CEDAR CREEKIN!

2020-06-06T07:33:00.000-05:00

Well we'll try another test

We are still alive..will do a post soon.

2015-12-19T15:24:00.001-06:00

test

On the road!!

2012-10-31T05:11:00.001-05:00

Had a fun weekend at Thumperpond in Ottertail, MN at the annual resorters conference. Got to see a lot of our friends from back in our resort days – a lot of good laughs, good food and so interesting to hear about the new ideas and issues in the resort business.

This morning we are heading for TX, will be stopping in Topeka, KS this evening, Altus, OK Thursday evening and should be at the house in Mission Friday afternoon late. Bob’s niece Jenny and her husband Mike have recently moved back to the states from England and are now stationed at Altus air force base. They are also expecting the first child any day and we haven’t seen them since June of 2009. Will be fun catching up with them over dinner.

Take care and will keep you posted along the way.

Finally–an update for Summer 2012

2012-10-26T12:29:00.001-05:00


Grant 3 and Caleb 4	And Little Brother Keegan 6 months
Our Only grand daughter Rya 3
	Owen 11 months

We spent most of the summer in the area with our kids and grandkids – helping out with daycare when needed. They are growing so fast and it’s fun seeing their individual personalities develop.

We spent several weekends with our dancing friends at festivals in New Prague, MN,Clarissa, MN, Stump Lake, ND, Bird Island, MN, Brandon, MN, Bechyn, MN and Litomysl, MN. These are always fun – camping and getting together with a lot of people we only see during the summer along with connecting with some of our TX friends.Gary and Marjorie and our bunch in Stump Lake

In June we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary and retirement with a party and dance at Roscoe, MN. Had music all afternoon, followed by dinner- had a great time with about 200 friends and relatives!

Vicky continues to work part time for the one of the Minnesota resort associations so we had a few meetings to attend in the northern part of the state. This weekend is their fall Resorters Conference in Ottertail so we’ll be heading up to that early Sunday morning thru Tuesday.

In September we were in Chicago to celebrate with Vicky’s brother and wife their 40th wedding anniversary. Shortly after that we were in New Orleans for an insurance conference. I’m on the board for a fraternal life insurance company in St Paul and we get to attend the annual conference at various locations around the country. We had great meetings and a fun time at the grand party.

When we are not traveling around we hang out an RV park new New London. There’s a number of retired couples that spend the summer there along with some permanent residents – a great bunch of people and we have our daily happy hour, potlucks, fish frys, casino runs, garage sale runs and whatever else comes up. The annual fishing contest resulted in the awards you see in the picture below – and a whole lot of fun!!!

We will be heading to TX Wednesday morning – will be there for a couple weeks.. Coming back to MN for grand kid birthday parties, Thanksgiving and meetings for both Vicky and myself and we will celebrate Christmas with our family on Dec 15 – flying back to TX on Dec 17 for the rest of the winter.

So life continues to be good. maybe we’ll have more to blog about when we head south!

We are still alive–in retirement!!!

2012-05-16T07:21:00.001-05:00

Wow it’s been a while and we are getting grief for not keeping this updated to I guess I better get back in the routine of blogging!

Retirement has been great – not sure how we had time to work while we were working. We’ve gotten quite comfortable with it just one problem though and that is keeping track of the day of the month. Still know what day of the week it is so haven’t lost it all yet.

We had a great winter in TX – did a lot of the regular activities but also got a bit more involved in the community and helping with activities which was fun. We got back to MN at the end of March – both Vicky and I had a couple of meetings for our part time jobs in the first weeks of April, had baptism for grandson Owen, Kelly and Blake’s first. sponsors Auntie Kristin and Jeff.

On April 20th our fifth grandchild Keegan was born. Darin and Bethany had their 3rd boy. .

This will be a busy family.

Our only grand daughter Rya is growing like a weed and likes spending time with “her” grandma! Her mom and dad were very busy with school so she has spend some time with us.

We also celebrated Bob’s mothers 84th birthday so we got to see his sisters and many of the nieces and nephews on that side of the family.

We are now holding up in or 5th wheel getting ready for our anniversary and retirement party on June 2nd, putting together pictures, flowers meal plans and etc. Will be fun to seen everyone. After that we will be on our summer trek – traveling to Polka fests and visiting family and friends – looking forward to be “On the Road Again”.

Back in TX

2011-12-30T07:18:00.001-06:00

Kristin and Kari got us to the airport about 10:30 on Wednesday, we got checked in in record time, got something to eat and had a couple hours to wait for our flight to Atlanta and then McAllen. Minneapolis airport was surprisingly quiet but while waiting we met two couples – one also on their way to McAllen and the other on their way to Costa Rica. We had a lot of laughs in the two hours we waited for our flight. Bob and Qwen have been coming to the valley for 38 years, they are from Duluth and the other couple owns a resort just south of Duluth. So we had something in common with both and the conversations really flowed for a couple hours.

Our layover was only 30 minutes in Atlanta so we were a little concerned about making our connection and were told our luggage probably wouldn’t make the transfer. The luggage part wasn’t a concern since we had most everything we needed at the house but if we missed the connection we knew we’d probably be spending the night in Atlanta. Well, we got into Atlanta about 20 minutes early, rode the tram to the other terminal and found our gate. According to the monitor the flight to McAllen was about ready to board so yeh – we made it.

After about 15 minutes they announced that they were waiting for the pilot and crew. They must have rounded up a crew from somewhere – we heard one flight attendant say she was scheduled to go to DesMoines and now was on her way to McAllen – we did get into McAllen on time! Lloyd and Myron were there to pick us up but we waited for nearly an hour for our luggage. Guess there was a problem with the luggage system - the McAllen airport is not that big and I think most people were ready to walk around the back of the building and pick up their own bags from the tarmack!

Got to the house about 9 – just in time for a late happy hour.

Our first day back in TX was a rather lazy day. Was up early getting a few things organized around the house and stuff put away. Was off to the grocery store shortly after 8 and returned home with a gazillion little white bags. HEB stores use the smallest bags and puts only 3-5 items in a bag. We have several mesh bags so we need to remember to take this with us and leave the plastic bags at the store.

After that we headed over to DonWest market to pick up fresh fruits and veggies. Since only the produce stand is open on Thursdays that didn’t take long and we were home in an hour – just in time for a nap. Guess a week of retirement parties, Christmas celebrations, working our last day at the bank and the anticipation of getting here really wiped us out as we both slept for over an hour.

Went to happy hour, dinner and cards at some friends house at 4 but we were home by 7:30 and I was in bed before 9. Was up at 5:30 but I guess if I get tired, I can just take another nap today – isn’t that what retirement is all about?

Day three of retirement here we come!

Just About There!! Done Working That Is!!

2011-12-26T15:26:00.001-06:00

But first we celebrated Christmas with our kids and grandkids. The crew was here Christmas Eve day – had a great time eating and refreshments and watching the four munchkins above as they opened their gifts and just generally be kids – laughing, running, jumping, screaming – well that was the speed of the oldest three, little Owen pretty much just did what he does best – sleep!

Tomorrow will be our last day at the bank. Will be Vicky’s last working day and I will work thru the month of January remotely from TX. We will be flying back to TX on Wednesday.

So the last few days have been kinda strange – packing up here at the home of friends where we have been staying since we returned to MN in late October and thinking our about when we return next spring and not going to work. We’ll do just fine I’m sure but it will be a big change. Being able to see the grand kids more and help watch them when we can and do some more traveling in the 5er.

We did have a busy week before Christmas – some type of party every night Monday thru Thursday and then had another steriod injection Friday morning for the pinch nerve issue, which by the way is much better finally.

So got decorations all back in storage, house cleaned up, bags packed for the flight Wednesday and one more day of work and we are out of here!!! Texas here we come – warm it up please –

the weather here in MN has been unseasonable warm – no snow for Christmas although the lakes are frozen and the ice fisherman are out – vehicles going out on the ice today and the temps are in the 40’s – !!!!!

Take Care – next update will be from Sunny TX.

Where Do I Start!

2011-12-11T17:45:00.001-06:00

In the four weeks since our last post I should have a lot to blog about – but not really! Just been a long four weeks of dealing with a pinched nerve in my neck – leading from one thing to another.

About the week of thanksgiving I started to notice a pain or knot between my shoulders, didn’t do much about for a week and then went to the chiropractor. Helped some but after a couple days it really started hurting. Went back and got a message – she really worked out the knot and it felt good for a couple days. Then the pain started in my shoulder and arm pit area. So back to the chiropractor again. This time he said he wouldn’t touch me and sent me to my medical doctor. Before I could get in there the pain went down my arm and into my hand so I called physical therapy at the medical clinic and they diagnosed typical pinched nerve between 5 & 6. Got into Med Dr and he prescribed muscle relaxer and nerve pain meds. and lined up an MRI in getting ready for steriod epideral. Two treatments of traction later the pain got worse and ended up in urgent care last Sunday. Got put on a drug that really made me sick. By Friday was finally able to get the epideral, pain has really subsided but an encouraged to get another in two weeks before we head back to TX.

So after being our of work for a week I will try it tomorow – only 9 working days to go!!!

Looking for to spending Christmas Eve day with all the family here – the three older grand kids are full of energy and little Owen just sleeps and eats.

Till Next Time

Grandchild #4–Owen Allan has arrived

2011-11-20T15:11:00.001-06:00

Kelly and Blake’s little bundle arrived Saturday eve and 7:32 – all 7# 9oz. So that makes 4 grand kids – 3 boys and 1 girl – with another one due in April! The family keeps growing!

We Celebrated gr-son Caleb’s b-day in St Cloud yesterday during the snow storm – about 8-10” of the white stuff fell.But that doesn’t stop a four year old from celebrating – they really enjoyed their first day of this season snow. Caleb’s mom (dil)made this really “cool” transformer birthday cake.

Was hoping not to have to put new tires on the old chevy until next spring but our little November snow storm changed my plans – so $400 later we had new tires on the car to drive him with last night. O well it was now or later.

Really bright and cold out today with the new snow and ice is forming on the lake but doubt any of it will last long because temps are forecasted in the 50’ by Thanksgiving Day.

Down to 16 working days at the bank – time is starting to go fast. We’ve had a lot going on and the next four weeks are just as busy as the last four – won’t be long and we’ll be back in TX.

Take Care.

Back at the grind–30 working days till retirement!

2011-11-02T21:35:00.002-05:00

Been back in MN for a week now – finishing my last 30 days at the bank. Flight back to MN was pretty uneventfull – just made for a long day.

Upon our return Vicky had to get things finalized for the resorters fall conference in Grand Rapids (MN) – registrations, meal counts, copies of handouts, etc. Have some friends that live there so spent Friday evening with them then at the resort with conference the rest of the weekend. Bob came home Sunday evening and Vicky rode home with a local resorter on Tuesday. She’s back at the bank finishing up her last days too.

Plan on checking in with the kids and grandkids in St Cloud this weekend along with visiting Bob’s mom at the nursing home.

So not much else going on this week.

Take Care

Mexico Visit

2011-10-22T10:00:00.001-05:00

Got a couple comments on our visit to Mexico yesterday. We always go to the small town of Progresso – don’t do the Reynosa thing anymore! It’s very calm, people are generally very nice – a little hungry this time of the year so they sure do want you to buy their wares! The military has been visible for the last couple of years but no sign of them yesterday. Had a good visit with one of the bartenders in one of the stores – he said there’s been a lot of political changes, changes in the police department, etc., so things remain very quiet in their town. We did the regular things, bought a couple meds, couple gifts, some vodka (better than half the price than in Mission but now state tax at the border is up to $3.25 for a quart), had a very good lunch at the Red Snapper, bought a couple movies which I will take back – poor quality and one will not play – never had the problem before. So all in all felt very safe in Progresso we will return for sure.

Was a warm day with temps in the 90’s so a couple cervasas tasted pretty good!! S’pose to be in the mid 90’s again today. We are meeting some friends in Harlingen for the lunch at the Longhorn so best get going here.

Take Care

Been a nice break!

2011-10-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

We’ve been in TX since last Friday – really has been relaxing! Pulled in about 9pm but the house cooled off pretty quick and we were sound to sleep by 11. Everything was fine and rather dust free in the house but sure is dry. Having been running water on the fruit trees nearly every day.

Just been taking a easy – going out to eat, cards with Lloyd and Gail, pool, etc. Going to Mexico today for lunch and to pick up a few “necessities”! Went to bingo at the Elks with Lloyd and Gail last night – Gail won $18 and I won $38 – so was a good night. Friends Gil and Bev from MN will get into Harlingen today so will go over and have lunch with them sometime over the weekend.

Will be heading back MN next Tuesday for a couple months – need to finish up the working career – will be back here 12/28 for our first New Years Eve in TX and will be here till around the 1st of April.

Take Care

Mile High City!!

2011-10-01T08:38:00.001-05:00

We have been in Denver, CO since Wednesday. Bob is attending a conference of the American Fraternal Alliance, an affiliation to the Fraternal Life Insurance company of which he is on the board. This is our first time in Denver, so far it’s been a lot of meetings and workshops and dining out. Later today we are doing a 4 hour bus tour of the foothills and mountain area to the west of Denver – that will be fun and interesting.

Since our last post – we left Albany early that Sunday morning as it was raining and it’s not a good place to be when it’s wet and muddy. So got hookup and back to New London by 10:30. Spent the rest of the day cleaning up the 5er, Vicky had a lot of catch up to do in logging resort memberships for the coming year. Not sure if we’ve mentioned, but she continues with her side job as Office Manager for the Congress of MN resorts (www.minnesota-resorts.com). This is a group of mom and pop cabin resorts throughout MN. They have approximately 200 members and associate members, they do a spring and fall conference and then the membership drive annually in August. So she has duties throughout the year and especially busy this time of the year with both memberships and fall conference. The good part is she is able to do it most anywhere we are as long as we have internet and our daughter Kari is able to pick up the mail. Oh – and the pay comes in handy too!!

Spent the couple weeks working at the bank. Started arranging some belongings to move from the storage facility to the house we will be staying in during November and December until we head back to TX. Also got stuff ready to load up for the drive to TX on the 13th for 10 days.

So we will be back at the bank Monday counting off our working days – think it will be down to about 35 or so when we head south on th13th. Time is getting short and lot going on in the next couple of months – a 50th wedding anniversary for some friends on the 8th, baby shower for the new baby on 10/9, State park fund raiser on the 10th, Catholic United board meeting on the 13th, leave for TX that afternoon, back to MN on the 25th, new grand child due 11/12, bridal shower for a niece on 11/20, wedding for a good friends son on 11/26, another Catholic United board meeting 12/8 along with Christmas Party the night before. So along with the holiday gatherings in there – I think we will be busy before we fly back to TX 12/28.

That’s it till next time. Take care.

Threshing Days!

2011-09-16T07:35:00.001-05:00

We are spending this weekend at Albany, MN at their Pioneer Days. It’s pretty much as it says – threshing, old machinery, saw mills, music, food, flea market, ladies activities, etc.. Pulled up here Wednesday evening to get a good spot for the four units. The kids brought their trailer up and will be back late Friday afternoon after work. Fred and Shirley brought theirs up and also will be back Friday after work. Bob and Joni got here early Thursday morning. I would guess there are already 400+ campers in and the show really doesn’t start until 10:00 today. Yesterday we drove down to Hutchinson for another visit with our financial guy – looks like we are ready to roll with him – he says we can retire without starving so that’s good.

Bethany is dropping the boys off on her way to work this morning, we will be watching them today. On Fridays she works at the hospital here in Albany. Darin will be coming after work.

Had a hard freeze here Wednesday night – looks like the crops are done growing for this year, will be interesting to see how the yields turn out. We are boondocking so was a little cool in the 5er Thursday morning till we turned the furnace on and got the generator running.

Hope to add some pictures later today.

Whow!!! where has time gone!!

2011-09-05T14:52:00.001-05:00

The summer has nearly passed us by. Working our four days a week and doing the normal activities for the month of August pretty much took care of it.

We did make the big decision to formally retire from our 4-day a week jobs – that will be 12/27. Our original plan was to do it sometime over the summer once the house sold in May but just never got around to name the date. Living in the 5er for the summer has worked our pretty well too. Just knew that before we headed back to TX for the winter we knew we didn’t want to be working from there again. It worked our well for 8 years but just decided it was time to call it quits.We both will keep our little side jobs – still fun to be involved in those organizations and the $$’s are nice too.

For the past week we’ve been on the run – spent a week in St. Cloud visiting kids and grandkids, catching up with some old neighbors and friends and took in a couple of golf events. Finished up the holiday weekend with 10 other couples camping near New Ulm, MN – toured the Schell’s Brewery, enjoyed a refreshment at the famous B & L Bar, visited a winery and enjoyed the chicken at Carl’s Corner in Essig, MN on Sunday night.

Back to work this week for a couple days, heading up to Ottertail Lake area next weekend, followed by Pioneer Days in Albany the following weekend. Will be in Denver for a week at the end of the month. Driving down to TX on 10/13, flying back on the 25th will finish up work, wait for the birth of our fourth grandchild around the middle of November, enjoy a few holiday parties and the holidays with family and then fly back to TX on 12/28 – just in time for our first New Years eve in TX.

Guess that’s more of what we are going to be doing rather than what we’ve been up to but the heat the last couple weeks of July and 1st part of August kept us pretty close to home.

Till later!!

Thought the heat was gone!!

2011-07-22T18:56:00.001-05:00

Boy has it been a hot couple weeks in MN!!! Broke all records in the heat index category – think western MN had a heat index of nearly 125 about a week ago. We did get a break for a couple days middle part of this week but today the heat index is on the rise again. Watch out all you people east of here – we are sending you another round!!

Pretty uneventful week – just work! Last weekend we celebrated Bob’s sister and her husband 40th wedding anniversary. Was a great party. The entire wedding party and the original band that played for their wedding dance – all were there. Got to see a lot of cousins and people we hadn’t seen in years.

We boondocked in the parking lot of the reception center – sure glad we had the generator – it ran for 13 straight hours keeping the 5er cool.

Bob is going to a farm show in Hutchinson with Darin and the boys tomorrow – Vicky will be hanging out with the girls from the park at New London’s Water Days parade followed by bingo and a street dance. Will be fun to see the grandsons again – it’s close to a month since we’ve seen them.

Sunday we have a birthday party for our grand daughter Rya – she will be two. That will be lunch and lounging around with our feed in the pool if it’s warm. Just a couple miles down the road so it’s close.

Not much else going on. Got set up with Google+ with some fellow RVer’s – been interesting. Never did the facebook thing so a whole new concept for me.

Till Later.

Pancakes and Storms

2011-07-15T08:29:00.002-05:00

Lions July 4th Pancake Feed

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After our stormy weekend in Bird Island we returned to our lot in Spicer. Bob helped with the Lions 4th of July pancake feed on the 4th – mixing pancake batter from 7-11 am for nearly 500 people. Spicer is known in the area for having a big July 4th celebration – flea market, beach parties, dance, parade, pancake breakfast, etc.

On the 6th we headed over to Ellsworth, WI for our annual venture. Ellsworth has a big polka fest and city wide garage sale. Vicky loves this town for the sales and so it’s always a mission to find as much as we can for the grandkids and with another on the way it met more intense shopping. We found lotsa good clothes for the kids so was a success again. Of course we meet up with a bunch of MN and TX friends for some good conversation, laughs and of course a few refreshments. And it can’t be Ellsworth without heat and a few storms. The heat moved in on Friday and Saturday – keeping the dancing to a minimum and water intake high. Sunday morning we were awakened by a whaling storm siren at 5:00AM!! Just got a gust of wind and heavy rain so all was well. Got back to Spicer in the early afternoon – got set up again and was looking forward to a quiet Sunday evening until the weather radio went off again at 8 pm. So down to the storm shelter till about 9, again just wind and heavy rain.

Worked 4 days this week. Vicky took Kari to St Cloud for her follow up after her back surgery. She is doing very well – no pain and feeling back in her leg and foot. She will need to be very careful, any further damage and they will fuse her lower back.

This morning the weather radio went off again at 5 – severe thunderstorm. Just got heavy rain again. Today we pull over to Benson, Bob’s sister is celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary party Saturday – should be a could time. Then on Sunday pulling up to Elbow Lake, MN for a winter Texan get together. S’pose to be a HOT weekend with heat index in the low 100’s all weekend – hope all the AC’s are working!!

Got to share these pics of 2 year old grandson Grant – holding his newest cousin and trying to fix his car that has a dead battery.

ALMOST BLEW A WAY!

2011-07-02T11:01:00.002-05:00

Well we escaped another one last night – 80 MPH winds and all 50 RV’s are still on their wheels! Hug storm came thru Bird Island around 4:30 and blew hard for about 40 minutes – lots of trees down in town, a few lawn chairs and mats missing, one fifth wheel rocked so hard the dishes and glassware fell from the cupboards and broke. We had a lap tip over and fall behind a chair and a roof vent that got twisted a bit. But over all we are in good shape.

Power went out but we set up 3 generators – one for the bands and 2 for the bar and kitchen and kept everything going till midnight. Power was back about five this morning.

Ready for another day – blue skies and sunshine!

Time to Catch up!!!!

2011-06-29T20:42:00.002-05:00

Not sure where the last month has gone but we’ve been busy as usual – work, happy hours with the new neighbors, going out to eat with the old neighbors and camper repairs again.

Before the house sold we had made reservations at Sibley State Park to go camping with Bob’s sister Barb and Reid and some other friends from Benson the weekend of the 16th and 17th. We couldn’t get a site for Saturday night so we took Thursday and Friday.

On the way to our site in the park we snagged a low hanging cedar tree and did a job on our antenna – put in back to together somewhat so it would work but knew it would need more extensive repairs. Then while working around the camper Friday I happened to look at the underside and noticed our fresh water tank had come loose on one end and was resting on the axle!! What else could happen – first time we’ve had any issues with our campers and now it’s one thing after another. Called the dealer and since we were living in the 5er and heading to ND on Wednesday we were somewhat frantic about getting it fixed. They said get it there by Monday and they would have it fixed by Monday afternoon. Thanks Dave at Rebel Camper – you always come thru!!

Friday night we got about 3 inches of rain and we knew we would not get back into our rented site without making some big ruts and then pull out Sunday again in the mud to get to Clara City so we called Dave to see if he had an open rv site on the lot. He did so we headed to Clara City Saturday afternoon. Got set up and then went to Kegger’s Bar for a refreshment and sandwich.

Sunday we headed into St Cloud for Father’s Day BarBQ at Darin and Bethany’s. Everyone was there except for Kari, Bryan and Rya – Kari had back surgery the week before and so traveling wasn’t on the agenda yet. Kari and Rya had come out to Sibley on Friday so we got to see them then.

Back to Clara City to sleep Sunday night, work on Monday and then we met Bill and Mavis (friends from TX who were in MN for grand daughters graduation) for supper in Litchfield. They were doing very well and we got caught up on news since we had last seen them in TX in March.

Back to Clara City to sleep again – had got a call from Dave and the camper was finished so we took it to work with us on Tuesday. Well another hard rain on Tuesday so didn’t want to tear up the lot again so we boondocked in our church parking lot. We were heading to ND early Wednesday morning anyway so that made for an easy departure.

Headed out about 6:45 Wednesday morning, met Gary and Marjorie in Elrosa and off to Stump Lake we were. Arrived there about 1:30, drove in hard rain and wind the whole way so was ready to relax. Myron and Jean got up there Tuesday so they were all set and and waiting for us. We made supper together, played a game of Social Security and were all ready for bed early.

Thursday we just relaxed, watch the other campers arrive and get set up. Talked about the high water in Stump and Devils Lake – water is up over 40’ in the last 10 – 15 years and if it rises another 3-4’ most of Stump Lake Campground, ballroom and store will be under water. Sure hope they find a solution to the water issue before that happens. Had a great time catching up with TX friends and dancing – headed home Sunday – or should say back to the lot – arrived about 2:00, no rain so we got backed in and set up. Was another early night to bed. Monday night we got caught up on laundry, Tuesday we went our for pizza with the Nest Lake (old neighbors) group, got back to the camper and joined the new neighbors for a short happy hour. It was close to 8 and they hadn’t had supper yet – so they headed home.

Tonight we are watching Rya so Kari and Bryan could take in a movie. Kari’s is feeling much better after surgery and was ready to get out of the house.

Heading to Bird Island tomorrow after work to meet up with Myron and Jean and Lloyd and Gail for the weekend. Lloyd and Gail just arrived here in MN from TX so will be fun seeing them. Will be doing a lot of dancing I imagine too.

Monday being the 4th, our Lions club always puts on a pancake and sausage feed just before the parade in Spicer so will be frying pancakes for a couple hours. Not much else planned for the rest of the day – probably will need some rest.

Will be heading to Ellsworth, WI on Wednesday evening for the weekend and then that’s about it for our plans for a few weeks. Bob’s sister Linda and Terry are celebrating their 40th on the 16th in Benson so will pull the trailer down there for the night. Might head up to Elbow Lake on the 17th for a TX get together.

So we keep busy but it’s been fun – no lawn to mow, gardens to weed, etc., just rest up get ready for the next rendezvous!!

Till next time – take care.

Life in the RV - Moving on with Life

2011-06-06T20:47:00.001-05:00

Somewhat over a week since we've closed on the house and two weeks living in the 5er and all is well. No big fights, haven't had to use the bathroom at the same time - just feeling good about our decision. Finally relaxing after a month of packing and moving stuff around every extra minute we've had.
Our first weekend was spent with friends in Clarissa - boon docked in the ballroom parking lot from Wednesday to Monday - visiting, dancing and just having a lot of fun. Got back to New London about 10:30 Memorial Day and got the rig parked for the first time in the spot we'll be for most of the summer. Off to the grocery store and laundromat and then had 11 people over for mid afternoon meal of grilled pork loin and the fixins. Vicky's brother was home from Chicago so we had them and Vicky's sister and her family her for the afternoon.
Bob spent Wednesday with Caleb in Sauk Rapids as he was sick and couldn't go to daycare. We spent the rest of the week working at the bank.
Went to Benson Saturday afternoon to check on Bob's mom - she's about the same - was sleeping when we got there, we woke her after a bit - not sure if she knew us or not - and then back to sleep.
Stopped by Bob's sister Linda and Terry for a short visit before we headed back to the trailer.
Saturday was back to Sauk Rapids to watch the boys while D & B went to a wedding. Stayed overnight and took them to church - interesting - very normal 3 & 2 yr old boys full of energy. In the afternoon we went out to Bob and Joni's for cards, refreshments, a meal and lotsa laughs. Our 30 year friendship has been great - so many experiences to look back on and have a good laugh.
So this week is back to work, Bob has a meeting in St Paul on Thursday. We will be cooking hamburgers at the local grocery store for a church fundraiser on Friday and Saturday.
Kari is back surgery Friday so we will be watching Rya Friday and overnight then will take her to the other grandparents Saturday morning. No plans for Sunday but I'm sure something will come up.
So next time - take care.

Our New Life in the RV

2011-05-26T07:23:00.001-05:00

Here we are waking up our fourth morning homeless in the RV! Well I guess not quite homeless - we have closing tomorrow so we still have MN real estate for another 24 hours, we got our house in TX and our little house on wheels! It feels good though but what a whirlwind that last couple weeks. Since Sunday evening we’ve been in the RV parked in our yard getting the last items our of the house. Had the walk thru with the buyers and realtors on Tuesday and that went well. Locked the door and pull out of the yard last night at 4:00 pm for the last time. Didn’t seem top bother either of us - Vicky said it just feels like we are going camping. Guess we are - for the rest of summer and fall until we head south again.

We met Gary and Marjorie in Elrosa to head up to Clarissa for the weekend. Joining up with Myron and Jean, Winnie and Ainy and the rest of the bunch for our first getta way together since last fall. Most will be here except for Lloyd and Gail who decided to stay in TX for the summer but I think they are already lonesome as Lloyd called and talked to both Myron and I last night to see if we made to Clarissa! Have a hunch we will see them later this summer - when TX really turns on the heat and humidity.

So our journey begins - will be interesting to look back a year from now and see how we followed our dreams. We have some rough plans for summer activities and how long work will be part of our lives - for now it’s day to day. Have a hunch we will enjoy it.

On Sunday Darin and Caleb and Kelly and Blake helped us get the last of the stuff out of the house and here’s Caleb with his great grandfathers navy hat on, sitting on the box my laptop came in, looking around - I’m sure wondering what was going on.

One week till closing!!

2011-05-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

Well, we have one week till closing next Friday. What a whirlwind the last couple weeks. Had a big moving/yard/garage sale mothers day weekend - got rid of loads of stuff then brought what was left to Ashley and Kelly's garage sale in Willmar the next weekend and sold another pile. Didn't have much left to take to Goodwill. Finally got our trailer back on Monday - whew!! thought we were going to be sleeping on the street! Guess the dealer had a few words with Lippert, the maker of the slide framing, and finally got the parts needed. So now getting that repacked and ready to go. We did rent a small storage unit - about the size of a single car garage - guess we'll have that about half full when we get everything over there. We kept a couch, recliner, queen bed, two dressers, some end tables along with some misc dishes, pans, etc., of course pictures and those things you just don't know what to do with - thinking we'll probably end up with a small patio home in a year or so here in central MN somewhere. Hope to be basically out of the house by Sunday evening, probably starting sleeping in the RV then and heading out for the weekend Wednesday afternoon. Course we will drive back for closing Friday and then head right back to celebrate with the bunch for the rest of the weekend.

Will continue working for now but will see come later in the year. Since we are working only part time now we do get lotsa time to do our thing. But we are flexible so things can change pretty quick we decide it's time. Since Kelly and Blake are expecting the first baby in mid November we do what to be here for the event but will head out shortly after Christmas - back to Mission, TX and celebrate our first New Years Eve there.

Family all seems to be doing fine now with our decision to sell the house and take up life in the RV. Boy did we get some looks and comments from people we work with and other friends. It was kind of a free-ing feeling getting rid of all that stuff. Most of had spent most of it's life in boxes or closets or just sitting on a shelf somewhere rusting or collecting dust. Gone - someone else's treasures now!

So on with the next chapter in our life - waiting to see what that brings!

Bob & Vicky

Garage Sale is over -Packing what's left begins

2011-05-08T05:08:00.001-05:00

Spent all last week getting ready for our big garage sale on Friday and Saturday - where did all the stuff come from over the years? By the time we had everything pulled out from the basement, shed, boat house and garage it was was a scary pile - how in the world would we ever get rid of it all!
Friday morning we woke up to clear skies and sunshine, the temp got to close to 70 and we had a perfect day for the sale. Our good friends Don and Jess came over to help (they love garage sales anyway!!) and we don't know what we would have done without them because a sale it was! We had a great crowd and sold ton's of stuff - Friday night we wondered after a day like that, how would Saturday go? Saturday went very well too - just didn't sell the furniture that we wished would go but got rid of the shop and garage items and a lot of the small stuff that has spent the majority of it's life in boxes, closets or cupboards. We do have some left but can add it Ashely and Justin's sale next Saturday in Willmar. We've had sales there with them the last two years and things sell very well there too.
Anyway the worst is over.
Have a little over two weeks to get what we are keeping to storage and then we can kick back for a while.
Our weather seems to have come around a bit - Friday was perfect, a light shower Saturday morning early and around 70 for most of the day.
All the kids are coming over today for Mother's Day - they are bring salads and desert, we cooked a turkey that needed ojt get out of the freezer and will make hot turkey sandwiches.

Happy Mothers Day all you moms.

We will be homeless in MN - well kinda!! RV here we come!

2011-04-28T15:27:00.004-05:00

Well it's for real - house is sold with closing 5/27! So we've been busy - finding a place to park for the summer (or until retirement is official), finish sorting thru all the remaining stuff - deciding what's being sold, what else goes to TX and what we put in storage until a final decision about it is made.

This all pretty much happened while we were in LasVegas from the 15th to the 22nd - Bob had work meetings there. Many phone calls, emails and a few faxes later and the deal was done! Had a some fun while working there even won a few dollars to cover what we spent. Kelly and Blake got there the Wednesday before so we had a couple days to party with them before the flew home on the 17th. Will post some pictures later.

We had the whole family home for Easter - celebrated Saturday afternoon and evening so some of the bunch could go to the in-laws on Sunday. Kids helped in digging thru the "stuff" and even got blessed with some of it. Got the boat ready to sell - delivering that to St Cloud tonight. Need to get the skid loader sold and that will take care of the big stuff. Got a couple of garage sales set up for the next couple weekends and also have talked to an auctioneer about putting what's left over on a community auction later on.

This has happened pretty fast and we had a couple of nights of limited sleep as we processed everything but we are starting to feel pretty comfortable about the whole thing. Once the retirement decision is firmed up we will be ready to hit the road.

We will be staying at an RV park just a couple miles from the house for the summer. Not the greatest place but price was right and very convenient - winery just accross the road!!

Till next time.

We could be Homeless!!!

2011-04-13T18:41:00.000-05:00

We got an offer on the house!!!!!!!!!!! A good offer taboot - no conditions, no contingencies, no appraisal - cash deal, no home inspection, closing 5/27!! This could be it! This is scary but I guess this is what we have planned for. So now what and we are leaving tomorrow for Las Vegas till next Thursday - a lot to do in a month - a whole bunch of stuff to get rid of.
Well I guess it'll all work out - need a prayer or two.