Our Great Adventure:

Long Time No See

2018-07-16T11:16:00.001-07:00

Wow!!! Am I ever inconsistent. I haven't blogged in ages. We all know how easy it is to let the little things slide as we deal with everyday life. This is what I have done so just to bring you up-to-date we are spending the summer in Virginia this year. There are 3 campgrounds in our system that make it easy for us to bounce back and forth from. It helps save $$$ on diesel fuel too. Currently we are along the Plankatank River just a few miles south of Saluda, Virginia. It is very nice here. The weather is great, except for the humidity, and the park is loaded with amenities. One of which I have not encountered before. It is a lawn sized chess board. There is also a sauna, fishing ponds(catch and release) and of course the river.

Cookie is going gang busters with her baby blankets. There is such a huge demand for her work she has little time for anything else.

Me, I am still writing, slowly.

This year we are trying our hand at container gardening. We have a sweet chile pepper plant, 3 tomato plants, 2 ancho chile plants, mint and oregano. So far we have been able to keep them alive. We have had 2 sweet chile peppers ripen thus far. They are spicier than I had anticipated.

See the one turning orange ..

Well, you would think after such a long time I would have more to say but I don't. Everyone be well and have a good rest of the summer.

Still writing

2017-09-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all. We are still in South Carolina and I am still writing. I am constructing another Geoffrey Hawk story.

We have managed to stay in Yemassee since late May. We love this park even with it's obvious down falls. I am almost acclimated to the humidity. It still messes with my sinuses but what doesn't these days.

We have a knocking sound coming from the front end of the car. I have determined it is not the engine. Transmission maybe...front trans-axle more likely. We run it till it dies then get something else. Towing it behind the motor home probably hasn't done it any good.

We survived hurricane Irma just fine. Evacuated the campground because of the trees. We hid behind a large building about a half mile down the road. It blocked most of the wind. The park maintenance cleared the big limbs so we were only out about 24 hours. Good thing too because the heat and humidity returned quickly.

As of right now we are scheduled to leave here around October 17, but all that could could change at any moment. We are still flighty. LOL.

Cookie's book is doing well. She works hard at getting it out there.

I now have 5 more books in the mill so keep an eye open for more adventures from Geoffrey Hawk.

With summer winding down we start thinking about the holidays. Everyone stay safe...

Search for me on Facebook @usrvtraveler60

See you soon....Bye for now

Cookie's first book

2017-08-25T07:42:00.002-07:00

It is finally here "Capitol Steps and Missteps" is available at www.amazon.com and kindle. This book is about Congressman John Jenrette from the 6th district of South Carolina that Cookie worked for during the Carter administration. Along with her former colleague, John F. Clark, they have recounted the life of their former employer during his tenure in the United States Congress.

Exciting and suspenseful this book is a must read. So get it now and be prepared to be amazed.

2017 and 2 books finished

2017-05-02T10:02:00.001-07:00

Hello all. It is four months into 2017 and my first blog of the year. I have been working diligently on my "Geoffrey Hawk" series and other projects as well.

I am glad to announce that the third book of Geoffrey Hawk is now out and at http://www.amazon.com in paper back and for kindle. It can also be purchased at http://www.createspace.com in the paper back version. The title of book 3 is "An Unlikely Alliance" This is the final part of this series...I hope ))

Also I have another book I just published as well. It's title is "Young Love" It is a story of two high school teenagers that found each other and the craziness that followed. This too can be found on Amazon and createspace.

All the other outlets for books will take another few weeks before they become available there.

We are currently in Yemmassee, South Carolina at one of our membership campgrounds. Cookie has been collaborating on a book with a friend of hers from back when she was in politics. That book will be coming out soon...we hope)).

As it stands right now we will stay on the east coast for the summer unless something strange happens or the weather goes bonkers.

Yesterday we went to Walterboro, S.C. to the South Carolina Artisans Center. We were pleasantly please with the experience. If ever in this area you must make it a point to go there and see what artisans from across the region have made. All is for sale there.

Well, that's all for now. Have a wonderful day!!!

Where has the time Gone

2016-11-05T13:34:00.001-07:00

Where has the time gone? I don't really know but it is gone and that is that. It has been a long while since my last post due partly to working this summer at Ruby's Inn near Bryce Canyon NP in Utah. It has been an experience for sure and one I hope never to visit again.

We started on March 15, a cold day but it would get colder. We had days of snow and some ice, freezing water pipes, busted sewer hose, well you can see we were unprepared for this type of weather. Of the seven months we were there I think I had been sick five of them. Nothing serious but the area played havoc with my allergies. Cookie was luckier than I.

I was in the grocery department the entire time. Fun for the most part and very educational. Cookie on the other hand started out as a cashier. She developed back problems and had to go to a doctor. He put her on half shifts and medication. Fortunately she got reassigned to apparel where she could sit down when the need arose. I worked 3 double shifts a week during the height of the season. Those were usually the days we received product for the shelves. It really wore me out. Cookie got 1 double a week on Sunday morning. The extra hours were great, money wise, but it took its toll.

Sometime shortly after we got there I either lost or misplaced my camera. So I have no pictures to share.

On September 22, the first day of autumn, it turned cold and snowed. Cookie enjoyed it, me not so much. We had more cold than warm by then but I guess that is the nature of the beast at 8,000 feet.

We left for warmer weather on October 17. We headed for Texas for drivers license renewal and to vote, then it was on to Phoenix for the annual doctors visit. All except for Texas it's pretty routine.

10/31/16

The last day of October and we are but once again in Gila Bend, Arizona...doctors appointments and such then off to California...maybe. Cookie has indicated that she might like to stay in G.B.. I don't know though, we have been remote all summer I would kind of like to be closer to civilization for awhile.

11/05/16

Today is Cookie's birthday. We are relaxing from the last couple of days driving back and forth to Phoenix land for doctor's and what not. I think we have decided to stay in Gila Bend for the winter. It is still undecided but moving that way.
All take care and I'll write again soon...

Chaos and Serenity

2015-12-01T00:05:00.002-07:00

Book number two "Chaos and Serenity" is now on www.createspace.com/5785325 for the paper back edition. It is also on www.amazon.com where you can order the paperback version or get it for kindle. Expanded distribution like B&N takes a few weeks.

It took me a while. I thought I had it done in October but when I re-read it again. I changed some things and created an entirely different ending. I hope you enjoy it.

We are in Palm Desert at the moment. Will be moving to Menifee next week for 3 weeks.

For those of you that haven't seen me in a while I may be hard to recognize. I have shaved my beard, it got unruly, and I have lost 87 pounds in the last year.

We're having good weather in the day and cold at night. (Good sleeping).
Those that are in the snow and cold, get yourself a cup of hot soup, crusty bread and my book. (Too much?) Ha Ha

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Keep in mind what we are giving thanks for, I feel we have gotten away from the real meanings behind our holidays!

Take care!

Recent Happenings

2015-11-23T20:50:00.002-07:00

     With movin' back across country and the fall Nascar race I have neglected my posts.

     After spending a good portion of the summer in south central Pennsylvania we again migrated to Arizona to work the fall Nascar race at the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale.

     We got back a trifle early so we hung out at our old digs in Gila Bend for a couple of weeks. We caught up with old friends and made some new.

     Since my boss wasn't going to be able to work the first three days of the race it fell to me to gather, organize and supervise. I have a great bunch of co-workers for sure. Unfortunately this was the last race for all of us. The track is going to a different system for the next year. None of us has high hopes for it. The company that got the contract didn't seem to really realize what they were getting into.  I hope it works out for the track though.

     Everything went along with out a hitch until Sunday came along with the rain. We had a six and a half hour rain delay before the race even started. Some of us wound up working eighteen hours that day. Needless to say we were a little punchy at the end of the shift.

     With the race over and an afternoon Dr.'s appt. we finally got on the road to CA only to run into construction delays in western AZ. We sat in snail traffic for over two hours. This made me have to drive at night which I hate to do but did it anyway. I pulled into the casino parking after seven and after relaxing for a while I slept. This allows us to go into our campground early so we have a better variety of spots to chose from. The campground is small in area but big in sites. On twenty-five acres they have 450 sites and 825 date palms. It is tight especially with a forty footer but we managed to get a site we like and have had in the past. It is 30 amp. pull-thru much better than trying to back into a 50 amp. site most of which are too short anyway.

     We've been here a week now with two more to go. We signed up for and did the park craft show last Friday and plan on doing it again every week in what ever park we are in. Cookie displays her crochet and me my book.

     Book sales are slow but I am unknown so that is expected. I write for the relaxation more than the money. I'll be famous after I'm dead plus 100 years. LOL.

      The second book to the Geoffrey Hawk Series (Chaos and Serenity) was almost complete until I re-read it for the umpteenth time and decided to change a few things. I am nearly done with the editing and I plan to have it out in less than two weeks.

     For now it's writing and relaxing and repairing, hey the three "R's", well almost.

     Happy Thanksgiving to all. Don't over indulge, too much that is.

Dyakujy!

Back to the track

2015-10-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

It's that time again when we head for Phoenix, AZ. to work the NASCAR event at Phoenix International Raceway. We've had good weather so far. The second day out there was some wind but not really bad. With the prices for fuel still low it doesn't hurt as much at the pump when we pull in.
We've seen gas for as little as 1.889 and I picked up diesel for 2.179 in Tennessee.

Currently we're in Middleton at one of our membership campgrounds recouping from the first three days on the road.

First night out we spent in the Lowe's parking lot in Woodstock, VA.

The price of gas at Wal-Mart in Cookeville Tennessee

From here we went to Middleton, TN for 4 nights to rest and kill some time.

Moving on farther west we spent a night in Clarksville, AR at the Wal-Mart. The next night was in Hinton, OK at the Casino Oklahoma. From there I drove to New Mexico but first I had to traverse a torrential down pour in west Texas another in New Mexico and hail. We spent that night at the Route 66 Casino and Hotel where we got a 2 for 1 buffet for being a rewards member. It was decent size with good variety.

We had crossed time zones and my sleep was getting messed up. I went to bed before nine. We were up early and on the road. My main plan was to stay at Twin Arrows Casino just east of Flagstaff, AZ. With the early start and a Wal-Mart stop in Winslow, AZ it was still early so I drove on to Gila Bend where we are currently. It's good to be resting and not driving everyday. Cookie figured it up, I drove 2513 miles in six days of driving, nine days if you count the nights in Middleton.

My meeting is on Tuesday and then we rest until we go into the track on the fifth of November.

Those were just a few pics Cookie took while we were driving down the road in New Mexico.

The leaves are turning

2015-10-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

We were out and about today, mostly to Wal-Mart for supplies for the trip west. We did manage to get some pictures of the fall leaves though. The weather is beautiful, mid 70's in the day low 50's and high 40's at night. This is what I remember.

Then we stopped at the local Farm Market. The prices were better than anywhere I have been so far.

They also had a maze you could walk through for a price. Those thing make me claustrophobic. I'm sure it fun for the kids though. They also had a hay/wagon ride for an additional fee.

This one is in the campground. I don't know what it is but it is interesting.

Chillin' in Pennsylvanial

2015-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

It has been cold and rainy for the past few days. We are holed up in the rig. So far I've made baked potato soup and black bean soup. Weather improving, we're glad about that. Friday we will start making our way west to Phoenix, AZ to work the NASCAR race. We're looking forward to seeing friends and meeting new people.

We are next to their major landing pond. It's funny watching the geese coming in for a landing and how the others will guide them in at night. Last night there were hundreds that stopped because of the bad weather.

A Fall Day in Hershey

2015-09-25T16:59:00.001-07:00

We met some friends in Hershey, PA., for the day. We took in a couple of gift shops and Cookie, Louise and Dennis did the free tour at the Hershey Chocolate Works. The only thing different from when we were here in 2007 was that the prices have gone up.

Here are a few pictures from our day out.

Louise and Dennis finishing their tour

We finished our day out with some food at Bob Evans.

Oh What a Beautiful Day

2015-09-21T12:26:00.002-07:00

I had forgotten just how beautiful the weather could get in the fall here. We're still in southern PA., along the Conestoga River. he sun is out, warm temps and most importantly, low humidity. I'm sitting here, looking out the window, at the river slowly flowing by. There has been a few kayakers' floating along engaging in some fishing.

Something else that's nice about this area, no bugs. I have been able to have the screen open without letting in a myriad of insects.

The water in the river had cleared considerably since our arrival last week. It looks as if one could walk across and not be more than waist deep.

Tomorrow we move to Hershey for three weeks unless the weather changes drastically.

Before I forget, call Cookie and ask her about her latest encounter at JO-ANN Fabric. It's a HOOT!

I've Gone and Done it Now

2015-09-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

     This is the craziest thing I've done in my life and let me say, I've done some crazy things.

     A few months ago, while sitting around the motorhome enjoying the nice weather, I started writing a book. Now, I'm no literary genius, nor can I be considered literate in some circles, but I had an idea, so I ran with it.

     There are literally tens of thousands of authors out there, some make it and some don't. Fortunately for those of us that are below the bottom rung of the ladder, there is an option to self publish. Now, I know people that have used this option, and according to them, they have had great success, and are satisfied with their results.

     This is the option I have chosen. Not because, of their success, but because it is the least complicated of the bunch.

     I thought I was a fairly competent American, with a handle on our language. Until, I started to put thought to paper. Whoever invented spell check should have a statue erected in their honor. I have had my nose in the dictionary more in the past few months than the previous 58 years. I can't begin to fathom writing a novel with a typewriter either. One mistake and you had to redo the entire page. At least with a computer, and a word program, you've got options.

     The title of my book is "A Man of Two Worlds", It's a romance/thriller/action story. The main character, Geoffrey Hawk, is a 36 yr. old entrepreneur/mercenary. His life becomes complicated when his work ethic and the woman of his dreams try to co-exist. He has a, never fulfilled desire, to help those that cannot help themselves, which in turn causes his personal life to suffer. If not for the love of a beautiful woman, his destructive nature would most definitely win out.

     It is now out. For the paperback version go to https://www.createspace.com/5674819 , it is also out on kindle now too. It should be on Amazon.com in a day or two.

     Check it out and get caught up in Geoffrey's whirlwind life of danger and romance.

     This is going to be a series and I have already started on the second book. I hope you enjoy it.

Circle M RV Resort

2015-09-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

We moved 22 miles south, for a week. There is a big RV show in Hershey, PA., this weekend so we were unable to extend our stay at PA. Dutch Country RV Resort.
We actually like it better at this new locale. Our campsite borders the Conestoga River. The spaces are fair sized and we managed to find one that was fairly level. Like I said, we're here for only a week, then we move 30 miles north to Hershey RV Resort.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Cookie wanted everyone to see how long my hair has gotten.
Our rig parked along the Conestoga R.

The latest attempt at sealing my window. 1 pool noodle and a little expando foam. It's not pretty but so far it's working. The part to fix it was more $$$ than what the car is worth.

This is in Bird 'n Hand, PA., Many places to get an authentic Amish buggy ride.

The Farmer's Market is full of fresh baked goods, meats and a restaurant. Only problem is commercialism has taken over the Amish too. Not very many handmade items. Same tourist trap trash you can find anywhere.

When I pulled into the parking lot we remembered being here before back in 2007.

It's beautiful farm land but the cities are moving in slowly but surely.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

2015-09-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have been at the PA Dutch Country RV Resort, outside Manheim Pennsylvania, for the past two weeks. This is a very nice resort and a wonderful area to explore. We've been to several of the surrounding communities for one reason or another. One thing, among many, that I had forgotten about he east, was that the towns are small here, close together, and the streets are narrow. I have encountered more one way streets in the last two weeks than I have in the past 30 years. At least they're not over run with round-a-bouts.

Our local post office was difficult enough to find. With having to keep a keen eye on the road, I passed right by it. There's hardly any place to park where you don't get run over while you're attempting to get out of your vehicle.

The local farmers markets abound with fresh veggies, meats, cheeses, baked goods, sandwiches and crafts of every kind and nature. There is a huge farmers market not far from here called Root's Country Market & Auction. Prices are fair, but you need to look around before buying. There's always some one with a little better price. I have seen many Amish and Mennonite's working there in different booths. Very nice people, but they looked a little unhappy to me. I am not sure if it was the heat and humidity, or the economic situation, that has forces them to have contact with those outside their communities. I've noticed their presents in the local Wal-Mart as well.

My plan is to stay in this resort another two weeks then move to another a few miles up the road, closer to Hershey. I will be there for three weeks before beginning the long trek west.

I have found a solution to the window problem in my car, that is working out. I used a 'pool noodle' to fill the biggest part of the gap and Duck tape to secure it with. It is lasting longer than Duck tape alone.

This picture is from Austinburg, OH., a quaint Midwestern town.

I've shrunk some in the humidity.

Well, that's all, for now I'll continue to sit and ponder what could/might have been.

In Ohio - 8/22/2015

2015-08-22T12:48:00.001-07:00

Here we are at Kenisee Lakes Resort, in the beautiful state of Ohio. Cookie has been able to tolerate the humidity so far. Our rig is backup to the lake and we can fish for free (no license required) since we're on private property. It has been several years since we've been in the eastern U.S.. Things (towns, roads, trees) and such, are much closer together than in the west. The road into the resort was narrow, I'd say one and one-half lanes if that. Luckily we met only one other vehicle.

A trip to the farmers market was a bust. Outrageously priced for over ripe and too large vegetables. We did not purchase anything. Quick stop at Wally World and JO-ANN Fabrics and we're back home.

Downtown Ashtabula, Ohio, I am assuming they're are trying to rejuvenate this area. It is very depressed.

It has taken two dealerships and six hundred dollars but we've finally got the a/c in the car fixed. The drivers side window is a lost cause. I guess that's how it goes when you own a car that's seventeen years old.

Yesterday was spent rearranging the basement. I now how room for more plastic containers of crochet items. Cookie cranks out baby blankets at record speed. I did find old pictures from the Gulf War "Desert Storm", some pictures of pen-pals and our wedding photos. Was I ever skinny back then. There is a bunch of stuff I'd like to throw away, but sure as rain I'll need it soon afterwards. So we'll just tote it around for a few more years and see what happens.

Lunch in Port Sanilac, MI.

2015-08-07T09:43:00.001-07:00

We took a day trip to Port Sanilac, Michigan for lunch. It was a fairly warm day and the a/c in the car was acting up again but we managed.

We went to the marina and Uri's for lunch.

It was infusion cuisine. We stuck with an old favorite, fish and chips. First time I've had coleslaw made with Nappa and Bok Choy cabbage. Cookie was not a fan. She was missing her hush puppies. We had a remoulade for dipping, fancy for tartar sauce. Cookie not a fan of that either. Luckily they had run out of Cajun chips, we got fries instead. The little basket of chips was cute but the potatoes were sliced so thin that when they fried them they came out nearly burnt. Not a good flavor.

We dined with a wonderful view of the harbor and Lake Huron.

I was in deep thought, about something?

Our outing culminated with a trip to Wal-Mart. With the road construction around the I-69/I-94 interchange and a wrong turn we managed to get lost. Well not lost per say, I knew where I was and where I wanted to be, it was the in between that was giving me problems.
A quick U-turn we were back on the proper path. Five miles from home and the a/c started working fine.

Be Boppin Across the Country

2015-07-17T14:07:00.001-07:00

We left Newport, WA on the 7th of June headed east. Stopping at Lake Alva to see our friends Lydia and Bill for a few days we continued to Theodore Roosevelt NP were we stayed for 3 nights. The little town of Medora was quaint but touristy. Prices not with holding.   After the NP and continuing east somewhere just west of Fargo, ND we lost the AC shroud from the front unit. I heard a loud rattle then silence as I saw in the back up camera it go flying past the car hitting the highway and shattering into a thousand pieces. OH well. Luckily when we bought this rig it came with an extra shroud. Fortunate for us we were still carrying it. At the Minnesota welcome center we found information on a repair facility able to replace it for me. It was only a few hours delay but worth it. We stayed in Wal-Mart parking lots most of the way and a casino once for 4 nights.

In Indiana we had to stay in a Cabella's parking lot. It was great we had the whole lot to ourselves and security.  Our friend Louise drove up from Crown Point to visit with us for awhile. A short stop for supplies and we were on the road again.

Our first real stop was at the Bear Cave RV Resort in Buchanan, Michigan where we stayed for three weeks. We were only 20 miles from the Wal-Mart and JO-An Fabric in South Bend Indiana. Buchanan is a small town where everybody knows everybody. It felt like you could spit from one side to the other.

The next leg of our trip has brought us to St. Clair, Michigan. We are close to Lake Huron and Lake Saint Clair. In one place you look across the river at Canada. Beautiful houses along the river and lakes.   We've had 2 days of sunshine and 1 of rain/clouds. On the sunny days we went exploring and today we sit relaxing. On Monday the car goes into get the drivers door window fixed along with the AC. I do this for Cookie. She trying really hard to put up with the humidity. The motorhome roof has decided to leak again. Depending on good weather I have someone to come fix it.

We have been sitting here trying to decide where and how far to go next. It will definitely be east. But until then we sit and enjoy new things.

The bridge behind me is the Blue Water Bridge @ Port Huron, MI to Canada

We stopped at a local chocolate factory.

Beautiful houses some new some very old.

Where we are camped internet service is hit and miss. My hotspot went by way of the do-do bird. Took it to Verizon, he said it was out dated. It was only 4 years old but no matter I now have a Jet Pack. I have no idea what the difference is but he said it was better and it was free to me because we are Verizon customers. It probably doesn't help that we're in the trees down in a gully of sorts.

Cookie is still crocheting up a storm. I may need a cargo trailer soon to carry her doin's in. She has been accepted into the Woman's Exchange in Pinehurst, NC., St. Louis, MO., and Brooklyn, NY. so far. It's exciting seeing her be accepted into these places and better yet selling some of here creativity.

I have been picture organizing. I have this thing about panoramas. I've been doing good with getting the proper angle and all that jazz. I have also been dabbling in writing my own suspense thriller which so far has more drama than I thought I could ever write. We'll see. A project to keep me busy.

Traveling New Roads

2015-06-01T20:54:00.002-07:00

While moving to a new and hopefully exciting location in Oregon we took a gander at the weather forecast for that particular area. It wasn't ideal but I was willing to tough it out. As we drove north we had excellent weather. When we reached Weed, California we started on a new road never traveled by us. As we gained in elevation it definitely got cooler but the skies were still blue with big white puffy clouds. We stopped at Wal-Mart in Klamath Falls, Oregon for a few supplies because by this time the forecast at our destination had worsened. So on the fly I decided to continue on to yet another new location. We finally settled in our camp just south of Newport, Washington. As we passed Redmond, Oregon this wind picked up quite a bit. It fatigued me a lot the rest of that day and into the next. I have a bad shoulder anyway which with having to fight the wind aggravated it more. Two days previous I had fallen while leaving the rig. It seems that one foot didn't move from the step the way it was supposed to and I landed on my knees on the pavement.

We were on the road 5 nights. Stayed at 4 casino parking lots and a rest area.

Cookie feeding the sea gulls.

Casino in Spokane

Well we've been here about 2 weeks now. I am really enjoying it. We're having trouble with the front TV. It won't come on unless the sun has been hitting the back of it for a little while. When it does come on the picture is distorted until it is warm even then it's not as good as it should be. I guess it's time to buy a new one. A lighter flat screen that will fit in the hole. We only watch movies since we cancelled our satellite service. Got tired of paying for channels I didn't watch or want.
We leave here on Sunday headed east. Let's see how far we get before we can't stand the humidity any more.

Short Race

2015-03-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

     Well, another race under our belts. We had a great time with all of our friends and made some new friends too. It was a short 3 days but I still managed to work 52 hours. Early in the morning to late at night we toiled to move the people from point "A" to point "B" and back again. Most were very appreciative; there's always one or two that don't get to where they want to go because they don't listen.

     We left on Monday; short stop in Gila Bend for laundry and dump tanks. Refill with water and off to Yuma. Met up with two of my people at the "Q" for a night. Dinner at Lin's...next day trip to Mexico for some dental work and new glasses. We even picked up a couple souvenirs, something we don't usually do. Picked up and packed up an move to Palm Springs for a couple weeks to regroup and recoup from the last 3 weeks.

     Cookie is crocheting up a storm. She has nearly 100 hats to deliver to "Operation Gratitude" in April. We will help assemble packages for the troops and hopefully learn to make Para cord bracelets. These people are doing a good thing for our men and women serving their country.

Tuesday is moving day. Only going about 70 miles but the temps promise to be lower than where we are now. We have been holed up in the RV with the A/C on most of the time. I managed to get some really great movies at WM for $5. We have ditched the satellite; I'm tired of paying for channels we don't watch.

Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime ORIGINAL 1970

2014-07-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Mungo Jerry one of my all time favorites. I think the key board player looks like a young Wolfman Jack. It's appropriate for it is now summer time in the northwest. We've been experiencing temperatures in the 80's during the day and high 50's at night. The humidity is higher than we like but we're coping.

No good fresh tomatoes yet. We drove over to see our guy and our guy wasn't there. We're sad fore we long for good vine ripe tomatoes.

On Wednesday we move back to Mount Vernon, 40 miles south of our present location. There are blackberry bushes all through the camp and with any luck they'll be ripe to pick.

We've been taking it easy this year. Since we've been here before and with gas prices up we decided to limit the driving as much as possible. Our big day out usually consists of lunch at the "Asian Bistro" in Ferndale, "JO-Ann Fabric in Bellingham and "Safeway" in Lynden. For those that may not know Safeway is a grocery store, rather high priced but they have good deals for people that have their card. Plus you earn points for money off at the gas pump. Anyway it's the only decent store in the area.

We hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as possible.

Hopping Around

2014-05-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

We've been Wal-Mart and recently JO-ANN Fabric hopping. We started with Wal-Mart because that's usually where we shop. Cookie has been doing some unique crochet patterns and she has been looking at yarn. Wal-Mart hasn't been carrying a lot of yarn lately from what we have seen in this area. We're wondering if they are phasing out yarn. Anyway we've been hopping the Jo-Ann's Fabric's in the area and have found some really nice yarn for Cookie to work with. It also helps that we get coupons e-mailed to us....yes I said us...once or twice a week. I joined so we could get an extra set of coupons each week. Some of you have seen and/or received one or more of these new items. They are very beautiful an functional.

The above is a scarf done in a crocodile stitch.
We've also resumed our search for "Road-side Oddities". So far we've seen the giant artichoke in Castroville, California...

The produce stand also had their other fruit displayed appropriately.

We've also saw the Giant Cowboy hats in Salinas, California...

Next was Dennis the Menace in Monterey, California...

We had lunch on...or I should say under...the wharf at Sand Bar & Grill...

the stairs down to the restaurant

The Fish and Fries were exceptional. We will go back again before leaving the area.

The Visitor's Center is in an easy access area.

Boats in the marina were plentiful.

You can park right on the wharf but it will cost. There are machines to get your parking permit from. Modern technology...

Learning to surf...a Dad teaching two girls to surf.

We do squeeze a lot of fun into a small amount of time.

Camping in Central California

2014-04-09T09:47:00.001-07:00

We are again in the left central part of California. We're closer to the coast than the center of the state but what the hay. We frequent this part of California partly for the weather and partly for the fresh fruits and vegetables that can be found in abundance here the better part of the year. We will continue north throughout the spring and settle in Washington for the summer. For now this is where we start. Our preserve is in an open sided canyon behind a farm. In the night we can hear the owls hooting and in the mornings we hear the wild turkeys making their way to their day time feeding grounds. There are many species of birds which I know not one but they are pretty. The preserve is over run with ground squirrels. These little guys are fun to watch as they scurry about doing what ever they do. It has also been reported that there are bobcat in the area.

As in all preserves the speed limit is 5 miles per hour. Here we have our friendly police bear reminding us to go slow and easy.

The sites are fairly level and you always have plenty of room to maneuver. Each site is a full hook up on gravel. There are plenty of pull through sites if you desire or you may choose a back in for even more room. I take the pull through for the ease of parking. Even though we are 11 miles from town we have had a good time each time we come here.
We were on our way to the P.O. when we saw a bobcat wandering through the mini-golf course. This is the first one we've seen not in captivity.

We were some distance away but it's still a good picture. Not much else goes on here and that's how we like it.

Another Race under our belts

2014-03-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful time AGAIN! There were a few new people but everyone did a good job. When dealing with different personalities not everything will go right. Again certain people were allowed to continue working after screwing up in a big way. I won't go into details but they are "friends and relatives" of the manager and he will not take appropriate action. One of these days I'm just going to quit but until then I just hope that their miss queues will cost the boss his job.

We or I should say I contracted something at the race so we went to Gila Bend to recover before going to Tucson and RV service. I am not totally well but much better than I was.

This is day 2 at Lazy Days for a few minor items. Day 1 was un-productive in getting anything done. Who-ever is doing their scheduling should be re-assigned. But in their defense I have requested one specific technician and I will wait for him.

Reading blogs has now become entertainment for me. I am astonished at what people will write about. So many continually complain about what they don't have. Are they looking for someone to help them? Are they unwilling to work for what they don't have or are they creating a life style of "poor me" to get sympathy from others? I believe the latter is occurring. Come on people quit "BITCHING" and get a job! There are plenty of part-time and even seasonal employment other there, you HAVE to want to make your situation better. What you want isn't just going to appear at your feet you have to reach out for it.

Our travels are taking us west again this year. We have now left Tucson and are bunking in in Palm Springs for a few days. It's March and those of you that know Cookie know she has to have her basketball. Shortly after our arrival there was a dust storm.

You can't tell by the pictures but the palm trees were swaying back and forth like spines on a sea urchin. This is a wonderful park but a bit of a tight fit. We arrived late afternoon and there were only back-in spaces left. Getting in is easier than getting out so experience pays off in this situation.

It was 379 miles from Tucson to Palm Springs and with a refuel stop it took 6-1/2 hours through some of the most boring terrain in the world.

This was a picture from the race, look at the cloud at mountain level.

From then 'til now

2014-02-21T15:55:00.001-07:00

Last week I was re-arranging my movie storage cabinet. I found what I thought was a VHS head cleaner tape. I had been looking for one for awhile now but when I pulled the tape from it's sleeve I discovered a video that was made before Cookie and I got married. Now, most of us have some memories of the beginning of our lives together. Mostly pictures or memento's of some sort, even if it's just memories. Ours, along with all the other stuff, was a copy of the news story about how we met during Desert Shield/Storm. All the letters and the phone calls and how when we met for the first time. I slipped it in the VCR and we watched with admiration, amazement and astonishment. If I remember correctly the interview was in April of '91. It made mention of our up-coming nuptials in August of that year which we changed(on a whim) to May. It astonished me how we sounded back then and how different especially Cookie sounded. I still make fun of her accent but never realized just how SOUTHERN she sounded until reviewing the tape. We were young, slender and in love. Now we're older, rounder and still in love.

I have great respect for my wife, unlike some people we know that have none for theirs. I read their blog and they refer to their spouse in the 3rd person or as an inanimate object. This disgusts me to no end.

We haven't been doing very much so far this year. We left the Palm Springs area for Laughlin NV to hook up with our Louisiana friends Chris and Oscar. We had a good time but it was way to short. We left after a day for Gila Bend AZ, I had a pre-race meeting to attend. It is the 50th anniversary of racing at Phoenix International Raceway. A lot of hub bub going on the entire year.

It has been unseasonably warm. I have been watching the weather and it doesn't seem like it's going to let up any time soon. The reason I mention this that when we're camped at the track we have no electricity hence no air conditioning.

Laughlin at night. The Tropicana,

The Pioneer

and the River Palms.

Our Friend Chris modeling a scarf Cookie has made.

We enjoy the beautiful sunsets in Gila Bend.

Cookie read this one before publishing. She approves.