I received great news. I have health insurance effective 1-1-10. Praise the Lord!
On Christmas Eve we attended a candle light service where Sara Evans, country singer, sang several Christmas songs. She has such a good voice.
The mail came the other day. We got to see our Christmas cards after Christmas. One of the cards was from a childhood friend who lives in Canada. One of her daughters will be racing in the Yukon Quest in Alaska and northwest Canada. 1000 miles 10-12 days with temps at -22 to -40 degrees. Burrrr!
I have an administrative assistant. Katie has become so helpful. lol. She has decided that my desk, which I have newly rearranged, is the neatest place. She comes over when I am on my computer and likes to add a few keystrokes and she rearranges my papers. Such a thoughtful kitty. She makes a good paperweight.
We had our carpets cleaned yesterday. The man did a good job. The sun came out and the weather warmed up a little but not enough to leave the doors open so the carpets could dry out. Hope to get the RV dried out and back in ship shape by tomorrow.
Our plans right now are to leave Birmingham Jan. 9th and head for Livingston, Tx.
In 2009 we traveled through 19 states and 3 Canadian Provinces with a total of 17,561 miles. We worked at a state park as camp hosts, an animal shelter, a Christian Conference Center, three churches, a Christian college and volunteered at the church we attended in Vermont for outreaches. On reflection of last year we feel we made a good choice of touring the East coast and staying the summer in the Northeast. We look forward to 2010 with new adventures in the Southwest and Northwest and hopefully Alaska.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Allan and I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We have been blessed to be with family during this season. Our daughter, Yancy, got a beautiful engagement ring Christmas Eve. We are so happy for her and Brian.
Christmas Day we had brunch with Brian's family and that night we had turkey and all the trimmings at Yancy's house. Venus and Josh stopped by as well as a few of Brian and Yancy's friends.
Jesus is the reason for the season. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel which translated means, God with us."
We plan to spend the rest of the year with family and look forward to what God has in store for us in 2010.
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| From Engagement and Brian's family |
Christmas Day we had brunch with Brian's family and that night we had turkey and all the trimmings at Yancy's house. Venus and Josh stopped by as well as a few of Brian and Yancy's friends.
Jesus is the reason for the season. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel which translated means, God with us."
We plan to spend the rest of the year with family and look forward to what God has in store for us in 2010.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Nearing Christmas
Our family was all together at Thanksgiving which was really great, but Christmas time is proving to be a time for multi-tasking. We are having several Christmas celebrations at different times with different members of the family. This past week has been full of activities.
One night we met Kyle and April, our middle daughter, at Logan's Steak House for a wonderful meal. Presents were exchanged at that time. We have visited Venus and Josh twice this week. We forget some of the presents on the first visit. Katie found the presents under our tree and started playing and chewing on the ribbons so we had to put them in a cabinet out of her reach. Out of sight, out of mind; consequently we forget some of the gifts. Josh is home from school for the holidays.
Allan finished planting the young trees in Yancy's yard, installed an outside faucet and electrical outlets. We have watched a few Christmas movies including "Home Alone in NYC". We have been planning an Alaskan cruise for next year as it will be our 30th anniversary. I had my orthotics adjusted and we had our, hopefully, last dentist visit. Allan got his permanent crown.
Saturday we were invited to a brunch with Butch and Sue Walker. Their daughter and Sue's mom and dad joined us. Tuesday we went to Suncoast RV Sales to visit with Darrell and Judy Patterson who were stopping overnight on their way to visit family in the Nashville area. They have been in Summerdale at Rainbow Plantation. We visited each other while we were in Vermont and they were working in New York this past summer. We had good food and good company. If everything goes as planned, we will be working on a church project with them in Sierra Vista, Arizona in Jan. 2011.
Both of their cats, Alex and Katie, presented themselves for inspection (inspection of us that is). It is the first time we had seen both of them. By the way Darrell, if you are reading this, we checked out your new Winnebago on the lot today. It is a nice one. And just when are you picking it up?
Katie is waiting to see what Santa brings her.
This is a picture we took at night of Liberty Park just off I459 east of Birmingham. It was casted in France one-fifth the size of the Statue of Liberty. It was placed on top of the Liberty National building in downtown Birmingham in 1956 and moved to Liberty Park in 1989 next to the Birmingham Area Boy Scout Headquarters.
One night we met Kyle and April, our middle daughter, at Logan's Steak House for a wonderful meal. Presents were exchanged at that time. We have visited Venus and Josh twice this week. We forget some of the presents on the first visit. Katie found the presents under our tree and started playing and chewing on the ribbons so we had to put them in a cabinet out of her reach. Out of sight, out of mind; consequently we forget some of the gifts. Josh is home from school for the holidays.
Allan finished planting the young trees in Yancy's yard, installed an outside faucet and electrical outlets. We have watched a few Christmas movies including "Home Alone in NYC". We have been planning an Alaskan cruise for next year as it will be our 30th anniversary. I had my orthotics adjusted and we had our, hopefully, last dentist visit. Allan got his permanent crown.
Saturday we were invited to a brunch with Butch and Sue Walker. Their daughter and Sue's mom and dad joined us. Tuesday we went to Suncoast RV Sales to visit with Darrell and Judy Patterson who were stopping overnight on their way to visit family in the Nashville area. They have been in Summerdale at Rainbow Plantation. We visited each other while we were in Vermont and they were working in New York this past summer. We had good food and good company. If everything goes as planned, we will be working on a church project with them in Sierra Vista, Arizona in Jan. 2011.
Both of their cats, Alex and Katie, presented themselves for inspection (inspection of us that is). It is the first time we had seen both of them. By the way Darrell, if you are reading this, we checked out your new Winnebago on the lot today. It is a nice one. And just when are you picking it up?
Katie is waiting to see what Santa brings her.
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| From Painting, Katie, Walkers, Liberty Park |
This is a picture we took at night of Liberty Park just off I459 east of Birmingham. It was casted in France one-fifth the size of the Statue of Liberty. It was placed on top of the Liberty National building in downtown Birmingham in 1956 and moved to Liberty Park in 1989 next to the Birmingham Area Boy Scout Headquarters.
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| From Painting, Katie, Walkers, Liberty Park |
Sunday, December 13, 2009
MOVE AGAIN
Yancy, our daughter in Odenville, where we had just moved from was under tornado warnings with wind and limbs hitting her house. Glad she is ok, but also thankful that we had moved from her house to our daughter in Alabaster. Nothing big time appears to be damaged, but Allan will do a closer inspection.
With the full mouth x-ray, the oral surgeon was able to view my jaw enough and gave me a good report. No MRI was needed nor surgery. He has referred me back to the dentist to do some adjusting. I am so thankful for that. Praise the Lord.
I got a much needed hair cut and highlighting. Kym you did an awesome job.
Thursday we had 7 appointments. By the end of the day we were extremely tired. We met with our new pastor to discuss RV Volunteer US MAPS We had lunch with Joe and Carolyn Segler. They sound like they are ready to go on the road, but have to sell the house first. See you down the road Joe and Carolyn and thanks for the lunch. We also stopped by to see Joe and Shirley Lewis at their home. We had heard a lot about Rusty their Yorkie, but this time we got to meet him. He is a cutie and accepted us readily. It is always good to get the seal of approval from an animal. I had an annual doctor's appointment. Allan dropped me off at the Christmas bunco party. I used to play with them and they so graciously allow me to party with them in December when I am home. I caught a ride home with the girls.
On Friday we moved back to Yancy's house. We set up quickly, packed and left for Shocco Springs for the Campers on Mission Christmas party. Good food, good friends and some entertainment filled our night. We got up very early for us and had a quick breakfast and headed for Pelham for an annual Christmas party with a dirty Santa exchange at a long time friend, Diane Wiitanen. We traveled the long way to the party so we could see Don and Nancy Simmer and catch up on their family happenings.
We were very tired Sunday morning so we slept in. Yancy had invited Brian's family over for lunch. I had made lasagna the night before so lunch was a quick and easy job. This is our first meeting of his family and things went great. We hope their will be many more. After they left we attended church at Church of the Highlands. Their night service is the same as the morning service.
I have included a picture of our huge Christmas tree. lol. Hope you enjoy.
With the full mouth x-ray, the oral surgeon was able to view my jaw enough and gave me a good report. No MRI was needed nor surgery. He has referred me back to the dentist to do some adjusting. I am so thankful for that. Praise the Lord.
I got a much needed hair cut and highlighting. Kym you did an awesome job.
Thursday we had 7 appointments. By the end of the day we were extremely tired. We met with our new pastor to discuss RV Volunteer US MAPS We had lunch with Joe and Carolyn Segler. They sound like they are ready to go on the road, but have to sell the house first. See you down the road Joe and Carolyn and thanks for the lunch. We also stopped by to see Joe and Shirley Lewis at their home. We had heard a lot about Rusty their Yorkie, but this time we got to meet him. He is a cutie and accepted us readily. It is always good to get the seal of approval from an animal. I had an annual doctor's appointment. Allan dropped me off at the Christmas bunco party. I used to play with them and they so graciously allow me to party with them in December when I am home. I caught a ride home with the girls.
On Friday we moved back to Yancy's house. We set up quickly, packed and left for Shocco Springs for the Campers on Mission Christmas party. Good food, good friends and some entertainment filled our night. We got up very early for us and had a quick breakfast and headed for Pelham for an annual Christmas party with a dirty Santa exchange at a long time friend, Diane Wiitanen. We traveled the long way to the party so we could see Don and Nancy Simmer and catch up on their family happenings.
We were very tired Sunday morning so we slept in. Yancy had invited Brian's family over for lunch. I had made lasagna the night before so lunch was a quick and easy job. This is our first meeting of his family and things went great. We hope their will be many more. After they left we attended church at Church of the Highlands. Their night service is the same as the morning service.
I have included a picture of our huge Christmas tree. lol. Hope you enjoy.
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| From Christmas tree 2009 |
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| From Christmas tree 2009 |
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tornado Warning
Sunday we moved back to our daughter's house in Alabaster for a few days since we have dentist and doctor appointments in that area. The move was uneventful other than Katie not being too happy. After we did a hurry disconnect we drove to Kingwood Church, our home church, to see "The Gospel According to Scrooge". It was great. This is a production that our church does each year and in the past we have participated in it. This year our grandson has taken our place. We are proud of him.
We had dentist appointments for cleanings and crown workings for Allan. He has to go back and get the final one on. The dentist has referred me to a specialist for my jaw. He says I may need an MRI and surgery. No insurance. $$$$. Now our leaving date may be postponed. We are flexible.
Tonight we have tornado watches and warnings going on. The rain is coming down and the wind is blowing. We are in a lower area so maybe we will be safe. It is suppose to get up to 70 tonight and then start dropping with a high of 48 in the next day or two.
We had dentist appointments for cleanings and crown workings for Allan. He has to go back and get the final one on. The dentist has referred me to a specialist for my jaw. He says I may need an MRI and surgery. No insurance. $$$$. Now our leaving date may be postponed. We are flexible.
Tonight we have tornado watches and warnings going on. The rain is coming down and the wind is blowing. We are in a lower area so maybe we will be safe. It is suppose to get up to 70 tonight and then start dropping with a high of 48 in the next day or two.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Snow
We went dancing Thursday night at Chris' new dance facility. What a nice floor. They are having Christmas in Dixie competition here in Birmingham this weekend so we got to see some good dancers warming up here.
Allan has put a tile floor down in a small hallway and cleaned out the gutters along with a few smaller jobs for our daughter. I have cleaned out under the couch. Boy did we have a lot of things stored under there. I got the refrigerator defrosted and cleaned. Now I can go buy some groceries. I put out some Christmas decorations. Here is Katie checking out the Christmas throw.
Allan put in the bedroom slide and Katie had a ball. This was something new. She got up on top and would jump down on the bed and do it again. She got her exercise. Today Katie is watching the trees move and the leaves fall in the wind. This keeps her occupied.
It is a beautiful day. The sun is shining, a little windy and chilly. Temp is suppose to drop to 26 tonight. Burrrrrr!
Now last night and early this morning it started to SNOW. Now figure that. It is before Christmas and we are in Alabama. I got a picture of it starting to snow. This morning we had enough to cover the deck and some on the ground but it melted very quickly.
Allan has put a tile floor down in a small hallway and cleaned out the gutters along with a few smaller jobs for our daughter. I have cleaned out under the couch. Boy did we have a lot of things stored under there. I got the refrigerator defrosted and cleaned. Now I can go buy some groceries. I put out some Christmas decorations. Here is Katie checking out the Christmas throw.
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| From Katie investigating and snow |
Allan put in the bedroom slide and Katie had a ball. This was something new. She got up on top and would jump down on the bed and do it again. She got her exercise. Today Katie is watching the trees move and the leaves fall in the wind. This keeps her occupied.
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| From Katie investigating and snow |
It is a beautiful day. The sun is shining, a little windy and chilly. Temp is suppose to drop to 26 tonight. Burrrrrr!
Now last night and early this morning it started to SNOW. Now figure that. It is before Christmas and we are in Alabama. I got a picture of it starting to snow. This morning we had enough to cover the deck and some on the ground but it melted very quickly.
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| From Katie investigating and snow |
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
No Insurance
Today marks the first day I am not covered under health insurance. I have been on Allan's cobra for the last 18 months. I have applied for Individual Blue here in Alabama, but have not heard back from them yet.
We have such a long list of things to do and people to see and some Christmas related activities on the schedule for this month. Allan will be working on the Daddy do lists and getting our rig ready to hit the road. I will be going through boxes and downsizing even more. Hope to get all of our pictures scanned. There may be just too many pictures to do this month while we are here.
It has been raining most of the day and heavier rain is predicted for later tonight. The temperature is dropping also. The lows later this week are suppose to be below freezing.
We have such a long list of things to do and people to see and some Christmas related activities on the schedule for this month. Allan will be working on the Daddy do lists and getting our rig ready to hit the road. I will be going through boxes and downsizing even more. Hope to get all of our pictures scanned. There may be just too many pictures to do this month while we are here.
It has been raining most of the day and heavier rain is predicted for later tonight. The temperature is dropping also. The lows later this week are suppose to be below freezing.
Christmas Tree
Yancy decided she wanted to get a real Christmas tree this year and since Brian had not been to a Christmas tree farm before, she thought that would make it even more special. The weather was decent. There were acres of trees to choose from. She chose a nice size tree and Brian and Allan proceeded to cut the puppy down. We got some good pictures of the process. We had such a nice time together. The farm provided the saw and also hot chocolate. It is nice they shake the tree for loose needles as we still had quite a few to vacuum after setting it up.
Allan and I drove to Cullman to meet Len and Phyllis East from New Jersey. They are here visiting family. Allan has been corresponding on the Internet with them for some time as they are planning to go full time. They plan to work on church building projects with the Nomads. We enjoyed our time with them and learned we have several things in common.
Allan had been called for jury duty on Monday. He called me to let me know he had been sequestered for two weeks. Silly guy. He was kidding. The case had been settled out of court so everyone got to go home. Now he can start on all those projects.
We took pictures of what we were told was the Hallmark Farm of Hallmark cards.
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| From Christmas tree and Hallmark Farm |
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| From Christmas tree and Hallmark Farm |
Allan and I drove to Cullman to meet Len and Phyllis East from New Jersey. They are here visiting family. Allan has been corresponding on the Internet with them for some time as they are planning to go full time. They plan to work on church building projects with the Nomads. We enjoyed our time with them and learned we have several things in common.
Allan had been called for jury duty on Monday. He called me to let me know he had been sequestered for two weeks. Silly guy. He was kidding. The case had been settled out of court so everyone got to go home. Now he can start on all those projects.
We took pictures of what we were told was the Hallmark Farm of Hallmark cards.
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| From Christmas tree and Hallmark Farm |
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| From Christmas tree and Hallmark Farm |
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Day
Tuesday I had a doctor's appointment with a good report. Wednesday Allan spent a good part of the day at the VA getting results of his test. Good results from that, too.
Wednesday night Allan decided to make a pie with the apples we picked in Vermont. He used Yancy's oven and made a beautiful apple pie. When he got ready to take it out of the oven, he thought it could use a little browning so he turned the broiler element on. The next time he checked on it, there was smoke coming out the oven door. He grabbed the pie and took it outside while the smoke alarm was blaring. Could this have happened because he got interested in his book?
On Thanksgiving Day we spent it with a large gathering of family and friends. God is good and we have so much to be thankful for. We feel that God has blessed us in so many ways and we want to send our Thanksgiving greetings to everyone. We had more than enough to eat and it was so good. We really love traveling and seeing the US, but it so good to be home with family and friends.
Wednesday night Allan decided to make a pie with the apples we picked in Vermont. He used Yancy's oven and made a beautiful apple pie. When he got ready to take it out of the oven, he thought it could use a little browning so he turned the broiler element on. The next time he checked on it, there was smoke coming out the oven door. He grabbed the pie and took it outside while the smoke alarm was blaring. Could this have happened because he got interested in his book?
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| From Thanksgiving Day |
On Thanksgiving Day we spent it with a large gathering of family and friends. God is good and we have so much to be thankful for. We feel that God has blessed us in so many ways and we want to send our Thanksgiving greetings to everyone. We had more than enough to eat and it was so good. We really love traveling and seeing the US, but it so good to be home with family and friends.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Weekend
On Saturday Allan worked on a church construction project with Central Alabama Christian Builders.
Yancy, Brian and I went shopping. We have been researching several items we would like to purchase, a printer and a griddle and found the right deal. We are trying to cut back on weight and number of items in the RV like all full time RVers. We bought an HP Photosmart Premium printer, scanner, and copier which is wireless. Yea, less wires. We also bought a Cuisinart Griddler that will replace our George Foreman which has seen better days and an electric frying pan.
We attended church with Yancy and Brian on Sunday. We had lunch at the original Whistle Stop Cafe. This is the one that the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" was about.
Today Allan went for his root canal. He had to be there at 7:30 am so between the early hour and the procedure he was very tired and was in pain. Yancy came home sick so we had a big pot of soup that was just the right food for everyone.
Yancy, Brian and I went shopping. We have been researching several items we would like to purchase, a printer and a griddle and found the right deal. We are trying to cut back on weight and number of items in the RV like all full time RVers. We bought an HP Photosmart Premium printer, scanner, and copier which is wireless. Yea, less wires. We also bought a Cuisinart Griddler that will replace our George Foreman which has seen better days and an electric frying pan.
We attended church with Yancy and Brian on Sunday. We had lunch at the original Whistle Stop Cafe. This is the one that the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" was about.
Today Allan went for his root canal. He had to be there at 7:30 am so between the early hour and the procedure he was very tired and was in pain. Yancy came home sick so we had a big pot of soup that was just the right food for everyone.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Blessings
We were blessed twice on Wednesday. Allan wanted to eat at Dreamland where we ran into several guys he used to work with. One of them paid for our lunch. Not necessary but very much appreciated. Later that day we also received an office chair, something we needed to buy. Praise the Lord.
Thursday Allan had his Va appointments and had good reports. Have not heard from test results yet. Friday, I had an appointment with the orthopedic doctor for injections in my knees. I was a bit apprehensive as I imagined screaming in pain from the shots. I am happy to report that the procedure was almost painless. I am taking it easy with my legs propped up using ice to the knees. This morning we had called about getting an early appointment with the dentist for Allan because of a tooth bothering him. They gave him an appointment for Monday but called him while I was in the doctor's office asking if he could come this afternoon. Of course, he jumped at the chance. He will have to have a root canal. $$$. I guess it is his turn. I had two last year.
Thursday Allan had his Va appointments and had good reports. Have not heard from test results yet. Friday, I had an appointment with the orthopedic doctor for injections in my knees. I was a bit apprehensive as I imagined screaming in pain from the shots. I am happy to report that the procedure was almost painless. I am taking it easy with my legs propped up using ice to the knees. This morning we had called about getting an early appointment with the dentist for Allan because of a tooth bothering him. They gave him an appointment for Monday but called him while I was in the doctor's office asking if he could come this afternoon. Of course, he jumped at the chance. He will have to have a root canal. $$$. I guess it is his turn. I had two last year.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Plans Were Changed
Things didn't work out the way we had planned. Good thing we are flexible. We delivered our fifth wheel to the Excel dealer in Decatur, Al. for some tune up and maintenance. Allan dropped me off at Yancy's, our youngest daughter, to stay with her but he returned to our oldest daughter's house as he had to install another section of shingles on the roof. Ida's wind and rain caused another leak. Josh and two other Master's Commission guys came by one day and helped Allan with shingle work which really speeded up the progress as rain was predicted soon. Allan finished the roof and some plumbing projects and on Saturday he helped with framing of a church in West Blocton with Central Alabama Christian Builders. We picked up the RV on Monday and had lunch with Nickie Taylor, a classmate of mine. It was so good to see her again. When we arrived at Yancy's house, it was dark and Allan had to back into her driveway blindly. He only ran over me one time. lol. The back of the RV is hanging off the edge of a ridge. What a view. Now we have to move everything from her house to our RV. I haven't been able to find anything. Hopefully, tomorrow I can get things back in order and in its place. We had doctor's appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Monday, November 9, 2009
First Week Home
We have been here in Alabaster for 9 days. The weather has been great. No rain which is good since Allan has been working on the roof. He has completed most of the Daddy Do List. We have had an opportunity to see quite a few friends this week and experience several restaurants. Today we did line dancing at church which was good exercise and tonight we took a beginner and intermediate cha cha lesson for two hours ( more exercise).
Ida has arrived tonight with the rain. Our plans are to leave Alabaster tomorrow and move to Odenville to our youngest daughter's house. We hope the rain stops before we get there.
Ida has arrived tonight with the rain. Our plans are to leave Alabaster tomorrow and move to Odenville to our youngest daughter's house. We hope the rain stops before we get there.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Home Base
Brian, I think you passed inspection. The background check came back OK. After saying our goodbyes, we drove to Alabaster to our oldest daughter's house. It was good to see Venus and our grandson, Joshua. We set up the RV and then went to church at Kingwood, our home church. We saw quite a few friends and were able to chat with them briefly. We visited the "Monastery" Joshua's housing at Master's Commission. Joshua hopes to go into the ministry after completing Master's Commission.
Today Allan and Joshua started on the "Daddy Do List" which number one on this list is the roof. This will take a few days to complete. I have found that after being on the road for our 2nd year that we still have things we need to give away or leave at one of the daughters. It is down sizing time again. We plan to be here for about a week.
Today Allan and Joshua started on the "Daddy Do List" which number one on this list is the roof. This will take a few days to complete. I have found that after being on the road for our 2nd year that we still have things we need to give away or leave at one of the daughters. It is down sizing time again. We plan to be here for about a week.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Desoto State Park
Thursday we drove to Desoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. This is a very nice campground, full hookups - 50 amp. with large sites. The bathrooms were very modern and clean. We got set up and I cleaned while Allan took some pictures at the falls. Yancy, our youngest daughter and Brian, her boyfriend whom we had not previously met spent the weekend with us.
On Friday we went to Desoto Falls and got a few pictures. We found the falls to be very pretty and had its own unique appeal with a large pool enclosed in a rock canyon. We got some reflective photos above the falls. The rain and fog rolled in pretty quick so we had to postponed our other stops until tomorrow. I fixed lasagna for this hungry bunch. Brian built a fire and he and Yancy sat around the fire for a while.
Saturday we went to Cloudland Canyon. The sky was overcast but the rain stopped. This is Alabama's Grand Canyon and it is beautiful. We pulled over at all the overlooks to view what God created. We saw some very unusual rock formations on the side and middle of the road as we traveled. We had some wonderful times this weekend with the kids and we saw several deer, but no moose. We went to the lodge for supper where we all chose the buffet. We played Partinni and Wii and had some hilarious laughter. Sunday we will drive to Alabaster to our oldest daughter, Venus's house.
On Friday we went to Desoto Falls and got a few pictures. We found the falls to be very pretty and had its own unique appeal with a large pool enclosed in a rock canyon. We got some reflective photos above the falls. The rain and fog rolled in pretty quick so we had to postponed our other stops until tomorrow. I fixed lasagna for this hungry bunch. Brian built a fire and he and Yancy sat around the fire for a while.
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| From Desoto Falls |
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| From Desoto Falls |
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| From Desoto Falls |
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| From Desoto Falls |
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| From Desoto Falls |
Saturday we went to Cloudland Canyon. The sky was overcast but the rain stopped. This is Alabama's Grand Canyon and it is beautiful. We pulled over at all the overlooks to view what God created. We saw some very unusual rock formations on the side and middle of the road as we traveled. We had some wonderful times this weekend with the kids and we saw several deer, but no moose. We went to the lodge for supper where we all chose the buffet. We played Partinni and Wii and had some hilarious laughter. Sunday we will drive to Alabaster to our oldest daughter, Venus's house.
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| From Desoto Falls, Cloudland Canyon |
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| From Desoto Falls, Cloudland Canyon |
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| From Desoto Falls, Cloudland Canyon |
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| From Desoto Falls, Cloudland Canyon |
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| From Desoto Falls, Cloudland Canyon |
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| From Desoto Falls, Cloudland Canyon |
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| From Desoto Falls, Cloudland Canyon |
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Visiting Tennessee
We drove to Heiskell, Tn. on Monday and stayed in the Raccoon Valley RV Campground, an Escapee Park. We have stayed here several times and have always enjoyed our time here. They are preparing to enlarge the activity building and some of the sites. They have several hiking trails, but due to rainy weather and other plans we again will not be able to walk the trails. Katie has enjoyed our site because we are backed up to a small creek. She enjoys all the movement of the creek and leaves falling. She has been able to observe a squirrel and several dogs. She has been quite a busy kitty.
Because of rain we chose to hang out at the RV for the day on Tuesday. We cleaned out our large closet in preparation for doing some more down sizing when we return home. I got some financial work done and Allan worked on the some paper work and the Internet. He also went to the social hour for coffee and cookies and a good time to chat with new friends. He ran into 3 couples that he had met last year in Tn and Wy. Katie enjoyed watching the rain drops fall into the creek.
Today, Wednesday we drove to the Jamestown area and Big South Fork National Recreational Area to observe the colors and changes that have occurred since we were last here. We visited Rugby an English settlement established in 1880 as a farming cooperative on the Cumberland Plateau. Twenty of the Victorian buildings still stand and some are open for tours. In the past we brought our horses here to ride in the fall. It is a beautiful area. Allan decided to drive to Oneida, Tn on the way back to the campground. This required us going down into the gorge and back up. We have seen a few people bring their horse trailers on this road but it is a 13% grade with switchbacks and the rocks crop out over the highway. There are scars on the rocks where vehicles have scraped or run into, passing this area. We would not have taken our trailer on this road. We have found the tree colors are past their peak here in Tennessee.
I am enclosing pictures of Katie in her Mardi Gras costume for Halloween. She thinks it is a new toy.
Because of rain we chose to hang out at the RV for the day on Tuesday. We cleaned out our large closet in preparation for doing some more down sizing when we return home. I got some financial work done and Allan worked on the some paper work and the Internet. He also went to the social hour for coffee and cookies and a good time to chat with new friends. He ran into 3 couples that he had met last year in Tn and Wy. Katie enjoyed watching the rain drops fall into the creek.
Today, Wednesday we drove to the Jamestown area and Big South Fork National Recreational Area to observe the colors and changes that have occurred since we were last here. We visited Rugby an English settlement established in 1880 as a farming cooperative on the Cumberland Plateau. Twenty of the Victorian buildings still stand and some are open for tours. In the past we brought our horses here to ride in the fall. It is a beautiful area. Allan decided to drive to Oneida, Tn on the way back to the campground. This required us going down into the gorge and back up. We have seen a few people bring their horse trailers on this road but it is a 13% grade with switchbacks and the rocks crop out over the highway. There are scars on the rocks where vehicles have scraped or run into, passing this area. We would not have taken our trailer on this road. We have found the tree colors are past their peak here in Tennessee.
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| From Tennessee visit |
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| From Tennessee visit |
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| From Tennessee visit |
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| From Tennessee visit |
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| From Tennessee visit |
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| From Tennessee visit |
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| From Tennessee visit |
I am enclosing pictures of Katie in her Mardi Gras costume for Halloween. She thinks it is a new toy.
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| From Tennessee visit |
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| From Tennessee visit |
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Kentucky Horse Park
Saturday we had a long drive through some beautiful country of Ohio and Kentucky. The farther south we drove the weather began clear. This is an office building in the shape of a basket.
We arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park about 5:00. It was good that we had reservations as the park was full. We had to wait until 6:30 before we could park the RV as they were having a trick or treat celebration and the roads were closed. There seemed to be a million kids all dressed up in their costumes going from RV to RV. I was amazed at the elaborate decorations that many of the RV sites had. After putting supper in the oven we walked over to hear the band which was pretty good. Allan and I danced a few dances and then returned to the RV for supper and time on the Internet.
Sunday we met Allan's relatives, Donna, Marian, Janet and Jim, for lunch at Cracker Barrel. We have not seen a Cracker Barrel in a long time. Thanks Aunt Marian for the lunch. We returned to the park and took a long walk. We saw a number of young riders practicing small jumps and water hazards. We took some pictures of the stadium they were building when we were here last year. It is now completed. They are doing lots of work here as the 2010 World Equestrian Games will be held here. We stopped in the indoor arena where they were having a small show. We saw some Morgan and Arabian horses at their best. Tomorrow we will be on the road again, heading for Tennessee.
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
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| From Trip to Kentucky Horse Park |
Sunday we met Allan's relatives, Donna, Marian, Janet and Jim, for lunch at Cracker Barrel. We have not seen a Cracker Barrel in a long time. Thanks Aunt Marian for the lunch. We returned to the park and took a long walk. We saw a number of young riders practicing small jumps and water hazards. We took some pictures of the stadium they were building when we were here last year. It is now completed. They are doing lots of work here as the 2010 World Equestrian Games will be held here. We stopped in the indoor arena where they were having a small show. We saw some Morgan and Arabian horses at their best. Tomorrow we will be on the road again, heading for Tennessee.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Berlin, Ohio
We are staying in Berlin, Ohio at the Scenic Hill RV Park. It is much larger than I expected. The weather has been warm and rainy so this has kept us from doing much sight seeing. We slept in late this morning and then had breakfast. What was left of the morning, we spent catching up on the Internet. We went into town for LP and did a little shopping in a few stores. Since we skipped lunch and it was late in the afternoon we drove out to Der Dutchman Restaurant for supper. Good food with a good view even though it was raining hard. The fall colors are just beautiful. I wish the weather would cooperate so we could get good pictures.
Even with the rain the Amish were out in their horse drawn carriages.
When we returned to the RV park we drove to the back where property that adjoined had fenced areas housing deer. They were tagged. Not sure what this is for. Maybe we will learn something about it tomorrow before we leave.
We are including a picture of Allan's clothes that I have been trying to get him to recycle as rags or head for the dumpster. They are covered in paint and full of holes. He finally admitted it was time to retire them with honors. So he took them to the dumpster and gave them a final salute.
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| From Amish country Ohio |
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| From Amish country Ohio |
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| From Amish country Ohio |
We are including a picture of Allan's clothes that I have been trying to get him to recycle as rags or head for the dumpster. They are covered in paint and full of holes. He finally admitted it was time to retire them with honors. So he took them to the dumpster and gave them a final salute.
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| From Amish country Ohio |
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Navigator to Pilot
Thursday is moving day. We are on the road again and this has been a longer than usual drive. We covered NY, Pa. and are in Ohio. A pilot is only as good as his navigator per the pilot. When we started out on our travels in 2008, I thought I would be able to sit back and enjoy the scenery and read a good book. Much to my surprise I found I was kept busy feeding the pilot and navigating with a GPS, trucking map, books on grades and clearances, campground guide and print outs from mapquest and occasionally using the computer, taking Pressure Pro readings and taking care of the cat. No time for naps.
Just before leaving the state of New York and into Pa. we saw many vineyards along the interstate. By the time we arrived in Ohio the trees seemed to be at their peak colors and we beautiful. It is warmer. Rain is predicted for tomorrow. We are staying in an Amish settlement and are camping in a Mennonite RV park. After setting up, we went into Berlin at a Mennonite restaurant for supper. They have grits on the menu for breakfast and also mush. This must be a border state. We are coming home.
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| From On the road again |
Just before leaving the state of New York and into Pa. we saw many vineyards along the interstate. By the time we arrived in Ohio the trees seemed to be at their peak colors and we beautiful. It is warmer. Rain is predicted for tomorrow. We are staying in an Amish settlement and are camping in a Mennonite RV park. After setting up, we went into Berlin at a Mennonite restaurant for supper. They have grits on the menu for breakfast and also mush. This must be a border state. We are coming home.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Niagara Falls
Today we visited Niagara Falls. It is hard to believe how much water is going over the American falls and the Canadian falls. On the American side it is the equivalent of 1 million bath tubs full per minute. The observation points on the American side are located on an island in a state park. We believe that we came at the best time of year because there were no large crowds and the colors on the trees were beautiful. We went on the boat ride around the bottom of the falls on the "Maid of the Mist". They gave us rain ponchos and we found out why. We still got wet. The Niagara River separates the United States and Canada. This is one of the wonders of the world and we can understand why.
The park was very neat and clean and had numerous trails so we got our exercise today. They had the fattest squirrels. We found out why. Allan and I sat down to rest and have a snack and guess what showed up. A squirrel. I also saw one go from garbage can to garbage can across the parking lot. We did not hear anyone speak English except for the workers. Tomorrow is moving day. Don't tell Katie.
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |
The park was very neat and clean and had numerous trails so we got our exercise today. They had the fattest squirrels. We found out why. Allan and I sat down to rest and have a snack and guess what showed up. A squirrel. I also saw one go from garbage can to garbage can across the parking lot. We did not hear anyone speak English except for the workers. Tomorrow is moving day. Don't tell Katie.
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| From Niagara Falls |
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| From Niagara Falls |