which was in a site a little up the street from me. Do any of you recognize it? Well, I won't keep you in suspense too long.
Well, they didn't make it here on Tuesday because of a little problem, (I'll let Mike tell you about it on his blog), but they did make it here Wednesday.
They weren't able to make it here until later in the afternoon, so instead of going out to eat someplace, They just ordered a couple Pizzas delivered instead. (That Mike paid for). Thanks Mike!!!! : )
The pizza along with some chocolate cake that Linda got out of the freezer earlier, made for a very nice meal.
By the time Mike and Terri had their rig set up, came over here and talked and relaxed a little, the pizza arrived. Then they sat down inside of me to eat and catch up on what has been happening since we last saw them last summer.
As always, it was good conversation with very good friends. ; )
Mike and Terri had already had a long day, so about 9:00 they headed back to their RV.
They could only stay for one night because they needed to continue heading East for an appointment they have, so, Thursday morning, after h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they loaded up and continued heading East. : (
Both Jim and Linda said that the visit with Mike and Terri was way to short, but before they left they were already talking about meeting up again, maybe even sometime later on this year, over on the East Coast or down in Florida!! : )
That would be great!!!!! : )
As I stated at the beginning of this blog, we've had some more rain. If you remember, it was extremely dry when we arrived here in July and the grass, (and almost everything else), was completely dry. Well, this first photo was taken back then, just after we got here.
That's good because there are 4 groups here in the CG for the weekend. Two of the groups are hear already and I think there may be another group here also. One group is an Airstream club and another is a Hi-Low Club.
Both of those clubs stand out because of their unique trailers.
Louise said that the CG is pretty much sold out for the weekend and I'm sure it is because there are already many more RV here than were here for the rainy Labor Day weekend.
Did you know that September is "National Chicken Month"?
Thanks for stopping by, Mike and Terri, it was really good to see you again!!!! : )
Thursday, August 23, 2012
They're Gone and Jim's Appointment
Rantoul, IL.
59 deg. clear, SE wind @ 3 mph.
Forecast = Sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
They're Gone!!!! : ( Yep, the "Illinois Bunch" packed up and left yesterday morning. : (
Denny came over and talked to Jim for awhile yesterday morning. Then, went back over to his site and started packing up for the return trip home. Dave was also packing up and before long, was ready to head back to his house.
Jim and Linda went over there and talked to Denny and Bev and Dave and Dee Dee for awhile, but soon it was time for h and h. (hugs and handshakes)
It sure was good to see them again, but this visit seemed way too short!! I sure hope I'll get to see them again when we're down in Florida this winter.
By the time they left, it was about lunch time, so Jim and Linda came back here and ate a little. After eating, Jim laid down and tried to take a nap, but couldn't go to sleep. (He was probably thinking about his eye doctor appointment that he had for later in the afternoon).
So, after getting ready, he and Linda took CLT and headed down to Savoy, (which is just a little South of Champaign), and to his eye doctor.
Jim has Glaucoma and this was his first visit back to the eye doctor since it was discovered last year. He's been putting drops in his eyes every day, but really didn't know if they were helping or not, so he was kind of nervous about going back.
Well, everything seems to be OK. ; ) He needs to have one more test done before we leave here, but his doctor said that the pressure in the eyes is down and the medication seems to be working. In fact unless this retina scan thing that he still needs to have done shows some abnormality, he's good to go for another year!!! : )
Of course he'll still need to continue to use the drops every day.
By the time he was done at the eye doctor, it was dinner time, so CLT took them to an Applebee's Restaurant which is near the doctors office.
After they returned here to the park, Jim took a little nap and then he and Linda watched TV until bedtime.
Did you know that Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization? And also, did you know that It is estimated that over 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it?
59 deg. clear, SE wind @ 3 mph.
Forecast = Sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
They're Gone!!!! : ( Yep, the "Illinois Bunch" packed up and left yesterday morning. : (
Denny came over and talked to Jim for awhile yesterday morning. Then, went back over to his site and started packing up for the return trip home. Dave was also packing up and before long, was ready to head back to his house.
Jim and Linda went over there and talked to Denny and Bev and Dave and Dee Dee for awhile, but soon it was time for h and h. (hugs and handshakes)
It sure was good to see them again, but this visit seemed way too short!! I sure hope I'll get to see them again when we're down in Florida this winter.
By the time they left, it was about lunch time, so Jim and Linda came back here and ate a little. After eating, Jim laid down and tried to take a nap, but couldn't go to sleep. (He was probably thinking about his eye doctor appointment that he had for later in the afternoon).
So, after getting ready, he and Linda took CLT and headed down to Savoy, (which is just a little South of Champaign), and to his eye doctor.
Jim has Glaucoma and this was his first visit back to the eye doctor since it was discovered last year. He's been putting drops in his eyes every day, but really didn't know if they were helping or not, so he was kind of nervous about going back.
Well, everything seems to be OK. ; ) He needs to have one more test done before we leave here, but his doctor said that the pressure in the eyes is down and the medication seems to be working. In fact unless this retina scan thing that he still needs to have done shows some abnormality, he's good to go for another year!!! : )
Of course he'll still need to continue to use the drops every day.
By the time he was done at the eye doctor, it was dinner time, so CLT took them to an Applebee's Restaurant which is near the doctors office.
After they returned here to the park, Jim took a little nap and then he and Linda watched TV until bedtime.
Did you know that Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization? And also, did you know that It is estimated that over 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Florida to Alabama and The Rainbow Plantation.
Summerdale, AL.
41 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly sunny in the morning becoming mostly cloudy. Highs around 60. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph becoming 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Randy and Terry came over about 9:00 yesterday morning. They were heading out to do some shopping and wanted to say good-bye. After h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they left and Jim and Linda continued getting me ready to travel.
Jim and Linda both said that they really enjoyed their time with Randy and Terry and are looking forward to seeing them again sometime soon. : )
By 9:45, CLT was hooked to the back of me, we were pulling out of the park and heading back to I-10.
Once on 10 we continued West. There were a couple construction areas along the way, but nothing major and before I knew it, we were crossing into Alabama. We stayed on 10 until we came to Rt.59, where we turned south and followed it down here to Summerdale. Then, we turned west and took county road 28 to the Rainbow Plantation.
It was 12:30 when we pulled up to the office, so yesterday, we traveled 150 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Now, I had never been to this park before, but as soon as we pulled in, I could see that it was almost, if not completely, full!!! Besides that, Jim had read someones blog in the morning and they had stated that the Plantation only had 3 sites available on the day before!!!
I just knew that there weren't going to be any sites available!!! : (
Well, we had to wait a little while to find out if there were any sites available as the office was closed for noon, but when they reopened it, Jim went in, and found out that they had 2 sites available and the one I was getting even had 50 amp service!!!! : )
So, Jim drove me around to Teal Avenue and backed me into site # 16. It's a nice site with shade trees on both sides, it has full hook-ups and is fairly level.
I still don't know exactly how long we'll be staying here, but however long it is, I'll be nice and comfy. ; )
A little before 4:00, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the clubhouse for "social hour". At "social hour", people who have just come into the park, (like Jim and Linda), are introduced and everyone is informed about the activities that will be happening in the park in the near future.
After the meeting was over and Jim and Linda had talked to some people, they came back here, had tacos for dinner and then watch TV and played with the computers until bedtime.
Did you know that it is illegal to sell peanuts in Lee County, Alabama after sundown on Wednesday?
41 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly sunny in the morning becoming mostly cloudy. Highs around 60. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph becoming 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Randy and Terry came over about 9:00 yesterday morning. They were heading out to do some shopping and wanted to say good-bye. After h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they left and Jim and Linda continued getting me ready to travel.
Jim and Linda both said that they really enjoyed their time with Randy and Terry and are looking forward to seeing them again sometime soon. : )
By 9:45, CLT was hooked to the back of me, we were pulling out of the park and heading back to I-10.
Once on 10 we continued West. There were a couple construction areas along the way, but nothing major and before I knew it, we were crossing into Alabama. We stayed on 10 until we came to Rt.59, where we turned south and followed it down here to Summerdale. Then, we turned west and took county road 28 to the Rainbow Plantation.
It was 12:30 when we pulled up to the office, so yesterday, we traveled 150 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Now, I had never been to this park before, but as soon as we pulled in, I could see that it was almost, if not completely, full!!! Besides that, Jim had read someones blog in the morning and they had stated that the Plantation only had 3 sites available on the day before!!!
I just knew that there weren't going to be any sites available!!! : (
Well, we had to wait a little while to find out if there were any sites available as the office was closed for noon, but when they reopened it, Jim went in, and found out that they had 2 sites available and the one I was getting even had 50 amp service!!!! : )
So, Jim drove me around to Teal Avenue and backed me into site # 16. It's a nice site with shade trees on both sides, it has full hook-ups and is fairly level.
I still don't know exactly how long we'll be staying here, but however long it is, I'll be nice and comfy. ; )
A little before 4:00, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the clubhouse for "social hour". At "social hour", people who have just come into the park, (like Jim and Linda), are introduced and everyone is informed about the activities that will be happening in the park in the near future.
After the meeting was over and Jim and Linda had talked to some people, they came back here, had tacos for dinner and then watch TV and played with the computers until bedtime.
Did you know that it is illegal to sell peanuts in Lee County, Alabama after sundown on Wednesday?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Groundhog Day and Gin And Syl Come To Visit
Thonotosassa, FL.
57 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy in the morning then mostly cloudy. Highs around 80 near the coast and in the lower 80s inland. East winds around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Happy Groundhog Day!!!!!
Jim and Denny took CLT and headed over to the local Winn-Dixie store yesterday morning. Both, needed to buy a few things that they were out of.
Once back from shopping, Jim helped Linda clean up the inside of me to get ready for Gin and Syl's visit. They called about 1:00 and said that they were on their way. They knew where this park was, so Jim gave them directions of how to find me once they arrived at the park.
I had never met Gin and Syl before but I really liked them and can see why they're Jim and Linda's good friends. They were very interested in my amenities and asked a lot of questions about me while they were talking to Jim and Linda. Of course they talked about other things too, but RVs and Full-timing were the main subjects. ; )
All too soon they had to leave, so after hugs, they headed for Plant City, FL. to get some of that great strawberry shortcake that the town is known for at this time of the year.
I sure hope we meet up again soon, I'd sure like to meet Tawanda, their new motor home.
Jim went over to "happy hour" a 4:00 and then when he came back, cooked a couple burgers on the grill. Linda got chips and stuff out inside of me and then after dinner she worked on her Family Tree Maker program and watched TV with Jim until bedtime.
Still another great day with great friends. : )
Did you know that the average groundhog is 20 inches long and normally weighs from 12 to 15 pounds? Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long.
57 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy in the morning then mostly cloudy. Highs around 80 near the coast and in the lower 80s inland. East winds around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Happy Groundhog Day!!!!!
Once back from shopping, Jim helped Linda clean up the inside of me to get ready for Gin and Syl's visit. They called about 1:00 and said that they were on their way. They knew where this park was, so Jim gave them directions of how to find me once they arrived at the park.
I had never met Gin and Syl before but I really liked them and can see why they're Jim and Linda's good friends. They were very interested in my amenities and asked a lot of questions about me while they were talking to Jim and Linda. Of course they talked about other things too, but RVs and Full-timing were the main subjects. ; )
All too soon they had to leave, so after hugs, they headed for Plant City, FL. to get some of that great strawberry shortcake that the town is known for at this time of the year.
I sure hope we meet up again soon, I'd sure like to meet Tawanda, their new motor home.
Jim went over to "happy hour" a 4:00 and then when he came back, cooked a couple burgers on the grill. Linda got chips and stuff out inside of me and then after dinner she worked on her Family Tree Maker program and watched TV with Jim until bedtime.
Still another great day with great friends. : )
Did you know that the average groundhog is 20 inches long and normally weighs from 12 to 15 pounds? Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Twenty Lashes With A Wet Noodle!!
Williston, FL.
66 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly sunny. Not as warm. Highs around 80. North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph.
Twenty lashes with a wet noodle!!!!! That's what Jim needs, but I'll get to that a little later!!!
Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Wildwood yesterday morning. But, before they could go, they had to stop and get CLT a drink of 87 octane so he could make the trip. It's about 48 miles over there and CLT said that it took him almost an hour to get to their first destination, which was a Russell Stover Candy Store that Jim and Linda found years ago.
CLT says that It's a huge store and from the pictures that Jim took, it looks like it's full of wall to wall candy! ; )
They have candy boxed for all kinds of occasions from Valentines Day to Halloween to Christmas.
This picture below shows part of a wall where the sugar free candy is displayed and where Linda spent most of the time there, picking out varieties that she likes. ; )
After they had finished at the candy store CLT took them to a Denny's Diner to grab a bite to eat.
After eating, they went to Donna and Monte's house where they spent an enjoyable afternoon visiting and catching up on what's been happening since they saw them this last winter.
Now, this is why Jim needs twenty lashes with a wet noodle!! Yep, even though Jim had his camera along, he forgot to get a new picture of Donna and Monte!! : ( However, I did find this picture of them that he took last winter, and I guess it'll do. ; )
Before they left, Donna and Monte gave Jim and Linda a whole bunch of canned goods and other food that they had gotten through some kind of program. They had more than they could use and gave them a whole bunch of good stuff. : )
Thanks, Donna and Monte. : )
Then, after h and h, (hugs and handshakes), CLT brought them back here. It was close to 5:00 by the time CLT pulled up in front of me and by the time Jim and Linda had all the candy and food put away, they were getting hungry. So, they heated up some of the pre-cooked pork patties that Donna and Monte had given them. Both said that the patties were pretty good and made for a nice quick meal.
Today, Jim and Linda's friend Barb and her friend are coming to see me. They should be here around noon or a little after. Linda is going to have a casserole ready for lunch when they get here.
Did you know that throughout history pork has been the most widely eaten meat in the world, and still is today?
66 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly sunny. Not as warm. Highs around 80. North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph.
Twenty lashes with a wet noodle!!!!! That's what Jim needs, but I'll get to that a little later!!!
Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Wildwood yesterday morning. But, before they could go, they had to stop and get CLT a drink of 87 octane so he could make the trip. It's about 48 miles over there and CLT said that it took him almost an hour to get to their first destination, which was a Russell Stover Candy Store that Jim and Linda found years ago.
CLT says that It's a huge store and from the pictures that Jim took, it looks like it's full of wall to wall candy! ; )
After eating, they went to Donna and Monte's house where they spent an enjoyable afternoon visiting and catching up on what's been happening since they saw them this last winter.
Now, this is why Jim needs twenty lashes with a wet noodle!! Yep, even though Jim had his camera along, he forgot to get a new picture of Donna and Monte!! : ( However, I did find this picture of them that he took last winter, and I guess it'll do. ; )
Thanks, Donna and Monte. : )
Then, after h and h, (hugs and handshakes), CLT brought them back here. It was close to 5:00 by the time CLT pulled up in front of me and by the time Jim and Linda had all the candy and food put away, they were getting hungry. So, they heated up some of the pre-cooked pork patties that Donna and Monte had given them. Both said that the patties were pretty good and made for a nice quick meal.
Today, Jim and Linda's friend Barb and her friend are coming to see me. They should be here around noon or a little after. Linda is going to have a casserole ready for lunch when they get here.
Did you know that throughout history pork has been the most widely eaten meat in the world, and still is today?
Monday, August 29, 2011
More Farm Show Pictures and Mike And Jodi Come For A Visit
Rantoul, IL.
63 deg. N. wind @ 8 mph.
Forecast - Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Light east winds.
They were doing field demonstrations in the field right next to the CG yesterday, so Jim walked over there a couple times and took some pictures.
These are a few of the pictures that Jim was able to get from the CG
This is an old single row picker that was picking the rows of corn right next to the fence.
A 4 row pull-behind picker
The 4 row picker going the other way and actually picking corn.
After the field was harvested it was time for the plowing demonstrations. This is a huge tractor that pulls a 15 bottom plow. Don't know how practical is actually is, but it brought a lot of attention.
Another picture of the huge tractor and it's plow.
This is the kind of tractor that Jim drove as a teen-ager when he worked out on the farms around Peotone during the summertime and after school. It's a Farmall model "M" tractor and was one of the most popular tractors in that area.
Back at the CG they were starting to load some of the tractors on trailers as this was the last day of the show and it was time to head back home or to another show. During the afternoon, I would guess that about 3/4 of the RVs here in the CG left. The show was over and it was time to head home or to their next destination.
Then, about 4:30 Mike and Jodi pulled up in front of me with their Motorcycle. You don't see too many cycles with side cars, so it was neat that they brought it here to show it to me. After they got their riding gear off, Jim brought them inside of me and gave them the "tour". They seemed to really like me and made some very nice comments. : )
After they talked for awhile, Jim fired up the grill and cooked some burgers and brats while Mike, Jodi and Linda brought the rest of the food out to the picnic table. Mike and Jodi brought some salad, and some beer and that along with chips, sweet corn and tomatoes made for a very nice meal.
After they finished eating they all came inside and talked for awhile. (The bugs were really bad outside). They hadn't seen each other for a whole year, but you would have never known it by the way the conversation picked up.
About 7:30 they had to leave because Mike had some things he needed to get done, so after h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they put on their riding gear and rode off on their Ural Motorcycle. : )
After they left, Jim and Linda were talking about how much they enjoyed having a meal and visiting with them. They're a really nice couple and I know I'm looking forward to seeing them again next year.
Oh, and guess what? Jim forgot to take any pictures of them so I looked back at last years photos and found this one of Mike and Jodi with their motorcycle. I'm pretty sure it was taken up in Michigan at the CG where Jim and Linda met them.
Not a whole lot planned for today, but tomorrow morning, both Jim and Linda have an appointment with Linda's eye doctor. He has an office down in Champaign so it won't take CLT (Cute Little Truck), too long to get them there.
Oh, Joe called from Virginia Beach. They had lots of wind and rain, but no damage and everyone is OK. When he called, the power was still out but they have a good supply of flashlights and batteries so they should be all right. Needless to say, Linda was very relieved to hear from them. : )
Thanks for calling, Joe.
Did you know that 1954 was the first year more tractors were used on farms than horses and mules?
63 deg. N. wind @ 8 mph.
Forecast - Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Light east winds.
They were doing field demonstrations in the field right next to the CG yesterday, so Jim walked over there a couple times and took some pictures.
These are a few of the pictures that Jim was able to get from the CG
Then, about 4:30 Mike and Jodi pulled up in front of me with their Motorcycle. You don't see too many cycles with side cars, so it was neat that they brought it here to show it to me. After they got their riding gear off, Jim brought them inside of me and gave them the "tour". They seemed to really like me and made some very nice comments. : )
After they talked for awhile, Jim fired up the grill and cooked some burgers and brats while Mike, Jodi and Linda brought the rest of the food out to the picnic table. Mike and Jodi brought some salad, and some beer and that along with chips, sweet corn and tomatoes made for a very nice meal.
After they finished eating they all came inside and talked for awhile. (The bugs were really bad outside). They hadn't seen each other for a whole year, but you would have never known it by the way the conversation picked up.
About 7:30 they had to leave because Mike had some things he needed to get done, so after h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they put on their riding gear and rode off on their Ural Motorcycle. : )
After they left, Jim and Linda were talking about how much they enjoyed having a meal and visiting with them. They're a really nice couple and I know I'm looking forward to seeing them again next year.
Oh, and guess what? Jim forgot to take any pictures of them so I looked back at last years photos and found this one of Mike and Jodi with their motorcycle. I'm pretty sure it was taken up in Michigan at the CG where Jim and Linda met them.
Not a whole lot planned for today, but tomorrow morning, both Jim and Linda have an appointment with Linda's eye doctor. He has an office down in Champaign so it won't take CLT (Cute Little Truck), too long to get them there.
Oh, Joe called from Virginia Beach. They had lots of wind and rain, but no damage and everyone is OK. When he called, the power was still out but they have a good supply of flashlights and batteries so they should be all right. Needless to say, Linda was very relieved to hear from them. : )
Thanks for calling, Joe.
Did you know that 1954 was the first year more tractors were used on farms than horses and mules?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Meeting Mike And Sandy In Hoopeston
Rantoul, IL.
60 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly sunny in the morning...then partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Jim and Linda headed over to Hoopeston, IL, yesterday morning to meet up with Linda's cousin, Mike and his wife Sandy. Mike hadn't been to Hoopeston for over 20 years and had forgotten where the family grave sites were in the cemetery. So, being that Jim and Linda go over there almost every year they showed him where they were.
The above photo is of Mike and Sandy, taken at the cemetery.
After they were finished there, they took Mike's car and headed down to Rossville, IL. (which is just South of Hoopeston) and had lunch at Meritas Restaurant. After they were finished eating, they went to the Rossville Cemetery were there are some more family grave sites.
Then, it was time to say good bye so they headed back to Hoopeston where there were hugs and handshakes. Jim and Linda picked up CLT, (who was parked at the City park), and headed back here while Mike and Sandy headed further North up to Knox, Indiana, where Sandy's family is from.
It was about 1:00 by the time they got back here. Both Jim and Linda had a good time visiting with Mike and Sandy and showing them where all the grave sites are located.
After they returned, they both took naps and then just relaxed for the rest of the day.
Did you know that there are over 14,000 cemeteries in Illinois? Many of them inactive.
60 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly sunny in the morning...then partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Jim and Linda headed over to Hoopeston, IL, yesterday morning to meet up with Linda's cousin, Mike and his wife Sandy. Mike hadn't been to Hoopeston for over 20 years and had forgotten where the family grave sites were in the cemetery. So, being that Jim and Linda go over there almost every year they showed him where they were.
After they were finished there, they took Mike's car and headed down to Rossville, IL. (which is just South of Hoopeston) and had lunch at Meritas Restaurant. After they were finished eating, they went to the Rossville Cemetery were there are some more family grave sites.
Then, it was time to say good bye so they headed back to Hoopeston where there were hugs and handshakes. Jim and Linda picked up CLT, (who was parked at the City park), and headed back here while Mike and Sandy headed further North up to Knox, Indiana, where Sandy's family is from.
It was about 1:00 by the time they got back here. Both Jim and Linda had a good time visiting with Mike and Sandy and showing them where all the grave sites are located.
After they returned, they both took naps and then just relaxed for the rest of the day.
Did you know that there are over 14,000 cemeteries in Illinois? Many of them inactive.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Awwww!!!
Rantoul, IL.
57 deg. clear, SE wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Increasing clouds. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
Awwww!!! Mike and Terri decided that they needed to head up to Northern Illinois so that they would have a chance of getting a site in a State Park up there before the "Weekend Warriors" came in. ; ) So, after getting everything ready to travel and coming over to say good-bye with h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they left here around 11:00.
Here's a picture of their rig parked in the site next to me.
While Jim and Linda were having a great time visiting with Mike and Terri, I had a great visit with their Excel 5th wheel and I'm sure if we had a little more time together, we'd become very good friends.
Oh, and just before they left, Mike said that they may be coming back through this area after they spend some time up North. He said that if they do, they'll stop by again, if we're still in the area. Mike's plans are written in pencil like Jim's though, so he was very unsure if they be coming back this way. : )
This afternoon, Jim and Linda took CLT and went to an Office Depot down in Champaign. Jim wanted to get a new lap desk to use with this computer, (the old one cracked), some printer ink cartridges and some printer paper.
He found everything he needed.
Then before coming back here, they stopped at a Steak & Shake Restaurant for dinner.
Since there wasn't anything on TV that they wanted to watch, the evening was spent reading, doing Sudoku Puzzles, playing with the computers, and trip planning.
Did you know that today is "Kool-Aid Day"?
57 deg. clear, SE wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Increasing clouds. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
Awwww!!! Mike and Terri decided that they needed to head up to Northern Illinois so that they would have a chance of getting a site in a State Park up there before the "Weekend Warriors" came in. ; ) So, after getting everything ready to travel and coming over to say good-bye with h and h, (hugs and handshakes), they left here around 11:00.
Here's a picture of their rig parked in the site next to me.
While Jim and Linda were having a great time visiting with Mike and Terri, I had a great visit with their Excel 5th wheel and I'm sure if we had a little more time together, we'd become very good friends.
Oh, and just before they left, Mike said that they may be coming back through this area after they spend some time up North. He said that if they do, they'll stop by again, if we're still in the area. Mike's plans are written in pencil like Jim's though, so he was very unsure if they be coming back this way. : )
This afternoon, Jim and Linda took CLT and went to an Office Depot down in Champaign. Jim wanted to get a new lap desk to use with this computer, (the old one cracked), some printer ink cartridges and some printer paper.
He found everything he needed.
Then before coming back here, they stopped at a Steak & Shake Restaurant for dinner.
Since there wasn't anything on TV that they wanted to watch, the evening was spent reading, doing Sudoku Puzzles, playing with the computers, and trip planning.
Did you know that today is "Kool-Aid Day"?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
So Long For Now and Safe Travels, Doug
Rantoul, IL
72 deg. scattered clouds, no wind.
Forecast = Patchy fog early in the morning. Partly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
This is not what I like to see, but I know that Big Herb had to leave to take Roland and Louise back to North Carolina.
Yep, it was kind of sad seeing my new friend heading out of the CG, but the way it sounds I may be stopping by his place this fall. ; )
Before they left, Jim did manage to get this picture of Roland and Louise standing in front of Big Herb.
Thursday, Roland and Jim went to the store to buy some steaks to cook for dinner and then on the way back here, they stopped by the farmer who is selling sweet corn along the street. It's been so hot and dry back in NC that the sweet corn there is not even good to eat, so Roland is going to try to get some Illinois sweet corn back there for them and their son and his family to eat. (He bought 2 dozen ears).
For dinner, Thursday night, Jim cooked the steaks that Roland bought, Linda prepared some green beans and bacon, and Louise brought a blueberry desert.
Of course, I can't tell you how it tasted, but it sure smelled good. ; )
After dinner, Linda and Louise talked for awhile and Jim and Roland sat outside and talked until dark.
This morning, Roland and Louise were up early getting ready to leave. Roland did find time to come over to my site and have a cup of coffee though, and then he and Louise came back over here and talked for about 1/2 an hour just before they left. Then after hugs, they got into Big Herb and headed down the road. : (
After they left Jim and Linda came inside of me for awhile and then Jim went out and started to reorganize my basement compartments. He made pretty good progress and at one time, had the whole patio area and picnic table setting full of totes and boxes before putting it all back into my bays the way he wanted it.
Oh, and on a very sad note, Jim and Linda's RVing friend Doug passed away yesterday morning after fighting cancer for many years. Jim and Linda want to wish JoAnn and the rest of Doug's family their condolences.
Safe travels Doug,
72 deg. scattered clouds, no wind.
Forecast = Patchy fog early in the morning. Partly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
This is not what I like to see, but I know that Big Herb had to leave to take Roland and Louise back to North Carolina.
Thursday, Roland and Jim went to the store to buy some steaks to cook for dinner and then on the way back here, they stopped by the farmer who is selling sweet corn along the street. It's been so hot and dry back in NC that the sweet corn there is not even good to eat, so Roland is going to try to get some Illinois sweet corn back there for them and their son and his family to eat. (He bought 2 dozen ears).
For dinner, Thursday night, Jim cooked the steaks that Roland bought, Linda prepared some green beans and bacon, and Louise brought a blueberry desert.
Of course, I can't tell you how it tasted, but it sure smelled good. ; )
After dinner, Linda and Louise talked for awhile and Jim and Roland sat outside and talked until dark.
This morning, Roland and Louise were up early getting ready to leave. Roland did find time to come over to my site and have a cup of coffee though, and then he and Louise came back over here and talked for about 1/2 an hour just before they left. Then after hugs, they got into Big Herb and headed down the road. : (
After they left Jim and Linda came inside of me for awhile and then Jim went out and started to reorganize my basement compartments. He made pretty good progress and at one time, had the whole patio area and picnic table setting full of totes and boxes before putting it all back into my bays the way he wanted it.
Oh, and on a very sad note, Jim and Linda's RVing friend Doug passed away yesterday morning after fighting cancer for many years. Jim and Linda want to wish JoAnn and the rest of Doug's family their condolences.
Safe travels Doug,
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Lake Delton, WI to Rochester, MN
Rochester, MN.
70 deg. partly cloudy, SE wind @ 8 mph.
Forecast = scattered showers and thunderstorms in the morning...then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Cloudy in the morning...then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Highest heat index readings 95 to 100 in the afternoon.
As soon as they got up yesterday morning, Jim and Linda started getting me ready to travel. By 9:30, I was ready and they could just sit and relax for a while. Then, about 9:45 Jeanette called and told Linda that they had just arrived at Howie's Restaurant and were expecting the rest of the family shortly, so Jim and Linda hopped into CLT (Cute Little Truck), and headed over there.
As usual, the breakfast was good and the company was great. ; ) After everyone was done eating, it was time to say good-bye with h and h, (hugs and handshakes), and for everyone to be on their way. It was about 11:15 by the time Jim and Linda came back to the CG, and by 11:35 CLT was hooked to the back of me and we were pulling out of my site.
From what I can determine, everyone had a great time at the reunion and plans are already being made to get together again next summer. In fact, Glenn and Jeanette have already looked into a place to have the reunion. (They aren't going back to the Lodge because it's too hard to get rooms and the price is getting too high.)
After leaving the Country Roads RV Park, we got back on I-90 / 94 and followed it North up to Toma, WI, where we turned West on I-90 and followed it into Minnesota and here to the Autumn Woods RV Park here in Rochester.
Just before we entered Minnesota, it started to rain and we had heavy rain off and on all the way to Rochester. At times the rain was so heavy that I had to slow way down in order to see where I was going. In fact here in Rochester they received about 2.75 inches of rain yesterday, setting a new one day record for the date.
It was right at 2:30 when we pulled up in front of the office so it took us about 2 hours and 55 minutes to travel the 157 miles over here.
The Autumn Woods RV Park seems to be a very nice park. Jim said that the lady in the office was super friendly and the sites are fairly level with trees and bushes between them. The pull-thru that I'm in is plenty long for me and CLT and there was no need to un-hook CLT to get into the site. The sites are fairly narrow however but it's really not a problem with the vegetation between them. Some of the trees do need to be trimmed back a little though. Jim and Linda didn't put out my living room slide because it would have been into the small tree on my left side. There was no problem running out my bedroom slide though.
We'd stay here again if traveling though this area.
Today the plan is to go on to Sioux Falls. I have reservations at the Tower CG and will be staying there for about a week.
Oh, in regards to a comment I received yesterday concerning staying at a CG to get a drivers license in South Dakota. Yes, you do have to stay at a CG or Motel / Hotel for one night to get a receipt with your names on it. Both names have to be on it and they have to be exactly like they are on your license. I don't quite know what the reasoning is behind this but the Tower CG is well aware of the requirements and was careful to put down both Jim and Linda's names when he called for the reservation.
That's one reason Jim chose the Tower CG because he knew, (through their mail forwarding service, Alternative Resources) that they were aware of this requirement. The CG is also located near to where Jim and Linda need to go to take care of some business in Sioux Falls while we're there.
Did you know that Rochester is home of the world famous Mayo Clinic? The clinic is a major teaching and working facility. It is known world wide for its doctor's expertise and the newest methods of treatments.
70 deg. partly cloudy, SE wind @ 8 mph.
Forecast = scattered showers and thunderstorms in the morning...then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Cloudy in the morning...then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Highest heat index readings 95 to 100 in the afternoon.
As soon as they got up yesterday morning, Jim and Linda started getting me ready to travel. By 9:30, I was ready and they could just sit and relax for a while. Then, about 9:45 Jeanette called and told Linda that they had just arrived at Howie's Restaurant and were expecting the rest of the family shortly, so Jim and Linda hopped into CLT (Cute Little Truck), and headed over there.
As usual, the breakfast was good and the company was great. ; ) After everyone was done eating, it was time to say good-bye with h and h, (hugs and handshakes), and for everyone to be on their way. It was about 11:15 by the time Jim and Linda came back to the CG, and by 11:35 CLT was hooked to the back of me and we were pulling out of my site.
From what I can determine, everyone had a great time at the reunion and plans are already being made to get together again next summer. In fact, Glenn and Jeanette have already looked into a place to have the reunion. (They aren't going back to the Lodge because it's too hard to get rooms and the price is getting too high.)
After leaving the Country Roads RV Park, we got back on I-90 / 94 and followed it North up to Toma, WI, where we turned West on I-90 and followed it into Minnesota and here to the Autumn Woods RV Park here in Rochester.
Just before we entered Minnesota, it started to rain and we had heavy rain off and on all the way to Rochester. At times the rain was so heavy that I had to slow way down in order to see where I was going. In fact here in Rochester they received about 2.75 inches of rain yesterday, setting a new one day record for the date.
It was right at 2:30 when we pulled up in front of the office so it took us about 2 hours and 55 minutes to travel the 157 miles over here.
The Autumn Woods RV Park seems to be a very nice park. Jim said that the lady in the office was super friendly and the sites are fairly level with trees and bushes between them. The pull-thru that I'm in is plenty long for me and CLT and there was no need to un-hook CLT to get into the site. The sites are fairly narrow however but it's really not a problem with the vegetation between them. Some of the trees do need to be trimmed back a little though. Jim and Linda didn't put out my living room slide because it would have been into the small tree on my left side. There was no problem running out my bedroom slide though.
We'd stay here again if traveling though this area.
Today the plan is to go on to Sioux Falls. I have reservations at the Tower CG and will be staying there for about a week.
Oh, in regards to a comment I received yesterday concerning staying at a CG to get a drivers license in South Dakota. Yes, you do have to stay at a CG or Motel / Hotel for one night to get a receipt with your names on it. Both names have to be on it and they have to be exactly like they are on your license. I don't quite know what the reasoning is behind this but the Tower CG is well aware of the requirements and was careful to put down both Jim and Linda's names when he called for the reservation.
That's one reason Jim chose the Tower CG because he knew, (through their mail forwarding service, Alternative Resources) that they were aware of this requirement. The CG is also located near to where Jim and Linda need to go to take care of some business in Sioux Falls while we're there.
Did you know that Rochester is home of the world famous Mayo Clinic? The clinic is a major teaching and working facility. It is known world wide for its doctor's expertise and the newest methods of treatments.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Reunion Day 7 and Getting Ready To Travel
Lake Delton, WI.
64 deg. overcast, E. wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Everyone knew that yesterday was the last day of the reunion so, especially the kids, wanted to hit all the attractions before they left. Of course the parents had different ideas, such as visiting and making the most of the last day by being with other family members. ; ) It all worked out in the end and everyone got to do some of what they wanted to do.
This morning almost all of them will meet at Howie's Restaurant for breakfast around 10:00. Howie's is one of the places that has been in the Dells area forever and it's become kind of a tradition to meet there one last time before heading back to their homes. Then after eating, there will be hugs, handshakes and a few last minute pictures and everyone will be on their way.
Yesterday morning, before they went over to the Lodge, Jim did quite a bit of stuff to get me ready to travel. He put some water in my fresh water tank, rolled up the water hose and then dumped my black and gray water tanks. He also checked my tires and fluid levels.
He did all of this yesterday because the weather forecast for this morning wasn't too promising and being that he and Linda will be going to Howie's at 10:00 for breakfast and I have to be out of here by noon, he thought it was a good idea to get as much done ahead of time as possible.
So, as soon as they come back from breakfast, Jim and Linda will do the last minute things to get me ready to travel and then hopefully, we'll be out of here before noon. Being that we're getting a late start, we won't be going too far today. In fact, because it's the weekend and all of the Minnesota State Parks have closed down because of a state budget problem, Jim made a reservation for me at a park near Rochester about a week ago. And, at the same time, he made a reservation for me at a Campground in Sioux Falls so that I'd have a place to stay while he and Linda get their new drivers licenses and take care of some business.
Jim and Linda both agree that this has been a good week with family, but it always seems like it goes by so fast. The plans for the next reunion are already in the works and it looks like it will be back here at the Dells, but possibly at a different location.
Did you know that since the late 1970s the Dells area (Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton) has become a water park mecca? Noah's Ark Waterpark opened in Lake Delton in 1979, and has become the largest and the eighth most visited water park in the U.S.
64 deg. overcast, E. wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Everyone knew that yesterday was the last day of the reunion so, especially the kids, wanted to hit all the attractions before they left. Of course the parents had different ideas, such as visiting and making the most of the last day by being with other family members. ; ) It all worked out in the end and everyone got to do some of what they wanted to do.
This morning almost all of them will meet at Howie's Restaurant for breakfast around 10:00. Howie's is one of the places that has been in the Dells area forever and it's become kind of a tradition to meet there one last time before heading back to their homes. Then after eating, there will be hugs, handshakes and a few last minute pictures and everyone will be on their way.
Yesterday morning, before they went over to the Lodge, Jim did quite a bit of stuff to get me ready to travel. He put some water in my fresh water tank, rolled up the water hose and then dumped my black and gray water tanks. He also checked my tires and fluid levels.
He did all of this yesterday because the weather forecast for this morning wasn't too promising and being that he and Linda will be going to Howie's at 10:00 for breakfast and I have to be out of here by noon, he thought it was a good idea to get as much done ahead of time as possible.
So, as soon as they come back from breakfast, Jim and Linda will do the last minute things to get me ready to travel and then hopefully, we'll be out of here before noon. Being that we're getting a late start, we won't be going too far today. In fact, because it's the weekend and all of the Minnesota State Parks have closed down because of a state budget problem, Jim made a reservation for me at a park near Rochester about a week ago. And, at the same time, he made a reservation for me at a Campground in Sioux Falls so that I'd have a place to stay while he and Linda get their new drivers licenses and take care of some business.
Jim and Linda both agree that this has been a good week with family, but it always seems like it goes by so fast. The plans for the next reunion are already in the works and it looks like it will be back here at the Dells, but possibly at a different location.
Did you know that since the late 1970s the Dells area (Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton) has become a water park mecca? Noah's Ark Waterpark opened in Lake Delton in 1979, and has become the largest and the eighth most visited water park in the U.S.
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