Anita's RV Escapades

Cochise Cowboy Poetry Gathering

2012-02-05T18:56:00.004-07:00

This week-end I spent from Friday am to Sunday at 4PM at the Gathering. We had a breakfast reception at the Methodist Church. There were 3 entertainers and 55 people showed up. It was very good. Then to lunch at The Outback. They did very good ribs and chicken, etc. Then the sponsor reception. Then Charity and I went to her house and collected all the stuff we needed at the school. Banner poles and banners, clip boards, etc. We were in charge of the raffel also. She had Olli and his wife Linda in charge of that and they did a great job! We had 1000 tickets printed and had 22 left unsold.

We gave $1750 out in prize money and had the rest for profit.

The show Friday night was, as usual very good. Saturday there was a $5. charge to get in, for the 1st time. Some complaints, but not many. They get to go from venue to venue and have a chance to see all the performers. For $5!!!!

Dennis Gaines was on Saturday night and again he is so funny. If you get a chance to see him, do.

Today there was a breakfast for sponsors, volunteers and performers. Again a bang up job. This is one of the best Gatherings in the country.

I can hardly wait for next year.

Update on Dr Appt.

2012-01-10T08:11:00.002-07:00

Well, I went to the new Dr on Jan 4th. It turns out I was sent to the wrong type of specialist! They sent me to a Urologist and I should have seen a Nephrologist.

When I went in an told her my problem she told me they do not deal with that type of problem and that I should be seeing a Nephrologist. I asked what they dealt with and one of the problems was incontinence, so I decided not to waste the office visit and had her check that out for me. As it turns out I do have a problem and they are treating me for it.

Now I have an appt for the 31st with the newest Dr. Hopefully this is the right one. He was recommended by a friend and she sang his praises.

That week I have already asked for 2 days off, so I have to go in and talk to them about days off. this should be interesting.

More Dr appts and New Year

2011-12-29T07:57:00.004-07:00

Well the kidney infection came back. I went to the Dr and they gave me a rx and sent urine for a culture. They called a few days ago and the culture showed the rx they gave me would not work and they gave me a new one. Maybe now it will be gone. Evidently there is protein in my urine, which I understand is not a good thing.

I do have an appt with a urologist on Wed. It will probably a get to know me and schedule tests appt.

Oh, I did not get the new Christmas lights up. When I paint the body of the shed this spring I will get it set up for the lights for next year.

I was hoping for a better start to the new year. I am hoping to travel some next summer. I miss my children and want to visit them.

Test Results

2011-12-14T08:34:00.002-07:00

Well, the Ultra sound showed an enlarged bile duct. The MRI showed an ulcer on my liver, the Dr said it has been there a long time and is nothing to worry about. The Endoscopy showed an enflamed stomach lining. They did a biospsy and there is nothing to worry about.

It is hard for me to believe that a small inflamation could cause those severe stomach aches. Looks like that is the case though. I haven't had any more and I hope that means this is over.

The first Dr did put me on antibiotics for a kidney infection, perhaps that helped with the inflamation in my stomach. who knows??

It has been COLD here but is supposed to be warming up to the mid 50's. I hope so. Perhaps I can put up the lights I bought for my shed.

Stomach update

2011-12-11T09:09:00.004-07:00

I had an MRI and it showed an ulcer on my liver, but the Dr said not to worry. That it had probably been there for years.

I had and Endoscopy and the only thing it showed was an inflamation of the lining at the bottom of my stomach. They did a biopsy and I shoul hear soon.

I went off the RX the dr gave me and so far no more stomach aches. Who knows why I was getting them. I'm just glad nothing showed up.

It was very cold last week, but now it is warming up and quite pleasent. Yesterday I went to a Christmas brunch that my sister-in-law started last year, and had a good time. We take a white elephant and a legitimate gift. To much fun was had by all. I got the cutest bird that looks great out on my patio. Also a cute canister. Cindy, the woman whose home we were in also gave me a small Christmas tree she had in her yard. She is so kind, funny and generous. Her home is very nice, especially the back yard. Two gazebos, two fire pits, bbq, plants, etc. It was warm, no wind and all in all a very good day.

Today I'm going to a concert at the Arizona Folklore Preserve to see Sweethearts in Carhearts. They are a trio of ladies. One is a cowboy poet and the other 2 are award winning singers. They have great harmony. Should be a good show. Last week the group was a combination of Daughters of the Purple Sage and 2 gentlemen. Great music!!!! I just don't understand why more people do not go the the Preserve.

More stomach ache

2011-11-03T10:06:00.003-07:00

It has been a very painful week. Some days I am ok, but then I will have a bad day. Sunday was a bad day. Spent most of the day in bed. The next day all was good, the next some pain, but now awful. then yesterday, went home from work after 3 hours and had pain all day. I called the Dr and asked for something for pain. the pharmacy just called and my rx is ready.

Lets hope this works and I can actually work. I need the $.

I'm still trying not to build a mountain range, but this is not looking to good. It is difficult staying positive.

Stomach ache

2011-11-01T06:23:00.003-07:00

this is not necessarily an escapade but I've been having severe stomach aches for about a week now. I went to the Dr and had some blood work and an ultr sound. the ultra sound came back abnormal and now I have to go see a gastroenterolgist. that sounds like more tests. Ugh!!

I'll keep you informed.

I called and I have an appt for the 14th. It seems like an eternity to me.

Hummingbirds and patio

2011-09-11T10:20:00.004-07:00

This morning I was working on the iron on the patio, getting it ready to paint. I have a hummingbird feeder there and they were so busy trying to get to it with me in the way. I got my camera and tried to get some pics. Here are the best ones. Not that any of them are that good.

I will try again to see if I can get better ones.

2011-09-11T10:09:00.007-07:00

Yesterday a storm came thru that was spectacular. Lightning, thunder and pea sized hail. Oh! and wind and rain. There were 2 back to back then just a gentle rain. Billie did not like the hail on the roof and ran to a safe place, inside the closet.

It is supposed to rain again today and tomorrow then the monsoons should be over. I'm looking forward to some dry weather.

Storage Unit

2011-08-13T22:39:00.002-07:00

I'm getting ready to go to Santa Fe to empty my storage unit. Getting everything for the hitch so i can use my truck to pull a U-haul trailer, so far $70.00. I still need to find someone to help me load the heavy stuff. I'm not looking forward to this trip. It is Indian Mkt week-end and I will get to see some friends, but it is such a rush. No time to just relax and see folks.

It has been raining a lot and I have stuff growing in my gravel. Next year I will put out some stuff to keep this from happening again! but it is so green now! just beautiful. I love the desert.:)

Apple Annies

2011-07-24T08:13:00.006-07:00

Yesterday I went to Apple Annies in Wilcox, Az with my neice and her family. We were not sure the weather would hold out as it is monsoon season and storms were threatening. But it held off and we had a good time. Pickes peaches, ate hamburger and fresh peach pie. The children are toooo cute. Ezra and Rylie. (see pics)

They dropped me off and I took a nap and then the storm hit, big time. There was lightening and thunder and lots of rain. I went to bed early and read for a while and listened to the rain. Woke up this am to the rain. It is so nice to be safe and warm when there is a storm outside.

I was going to paint some of the trim on the shed, but it is to wet. So, I'm defrosting the fridge and doing laundry. Yeh? :)

Ocular Migraine

2011-07-23T08:53:00.003-07:00

Last week I was seeing a jagged, colored semi-circular light show. It lasted about 40 minutes, no pain. I didn't think anymore about it until yesterday. I happened again at work and I was very scared. I left work and went to the ER and they said I had an ocular migraine. I have an appt with an opthamologist Monday to get the diagnosis confirmed. Evidently it is a change in the blood flow to the area of the brain that is responsible for vision. Yahoo!!! just what I need.

Today I'm going to Apple Annie's in Wilcox with my niece and her family. I'm looking forward to spending time with them. More later on that. I am taking my camera for photos.

Monday I saw an opthamologist and he said I was "to old" to have had an olcular migraine. To Old!!! He thinks I had a small piece of plac from an artery going thru a very small vein in my brain. I like the diagnosis of ocular migraine better. So now on to a new Dr here in Benson. My current Dr is in Santa Fe and that is just to far away. more later.

New Paint Trim for Shed

2011-07-20T11:25:00.003-07:00

I tested a new color for the trim for the shed. I really like it and don't think I will have to re-do the body of the shed. Just clean it up. Yeh!!!

I also bought the paint for the white iron on the little patio on the back. I just need to clean with the wire brushes and then paint. The plan is to do it in sections. That way it is not such a big job.

It has been very hot and humid lately. It was nice for a few days after the dryness and the fires, but now, enough is enough. I painted for about an hour and was dripping wet. Ugh!

Fire/weather

2011-06-28T05:33:00.002-07:00

The Monument Fire is now 81% contained. It took about 50 homes and several businesses. The local communities have been wonderful and have pulled together to help their neighbors that have been evacuated and those that lost their homes. The weather was not a help. Winds up to 75 mph. It looks like the fire in NM has the same problem, wind and terrain.

This has been a year of bad weather, snowstormes, floods, tornadoes, fires. this has probably happened in the past but this is now and it is overwhelming.

It is sooo hot this past week. Over 100 but there is an end in site. Rain over the 4th!! We can only hope. It would be nice to have a comfortable day to do yard work. I have several projects outside, but it is just to hot or to windy. Everyone here says this is very unusual weather.

I went on a job interview Friday at an insurance agency. It is part time but I think I would like it. He is interviewing for the next few weeks so it will be a while before I find out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Walkway

2011-06-09T08:57:00.003-07:00

I got up this morning full of energy and decided to adjust my walkway. After I moved my unit over "just a smidge" my slideout covered the walkway. I only had to move the pavers about 8 inches. It was much more work than I thought it would be. But I got it done and am very happy with the results. I had to put some brick seperators in also as there is a small patch of green rocks and I needed to keep them where they are. It looks very good.

Now for the picnik table! I have the oil cloth and just need to sand and paint the legs and seats. Then I can cover the top with the oil cloth. Next month I am going to start painting the shed its new colors. Hopefully I will like them.

There is a small covered patio on the back of the shed and it has white wraught iron that needs cleaning and painting. It should not be a very tough project, just involved with all the curly ques. (sp)?

It would be nice to have it all done before folks start moving back.

Test Results

2011-06-07T14:53:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was a looong day. I had to take a laxative in the am then at 12pm the drinking started. There is a gallon of mixture I had to drink. Ugh! I tried one of the flavor packets and it was terrible. So, the next glass I just drank it plain. Not to bad, so that was the way I drank the rest of it. After I as 1/2 the way thru I drove to Tucson. Pat and Pattie said they would take me to the Dr. office for the test. So I spent the night with them. Pattie has a class c motorhome and she brought it up and parked it next door to them. It was very nice and the bed was great.

We got up early and they dropped me off and went to have breakfast then come back. All in all it was a good experience. Evidently God blessed me with a long colon and I did a great job with the laxatives. Anyway I have diverticuloses. Just 1, but that is more than enough! A high fiber diet is called for.

We then went to breakfast, again. It was good to eat again. They are planning on buying a mobile home and we drove by to see it. I really like the area and it looks like a good one for them. I hope they get one they like/want.

Diesel in Tucson is cheaper, so I filled up at $3.99 per gal. Wonder how long this will last?

Medical Test

2011-06-05T07:53:00.002-07:00

I'm in the process of getting ready for a colonoscopy tuesday. Ugh!!! Today I had my last meal and now I start a clear liquid diet for the next 2 days. Not really looking forward to this one.

It is hot and still windy. I bought some Marigolds. I was told that the rabbits do not like them. The Javalinas might. But it is worth a try to get some color around here. My petunias are doing great. I have them on a table - out of reach from rabbits and javalina. The oil cloth I ordered for my pic nik table came in and I really like it. Now I need to get the table ready and buy some outdoor cloth for the seats. I think I will use more once I get it done. Next is repainting the storage shed. I finally picked some colors that will be better than what I did first.

I had a good birthday. So many wishes from friends on Facebook. I was pleasantly suprised.

Not much else going on. More later.

Storage in Santa Fe

2011-05-31T17:46:00.002-07:00

I left Benson yesterday after work and drove to Truth or Consequences. I got there about 9:30pm and was very tired. I had booked a room at a small motel and was very pleased when I got there. It was an older one but has been updated and is very clean.

I got up and drove to Santa Fe. I got here about 10 am and visited with Joni before she had to go to work. I called Tenzin and Nwang and picked them up and we went to Canyon Road and went Project Tibet. Very good stuff! Then we went to the Plaza to see Terri Greaves show at Shiprock Gallery. WHAT A SHOW! SHE IS SO TALENTED. 6 FT BEADED PIECES. WOW!!!

Then we went to my storage and loaded my truck down with stuff. I think I will need a trailer to get the rest of it to Az. I have until the 31st of August. Some day I will get the $75. check for the rental of my desk. We shall see. I was told I would have it by the end of the week. I'm giving them until next Wed. then call and call.

Tomorrow I'm having breakfast with Jeri and then home. It will be another long day.

Adjustment

2011-05-29T20:37:00.002-07:00

After the move I kept feeling that I had moved to far back. So, I hooked up again and moved forward about 12 inches. I know - it doesn't sound like much but I like it. Also, there is more room for Billies condo. (when ever I get it done)

I thought I had my finances in line but discovered that I had forgotten my auto/trailer insurance. What a suprise! Thankfully the company is letting me pay it in 2 payments. I can do that. Still have to watch pennys though. Oh well it is for just a while longer.

Wal-Mart has cut everyones hours by about 4 a week. I am looking for another job as this one is to hard on my back and legs. I prefer office work anyway.

Tomorrow I work until 5pm then I'm off to New Mexico. Spending the night in T or C and then on to Santa Fe. Tenzin will be there with Nwang. I am hoping to see as many friends as possible. Also going to storage to bring back as much as I can get in my truck. I took out the hitch, so there is much more room. The tool box is empty also.

I'm hoping I won't have to rent a very large trailer to bring back the rest.

Moved

2011-05-20T05:48:00.002-07:00

Yesterday Dutch, a new friend from the park, came over and helped me move my trailer. I moved it over and back. The electric post is to tall to go under my slide out and I needed to back up a little, so we had to move over about a foot. I want to construct a "cat condo" for Billie. He likes to go outside and this way he can use the back window but still be safe and can't wander off.

I also have more room on the "business" side of the trailer and it will be much easier to take care of things. Now on to the pic nic table. I need to make a decision about the oil cloth for the top. so far I can't find what I wanted and now must go on to plan B. Whatever that is.

I think the Javalena got my flowers and not the bunnies. So, it is silk flowers for them!

Still working and still looking for a better job. It would be nice to work in an office and not on my feet. I don't really mind the work, but I do prefer office work. The other employees are nice and have been friendly. Speaking of work, I need to get ready for the day.

Updates in general

2011-05-06T06:20:00.003-07:00

Flowers: Well the bunnies ate almost all of them. I did rescue them and put them on my pic-nick table. Not what I wanted to do. Yesterday I bought some yellow flowers that supposedly the bunnies do not like. We shall see.

Shed: It looks like the old color is bleeding thru and I need to repaint. Oh Well! I'm changing the color of the trim anyway, might as well re-do it all. That will be sometime this fall as it is already to hot to paint.

Nails: I have had fake nails for about 20 years now and am in the process of changing techniques. There is a new one called shellac polish. With this one they do not damage your nails like they do with the other one. So far I like it, but we shall see. My own nails are like parchment paper and very weak.

Hair: After the awful haircut I got in Ok it is finally getting where I want it. I'm not very good with my hair and need a very simple "do". I like this last haircut and we are getting it to where I wanted it in the first place.

I know these are not related to traveling, but I'm not traveling this year. Just catching my breath and setting up a "home base". Next month I'm getting my stuff from storage. Tenzin will be in Santa Fe in June and I want to go over to see her before she heads to South Africa for a semester.

Flowers

2011-04-14T18:46:00.003-07:00

Today I planted a succulent garden in a medium sized round pot, and petunias in another one. The wind is blowing very hard today. Between that and the "sweet little bunnies" I hope to have petunias tomorrow morning.

I also bought rope lights and a timer to put under my trailer. Evidently there are pack rats here and they do not like the lights and will stay away from my trailer. Hopefully I can get it installed tomorrow. It will be so nice when this wind slows/stops.

Yesterday I met a very nice man, Bill. He lives in Mexico but comes to the states in the summer to travel and take wild life photos. He is very good at it too. We shall see how that goes.

Sunday some friends in Tucson are leaving this month and we are having a BBQ for everyone. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again. Sam and Mac are heading to Oregon and Washington to look for property. I think they are ready to settle down after many, many years of glob trotting.

Work

2011-04-07T18:12:00.002-07:00

Today was my first day at work. I got a job at Walmart as a cashier. There is a lot to learn! Hope I can keep up. I've always been quick, but now I'm older. (uncharted area)

There is a cold front moving in. Supposed to be in the 50's Saturday. What happened to spring? Will we ever have warm days? I bought 4 succulents today to plant in my cactus garden. I think 2 of the barrel cactus did not make it. I'm going to give them a chance to come back before I write them off and replace them. I'm also thinking of a rose bush, just not sure where to plant it as it is so windy here.

I have time to decide, I don't have to make all decisions this spring/summer. Just like the shed, I'm not going to repaint it until fall. I should have made a decision by then. right?

Rose Parade Tombstone, Az

2011-04-03T12:00:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I went to Tombstone to see the Rose Parade. Tombstone is home to the largest rose tree in the world. For some reason I did not get a picture of it this time but have seen it before.

The parade was very good. Longer and better than I thought it would be. There was an elementary school band that was better than some high school bands I've heard. I ran into friends from the RV park and watched the parade with them.

Before going to Tombstone I went to a craft faire in Benson. There were some unique items, but not anything I needed.

Today is pretty low key. Just doing laundry, cleaning, etc. The wind is blowing, again! I think it is nap time.

Spring

2011-03-26T10:07:00.003-07:00

It is finally getting warmer and I can open windows and the door to let in fresh air. However, with the warmer weather comes the wind. It hasn't been to bad but did rock the trailer one day.

I'm in the process of putting away winter clothes and getting my summer stuff out and ready to wear. Today is window washing day too. With the curtains up the windows really do show the dirt.

Billie likes to be out more. I think it is the sound of all the birds singing. He is not much of a hunter, just likes to watch them and dream of the hunt.

The trees behind me do not even have buds on them yet. Maybe I am in to much of a hurry for spring/summer. Mother Nature doesn't consult me on timing. Darn!

Most of the people here are getting ready to go back home. Out visiting and packing. So far everyone I've met is very nice and helpful.

I've put of the windows long enough - time to get busy.

Gourds

2011-03-26T09:58:00.004-07:00

Wednesday I went into Tucson for an interview with Big Brother, Big Sister. Their office is in downtown Tucson and I had to pay $10. to park! The interview went well and now I have to get my driving record from SD. They have a form I need to sign and send.

Then I went to see Sam and work on gourds. This is a first for me and I really enjoyed it. We cleaned 2 of them and then I cut the top off one and cleaned the inside, drew and burned in a dragonfly on the side of the round one. Then put holes around the neck for the leather. I have both ready to put the finish on. Pics to follow.

I need to go to hardware store and get the supplies to finish them. I am amazed at what people do to them! Check it out.

Paint the shed

2011-03-16T18:31:00.005-07:00

Monday I picked up my friends Bob and Ellen and we went to Home Depot to get paint, etc to paint the shed. It was about 11am before we got started and it was HOT. We, and I mean Bob and Ellen, got most of the painting done. I was soooo tired I barely had energy to take a shower.

They came over Tuesday 7:30 am and again we got started and finished about 11:30. They took off to have lunch with friends and I finished up. Finally done! I would still be painting if they had not come over and painted. They are "friends extradinaire". I just met them a few months ago at the last RV park I was in.

I have met such nice folks on this journey and I value every one of them.

Visit with friends

2011-03-11T06:46:00.002-07:00

Yesterday 3 friends from my Tucson winter came over for a visit. It was good to see them. They liked my new spot. Two of them do gourds and showed me some of their new ones. Sam loaned me some tools and gave me a gourd. I have one from my stay in Tucson and have wanted to do something with it. I think I will make it a bird house. First I have to clean it then cut the hole, and drill the holes for the strap. I really like the coloring on it and think I will keep it.

Sam gave me a small gourd and I have an idea for it, but that might just change. I wish they were closer. I figured out that a round trip to Tucson costs me about $23.00! Wow!

Oh! I turned in an application for work at ACE Hardware and the position has already been filled. I think I would like to work there. The employee that took my app said to keep checking in. The search continues.

Slight Adjustment

2011-03-02T09:09:00.003-07:00

When I got here I backed in and parked a little to far to the front of my lot. Yesterday I pulled in the slide outs and hooked up and adjusted my parking. Well it turned out to be a bigger job than I thought it would be. I'm still not where I think I should be. After I put the slideouts back out I see that I could move about 6" more to the right. The electrical post and fawcets are not designed for my slideouts. Oh well! another day.

It was hot and I got overheated and flushed. When I get flushed I have to take a long break to cool down.

The seller is supposed to be here this week to get their stuff out of the shed. I am eager to get started painting and see how much room I have for my stuff in storage.

The weather is beautiful! and the sunrises are as expected, spectacular! I am a lot happier here than in the other RV park. I think I made a good decision to move here.

SNOW!

2011-02-27T07:09:00.004-07:00

Watching TV news and drinking coffee. Looked out a window at my neighbors and saw snow. Jumped up and opened a window and it is snowing! Grabbed my camera and took some pictures and then came back in and took some more from the warmth inside.

So much for sunny Arizona. Bet the snowbirds are upset. At least it isn't 4-5 feet, just inches.

Water Damage

2011-02-23T06:36:00.002-07:00

Yeh! just minimul damage. The frame on one of my favorites, but I can fix it. I lost a poster, but again not much as I only paid $5. for it. Most everything is in plastic tubs and that helped. There were a few cardboard boxes and some things had to be repacked. The men that helped me were great and so polite. They put risers under everything and organized my tubs. The office manager wanted to rent my desk so I rented it to her for $75. a month. cool!

I brought some things back with me for my new place. Lizards and garden stuff. Also my painting supplies as the storage shed and pic nik table need painting. I'm thinking of tan with a deep burgandy trim to match my 5th wheel.

Today I'm moving to my new RV lot and am excited to get there and get settled. Not looking forward to backing in to the spot but I've done it before, so here goes! Wish me luck:)

more later.

Storage - water damage

2011-02-19T07:39:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow I'm on my way to Santa Fe to check out the water damage. Apparently I have damp suitcases and frames on some of my art. I'm worried about the art and some of my wood furniture. My appointment is for 9am Monday. Should take the whole day. They have some one to help me, so I don't have to do it alone. I think I have the option of moving to a dry unit. I think I will take it. I need to see what all I have so I know if I can get it all in my new storage shed on my new RV lot.

I took my sisters and brother to see it and they all thought it would be good for me. I really like the area and I will have some room. I'm to close to my neighbors here and there are not any planned activities. At my new place I can be as busy as I want or not. I'm moving there when I get back from Santa Fe. My neighbors will watch Billie for me and I was just to tired to move.

I'll let you know how much damage when I get back.

Sisters Visit

2011-02-19T07:26:00.003-07:00

My sister, Sheryl and sister in law, Jo were here for a week. We had a great time and I enjoyed their visit. Jo missed her flight here and came in late that afternoon. As I had tickets for us to go to a Cowboy Poetry concert I asked my brother, Eddie, to pick her up. Sheryl and I went to the concert and picked her up the next day at our brothers. Since we were in Tucson we decided to go to the Tucson Desert Museum. The day was beautiful and naturally the museum was great. We stopped for lunch and some shopping. Then came home and got ready to go to another poetry concert.

Sunday we got up early and picked up Terri, our other sister in law, and went to the Gem Show. The girls shopped and shopped. Lots of good bargains. Then to Terri and Ed's for spegetti dinner. As usual Terri did an outstanding job.

Monday was a "down day", we did laundry, hair etc. Also went to the clubhouse and played bingo. Tuesday we met Ed at Kartchner Caverns. The state does an excellent job with the caverns. It is a "living" cavern and the tour is very good. The weather did not disappoint.

That night we invited Ellen and Joan over to play Mexican Train. Lots of laughs.

Wednesday we drove to Maricopa to visit our niece, Tanya and her family. Sheryl and Jo had not seen the children and Ezra is 3! They are the cutest. Lorraine and Larry drove over to see everyone. It is a 4 1/2 hour trip for them. They stayed for a while and then had to leave to get home at a decent time. We had a good time with everyone and it was so good to see everyone together.

Thursday I had to have Sheryl at the airport by 5am and Jo there by 4:30pm. It was a long day with 2 trips to Tucson in one day.

All in all it was a good time. I don't have a lot of company and we did pretty good concidering the lack of space. Looking forward to their next visit.

COLD!!!

2011-02-03T08:04:00.002-07:00

It is COLD! Last night and tonight it is to be in the single digits. Yesterday I did not have any water. I had disconnected the hose but did not drain it and it froze. Naturally it did not warm up enough yesterday to drain it until late in the afternoon. Never did get it cleared enough to have water. I've been filling a pitcher from the outside fawcett and just using that. Looks like the same thing again today. It is supposed to get up to 33 degrees.

I'm going to take a shower at the park shower. Even though I have not been to active (it is to cold to go outside) I do need one.

I was going to take my neighbors, Bob & Ellen, to the gem show in Tucson but it was to cold. I called my friends that have a booth there and they did not even set up yesterday. We are going tomorrow. The cold air should be gone by noon and apparently it is to be in the 50's in Tucson Friday.

Even though it is so cold at least I'm not in the northeast. I love the southwest and the desert.

New Home

2011-01-28T06:30:00.002-07:00

Last week I was driving back from Tucson and stopped to check out a RV park in Benson. It is one of those that you can purchase your lot. The lots are large enough for a park model of 800 sq ft and a storage shed. The park is devided into 3 parts, the RV part, the park model part and permanent home part.

I left thinking about buying a lot. The advantages are: instead of paying space rent I would be investing that money. (I have decided to stay put for 1-2 years) there is a large storage shed, so I can move my stuff from my storage unit. There is a yard area that I can play around with. When I decide to travel the park will help me rent out my lot, if I want.

Monday I went back to the park to look again. One of the lots I was interested in had sold. However, there was another one that came up on the market. I loved it!! It is fully landscaped and backs up to an open ravine. The storage shed has to be painted. I'm thinking tan with darker brown trim. I made an offer and then the hunt for financing. Well!!! I could not find any at all. Money is so tight right now I don't know who can get a loan. The seller decided to carry the paper and gave me a doable offer. I hope all gets done so I can move onto the lot before my sister and sister-in-law come next month.

Tenzin/Santa Fe

2011-01-17T06:39:00.005-07:00

Last week I went to Santa Fe to see my little sister, Tenzin. She was home for winter break from college. It was so good to see her again. Her boyfriend Ngwang came with her to meet her family. I had met him last summer and he is very nice.

It was COLD there, 5 at night and in the low 30's during the day. There was snow still on the ground. It was nice to see friends again. I stayed with Victoria and Glen. They are always so generous to let me stay with them.

I also had lab work done and saw the Dr. All was good. I'm even trying deleting one of my diabetes pills. I hope it will be ok, that will be a big step forward.

I'm back home now and Billie was sooooo glad to see me. He just stayed in my lap for 2 days. I guess all is back to normal as he is still in bed this am. :)

It is warm here, high 60's, yeh!!!

BRRRRRR!!!

2011-01-02T12:55:00.004-07:00

There has been a cold front moving thru and it is COLD. I had to unhook my water hose for 3 nights. I've discovered that there is a heated tape you can buy and then put foam around your hose. I think I will look into it. This is to inconvenient.

There was snow on the mountains yesterday morning, but it was gone by about 11am. It was to cold to even go out to take pictures. I know, I'm a wuss.

To keep busy I cleaned out my closet and cupboards in my bedroom. It is now a lot more convenient. This week I plan on doing the rest of the cupboards. I'm going to Santa Fe next week and am taking some things to storage. Next to clean out is my basement and hobby stuff. That goes to storage my next trip to SF.

My "little sister" Tenzin will be there for winter break. I haven't seen her since last spring. I'm also going to the Dr. getting lab work, etc done. Ugh!

But, I am excited to see old friends. I'm staying with friends Victoria and Glen. They are always so kind to me. I stayed with them when I got my rig. Glen was so informative and helpful.

I'm going to the movies today to see True Grit. I haven't been to a movie in a long time and it is a much needed day out.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T08:29:00.003-07:00

Christmas Eve morning I drove to Tucson to have breakfast with my sister and brother and their spouses. Lorraine and Larry were on their way to Pacen (?) and Eddie and Teri and I met them for breakfast. They gave Ed an exercise block. It was good to get together with them. A good time. Came home and finished my shopping.

Christmas morning my sister called. We talk every Saturday am. It is always good to talk to her. I caught up on the family in OK. Then my daughter called and they are driving back home from Oregon this am. She liked her presents. I got ahold of Michael later in the am and he liked his also. I'm so glad everyone liked their presents. It is always a worry for me as I try to get something the giftee will like.

Then I drove to Tucson for breakfast with my brother Eddie and Teri. My niece, Tanya, and her family, Devin, Ezra and Rylie came over. It was so nice to have Christmas with little children. They are toooooo cute!! Teri made us all a very good breakfast, then we opened presents. Tanya made us wall hangings. Very nice! Teri and Ed got me the book Valley Forge, which I was going to get for myself. Yeh!!!

Today, back to reality and laundry, etc. Thank goodness the weather is good. It is supposed to be in the high 60's today.

Getting ready for Christmas

2010-12-17T10:44:00.002-07:00

I've been knitting like crazy to get Christmas presents finished. In the meantime, I had a broken tooth that needed a crown. I found a very good dentist and he did the crown in 1 visit. Preparation and making the crown and putting it on. The advances in dentistry, amazing!

Today I'm mailing the last of the presents. I did not get the one made for my son-in-law that I wanted. I will start it tomorrow. I have to put the knitting away and get out the beads.

For some reason this has been a hard year to get into the spirit of Christmas. It has finally hit and I'm in a much better place than I was last week. Got my cards mailed, etc.

It is finally a little chilly and more like winter. I'm going to my brother's for Christmas breakfast. His daughter and family will be there. It should be fun with little kids there. They are soooo cute.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T09:14:00.005-07:00

I drove to California to have Thanksgiving with my children. Mapquest said it would take 14 hours, sooo I thought I can do that. Well, it took me about 17 hours. Needless to say I won't do that again.

It as so good to see my children. Carmel and her boyfriend Robt are renting a house across the street from his son and his family. They were gone for the week and Billie and I settled in over there and Abb arrived on Tuesday.

Michael showed up on TG day and we had a very good dinner. It was really nice to be together again. I missed in last year as I was in Florida.

Friday Carmel and I went yarn shopping and did not find any yarn shops that we liked. But, we did find a consignment store. Wow! It had great stuff! I got a top and a jacket. Carmel shopped for work clothes as she just started a new job.

On Saturday we went to some of their friends home for green chili turkey enchiladas. It had been a long time since I had good enchiladas. After dinner Carmel and one of the other guests sang for us. A good time was had by all.

Sunday I went to visit Michael in San Francisco. Abb was still there so we all went to Golden Gate park and went thru one of the musiums then to Michaels and then to dinner.

Billie and I left on Monday and drove to Apple Valley to visit a good friend that I have not seen in about 6 years. She talked me into staying another day and it was so nice to see her again and catch up. She has 2 of the cutest dogs, Mimsie and Harley. Billie and the dogs finally established boundarys. It was quite comical!

We got home and relaxed and Billie has not left my lap since we got home. He travels pretty good, but is always happy to be home. As, I think we all are.

Reunion

2010-11-19T09:42:00.003-07:00

Last week I went to my 50th high school reunion. I picked up a friend, Gail, in Tucson. She flew in from Maryland by way of LA. It was a long trip for her. But we made it and caught up with another classmate, Willa Dean. Friday about 15 of us met for lunch at the local diner and had a good time catching up. Then there was the parade and meeting more classmates. After that we could go to the game or up to one of our classmates home for a get-together. Needless to say we chose the get-together. It was really nice to catch up with everyone.

Saturday Gail and I drove around and visited our old homesites and high school. Our high school was an old Army-Air Force base that was rented for the grand sum of $1. per year. Now it is fenced and falling apart. Very sad. One of the homes I lived in is still around and looks like it has had some work done on it. The other one is gone! But a new home has been built next to it.

Fosters Freeze is closed but still standing. Carls is gone. We used to "cruise" from Fosters to Carls. Just to see if anyone new (?) was in town. What were we thinking it was Blythe! Nobody new ever.

All in all it was good to see everyone again.

Gail came home with me and we then went to Tombstone and Bisbee. It was nice to drive around and see this part of the country. I put her on the plane Wed then drove to Maricopa to see my niece and her family. The kids are sooooo cute!

Now I'm getting ready to drive to California for Thanksgiving. I'm looking so forward to seeing my children. It has been to long.

Trip to Tucson

2010-11-05T08:23:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I drove to Tucson to have my nails and hair done. It was good to see Bev, my nail tech. She winters in Tucson and then goes home to SD for the summer. Then I had my hair cut. The one I got in Oklahoma was not what I wanted. Now that I know what I want my hair is to short. So, Roxy cut it very short but with the basic cut that I want it to grow into. A bob with a wedge. It is REALLY short. But it will grow back, that is the one thing about hair that is good since we (women) change our mind so often.

Then I went to my brother and sister-in-laws house and visited with them. It was good to see them after so long.

Today I think I will wash my unit - when it warms up and if the wind does not start again. There are a lot of bugs on the front and it just needs a general cleaning.

Huachuca City, Az

2010-11-03T06:15:00.004-07:00

Made it to my winter home. The park is small but very well kept and it seems to be very quiet too. They have some activities planned but not enough to interfere with your life. Yesterday I got my truck washed, did some grocery shopping and went to Tombstone. I just wanted to see the country without trees in the way. I love the southwest.

I have to wash my rig in the next few days as I am heading to Blythe, Ca for my 50th class reunion. I'm picking up a high school chum in Tucson and we are driving over. Taking Billie with me as I don't know anyone here to watch him. Then Gail is coming back with me for a few days and leaves for home the 17th.

All else is good.

Deming, NM

2010-10-22T07:05:00.003-07:00

I left Alpine, Tx on Monday and had a very pleasant trip. I drove 60 mph all the way and my gas mileage was much better. I got around 11.7 mpg. Yeh!

The park is big and all gravel with a few trees. But, in Deming that is good as the wind blows a lot and there is a water shortage. After all we are in the desert. At Last!! I can see forever and not a tree or building in the way.

I've visited my sister and brother-in-law this week and will see my cousin in Las Cruces next week. I have another cousin somewhere here but don't have a current address or phone #. Hopefully I can find him.

The weather is good, cooling off a little. Fall is in the air.

Fort Stockton, Texas

2010-10-14T06:35:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I drove to Fort Stockton. It was a beautiful clear morning and the trip was nice. When I got there I went to the smallest Wall Mart I have seen. I needed cat litter and chemical for my tanks.

Fort Stockton is a small town with a Historic District. I drove around the Historic District and then found the Chamber of Commerce building and got some pamphlets and a map of the area. I saw the oldest house and some of the other buildings. There is a driving tour but the signage is lacking.

All in all it was a nice day, but I would not make the trip again. Tomorrow I think I will go see the State Park at Big Bend.

Big Bend River Tour

2010-10-13T04:57:00.003-07:00

I took a raft trip on the Rio Grande Monday. It was an 11 mile trip through the Colorado Canyon. Needless to say it was very wonderful. It has been many years since my last raft trip. This one had 1 #2 rapid. It was not the canyon I had signed up for, but the water level in the other canyon was to low. Evidently that part of the water level is regulated from the Mexican side of the river.

All in all I do reccommend it if you come down this way. There is a lot to see. Today I'm going to Fort Stockton. More tomorrow!

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center

2010-10-10T05:23:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I went for a hike at the Center. It is near Fort Davis and the geography is similar. Very much like NM and AZ. Even though it is an easy 1 hour hike I had overestimated myself. I have not hiked for a long time and it was hot. Needless to say, I did have to rest once, which probably is not that bad. I saw Javalinas and a snake. It was so peaceful and quiet with a gentle breeze, a piece of heaven on earth.

After a short rest I walked the botanical garden part and was very impressed with the way it was layed out. They have a program to band hummingbirds, evidently there are a 16 species in the Davis Mountains.

Fort Davis, Texas

2010-10-07T06:05:00.003-07:00

Yesterday after I had the truck looked at I drove to Fort Davis. It is about 30 miles away and it is a really beautiful drive. It reminded me of NM and AZ. My kind of country.

The park service has done a good job of restoring it. They have an 8 minute movie about the history. They have several buildings that are also furnished. It was a very quiet peaceful walk around the grounds.

Update on Truck

2010-10-07T06:02:00.002-07:00

I took my truck to a mechanic yesterday due to the bad MPG that I got on my trip here. He was a very nice young man and he checked it out. He said that the new air filter that I had put on in OK was not the problem. The computer that checks the mpg works better with that filter. He suggested I put on a regular air filter and see it that helps.

I am going to talk to my male relatives about it and see how it does on the rest of the trip to AZ.

Oh, he did not charge me for the check up. :)

Marathon, Tx

2010-10-06T05:45:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day getting familiar with the area. I went to a few galleries and then the Big Bend Museum. It is located at the university and they do a very good job. It shows the history of the area from before the spaniards got here. Very interesting and presented very well. I really enjoyed it.

Then I decided to drive to Marathon, it is 30 miles away and is a small village. It reminded me of Las Cruces when I was a child. A sleepy little village with cafe's and several art galleries. I enjoyed the drive over too. The area is a lot like southern NM and AZ. I could see for miles!!!

Tomorrow I have an appointment to have my truck looked at. It has not been the same since the last oil change.

Thursday is Big Bend Park day. I'm looking forward to it. I might book a raft trip.

Trip to Alpine Texas

2010-10-05T07:25:00.004-07:00

I left Sweetwater early yesterday morning. The trip was uneventful, for a while. I saw a sign for Stanton, Tx that read: "Home of 3,000 friendly people and several old sore heads". I love this country! Then I drove thru Midland, Tx, home of President and Laura Bush. It is much larger than I thought.

I should have filled by gas tank before I left there as there is not another town for about 200 miles. Needless to say I ran out of fuel 19 miles from my destination. I called OnStar and since I had 1 gallon left they could not help me, I had to be completely out of gas. I stopped at a spot that looked safe to me. I was on a 2 lane highway and found a spot that had 4 lanes and I pulled over as far as I could. I then got ahold of a towing company and "they don't deliver fuel". By that time I was totally frustrated. I called the RV Park and they called the Highway Patrol and a very nice patrolman brought me 5 gallons of fuel. This took about 1 1/2 hours. I then limped into town and put $45 in so I could get to the park. It was a very hot frustrating afternnon.

Normally I get 300 miles to a tank when I have the trailer attached. This time I got 257. I went from 10-11 mpg to 8.3!!!! I have an appt tomorrow to have it checked out. This is NOT ok.

Even in the state I was in the area is beautiful. You come over a hill and there is a beautiful green valley. The rv park is very nice, the spaces are level and large enough to park your truck without sticking out in the driveway.

Today I'm going into town and checking it out. I just don't feel like driving for a long time today.

Abilene Tx

2010-10-01T05:25:00.007-07:00

Wed. I went to Abilene to visit a girl I went to high school with. It was really good to see her and catch up. We met her husband for lunch at a Bells Chicken Rest. They serve family style and with your choice of meat you get corn, green beens, gravy and rolls. Plus it was all very good.

Then we went to Frontier Texas. It is a history of western Texas and they do a great job. I really enjoyed it. It gave a history of the Indians and how they were eliminated from the area. I was impressed that they did not sugar coat it. There were video images talking about their part in history. There are 2 rooms in the round that are very well done. I highly reccommend you see it, if you are in the area.

Sweetwater Tx

2010-10-01T05:16:00.003-07:00

I left Oklahoma early Monday morning. I stopped and had my trailer and truck washed before I hit the road. I felt sad and glad at the same time. Sad to be leaving family but glad to be on the road again. I got here about 3pm. The manager and his wife came over to help me and show me where everything is. Some Elks Lodges have RV facilities and this is one of them.

Wed. they have hamburger night, for $5 you get hamburger w/fixings, fries, beens and a drink. Plus it was good.

Not sure where I will be next. I'm on my way to the Big Bend National Park in South Texas. I'm hoping the weather will be good (cooler) while there.

Eye,etc

2010-09-15T15:20:00.002-07:00

I had cataract surgery on my right eye several weeks ago and today I went to the Dr and now I have an infection. So, I'm here for at least 1 more week. I am so ready to be on the road again.

This is very dissapointing news.

Tomorrow I'm going to Carnegie to visit one of my ex-sister-in-laws. She is very nice and I enjoy her company. Friday my sister-in-law and niece are coming up from Texas for a visit. We might take them to the fair.

I've been knitting and have a scarf started that incorporates beads in the pattern. It is not one that I can just sit and knit and watch tv or visit. I have to really concentrate on the pattern. This might be the only one I do. I think socks are next. I enjoy knitting them.

My sisters is doing very good with her new dog. He is a pleasure to be around and so funny. Such a clown!

Rain,etc

2010-09-12T08:42:00.002-07:00

It is raining right now. I checked the weather on tv this am and they said NO rain for Ok city. Guess they did not look out the window. It is pouring. We are going to visit a friend, Crystal, in Tulsa. I hope we don't get rained on the whole way.

I've just been getting some loose ends taken care of. New glasses, new sewer hoses, truck serviced, etc. I'm planning a trip to southern Texas but I just checked the temp down there for the next month and it is still HOT. Not sure how long I will stay down there.

My niece and family are moving to Tucson soon. I thought I would find a park closer to them, but it looks like I might stay in Tucson longer than a few months. We will see.

My sister-in-law and niece are coming up next week end. That will be nice. We haven't seen them since the funeral. She seems to be getting along ok. She has a strong support group where she lives. She is quite active in her community and there are other widows in the group.

Branson

2010-09-03T08:17:00.002-07:00

My sister and I went to Branson, Mo for a few days. We decided we needed a few fun days. It was a nice drive over and the hotel was nice. However, we discovered that they do not provide coffee pots in the rooms. :( Branson is a lot smaller than I thought it would be. Just 6200 population. But a lot to see.

We went to a time share presentation, for $100. Needles to say we did not buy. Then shopping and the Showboat. The show was good but the food was VERY good. Then home to bed. The next day we shopped and then went to see the Sons of the Pioneers. They were fabulous and the food was ok. They brought Sheryl up on stage for a bit. Naturally, I had left my camera back at the hotel. We did not take one picture.

Yesterday we left at 8am and took a back road to the 44. It was a very pretty but slow road. Got back home about 3pm and it was good to be home. Billie was on my lap as much as possible. Last night there was a storm that passed thru and I was worried, but my trailer did not even rock. Just wind and rain.

Today I'm tired and just unpacking and doing laundry.

More of the Same

2010-08-25T06:33:00.002-07:00

This has been a week of more of the same. I am just doing the normal living things. I have started a new knitting project. A pair of wrist warmers for my sister and I am learning to knit in the round. Not as complicated as it looked when I started. I also finished a scarf for a Christmas present.

We did drive to Anadarko to visit a museum and the bakery that delivered 5 tray of goodies to my sisters home the day of the funeral. It was a long drive for them and we wanted to let them know we appreciated it. Besides the goodies were delicicious.

We are going to go to Branson Monday for a few days. That sounds like fun and we do need some.

Oh! I bought a new system for my sewer. The hose is supposed to be a lot stronger, now to put it on. This should be intersting.

Cataract Surgery

2010-08-16T16:34:00.003-07:00

Had the surgery today. All went well. I can now see distance out of my right eye. Hopefully I will be able to read again. I have several books waiting. Also a beading project. It took all of 45 minutes after they got me signed in and the pre-op stuff taken care of. I remember seeing lots of colors.

My sister took good care of me and fed me a very good dinner. She is so sweet and a really good sister. I lucked out on that one.

Tomorrow I go for a check up.

Thanks to all who wished me well.

Funeral

2010-08-14T07:52:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was Dan's funeral. We drove down on Thursday and went to the viewing and then to dinner with the family. It was a very emotional and sad time. Especially for my sister, Sheryl. She lost her husband July 1st and this was a double whammy for her.

We drove home yesterday and it was a long drive. I'm exhausted. Today I'm just doing laundry and other household chores. We might go to a movie today, if we can find a comedy. I'm not up for a heavy drama.

Monday I have cataract surgery on my right eye. Whew!!! I'll keep you all posted on the results.

Beloved Brother, Dan

2010-08-09T04:17:00.006-07:00

My sister and I drove down to Texas to see our brother, Dan. He has bile duct cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. While we were there he was put on 24 hour nursing care by Hospice. It was a very sad week end. I think he only has days left as he is no longer aware of his surroundings.

For those of you that don't know, our Mother had given him up for adoption and he found us about 17 years ago. Not long enough to have him in our lives. He fit in our family like he had always been in it. Similar sense of humor, etc. He even looked a lot like our father.

I got a call Monday morning that Dan passed away. He will be missed.

Air Conditioner

2010-08-05T06:06:00.003-07:00

It has been over a week that my air conditioner has been on the fritz. Ice was forming on the inside coils. If I turned it off and let the ice melt and turned it back on it would work for a while. The repairman put in a new thermister and that did not help and it was forming ice on both sides of the coils. He came back and tested the box and said I needed a new air conditioner.

He was supposed to call the Warrenty Co Tuesday. I called yesterday and found that he had not called them and he is not returning any of my calls. I went to the office and discovered that he is not answering their calls either. I found another repairman and am waiting for a call for them to come check it out and pehaps finally fix it.

In the meantime I'm at my sisters house with my cat. Needless to say he does not like the dog. She just got a 10 month old german shepard and he is very enthusiastice about the cat. I can't wait to get back home. Neither can Billie.

This week end we are going to visit our brother in Texas. Our other brother from Az is flying in. It will be nice for all of us to be together, I just wish it were under better circumstances.

Cataract

2010-07-28T13:37:00.003-07:00

Well, it is official. I do have a cataract on my right eye. Surgery is scheduled for the 16th of August. According to the video it will not be as traumatic as I thought. But, I still do not like it.

My air conditioner has been on the fritz. It works for a few hours then freezes. The repairman has tried several solutions and he finally put in a new part. It was 89 in here when I left and went back to my sisters house. I came back about 3:30 pm and it is now 84. That is progress!!!! Especially in this heat and humidity. No ice either.

Kizer, the dog has been a problem when we let him out of the crate. This a.m. I went back and let him out after only 1 hour and he went nuts. Nipping at my ankles and jumping up on me. I just put him back in the crate and took my shower, etc. I then went and got my truck washed and came back home to wait for the repairman. I decided that if I was calmer and gave him a treat he might do better. When I went back I made him sit and stay in the crate and then gave him a treat and let him out. I also was sitting in a chair and he was a lot calmer. He just went around and around the chair. I gave him pats and told him what a good dog he is. That worked a lot better. One of my sisters friends told her to just turn around and not talk to him and to keep turning until he quit. That sounds good too. I think whatever we were doing was escalating his behavior.

My poor cat is upset about being locked in the guest room. I let him out when Kizer is in the crate, but he just cries when he hears my voice. We just need to be in our home and back to our routine.

Update - Sister/Brother

2010-07-25T07:51:00.003-07:00

Still in Oklahoma and will be for a while. My sister is doing good. We started cleaning the garage yesterday. We worked on it for 2 hours and got some shelves cleaned. Took many cans of paint to the hazerdous dump. They have a very slick operation there. We didn't even have to get out of the car. There is much more to clean. Jay was a pack rat extrodinaire.

My brother, Eddie, from Tucson is flying in to see Dan. Sheryl and I will drive down to see him. This is not a trip we are looking forward to. There will be 4 weeks difference in Dan. This is very hard to deal with.

I have an appt with an Opthamologist tomorrow regarding the cataract on my right eye. Hopefully this will not be to much of an ordeal. I'll let all know asap.

I hope my next post will have better news.

Texas - Brother, Dan

2010-07-18T07:17:00.004-07:00

Earlier this week my sister and I drove to Granbury, Tx to visit our brother, Dan. He has bile duct cancer and has been on chemo. It was a good trip down there, but when we got there we realized how far along he is. We got there Tuesday afternoon, after he had a CAT scan and left Thursday am. Stopped at several antique stores and a produce stand. Bought one of the best watermelons I've had.

On Friday he went to the Dr for the results of the CAT scan. The chemo had no effect on the cancer and they took him off chemo and told them to call Hospice. This is not news the that we wanted to hear. I think this has prolonged my stay in Oklahoma as the prognosis is not good. He has not been with us long enough as we only found him about 16 years ago. Our Mother had given him up for adoption and he found us. It has been amazing having an older brother. It was like he had been a part of our family from the beginning. His sence of humor is the same, etc. and his wife, Jo is like a sister. She is so sweet.

Jay's Funeral

2010-07-09T06:03:00.002-07:00

Jay's funeral was yesterday. It was a very nice funeral and there were a lot of people there. He had a lot of friends. He retired from the Army after serving one tour in Korea and two terms in Viet Nam. They had a military funeral the it was very touching. They actually played TAPS live and not a recording. There was an 80% chance of rain yesterday, but we did not get any. It was cloudy and cool.

My sister is doing as good as can be expected. She still has company, but they leave tomorrow. We plan on going down to Texas to visit our brother, Dan, for a few days Monday.

I'm going to a lab this morning to get things set for some lab work and then I need my eyes checked. My right lens is blurry - lens or eye? I think it is my eye. It is nice to be in one place for a while to get this sort of stuff done. I don't like the circumstances but it is nice.

Billie doesn't like it as I have been gone all day since we got here. He is scolding me then ignores me for a while. Cats!!!

Oklahoma

2010-07-06T05:12:00.003-07:00

I left Memphis about 8:30 am and drove to Ft Smith Arkansas. I got there at noon and thought what am I going to do here so I called OnStar and they said it was only 3 more hours to Yukon. So, I just drove on thru. I thought I would be more tired than I was. I am glad to get up this morning and not have to hit the road again. It was a good decision.

This is the first time I've stayed at this park and it is nice and so far quiet. I plan on staying in this area for about 2 months as my brother-in-law passed away and I think my sister will need me. Especially after everyone goes home and all the activity is over. They were married 42 years. Today I have orders to be at her house by 9am so we can talk to the pastor and go to the funeral home.

A lot of family is coming in for the funeral and it will be good to see them, just not under these circumstances. Jay was loved and will be missed by many.

Kildeer

2010-07-04T06:05:00.004-07:00

When I pulled in the other day there was a bird that kept chirping at me and acting wierd. I got set up and then checked my bird book and discovered that it was a kildeer. Evidently they fake a broken wing to distract you from the nest.

I went outside and looked for a nest and did not find one and was very confused as to its actions. Gene, my nephew, came over and I was telling him about it and we went out and he found the egg. It was just laying there among the rocks in the space next door.

So now when I go out I make sure not to upset the mother bird. She just sits on the egg even in the heat of the day. There are not trees around the park so I was suprised to see a nesting bird.

Memphis, Tn

2010-07-03T06:57:00.002-07:00

I got an early start for my trip to Memphis. Got here about 1pm. It was a pretty good trip. It did not take long to set up as the spot is pretty level. I'm at the Agriculture Center, suprisingly they have an RV park. Not many amenities but it will do for 3 days. There is a Farmers Market here and I went over there this am. Bought a Christmas present for a friend.

Last night I went to my nephews home and had dinner with him and their 2 boys. His wife had to work so I'm seeing her today. I had not seen her or the boys for 13 years. Way to long. Today we are going into town and do some sight seeing. Should be interesting.

Not sure what is happening for tomorrow, probably just hanging out.

Then on to Oklahoma. My brother-in-law passed away and I'm going to stay with my sister for a few months. Hopefully I will have something good to write about.

Corvette Museum

2010-07-02T12:24:00.003-07:00

I took the day off traveling and spent the day cleaning and replenishing. I went to WalMart and shopped for food. Yeh! Then I decided to get my truck washed. What a problem. Seems the hitch in the bed is a problem for the car washes in this part of the country. I talked them into doing it with no problem. It looks a lot better. Now to get my trailer washed.

Then I went to the Corvette Museum. A car I have loved since high school. They had a 1959, my favorite!!!. It was nice to have a day off traveling. I feel a lot better.

I'm on my way to Memphis to visit my nephew and his family.

Kentucky

2010-07-01T06:13:00.003-07:00

I left Va on Monday and spent that night in a small rv park in Grayson, KY. It was a long day of driving, yes, once again in a tunnel of trees. I know there was more of West Virginia that I did not get to see. The park was nice. I could get 4 tv stations, thank goodness one was cbs. NCI yeh!!

Pulled out about 8:30 am and drove to Bowling Green, KY. Kentucky does not have as many trees and the drive though long was a lot more enjoyable. Lots of road construction, but not bad.

Another long day. Pulled into the KOA in Bowling Green and was given a site. Not a very wide spot and it took me 30 minutes and 3 drive thru's to get to a point I thought I could get my trailer level. Needless to say I was very frustrated by it all. I finally got set up and cooled down.

Today I need to get my truck washed, go to Walmart, laundry, etc. Also the Corvette Museum. I want to just visit with my nephew and his family as I will only be there 3 days. I'm cutting my stay one day short as I think I will have a better chance of getting thru Nashville on the 5th as it is a holiday. Hope to miss the early morning work traffic. Also my brother-in-law is not doing good and I need to get to Ok as soon as possible.

Tenzin

2010-06-30T15:46:00.004-07:00

I woke up and decided to stay home and clean. I finally got ahold of Tenzin and she has the day off. So, I got ready and drove 4 hours to see her. I'm glad I did. We decided to have lunch with her boyfriend. Her boyfriends father joined us, so the 4 of us had lunch and visited. His parents are very nice and Tenzin is lucky to be able to stay with them this summer. She is to check her work schedule and we will spend one of them together.

Tenzin called and she has Sunday and Monday off. We decided on Sunday as I'm leaving Tuesday and have to drive. I got up early and left home at 6am got there about 10am. We visited with her boyfriends mother and then decided to go to the mall. Once there we went to a movie, saw Karate Kid. Better than I thought it would be. Left there before 5pm as I did not want to drive those mountain curves at night.

Wild Wood Campground

2010-06-28T02:57:00.002-07:00

It was a relative short drive to this park. On Star let me down on this one. Said I had arrived at my destination and there was nothing there. I pulled off the road and called the camp and no one answered, so I call OnStar and had them find the park and give me better directions. I was only about 3 miles away but they were curvy mountain miles. I arrived and got set up. Thank goodness they had a pull thru. I was in no mood to have to back in.

This is a nice park, lots of trees, playground, pool and mini golf. There isn't a lot to see around here, but I only came so I could see Tenzin.

Escapade

2010-06-21T04:17:00.003-07:00

Well Friday was interesting. I was driving down to see Cades Cove which is 2-3 hours away. I was getting low on fuel and decided I best fill up. I saw a sign that said diesel and pulled in. There was a big truck getting fuel and when he pulled out I pulled in. Saw the green handle and started filling my tank. Realized I was not putting in diesel but regular GAS!!! I stopped immediately and went in to the station and told the owner what I had done and one of the customers called a tow truck associated with a garage. They came and got me and took me to their place, just a few blocks away. Thank goodness I did not start the engine and just let my truck sit in the way. No gas got to the engine.

They called a car rental place for me and I finished my sight seeing in a Kia mini van. It was a sweet ride, very impressive handling, etc. got back about 4pm and they had drained and cleaned by tank, filled my tank with diesel for me. It was a very expensive lesson. PAY ATTENTION!!

A green handle does not mean the same in all parts of the country.

I've spent the last few days feeling very embarressed and depressed about it. Still haven't told anyone about it. Just decided to post it on my blog. But today I have to go shopping and fax the tow bill to the insurance company to get reimbursed - probably in about 6 months.

Tomorrow I leave for Va and hopefully a visit with Tenzin, my little sister. She is there for the rest of the summer. I probably won't get to see her again for a while.

Roan Mtn State Park/ Rhododendron Garden

2010-06-17T11:29:00.004-07:00

Today I had planned on going to Gatlinburg but realized it was a 2 hour drive and I was already behind schedule. So I drove to the Roan Mtn State Park and then the Rhododendron Garden. The garden is just off the Apalachian Trail and well worth the drive. I was not sure what they looked like, so it was all a very pleasant surpise. Naturally, I did not do any research and was not prepared for the cold weather. It was 59, windy and foggy. But even the weather could not deter me from walking the garden. It is just awsome. My pictures do not do it justice but here are a few.

On the way back I stopped at a little cafe and had lunch. Had the best lunch in a long time. Hat off to the chef!!!

Tomorrow I'm going to drive to Cades Cove near Gatlinburg. Everyone says that Gatlinburg is just a tourist town with to much traffic.

Bluff City, Tn

2010-06-15T14:21:00.004-07:00

I got up early this morning and started getting ready to leave. Even though I started early I was dripping wet by the time I left at 8 am. I got here about 3:30 pm but there is an hour difference in time, so it did take me 6 1/2 hours travel time. I stopped twice, once for a rest stop and then for fuel.

The park is very nice and the spaces are wide. I had to have help backing in as they keep the pull thrus for the overnighters. Tomorrow is a planning and local day. I'm all driven out!!! pooped, actually.

Billie is too, he slept all the way here and is still asleep. The only time he woke up whas while I was setting up and he let me know he was one unhappy cat. oh well!!!

Staying home

2010-06-13T11:36:00.002-07:00

Today I'm staying in and keeping cool. Yesterday I met Carolyn and we went into Birmingham to a farmers market. It was very good. Lots of different tomatoes. Most I had never heard of. Then we went to their house and dropped off our purchases and then went to Annitson to a museum and yarn shop. I bought some really knit yarn for a scarf and some ribbon to see what I can knit.

We went to the Natural History Museum and it was very good. We stopped at an antique store, but they did not have any that I could not live without. Carolyn fixed dinner and we had a very nice visit. I'm so glad I caught up with them. They are friends of Dan and Rebecca that I met several years ago.

Tomorrow I plan on getting all ready to leave Tues for Bluff City, Tn. It is in the smokey mountains and I am really looking forward to seeing all that I can while there.

Tannehill Ironworks State Park

2010-06-11T04:49:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I went to see the Tannehill Ironworks State Park. I reccommend it to everyone. It was very interesting. The museum is wonderful. There are a lot of machines, etc from the ironworks that I don't understand how they worked but just the fact that they did is amazing to me. The forge was gigantic. I can't even imagine working it.

I hiked over to the ironworks and that also was very interesting. On the way there they have restored cabins from that era. It is a state park with camping and rv sites so they had a playground tucked up in the trees and there was a creek. All in all a good place to take the family.

I had lunch at the local bbq spot. Good but messy!

On the way back I was not paying attention and passed the I-20 exit. I took the next one thinking I would get off and then backtrack. But no that did not work. The next exit was miles away and took me north and east of where I wanted to be. I did get off and decided to see if I could find my way back to I-20. I did pretty good but panicked and called On Star to find out that I was only about a mile away from it. I think I did pretty good though as I was on country roads that did not look like there was a destination. I love OnStar!!!

Lakeside Landing RV & Marina, Cropwell, Al

2010-06-09T04:28:00.005-07:00

I made it! I got here about 3:30 pm and got set up. It was so hot and humid I was dripping wet and overheated by the time I got everything done. I am on a lakeside spot and have a great veiw of the lake. There are dozens of ducks and I think some swans. Billie and I went for a walk this am and there was a heron on the dock. It is so peaceful and beautiful here. I think I will like it.

I checked out things to do and there are caverns and hiking trails. Also antique stores. Yeh!

Coca Cola and Old Court House Museums

2010-06-08T03:57:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I did museums. The Coca Cola Museum was small but interesting. Evidently a local store owner decided that if Coca Cola sold so good in town he needed to get it to the outlaying areas. He bottled it and started selling it that way.

The Old Courthouse Museum was very interesting. One of the best museums so far. There was a lot of Civil War memorbelia. A must see if in the area.

I'm leaving today and going to Alabama. Not sure how long I will stay, I usually stay for a week but I do want to see Tenzin this trip and she will be in Virginia in a town close to DC.

Longwood in Natchez MS

2010-06-07T05:07:00.005-07:00

Saturday I drove to Natchez and found it to be a very quaint town. I stopped at a Trading Post and was given ideas of what to visit and where to eat. One of the places I was told to visit was the Longwood home. It is the largest octagonal house in America. Construction was started in 1860 before the Civil War. Unfortunately it started before the home could be completed. It was to be 6 stories but only 1 was completed and the family lived there and never finished it.

I then went to the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. It had 2 mounds and 1 replica of their homes. The grounds were beautiful and I enjoyed the walk around the grounds. There were tons of birds and I thought I would get my binoculars and sit and watch them for a while. Well I got them and naturally they were quiet and not flying around when I got back to the bench.

I wake up to birds singing and I love it. There are tons of song birds in the area.

Vicksburg National Military Park

2010-06-05T07:27:00.003-07:00

I got up and thought I would go to the Vicksburg Battlefield Museum. Well the csr at OnStar did not listen to the whole address and sent me to the wrong one. In my effort to find it I came to the National Military Park and decided to go there. It was a very good decision. The park is beautiful and there is a large number of statues to commemorate the Civil War battles. One of the most surprising was USS Cairo one of a fleet of iron clad ships. It was the first ship to be sunk by a remote detonator. Very impressive.

I did find the Battlefield Museum and went there too. It was ok, but not as good as the park. I went back home and took a nap.

Trip to Vicksburg, Ms

2010-06-01T12:26:00.004-07:00

I left early this morning, about 8:30am. Nothing unusual, just rolling along and then wham! Up ahead of me an accident between a car and a motorcycle. I put on my brakes and managed to pull off to the side. I went up to see if I could help but there were already folks there to help. I helped the man over to the side of the road and checked him out for any dangerous injuries. He was dizzy and had some scrapes on his hands. His wife was on the ground and was breathing, they finally got her to talk. I pulled my rig up to protect her and make sure no one drove up to the accident. Everyone was so helpful and patient. No horns honking etc. The EMS got there right away and got her on a back board and in the ambulance. Her husband went with her and his friends took his motorcycle. I lost about 30 minutes in all. Which was not bad for that type of accident.

I arrived at the RV park around 1pm. it is nice and there is a sewer connection. I can take a shower and shave my legs. I had to take very quick ones in Slidell as they did not have sewer hook ups, but did have a dump station on the grounds. The water was so soft I thought I would never get the shampoo out of my hair.

It is good to finally be someplace again for a while. There is a lot to see, so I best get my schedule done. Right.

Geese

2010-05-31T06:27:00.002-07:00

Yesterday Billie and took our morning walk and there were Canadian Geese on the pond. A family of 9. Five adults and 4 little ones. They are not nervous about us watching them, the manager said they are used to people and visit the pond on a regular basis.

I took the day off yesterday, didn't feel very good. Today it is raining and I think I will just spend the day getting ready to leave tomorrow. I'm on my way to Vicksburg, Ms for a week. Then across Alabama and wind my way north to W. Va. My little sister, Tenzin, will be there for the summer and I want to visit with her as it will probably be a long time before I see her again. She is going to college in Ct.

This oil spill is devastating. So sad.

Misc.

2010-05-27T17:49:00.002-07:00

Today I started to go to Baton Rouge but ended up in a small town that had an antique district. I spent the day shopping and had lunch then a slow drive back. It was very nice to actually see some of the country and not just trees.

Yesterday I spent in the trailer with the air conditioning on. The heat and humidity of Tuesday just did me in. I can't take to much of it. I long for the southwest - to see a cactus. I know that sounds strange, but this part of the country is not for me. It is beautiful and the people have been so nice, but it is not home.

Sheryl made her salsa while I was there and it made me homesick for some good Mexican food. The operative word is good.

Tomorrow is laundry day. I found a laundry mat not to far from here. I've been putting it off as I hate them but there is not a sewer hook up here.

New Orleans

2010-05-27T05:49:00.005-07:00

I went to New Orleans Tuesday. I was scheduled to take a tour at 2pm but I got there early to walk around the French Quarter. I found a parking lot that had room for my truck and decided a little extra walk would not hurt me. I enjoyed a slow walk and took in the atmosphere of the area. It is so different than what I'm used to. I really liked it. The shops are interesting and lots of bars and restaurants.

I took one of many horse drawn tours and the tour guide was very interesting and full of history. I recommend this tour very much, I saw a lot of the Quarter and did not have to walk in this humidity.

Had coffee and a french donut at Cafe Monde. It was ok. The coffee was good but the donut is a smaller version of Indian Fry Bread served with powdered sugar. I walked around for a while and decided I needed a cool spot for lunch. The humidity in this part of the country is getting the better of me. I found an art store that was a cooperative and had some very good artists. One gave me the name of a yarn store. I'm not sure I'm going there, as I have enough yarn for 3 projects already.

The bus tour was ok. Again, not as good as the one I took in St. Louis, Mo. But I did see a lot of the city out side of the French Quarter. Then some red beans and rice for dinner and home. While walking back to my truck I noticed that the city was waking up. Musicians on the street and the lights were coming on. If I were with someone I would have stayed a little longer, but as I was by myself I left.

If the weather was better New Orleans would be a place I could live.

2010-05-25T04:17:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I stayed around home. Needed to wash hair etc. About noon I decided to go find fuel as I'm headed into New Orleans today. I stopped at a mall and did some window shopping. While there a storm blew threw. Loud thunder and the lights went out in the mall.just for a few seconds. The wind blew and it really rained hard. When I got back the tire covers were almost off, the cat cage overturned and my new welcome sign was laying on the ground. It is supposed to be here again today.

I'm leaving early to go into New Orleans and walk around the french quarter. My tour is at 2pm but since parking is at a premium I'm getting there early.

Slidell La Elks Lodge

2010-05-23T04:44:00.003-07:00

I'm finally on my 2010 journey. The Elks Lodge has very nice facilities. I'm backed up to a small pond. Billie has a lot to watch from the back window. There are Live Oak trees and a large grassy area. Pool and showers, elect and water. All for $11. per day. The manager parked my trailer for me and he just backed it in like it was nothing. I think I best start doing in myself so I can do that. Yeah right!

Today I'm going to drive to the Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. The road goes to the wetlands. I don't know how far I can go since the oil spill. A very sad event.

The weather is hot and humid. The low tonight is supposed to be 75. Ugh!!! More later.

50,000 miles

2010-05-21T05:32:00.003-07:00

Wednesday I hit 50,000 miles on my truck. Unfortunately not all of it was traveling. Tomorrow I actually start my 2010 wanderings. I'm headed to Slidell, LA for a week. It is near New Orleans so I will go over and visit there and hope to get to Baton Rouge. I'm staying at the Elks Lodge there. All sites are back ins, so it will be interesting getting set up. Hope there is someone there to guide me in.

Yesterday Wendell, the park owner, put in a new window frame on my door. The other one had turned yellow and was distracting from my stained glass window. It looks so much better now. It was quite a job. You would think they could manufacture one that will not turn color.

Today is set for getting all ready to leave. I have mixed feelings about leaving. When you live someplace for a while you make friends and get very comfortable. I have made some very good friends here and will miss them. But I'm eager to leave too.

High School Graduation

2010-05-18T16:48:00.003-07:00

I went to OK for my great niece's graduation. She went to a private christian school and there were 17 graduates. It was a very nice ceremony. One of the things they did was each student asked their parents to stand and they told them what they meant to them. A lot of tears were shed!!!

Needless to say, my niece was the prettiest graduate. She is going to go to South Western Oklahoma State in Weatherford. I'm very proud of her.

My brother-in-law is not doing as good as we had hoped. My sister is having a hard time with this. I hope I can be there for her. I hate that she has to go thru this.

Before I left here there were tornadoes in OK and I was worried about being in one. Well, there was a tornado alert Sunday. The storm was produced only hail and no tornados. Thankfully. That is an experience I will pass.

Beading, etc

2010-05-10T07:28:00.003-07:00

Saturday I went to a bead show with Margaret and was inspired to do more beading. We did find a new method in a bead book we bought. I started a new bead project today using the new method. I hope to use it to make the horse pattern bracelet that I found. First I need to get proficient at it.

I decided that I was going to make all the Christmas gifts this year and I hope to use this new method to make a gift for my daughters boyfriend. We shall see how it goes. Some people will get socks and others scarfs and matching hats. Also some had arm warmers. I think this will be fun, for me, at least.

This new exercise program is good. I started walking a mile a day and today I added a lap. I'm thinking of adding another time of day to walk too. That way I can do 2 miles a day. I am feeling better and sleeping better, which is a big plus. Maybe I'll lose some weight!! :) that would be a bonus.

Columbian Food

2010-05-07T16:27:00.003-07:00

Today I had my nails done and went to lunch with Lynn, the lady that does my nails. We went to a Columbian restaurant. The food was very good however I did not like everything on my plate. Their tamales are not like the ones I'm used to. I liked everything else though. For all my friends that know what a fussy eater I am, this is news. I'm a "meat and potatoes" person.

I stopped and stocked up on the make up I wear as once I'm on the road again it might be hard to find. I also had a brain freeze on the pattern of the sock that I'm knitting and had to call the yarn shop. They walked me thru it and when I got home I finished the heel. :):) "I bet they will be glad when I leave the area." I really do like knitting them. The yarn is very colorful and they look good. They also fit very good. I forgot what it was like to wear socks with shaped heels. Tube socks Ugh!!!

Tomorrow I'm going to a bead show. Margaret and I have been trying to learn a new bead weaving method. I think I will like it when I get the hang of it. Slow go for me. More on that later. maybe even a picture.

Foggy Morning

2010-05-06T04:52:00.002-07:00

It is foggy this morning and the birds are singing. Another storm came thru but the sun was out yesterday and it is supposed to be a sunny week end. I've been knitting and learning a new way to weave beads. I think I will like this very much, I won't have to set up the loom but get the same result. Also I can do smaller projects without the loom. Setting up the loom is much like setting up the ironing board. Once it is done all is good.

I got some bad news about one of my brothers and my brother-in-law. It has taken a few days for it to sink in. Like has a way of knocking us down when we least expect it. I'm afraid it is going to be a difficult year for my family.

Saturday Margaret, by beading partner, and I are going to a bead fair. Should be interesting. Then next week I head to OK for one of my neices high school graduation. She is such a beautiful young lady. Can't wait to see everyone.

Storm is Over

2010-04-25T05:07:00.002-07:00

Yes, it rained again. A very large storm passed thru yesterday. There were tornados nearby, but here it was just windy and wet. This morning the sun is shining and the birds are singing.

I'm going to an Indian Flute Festival today. I signed up to help out and my alloted time slot is 12-4pm. I'm going early so I can look around and shop. I met a very nice lady at a pow wow I went to last year and she will be there selling her Christmas ornaments. She does these amazing doll ornaments.

Next week I have to go back to the yarn shop. I am stuck on the sock pattern. I know it is something very easy, but I just feel stuck. These socks will not get the best of me. I want to knit socks for Christmas gifts. Where is plan B??? What is plan B???

Back to Pensacola

2010-04-21T13:03:00.002-07:00

Right now I'm back at the Elk's Lodge in Perry, Fl. It is a very nice facility. I plan on having dinner here again. Leaving early am to get to Pensacola at a decent hour.

Having trouble deciding whether to change the TV to air antenna as it took me so long to get the cable to work at the last RV park. I still don't know what button I pushed to make it work. This is a good time to start a new book and listen to music. I'll let you know tomorrow if I could go 1 evening without TV!!!

Orange City RV Resort

2010-04-19T05:50:00.003-07:00

I arrived at the RV park Saturday afternoon. Got set up and then called Glens sister, Linda. They had invited me to dinner, so I drove over and had a very nice visit.

The park is older and has a lot of full time residents. It is clean and the managers are friendly and very helpful. For some reason I could not get the cable to work. I was hot and tired and just put up the antennae. Yesterday I pushed a lot of buttons and got it to work. I have no idea what the right button is, but at this point I don't care. HGTV! Yeh!!!

Yesterday I drove to Mount Dora. It is a very cute town, lots of antique and art shops. If I were to concider Florida as a place to live Mount Dora would be my 1st choice. It sits on a lake and has a alot of open space around it. It is close enough to Orlando to have the benefits of a big city without the defecits.

Today I'm going to finish sorting thru clothes and putting away the last of my winter clothes. I need the space.

Tomorrow I head out again and am on the last leg of my trip in Florida. Then I need to decide which way I will go to finish my trip to the eastern part of the country.

2010-04-18T05:01:00.004-07:00

My goal was to get to the end of the Keys but I only made it to the middle. I was driving along and realized that all I was able to see, on both sides, was trees. Once again you can not see past them. I stopped and had lunch outside at a very nice restaurant. While there I decided to drive back to the RV park as I had to get things ready to leave. I took pics of these 2 very interesting boats. I'm sure the Keys are really nice but I just was not up to adding another 2 hours of driving to my day.

I left the everglades yesterday and headed north. I planned on visiting Glen's sister and brother-in-law. They live near Orlando. I drove over to Linda and Jack's home for dinner. It was a short drive and they were very welcoming and we had a very nice dinner. I was back home right after dark. Put on my jamies and fell asleep. It was a long day.

Tomorrow I'm going to Mount Dora. Apparently it is a cute town with lots of antique and art shops.

Miami tour

2010-04-15T16:35:00.005-07:00

Yesterday I took a tour of Miami. I've taken a few tours of other cities and this one is the worst one, so far. The only thing I can say about Miami - traffic, traffic and palm tress everywhere. The tour did not have stops that were interesting except Little Havana. I bought a CD of Cuban music. I love it!!!

Miami is an older city and has a huge art deco area that I really liked. Also Coral Gables was interesting. The other picture is a tribute to the people that passed away during the Holocost. Very impressive.

Miccosukee Indian Village

2010-04-15T16:28:00.002-07:00

I was going to drive to the Village and then go to Naples. Naturally I went the wrong way on Hwy 75 and ended up in Naples first. It is like Palm Springs etc - smells like money. Very nice buy generic.

I then drove to the Village and watched the alligator wrestler. They do a very nice job showing the way they lived before and after the white man showed up.

I'm totally afraid of getting out of the car due to the alligators. They are everywhere!!!

tomorrow I am going to drive to the Keys. Since I won't be back this way for a long while I feel I should at least see them. Hope they are worth the drive.

Flamingo Gardens

2010-04-12T12:52:00.003-07:00

This is one of those days you just have to "go with the flow."

I got up early, and left by 7-am to get to Miami to take a tour of the city. Well, it was raining like crazy and the traffic was terrible. I had to call and reschedule for Wednesday. I pulled over and had breakfast. There was a Publix (grocery store), so I did a little food shopping. I decided to drive to Hollywood, Fl. I had been told that it was a cute town to see. I did not know where to go so to me it was just another beach town.

Last week when I went to the Flamingo Gardens. I left the battery for my camera in the charger so, no pictures. I stopped on my way home and took numerous pics. (See Album). It is a beautiful place to visit. Anyway, I am now home and it is raining. again!!!!

Everglades National Park

2010-04-10T04:06:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I went to the Everglades. A part of the country that I have always wanted to see. It is magnificent! So many birds and alligators. Check out the album.

OnStar took me on the toll road which went thru the outskirts of Miami. Just more city. I found a road that went thru the country. Much better as that is what I like. I am looking for a tour of Miami to take and I still need to go the the Keys. It is supposed to rain again for a few days. I hope it does not last to long. I'm scheduled to leave here Saturday.