GENEALOGY DREAM

This week has been a dream for me, full of genealogy. The Genies BOF have a good group here at Jackson County, Blue Springs Campground. The sites are big and level with lots of area to hike. We have visited the National Archives at Kansas City and the Midwest Genealogy Center library in Independence. Daily,we had our choice of either place to retrieve our family from their files and books. What an adventure. So many books; not enough time. We met every evening around a campfire for announcements, questions and breakthroughs we experienced and dessert. We also had several meals together. Next year the Genies Rally will be in Salt Lake City. Allan was so supportive of my endeavors. While I was gone, he washed clothes and did some household duties. We were to leave today, but our MH would not start due to dead batteries. Allan was able to find a place open and buy two along with installing them. I got an unexpected extra few hours at the library while he was busy with the MH. When I got home we tried the MH and she started up with no problems. It is good to have a wonderful, smart and handy husband. I am blessed.

ESCAPADE

On one of our overnight stops, there was a totum pole? of dogs.  Looks like they did a pretty good job. 

From 2012-09-23

From 2012-09-23

We had a beautiful sunset while there.  While we are on the subject of animals, I thought I would throw in a few pictures of  Katie.  Here she has found squirrels outside her window. 

From 2012-09-23

Here she is in the driver's seat, but she does not want to travel.

From 2012-09-23

We made it to the Escapade in Sedalia, Missouri.  Here is our MH among many others. 

From 2012-09-23

Topics for the seminars  ranged from computer, working on the road, weight safety, medical issues, genealogy and others.  There was a dance one night.  There were several entertainment nights one of which was Yakov Smirnoff, comedian.  He was really good.  Allan and I both enjoyed the rally, but it was a tiring, busy time.

There was a pet parade at the Escapade.  Here are some pictures.

From 2012-09-23

From 2012-09-23

From 2012-09-23

We drove to Blue Springs, Missouri for the Genies Rally.  So far we have been to the National Archives in Kansas City and the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence. 

While in the Blue Springs area, Allan and I visited with Mr. Tucker, one of my junior high teachers.  We had such a good visit. 

From 2012-09-23

HOLD ON TO THAT AWNING

We made it through New York with no problems and spent the night just across the state line in Pennsylvania.  After pulling out of our site the next morning, Jeanne noticed a problem with the awning.  So right in the exit lane of the campground, Allan extended the awning so that he could fully retract the awning.  The only problem was the awning would not retract at all.  Well, it wasn't the only problem.  A big storm front with lots of wind was getting close to us and the awning was starting whip.  Allan got the ladder out and was on the phone with the coach net tech, but still could not get it to retract.  So a service repairman was called for us.  The man that arrived was a mechanic, but had never worked on an awning like this.  But between he and Allan and Jeanne, they were able to manually bring the awning and secure it to the coach.  Just as they finished, the storm hit with high winds and heavy rain.  God is good!  We pulled back into our same campsite and spent another night there.  We didn't want to chance being out on the road with tornado warnings. 

Everything is holding together fine and we have traveled through Pennsylvania and Ohio and find ourselves in Indiana tonight.  It is HOT to us.  We are having to run our a/c.

The two previous days were spent in Ohio in Amish country.  It was very beautiful and does not appear to be affected by the drought.  We ate at an Amish restaurant, took advantage of fresh produce and of course, Allan had to have another fresh baked pie. (Elderberry)

From 2012-09-11

We love the scenery in this part of the country with the rolling hills and the farm setting, highlighted by the horse and buggies.

From 2012-09-11

We went to a musical production that was called "The Confession" which was based on a Beverly Lewis book.  These were extremely talented actors/singers.  This was very professionally done.  Years ago we would go to dinner theaters frequently, but it has been a long time.  We certainly enjoyed our night out. 

Jeanne got another horse fix while in Ohio.  Here is a picture just behind our RV.

From 2012-09-12

FALL CREATURES

We drove around Killington, Vermont to take pictures of all their Fall decorations.  Businesses use bales of hay in very unique ways.  We think they did a much better job this year compared to 2009 when we were working here.

GO WEST YOUNG MAN

We have found our dream house and it is for sale!!

From 2012-09-06

We sadly left all our new friends at Caribou, Maine on Tuesday, Sept 4th.  Allan, Katie and I traveled south and caught Hwy 2 across the state of Maine.  During part of our trip we had some light drizzle.  We spent the night in an RV park close to the Maine, New Hampshire line.  During the night it rain hard which caused some concern since we were parked on grass, but when the engine was started it was no trouble pulling out.  The ride through New Hampshire was pretty.  We did encounter low clouds/fog in a few areas. 

From 2012-09-06

Mount Washington was calling our name but we could not make that stop.  We saw a coyote crossing the road taking his time.  The car in front of us put on his brakes.  We slowed down as we passed him on the side of the road.  He looked like he was going to cross the road again, but after he saw our big MH, he changed his mind.  We also saw two huge wild turkeys ambling down the edge of a field. 

At St. Johnsbury, Vermont we turned on Interstate 91 and then traveled Hwy 4 into Rutland.  We are staying in an RV park just south of town.  We have a beautiful view of the water (swimming pool).  We saw the remnants of the flash floods they had here last year. 

From 2012-09-06

Most of the bridges and roads have been replaced.  This is a house that did not fair well during the storm.  This is looking at what used to be a small creek/river that ran along Hwy 4.  It took out land, trees and rocks along with roads and bridges.

From 2012-09-06

This does not show the detail  as in real life.  It looked like you could walk through that opening and the spots you see are butterflies.

From 2012-09-06

We stopped in at Gifford Woods State Park where we worked as camp hosts in 2009.  It had not changed much and apparently did not have much damage from the flooding.  The only problem they had was no one could get to the park because the roads were washed out.

Our main reason for stopping in Vermont was to see Frank and Pat, special friends we met while working here.  We visited their home and saw their new room they added on.  Then we went out to eat together.  Later that night they came over and saw our MH.  We had such a good time visiting with them.

From 2012-09-06

FINAL DAYS IN MAINE

While we have been here in Caribou, Allan and I have been leading a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class at the church.  We finished the 8th class last Wednesday.  Pastor Tony will finish the last two classes.   We have enjoyed this group.  We hate not being able to finish, but the road beckons.  Several members of the class are not in the picture, but we wanted one to remember the group by. 

From 2012-09-02

Speaking of remembering, two sisters, Ruth and Helen, who are in the class presented us with a unique scrap booking memorabilia.  I can not describe it, but what a wonderful gift.  Thank you Ruth and Helen.  We wish everyone in the class much success on the road to Financial Peace.

The Methodist Church which is across and down the street from us is having an extensive exterior refacing.  Lately some men having been working on the steeple and the clock.  The clock lights up at night.  I tried to get a picture of it at night, but was never able to get a satisfactory one. 

From 2012-09-02

I am including some pictures of the activities building project just before leaving. 

From 2012-09-02

If you go back to a previous post about the party for the pastor you may be able to see all the sheet rock was finished.
Bonnie helped with a lot of physical and heavy work.  I don't know how she could keep up the pace all day long.  She is an amazing lady. 

From 2012-09-02

Of course, you can tell this is the men's bathroom without the partitions not in place.

From 2012-09-02

The next blog posting will be about our departure. Stay cool in this heat and God bless.

ENJOY OUR ACTIVITIES

We attended a balloon glow in Presque Isle, a first for us.  There were seven balloons at the event.  I have included several pictures here.  The following morning at 5:30 they were to have lift off.  As we are not early risers, we missed the big send off.

From 2012-08-09

From 2012-08-09

From 2012-08-09

From 2012-08-09

From 2012-08-09

Allan has been going to the races since we have been in Caribou, which he has enjoyed.  This week it was very different.  They had a demolition derby. 

From 2012-08-09

There was a chain race where the front car had the power but no brakes and the car that was chained behind it, had the brakes, but no power.  Other than that it was a normal race.  Next there was a sack race where the drivers had a sack over their heads so they could not see and there was a navigator riding with them telling them where to drive.  These cars were all over the place and almost hit the safety truck in the in-field.  There was also a monster truck that looked like a giant lobster that was jumping several cars. 

From 2012-08-09

From 2012-08-09

It was very entertaining.

One evening the church gave us a big thank you for volunteering in the construction of the new building.  We knew they were planning a meal for us, but what a surprise!!  As we walked in we were greeted by one of these servers in formal attire who escorted the ladies to our table. 

From 2012-08-09

At the entry the menu was posted like you were in a fancy restaurant. 

From 2012-08-09

The room was decorated with tiny white lights.  In this picture you can see some of the lights and the table setting. 

From 2012-08-09

They presented each lady with a beautiful rose. 

From 2012-08-09

What a wonderful meal.  They made the event very special which included entertainment, too which we appreciated very much.

Pastor Tony has turned 40 and the church members and Angela, his wife, wanted to have a surprise birthday party for him.  The building was far enough along toward completion that they were able to have it in the new building. 

From 2012-08-09

Here is the burning of the cake.  So many candles! 

From 2012-08-09

They played a game of Jeopardy with his mother, his father-in-law, and his best friend growing up who is now the youth pastor to see who knew him best.  His mother won!  It was a fun party.

From 2012-08-09

The RVer's have worked hard, but they have had time for fun, too.

TUESDAY NIGHTS

Earl and Dollie have all their relatives and graciously include the RVers for a potluck at their house every Tuesday night.  This is Earl,standing.

From 2012-09-02

This is Dollie.

From 2012-09-02

They have this gathering in their garage.  Notice they have a regular garage door, but also have a huge screen in front of the door.  It can be a screened in room or a closed up room depending on the weather.  Works great.   I have notice this on several houses in this area.  The spread of food is huge and boy is it Good!.

From 2012-09-02

Each week we have a different theme. (Italian, crock pot dishes, etc.) After the meal a number of the men and occasionally some women go down to the back yard and play horse shoes.

From 2012-09-02

This is a picture of Earl's tomato garden.  It grows to the top of his roof.  The tomatoes are tasty and I don't even like tomatoes.

From 2012-09-02

Here is a picture of my favorite house in town.

From 2012-09-02

This is a cute one and it is for sale.

From 2012-09-02